《Phoenix Phire》


 Chapter 1 Inmate 777

    The loud slam of the judge''s gavel echoed in the courtroom."Mr. Phire, you have been found guilty on seven counts of First Degree Murder, 53 counts of First Degree Arson and not paying taxes... ever.For these crimes, I sentence you to life in prison without any possibility of parole."


    The yellow-eyed man stared at the judge without expression.His four-month trial had witnessed countless testimonies of experts and witnesses.During this time, he hadn''t uttered a single word.


    His dark hair was shaved close to his head, a coldly handsome face that hadn''t seen daylight in six months, looked like it had been carved out of ice.Heavy shackles around his wrist, ankles, and waist didn''t seem to impede his movement as he followed the Bailiff out of the courtroom.


    He sat quietly in the room they had placed him in.His wrist shackles were attached to the heavy-duty table by a steel ring.A copy of today''s New York Times sat on the table.July 14, 2125, he wasn''t on the Headline for the first time in weeks. Instead, it was a Virtual Reality Company named Gladis that had purchased tens of thousands of non-violent convicts from the U.S. Government.


    A tall black woman dressed in a guard''s uniform walked in the door.She was someone he recognized, the guard brought him all his meals and would sometimes tell him jokes, even though he never spoke back.


    "Hey, Nix."Glory had been a guard for more than ten years, she loved to give inmates nicknames.The media had dubbed him Phoenix Phire, it seemed to fit.


    The man she had called Nix glanced at her, it was all he ever did. Today there was the smallest amount of sadness in her eyes.As someone who been there for months, he knew what was bothering her."Don''t listen to them Glory, that idiot doesn''t deserve a fine woman like you."


    Glory''s face showed her surprise, her dark, full lips curved in a smile."So, you do speak."


    "I do."


    "How come you didn''t speak to your lawyer or during the trial?"


    Nix shrugged, "the lawyer was a paid patsy, I was never getting off."


    The guard smiled and raised an eyebrow, "so you didn''t kill those seven people?"


    "No.I''ve killed lots of people, but not those ones."


    Glory grabbed a chair and moved it to the other side of the table.She opened her E-pad and sat down while scrolling through the screens."Want to know where you are going?"


    Nix shook his head, "not really.They''ll have to silence me sooner or later anyway."


    Instead of denying it, she nodded in agreement."I''m going to quit my job here, but I still have enough pull to get you a nice meal."


    "My last supper?"NIx shrugged, "fried chicken I suppose.Maybe some sex afterward."


    Glory''s laughter echoed in his ear as she opened the door."I"ll see what I can do Nix."


    *******


    Glory''s thick but strong body grew blurry causing Nix to shake his head suddenly.She was getting dressed already.He looked around for his clothes, his head suddenly feeling heavy.Nix tried to rise up but fell back into the chair."Drugged?"His last thoughts as he lost consciousness were of her."Did Glory work for them?No matter, the sex was great."


    *********


    Vic pushed the stretcher next to the pod and read the information."Inmate 943, 10 years, Lifestyle Player in Berentia."


    "Check."Silas slid Inmate 943 into the life pod and activated the stasis field."Cya in 10 years.Next"


    Vic moved to the next one and stopped."Why is this guy naked?"


    Silas tried not to laugh, he had noticed that one of the prisoners weren''t wearing the orange jumpsuit.He grabbed one from the cart and walked toward the inmate."Give me a hand Vic."


    A few minutes later Vic read the information off."Inmate 777, 100 years, Lifestyle Player in Colonial."


    "100 years?He must have been a Stock Broker." Silas slid him in the pod and activated it."He was the last one?"


    Vic nodded and walked toward the elevator.Once they locked this level down, no one would be able to enter.Prisoner retrieval would be done on the first level.Bringing someone up before their time expired, was strictly against corporate policy."


    *********


    [System Processing... please stand by.]


    Nix found himself in a white room, his body was completely transparent."What the hell?"


    [System Message:Employee 777, you have been hired to work for the Gladis Corporation as a Life Style player for the Colonial Virtual Online Game.Your term of employment is 100 years.]


    "One hundred years?F*ck off... Where the hell am I?"


    [Character Generation Screen, please choose your looks and gender.]


    Nix watched as thousands of different options for hair and skin color scrolled across the screen."You not hearing me jackass?Open this f*cking thing up!"


    [No Character data has been chosen, using players physical characteristics as default.]


    [Please choose the Life Skill which best suits you.The following options are currently available.]


    [Blacksmith, Carpenter, Cook, Tailor, Alchemist.]


    "Tailor."Nix started to focus on his last memories before passing out. Did Glory switch him with the non-violent felons that Gladis had purchased?


    [Please name your character.]


    "Nix."


    [Character Generation Complete]


    Nix


    Strength 10


    Endurance 10


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


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    Cold Resistance 66


    Skills: Hunter/Leather Making/ Tailor[100/100/001]


    [Are you satisfied with this character?]


    "Yes."


    [System Message: Welcome to the Gladis Hub in Colonial.You are bound here and your work station is 777.Please follow the yellow ball.]


    A yellow ball of light appeared in front of Nix.It pulsed slightly."Nix, follow me to your work station.I will answer any questions you may have."


    Nix fingered the silver bracelet around his wrist."What is this thing?"


    "That is your all-purpose heads up display. Tap it with your fingers to activate it."


    Nix tapped it with one hand, a transparent menu popped up in front of his eyes.There were several categories, all of them were grayed out except local map."Where am I?"


    "You are on the Northern Polar Ice Cap on the Tunis Continent.The surrounding terrain is uninhabitable."


    "What am I suppose to do here?"


    "You will report to your work station every day.You have 30 days to raise your Tailor skill to an intermediate level.After that, you will be given assignments and must meet your weekly quota."


    "What if I don''t want to?"


    "Then you will not be fed.Do you wish to attempt escape at this time?"


    "Um.. what?"


    "The nearest city is 200 miles to the South.You may attempt to leave here now or at any time."


    Nix gave the ball of light the finger."Oh, I see.Take me to the exit then."


    ************


    Three hours later, Nix recovered on the spawning platform.He was wearing the same generic orange jumpsuit he had been wearing a few hours earlier when he made a run for it.


    The yellow ball of light appeared in front of him again."Nix.Do you wish to attempt another escape?"


    "No."He shivered slightly at the thought.The temperature outside was probably fifty below zero.Within minutes his body had shut down and he could no longer move.He probably made it less than a mile.


    "Follow me to your workstation please."


    His workstation consisted of needles of all shapes and sizes, and dozens of different materials.A beginner''s manual sat on his desk.


    "Do your best Nix.Gladis Lifestyle players enjoy certain advantages over their Colonial counterparts.You may raise your stats easily by performing functions that use that statistic."


    Nix picked up the manual and looked at the cover. "How can I find out about the Colonial game itself?"


    "No information is available about the Colonial Game, I can answer any question regarding Tailoring."


    Nix looked around the empty space his cubicle resided in. "Where are the other employees?"


    "After you reach the intermediate level of Tailoring, your workspace will be added to the Lifestyle Village.In the village, you will be able to make friends and practice hobbies."


    *****************


    3 weeks later


    *****************


    "Employee 777, this is the fourth desk lamp that you have needed to replace."


    Nix nodded, "right.I''m guessing this cubicle space is bugged.Will I get a new one when I get to the village?"


    "Yes, you have been working hard.You only have 9 days to make intermediate level, at your current pace, you will make it in5 days."


    Nix watched the Light move away.The small square is where he spent his entire day.Meals would appear at his workstation three times a day.A small bed for sleeping would be available for 8 hours each day."Display stats"


    Nix


    Strength 18


    Endurance 19


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Skills: Hunter/Leather Making/ Tailor[100/100/42]


    "Looks like the push-ups and exercising is working."He pulled the freshly replaced lamp off the desk and began stripping it down.Each light had six feet plastic coated wire along with a small J-Cad battery located in the detachable remote.He fed the wire into the small gapped layer he had sewn into the pants.The outside was a light waterproof material and the inside was a lycra composite clothe.Ideally, the outer layer would act as a windbreaker while the inner lining would keep sweat from gathering on his skin.He glanced at the pull-over shirt with the built-in hood that he had already completed.The wires were looped into the clothing every two inches, they would be used as heating coils once they received power. He would keep the five batteries taped together in the breast pocket of his overcoat.


    That evening Nix stood outside and did jumping jacks while watching the night sky.It was time-consuming, but he would stay outside until he couldn''t take it.Putting up with bone-chilling pain was making his cold resistance stat grow steadily. "Three days to finish the pants, then I will make my attempt."


    Three nights later Nix stood at the door.Several last-minute doubts crept into his thoughts.The wind kept the snow from accumulating on the icy tundra, so he hadn''t tried to make snowshoes.What if that changed after traveling a few hours?Was it a mistake to start at night?Originally he figured he''d want to be his strongest when it was night, but what about the second night?


    "F*ck it.I''m running out of time."He slid on the face mask, pants and pull-over shirt, making sure to leave the wrapped batteries out.Then he pulled on the leather backpack that contained a blivet for water. Finally, he put on his knee-length coat.He secured the wrapped batteries in the pocket he had sewn into the coat, it had just enough slack so that the wires wouldn''t affect his movement.


    He left the batteries off to start and began a light jog.He ran for fifteen minutes and then walked for forty-five.Somehow Nix managed three hours without turning on the battery pack.Finally, he flipped the switch and activated it.It seemed like many long minutes before he felt the warmth from the heating coils seeping into his body again, breathing a sigh of relief, he started another fifteen-minute jog.


    Once his body was sufficiently warm, he switched the battery pack off.He managed another three hours of travel before he had to turn them on again.It was here that he took his first drink.


    Throughout the night Nix traveled steadily.He would keep the three-hour battery shifts.Daylight was just breaking when the first battery went dead."F*ck... Did I keep it on too long?"


    Twelve hours of moving southward had taken its toll.He had no way to gauge the distance he traveled.It could be anywhere between 35 and 55 miles.Probably somewhere in the middle of that. His fifteen-minute light jogs were shortened to ten minutes.


    He stumbled as his limbs reminded him it was time to heat up.Climbing to his feet he noticed that night had fallen.He walked slowly while letting the last juice of the second batter heat him up."Two batteries down, three left."His voice sounded raspy in the night air.He sipped water through the straw that he had attached to the inside of his coat.It was red from his cracked and bleeding lips.He hadn''t made gloves or mittens, but the sleeves were ten inches longer than his arms.He would bunch the end up with his hands, it wasn''t perfect but it worked.


    The second dawn came and Nix was no longer capable of running.He plodded south with a single-minded will.He would fall, then get back up.Each time he fell, he would dream of staying there and waking up in the warmth of his cubicle.


    Sometime during the night, he was certain that he had died.He stumbled forward, forgetting to reheat his clothing.Somehow in the moments before death, he remembered to activate the battery.He collapsed in exhaustion, waiting to wake up.


    The cold woke him, he had been dreaming of laying out in the sun, slowly he climbed to his feet and checked the third battery.He had run it dry.For the first time in over a day, he managed to break into a slow jog."How long was I out?An hour?More?"


    Dawn saw the last of his water being used up.Even though he had rationed it, there was only so much he could carry.His body would be dangerously dehydrated given how little he drank the past few days.He knew without looking that he had less than a day before he would freeze to death.Stubbornly he forced his legs to move,he stretched the battery time as far as he could.Death was coming and it was moving much faster than him.


    Night found him walking once again.He had switched on his last battery and could no longer run.During the night he fell countless times.Each time certain he would just lay there and die but somehow, he would always rise up again.


    He stumbled onward, the face of his dead sister hovered in front of him.He had burned his way to vengeance many times over.In the end, he had been captured and sentenced.He only felt happiness at the trial.They had paid, it was enough for him to have peace.


    His sister''s spirit talked to him close to morning.Her beautiful voice soothing his pain."It''s fine Nick,you can keep going.Aren''t you the strongest?"


    "No,"the words coming from his broken lips sounded garbled.."I am weak."


    "No, brother. You''ve always been strong."


    [You have entered the city limits of Cyphix.Do you wish to bind here?]


    "Yes."


    [You are now bound to Cyphix City.]


    Nix collapsed forward onto the ground, his last battery had been long spent.He was exhausted to the point where he could no longer move."And so it ends here."

 Chapter 2 A bit of Warmth

    Nix rolled over on the warm stone, slowly sitting up while he gathered his wits.He was on a spawning platform, similar to the one he had experienced at the Gladis Hub.He stood up and removed the outer coat.


    "I see you are awake.May I help you sir?"A feminine voice spoke from behind him.She wore light blue robes. Her black hair hung down her back in a long braid.


    "I''m Nix,somehow I''ve lost my way.Could you tell me a bit about the area?"


    She bowed slightly."Well met Nix.I am Cyan, the temple cleric here.This is the Temple of Shi, the Ice Spirit of Cyphix City.Here, let me download you the local shops and businesses."


    Nix felt his bracelet vibrate, he tapped it once and the heads up display came up (hud).He cycled through the menus, this time none of them were grayed out.He clicked on the map she had sent him, "I need to earn some money, so I can find a place to sleep.Any ideas?"


    "You have yellow eyes, like the sun."She ignored what he said and handed him a token from her pockets."This is a welcome token, newcomers to the city receive one."


    "Oh... thank you."He rolled it over in his hands and then glanced up at her."What do I do with it?"


    Her laughter was light, like a summer breeze."Give that to any Inn Keeper, it will pay for three days of food and lodging."


    "Can you recommend one Inn over the others?I''d like some peace and quiet, along with some good food."


    "Try the Kindled Spirit Inn, tell them that Cyan sent you."


    After thanking her, he left the temple.It was cold outside, but nothing like the deadly temperatures he had endured.He slipped on his overcoat and walked down the steps.


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    He had assumed that Cyphix was small, however, that wasn''t the case.The roads were made from a brown stone that gripped his shoes when he walked.The shops were made of red brick, most of them were separated by narrow alleyways.As a former arsonist, he noted that Cyphix was unlikely to burn down to the ground.


    He passed several weapons and armor shops as he walked toward the Kindled Spirit.He didn''t see anything signifying a Tailor business.Carefully, he made his plans.First, he would get a room and something to eat.Then he would access his hud and find out everything he could about Colonial.He hadn''t followed Virtual Gaming while he was wreaking havoc in New York.In this instance, knowledge was everything.


    The Kindled Spirit was a wood building, the only one on its block.Its architecture seemed faintly European in design, lots of windows and pointed roofs.He pushed open the heavy door and immediately felt comfort like he hadn''t known in months.It was warm and smelled of barbecue and baked goods.A friendly-looking woman of middle age smiled at him when he walked in.


    "Greeting Sir!Welcome to the Kindled Spirit.I''m Hyai the owner.What can I do for you today?"Hyai was a broad-shouldered woman with faded red hair and lots of freckles.Her impressive breasts seemed to defy gravity by sticking straight out.She wore an ankle-length blue skirt and a white buttoned shirt.The buttons protested by straining against the fabric.Small bits of white skin were visible next to each one.


    He handed her the token that Cyan had given him."Cyan sent me, I would like a room and something to eat."


    She nodded and favored him with a smile, "We are serving lunch, we have bear stew or fried cod."


    "I''ll take the stew, and whatever that comes with."


    "It comes with a pint, a loaf of bread and a smile."


    He smiled at her words, probably the first time he had really done so for a long time."That seems like a great lunch, thank you."


    He looked around the room.The table he had chosen was close to the fireplace, the warmth against his back and the crackling of flames gave him comfort.There were no other customers in sight.


    He opened his hud and brought up the gaming menu.There was a brief introduction, which he read carefully.


    In Colonial, we take you on an adventure that spans seven different continents.We welcome back the days of pirates and seafaring.Not the pirate type?Then start your adventures as a powerful magic wielder capable of leveling entire cities.


    Cities are all connected by portals.There is a small fee that is charged for those who are level 20 or higher.Explore to your heart''s content knowing that you don''t need to pick a faction class until level 10.


    There are two factions within Colonial, Sea Farers and Terrans. In either of these factions, you can learn melee, ranged or magic skills.There are strengths and weaknesses in both, choose wisely.


    There are no adventure classes in Colonial.If you wish to be a swordsman, then you train the sword.Each faction may train, one primary weapon and one secondary weapon.Secondary weapon skills can only be trained to 60 percent of your current primary weapon skill. If you choose the path of magic, then your primary weapon is replaced with a Path of Study.


    Weapons in Colonial


    Melee


    Sword- [All Types]


    Hammer


    Whip


    Halberd [Includes all Spears]


    Dagger [If the dagger is both primary and secondary, there are no penalties.]


    Ranged


    Rifle


    Bow


    Pistol [If the pistol is both primary and secondary, there are no penalties.]


    Javelin


    Paths of Magic


    Death Magic


    Water Magic


    Fire Magic


    Healing Magic


    Wind Magic


    There are many support skills in Colonial.Everything from stealth abilities to first aide.You may learn up to three support skills, their total rating cannot exceed 10.


    For Example:Combat Medic=6, Stun=3, Swim=1.


    Some Support skills are very rare and can be difficult to find. There are a few that are readily available.Support skills may be reset at any time.


    Colonial is an Open World game that lets you choose every detail of your adventure.There is a Main faction quest, but keep in mind that once you start down that trail, there will be many cities that no longer welcome you.


    Some of our players choose to become LifeStyle players.At level 10, this is the alternative choice.Lifestyle players are not part of any faction and are considered non-combatants.


    "Reading up a bit?It''s a good idea."Hyai came back with a tray and set it down in front of him.


    "Thank you.''He immediately grabbed the mug, which was way bigger than any pint he had ever seen.He took a drink and coughed a bit.It was sweet and fizzy, although not unpleasant.


    "Anything else Mr. Nix?"


    "Some company if you don''t mind.Traveling can be a bit lonely."Nix smiled at her and sampled the stew. It was well seasoned and the meat seemed to melt in his mouth.He sighed contently and continued eating.


    Hyai nodded and took the chair across from him.She proved very easy to talk to.She was a widow with one daughter who had married and moved away.She had been running the Inn by herself for nearly a decade.She knew just a bit of fire magic, although by her own admission was definitely not a mage.


    After talking about local events and business, Nix pushed his tray away.He liked her warmth, perhaps it was her fire magic since he had some experience with fire himself.


    She stood up and gathered his tray."Anything else Nix?"She had started calling him by his first name about halfway through his dinner.


    A hot bath would be nice and perhaps some more company.He smiled suggestively, so she wouldn''t misunderstand.


    Her face blushed slightly and she looked down."This isn''t that sort of establishment Nix."


    Nix laughed, "I do like a warm woman, but if you''re against it, I''ll just take a bath."


    She handed him a key with a large wooden tag that said ''bath'' on it."It''s at the top of the stairs, there''s a small closet next to it that hastowels."


    "Okay, thank you Hyai."


    Ten minutes later he sunk up to his chin in steaming water.During the last few nights, he couldn''t have imagined feeling so warm.The Bathroom was just big enough for the enormous porcelain tub.There was a full-length mirror on the back of the door.


    Fully content, he felt himself starting to drift off until a soft knock on the door caught his attention.Hyai opened the door, a towel folded in her hands.


    "I brought a towel."She sat it on top of his and slowly started to undress."Times like this make me wish I was still pretty."


    Nix sat up straight in the tub, watching her undress.There were marks on her soft body where her clothes dug into her skin.Even fully naked, her pink capped breasts continued to defy gravity."Nonsense, you are a beautiful woman."


    She eased into the water and quickly moved toward him, her nipples brushed his chest when she leaned against him.Their first kiss was light and friendly, very quickly heating up as their tongues teased and tasted one another.


    She reached between them and gripped him, her breath coming heavy against his mouth. Rising up slightly she sunk onto him, a low moan escaping her lips.


    Water sloshed over the sides of the tub as they moved against each other, the end came embarrassing quick for Nix, but thankfully she seemed to have arrived there first.She lay against him afterward, her head on his shoulder as they continued to talk.Nix couldn''t help but hold her firm breasts while they chatted, inevitably this led to another round.


    They stood in front of the mirror a good while later, drying each other off and occasionally kissing.It was warm and comfortable.


    "You seem very tired Nix."


    He laughed at her words, "just a bit.A warm bed seems like a distant dream."


    "Shall I wake you for dinner?"


    Nix shook his head, "I''ll sleep instead.Tomorrow I need to get a better feel for Colonial."


    "The City Library might be a good place to start.Lots of maps and cultural information that you can upload to your hud."


    They dressed quickly, Hyai exited first, "wait a minute before you leave okay?Wagging tongues."


    Nix nodded and gave her a quick kiss, it seemed to surprise her and make her happy at the same time."See ya in the morning."


    Nix climbed into the warm bed of his room a few minutes later."I need to find some work, perhaps figure out this World''s Geography and then make plans."


    He yawned and closed his eyes."Thanks, Glory," he mumbled softly.

 Chapter 3 Burning Aura

    The flames from the warehouse climbed high into the night.The inferno only a few feet away was filled with screams of the dieing and the acrid smell of burning flesh.Smoke, fire and the screams of the agony, pleasant music to the ears of an arsonist who lived for revenge.


    Nix sat upright in bed, the smell of smoke filling his nostrils.He should have been surprised to wake up in a bed of flames, but he wasn''t.He quickly patted out the flames and got out of bed.The clothes he had gone to sleep in had been reduced to ashes.


    He wrapped a charred blanket around himself and went off in search of Hyai. Luckily she had mentioned where her room was.


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    A sleepy-looking Hyai opened the door at his second knock."Is there a problem Nix?"


    "Is waking up on fire a problem?''


    "It could be. Go back to your room and I''ll be right there."


    A few minutes later the Inn Keeper entered the room.Immediately she walked over to the window and opened it.She frowned at the burnt blankets."What happened Nix?"


    "I was dreaming of fire I think.The smell of smoke woke me up and I found this."The sheets seemed to be unaffected, his clothes and the blanket were the only victims of the sudden night flames.


    Hyai didn''t seem angry with him, she was quite calm while she asked him a few questions."Could you display your stats for me Nix?"


    He nodded and displayed them on his hud.


    Nix


    Level 1


    Strength 35


    Endurance 44


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 90


    Fire Resistance 100


    [Burning Aura]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor42


    "You have a natural Fire Aura.That''s really rare."She smiled when she said it, "people with strong ties to the elements sometimes have them.I''ve never heard of this one, but you''ll have to pick up an aura limiter to prevent you from burning down buildings."


    "Problematic, my funds are quite low at the moment."


    "You have some useable skills.Perhaps you should head down to the Adventurer Guild and take on a few quests."


    Nix nodded while he looked at his stats.His strength and stamina had jumped drastically.The lifestyle skills he possessed were now separate.Gladis Corp lifestyle players obviously enjoyed benefits that others did not.Then there was the biggest change of all, he now possessed a level.


    "You must have come here directly from your starter city."


    Nix nodded, "where can I train weapons?"


    "The Weapon Master Guild."Haiya favored him with a smile, "not going to take the path of fire?You seem to have an affinity with it."


    Nix shook his head, "I''ve already been down the path of fire, this time I''ll do something else."


    "Were you perhaps considering a Lifestyle path?"


    Nix kept his face expressionless."What makes you ask that?"


    "Your stats, only Lifestyle players have dexterity and perception.Normally those two would be replaced with agility and something else."


    "I considered it briefly."Somehow he had the feeling that the character generation screen he had seen, was nothing like the ones normal players experienced."I''ll replace those blankets Hyai."


    The Inn Keeper waved it off. "We''re friends, it''s a small thing.Wait here for a moment."


    A short while later she came back with a box of clothes."Not sure why I kept these, they should be close to your size."


    Nix looked through the box, there were a few other items as well."Hyai... Is it okay for you to give me these things?"


    She nodded and pushed the box toward him. "I''ve clung to these out of sentiment."


    "Thank you Hyai."


    *************


    An hour later Nix was walking down the boardwalk of the aptly named Guild Street.He was dressed in the brown leathers that Hyai had given him.Her husband had been a hunter in his adventuring days, before settling down to run an Inn.


    The Weapon Guild looked a lot like a warehouse he had once burned down.It was a large, ugly rectangle building with many large ground-level windows that let in the light.There were more than a dozen different booths.Initial weapon training was free of charge, which also came with a beginner kit.


    He had never owned a gun in real life.However, he was drawn by the image of the rifle on the sign above the old man''s booth.The man''s face was wrinkled and weathered by years spent outdoors.He wore his white hair in a long ponytail.Despite his age, he stood ramrod straight.His fierce eyes took in Nix when he stopped.


    The old man bowed slightly."Greetings friend.I''m Salvo, a marksman of the Weapon''s Guild."


    Nix returned his bow."I''m Nix.I am interested in learning the Rifle weapon skill."


    Rifles and Pistols in Colonial did not require bullets.They fired a magic-based projectile that did physical damage.Guns came with a core, that needed to be replaced after several thousand rounds had been fired.


    The free weapon was an open site rifle with a sling.


    Tucker Rifle: Basic


    Description: An easy to use


    rifle with decent accuracy.


    Bind on Pick-up.


    [Do you wish to place this item in your inventory?]


    "Yes."His inventory automatically opened.He was sure that he didn''t have access to an inventory back at the Gladis Hub.It was much bigger than he would have guessed, and surprisingly it was filled with a complete set of advanced Tailor equipment and a lot of different materials.


    He decided on a whip as his secondary weapon.There was no real reasoning behind it.He liked the way it looked.Since both primary and secondary weapons could be reset for a small fee, he didn''t worry about making a bad choice.


    His last stop was the Adventurer Guild. Initially, he had wanted to spend the day in the library but the need for credits caused him to delay those plans.The Adventurer Guild in Cyphix was a small brick building with a half dozen self-service kiosks in it.Registration was a simple eye scan and immediately he had access to the Quest menu.They were listed by level and were limited to three quests at a time.The daily limit for quests was 15.


    He picked up a wolf hunting quest to start and headed out.A small mini-map popped up on his hud when he walked out of the town gate.There were red dots scattered throughout the map."Nice of them to show me where the quest mobs are."


    Wolf infestation


    Quest: Local farmers are overrun with wolves.Bring down as many of the creatures as you can.Time limit: 4 hours.


    As he walked south, the temperature rose quickly.By the time he had walked half an hour, he was comfortably warm.Nix found a small meadow with an abundance of wolves, after setting up on a large boulder he decided to get started.


    As part of his skill training, he understood the basic mechanics of shooting.He took aim at a nearby wolf and pulled the trigger.


    *Miss*


    He took a deep breath, trying not to worry about the huge creature charging toward him.He fired twice more before the wolf tumbled to the ground.


    [You have received 100 XP].


    [You cannot process the Wolf meat without cans]


    He looted the animal to receive 1 tooth.


    [Do you wish to skin the Arctic Wolf?]


    "Yes."


    [Without a skinning knife in your inventory, you are limited to normal pelts.]


    [One normal Wolf pelt has been added to your inventory.]


    The next four hours was an exercise in patience.Nix quickly decided to never grab this sort of mind-numbing quest again.He managed to reach level four, and his rifle skill rose to 18.


    With his inventory full of pelts, he started back toward town.The sound of fighting caused him to stop.Was there someone else hunting here?He was tempted to investigate, but the deafening sound of gunfire, followed by an explosion made him decide not to."I''m not strong enough to mess around yet."


    An uneventful trip back to the turn-in Kiosk netted him enough experience to make it to level five.The added bonus of 3 thousand credits put some bounce in his step as he headed to the general store he had noticed.


    He bought a fine skinning knife for 3 hundred credits.The Aura limiter that Hyai had mentioned was a ring that cost a thousand credits.Nix winced in pain when he bought it.The cans were only 1 credit each, so he purchased a hundred of them.


    There were some tables set up in the corner of the shop, so he took a seat and enjoyed a hot cup of complimentary coffee."Since I have the ability, I should start doing trade skills."He examined the wolf pelts in his inventory. There were 83 of them, he had been planning to sell them but refrained when he saw they only sold for 3 credits each.


    [Do you wish to process the Normal Wolf pelts?]


    "Sure."


    His hud popped up, and a progress bar could be seen moving slowly to the right."That''s going to take a while."


    He brought up a world map and zoomed out so he could get a good overview of Colonia.There were seven continents.Three in the middle of the map seemed fairly close and could have probably been classified as archipelagos.Set into a triangle of sorts, they were Hispana, Wisteria and Phelinomia.His current location was Tunis, there were three other large landmasses.Broyan to the south, Escavar to the east and Jhabi to the west.


    From what he could see, there were dozens of small kingdoms that were loosely aligned with each faction.A few mid-sized territories had also formed, but no large empires.He had just finished reading when his progress bar dinged.


    [115 Fine Leathers have been added to your inventory.]


    He checked the price of them with the store clerk and decided to sell them for 25 credits each.


    He decided to head out again, this time he would skip the quests and harvest pelts while he did some exploring.Although it was only mid-afternoon, there were dozens of people walking out of the gate.Groups of 4 or 5 hurried together while talking excitedly.Nix fell in step with one of the smaller groups.


    "What''s going on?" Nix smiled pleasantly, although being over-friendly wasn''t his thing. The group consisted of three men, all relatively young.They had the same black hair that looked like it had been cut using a soup bowl.


    "You haven''t heard?A Salamander has been found! One of the big Guilds from Escavar found it.They are paying 5 thousand credits to each person who volunteers to help."


    Nix nodded nonchalantly. "Hmm... Sounds like easy money."


    The group parted from him a few minutes later.He didn''t ask to join them and they didn''t offer.NIx had seen big corporations take advantage of the masses.This had that same sort of feel.


    The meadow he had hunted in earlier was now filled with dozens of small tents. Instead of lingering in the area he headed west, away from the crowd.


    A herd of deer next to a small creek served as the next hunting camp for Nix.There were about twenty of them, all between levels 5 and 10.


    He started on the outskirts of the herd.He had expected them to run when he fired but they didn''t.The one he hit, lowered his head and charged him.It died five yards from him, having taken five shots.


    [You have received 300 XP]


    [Do you wish to process the Deer meat?]


    "Yes."


    [2 cans of fine venison has been added to your inventory.]


    [Do you wish to skin the common deer?]


    "Yes."


    [1 fine deer pelt has been added to your inventory.]


    Nix whittled the deer herd down to the last few before they took off running.He didn''t bother to chase them, he had made it to level 7 and had his inventory packed with canned meat and pelts.


    He washed his hands in the stream, taking a moment to splash a bit on his face.Although the work wasn''t hard, it had turned unseasonably warm.Perhaps the presence of a Salamander had something to do with it.


    Nix sat on the bank and pulled his boots off.They were a size too big, but since they had been free, he really couldn''t complain.He soaked his feet in the water and lay back on the bank of the river.


    He didn''t notice the bubbling of the water until it began to heat up."The hell is that?"

 Chapter 4 Salamander

    Nix pulled his bare feet from the water and took a quick look around. He was quite far from where the Salamander camps were set up.A dim glowing could be seen in the depths of the river.Had the creature managed to escape?


    He swam out to the middle of the river and took a deep breath. The water quickly grew uncomfortably hot. Nix dived straight down, wincing as the pain increased. It lay on the bottom of the riverbed, lodged under some deadfalls.It was like nothing he had ever seen.Inside the orange glow was a barely discernible human form. He kicked his feet and grabbed it by the arm with one hand.


    Nix coughed and swallowed a bit of the near-boiling river water. His hand had lost all feeling, but the burning agony quickly spread to his arms then torso as he surfaced and made his way toward shore.The Salamander was dead weight, he dropped the creature on the bank and collapsed to his knees in agony.


    His hand and arm were charred black, resembling burnt chicken. The shirt he was wearing was still on fire despite being wet, so he tossed it on the ground.


    "Now what?"Nix scouted the area again, eventually, people would come if they had the means to track it. They were at the river''s edge since the banks were steep, they wouldn''t easily be seen unless the person was close.


    It moved slightly and then woke up, instantly a bone vibrating screech caused Nix to fall back into the river. He covered his ears, although the noise still numbed his senses. "What are you doing? They''ll find us if you don''t shut up!"


    It stopped immediately, its orange glowing eyes watching him.Nix moved closer, the heat on his face making him blink several times.The lower part of its body was bound in some sort of glowing wire.It had barbs every few inches that dug into the creature''s flesh.Each time it moved, the bindings seem to cause it pain as if they were tightening.


    "Those look bad."Nix gritted his teeth, "let''s get this done."He grabbed the bindings with one hand, they felt cold to his touch, however, the Salamander screeched again in agony.


    It stared at him for a moment and then stopped.To Nix''s surprise, it nodded at him to continue.


    Nix grabbed the bindings again, the creature jumped in agony but this time did not make a sound.Slowly he unraveled the tangled mess that bound it.The barbs pulled free of its flesh, tiny bits of liquid fire spilled on the ground.Although the bindings didn''t hurt him, the flames from the Salamander did.By the time he was finished, both of his arms looked like charred smoldering masses of burnt meat.Blood ran down his chin from where he bit through his lip.He fell back on the ground panting when the last of the bindings were removed.


    Nix''s yellow eyes stared at the Salamander as it rose over him."Not going to lie, death my be my best option here."


    The creature looked at him and pointed at the ring he had purchased earlier.


    "My limiter ring?"Nix glanced down at it.The Salamander moved closer, its image becoming clearly that of a female.


    "Hide."The word came from her lips, it was clear and concise.


    Nix sat up slowly, a groan escaping his lips."You want me to hide you?"


    The Salamander nodded."Yes."


    "Why didn''t you speak earlier?My damn hands are useless now."Nix struggled to his feet, "we should move away from the camps.


    The Salamander followed him as he moved away from the river.It hovered just off the ground, it was noticeably dimmer.They traveled for an hour before they entered the foothills.Nix kept to the low ground whenever possible, as someone who had been pursued by multiple agencies for nearly a year, he was good at hiding.


    Another half-hour passed, Nix spotted a small hollowed-out section at the base of a gully."This should hide us until dark."He left it unsaid, after dark, there would be no way to hide her glow.


    She stood near the hollowed section, slowly the flames that constantly surrounded her began to grow.Nix was forced back a step as a wave of super-heated air washed over him.She walked into the hollowed section and kept going.The rock melting around her as she strolled through it like it was air."Come."


    Nix entered the Salamander-made cavern.He could see the waves of heat coming off the freshly melted rock, it quickly absorbed back into her.


    She sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall, her breathing labored."Remove the ring and take my Seed."


    Nix stared at her, "take your seed?That sounds an awful lot like pregnancy... pass."


    "Fire seed idiot.I must pass it on before I die."The Salamander motioned for him to come closer.


    He slipped off his ring and knelt beside her."Die?Isn''t there something we can do?"


    She shook her head and extended a glowing hand.A small finger touched his skin, instantly his entire body ignited in flames.


    Nix jumped back, his hands reflexively trying to smother the flames.He stopped after a moment, when he realized it didn''t hurt."Is this the fire seed?"


    The Salamander shook her head."I ignited your burning aura. So beautiful."


    He frowned at the clothes he had been wearing, they were reduced once again to ashes."That''s going to become inconvenient."He waved his burning hands around, he could see that freshly healed skin was visible beneath the flames.


    She moved closer, her face hovering over him.Leaning forward she pressed her lips against his and opened her mouth.The Salamander grabbed his face to keep him in place, after a minute she let go and collapsed to the ground.


    "Holy shit.The f*ck was that?"The flames around Nix burned hot and raged, his yellow eyes turned orange."What did you do?"


    She lay on the ground unmoving.Her eyes still open and watching.Her appearance had been drastically altered.The Salamander looked like a young woman, long red hair flowed down her back, light brown eyes that shone with intelligence."I gave you the seed.If I die, so does the seed."


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    "Are you dieing now?"


    She nodded, losing the seed has hastened the inevitable.She sighed contently, "my name is Shae."


    "I don''t want this seed Shae, take it back."


    "No..."


    Nix felt his temper flare up, the flames answered by soaring around him.Although Shae appeared human, the flames didn''t bother her. He grabbed her face and kissed her, forcing her mouth open, he pushed his tongue inside.


    She pushed against him, howling loudly in protest."You can''t give it back idiot!"


    "You didn''t ask me when you gave it, now you get the same thing!"


    She struggled against him, pushing him away while they kissed.Somewhere during that time that they fought each other, her passion ignited.Her arms and legs wrapped around him and she pulled him closer.She screeched in sonics when he entered her, oddly enough, this time it didn''t affect him."Bastard."She moaned against his lips.


    Nix wasn''t sure about the process, but he could feel the flames inside him rising up quickly.He thrust deeper into her, causing Shae to arch her back.His climax felt like an inferno, the heat rushing out of him and into her.She screamed in pleasure, her teeth sinking into the flesh of his shoulder.


    Afterward he rolled off her, exhausted beyond reason.It was several minutes before he managed to sit up.Shae was sitting a few feet away, her back toward him.There were no signs of flame on her person, but Nix could sense that the seed had returned to the Salamander.


    She looked over her bare shoulder at him, her eyes fierce. "Bastard... you ignited my inner seed."


    Nix stood up slowly, leaning against one wall until dizziness passed.He stifled a laugh at the look on her face, "call it a bonus."


    "I hate you!"Shae stomped her foot and then left the cave in a flash of flames.


    "Grow up! Who says things like that?"Nix walked slowly to the entrance, there was no sign of her when he stepped into the gully.


    He pulled out more clothes that Hyai had given him and started walking towards town.On a whim he decided to check his stats.


    Nix


    Level 17


    Strength 40


    Endurance 49


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 90


    Fire Resistance 100


    [Burning Aura]


    Weapon Skills:


    Rifle 54


    Whip 10


    Support Skill:


    Flame Strands 0


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor42


    "Um... 17?I was level seven when I finished the deer."His thoughts went back to Shae when he noticed the support skill."The hell is flame strand?It has no rating?"


    Nix walked near the camp area, there were still many people running about."She''s long gone," he muttered under his breath.A moment later his hud dinged.He opened it up to see a man wearing a black business suit staring at him.


    "Mr. Phire, by now you must have realized that a mistake was made."The blonde-haired man with blue eyes didn''t bother to introduce himself.


    Nix shrugged. "Should I care?"


    "Gladia Corp paid for inmates to become lifestyle players under our banner.We also used our influence to gain stat bonuses not available to regular players."


    Nix wasn''t in the mood to banter with words."Wake me up then, and we''ll talk about it."


    "How the f*ck did an idiot like you escape the Hub?''


    Nix smiled at the insult. "Not saying.Is there a point to this conversation?"


    The blonde man seemed to calm down, he nodded."Yes.We are absolving ourselves.We cannot release you back to federal custody, the publicity would cost us more than you are worth."


    "Is that so?"Nix felt the sudden urge to light the blonde man''s hair on fire.All that gel, it would go up like a Christmas tree.


    "Since you are no longer in the hub.We are making the situation disappear.From now on you are on your own."


    "So I''m stuck here?"Nix began to feel a bit of panic seeping in.


    "Just for a hundred years."


    "Very amusing shithead."Nix knew that he was getting a good deal, but didn''t want to give the suit the satisfaction of seeing it.


    The businessman looked over his shoulder and then flipped Nix the bird before cutting the connection.


    Nix stared at the empty space."Very mature."

 Chapter 5 Fire Strands

    Nix walked back toward town.Apparently, the Salamander hunters were completely clueless about their prey escaping. He walked into the same general store he had visited earlier.The shopkeeper was a pale, skinny man with thinning hair.He had told Nix to bring back any pelts or meats, and he''d give him a good price.


    "Venison cans?I''ll take everything you have, 150 credits each."The man''s name was Brison, he also bought the fine deer pelts for 150 credits each.Nix pocketed the money and left with the promise that they''d do business again.


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    Three blocks down from the general store, Nix found the armor and weapon shop that Hyai had recommended.As someone unfamiliar with virtual games or even gaming in general, he had borrowed one of the assistants to answer all his questions.


    "So I can equip myself with heavy, medium or light armor?Why doesn''t every go with heavy then?"


    "You can''t use magic while using heavy armor, also if you aren''t strong enough you won''t be able to move."


    The assistant helping him was a petite younger woman with short brown hair and an easy smile.She patiently answered his questions, even though he had to repeat a few of them.


    "I''ll take this set of medium leather armor, I''ll also take the Finisher Rifle."


    "The Finisher Rifle is a very good choice, it''s made right here in town by our own gunsmith."


    Finisher Rifle: Fine Quality


    Description: The Finisher is perfect


    for the hunter on a budget.It features


    good power at low cost.


    "What''s the gunsmith''s name?Perhaps I''ll visit her if I get the chance."


    The assistant smiled pleasantly, "her name is Kyla, tell her Jonie sent you."


    "Right, thanks Jonie"He paid 9 hundred credits for the armor and rifle and left the shop. There was still a few hours of daylight, so he decided to take advantage of it.


    Keeping as far away from the hunter''s as possible, Nix headed east, an area that his hud map had categorized as swampy.The trail he was on converged with another, three players were standing at the fork.


    The group watched him approach, they consisted of two women and a man.One of the women stepped in front of him when he neared them, a friendly smile on her face.


    "Hey there, want to group up with us?"


    Nix shook his head, "pass."


    "I''m a healer! You won''t be able to find a group with solid heals."The woman persisted, her smile not slipping at all.She was obviously confident in her looks, braided black hair and blue eyes topped off a face that was made for modeling.It was hard for Nix to take her seriously.


    "A healer?"Nix stopped and faced them.


    "I''m Nezbit, this is Donri our tank and Sila is dps."


    "Hmm..."Nix studied the group.Donri was wearing heavy armor, so being a tank must mean he protected the others."What is dps?"


    "Oh shit..."The woman called Sila spoke, "he''s a noob Nez.Let''s get going."


    Sila wore her brown hair cut short like a man.This didn''t match at all with her voluptuous figure.


    Nez held up a hand, "just wait a bit.DPS means that their primary responsibility in group play is doing damage.With that rifle and medium armor, I assume you are dps also."


    Nix nodded, "I suppose so."


    "We need help bringing down one mob for a quest.The XP should be really good, and you can roll for loot."


    "No thanks."Nix stepped around her and started walking again.


    "One thousand credits."The man they referred to as the tank finally spoke."I''m Don, we don''t have enough dps to kill the mob before our healer runs out of mana."


    Nix smiled at Don. "Two thousand."


    "You cheap bastard!"Sila''s face grew red as she shook her fist at him.


    "Done."Nez made the final decision."Follow us please."


    Nix fell in behind Don, who was leading them off-trail."What is mana?"


    Sila frowned at him, "we are so boned."


    "When I cast heals, it draws from my mana pool."Nez smiled patiently, "the creature we are trying to kill comes with three adds.Don can tank them all, but I basically have to spam heal to keep him alive."


    Nix nodded like he understood."I see.So, what''s an add?"


    "F*ck me."Sila, who was walking behind them, couldn''t contain herself any longer.She stomped passed them to walk next to Don.


    Nez sighed, "don''t worry about her.We are getting frustrated.This is our fourth attempt."


    "That''s a big bear."Nix had followed them to a cave a few miles from the trail.A huge black bear was napping peacefully at the cave entrance.The name in red over his head said Bulo, the Tyrant King.


    Nez smiled sweetly, "Nix meet Bulo."


    "Let''s move this along, I want to get back to the Inn in time for dinner."Nix pulled his rifle and moved a bit further away.


    Don walked to the front of the group."Fine, let''s get going."He pulled a heavy-looking ax and charged in Bulo.The animal roared and swiped a huge paw at him.


    Nix started shooting, pumping round after round into the bear.He could hear Sila doing the same.The life bar on the bear was steadily dropping.In the background, he could hear the healing chants of Nez.


    Three smaller bears spawned in the cave entrance and started toward the group.


    "Damn, the adds are early."Sila gritted her teeth in frustration, Nix didn''t have great dps.


    Nix caught the movement of the smaller bears. A small orange flame popped into his view, with an image of a hand.He imitated the movement, a moment later his hand erupted in flames sending a small strand of fire at the smaller bear.It wrapped around its feet, rooted him in place.Nix held on to his end, the strength of the bear nearly knocking him down.


    "The hell is that?"Sila paused in her shooting, her eyes wide with surprise.


    The rifle Nix had been firing was automatically sent to his inventory, another flaming image hovered in front of one of the other small bears. He sent a strand of fire toward it, effectively stopping it."Not my best idea."The two bears tugged in opposite directions, the smell of burning fur reaching the group as the bears roared in anger.


    Don had his back to the group but was easily tanking Bulo and one of the smaller bears.Sila had resumed her shooting while Nix struggled to keep his arms from being pulled off.Bulo fell after a few minutes, then Don and Sila killed the closest bear.


    Don spun for the other two bears, freezing in place."You''re CC?Hell yeah!"


    The fire strand held when someone else damaged the bear, however, it was already down to half its hit points.Two minutes later the group was high-fiving each other, all the bears were down and their quest was completed.


    Sila approached him and handed him 2 thousand credits."You should have mentioned that you''re CC, I''m sorry for speaking as I did."


    Nix waved it off, "mind if I skin these bears?"


    Nez had walked up while he was being paid."You''re a hunter?"


    Nix nodded."Actually a tailor."


    All three of his groupmates stopped and stared as he canned the bear meat and took all three pelts. The Bulo pelt had been given an epic rating.


    He noticed their stares."Problem?"


    Nez shook her head, "did you say you are a tailor?"


    Nix nodded.


    Nez gave him a doubtful look. "To be a Tailor, you have to max out hunting and leather making."


    "Yep. I should be going. Want to raise my Tailor skill so I can make something with that pelt."


    "Right, we''ll walk with you."Nez motioned for the other two to follow and fell in beside Nix."If you have any questions, please feel free to ask."


    "Oh ok. What is CC?"


    Nez didn''t know whether to laugh or cry.Her lovely face gave nothing away."It''s the ability to slow or hold people and mobs at bay.Those flame ropes of yours were CC."


    "Right, okay.They are called Flame Strands."


    "Damn Nix, what''s the rating on that?Seven or Eight?"Sila spoke from behind them, CC support skills were always rated high.


    Nix kept his face expressionless. "You''re a really good guesser."


    "I''m sorry for being such a bitch earlier."Sila''s voice was smooth like honey while she tried to make nice.


    "It''s not a problem, you can always make it up to me."


    Don chose this time to have a coughing fit, while Nez stared at the ground, her face turning red.


    Sila laughed and slammed a hand on his back."You just say whatever pops in your head."


    Nix nodded, "less confusion that way."


    An hour later they entered town. Nix left the group, intent on heading back to the inn to eat dinner and do some crafting.A hand grabbed him causing him to stop.


    Sila leaned close and lowered her voice. "I''m at the Burly Bear, room 223.I usually stay up pretty late."


    Nix smiled at her, "see ya later then Sila."He waved to the other two who were pretending they weren''t aware of what was going on.

 Chapter 6 Tailor made

    Tailoring in Colonial didn''t require much actual hand use.Your tailoring skills, dexterity, quality of materials and recipe, dictate what you can make and how well.Once those items are in place, it''s a matter of activating the skill and waiting for the progress bar to finish.Gladis Corp had paid a substantial amount of money to give their crafters an advantage.One of these was the ''work-for-stat'' ability.Whatever stat Nix focused his time and energy on, would start to rise.He also had the advantage of choosing a tier 3 skill right away.Becoming a tailor as a regular player required two subskills to be maxed out first, hunting and leather-making.


    Nix used another stack of white canvas. White canvas was a good material for pants, gloves, and jackets.It had the advantage of being a 50 level task, so it made his skill climb into the 60s rather quickly.It didn''t hurt that he had dozens of stacks of 20 white canvas.The top row of his inventory served as his tailoring platform.The tool went in the second slot, base material in the third, thread or strings in the fourth and add-ons in the fifth.Nix didn''t know what the first slot was for, it was grayed out. There were three additional slots for miscellaneous items.After these were in place, you could safely close your inventory.Your hud would give you a readout of four things.What you were making. The quantity you could currently make.Your odds of a normal completion and your chances of a special completion.Nix''s hud read.[Item] Canvas Jacket, [Qty.] 25, [%] 49, [Special %] 12.


    He activated the task and left his room to get some dinner.The progress bar for 25 completions barely moved.


    Hyai smiled when he came down the stairs."You going to have dinner?"


    The Inn was quite crowded, from the armbands that many customers wore, he gathered that these were the Salamander hunters. Nix nodded, "what''s on the menu?"


    "Lamb chops or beef stew."


    "I''ll take the lamb. Hey, what do these armbands mean?"


    Hyai lowered her voice and stepped closer."It''s their guild band.The SG band stands for Sea Gators.They are a huge guild in Escavar.There are a few other guilds, but they removed their bands in the interest of safety."


    "SG would start trouble?"


    Hyai nodded, "be careful if you run into them."


    "No worries."


    One of Hyai''s employees delivered his food a while later.Nix assumed she was too busy cooking to mingle with customers.The lamb was spiced perfectly and he enjoyed every mouth-watering bite.He tipped the waitress when he finished and headed out the door.It was fairly brisk, the last few minutes of sunlight turned the sky pink.


    Nix walked aimlessly, enjoying the walk until he arrived at a familiar shop.The sign overhead read ''Kyla''s Guns''.


    Kyla was a young woman barely out of her teens.She had red hair that she tied up in twin braids. Her freckled face seemed plain, but when she greeted Nix with a smile, he decided she was pretty."Welcome to my shop!I''m Kyla."


    "Hi, Jonie recommended you.I brought a rifle today, it just doesn''t fit me well."


    Kyla gave him a warm smile."Jonie''s name is worth a ten percent discount."


    "Jonie, Jonie, Jonie, Jonie."


    Kyla''s laugh made her beautiful."Forty percent?Can I take my words back?"


    Nix nodded, she reminded him of his sister."Sure, fifty percent and I''ll forget everything."


    "That''s a tough bargain."Kyla held out her hand."Let me see your rifle."


    She clucked her tongue in approval when Nix brought it out."Finisher is a good choice. I can customize it for you.Let''s say for three hundred credits."


    "That will work."


    [Kyla has requested to add you to her friend''s list.Do you accept?]


    Nix grinned at her. "Yes.Becoming friends already?Am I that friendly?"


    "You are actually.You need to be on my friend list so I can customize your rifle."


    Nix moved toward the weapon rack while he waited.Customizing required friends.He opened his inventory, the canvas jackets were all finished.His skill had risen to 72.The first square that had once been grayed out now had a question mark over it.Clicking it showed him an image of Kyla.


    Kyla looked up from her workbench. "Sorry, customizing takes a long time with guns."


    "No worries."Nix took a seat next to the window and opened his inventory.He clicked on the first slot and added Kyla.In the second slot, he added a ''fine silver needle''. The third slot was ''fine red silk.''The fourth was ''red nylon thread.''


    [Customer] Kyla, [Item] Red Silk Dress, [Qty.] 1, [%] 19, [Special %] 4.


    Nix activated the task and watched as the taskbar slowly wound down.It took four attempts before he was successful.


    "All done Nix."Kyla was holding the rifle in both hands."Please check it out."


    Finisher Rifle: Unique


    Description: This rifle has been


    customized for Nix.Accuracy and


    power have been increased.


    Crafted by Kyla.


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    Nix aimed at the wall, the feeling of awkwardness was completely gone."Woah... this is really nice."


    Kyla winked at him, "then I will triple my price."


    "Would you take a barter?"


    Kyla nodded, "It depends on what it is.I could use some raw materials, rare woods, things like that."


    "Oh... How about this?"


    Red Silk Dress: Unique


    Description: This beautiful


    red dress has been custom


    made for Kyla.It''s knee-length,


    plaided and backless.


    Crafted by Nix.


    Kyla stared at the dress, her pale skin blushing."I... let me wash my hands!"


    She walked over to her sink and washed her hands carefully before rinsing them off and drying them with a new towel."Okay, let me see it."


    Nix watched her hold it up, her hands caressing the cloth.She nodded to herself a few times before finally looking up at him.


    "Five thousand credits Nix, not a credit more."


    Nix shook his head, "That''s way too much. The dress for the rifle."


    "What?That''s crazy Nix!This is beautiful...And it''s custom made for me."Kyla shook her head, "I''m robbing you at five thousand credits, but it''s all I can afford."


    Nix put the rifle in his inventory. "Sorry, I insist and you can''t make me take it back."


    She made a face at him, "now you''re being a stinker."


    "Maybe so.Thanks for the rifle."Nix walked out the door, leaving a speechless Kyla holding the dress.Stinker... that''s what his little sister Lisa would call him.The memory warmed him as he pulled up his hud and found the location of the Burly Bear.


    The Burly Bear was designed similarly to the Kindled Spirit.The decor was a bit more rustic and the Inn Keeper was a fat bald man namedHooper."I''m afraid we don''t have any rooms stranger.I can feed you though."


    "He''s with me, Hoop!"Sila was sitting by herself at the bar nursing a pint.She smiled when she saw Nix."So you made it, have a seat."Sila patted the barstool next to hers.


    He glanced at Hooper, "a pint for me please."


    Hooper nodded, "coming up."


    "I was afraid the noob would get lost on the way here."Sila leaned closer, the sweet smell of alcohol told him that she had been drinking for a while.


    Nix wasn''t bothered by the teasing, by any accounts, he was a complete noob."Help me out a bit then."


    "First questions first, you a Dub or Stasis?"


    Nix shrugged, "explain those terms."


    "Do you log-off at night?Or are you in a stasis pod where you can play for extended periods?"


    "Oh, Stasis.Hey, how do I add friends?"


    "Use your hud and key the person''s name."


    Nix brought up his hud and activated the small keyboard.He slowly typed in Sila and then Hyai.


    [Sila has agreed to be your friend.]


    [Hyai has agreed to be your friend.]


    "See that?Easy."Sila tipped back her mug and drained it.


    Nix watched her and took a drink of his.


    "Sila!"A voice from behind them called out.


    Sila grimaced when she looked at the speaker.A strikingly attractive blonde with blue eyes."Oh.. Hello bitch."


    Nix coughed several times and tried to in vain to hide his amusement by taking another drink.


    The blonde approached them, she ignored the woman and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What''s your name handsome?"


    "I''m Noob, nice to meet you Bitch."


    Sila spat half of her drink onto the bar.Her face turning red while she alternately coughed and laughed.Hooper who had been standing behind the bar quickly turned away from them, but by the way his body was shaking, it was clear he was laughing.


    The blond woman''s face showed no expression, but her eyes hinted at rage."Why are you with a man Sila?Everyone knows you like women."


    Sila threw an arm around Nix''s shoulders."Correction.I like women and some men."


    Uninvited, the blond sat on the other side of Nix. "I''m Trista."


    "Pretty name, I''m Nix."Since she wasn''t being hostile, he had no issue with being polite.


    "Where you been Nix?"Sila still had her arm around his shoulders, "I thought you''d be more eager."


    Nix shrugged. "Are you good at appraising?"


    Sila nodded, "I''m very good at appraising."


    "Okay, give me a minute."


    He loaded up his last task, but switched Sila''s name into it and replaced the Red Dress with Red Lingerie.


    [Customer] Sila, [Item] Red SilkLingerie, [Qty.] 1, [%] 14, [Special %] 2.


    Nix activated the task and waited.It took seven tries before it was successful.Nix pulled the lingerie out of his inventory and held it up.


    Sexy Red Lingerie: Unique


    Description: This sexy nightwear


    as been custom made for Sila.It''s


    low cut and very short.


    Crafted by Nix.


    Sila stared at the lingerie, her mouth opening and shutting without any words coming out.


    Trista was staring at him, "I''ll give you 50 thousand credits for one just like that.I''ll double it if you can make matching underwear."


    "What?You can make women''s underwear?"Sila grabbed his arm and dragged him up the stairs, she pushed him into her room and slammed it behind them.


    Nix grinned at her."That was rather aggressive."


    "My appraisal for the lingerie is around fifty thousand credits."


    Nix tried to keep the greed out of his eyes."That much?"


    "Yes."Sila starting undressing, stopping after she removed her shirt and pants.She had an impressive body that anyone would stare at."These are the only underwear you can buy in Colonial. They are as uncomfortable as hell.Always riding up and chaffing tender areas." She paused for a moment and caressed the silk with one hand. "I''ve 200k, you can have it for 2 sets of underwear and the lingerie."


    Nix started setting up his queue to make custom underwear for Sila.He clicked on four pair, she was a friend after all."I don''t want to take all your credits since we are friends, 4 pairs for a 100kand we are good."


    She nodded and slipped off her bra."Nice deal, now undress please."


    "Sure."

 Chapter 7 Consignmen

    Nix stretched sleepily, his feet brushing against the warm body next to him.He dressed in the low light of dawn and left a short note.He''d always been an early riser.He headed back to his own room and got to work.He was planning on doing a bit of exploring and more hunting.Sila had mentioned the capitol city of Jenzi in Escavar.According to her, he could make a lot of money as a Tailor.After much prodding, she gave him enough information to form a plan.


    Starting your own shop in Jenza required millions of credits.If you aimed a bit lower than your own boutique, you could rent a cart and sell it from the market square.He took a seat on his bed and got to work.First, he made three sets of work clothes for Hyai.Soft fabric that let the body breath. He had to guess what sort of patterns she would like.He finished it off by making a half dozen sets of underwear.She had been generous with him so he didn''t stop there.Some cold-weather coats, socks, gloves, and hats were also added to the list.He put them all in a box and walked downstairs.


    No one was up yet, So Nix sat the box in the kitchen and left a note on it. He found the town portal and brought up the menu options.Since he was below level 20 there was no cost. He chose Jenzi on the continent of Escavar.The menu said there was a four hour time difference so it would be 1000 hrs there.


    Jenzi was a coastal town right off the Sea of Hope.A pleasant ocean breeze cooled his face when he stepped off the platform in the market square.There were several market kiosks off to one side, so Nix keyed the menu on one.The day cart passes were listed as sold out.


    "I didn''t realize the time difference."Nix felt like cussing until he saw the young girl.She had curly brown hair and bright blue eyes.


    The little girl walked up to him, her arms crossed in front of her. "I bet you are looking for a day shop right?"


    Nix nodded. "How did you know that?"


    The little girl gave him a serious look. "I''m a tailor, so I can pick out other tailors easy."


    Nix glanced around, not sure if she was being serious. "I see.What do you want?"


    "You can put your items on consignment in my shop.I''ll keep thirty percent."


    Nix pretended to consider it."Thirty percent is robbery.Why don''t you just steal all my money?"


    "I''m a reputable person!I''m Shana from Shana''s Boutique."


    "Nice to meet you, Shana, I''m Nix."


    "Good name."Shana started walking away, she turned she realized he wasn''t following."You coming?"


    "You aren''t luring me away to get mugged and robbed are you?"


    Shana shook her head, "You obviously don''t have anything worth taking."


    Nix followed her, smiling at the back of her head while she sped away.


    There several shops that sold, armors, weapons, and clothes but there were only two tailors on Main Street.One was a beaten-down old shop on the corner lot.The other was a two-story building next to a restaurant.The two-story building and the restaurant both had fancy signs with the same name on them, so Nix assumed that one person owned them both.


    The young girl made a face at the La''Mon Boutique sign and walked passed it to the corner lot.


    The door creaked when it was opened.An elderly lady and a young woman were sitting behind the counter.Walking in, he noticed that most of the shelves and hangers were empty.The shop had definitely seen better days.


    "I''m back!"Shana announced her arrival and joined the two women at the counter.


    The younger woman narrowed her eyes at the girl.Nix had the feeling that Shana would have been in trouble had he not been there.


    "Greetings Sir,Welcome to Shana''s Boutique."The old woman stood up and walked around the counter to greet him.She wore a pretty white dress with blue floral patterns on it.


    "Thank you."Nix glanced around the empty shop."I''m Nix. Are you out of business or something?"


    "Of course we aren''t out of business.Just waiting for new stock."Shana had her hands on her hips."Show them what you got Nix!"


    "Um..."Nix looked at the two women and then at the young girl.He struggled to keep a serious look on his face.


    "I''m very sorry sir.My daughter can be a bit much at times."Without a doubt, the woman was Shana''s mother. She had the same curly brown hair and bright blue eyes."I''m Lela, the sales clerk here.This is my mother Maye."


    "It''s fine mom."Shana patted the counter."Show em the goods Nix!"


    "That''s enough Shana.Go in the back room and wait for me."Lela turned back toward Nix."I''m so sorry sir."


    Nix couldn''t bear the look of dejection on the little girl''s face as she started walking away with her head down. "Wait please, Shana and I agreed for consignment at thirty percent." He pulled a box out of his inventory and sat them on the counter."I made these.I hope you will honor our agreement."


    The old woman looked from Nix to the box on the counter."You are actually a tailor?"


    Shana''s face lit up, she quickly jumped up on a chair behind the counter and stared at the box like it was a birthday cake."I told you he was Gram.Open the box!"


    The old woman glanced at her daughter, who seemed to be frozen in shock."Let''s take a look then."She opened the box and looked inside.Her old hands picked up the first piece of lingerie."Oh my... these are quite nice."There were also a few sets of undergarments in the box which she also took out and placed on the counter.


    If Nix felt kindness for anyone, it was the elderly and the very young. He watched while she went through his work. "What do you think Maye?"


    "I can price general lingerie at 20k, sets of underwear at 25-35k, depending on the color." Maye''s blue eyes studied him."Custom items would sell higher, but that would require you to be here."


    Nix nodded in agreement, that was basically what Sila had told him. "I just need space to work for a few hours and we''ll be good."


    "Shana, show Mr. Nix to the back shop."Lela pulled a sign stand from behind the counter and wrote the words "Women''s Undergarments for sale!"She dragged it outside and set it in front of her shop.


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    Nix started out using cotton fabric and made several dozen pairs of underwear in blue, white and red.He laughed at himself, "I''m making ladies underwear, Lisa would have find that hilarious."


    *********


    Lela poked her head in the back shop two hours later.Nix was still working. "Can you bring some of the product out?There''s a line that goes around the corner."


    Nix looked up when she spoke."One hundred sets of cotton underwear, assorted colors.Fifty sets of silk underwear, all red.Thirty pieces of lingerie, also red."


    "So many?"Lela watched as box after box was placed on the floor.


    "Yep.I''ll come back tomorrow morning around 0800."


    "Mr. Nix.Don''t you want to wait for your money?"


    "Just Nix is fine."He walked toward the back exit. "I''ll pick it up tomorrow when I drop off more product."


    It was nearly 1300 by the time Nix returned to the Market Square, he bought a box lunch for 15 credits from one of the vendors and ate it while he walked toward the front gate.


    Outside the gate, there were dozens of groups looking to add one or two more members.Nix had asked Sila a lot of questions while they lay in bed. She told him to always find a group with a healer.


    In the end, he found a 20 level archer that wanted to hunt turtles.She insisted that no healer was needed because of their lack of speed.


    [You''ve been invited to a group by Ronnie.Do you accept?]


    "Yes."


    Ronnie was a dark woman with jet black hair and chocolate brown eyes.She was dressed in brown leather armor and wore her long hair in a ponytail.


    "Nix right?Follow me to the cove and we''ll get started."Ronnie trotted westward from the city, towards the sound of crashing waves.


    When they arrived, Nix discovered dozens of 20 level black sea turtles.There were no other hunters around."Hey, how come no one else is hunting these?"


    Ronnie looked at the ground, a flicker of guilt on her face."They have really high HP and Armor."


    Nix felt like he had been conned."Isn''t that a problem?"


    Ronnie nodded. "Normally yes, but I have a new bow that increases my armor-piercing shots.I think it will speed things along."


    "Let''s try a few."Nix moved to one side, not bothering to take his rifle out.


    Ronnie drew her bow back and let it fly towards the nearest turtle.The turtle turned and slowly made its way toward them.Ronnie was shooting arrow after arrow."Come on Nix!"


    Nix extended his hand and sent a Fire strand at it.Immediately it stopped and started taking fire damage.


    "Holy shit!You''re a CC class?"Ronnie kept shooting, her damaged increasing steadily.


    It died much easier than either them would have thought.


    Ronnie looted the turtle.She had mentioned that she was doing this for the shells. "Your CC is fire-based?Turtles are water-creatures, so that makes them weak against fire attacks."


    Nix noticed his skinning option was highlighted on his hud.


    [Do you wish to skin a Black Sea Turtle?]


    "Yes."


    [A Black Sea Turtle pelt has been added to your inventory.]


    Ronnie looked surprised."Turtles can be skinned?"


    Nix shrugged."Guess so, let''s keep going."


    They worked hard throughout the afternoon.Nix had leveled up four times while Ronnie leveled up twice.


    "That CC of yours is badass."They had cleaned out the entire cove by themselves.


    Nix checked his hud."Let''s call it a day."


    "Okay."


    [Ronnie has requested to add you to her friend''s list.Do you accept?]


    "Yes."


    "Want to try more turtles tomorrow?I know where some higher-level ones are.No one ever tries them."


    Nix nodded at her."Okay, 1000 hrs at the front gate."


    Ronnie flashed her white teeth at him."Cya then!"

 Chapter 8 Turtle Under Armor

    Nix found a big rock next to the front gate and took a seat.With the time difference, he still had a few hours until it was dinner time at the Kindled Spirit.The first thing was to make enough undergarments for Shana''s Boutique.He spent half an hour doing that and then took out the turtle pelts.


    He studied the turtle pelts for a few minutes before deciding to make leather out of them.


    [77 Pristine Turtle Leathers have been added to your inventory.]


    His Tailoring skill had maxed out at one hundred during his previous bout of making underwear at Shana''s boutique.He was now given the option of making recipes.It was basically trial and error.


    He started out with a basic undershirt design.Instead of using the recommended lycra, he chose the turtle leathers.To punch through the material, he opted for a curved bone needle.He used refined aluminum thread to keep the seams from pulling apart.When he was done, he checked his handiwork.


    Nix stared at the combine icon.Attempting to make a new recipe cost 100 credits.He decided to chance it and tapped it a half dozen times.Just like that, he was 600 credits lighter."That''s crazy."


    He was tempted to stop and try something else but instead decided to chance it."Ten more attempts, then I''ll stop."He started spamming the icon again, on the 7th time he met with success.


    [You have created a recipe for the Turtle Under Armor-Shirt]


    Nix grinned at the message."Let''s do the pants too then."


    It took 22 attempts before he received the notification he was looking for.


    [You have created a recipe for the Turtle Under Armor-Pants]


    The success rate for the actual clothing was only 32 percent.Out of 77 leathers, he was able to make 15 shirts and 12 pairs of pants.


    Under Armor Shirt: Black Turtle


    Description: This lightweight


    shirt is meant to be worn


    under your existing armor.


    + 10 to Armor Class


    Crafted by Nix.


    Under Armor Pants: Black Turtle


    Description: This lightweight


    pants are meant to be worn


    under your existing armor.


    + 10 to Armor Class


    Crafted by Nix.


    "Can''t pretend I don''t like those.Better keep a set for me."


    It was nearly 2100 when Nix made his way back to the portal platform in Jenzi.Since he had leveled up, the trip back to Cyphix cost 100 credits.


    The sign for the Kindled Spirit brought a smile to his face as he walked through the front door. With the time difference, it was 1700 in Cyphix, just in time for dinner.


    He didn''t see Hyai around so he took a seat at an empty table.There were only a half dozen customers since dinner was just getting started.


    Hyai walked out of the kitchen a few minutes later.She was wearing the uniform that Nix had made and was smiling while she worked.She stopped in her tracks when she spotted him.


    He waved her over."Hyai!I guessed on the color, it really suits you."


    She stopped next to his table, a smile on her face."Thank you Nix, I can''t remember the last time I was this comfortable working all day."


    "What''s on the menu today?I''m super hungry."


    "Hmm... What do you feel like?"


    "I could eat a big venison steak, but I''ll choose from the menu."


    "The menu is bear stew and salmon."


    "Salmon is tempting, but the bear stew was so good yesterday.I"ll have that again."


    "Give me a few minutes, we are a bit short-handed tonight."


    "No hurry, could I start on a pint?"


    "Coming up Nix."


    He leaned back in his chair and took a long drink.The sun and sea air had felt good, but it had tired him out a bit.He was resting his eyes when a plate was set in front of him.


    "Sorry for the wait Nix."


    "Smells great!"He picked up his fork and then stopped.There was a large steak on his plate, complete with fresh green beans and onions. "Woah... thank you!"


    She placed a fresh pint in front of him."Going to have a bath after dinner?"


    He let his eyes roam over her, "that does sound nice."


    ******


    Nix relaxed in the heat and softness of the bath.After thanking him properly, Hyai had slid in behind him and had her arms wrapped around him while he leaned back against her."Very nice pillows Hyai."


    She bit his ear making him jump."I''ve never had such nice things."


    "A lovely woman deserves nice things, especially when they work as hard as you do."


    "Don''t spoil an old woman Nix."She had a bath sponge in her hand and was rubbing it against his stomach.


    "You''re my first friend here, so I''m going to spoil you a little bit. Just put up with it."


    She laughed and reached her hand lower."I thought you were tired."


    Nix shrugged and turned to face her."Tired yes... not dead though."


    ***********


    A while later they were drying off while talking.Nix noted that she looked really good in red underwear.


    "Going to Jenzi again tomorrow?"


    "Yep, I teamed up with an archer.We are hunting turtles again."


    "Make sure you be careful."She leaned forward and gave him a quick kiss before exiting quietly.Nix waited a few minutes and then did the same.


    ********


    Nix made sure to get up before dawn, a glance at his hud told him it was 0400, early even for him. He quickly got dressed and made his way to the town portal.Sighing heavily, he paid the 100 credits necessary to travel to Jenzi."Too spendy."


    A few minutes later, he was walking down the side alley to Shana''s boutique.The back room was dimly lit and completely empty, but he could hear voices from the front.


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    Maye was sitting behind the counter, while Lela was cleaning the display windows.The older woman looked up when he walked in."Mr. Nix!"


    "Just Nix is fine Maye, how''d we do yesterday?"He started taking out the product he had made for the day.


    "Please open your hud so I can transfer your credits directly."She pushed over a handwritten ledger."You can check my numbers over."


    Nix opened his hud, keeping his face expressionless when just over three million credits were transferred."So... we did good?"He pushed the ledger back toward her, "everything sold?"


    Maye nodded, "everything was gone within an hour.I expect it will be really crowded again today."


    Nix smiled and looked around, "Where''s Shana?"


    Lela walked passed him, stowing the cleaning supplies under the counter."Sleeping, way too early for her to be up."


    Maye nodded, "She only got up early yesterday because she was bound and determined to bring back the ''best tailor in Jenzi,'' "


    Nix laughed at the words, "instead, you got me."


    Maye''s old face smiled politely. "Your work is excellent.Speaking of that, we should change the consignment contract.Ten percent is pretty standard with these things."


    Nix shook his head, "I will keep the current agreement I made with Shana.I find it convenient.Hey, can I ask a question?"


    Maye sighed, "why don''t I do the tailoring anymore?Two years ago, my bones started aching, my fingers barely work for normal things, and crafting is impossible."


    Nix didn''t say anything.It explained the current state of things."Can you do me a favor?"


    Maye seemed relieved that he had decided to stay with them."Of course Nix. What do you need?"


    "I want to use a mannequin to display some work that I''ve done.Not sure if it will gain anyone''s interest."He brought out the under armor he had made the day before.


    Under Armor Shirt: Black Turtle


    Description: This lightweight


    shirt is meant to be worn


    under your existing armor.


    + 10 to Armor Class


    Crafted by Nix.


    Under Armor Pants: Black Turtle


    Description: This lightweight


    pants are meant to be worn


    under your existing armor.


    + 10 to Armor Class


    Crafted by Nix.


    Lela grabbed a mannequin and carried it over, she quickly slipped them on, while Maye examined the work.


    "This is your own design?"Maye''s face seemed pale as she slipped on her glasses."Underclothes with stats?I have no idea how to price this either, but we''ll put it out front and see what kind of interest we get."


    "Okay, don''t sell that one though. I''m keeping it for myself."


    By the time Nix returned to Market Square the vendors had finished opening their shops and the first customers were starting to wander through.Nix bought another box lunch and stowed it in his inventory for later.


    A Day Shop opened right when he was buying his lunch, they happened to be selling a large shipment of a heavy black cloth.Nix bought the entire supply and then headed toward the front gate.It was still a bit early for his meeting with Ronnie.


    His rock outside the gate was still available, so Nix assumed his seat and started working on product for Shana''s Boutique.


    "Been waiting long?"Ronnie flashed him a smile and waited while he finished up what he was doing.


    "I had business earlier, but I''m all set."


    Nix followed her as she jogged out of town.They passed the cove they had hunted in the day before and continued to run.After an hour Ronnie finally stopped.


    "Sorry Nix, we have to do a bit of climbing."Ronnie began to descend into the large cove, she glanced up to make sure he was following.


    "This cove is usually underwater?"Nix began to retrace her steps, making sure to go slow.It took five minutes before he stepped onto the wet sand."I don''t see any turtles."


    Ronnie pointed to a small cave in the rock wall.It was ten or twelve feet wide, but barely three feet high."Through there, it''s a hidden cavern when the turtles lay their eggs."


    Nix tried not to frown."Okay, after you."

 Chapter 9 Aquarians

    Nix followed the archer into the dark cave, he had to stoop at the entrance, but it widened into a large cavern almost immediately.His companion brought out three glowing lamps and sat them in a ten-meter triangle.


    "Holy crap."As soon as the lights were in place, the turtles were visible.There were at least a hundred of them, and they were double the size of the ones that had previously hunted."You sure we can kill these?"


    Ronnie nodded, "these are elites, so the xp will be much higher."


    Nix moved away from her and backed up to the cavern wall."Okay, let''s give it a try."


    Ronnie put an arrow in the nearest one, it bounced off harmlessly."Shit."The turtle charged her, it moved much faster than the non-elite ones.


    Nix extended his hand and shot a flame strand at it.His feet dug into the sand of the cavern floor as the creature tried to drag him away.He used his other hand to shoot another strand, the strain on his body immediately decreased, and the turtle stopped moving.


    "Nice job!"Ronnie started shooting again.The double flame strands weakening the turtle to the point where her arrows were doing damage.After a few minutes, it died.


    Nix started skinning the turtle while Ronnie looted the shell.On a whim, Nix decided to can some of the turtle meat.


    **********


    "Time to stop Nix."Ronnie called out that she had enough.More than half the turtles in the cavern were dead.


    Nix looked at his stats, he had made it to level 26."It''s 1800?Where''d the day go?"


    Ronnie smiled at her newfound friend, a bit of guilt seeping in.He was doing most of the killing."We were busy, it''s time to go."


    "What about the eggs?"Nix was stepping around the nests, there were at least twenty eggs sitting in the unattended nests.


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    "Leave em.They are too far along to eat."


    Nix shook his head and started putting them in his inventory. "I want em."


    The climb back up the rocks seemed easier than the descent as the duo headed toward town at a trot.They stopped running just outside the city gates.


    "I have to raid with my guild tomorrow.Want to join me?"


    Nix glanced at his companion.She didn''t talk much, he liked that."I''m going to do a bit of exploring tomorrow."


    She nodded and walked beside him as they moved toward the market square.They had just arrived when a loud klaxon alarm started sounding off.


    Nix covered his ears and looked at his friend."What is that?"It reminded him of the old Air Raid alarms.


    "Get under cover!"Ronnie grabbed his hand and pulled him under a nearby Day Cart.They lay on the cobblestones, while the market emptied very quickly.


    Three creatures descended from the clouds and circled the Market.One of them hovered in place while the other two headed toward a different part of the city.A blue-skinned figure riding on a giant Manta scanned the market with pale blue eyes.


    Nix stared at the woman, "what is she?"She had what looked like fins attached at her calves and elbows, seashell-shaped ears were visible beneath her long white hair.


    Ronnie held a finger to her lips, "Aquarian," she whispered.


    A movement in the market square caught the woman''s alien eyes.A small girl with curly brown hair darted from under a pile of crates and ran toward Main street.Instantly the Aquarian gave chase.


    Nix felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up, a sign that he was angry.He rolled from under the cart and ran towards them."HEY!You ugly Water Bitch!Leave her alone!"He shouted at her to get her attention, but she swooped down and grabbed Shana by the arm before circling around to face him.


    She hovered ten feet off the ground.A frantic Shana was squirming in her arms.Alien eyes watched him, there was contempt hidden in those pale pools.


    "Normally I talk these things out."Nix walked toward them, his face expressionless, yellow eyes glowing with anger."Who am I kidding?I never talk these things out."He extended both hands, two flame strands attached to the Manta causing it to veer and nearly crash into the ground.The woman lost her grip on Shana,Nix pulled back against the creature who screeched at him in an ear-piercing tone.


    "Human!"The Aquarian looked enraged when it noticed that its prey had disappeared.She drew a sword from nowhere and cut through one of the strands.Suddenly Nix was being dragged across the square.


    Ronnie was watching the events from under the cart."It''s a water sword Nix!"


    Nix nodded and extended his arm again, a second flame strand wrapped around the Aquarian''s forearm, the sword dissolved into water and she collapsed onto her mount with a scream.


    The beast circled for a few times, dragging him through every cart in the market.Finally, it started to gain altitude, causing his feet to leave the ground.


    "Oh shit."Nix was just about to drop the flame strands when a pair of arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him back.The Manta was still managing to rise when another pair of arms joined the resistance and then another.


    Shots started to ring out from nearby, followed by the sound of hooves running on the cobblestone street.The two Aquarians returned just as the Manta the market square died.Nix could no longer hold the strands, he watched helplessly as they rescued their companion and left.


    No one stopped him when he skinned the beast and canned some of the meat.Ronnie was smiling at him when he returned.


    He knew that she had been the first one to grab him, "thanks, Ronnie."


    Her dark face watched him, "you faced an Aquarian by yourself.They are immune to just about everything."


    "Exceptflame."A man''s deep voice spoke from behind them.He was sitting on a huge warhorse, he wore heavy black armor and the ax he had slung over one shoulder was on fire.He had a shaved head and a square jaw, definitely not someone to trifle with.


    "That was crazy Ronnie!"A dark man picked himself up from the ground.He was one of the ones that had grabbed onto them.


    "Very crazy little sister."A woman was dusting herself off, she smiled at Nix."You must be the CC that Ronnie has been telling us about."


    Nix glanced at Ronnie and then back at the woman."I guess."


    "I''m Sharl, the Guild Leader of the Daybreakers."She woman held out her hand.She had a friendly face and bore a strong resemblance to Ronnie.


    He shook the offered hand, "thank you for the anchor, Sharl.I''m Nix."


    "Thank you for your assistance here."The huge man on the warhorse looked down at them.He nodded politely and then spun his mount and galloped away without saying anything else.


    "What are you even doing here Sharl?"Ronnie smiled at her guild leader, "you should still be in Hispana."


    "You''ve been hunting all day so you don''t know.Someone is selling under armor gear that has stats."


    Nix bit his lip to keep for laughing."I made those."


    Ronnie looked at him sideways."You''re a tailor?That''s why you skin everything!"


    "Crap, I need to check on Shana."Nix broke into a trot, leaving the Daybreakers by themselves.After a moment they followed him.


    The boutique seemed quite when Nix threw open the door.Both women were holding the crying Shana in their arms.He gave her a stern look."Next time stay hidden when danger is around!"


    Shana nodded, her lip sticking out like she might start crying again."You shot flame from your hands and made her put me down!"


    Nix nodded at the description. "Do those things visit often?What do they want?"


    "No one is even sure." Sharl and her guildmates had entered the store."You make the under armor?"


    "Yes,"he glanced at Maye."Any interest today?"


    "Two million a set."Maye had been fending off guild leaders all day.They all wanted them. "That''s the best price we can get."


    "I''ll match that." Sharl was listening to everything, she had very nearly been too late.


    "At least it isn''t underwear."Nix placed a large box on the counter."This is ten sets, talk to Maye for a price.She owns this boutique."


    Ronnie stepped in front of her sister."Wait... you make underwear?Is it good?"


    Nix shrugged, "come in the back.I''ll make you a few sets."


    In the end, Maye sold 10 sets of Turtle Under Armor to Daybreakers for two million credits each.By the time Nix and Ronnie returned from the back room, the transaction had been completed.


    "Good luck on your raid tomorrow."They had invited him to join them, but Nix was itching to do some exploring.He gave Maye the next day''s product and said his goodbyes.


    He was still smiling a few minutes later when he stepped into Cyphix.He had made Maye accept their 30 percent, but with the sales of underwear and the under armor, he had made almost 20 million credits.


    Nix was surprised a few minutes later when he stepped into the Kindled Spirit.Sila and Hyai were sitting together at one of the tables.They both smiled at him when he entered.


    Hyai smiled at him. "Hey Nix."


    Sila was trying not to laugh, "at least pretend to be awkward Nix."


    Nix shook his head."Hey."


    Hyai got up from her chair and looked over at him. "Pheasant or Rabbit stew tonight?"


    "Pheasant I guess."Nix watched her walk away.


    Sila was staring at him, her eyes full of humor."Imagine my surprise to find out one of my old lovers and one of my new ones, are actually good friends."


    "Good friends?Did Hyai say that?"


    Hyai came back with a pint and slid it in front of him. She winked at him. "I try to be discreet."

 Chapter 10 Hispana

    "Tired?"


    The voice whispered softly in his ear, only there was no one there.A dream perhaps, odd because Nix always dreamed of fire.


    A low moan drew his attention.Hyai lay on her back, her knees slightly raised, both hands caressing her impressive breasts.Nix turned onto his side, propping a pillow up to watch them.At first glance, it was obvious that Sila was experienced at this sort of this.Her head was squeezed in between Hyai''s thighs, her tongue pushing into her wetness.The older woman was thrusting back against her mouth.


    Sila stopped for a moment and began to work her way up, but Hyai was having none of it.She grabbed the short-haired woman''s head and forced her mouth back downward.Sila moaned in protest, Hyai''s only response was to thrust harder.


    Nix sat up, a surprised smile on his face, Sila liked to be dominated. He moved in behind her on the bed and gripped her hips, pulling her to her knees.Hyai eyes burrowed into him when he pushed into Sila from behind.A groan escaped his lips, she was wet, hot and gripped him tightly like a velvet vise.She pushed back against his hips, her release coming immediately while moaning loudly.Slamming into her again and again, Nix watched in a haze as Hyai arched her back off the bed, thrusting her hips onto the tongue that was buried inside her.


    The eroticism of the moment was too much for Nix, he thrusts deep and quickly lost himself in the soft wetness of ripe femininity.


    ********


    If there was a better way to wake up, Nix would have paid money to hear it.Two soft women were snuggled up on either side of him.The scent of perfume and sex hung heavily in the air, even though it had been hours ago.He had to force himself to look away, the temptation to rejoin them was nearly overwhelming.


    He got dressed quickly and left the room.After talking to Sila during dinner, he had decided that he would take a look around Hispana.It was a continent in the central part of Colonial that was bordered by Wisteria and Phelinomia. It was comprised of dozens of island chains and archipelagos of different sizes.


    The price to take the portal to Hispana was 75 credits, Nix paid with a grimace.The time difference was only two hours, so it was midmorning when he stepped off the platform.On Hyai''s advice, he had picked up more cans.She told him of a spot on a small Hispana island called Vesu.There were large fish called Malu that would come to the surface to feed.This was a great place to raise your marksmanship skill.Hyai had offered him 3 thousand credits to bring back a hundred cans of the Malu fish.He didn''t need the credits, but Hyai relied on hunters to continually change the Inn menu.He had already sold her 50 cans of turtle meat.


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    The Hispana platform was literally out in the middle of nowhere.There were a few palm trees and nothing else.Travel to the nearest city would require you to island hop for half a day.Before mid-day, you could walk from island to island if you didn''t mind getting your feet wet.After that, you could hire a skiff that would transport you for a few credits.


    He found Vesu easily enough, and the small rock outcropping overlooking the shallows was exactly as Hyai had described.


    Nix found a comfortable position on the rocks and took a moment to enjoy the white sands and aquamarine color of the ocean."Lovely... time to kill shit."


    The Malu head''s looked like blue basketballs from his position, they lay peacefully in the morning sun, gorging themselves.


    Nix fired three times before he hit one, they were one-shot kills that gave almost no XP.They made great targets and supposedly they tasted great.


    He spent the morning shooting the giant fish.Like turtles, the fish could be skinned.After every ten deaths, he would gather them up.He checked his stats and was pleasantly surprised to see that his rifle skill had increased.His strength and stamina had also gone up, more than likely it was a result of constantly playing tug-of-war with his flame strands.


    He sat back on the rocks, taking a break and eating the lunch that Hyai had left for him. The warm sun and gentle ocean breeze made napping a real temptation.Instead of giving in he resumed his shooting position and took aim at the water. "What the..."


    There was no longer a single fish in sight, Nix stood and shielded his eyes against the reflection, a moment later something slammed into his side, the coppery taste of blood in his mouth told him that he had been injured.He hunched over in the shallows, holding his ribs.


    The creature stared at him through pale alien eyes.Its short white hair stood straight up over seashell-shaped ears,an Aquarian.It carried a huge blue hammer in both hands, short fangs made it look more animal than humanoid.


    Nix raised both his hands and two flame strands shot out.One landed around an arm and the other around its neck.The creature gave out a silent scream and fell backward into the water.Nix braced himself but was still dragged forward.The pain in his ribs took his breath as he struggled to hold onto the strands.The Aquarian was in even worse shape, it had dropped its weapon and was trying to pry loose the flame strand from his neck.


    It clutched desperately at its neck, a moment later both he and Nix vanished from Vesu.


    Both flame strands broke when they ported, having dropped his rifle in the ocean, Nix shot another flame strand at the creature, capturing it around one leg.With his free hand, he pulled his whip and lashed it at the Aquarian. He already knew that damage from his flame strands made water creatures susceptible to other damage.However, it was a low-quality whip and didn''t do much.


    The Aquarian struggled in vain while Nix held it with one hand and whipped it with the other.This part of the fight took several minutes but finally, the Aquarian fell, Nix immediately went up a level.


    He collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. Wounds and health would gradually recover over time, if you didn''t carry potions in Colonial. Nix quickly checked his stats.


    Nix [Serious Wound-4 hour recovery]


    Level 27


    Strength 44


    Endurance 50


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 90


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Weapon Skills:


    Rifle 82


    Whip 32


    Support Skill:


    Flame Strands 0


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    "Damn..."Nix swore in the dim light, just realizing that he was in a cave of some sort.Looking around it appeared to be a few hundred meters in diameter.It was mostly filled with water, but there was a large sandy beach with a small hut on it.There were at least a dozen lanterns eerily hanging in the air.The pale blue light they gave off reminded Nix of their alien eyes.


    He walked around the perimeter of the cave but didn''t find an obvious exit."Am I going to have to kill myself to leave this place?"


    A second trip around yielded the same result.He walked toward the hut, deciding to at least check its contents.Bitter disappointment showed on his face, it was completely empty except for a comfortable looking bed and a small fireplace.


    "Has to be an underwater exit."He dived into the water, right away he surfaced."F*ck!"Nix took a deep breath and dived again.The cold water was a surprise, but more than that, it was freshwater. He searched for an underground exit through a waterway, but he could find none.It appeared to be a lake with no means of escape.


    "Wait a sec... that bastard ported us here."He looked around and spotted the Aquarian corpse floating near the beach.He grabbed it by the wrist and pulled it out of the water.A quick search found two items, a ring, and a bracelet.


    Water Mage


    Ring: Heroic


    All Water-based


    abilities are greatly


    enhanced.


    "Okay, that''s useless for me."


    Deep Blue


    Bracelet: Heroic


    Description: This bracelet


    acts as a portal key.You


    may store up to four locations


    for instant travel.


    Slot: Lake Cavern


    Slot: Binding point


    Slot: City of Mermaids


    Slot: Empty


    Nix slipped on the bracelet.


    [Lake Cavern may not be changed]


    [Copying your binding point to Deep Blue.]


    [Do you wish to erase City of Mermaids?]


    "Hmm... No, not yet."Nix decided to research the City of Mermaids before getting rid of it.At any rate, the binding point port would save him the credits he paid to return home.


    Looking around, he tried to figure out why an Aquarion would bind here."Was he an outlaw?Perhaps on the run from someone?"


    Nix walked down the beach toward the hut.Smiling to himself, he removed all the turtle eggs from his inventory and sat them on the sand."Don''t think you''ve escaped me, I might come back to eat you once you''ve hatched."


    Laughing to himself he entered the hut and took a seat on the bed.He looked at the ring still clutched in his hand.It was a plain silver ring with a blue stone.He slipped it on and laid down on the bed."Once I recover, I''ll head to Jenza to check on the boutique."


    He fell asleep almost immediately, perhaps because of his lack of sleep from the night before coupled with his injury.When he finally awoke, his hud notified him he had been sleeping for six hours.He rolled out of the bed and stretched.


    "Good as new."His hud now had a personal portal icon, he activated it and chose his binding point.

 Chapter 11 Malu Aquatic

    Nix stepped onto the Cephix platform and immediately paid for the trip to Jenza. Once there, he activated Deep Blue and saved Jenza as the slot four location. Shana was sweeping the walk in front of the boutique when he turned onto Main street.By the looks of things, the shop was just closing.


    "Nix!"Apparently, she had been waiting for him.Shana ran at him and hugged him tightly around his waist.


    "How''d we do today?"


    Shana smiled sweetly at him, "we did great!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him inside.


    Lela was cleaning up the shop while Maye was finishing the books.The older woman smiled when she saw him."Have a seat Nix, we''ll settle the accounts."


    Nix brought up his hud without being asked, a bit over three million credits was transferred to him."Mind if I use the back shop for a bit?"


    Nix took a seat at the back table and turned up the light as he cycled through his available recipes.Thanks to Gladis Corp, his library of recipes was extensive.First things first, he quickly set up the queue for the boutique''s product line.


    Once that was working he took out the Malu skins and placed them in a queue to fashion them into a workable leather.With that cooking slowly, he examined the Turtle Under Armor recipe."A one-piece bodysuit would work better with the Malu skins."He started editing the under armor recipe, he replaced the bone needle with an ultra-thin quill. The aluminum thread was changed to fine grade fishing line.Instead of a shirt and pants, he would try a bodysuit with a ceramic zipper down the back.


    Nix shook his head, it looked dubious, even to him.He attempted to make the recipe, finally stopping after forty attempts."Damn... there goes 4k.Throwing caution to the wind, he continued to click the ''attempt recipe'' icon.Fifty attempts, eighty attempts, one hundred attempts.Finally, on the two hundredth and eleventh attempt, he was notified of his success.


    He had his head down on the table wishing he could get the credits back, over 20k gone like the wind.He slammed his hand on the table and opened the recipe, "Let''s check out this bitch!"


    Wetsuit: Malu Aquatic


    Description: Waterproof gear may


    be worn under armor or as outer wear.


    + 10 to Speed while underwater, Underwater


    breathing.Crafted by Nix.


    Nix placed the boutique product line off to one side and placed the Malu skins in his production slots.He had more than eighty of the skins, but at 19 percent success rate, it was likely that he would only end up with 10.He was just about to start it when he noticed the first miscellaneous block was blinking.He activated it.


    [Do you wish to place the Water Mage Ring in the enhancement slot?]


    The Water Mage ring was said to increase water-based abilities.Did that include making aquatic gear?"Yes."


    He queued the process and then walked into the store when he heard familiar voices.Ronnie and Sharl had just come in.Sharl gave him a sweet smile when he entered, exactly like you would when you wanted something.


    Ronnie smiled at him, "heya Nix, don''t listen to Sharl.She''s super jealous."


    Sharl made a face at her, "I can''t stand it!Prancing around the guildhall in your custom underwear!"


    Nix grinned at the picture it painted in his head."I will make you some Sharl, but I need some information in exchange."


    Sharl''s face turned serious.As long as its something I can share, I will gladly tell you.


    "You are the Guild Leader of Daybreakers?


    "Yes, DaybreakersMid:Division."


    "What does that mean?"


    "I''m level 50, I have my XP on one hundred percent bank so that I don''t level up any further.Mid:Division is levels 30-50. There is a Guild Leader for the Lower and Advanced Divisions."


    "Bank?What happens when you remove the XP"


    "Currently, I have enough XP to move directly to level 75."


    "So as 50 level players go, someone like you would be a powerhouse?"


    Sharl nodded without any hint of conceit."Definitely."


    "What can you tell me about Mermaid City?"


    Sharl sighed heavily."It''s a Mid:Division Raid that no one has been able to win.There are four stages, most strong guilds can make it through the first stage."


    "How far has Daybreakers gone?"


    "Clean run through the second stage, we wipe sometime before the middle of the third stage."


    "How far have the other guilds gone?"


    Sharl made a sour face as if she''d bit into something bitter."The Salamander Guild has finished the third stage."


    "I see.Would you take me into the Raid as a guest player?"


    "Nix?"Ronnie looked surprised by the request.


    Sharl shook her head. "No, we would wipe again."


    "What if I were to provide an advantage?"


    Sharl''s eyes showed more than a little interest."Show me what you have Nix."


    "How many people do you bring on a raid?"


    "Depends on the raid.Mermaid City is limited to 60, broken into teams 3 teams of 20."


    "What if we equipped everyone with these?"


    Wetsuit: Malu Aquatic


    Description: Waterproof gear may


    be worn under armor or as outer wear.


    + 10 to Speed while underwater, Underwater


    breathing. Crafted by Nix.


    "Holy Shit Nix!"Ronnie couldn''t help herself, "you made that?"


    Sharl examined the recipe."It''s not like we don''t have underwater gear.However, they are cumbersome and they cut down visibility and speed quite a bit."


    Nix didn''t say anything, it was obvious that Sharl was still considering it.


    "With this gear, I''m confident that we could finally clear the third stage"


    Ronnie clapped her hands, her dark face lit up with excitement."Finish the third stage and you are at the new starting point!"


    Nix gave her a confused look."What''s that mean?"


    "Wipe any time before the fourth stage and your guild restarts the raid from the beginning."Ronnie couldn''t keep the smile off her face."Finish the third stage and from then on, all Daybreaker raids to Mermaid City start on Stage four!"


    "Excuse me Nix."Sharl walked off to one side and opened her hud.


    Ronnie nudged him with an elbow."She is talking to the Daybreakers, Advanced:Division Guild Leader."


    "I see."Nix checked his queue, he had produced 62 Wetsuits, the ring had nearly tripled his success rate.That would be enough for the entire raid.He hid a smile and slipped the Water Mage ring back on his finger.


    Sharl closed her hud and walked back to the group.Lela was still cleaning the shop, Maye was stocking tomorrows product."I can bring you on the raid, but there are three requirements."


    Nix gave her a deadpan look."They are?"


    "Sell us the recipe for the Turtle Under Armor, name a fair price."


    Nix glanced at Maye, "price Maye?"


    Maye pursed her lips, "Two hundred million, firm."


    Sharl seemed to think about it, she was told not to exceed three hundred million."Deal.Requirement two, we will need at least 15 of the wetsuits to do the raid."


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    Nix shrugged, "I have 60."


    "Holy Crap Nix!"Ronnie felt her sister''s eye bore into her, "oh... sorry sis.Keep going."


    Sharl continued, "that''s enough for the entire raid, our chances will be good.Finally, you need to raise your level to 40, your current level is too low."


    "I can do that."He noticed Maye watching him."I miss anything Maye?"


    Maye smiled pleasantly."The wetsuits will be on loan only, make sure they return them or pay a fair price."


    Nix nodded, "right.Loan only."


    Ronnie covered her smile with a hand.Her sister was trying to pull a fast one."Looks like we have to raise our levels up!"


    Sharl stared at him for a long moment, before a smile peaked out."We have an agreement Nix."


    Half an hour later Nix and Ronnie were walking down Main Street, since he had dropped his rifle in the ocean, Nix needed to replace it."How much is a mid-tier rifle going to cost me?"


    Ronnie considered it carefully, "20k if you only want Fine Quality."


    "Isn''t it crazy that underwear cost more than a rifle?"


    "As a stasis player, I''d pay any amount for comfort. Now that I have them, it makes all the difference. No more riding up and having to constantly adjust."


    "I should just move to Jenza and become the lingerie/underwear King."


    "Yep.That''s what I''d do."


    ************


    A few hours later, he was seated close to the Inn fireplace, finishing off the pint that came with his dinner. Hyai was wiping down tables.


    She looked up from her task. "What did you think of the Turtle Stew?"


    "Loved it, making it spicy was a good idea."


    The Innkeeper nodded in agreement, "Hey Nix, let''s move your room to the luxury suite, it''s always empty and I can rent out your old room."


    Nix made a face at her, "trying to squeeze me for more credits now that my token has expired?"


    Hyai shook her head, "I have a few million credits worth of clothes that you made me, so your money is no good here"


    *********


    Later that night, Nix sat on the bed trying on the Malu wetsuit.One size fits all wasn''t ideal in this instance.


    "Maybe I can customize it the same way Kylie does rifles."


    He quickly took it off and placed it in the tailoring queue.He clicked the first square and cycled through his short list of friends, at the bottom of the list was the [Self] option.This brought up an entirely new Customize option that wasn''t available before.He started the process and lay back on the bed.


    "Before I get all ramped up for a raid, I need to take a look at Mermaid City."He smiled to himself and closed his eyes."Tomorrow, just a quick peek."

 Chapter 12 Mermaid City

    "That''s better."Nix slipped on the Aquatic suit, he left the rest of his gear in his inventory. Customizing the suit had increased the speed to +15. He had repeated the process in the morning with the Mage Water ring and had further raised that to +18. "I better let Sharl know that next time I see her."


    The dark blue aquatic suit felt like a second skin.When examined close you could see the faint outline of fish scales. He activated Deep Blue and chose Lake Cavern.The first thing he noticed was there were a few dozen baby turtles on the beach. They didn''t run away when he approached them, so he knelt down next to a group of three that were crawling over each other.


    Their shells were still soft and gray, according to Ronnie, they would harden and turn black when they reached adulthood.They were already the size of a dinner plate.He touched the surface of one of the small shells causing the turtle to immediately scurry away."Damn... don''t be such a baby."


    He tried it to another one, but instead of retreating, this one moved closer to him.Nix chuckled to himself."You must be a female."He repeated the action with his other hand, sighing to himself when it crawled away."Guess it''s not my charm after all."He looked at his hands holding them out in front of him."Is it the ring?"


    He walked to the lake''s edge and placed his hand in the water.Immediately the turtles made a bee-line toward him."Let''s go swimming then."


    He dove into the water, immediately a bubble of air formed around his face enabling him to breathe and speak.He swam a few strokes and then headed toward the bottom.Although he had liked to swim when he was younger, nothing prepared him for how fast he moved with the aquatic suit on.


    He used his arms to stroke hard, his feet kicking as he banked and made circles faster than a human should be able to swim.He felt the tiny brushes of flippers against him whenever he would turn suddenly, every turtle in the cavern was following him.


    He swam for a long time, until he was completely worn out, both his strength and endurance had improved during the swim.The turtles followed him onshore and when he sat down they crowded in around him.He recognized the first one who had come to him, its shell was a few shades lighter than the rest of them. It didn''t panic when he picked it up."I should give you a name.How about Soup?"


    He sat Soup back on the sand and stood up."Time to go."He activated Deep Blue and chose Mermaid City."


    He found himself hovering over a seashell-shaped portal platform."Of course, I''m already underwater."The platform was at the end of a dead-end hallway.There was a high ceiling that glowed like fluorescent stones.He swam easily down the hall, it came to ''T'' after about a hundred meters.


    The sound of fighting came from the left side, while the right side was eerily quite. He went left and kept close to the floor.The hallway ended in a steel gate, there was no obvious way to open it. There were bodies floating on the other side, five remaining humans were standing off against a dozen Aquarians.


    Two Aquarians in back were obviously casters, the space around their bodies glowed with a pale blue light.


    "Keep the tanks alive! How''s your mana Mica?"A slender woman with black hair and pale skin fired off shots from her rifle while trying to flank the Aquarions.


    "Twenty percent!"A red-haired man with wide shoulders and big belly yelled out."Pull back Jun Li!"


    The slender woman shook her head, "it''s too late.The other two groups have already wiped."


    Not sure what possessed him, but Nix pushed both hands through the gate and hit each caster with a fire strand, one landed around the neck and the other hit the arm.He braced himself with a foot against the gate and pulled.


    Both groups were surprised by the sudden interference.They reacted vastly different.The humans pushed forward to force the fight while the casters were distracted.The Aquarians went into full retreat mode, leaving their casters to die.


    The two casters were quickly slain by humans.Nix backed quickly away from the gate when they died.


    "Quick, open the gate!"It was the woman they called Jun Li who spoke.


    Nix shook his head, "no idea how to do that."He looked down the hall he had come from earlier, a group of Aquarians could be seen racing toward him."Sorry, gotta go."


    Jun Li grabbed the gate from the other side, shaking it in frustration."Shit!!"


    He activated Deep Blue and chose Lake Cavern.


    The woman''s dark eyes stared, "what''s your name?"


    Nix shrugged, "you first."


    "I''m Jun Li from the Salamander Guild!"The man disappeared in mid-sentence leaving her staring down the hall at the Aquarians.


    Mica moved next to her, frowning at the approaching Aquarians. "What the hell were those fire ropes and how is he on that side of the gates Commander?"


    Jun Li shook her head."Both good questions."


    ***********


    Nix appeared next to the hut on the beach, the turtles immediately scuttled toward him."Now we''re friends?"He picked up Soup and stroked her smooth shell, "still gonna eat you, but not just yet."


    He slipped armor on over his aquatic suit, while he considered his next actions. "I should have explored further, and not given myself away."Nix kicked the sand in frustration and sat Soup down.He activated Deep Blue and chose Jenza.


    Ronnie had mentioned that they would be doing a bit of shopping before heading out to grind levels.The sister duo stood out among the vendors of the market square.


    Nix purchased a box lunch and then walked in their direction.Ronnie spotted him almost right away.


    "Nix!"She had her hair down for once, both hands were loaded with bags.


    Sharl watched him without saying anything, "do you have room for the swimming ability in your support skills?"


    "Maybe, how much does it cost?"Nix was aware that you could only spend 10 points on support skills, he also knew that they could be reset.


    Ronnie leaned closer and handed him a bag."How much do those Flame things cost?"


    Nix kept his face expressionless, "they aren''t too bad."


    "Quit pestering him Ronnie, swimming cost two points, the skill book is super cheap, so I picked one up for you."Sharl handed him a copper-covered book.


    Nix grabbed the book with his free hand."Suppose that will add to our movement speed underwater?"


    Sharl nodded. "With swimming maxed and the boost from the Aquatic suits, we''ll be super fast."


    "Follow me back to the boutique, I''ve got good news and bad news."


    There were still a half dozen shoppers in the boutique when the trio entered.The underwear product line had been selling out in the first two hours every day.Lela was helping a customer when they walked in.


    "Welcome to Shana''s Boutique."She said it before she looked up, a quick smile formed and she glanced toward the shop door."Mom is in the back."


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    Maye smiled at them when they entered."A bit early to see you Nix, but welcome anyway."


    "Tell me the news already!"Sharl''s dark face showed her impatience, "I''ll take the good news first."


    "Sure, that''s the way to go."Nix took a seat at the workbench."I can improve the Aquatic suits to +18."


    Sharl smiled, "I''d call that fantastic news, every little bit makes a difference.What''s the bad news?"


    "I''ll have to customize them to each person on the raid."


    "Oh, I see... I wouldn''t say that is bad news.I can figure out the raid list early."


    Nix glanced at Maye, she had understood immediately.


    Maye smiled at Sharl. "Of course, that will mean you will need to purchase them."


    Sharl tried not to grimace, Maye only looked like a sweet old lady."What kind of price are we looking at?"


    Maye patted her on the arm, "I''ll give you a special discount, of course, let me do some figuring and we''ll talk numbers tomorrow."


    A few minutes later Nix was walking Sharl and Ronnie back to the portal platform."Hey Sharl, do you know a person named Jun Li?"


    Sharl frowned at the name. "She''s the Guild Leader of Salamander."


    "I heard some people mention her name and the Mermaid City."Nix stopped before the platform, "I have a portal stone.How do I figure out how many people I can bring when I travel?"


    Ronnie''s dark eyes flashed at him, "I saw one for sale at the market, a return to Bind stone costs 200 million credits.Don''t tell me you bought one!"


    Nix shook his head, "one dropped off of a kill I made."


    Sharl considered his words, "you have good luck.How many you can take depends on the quality.Most carry only the holder."


    "Want to help me see?"He held out both his hands.


    The two sisters smiled at each other, Ronnie grabbed his hand first."You aren''t trying to whisk us away are you?"


    Nix nodded, "I just said I was."


    Sharl grabbed his extended hand and he activated Deep Blue and chose hisBinding point.A moment later, the three of them appeared in Cyphix.


    "Damn it Nix."Ronnie cursed him and huddled against her sister.Neither was dressed for the cold weather of Cyphix.


    "Sorry."He grabbed their hands and activated Deep Blue again, this time he chose Lake Cavern.


    The turtles seemed scared of the two women and kept their distance.Sharl and Ronnie were stunned into silence.


    "You have an origin stone,"Sharl said it in a whisper.


    Nix had decided that hiding it from Sharl would be too difficult.She would know the best way to utilize it to their advantage.He linked them the bracelet."This dropped off of an Aquarion that ambushed me."


    Deep Blue


    Bracelet: Heroic


    Description: This bracelet


    acts as a portal key.You


    may store up to four locations


    for instant travel.


    Slot: Lake Cavern


    Slot: Binding point


    Slot: City of Mermaids


    Slot: Jenza


    Ronnie whistled softly."City of Mermaids was already on it?"


    "Yes, the Lake Cavern cannot be removed, I added Jenza for ease of traveling to the boutique."


    Sharl''s dark eyes stared at him. "There''s no telling where in Mermaid City you would end up, it''s too dangerous to try.What if you died and lost the bracelet?"


    Nix grinned, "yeah... I already tried it out."He told them everything that had happened with the excursion, including the meeting with Jun Li.


    "Damn Nix."Ronnie was alternating between frowning and smiling."You got lucky.What if it had been the throne room?"


    Sharl nodded in agreement. "There''s no telling where you ended up, but we may be able to figure it out.Can you drop me off at the Jenza platform?I want to gather everything we have on Mermaid City."


    "Yep."He grabbed their hands and then activated Deep Blue."I''ll take you back now."

 Chapter 13 Lake Cavern

    "An amazing place Nix."Pon was sitting next to the campfire that he had started, the sounds of a dozen people swimming nearly drowned out his words.


    The Lake Cavern hadn''t changed much in the four days since he had brought Ronnie and Sharl here.A long table sat on the beach, along with a bunch of chairs.The lamps that were suspended in the air, now put out much more light thanks to Pon the Fire Mage. The twenty-person team worked on their swimming every day, went over the possible scenarios of the raid and would spend the remainder of the day grinding levels in Hispana.


    There were two things that none of the Daybreakers could figure out.Why Nix was a faster swimmer than everyone else and why the turtles flocked to him like he was the pied piper.


    "Hmm... once this raid is done, you Daybreaker interlopers are gonna get kicked out!"Nix waded into the shallows, Soup followed him in, staying close when he dived towards the bottom.


    The turtles had been growing at a phenomenal rate, Nix wasn''t sure what the mature time was for Virtual Turtles, but he guessed it was much faster than real life.Soup was nearly three feet in diameter.


    Nix latched on to Soups shell and he shot past the other swimmers.


    "I want to ride one too!"Ronnie had tried many times to get one to accommodate her, but they fled whenever she came close.


    He let go of Soup and dived toward the bottom where Sharl was harvesting.Almost immediately after her first swim, the Daybreakers Guild Leader found the Water Spry.It looked like regular grain, but when dried and harvested, tasted exactly like rice.The entire bottom of the lake was covered in it."Helping yourself to my crop?I should get Maye in here to quote you a price."


    Sharl looked up, grimacing at the mention of the old woman''s name."Why are you still working with that old shark?"


    Nix laughed at the comment.Maye had hired some workers to do some much-needed repairs in the shop, it actually looked like a boutique again."I''m sweet on Lela.Didn''t you know?"


    "Liar."Sharl glanced up at Nix, "you''ve been laying low right?"


    Seemingly overnight, posters with Nix''s image on them were plastered in every major city.The Salamander Guild was looking hard for him, even though he had been careful, it was already known that the trail led to Jenza and Cyphix.


    "They should stop bothering my friends."Nix frowned when he thought of Salamander, they had stopped by the Kindled Spirit Inn and asked a lot of questions, Hyai had quickly shown them the door. Jun Li herself sent him dozens of friend requests until Ronnie had shown him how to block her.


    "Once we get to stage four, they will stop bothering you."Sharl had tried on multiple occasions to bring him into the guild, each time he politely declined.


    Nix spotted Soup swimming close by, he beckoned her by clucking his tongue.He pulled himself up on her shell and relaxed while she swam in circles around Sharl. "Hope so."


    "You know that''s an Elite Black Sea Turtle you are riding around."


    "Yep, one of us is going to eat the other one day."He reached a hand and rubbed the turtles smooth head,"there''s a reason I named her Soup."


    An hour later all twenty of the Lake Cavern occupants were sitting at the table.It was the maximum amount that Nix could port, a number that had astounded everyone.


    Sharl had her hud up and was going over the plan again."Our best guess is that the location where Nix spotted Salamander is the first part of stage four. Two other teams are required to operate levers simultaneously to open the gate thatJun Li''s group was behind.That group must then proceed down the corridor, after that, we are flying blind.We must finish this stage to lock Daybreakers into stage four."


    "Which is cheating... right?"Nix said it with a smirk, it would also be a huge slap in the face to Salamander.


    Sharl looked at her old Fire Mage, "how''s he look, Pon?"


    Pon glanced at Nix, "he''s level 40, well equipped and his weapon skills are decent.We''ve improved his Fire Strands to the point where he can hold three at once."Pon didn''t have to pretend to be impressed, the Fire Strands worked as a dot (damage over time) on anything it held.It absolutely tore through water creatures. Nix wouldn''t say where he got the strands from, but Pon guessed it must be a Lord Class Fire Creature of some sort."Still a noob, so he''ll have to stick with CC."


    Sharl nodded, she understood the last part was for Nix''s benefit."We will go in the morning, so everyone gets some rest."


    A few minutes later they all stood in a circle holding hands.Nix had slipped on a cloak with a Daybreakers insignia for the port back to Jenza.He brought everyone to the Portal platform and then immediately chose to return to the Lake Cavern.He would pick them up at 0800 the next morning.


    Nix returned to the beach hut, with the Daybreakers gone, the turtles were much more friendly.As an experiment he had once left the ring off when he approached the turtles, it no longer made any difference in their interaction with him.It did however substantially improve his swimming speed, so he kept it on.With all the swimming they had been doing the past few days, his strength and stamina had steadily increased.The other surprise came when he started working with Pon, his Fire Strand skill had started to improve.


    Nix


    Level 40


    Strength 54


    Endurance 59


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 90


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Weapon Skills:


    Rifle 90


    Whip 77


    Support Skill:


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    Flame Strands 0 [13]


    Swimming 2 [100]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    He entered the hut and undressed before laying down on the bed.There was the smallest hint of perfume on his pillows, he had caught Ronnie napping on the bed a few times.


    "Thanks, Glory."He smiled at the ceiling and hoped that the guard who had helped him was doing well.A bumping noise at his door made his smile widen."Really?"


    He walked to the door and let Soup in, she waddled slowly to the foot of the bed where a small carpet had been placed."You''re such a baby."


    *********


    "Report."Jun Li sat behind her desk at Salamander HQ, the nightly scout report was late once again. She couldn''t know that the reason they were late was that they dreaded giving her the same news every day.


    "Scout Forsha Reporting!"The dark-haired scout saluted crisply.


    Jun Li scowled at her, she knew it was protocol, but everything seemed to make her mad nowadays.She returned the salute and gestured for the scout to continue.


    "There''s been no sign of the Fire Wielder," that''s what Salamander had started calling him since no one knew his name.


    Junli slammed a hand down on her desk."Is he a damn ghost?"She picked up a cup and threw it at the scout, it missed her head by only a few inches."What about the tailor who made the Under Armor?"


    "All we know is that the Tailor''s name is Nix." Forsha gave a quick glance at the desktop for anything else the guild leader might throw, she gulped when she was the knife-shaped letter opener.


    "Nix?How the f*ck did we miss out when the Under Armor was displayed all day on a damn mannequin?"She had heard the rumors regarding the tailor-made gear, but by the time they had investigated, a mid-tier guild had purchased all the stock."This tailor works in Jenza, how is it you know nothing else?"


    "Nix specializes in women''s lingerie and underwear and is most likely a Day Shop owner that sells the product to Shana''s Boutique.We also believe that Nix is female."


    "A female... did someone see her?What makes you say that?"


    The scout hesitated, "well, Nix specializes in women''s underwear, so..."


    Jun Li picked up the letter opener and flung it at her scout, fortunately, it missed."Get out!"


    The guild leader leaned back in her chair, taking a deep breath to try and calm down.Even though she had become a stasis player more than a year ago, she was still required to report to the Board.Soon they would find out that the Salamander Guild had actually lost their Salamander. She picked up the poster of the Fire Wielder that sat on her desk.It didn''t do him justice.She had stood a few feet away from him, short black hair with a serious but handsome face.His eyes had captured her attention, they looked like twin suns.


    She propped the poster up on her desk and stared at it."How did you get behind that gate?Salamander is leading the other guilds in Mermaid City."Mermaid City was her personal mission.She had locked her level at 50 so she could continue to oversee Salamanders advancement. "Sooner or later I''ll see you again."


    A knock on the door got her attention.It was Semmi Dow, her childhood friend, and the only person who she wouldn''t show her temper too."Time to call it a night Junie, we''re trying Mermaid again in the morning."


    Jun Li smiled at her friend.The petite blond would start yelling at her if she dared get mad. "Okay, thanks Sem."

 Chapter 14 Stage Four

    Nix yawned into his pillow, every night spent in the hut''s bed was an amazing experience.It was by far the most comfortable bed he had ever slept in.He sat up and slipped on his Turtle Under Armor. He had customized it and managed to improve the stats to +20 AC.He slipped the Aquatic suit over the top of it.His raid gear was super sleek and very light."He nudged the sleeping turtle with his foot."Wake up Soup."


    He walked out the door, leaving it open so the turtle could leave.The rest of the turtles moved toward him."You guys are on your own today, try and stay out of trouble."


    He activated Deep Blue and chose Jenza, the Daybreakers were already in place, two of them grabbed his hands and they quickly returned to the Lake Cavern.


    Although they were already prepped, they stood in a circle going over a few last-minute items.Nix and Ronnie had the least amount of experience, so Sharl made sure they both knew their assignments.Ronnie would provide range dps in support of the Main Tank.Nix would attempt to hold their tanks in check so the group could quickly eliminate the casters.


    "You nervous Nix?"Ronnie was still standing by him, she looked very good in the aquatic suit. She was the only other one in the raid who didn''t have armor over the top of it.


    "Not really."He had once lain under a parking lot grate for two days so that he could burn the building down Monday morning during their board meeting. Everyone but the board members had been able to evacuate.Later, he had washed off the stench of the gutter, a smile on his face while he listened to the news report on TV.


    "Bull shit... my knees are knockin!"Ronnie checked her bow for the fourth time and looked at her sister who was talking to Pon.


    "Go take a nap on my bed, am sure you know the way."


    Ronnie shook her head, "maybe later.I''m too nervous now."


    Nix smiled slightly, his golden eyes full of mirth."I''ll probably be using it later."


    Ronnie''s dark eyes flashed at him."Me or Sis?"


    Nix didn''t say that he would probably bring Hyai."know what I think when I see two pretty sisters?"


    Ronnie grinned at her older sister who had returned in time to catch the last few sentences."That younger is always better?"


    "Nope. Why not both?"


    "..." Ronnie.


    "..." Sharl.


    Nix laughed at their faces and walked toward the rest of the Daybreakers that were forming around Pon.


    A few minutes they all joined hands.Sharl was on Nix''s left and Pon was on the right.The Guild leader squeezed his hand tightly.She leaned toward him and lowered her voice."It would take an incredible amount of alcohol to make something like that happen."


    "Well... I am the Underwear King."Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Mermaid City.


    They ported onto the same platform that Nix had seen a few days earlier.He started swimming toward the ''T''."To the left is the locked gate where I ran into Salamander, to the right is the hall that I didn''t explore."


    The entire group swam close to the floor.Nix was in the front next to the scout so that he could provide immediate CC (Crowd Control) if needed. Directly behind them were the two Tanks, Sharl, and Banza.


    The hall they followed led to a huge room, the sound of voices made them stop.


    Sharl hefted her spear, the end of it was on fire despite being in the water. "Scout it out Wind!"


    Wind was a slight man of average height.He wore his brown hair in a long mullet that ended halfway down his back.He was the only stealth user in the group, and the twin daggers that he wielded gave him the best dps in the raid.Wind nodded at Sharl and immediately disappeared.


    A few minutes later the scout returned.His cold black eyes were calm."Sixteen Aquarions total, 5 casters,3 tanks and 8 melee dps."


    Sharl''s face was grim, in equal or near-equal numbers, Aquarions overmatched their human counterparts."Positioning?"


    "We''re in luck, the tanks are near the casters."


    Sharl nodded, "it''s a good break.Nix you''re on the tanks.Me, Banz and Pon will distract the melee while the rest of you burn down the casters.Ronnie is the main assist, everyone attack her target. When the casters are down, I become the main assist, everyone attacks my target.Do your best on the tanks Nix, even if you can''t hold them, keep them busy."


    Wind disappeared again, his voice coming from nowhere."My sneak attack on the first caster will be the signal to start."


    Nix moved to one side to give the others room to get by him.Wind attacked the nearest caster, scoring a critical hit, he managed a stun.Instantly Nix flashed toward the tanks, he pulled up halfway and three fire strands wrapped out the arms of the tanks.They screeched loudly, their weapons instantly disappearing.Pon had taught him how to target, for tanks the sword arm was best.They would lose their weapon and take on a penalty when they summoned another.


    Nix felts the pull of three tanks but he braced himself on the floor and managed to hold them.The tank''s arms had burst into flames, their screams nearly drowning out the rest of the raid.Off to his right, he saw the flash of flames and heard the deafening sound of explosions as the Fire Mage attacked.


    The casters went down in quick succession.


    Sharl shouted from the other side of the room. "I''m the main assist now, everyone attack my target!"


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    One of the tanks died. Nix immediately put a second strand on the nearest tank, he died almost immediately.The last tank only lived seconds under the inferno of three fire strands.


    Half of the melee were already dead, so he picked three that were trying to attack their clerics.He raised his hand and once again three strands shot out, completely immobilizing them.


    "Tanks are down?"It was Ronnie who asked in between shots.


    "Tanks are down," Nix affirmed.


    The fight was over less than a minute later.


    Sharl sent Ronnie to loot the corpses."Anyone down?"


    A cleric named Gypsy-Rose shook her head."No casualties."


    The room had been cleared, there was a raised platform with a lever behind it.The entire raid was thinking the same thing.


    It was Ronnie who said it."It can''t be that easy right?"


    Sharl shrugged and walked up to the platform, she pulled the lever down and then stepped back.A blue chest rose up out of the floor.


    Colonial Message System: Congratulations to the Daybreakers for being the first guild to clear the first floor of Stage four in Mermaid City.All members of the raid will receive the Badge of Aquarius.


    Badge of Aquarius


    Amulet: Unique


    Description: The effectiveness


    of all water-based skills and


    abilities have been doubled.


    Sharl opened the chest and linked the four items that had dropped.Since Nix wasn''t a member of the guild, he didn''t ask for anything.There was nothing he would have wanted.A cool looking spear-gun dropped, somehow Colonial classified that as a bow equivalent, so the only archer in the raid received it.Ronnie was smiling from ear to ear when she equipped it. A necklace meant for healers went to Gypsy-Rose.A tank oriented spear went to Sharl and a flame gauntlet went to Banza.


    Wind made a face at the loot table."Two tanker items?I feel sick."


    Banza smiled and waved the gauntlet at him."About time tankers receive a bit of love brother!"


    Wind gave him the finger."When I''m fat and ugly, then you can call me brother."


    Nix laughed at their interaction.


    A smiling Ronnie joined him, "don''t let them fool you.They are best friends."


    "I could tell."Nix held out his hand, "let me see it?"


    Barracuda


    Speargun: Heroic


    Description: Weapon


    discharges three spears


    at a time.+10 Damage to


    water creatures.


    Nix handed it back, "Guess I won''t have to carry you anymore."


    "What?No more free rides?"


    A door opened up behind the chest after Sharl removed the coins from it, 200k was automatically given to each person in the raid.She waved Nix over and handed him a few hundred water crystals. "They are for crafting."


    "Oh, then thank you."


    Sharl smiled at her raiding party."This is our door.Follow me please."


    The raiding party walked through the door and down a hallway to a large staging area.They cheered each other when they arrived.They stopped abruptly when they noticed another group approaching them.


    [You may now choose Mermaid City, Stage Four from any Colonial Portal.]


    "Congratulations on clearing the first floor.I hadn''t even realized another guild was on Stage Four."Jun Li had seen the message along with the rest of Colonial, but she didn''t offer any hostility."I''m Jun Li, Guild Leader of Salamander."


    Sharl took the hand she offered."Sharl, Guild Leader of Daybreakers."


    A woman dressed in black noticed him first, she didn''t say anything but rather approached him with a smile and offered her a handshake."I''m Semmi.Please accept my apologies on behalf of Salamander for plastering your likeness all over Colonial."


    Nix shook the petite blonde''s hand."I''m Nix. You a Scout Semmi?"


    Semmi nodded while she chuckled at his words."Goodness, your Nix."She turned back toward her Guild Leader who seemed to be frozen in place.


    "You''re a member of Daybreakers?"Jun Li had finally found her voice.


    "I''m a guest player."He smiled at Sharl who suddenly looked alarmed.


    "A guest?"Jun Li hid the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth."Well, good job today Daybreakers.It was nice to finally meet you Mr. Nix."


    Nix nodded but didn''t say anything.


    [You have received a friend request for Semmi Dow.Do you accept?]


    "Yes."


    Twenty minutes later the raid dispersed and said their goodbyes at the Jenza portal.


    Sharl and Ronnie were the last two.


    "Hey Sharl, I''m going to hang out with Nix for a bit."


    Sharl shook her head. "Sorry sis, guild business.I need to talk to him."


    "It''s pointless to argue.I''m hungry and thirsty."Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Lake Cavern.


    Ronnie waved to her sister and quickly put her hand on his shoulder."Next time sis."


    Sharl grabbed his hand and stepped closer."Can''t wait."


    A moment later all three figures disappeared from the platform.

 Chapter 15 Manta

    All three of them flipped cards over at the same time, Nix shook his head at the younger sister. "That seems like a lot of credits."


    Sharl nodded in agreement, "A billion credits for a binding stone?What kind of loon would pay that?"


    Ronnie stuck her tongue out at her sister. "We could go in halfsies."


    Sharl laughed and flipped over another card."You just answered my question."


    Ronnie watched Nix scoop up all three cards again."How come the only card game you know is War?That''s a kids game!"


    "Makes sense since I learned it as a kid."Nix turned at the slapping noise.Soup had taken to using a flipper on the floor to get his attention."Stop with the racket already."


    "I''ll let her out."Ronnie walked to the door and opened it, Soup scuttled quickly outside."Love my new jammies by the way."


    After drinking all of his wine and ''conversing'' for a few hours, the sisters had talked Nix into making pajamas.Sharl, who was always cold, went with red flannel top and bottoms.Ronnie opted for the smooth comfort of black silk ones.


    Ronnie lay back on the bed and stretched slowly."It''s a crime to keep such a comfortable bed to yourself."


    "Which is why the two of you are here."He scooped up the last of the cards and proclaimed the obvious. "I win."


    Sharl was sitting cross-legged on the bed, her dark eyes watching him."What''s next for you Nix?"


    "Going to investigate the Aquarions a bit."


    Ronnie yawned sleepily."Investigate what?"


    Nix remembered back to the Jenza market.Although the Aquarion had been hostile, it had been very careful not to injure Shana. "They do small raids on cities all across Colonial.Why?"


    Ronnie''s voice was muffled through the pillow."My theory is that they eat us."


    Sharl made a face, "please stop talking now sis."She glanced back at Nix,"do you have a theory?"


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    "Not really.Just a lot of questions.Given the risk they run, it must be very important to them."


    Sharl considered the idea, "try the Provost Marshal Office in Jenza. You might find more information with them."


    "Good tip.Know where I can hut Mantas?"


    "Sure, there''s an entire colony of them in Philly."Sharl smiled at his confused look."Phelinomia. Be careful Nix, they are high-level elites."


    "Another good clue.Thank you, Sharl."


    Sharl glanced at her sister, who had fallen asleep."Fancy a swim?"


    ************


    He dropped both sisters off at the Jenza gate a few hours later.They immediately left for Wisteria while he decided to stay and make some purchases in the Jenza market.The vendors in the fabric section all knew him by sight, right away they rushed to the front of their carts and started listing their current stock. Usually, he bought a lot.


    After picking up more fabric he headed toward the boutique. Lela was standing in front of the shop, talking with Sosa, a young Tailor they had hired.Maye had decided that they needed to become self-sufficient and had hired the young man after giving him a few tests. She had also dropped the consignment on Nix''s goods down to ten percent.He waved at the two of them and entered the shop.


    "Morning Nix."Maye smiled at him.The young man had come out of nowhere and had saved their boutique. He was now considered family. Not only had they made a lot of money, but it helped reestablish their reputation that had plummeted when Maye could no longer make clothes.


    Nix sat the days'' product line on the counter, then pulled out an additional box."Thought I would try some new items,want to take a look?"


    Maye nodded, her eyes showing excitement."Let''s take a look."


    Nix took out two separate items and placed them on the counter.


    Swimsuit: Malu Aquatic


    Description: One Piece swimsuit


    that features underwater breathing.


    Non-combat only.Female only.


    Swimsuit: Malu Aquatic


    Description: Bikini swimsuit


    that features underwater breathing.


    Non-combat only.Female only.


    Maye carefully examined each one."Very nice quality Nix.I''ll put them on mannequins in the store window and see what kind of interest there is."


    "Sounds good Maye."Two small arms wrapped around his waist from behind.He grinned and helped her up on the counter.


    "This our new product line Nix?" Shana gave him a sweet smile. "I like it."


    "Thanks, Shana."Nix patted her head."Hey, would you mind talking to me about the Aquarions?"


    She made a sour face but nodded anyway."I don''t mind."


    "Did you hear them speak or say anything?"


    Shana nodded."The one who grabbed me said to calm down and that she wouldn''t hurt me."


    "Oh, I see.Hear anything else?"


    "She called me an odd name, Caisong or something like that."


    "Very helpful. Thank you."


    ************


    An hour later Nix took the portal to Phelinomia. Like Hispana, Phelinomia was a continent made up of a large cluster of archipelagos.The Manta colony that Sharl mentioned was located on one of the bigger center islands call Lapu.


    The portal platform was located outside of the city walls, and although Nix was curious to see what the Phelinomia capitol looked like, he decided to hunt instead.After a thirty-minute jog, he was wading into the knee-deep water that surrounded Lapu.


    The center of the island was dominated by a large volcanic crater.According to Sharl, it was filled with water and the Mantas guarded it fiercely.


    As soon as he stepped into the water, a huge black Manta surged out of the shallows and started flapping toward him.Manta''s in Colonial were equally at home in the water or the air.


    When it was in range, Nix sent a fire strand at it.The creature turned suddenly, howling in a pitch that hurt his ears, it fled rapidly while towing him behind.


    A coughing Nix sent a second flame strand at it, slowing its progress to a slow walk.This gave time for him to get to his feet.The third strand he sent a moment later froze it in place.A few minutes after that, it crashed to the ground.


    It dropped a single black pearl.Nix skinned it and canned the meat.He looked down at the corpse and wiped the saltwater from his stinging eyes."So... two strands right away."


    Nix spent the next three hours slowly making his way to the crater.There were three kinds of Manta.The Black ones were the largest and definitely the most aggressive.The blue ones were faster, they were like the ones ridden by the Aquarian and then there were the white ones.He had only run into one of them, but that had been enough.Even with three strands on it, Nix had been dragged around for fifteen minutes.In the end, he had broken through with a fourth strand and completely bound it down.


    [Your Flame Strands skill has improved to 14]


    The sun was high in the sky by the time Nix grabbed the lip of the crater and peeked over.The clear blue water was within a few feet of the top and perfectly reflected the clouds on its calm surface.


    He pulled off his armor and stowed it away, then he slipped on the Aquatic suit.He hadn''t tried his speed out since he had earned the ''Badge of Aquarius,'' but if that stacked with his Water Mage Ring, he''d be difficult to catch.


    He slipped quietly into the water, keeping his hand brushing the rock wall, he slowly descended.The first two hundred feet was clear blue water after that small tendrils of plants and seaweed of all shapes and sizes strained upward towards the surface.His blue aquatic suit blended easily with the surrounding plants making him nearly invisible.


    Near the bottom, he spotted his goal.He had hoped that the crater was a nesting ground and his hunch had been right.Clusters of nests were being guarded by pairs of Manta.He heart thudded in his chest, there was no way he''d be able to even take one without a full group.


    He swam close to the bottom and gave the nesting area a wide berth.There was another small clearing so he was moving toward it when he saw a movement.Two Aquarions were speaking in the area he had targeted.Nix let himself drift closer with small movements of his hands, his body hidden in the weedy floor.


    They were both females, to Nix''s untrained eye one seemed much older than the other.He was just close enough to overhear their words.


    "All four should hatch in the next few days, with the Seas blessing, one of them should be an Aviante."


    "I will let you know when it begins."The younger one bowed and waited while the other shot toward the surface.


    Nix followed the second Aquarion when it started swimming a few moments later.She swam fast for a few minutes until arriving at the crater wall, surprising she descended into the weeds and disappeared from sight.


    He moved forward cautiously to the spot where the Aquarion had disappeared.There he found the entrance to a cave, it was nearly invisible with the weeds covering it. Swimming downward he kept one hand on the wall to keep his bearing as the light quickly dimmed.After a few hundred feet the tunnel ended in a round room. In the middle of the room was a nest with four eggs. The Aquarion he had followed was circling it leisurely.


    Without stopped to think, Nix immediately sent out three strands.One hit each arm while the third wrapped around her waist.She shrieked in pain, but couldn''t manage to move.


    He watched as the Aquarion grew weaker, her life force slowly dwindling.Without reason, he dropped the strands, causing her to collapse onto the floor.She was too weak to do anything as he snatched the eggs one at a time.Her eyes were wide in horror when he grabbed the palest egg.


    "Is this the Aviante?I''ll leave it if you answer a few questions."


    Her pale blue eyes stared at him, with effort she managed to prop herself up with one arm.


    "Ask your questions human."


    "Why do you try and take our people? What is the Caisong?"


    "How do you know that word?"She raised her hand causing it to glow brightly, immediately Nix dodged to one side and shot out a fire strand.An object she had been holding in her hand dropped to the floor, Nix moved closer and picked it up.


    "Is this a weapon?"He shook his head at her and dropped the strand again."So much for mercy."He picked up the egg and placed it in his inventory.


    She laughed at him, blood in the corner of her mouth."It''s too late, I called them."


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Lake Cavern.He smiled at the laughing Aquarion and at the half dozen Mantas that swam into the cave."Cya..."


    A moment later the human disappeared, leaving the Aquarion howling in anger and grief.

 Chapter 16 Sea-Beast Master

    Nix appeared on the beach outside of his hut.The turtles started moving toward him with Soup leading the way.He walked toward the side of the building and smoothed out a small area, then created a foot high sand barrier before carefully putting the manta eggs down.


    Soup was the only one who seemed interested in the eggs but she didn''t move beyond the sand wall.


    "You better not eat my eggs Soup."He left them in place and walked to the edge of the water and knelt down.Each of the mantas he had killed dropped a pearl specific to their color.He had 25 blue ones, 16 black ones and a single white one.He dropped them all in the sand and started washing them off. The moment they hit the water, all of the turtles surged toward him, clamoring while trying to get to the pearls.Immediately he picked them back up.


    Soup was leaning against his legs, gazing up with sea-blue eyes.He carefully held out the white pearl."If you bite me..."The pearl was slightly smaller than his fist, Soup eagerly took it in her mouth and then flapped away in the water.


    "Not going to chase her?"Nix gave each of them one of his blue pearls, they completely separated themselves and enjoyed their meal in various parts of the lake.


    He took out the item he had taken from the Aquarion in the crater.Turning it over, he tried to remember how she wore it.It started out looking like a bracelet, but then it looped about three inches, two rings were attached to the loop."It''s a damn puzzle?"


    After trying a few different ways to fit, he slipped his hand through the bigger circle and his middle finger through the two rings.The item glowed slightly in his hand and a menu popped up on his hud.


    [Defining New User... Please wait....]


    Nix


    Level 43


    Strength 58


    Endurance 61


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 90


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Weapon Skills:


    Rifle 90


    Whip 77


    Support Skill:


    Flame Strands 0 [14]


    Swimming 2 [100]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    [Support Skill: Sea-Beast Master:8 Has been added to your Character]


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    [Level 1 Stable has 0/20 Beasts]


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [20 Sea Beasts and 4 Embryos have been located.]


    [Type 1: Elite Black Sea Turtle: 19]


    [Type 2: Spirit Animal: 1]


    [Type 3: Manta Embryos: 4]


    [Do you wish to Train the Available Sea-Beasts?]


    "Yes."


    [20 Sea-Beasts have been added to the Taming Queue.]


    [Do you wish to place the Sea-Beasts in your Stable when Training is Complete?]


    "No, leave them here."


    Nix activated Deep Blue and selected Jenza.The Provost Marshal Office was on the other side of the city, it was an enormous stone structure with gray granite steps leading up to large steel doors.He walked in to the fragrant smell of fresh flowers, the last scent he expected to encounter.A familiar-looking bald man was patiently trimming a pot of flowers on his desk. He looked up when Nix walked in.


    "Oh, it''s you.Great job keeping that Aquarion at bay, impressive piece of work.I''m Sergeant Ton."


    "Nice to me you Sergeant.I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions."


    The large man looked at his flowers and then back at Nix.With a heavy sigh, he slid them to one side. "Of course.What may I help you with?"


    "I''m looking into the Aquarion attacks.Would you mind if I asked you some question?"


    "Open your hud Mr. Nix."Sergeant Ton opened his own hud and sent him a file.


    [You have received all the pertinent data regarding the Aquarions]


    [You have been offered a quest.Do you accept?]


    Aquarion Attacks: Hidden Faction


    Description:You inquired into a


    mystery that no one else seems to


    want to solve.Will you be able to?


    "Yes."


    [Aquarion Attacks has been added to your Quest log.]


    The big man moved the flowers back to the center of his desk and resumed his work.Nix couldn''t think of anything else to ask so he left quietly.A voice called to him as soon as he stepped onto the street.


    "Nix!"


    He turned to see a small blonde-haired woman walking toward him.He recognized her from the Salamander guild."Hi, Semmi."


    She smiled, "you remembered my name.Thank goodness, it''s so awkward when that happens."


    "Were you looking for me?Or is this happenstance?"He started walking toward the market square, she fell in beside him.


    "Both... I was walking around, hoping I might run into you."


    "I''m not going to join Salamander nor help them as a guest player."Sometimes it was better to get the hard stuff out of the way.


    The small woman didn''t seem surprised."Could we purchase raid merchandise from you?I hear that you are really good at improvising new recipes."


    "I won''t make any aquatic gear for Salamander.Unfortunately, you are competing against my friends."


    "Dammit.You''re a tough nut!"


    Nix shook his head, "I''m not trying to be."


    They arrived at the Jenza gate, she looked disappointed."Okay.Let''s grind some levels some time.What level are you?"


    "Forty-three.Sure we can do that." He stepped onto the gate, but activated Deep Blue instead and chose Cephix.


    His good mood at being back instantly vanished in the screams of pain and wails of despair.Multiple buildings through the town were on fire.Smoke hung thick in the air, Nix broke into a run and headed toward the Kindled Spirit.


    As he moved away from the gate, the damage from fire lessened but was replaced with entire building encased in blocks of ice."The F*ck is going on here?"


    The Kindled Spirit appeared undamaged, but there were three scorched bodies.The first two people he saw when he opened the Inn door were Sila and Hyai.The innkeeper was calmly bandaging her friend.Sila looked at him when he walked in.


    "Nix!"She seemed relieved to see him, "they took Nez!"


    The inn was empty except for the two women.Nix lay a hand on each of their shoulders."Sorry, but I''m getting you two out of here."He activated Deep Blue and chose Lake Cavern.


    Hyai didn''t seem as surprised as Sila, "an origin stone?"


    "You are safe here. Tell me everything." He brought them to the table that the Daybreakers had left behind and had them sit down.


    Hyai took a deep breath. "Raiders came through the gate, dozens of them, all at once."


    He sat a bottle of wine on the table. "What were they after?"


    Sila took a drink, her hands were shaking slightly.


    Hyai shook her head."At first they were just burning and killing, but then Aquarions descended from the clouds, more than I''ve ever seen at one time."


    "A bit of a coincidence."


    Hyai waited until Sila sat the bottle down, then she took a long drink herself. "They were working together.They were taking people.Cyan, Nez, Kyla and a dozen other women."


    Nix leaned back in his chair."Where did they go?"


    "The Aquarions escaped into the clouds.They brought all the women and the raiders away with them."Hyai stared at him, "the raiders were part of Burning Sea."


    Sila frowned at the name, "that explains why they were so talented with fire magic.They had me too Nix, until Hyai..."


    He had seen the bodies in front of the Inn.It wasn''t the work of someone who knew a little bit of fire magic."I won''t judge Hyai."


    "I use to run with Burning Sea, years ago before I got married.Even my husband didn''t know."Hyai looked down at her hands, refusing to meet his gaze."I was a bad person Nix, someone who did horrible things."


    Sila looked at her in surprise, she only knew Hyai the Inn Keeper."You saved my life.Thank you Hyai."


    **********


    Two hours later, Sila and Hyai had fallen asleep on the bed.Nix was sitting on the floor studying his hud.The Provost Marshal had given him exact details of every attack, interviews with the victims, even the notes of the investigators.


    They always took females.Until today their ages tended to be between 6 and 13.This also the first known instance of Aquarions working with humans.


    Nix activated the Sea Beast Bracelet.The menu options appeared on his hud.


    [All Available Sea-Beasts in the Area have been Tamed.]


    He chose the add to Stable option.


    [Level 1 Stable has 19/20 Occupants]


    "Why only 19?"


    A movement next to his feet brought a smile to his face."You don''t like Stables Soup?"


    He bent closer and lay a hand on its smooth head.


    [Bind this Spirit animal to you?]


    "Yes." Despite the circumstances, he chuckled, "you my spirit animal Soup?"


    [Spirit Animal has been bound.]


    "Display my stats."


    Nix


    Level 43


    Strength 58


    Endurance 61


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 90


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Weapon Skills:


    Rifle 90


    Whip 77


    Support Skill:


    Flame Strands 0 [14]


    Swimming 2 [100]


    Sea-Beast Master 8 [Lvl 1]


    [Level 1 Stable has 19/20 Beasts]


    [Spirit Animal 1/4]


    1: Soup [Elite Black Sea Turtle]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    "Let''s see what you''re made of Soup."


    Soup: Spirit Animal


    Elite Black Sea Turtle


    Description: If your spirit


    beast dies, it cannot be summoned


    again for 3 days.


    [Atttack Rating Medium]


    [Defense Rating High]


    [Special Attack: Sonic Boom]


    He cycled through the menu, familiarizing himself with the commands.There were Four basic Commands: Attack, Defend, Hide and Retreat.


    He looked at the Sea Beast Bracelet."No wonder the Aquarions are constantly kicking our ass."


    "What are you going to do Nix?" Hyai had her head propped up with one hand.


    "Suppose I''ll gather some allies and go find our people."Nix shook his head before she could speak. "You can''t come with me."


    "I''m an old woman, but still pretty strong."


    Nix smiled at her words, "strong yes, old... not so much."


    A few hours later, he dropped them both off at the Kindled Inn.All the fires had already been put out and the ice had been removed.


    Sila looked a lot better after some rest. "Be careful Nix."


    "I will.Both of you stay close to the Inn."


    Hyai nodded, "what will you do Nix?"


    He activated Deep Blue. "Gather some strong allies."

 Chapter 17 Allied Command

    "Once again, not our best effort."Jun Li stood in front of her raid group, three groups of twenty were required to advance to the 2nd floor of stage four.Two of those groups had to fight through to the lever rooms while the last group went through the gate that those levers opened. Once the gate was open you only had a few seconds to get through.


    "We aren''t there yet Junie, we need to build a bit more strength."Semmi thought back to the Daybreakers.With the exception of their Guild Leader and Pon, they were not that strong.Was the CC guest making the difference?


    June Li nodded, "After seeing the Daybreakers finish the stage, I was pumped to come in here and put it behind us."She sighed heavily, "but we are going to have to wait a bit longer."


    "Let''s make a deal, Guild Leader Jun Li."


    Jun Li turned at the sound of the voice."Nix... What sort of deal?"


    He stood their calmly, his sun-colored eyes staring. "I''ll get a group of you on the other side of that gate, right now."


    The Salamander Guild stared at him, everyone in the guild felt that they were much stronger than the Daybreakers.They had to have had some sort of workaround.


    June Li tried to keep her voice calm.The first floor would halt their progress for at least a week or two longer.If they could finish it off now..."What are your terms?"


    "Cyphix was raided by members of the Burning Sea, they were aiding the Aquarions."Nix paused, the smiling face of Kyla the gunsmith entering his thoughts, "They took some of our friends, and I want to get them back."


    Jun Li hid the excitement she felt, finishing the first floor would put her ahead of schedule. "I need a few minutes to discuss it with my guild."


    Nix waited calmly, the Salamander Guild had been discussing his proposal for a few minutes.In exchange for getting them through the last gate, they would give him two days of their time, starting immediately.


    "It''s a no-brainer, Junie."Semmi kept glancing back at Nix, he seemed calm on the surface."We''d spend the next week wiping here anyway.If a few deaths chasing Aquarions is the price, then we''d be foolish not to pay."


    Saintess nodded in agreement.The red-haired cleric was Salamander''s primary healer and a big part of their success."It''s a chance to make some friends."


    Jun Li nodded, "let''s do it then."


    Semmi removed one of the dps from their 20 person group and added Nix."Show us what you got."


    Nix moved closer and grabbed Saintess''s hand, "Join hands please."


    A dark-haired scout frowned and grabbed his free hand."Fine, but if we start singing... I''m out."


    He waited until they had all joined hands, then he activated Deep Blue and Chose Mermaid City.A moment later, nineteen members of the Salamander guild arrived at the portal behind the gate.


    "Follow."Nix flashed down the hallway and took a right, he waited for them at the entrance to the next room.


    ********


    "You think this is on the level?"Saryn kept checking to see if they had returned.He was the second group''s tank, as the weakest group they had been held responsible for holding the rest of the guild back.If they could get past this, then maybe Jun Li would get off their back.


    Binder shrugged, "I''m just glad I don''t have to run that damn east-side gauntlet today.We should have a few minutes before they..."


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to the Salamander Guild for clearing the first floor of Stage four in Mermaid City.


    The twenty man group entered the staging area a moment later.The normally serious Jun Li was smiling widely."Semmi you go with Nix, everyone else pack your gear for a two-day mission and meet in Cyphix in one hour."


    Semmi and Nix took the Mermaid City Portal back to Cyphix.Repairs were already underway as carpenters and masons worked side-by-side in an attempt to erase the visual evidence of the attack. Nix didn''t like the look in the people''s eyes, they looked scared and tentative, not like the hardy pioneers that they were the day before.


    "I need something that belongs to one of the women who were taken."Semmi activated an item and a small white creature appeared next to her feet.It immediately hid behind her legs when it saw Nix.


    "Is that thing a pet?Kinda big for a rat."Nix tried to keep a straight face, he desperately wanted to ask her more about pets.


    "What?"She stooped down and picked up the furry creature."She''s a fox!Don''t listen to the bad man Tilde."


    "Follow me, we''ll go to Kyla''s shop."Nix led the way to the Gunsmith shop, the door wasn''t locked.He walked in and took a left up the stairs.Kyla had a small apartment above her shop.


    He felt a bit odd going into someone else''s home uninvited, but he pushed the door open.


    "Clothes will work best, something she was attached to."Semmi walked in behind Nix and searched for the bedroom.She smiled at the decor, they had very similar tastes.


    "I made her a dress a while back, she told me she loved it."Nix glanced around the apartment, it was more feminine than he would have guessed.He let Semmi search the bedroom while he stayed in the common area.Kyla wouldn''t like some guy going through her bedroom.


    "Nix?"Semmi came out of the bedroom holding a red silk dress."You made this?"


    He nodded, "yep, traded it for my rifle."


    "I have an entire closet of guns you can have!Make me one!"


    "Focus, please... If your fox-rat can track down my friends, "I''ll make you anything you want, at cost of course."


    "Deal!And don''t take it back."Semmi stowed the dress away and waited for him to lead the way out.


    Nix closed the Shop door when they left and headed back toward the Kindled Spirit.


    "Seems like a crowd has arrived."As Nix approached the Inn, he could make out members of Daybreak, Salamander and an entire group of armed riders.Hyai was standing in front of the Inn talking to the riders.


    Semmi jumped in with both feet. "Salamander Guild, camp outside the gate and await further instructions."


    Sharl spotted them and waved."Nix!"She hugged him and then quickly stepped back, she could sense that the raid had really bothered him.He had already told her his plans to bring Salamander onboard."Hey, at least we were number one for a while!"


    Nix liked Semmi''s idea, "could you have your people camp outside the gate also?"


    Sharl nodded and gave her people directions, both she and Ronnie stayed.


    "You big armored Bull!Have your people camp outside the gate. Then come in and I''ll makeyou something to eat!"Hyai was scolding a large bald man, when he obediently turned toward his men, Nix recognized him as Sergeant Ton.


    Ton scowled at him as he walked past, the look on his face made Nix laugh.


    "Jun Li is inside," Hyai said quietly."Come in and I''ll fix you something to eat."


    Fifteen minutes later, the group was sitting down together planning their next move.


    Semmi leaned back in her chair, casually watching the other people sitting at the table. "I''ve already released Tilde, she''s looking for the trail.Once she finds it, she''ll track them down and stay close.


    "Finding them is important, but so is catching them.The reason they get away every time is those flying mounts!"Ton''s booming voice echoed in the Inn.


    "Don''t yell at everyone Bane."Hyai wagged her finger at the Provost Sergeant.


    Ton looked down at his plate and pushed his food around with a fork."Yes Mum."


    The sight of a three hundred pound man being scolded like a child made Nix smile shamelessly.Hyai had told him that her daughter had married and moved away, she hadn''t mentioned that her son-in-law was Sergeant Ton from the Jenza Provost Office.


    Jun Li nodded in agreement, "they are a strong and elusive race."


    "The going price for a flying mount is 5 million credits, no exceptions. This is only people taking part in this exercise."When Nix spoke, the entire table stared in silence.


    Sharl was the first to recover.She had seen his turtles, had he found a way to train Mantas?"I''ll take forty for the Daybreakers."


    Jun Li stood up, her hands on either side of her plate."Are you serious?"


    Nix nodded, "Yes. Wait for me at the camps outside the gate."


    **********


    He had stopped at the Lake Cavern to empty out his Stable before heading to out. He temporarily erased the Jenza Slot and saved the Phelinomia portal. An hour later Nix was wading in the knee-deep water bordering Lapu.He activated the Sea Beast bracelet.


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [140 Sea Beasts have been located.]


    [Type 1: Manta: 136]


    [Type 2: Green Sea Turtle: 4]


    [Mount type beasts have been detected. Train mounts for stables?]


    "Yes."


    [Qeued: 40 Manta Mounts]


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    Nix watched the progress bar, he had played a hunch. Why would the Aquarions have flying mounts if no one else could?That was the real purpose of the bracelet.Even if he took it off, he would have access to his stables since he now had the Sea-Beast Master skill.The bracelet was for training new beasts.


    He had talked to Hyai before he left, she was setting up the payments from Salamander, Daybreakers and the Provost Office.He had asked her to set up a roped off area outside of the makeshift camps.Training mounts must be fairly quick since it finished substantially faster than his turtles had.


    He activated the summon mount option from his bracelet.A blue manta appeared in front of him, a small leather saddle and bridle already attached.He had noticed that the Aquarions stood on them, so he hopped on and reached down for the bridle.


    It rode exactly like a horse.He arrived at the Phelinomia gate a few minutes later, then stowed the mount and activated Deep Blue.He took a deep breath and chose Cyphix.


    He appeared at the Cyphix gate and immediately summoned the mount.He jumped on quickly and headed for camp.


    Hyai had been waiting patiently.Forty members of the Daybreakers were standing outside of the roped-off area. They had paid her Two hundred million credits.A noise from the camp caught her attention, it rose in volume and continued as more people looked skyward.She nearly cried when she saw him, he was flying a few hundred feet off the ground and moving fast.He circled once and landed next to the Inn Keeper.


    "I''m back."


    He jumped off the mount and motioned for Sharl to move forward.The transfer process was straight forward and part of the Sea-Beast bracelet menu.


    [Do you wish to transfer ownership of Manta: Mount Type to Sharl?]


    "Yes."


    *************


    Semmi ducked through the roped area after he transferred the fortieth Manta."Tilde has found the trail, it won''t be long now."


    "Thanks, Semmi.Gotta run, more mounts to get."


    He activated Deep Blue and chose Phelinomia.It was going to be a long afternoon.

 Chapter 18 Rescue the Prisoners part one

    The last trip to Lapu only required him to pick up 15 Manta.He brought them quickly back to Cyphix then made one last trip to the Lake Cavern to grab his turtles.


    "Display Stable content."


    [19 Elite Black Sea Turtle, 1 Aviante Manta: Mount Type)


    He had found only one white manta all day, of course, he kept that one.Soup didn''t need to be stored in the stable to be summoned.


    ************


    "Why did you need our Aquatic Gear?"Ronnie was flying next to him.He decided to stick close to the Daybreaker Guild, even though Jun Li had invited him to stay with Salamander.


    Nix checked the queue on the upgrades, still a bit left before it finished."The Aquarion Badge we received for first clear, enabled me to increase our speed from +18 to +36.It doesn''t sound like much, but any advantage we can get at this point."


    "That''s fast, " Sharl was on the other side of Ronnie and was listening in on the conversation.


    They traveled due east for nearly four hours before Semmi gave the signal to stop.At this time Nix gave everyone back their Aquatic gear and then moved beneath the water.


    The rest of the force had older, less evolved aquatics for underwater travel and definitely noticed that the Daybreakers had some advanced gear. The moment they submerged, Nix summoned Soup and got rid of the Manta.He sat comfortably on her shell while she easily kept up with the Manta mounts.


    They dived nearly straight down for about a half-hour before leveling off.It was here that the group stopped and sent out scouts. The seaweed from the ocean floor was thick, enabling the force to hide quickly, Sharl and Nix were joined by Semmi, Ton and Jun Li.


    "Tilde says we are very close, the scouts should have no problem finding them." Semmi was staring hard at the Sea Turtle that Nix was sitting on.As a pet owner, she knew another spirit animal when she saw one.


    June Li finally asked the question on everyone''s mind."How did you tame the Mantas?"


    Nix didn''t want it to seem like too big of a mystery so he came up with a plausible story."I stole an artifact from the Aquarions at the Lapu Crater."


    Jun Li''s dark eyes locked on him, "getting into that colony is not easy."


    Nix nodded in agreement, "took me half the day to kill my way in.Things got a bit scary when I entered their nesting grounds."


    Sharl smiled to herself, she knew exactly where the next Daybreaker raid would be. "The Lapu Crater is a nesting ground?"


    "Yes,one of their Mount Tamers spotted me and chased me into a water cave.I got the artifact from her."


    Ton scowled at the idea of Aquarion Mount Tamers."That''s how they get the mounts?I had assumed that it was some natural ability they had as Water Creatures."


    Nix shook his head, "nope, it''s just a device.Not sure how many they have or how they get them."


    Semmi moved closer to him and placed a hand on his pets shell."Did you take this turtle from them too?"


    "Yes... Her name is Soup."


    The pretty blonde didn''t hide her smile when he said the name, "she''s beautiful, don''t you dare eat her."


    Wind and a Salamander scout name Rival returned to the commanders together.Rival gave his report first."They have established a camp a few minutes east of our position.The camp has about 30 guards, most of them are melee, but I counted a dozen casters."


    Jun Li considered her scout''s words carefully. "So we outnumber them three to one, that''s good enough odds for us."


    Wind shook his head, "there''s more.There''s a second group west of them, eight in all.Four Casters and four melees."


    Sharl cursed softly, "we''ll have to divide our forces."


    Juni Li glanced at her second in command, "how many would we need to divert to handle eight Aquarions?"


    Semmi frowned at the question, "At least sixteen, but if you want to win that fight, then more like twenty-five."


    "Shit!"Ton''s mailed fist slammed into his palm."We have a hundred people, that sounds like a lot but it isn''t when you consider that one Aquarion has no problem handling two of us."


    "Why fight the smaller group?"


    Everyone looked at Nix when he asked the question.Only Sharl knew that he was a complete noob, but he was also quite smart."They will most certainly join the fight if we leave them alone."


    Nix nodded, "Of course, I''m not saying we should ignore them."He patted Soup''s shell."She''s faster than anything in the sea."


    "Distract them?"Semmi considered the idea, "it might work for a while, but they''d turn around sooner or later."


    June Li hid her smile behind a hand.He had guts, "even a few minutes allows us to trim the main group down."


    Wind continued his report, "the prisoners are being kept in a stasis penat the center, they are being guarded by six humans."


    "Me, Wind and Rival can take down the guards and free the captives,"Semmi spoke casually, those in Salamander knew that she was formidable.


    Nix had seen Nez fight and assumed that Kyla could handle a weapon. "Cyan, Kyla and Nez are all experienced, if you bring them weapons you''ll gain two clerics and a dps right away."


    Semmi nodded, "that would help."She smiled at her friend and patted her on the shoulder."You have to do the heavy lifting Junie."


    Jun Li pointed to Nix. "You let the smaller group see you and then lead them off.I''llbring Salamander directly in on the main group, while the Daybreakers and Provost team come in from the other side."Jun Li glanced at her second, "thoughts?"


    Semmi shook her head, "Us scouts will already be in place, the three of us will take out the human guards and then free the prisoners.We''ll make sure that whoever is in shape to fight will have a weapon to do so."


    Jun Li looked around at the rest of the command group."Anything else?"


    Ton''s eyes were bright with excitement."If we do this, it will be the first time that the Aquarions have been run down and punished for their raids.It will show everyone that they aren''t untouchable."


    Sharl looked at Nix and then motioned back at her guild."I''ll brief my people and be ready in five minutes."


    Nix followed Sharl back to the Daybreakers, she kept stealing glances at him.


    "Nix... don''t let them catch you."She lowered her voice and leaned closer, "use your bracelet if it appears that you are going to be captured."


    "I will. Be careful yourself."


    She stopped and glanced over her shoulder."You should lose the Mount Artifact Nix."


    He nodded, "I understand."With only one mount artifact, unless humans found more, everyone would want it.Holding onto something like that in the long term would paint a target on him.


    **********


    Nix headed west in a large circle, the stopped a few miles from his target where the plant life was the thickest.


    He activated the Sea-Beast Menu and summoned the turtles.


    [Command: Hide]


    Nineteen Elite Black Sea Turtles faded into the thick weeds.From a few feet away Nix couldn''t see any of them.


    *******


    Sharl led the Daybreakers and the Provost team to a position just north of the main group.She rode her Manta next to her sister, occasionally their eyes would meet.


    Ronnie pursed her lips, "think Nix will lead them away?"


    Sharl nodded, "you''ve seen how fast his turtles are."


    "Right... Did you tell him our thought regarding the Mount Artifact?"


    "Yes."Sharl knew that he understood.Let everyone think it''s gone, and hide it back at the Lake Cavern.


    **********


    Jun Li checked her people and made sure they were in position.As the leader of the Main Assault force, she would carry most of the burden in the rescue attempt.Something like this would get out quickly if they were successful, with the exception of Mermaid City, Aquarions had always been given a wide berth."No more free passes."


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    ***********


    All three scouts stealthed and were moving into the Aquarion camp.Semmi felt her heart pounding in her chest, she had never attempted anything like this before.She was following Wind as he moved easily.As a scout, she could stealth and see through stealth.Normally she wouldn''t have followed behind, but the Daybreaker scout gave off a fierce sense of danger.What other tigers hid in that small mid-tier guild?She frowned at the sleek aquatics Wind wore, she''d make Nix craft one for her after they rescued his friends.


    They moved into position and then waited.When Nix made his move, there would definitely be a ripple effect at the main camp.The operation would start then.


    ***********


    Nix lay prone on the turtle''s shell, holding himself in place with both hands.She swam easily toward the Aquarion camp, while he kept an eye out for them. "Come on Soup, let''s go get us some Aquarions."

 Chapter 19 Rescue the Prisoners part two

    Kyla sat next to Nez while they both stared at the Aquarion camp.The raid on Cyphix had happened so quickly, she hadn''t even grabbed a weapon.The gunsmith had run out into the street when she heard a scream and immediately was struck down by a blow to the head.When she woke, the cleric next to her was treating her wound.The hopelessness of the situation was starting to seep in.The pretty redhead wiped her tears.She thought about the man who had come to her shop a few weeks ago and had made her a dress.She''d only been able to wear it once.She bit her lip to keep from crying, once the Aquarions took you...


    Nix and Soup headed straight toward the smaller Aquarion camp.He didn''t flee when they first spotted him, instead, he pretended to panic and gave them ample opportunity to respond to his presence. Then he had soup bank to one side and head in the opposite direction. All eight Aquarions from the camp gave chase.


    At the main camp, near the prisoners, all three scouts struck at the same time, according to their own style.Semmi and Rival cut the throat of their targets, while Wind stabbed his dagger into the base of the skull.


    The Aquarion Main camp responded to the Nix sighting by turning their attention outward just long enough for the scouts to kill all the human guards.


    "It''s a distraction!They''re after the prisoners!"An Aquarion Matriarch stepped toward the center of the camp, both of her hands bathed in blue light.


    At this time the Aquarion camp was struck on two sides in a pincer attack, for a moment it was complete pandemonium.


    Sharl and Pon sighted the Matriarch at the same time.The dark woman flashed toward the target, her flaming spear drawn.


    "Pon, soften that bitch up!"


    The old fire mage saw that the Matriarch was about to cast, and quickly cast wall of flames, making her take a step backward.Ronnie who was following Ton while he pushed toward the captives, spared a glance back and sent a three-shot burst into the Matriarch''s back with her speargun. The Aquarion leader twisted in surprise exposing herself just long enough for Sharl''s spear to find her throat.The Daybreaker guild leader stabbed through her and pinned her to the ground.Fire roared from Pon''s hands as he baptized the water creature in flames.


    The camp''s only Matriarch had been taken down, seconds into the fight.The camp''s center had become a bloody mess, human''s from Burning Sea were slaughtered by the assault teams. Wind and Rival defended Semmi while she disabled the Stasis Pen.With the magic dampening field of the Stasis Pen turned off, both Cyan and Nez instantly bathed in yellow light.


    Semmi spotted the target that Tilde had been tracking.She tossed the gunsmith a rifle and then defended an attack from a sword-wielding Aquarion.Kyla grabbed the weapon and along with Cyan and Nez joined the fight.


    **************


    "Phaedra!The main camp is under attack!"


    The young Aquarion woman scowled at her underling."Matriarch Selune is there.What could possibly happen?"Normally she would have returned right away, but she had recognized the human.It was the same one who had snatched the Manta eggs and stolen her Ricoli Bracer.The Matriarch had given her another, but the humiliation of being bested by a human had been hard to take.Had it not been for her family''s rank, she would have most likely been punished severely.


    "You ready Soup?"The pair sped past the ambush spot, they had let their lead slowly dwindle over the last few minutes.


    [Command: Attack]


    The Black Sea Turtles surged upward from the thickly weeded floor and slammed into the Aquarion pursuit from underneath.


    Soup banked hard and charged into them while Nix kicked free of its shell and flashed toward the target.Nix had three flame strands on her before he recognized her as the woman from the Manta nests.This time, there would be no mercy.


    The seven remaining Aquarions were no match for the sea turtles.Although Nix had killed many sea turtles himself, that had always been on land.In the water, it was a completely different story.The Aquarions were instantly torn apart and then consumed.


    Phaedra howled in anger while her squad was eliminated.She collapsed to her knees begging for her life."Cai-song... Spare me and I will tell you!"


    Nix dropped the flame strands. He spotted another Sea-Beast bracelet on her wrist, he promptly tore it off and stowed it away."Trying to trick me again? Tell me something that I''ll believe."


    "The Cai-Song is an Aquarion artifact that changes male babies into female babies."


    Nix stared at the Aquarion, not sure if she was speaking the truth."Sorry, I don''t believe you."He raised a hand that suddenly was glowing orange.


    "Wait!It''s true, all Aquarion babies are inherently male."Phaedra''s face was a picture of misery, forced to give away their races secret to protect her life.


    Nix considered the idea, what did this have to do with them grabbing human females? "Keep talking."


    "In order for the artifact to work, a pregnant Aquarion is placed on the artifacts altar."


    "I have a feeling that you are skirting around the issue.I''ll let you go if you tell me everything.Or else you''ll be turtle food."


    "There''s a second altar.A female human of a certain age must be placed on it."


    "You use our females to change the gender of Aquarion babies before they are born? What happens then?"


    "Nothing happens then, the Aquarion returns home and has her baby naturally."


    "Why take the women from Cyphix?None of them fit the age requirements of your previous abductions."


    "It''s getting more difficult to successfully reach our quotas of human females..."She trailed off without finishing.


    Nix felt a thud in his stomach, he swallowed the bitter taste to keep from retching."You were planning to breed them, like cattle?"


    Phaedra didn''t dare answer, she knew her life hung in the balance.


    "And the men from the Burning Sea?Volunteers, I suppose?"


    She nodded.


    "Leave now, my word is good I won''t harm y..."


    Soup flashed toward her, his beak latched onto her throat and with a quick twist, her head separated from her body.Her limbs were spasming as her body slowly fell.


    "...."Nix.


    Colonial System Message: The Aquarion race has been capturing human females for nefarious purposes.To read the official announcement, please open your hud now.


    [Quest Completion: Aquarion Attacks]


    [You have raised your Hidden Faction level to Ally]


    [For Exposing the Aquarion Abductions to the World you have received the title of Knight of Colonia]


    [You have been Awarded the World Seed.]


    ************


    Jun Li and Semmi watched as Sharl distributed their share of the loot.The wounded had been healed and morale was high.By any standard, the raid had been an amazing success.


    Semmi stole a glance at Wind, the Daybreakers scout was cleaning his weapon on the far side of the camp."We underestimated how strong the Daybreakers are."


    Jun Li nodded in agreement."Sharl held down an Aquarion Matriarch by herself, while their fire mage slow-roasted her."


    A movement from the edge of the camp caught Semmi''s attention.A man riding a sea turtle entered and was heading towards the center. "He made it back."


    "Looks like he''s uninjured," Junie glanced sideways at her friend. "Sure would like to pull him into the Salamanders"


    Both Ronnie and Sharl had their backs to him when he entered camp, he was nearly on top of them before they noticed.


    "Nix!"Ronnie flung herself at him and hugged him."You made it back!"


    "Sure.It was cake."He accepted a hug from Sharl and then waited while the rest of the leaders made their way toward them."The group that was chasing me broke off the pursuit when the camp fell.Not sure where they went."


    "Great Job Nix!"Ton''s boom voice resumed its previous loudness, he shook Nix''s hand while pounding him on the back.


    Jun Li and Semmi were all smiles. It the end they had gained quite a bit from the raid, including advancement to the second floor of stage four.Jun Li shook his hand, "I hope we can continue to cooperate Nix."


    Semmi smiled sweetly, "I''ll put in my clothes order when we get back."


    Nix returned her smile but didn''t say anything.He held out the Mount Bracelet and placed it in Ton''s hands."I''m giving this to the Provost Office, the Daybreakers, and the Salamander Guild."


    The three commanders stared at him in shock. Sharl seemed the least surprise but her face showed her curiosity.


    "You three led your people here and risked the most.I''ve already profited from it, so I''ve decided your three organizations should share it equally."Nix shrugged at their expressions, "I''ll leave the details to you."


    "Nix..."Jun Li wasn''t surprised by people very often.


    He smiled and left them all staring at each other while he walked toward the center of camp. The survivors were all sitting a circle, they looked tired but very happy.


    Kyla had heard everyone talking.It had been Nix who brought the others together in an effort to save them."Thank you, Nix"


    "Your welcome.Did you get your dress back?"


    "Yes...Did you go through my clothes?"Kyla covered her blushing face with both hands."Now you know that''s my only dress!"


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    Nix laughed at her expression."I expect my forty percent discount now."


    Kyla made a face at him, "twenty percent stinker..."


    **********


    The ride back to Cyphix was peaceful.The captives doubled up with their rescuers.Cyan was standing next to Nix while they rode his White Manta.


    "I want to thank you personally also Nix.Now that I know what they were planning."She shuddered when she thought of it.


    "Time to heal and put that behind you."Nix grabbed her hand and squeezed it.


    Cyan stared at the City as they approached."It''s much brighter from the air."


    Many cheers came from the street when the entire group circled once and then landed outside the gates.Friends and family of the prisoners rushed out to embrace them.Nix stowed his manta in the Sea-Beast stable and bid goodbye to Cyan.


    He walked toward the town gates, many people were patting him on the back and offering congratulations while he walked. He spotted Sila crying loudly while she hugged Nez close.Nix smiled and sighed contently. He hadn''t done many good things in his life, this had a nice feeling.


    Hyai was waiting for him when he entered the Inn."Upstairs you go.There''s a hot meal and a bath waiting for you."


    "Sounds good."He let her pull him up the stairs to the Luxury Suite.It had a sizable bed and a fireplace that was burning.The warmth of the room made him instantly sleepy.


    "Do you like it?From now on, this is your room."Hyai pulled out a chair for him at the small table and poured him some wine."There''s a private bath through that door, I''ll help you after you eat."


    Nix looked down at the large steak and fresh vegetables."Spoiling me Hyai?"


    Hyai sat down across from him and pour herself some wine."Haven''t even started to yet."

 Chapter 20 Unexpected Company

    Nix smiled at the rather impressive view.Hyai was sitting at the foot of his bed dressing while humming softly to herself.There was something incredible about the way she put on her bra.Gently holding her soft breast in one hand while lifting it and placing it neatly in its silky pocket.He sighed contently, it''s great to be the Underwear King.


    Two weeks had passed since the Allied Raid on the Aquarions.The Provost Office in Jenza built a Manta Stable right inside the city.They oversaw the operation and sales in exchange for a slightly bigger piece of the pie.A pie that they shared with the Salamander Guild and the Daybreakers.


    The Sea Beast bracelet he had given the Alliance was only capable of taming Mounts.It didn''t have a stable or any other options.Because of this, Manta hunting had become big business.Originally Manta mounts were going for 8 or 9 million credits.These prices dropped to around 5 or 6 million as more people began hunting Manta and selling them to the Provost Stable. Nix was one of these hunters, he would get one million per animal.Unlike other hunters, his mantas were never damaged, and he''d sell them in groups of twenty.The rest of the hunters would turn in slightly injured beasts and in quantities less than five.


    Hyai looked over her shoulder at him."What are you planning for the day?"


    Since the show was over, Nix decided to get dressed."I''ll drop off some product at Shana''s, then I''m going to meet up with the Daybreakers and resume the search."


    With humans suddenly possessing flying mounts, the Aquarions were being constantly hunted.The predator had become the prey. The Burning Sea guild had colluded with the enemy, once the word had been spread, they were forced to hide.Nix had taken up a quest to root out the Burning Sea once and for all.


    Hyai bent down and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Be very careful Nix.They are a bit more powerful than they were when I ran with them.I hear rumblings of someone called Alpha."


    "We''ve heard those same rumblings.Don''t worry, I''ll stick with the Daybreakers."


    An hour later Nix had dropped off the product for the boutique and was heading for his rendezvous with the Daybreakers in Broyan.At the last minute, he decided to leave the Turtles at the Lake Cavern.Broyan was completely landlocked and the turtles would be at a disadvantage on land.


    He turned them loose in the lake, but not before giving each of them a Manta pearl to eat.He had saved a white one for Soup like he always did."You''re so spoiled.Stay and relax, I''ll summon you if I need too."


    Although Soup didn''t communicate with him, he had the feeling she knew exactly what he wanted.He laughed when she took the pearl and hid at the lake bottom.All the turtles had their own places they would eat.


    "It''s interesting that you''ve brought so many animals here."A figure spoke softly from the doorway of the hut.She wore black leather gear with a mask that covered her face, she had her hands held out straight in a gesture that showed she was unarmed.


    Both of Nix''s hands glowed orange.He had been working with Pon every day, he could now hold five flame strands.He had locked his level at 50 and was working on building his strength.He kept his face expressionless, he had thought that he was absolutely safe here. "You''re trespassing friend and I''m in a bit of a rush."


    "I mean you no harm.On the contrary, we are allies."


    "I''ll choose my own allies.Five seconds to explain things before I motivate you."


    "I''m Filamina of the Souza Accord."


    [You have discovered the real name of the Hidden Faction]


    [Your actions have allied youwith the Souza Accord.]


    Nix studied the mysterious woman."So we are allies.We''ll get back to that, how did you enter this place?"


    She held up her arm and showed him a bracelet."The same way as you, of course, Deep Blue."


    He stared at the bracelet she was wearing, it appeared to be just like his."Where did you get that?I''m getting tired of having to press through your vague answers."


    "Sorry... Truth is I''m scared of you, even though we are allies."She raised up her hands and pulled down her hood.


    Nix stared in shock, of all the things... She had shoulder-length white hair that was tied up in a ponytail.Her face was ghost white, she stared at him with pale alien eyes."An Aquarion?"


    She watched him for a reaction.He was already being talked about among her people. Stories of his fire ropes were widely known, once he put them on you, you were dead. "Please don''t attack me."


    "Okay, I''ll admit that surprised me."Nix''s heart was slowly starting to recover, an Aquarion was the last thing he expected.


    "I have this bracelet because this Lake Cavern once belonged to my family.The bracelet you have was in the possession of my brother."


    "He ambushed me, and I took it off his corpse."


    "I figured so, he was someone who liked to kill, even when it had no purpose."


    Nix moved a few steps closer, she wasn''t as tall as most Aquarions, but her ears and serene beauty bore the trademarks of her kind."Are you here for revenge?"


    "No, my brother and I were mortal enemies.I only dared come here because he hadn''t been seen in such a long time." She took off the bracelet and tossed it to him."There are only two of these, so no more surprise visits."


    Nix stowed the second Deep Blue bracelet."Why are you here?"


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    "My people have been split by rebellion.My faction desires peaceful co-existence with your race.Our ideas of peace have caused us to be cast out and hunted down by our own kin."


    "By exposing the Aquarion agenda to Colonia, I helped you?"


    "Yes, mostly."She took a few steps closer, her hands clasped behind her back.She had been looking for him for weeks, it had only occurred to her recently that he may have been the one to slay her brother.


    "Say I believe you.What do you want from me?"


    "I"ll share everything I know, even if you don''t help."She stared at his yellow eyes, they weren''t nearly as frightening as the stories stated.


    "For instance?"


    "The Ricoli artifact you have.It would have given you the Sea-Beast Master attribute.Right?"


    "Maybe."


    She unconsciously took a step back, a sense of danger emanated from him."The Ricoli artifacts are charged with a single-use support skill.You took yours from Phaedra, she already possessed a rare attribute, so the Sea Beast Skill in her artifact would have been unused."


    "Isn''t that a huge waste of power?"


    "The rare attribute she possessed was the Matriarch Skill, that takes up all the rating points.All future Matriarchs have it. Once she became a Matriarch, her skills would have reset and then she would have used the Ricoli."


    Nix considered the possibility that she was telling the truth but something didn''t seem right. "So all Matriarchs have the Sea Beast skill?"


    "Yes, after they become Matriarchs, they use the Ricoli artifact to become Sea Beast Masters."


    "Then why didn''t the Matriarch from the raid, use it on my people?"


    "She had recharged it and gave it to Phaedra to replace the one that you took.The Sea Beast Master skill can only be used when wearing the Ricoli artifact."


    "Is that right?"He slid off the Ricoli artifact and stowed it away.


    [Command: Defend]


    A moment later the surface of the lake erupted as the turtles burst out of the water and surrounded him.


    The Aquarian gasped in surprise, "you don''t need it."


    "No, Not after I learned the skill."


    She shook her head and repeated herself. "None of us can use it without wearing the artifact."


    "I only need it to tame new Sea Beasts or mounts. I don''t wear it otherwise."


    "What about the artifact you gave the Allies?"


    Nix frowned at the Aquarion woman," you are remarkably well informed."


    She looked down at the ground, "I want to gain your trust, but I have no idea what I should say."


    Nix nodded, " On that we agree.As for the allied artifact, they have the original one that I used to train the skill."


    "That means that the charged artifact that Matriarch Selune gave to Phaedra..."


    "Is in my possession," Nix finished the sentence for her. "Wait, you can recharge the artifact?"


    "Matriarchs can."


    Nix nodded, "okay, that is reasonable.Why would the Matriarch do that?"


    "Phaedra was an extremely important person."


    "I''m having a hard time trusting you.Sorry."


    "I can tell you about this place if you like. My father created it with a world seed."


    "Shit... I''ve been trying for weeks to find out what they are used for.Why would I be awarded something without any directions?"


    "World seeds create a world space like this." She hesitated before continuing, "World seeds can also be added to existing spaces."


    Nix looked around the Lake Cavern, although a bit small, it had grown on him. "Why would I want to do that?"


    "World spaces have limited space, so two added together make a bigger one."


    He looked at the small hut, "I definitely don''t want to lose that bed."


    She smiled knowingly, " As I remember, it is very comfortable. I use to come here often as a child."


    "So you know how to activate the World Seed?"


    "Call me Mina."She stepped closer and held out her hand.


    "Nix,"he shook her hand.It was small but he got the sense of incredible physical strength.


    "To use a World Seed by itself, activate it anywhere and it will build the space according to its specifications."


    Nix nodded, "that makes sense.What about the adding thing you mentioned?"


    "To add it to an existing space, you must be inside the space when you activate it."


    "I see, so if I want to keep the space from the Lake Cavern,I could activate it now."


    "Yes."


    Nix grinned at her. "That''s very interesting."


    [Do you wish to activate the World Seed?]


    "Yes."


    [You are inside an existing World Space, the two spaces will be combined and the current portal keys will remain active.Do you wish to continue?]


    "Yes."

 Chapter 21 King Lubo

    [A world Seed has been activated, all living creatures will be preserved while the World Space is being built.Please exit now, or you will be returned to your Binding point.]


    She looked tentatively at him, "Where are you going?"


    He shook his head, "we aren''t at that level of trust yet."He believed her, but he wouldn''t risk his Daybreaker friends on a hunch.


    "I''ve no way of keeping in touch with you, it seems that I''ve failed my mission." She slipped her mask back in place.


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    He watched her for a moment and then pulled out the second Deep Blue Bracelet."This is just a loan. Don''t give me a reason to regret."


    She caught the bracelet that he tossed to her.He couldn''t see the slight smile on her lips."Thank you, Nix."


    ************


    He activated Deep Blue and chose Jenza, immediately from there he used the city portal and paid a hundred credits for travel to Broyan.


    The humidity of the place hit him when he stepped off the platform.The city of Cella was the biggest in Broyan it was a sprawling city with white buildings and white stone roads.Nix squinted against the glare of the morning sun. "Would it kill them to make a brown building?"


    "Probably."Ronnie watched him step off the platform, the younger sister laughing while he shielded his eyes.


    Nix looked around the square, it was typical for Colonial besides the bright white stones. "You on pick-up duty?"


    Ronnie nodded, "yes.Follow me please."


    He followed the dark-haired archer toward the city gate, "Somethings different about you.New armor?"


    Ronnie smiled over her shoulder at him."You know it''s my hair.Do you like it?"


    "Very nice."Nix gave the only acceptable answer, although in this instance he agreed.Her normal long braid down her back had been trimmed to shoulder length."Since Sharl has been letting hers grow out, I didn''t want people to confuse us."


    Nix nodded in a noncommittal way.No one would ever confuse slim and athletic Ronnie with her older sister. Having seen them both, he couldn''t say if he preferred one over the other.


    As soon as they went through the gate, they both summoned their Mantas.The Daybreakers had been thriving since the Jenza Flying Mount Stable was introduced.They received thirty percent of the profits as did the Salamander guild.The Provost Marshals Office received forty percent for overseeing the day to day operations.


    Ronnie glanced at Nix''s white mount and a heavy sigh escaped her lips."Won''t you find me one of those Nix?"


    "Does the color really matter?"Nix hadn''t really shown her the difference, but the white mantas were much faster in both the air and water.


    "Of course, look how pretty it is."


    They headed south from Cella.A few minutes later they arrived at a small clearing.Pon, Wind, and Sharl were all waiting.


    The old fire mage took a long drink from the canteen he was holding and then put it away."Keeping an old man waiting so long, where''s your respect Nix?"


    Nix smiled knowingly, "in this humidity, you probably should actually put water in your canteen rather than booze."


    Pon nodded, "I know it, but there''s something pleasant about being drunk in a swamp."


    He accepted a hug from Sharl and a respectful nod from Wind.


    Nix unsummoned his mount and waited.They were searching for a splinter faction of the Burning Sea that was known to inhabit the Fel marsh south of Cella.The Fel marsh had the disadvantage of not being able to be scouted from the air. The soft muddy area made travel on foot very slow.It roughly five hundred miles across and extended from Cella, all the way to the ocean. For the most part, the thick foliage created an impenetrable canopy a dozen yards off the ground. It was overgrown to the point where you couldn''t see the sky above.It darkened the area substantially, making it difficult to stay on your path.All sorts of land and sea-beasts hid in its shadows.


    The rest of the group stowed their mounts as well.Mantas refused to have anything to do with the marsh.Nix could sense the uneasiness of his Aviante before he put it away


    He activated the Sea-Beast bracelet that he had hidden under his sleeves, while he waited for the others. Everyone assumed that he had given his Sea-Beast bracelet to Sergeant Ton from the Provost Marshals Office.Technically that was true, he hadn''t mentioned that he had acquired another.


    [Scan Surround Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Standy By...]


    [109] Sea-Beasts Located]


    [Type 1: Salt Water Crocodile:28]


    [Type 2: Toxic Sea Snapping Turtle: 14]


    [Type 3: Venomous Sea Snake: 31]


    [Type 4 Swamp Adler: 24]


    [Type 5: Salt Water King Lubo: 1]


    Nix read the list and began to have second thoughts about not bringing his turtles.They were only at the edge of the marsh, and yet there were all these creatures. Even though it was technically a swamp, you couldn''t see the water, it was covered by a spongey moss that was a large part of the local wildlife''s diet. His huge sea turtles would have been bogged down and unable to move properly.


    [Do you wish to Train the Available Sea-Beasts?]


    He used his hands to make the choices, he didn''t want to bring a bunch of swamp animals back to his Lake Cavern but he was curious.What the hell was King Lubo?


    [Train Type 5: Salt Water King Lubo]


    [Salt Water King Lubo has been added to the Taming Queue.]


    He pushed his sleeve back down and walked back to the group.They were all staring at Wind''s hud.


    Ronnie''s face looked nervous."Wind''s scout class has a skill that displays nearby threats.You wouldn''t believe how many poisonous creatures are within a few yards of us."


    Nix kept his face expressionless, "pretty sure I would."


    Pon summoned a glow lamp, it hovered a few feet overhead.It would give out just enough light to see the ground beneath your feet, but it couldn''t be seen from a long distance.


    Wind closed his hud and moved toward the edge of the clearing."Walk where I walk.One misstep and you''ll find yourself back at your binding point.That''s if you die before they start eating you."


    Ronnie swallowed hard and moved closer to her sister."Why didn''t we just go swimming with Nix?"


    They walked single file in the dimly lit marsh.Although the trail was covered with the spongey moss, each step you took would sink into the mud.Everyone''s feet were soaked within a few minutes.


    Two hours into the journey they found a campsite.Long was kneeling beside it, going through the ashes.He pulled out the charred remains of a small rodent,immediately drew his daggers."Be ready!"


    A stinging sensation on the back of his neck, followed by two more on his face were all the warning Nix had before the world went blurry and he collapsed to his knees.Reflexively, he activated Deep Blue and chose Lake Cavern.


    [Lake Cavern is in the process of being upgraded.Travel is not available at this time.]


    Before he could choose another option, his vision faded and he fell face-first into the marsh.


    He woke slowly, a good while later.His hands and feet were bound and he had been thrown in a small cage.He shook his head to clear it, slowly the blurriness went away and his vision returned.


    He shared the cage with Wind, who gave him an embarrassed shrug."Good thing you brought me along."


    Nix nodded in agreement,Ronnie and Sharl were tied up in a second cage, but Pon had been tied and hooded.Everyone feared casters.


    [King Lubo has been added to your Stable 1/19]


    Nix caught a glimpse of his captors.They walked hunched over, their hands nearly dragging the ground.Their bodies were covered in green scales and they were piling wood onto an already roaring fire."What the hell are these," Nix whispered?


    "From what I can see, these are Sythryn. They live in the swampy areas in small numbers. However, these are evolved a bit more than they should be. They are using fire and tools, more like another humanoid race than the reptiles they should be."


    "I''m confident that I can summon strands, even tied like this."Nix did a quick count, "only six of them, but..."


    Wind nodded, "it''s a few too many.It pains me to say that I can be of no use in my current situation."


    Sharl and Ronnie caught his eye, they were both okay, although the younger sister looked scared out of her wits.


    Nix smiled at them then glanced back at Wind. "It''s fine, I have a trump card. Be ready for anything, I''m not sure what will happen."


    [Summon King Lubo]


    [Command: Defend]


    A minute went by and then another, but nothing happened.


    "The hell is going on."Nix glanced around but couldn''t see anything.However, suddenly the swamp seemed to have gone deathly quiet.A movement at the corner of his eye caused him to turn his head.


    A four-inch-tall creature, that looked suspiciously like a gecko was standing on his shoulder just inches away.He had small webbed feet and a gold ridge on his head that looked a bit like a crown. It was King Lubo.

 Chapter 22 Fear the King

    Wind stared at the little lizard on his cellmate''s shoulder."Please tell me that''s not your trump card."


    Nix sighed heavily and started trying to work loose his bindings.King Lubo took a step closer to his face, a small webbed hand touched his cheek.


    King Lubo


    Description: A tiny gecko-like


    creature, may change colors at will.


    Special Characteristic: Immune to Fire.


    [Attack Rating: None]


    [Defense Rating: None]


    [Special Ability: Mass Hysteria]


    King Lubo chittered loudly from Nix''s shoulder, drawing the attention of all six of the Sythryn.


    [Fear the King]


    A gentle wave pushed out in all directions from King Lubo, it felt like a pleasant breeze.An instant later there was total chaos. All six of the Sythryn screeched in fear, covering their faces they ran in circles and straight lines.Slamming into each other, one fell down and rolled in the fire.In the end, each of them charged mindlessly into the marsh.


    Nix watched them run away and turned toward the scout. "Gonna burn you Wind!"


    Wind nodded, "do it!"


    The scout turned his back toward him and a moment later one strand shot out and wrapped around Wind''s wrist.To his credit, he didn''t make a noise although his face was a frozen mask of pain. The smell of burnt flesh and rope blended together, a few seconds later Wind pulled his hands free of his restraints and the strand vanished.


    After freeing his own feet, the scout freed Nix quickly."Get the locks!"


    Nix nodded and sent a separate strand around the locks of each cage. Within a few minutes, the group was free and reequipping themselves.


    Wind glanced at the lizard on Nix''s shoulder once again and gave it a respectful nod, "Impressive."


    Sharl starting going through the things left behind by the Sythryn."We probably have a few minutes, but let''s check for clues and get out of here."


    King Lubo darted from his shoulder, moving in a blur he stopped on a pile of sticks and mud.He chittered loudly at Nix.


    The normally stoic scout walked over and started removing the top layer of sticks.He stopped after a few seconds and turned back to the group, "found something!"


    It took a few minutes to uncover the four partially eaten and decomposed bodies.They had obviously been there for a while.


    Sharl pointed to their armbands."Burning Sea.These Sythryn seem abnormally aggressive, not to mention the other characteristics."


    Pon nodded, the old man was so angry that his entire body gave off an intense heat."I''ve been here many times in the past.Those things have changed drastically, something or someone is causing it."


    King Lubo darted back onto Nix''s shoulder.


    Wind stared at the King hard and then back at Nix. "Hey Nix... Can I have that gecko?"


    "Sure."Nix gently picked up King Lubo and placed it on Wind''s shoulder.


    [Command: Protect Wind]


    "...."Sharl.


    "...."Pon.


    "...." Ronnie.


    The members of Daybreakers witnessed something they had never seen, Wind looked happy for the first time since he had joined the guild.


    Sharl patted her best scout on the shoulder and then addressed the group. "We aren''t in any condition to continue, let''s head out."


    Nix nodded in agreement, "I want you to meet someone.A member of the Souza Accord has approached me.Honestly, I don''t know what to think."


    Pon''s old face was finally losing some of its anger."What is the Souza Accord?"


    Nix decided it was best just to put it out there. "An Aquarion Rebel faction that wants to peacefully co-exist with humans."


    The Daybreakers stared at him for a long moment, each of them wondering if they had heard right.


    Ronnie''s face looked scared, "Co-exist?You know the things they''ve been doing?"


    Sharl nodded, "I''m with my sister on this, an alliance of any sort is most likely a trap.Isn''t odd that this comes after we''ve been able to even the scales?"


    "I would welcome a peaceful faction if that is what they are."Wind spoke quietly, "I would be willing to listen."


    Pon looked at his friend, despite outward appearances he knew the scout to be a calm headed person who thinks things through."I would also listen and see what this faction says."


    "Okay, I''ll bring the four of you back to Jenza and then take Pon and Wind back to the Lake with me."


    Sharl stepped closer and grabbed his arm."The Aquarions are at the Lake Cavern?"


    Nix nodded, "just one.We parted earlier, so she may not be back yet."


    "I''ll come Nix,"Ronnie was against it, but she wanted to stay with Pon and Wind.


    Sharl sighed heavily."Am I being too stubborn?Damn it, I can be open-minded about this also.Count me in."


    Nix smiled at the Daybreakers Guild Leader, "Okay then, join hands please."


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the Lake Cavern.


    A moment later the group of five appeared on the beach.


    [Lake Cavern has been upgraded and changed to Sea World.]


    [The amount of slots that can be stored in the Portal Key is now six.]


    [Beach hut has been upgraded to Beach Cottage.]


    The rest of his group stared at him, sure that he had brought them someplace else.


    The Cavern was gone and replaced with a blue sky.The lake that had been a few hundred meters across was easily a mile wide.Nix could see beach all the way around it.A hundred meters of beach ended in a tall rock wall that stretched skyward.A cozy looking cottage sat peacefully near the rocks.


    "There''s surf!"Ronnie was standing in the water, kicking her feet at the white foam.


    A moment later there was a disturbance in the middle of the water, the turtles surfaced and were racing toward the shore.Nix could see Soup in front, easily pulling away from the rest.


    He waded into the shallows and dipped a hand into the water before touching it to his lips."It''s Saltwater!"


    Nix rubbed Soup''s head for a moment before turning around.His group was still staring at him."I received a World Seed as part of my Quest."


    Sharl had taken off her shoes and was scrunching her toes in the soft sand."What Quest?"


    "I solved the mystery behind the Aquarion Attacks."


    Pon whistled, "if you were awarded a World Seed, then that was a Major Quest."


    Nix laughed at himself, "I didn''t even know what it was, so I was too scared to use it."


    Ronnie finally noticed the cottage and ran towards the front door. "Dibs on a room!"


    Nix shook his head and walked toward the cottage, "forget it."


    Despite running toward the door, she stopped before opening it and waited for Nix."Why not?You gave that sweet gecko to Wind!"


    Nix shrugged, "Wind never asks for anything."


    Ronnie stuck her tongue out at him, "that makes me sound like a mooch."


    The old fire mage laughed, "kinda does."


    The inside had changed drastically.The front door opened to a small living room and dining room.A small galley kitchen was nestled neatly behind it with a huge pantry closet attached.A quick walk around showed that there were three identical bedrooms.Ronnie had jumped on each bed as they entered to see if they matched the comfort level of the hut bed.


    "This one is mine right?"Ronnie lay flat on her back in the bedroom closest to the door, she had declared that all the beds were acceptable.


    Nix shook his head, "forget about it."A glance out the door showed that it was getting darker."Damn..."


    All of them ran outside to watch as the small Sea World had its first sunset.


    Pon stood in the surf watching it, the old mage was smiling from ear to ear."This is a huge upgrade Nix."


    "I was told that there were two ways to use a World Seed.One was by itself and the other was by combining it with an existing one.This is the later obviously."


    A few minutes later the entire group was enjoying a sunset swim in the new Sea World.All three men had donned their Malu Aquatic gear.While the women were trying out their new swimsuits.


    Wind was sitting in the surf, playing with King Lubo."Did you make those swimsuits Nix?"


    Ronnie was wearing a one-piece Malu swimsuit while Sharl had opted for the bikini version.


    Swimsuit: Malu Aquatic


    Description: One Piece swimsuit


    that features underwater breathing.


    Non-combat only.Female only.


    Swimsuit: Malu Aquatic


    Description: Bikini swimsuit


    that features underwater breathing.


    Non-combat only.Female only.


    Nix nodded, "sure did."


    Pon smiled while he watched his guild leader run through the surf."On behalf of all the men in Colonial, thank you."


    Wind looked up from his gecko and nodded in agreement."You are the man Nix."


    Nix entered the water and lazily climbed on Soups shell as she swam in circles.Sharl swam toward him and he helped her up.


    "Hey!"Ronnie chased after them shaking her fist.


    "Let''s lose her Soup."Nix grabbed Sharl with one hand and Soup''s shell with the other as she dived and accelerated.


    The Sea had an abundance of plant life.Unlike its predecessor, it was teeming with small fish and sea life.Sharl and Nix were given an underwater tour of the Sea by Soup.There was a small coral reef and a network of tiny caves.


    Soup slowed down and her two riders were able to sit up comfortably.Sharl''s long hair was flowing in the water."That''s a big accomplishment you know.As long as I''ve been playing, the Aquarion raids were part of our life.You''ve been here just over a month and you have solved a major quest."


    Nix smiled and leaned back slightly."Sounds impressive when you say it like that.However, you did help me recovering the Cyphix captives.That raid led to me solving the quest."


    Sharl moved closer and pushed him backward.She straddled his waists and leaned down for a long kiss."Sorry for being narrow-minded back there."


    He cupped her large breasts in either hand, enjoying the soft spongy feel, her nipples hardening against his palms."Oh, crap."


    Sharl leaned back slightly, her full dark lips holding a slight smile."What?"


    Nix looked embarrassed for once."If we take off our swimsuits this deep, we will probably drown before we can get to the surface."


    Sharl''s laughter echoed in his ears while he reluctantly pushed her away.


    A few minutes later they walked out of the surf together.Pon had used his fire magic to light a fire on the beach.Wind was sleeping peacefully while Ronnie and Pon were talking.


    Ronnie made a face at her sister, "I want a free tour with Soup also!"


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    Sharl hid the smile that bubbled up."This is you asking for stuff again."


    Wind suddenly popped up, his eyes darting toward the cottage."Someones here!"


    An instant later a figure dressed in black appeared on the beach.Nix stood slowly and motioned for his friends to follow."Time to meet Mina."

 Chapter 23 Mina

    Nix brought the group to see their guest.He stopped a few feet away and introduced everyone."Mina these are members of the Daybreakers."This is Sharl, Ronnie, Wind, and Pon." He turned to his friends and gestured to the woman dressed in black."This is Filamina of the Souza Accord."


    She pulled down her mask and slipped her hood back.There was a sharp intake of breath.It''s one thing to be told someone is an Aquarion, but being up close and personal is a different story."I am glad that you have brought your friends to meet me."


    Pon stepped forward and extended his hand. "Never did I imagine that I would shake hands with an Aquarion, perhaps this is a good omen."


    She shook his hand,she actually knew three of the four people Nix had brought.The trio were known as the Silent Killer, Fire Hands, and Death Spear.She suppressed a shiver, there were probably only ten humans that her people had given names to, and four of them were standing in front of her."You will have a lot of questions.I will answer everything."


    "Come inside and have a seat, there''s no need to stand out here."Nix led them inside and made sure they were comfortable, before taking a seat in a chair next to the sofa.


    "This is super odd right?"Ronnie had been staring at the Aquarion woman the entire time."Sitting down on a couch with us?"


    "Call me Mina, I''m getting used to it." She turned her pale blue eyes on Nix. "I was scared to death to meet him."


    Ronnie wrinkled her nose, "scared of Nix?"She favored him with a smile, "It''s those fire strands right?"


    "Ronnie..."Sharl interrupted her younger sister before turning to Mina."I have a question."


    Mina understood the difference between the sisters instantly."Ask your questions."


    "Won''t the Aquarions die away as a race if they don''t continue to steal human girls?"This was the sticking point with Sharl, any life form will fight when faced with their extinction.


    "It''s true that our babies are inherently male. Eventually, we will die out." Mina was silent for a few moments before she continued, "I am only 25 years old, my life expectancy is about four hundred years.If this baby stealing were to stop today, the last of us would die out in about four hundred and fifty years."


    The old fire mage had been watching her carefully, sometime during the conversation he had stopped thinking of her as the enemy. "How many people are in your faction?"


    "Not many, we are cast out and hunted down.There are about six hundred of us left."Mina glanced downward, "we are constantly moving from place to place."


    "You''re trying to convince your people to walk a path that will lead to their extinction."Sharl had decided that Mina was telling them the truth, but also that she was seriously misguided."They will not accept that.What can Six hundred do against hundreds of thousands?"


    "We will do what we can. Build our strength, and build the strength of our allies.There will be a day when we destroy the artifact that has taken so many human girls."


    Ronnies dark eyes shone with emotion, "I will join your cause."


    Sharl tried not to frown at her sister''s words."Let''s be clear, the artifact didn''t take a single human girl, it is incapable of doing so.That was done by your people."


    Mina locked her eyes on Sharl, "We can make you stronger.Strong enough to fight your way into the temple where the artifact is kept."


    "It''s on the twelfth floor isn''t it?"Pon spoke in a whisper, "lore says that a powerful artifact waits at the end of the Mermaid City raid."


    Mina nodded, "the god pathway that the humans walk to explore Mermaid City, eventually leads to the artifact."


    Wind whistled softly, the noise made Mina jump slightly."We are on the second floor of the fourth stage.We had to cheat to get there."


    Sharl frowned at her scout, "the strongest human guild is also there."


    "We can help you get through the stages.It will take some time, but we will work with you and present shortcuts whenever we can.On the last floor, you will face the Elder Matriarchs.If you defeat them, you will be able to complete the mission."


    Pon considered her words, "you should tell us why you are really here.I believe you are sincere about this mission to destroy the artifact.I also know that such a thing is years away, even with your help."


    "There''s a serious threat to your race in the South.A Beast-Master has arisen and grows stronger every day."


    Sharl leaned forward slightly, she too had heard the rumblings of someone called Alpha."What is a Beast-Master?"


    "She doesn''t know any more about him than we do." Nix nodded slightly at Mina, "I will join you and the Souza Accord.I give you leave to bring all of them here."


    Sharl looked at him in surprise, he had jumped in rather quickly."I think it''s a bad idea to bring them here."


    Nix looked at her with an innocent smile."Do I tell you who to allow into your Guild Hall?"


    Ronnie covered a laugh when she saw her sister''s expression, Nix had a point.


    Mina''s pale face showed her shock, she hadn''t expected that Nix would offer them sanctuary."Thank you, Nix, and I want to thank all of you for listening to my words."


    Sharl bowed slightly, "I will speak with my officers and consider this carefully."


    Nix brought them all back to Jenza and then immediately returned to The Sea-World.When he returned he noticed Mina was kneeling on the sand studying his Manta eggs."They should hatch soon."


    Mina nodded, "very soon.You stopped me from talking about the Beast-Master.Why?"


    "From the sound of things the Beast-Master skills might be similar to the Sea-Beast Skills that your Matriarchs have."


    Mina touched the surface of the Aviante egg, "A skill that you also have."


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    "I wish to hide those skills as long as I can."Nix held out a hand and helped her up."If the enemy is a Beast-Master, I don''t want him to see me coming."


    "I''m going to start bringing in the members of the Souza Accord since I have your permission."


    She disappeared from the beach and Nix immediately brought up his Sea-Beast Menu."I''m going to need animals that can fight on land and sea, something vicious."


    He released all the animals in his stable, this included King Lubo.The King and Wind had taken a liking to each other, it would be up to the scout to make it permanent.


    **************


    Nix was sitting on the couch of the luxury suite in the Kindled Spirit when Hyai walked in with his dinner and an unexpected guest, Cyan from the Temple of Shi.Hyai would leave a dinner menu on his desk every day, later they would eat together in his room.It was a comfortable thing that reminded Nix of his childhood.The three of them sat down and starting eating their dinner.


    "I hadn''t expected to see you here Cyan.It''s an unexpected surprise."


    The black-haired woman smiled at Nix, "I should have come by sooner to say thank you."


    Nix waved it off, "I only did my part."


    Hyai poured them all wine, "Cyan has another reason for visiting today."


    The temple priestess nodded in agreement."Something has happened to Shi, the Ice Spirit that inhabits our sanctuary.She grows steadily weaker yet I can find no reason."


    Nix noticed that both women were watching him carefully."I''m not a healer. What can I do for an Ice Spirit?"


    Cyan shook her head, "the issue is in her Domaine.Her presence in our Temple is only the smallest of seeds.From our altar, I can send you directly to her."


    The Domaine of an Ice Spirit didn''t sound like the most welcoming place to Nix."Let me guess, lots of Ice and freezing temperatures?"The thought of it brought back the memory of his trip from the Gladis Hub.


    "Yes, however, you will have the blessing of the temple.The cold will not bother you."Cyan clasped her hands together, "I am already in your debt Nix, you will be rewarded handsomely for your service."


    **********


    Nix enjoyed a good night sleep and despite Cyan''s assurances of the Temple''s blessing, he packed several extreme cold-weather items that he had made especially for the trip.At dawn he entered the Temple of Shi, Cyan was waiting for him.


    "I am ready."Nix stepped onto the altar, dreading the feeling of biting cold.


    "Receive the Blessings of Shi and travel with her favor."A white light enveloped Nix, comfortable and warm when it faded he found himself standing in a vast ice cavern.As Cyan promised, he was quite comfortable.


    "She said I would be sent to where the problem lays."Nix brought up his hud map and marked his location.The cavern was several miles across, somewhere in here was Shi the Ice Spirit.


    He walked for several minutes before he found a clue, blood on the snow.The tracks to two different groups were present, there were splatterings of blood everywhere, a running battle was being waged.From the looks of it, at least one side was Aquarion.Aquarion blood was a few shades lighter than human blood, it stood out on the cold white surface.


    Nix broke into a trot and followed the tracks.A few minutes later the sounds of fighting reached his ears, he slowed down and readied himself.


    A half dozen Aquarions were surrounded by a dozen of their own people.Nix noted that there were no Matriarchs present.The three casters of the larger group were in the back, closest to him."Can I assume you are from the Souza Accord?And that these others are your enemies sent to deal with you?"


    There had been a short pause in the battle as the larger group had moved in to surround them.However, when he spoke, he received the attention of both groups.


    One of the Aquarion men from the surrounded group spoke, " I am Zhava from the Souza Accord, you should flee quickly and save yourself."


    "Since we are allies, I can''t do that."


    A single male from the larger group turned to face him, he was one of the casters."Kill the rebels, I will deal with the human."


    Instantly three strands reached out and latched onto the speaker''s throat, he screamed soundlessly and dropped to his knees.Nix sent a strand at the other two casters arms since they were both holding weapons, their combined strength yanked him to his knees.He struggled to get up while holding them at bay.


    Footsteps from the left of him warned of someone approaching.Two Aquarions had broken off from the main group and were charging him with weapons held high.He quickly dropped the single strands he had on the casters and put them on the charging melee, something slammed into his side a moment later.He skidded across the ice for a few yards and rolled quickly to his feet.


    He had managed to kill one of the casters, but now he faced two casters and two more melees."I''m f*cked."


    He raised his hands and an instant later the two charging melees burst into flames, they collapsed on the ice, kicking and screaming."The hell..."


    "You''re not allowed to touch him."A voice spoke from the air behind him.A red-haired girl bathed in flames hovered above the ground, she placed herself between Nix and the Aquarions.

 Chapter 24 Shae

    Shae''s eyes glowed with fire, the cold air cackling as her pulsing heat pushed it away. She stared at the Aquarions, "you are ruining my reunion with him.Leave now or else."


    The nine Aquarians who at been attacking immediately ported away. The members of the Souza Accord had nowhere to go.


    "Shae, please excuse this group.I came here to help them."Given her personality, Nix felt it wiser to say he was helping them.As soon as he saw the Salamander, he realized why the Ice Spirit was suffering.There was a Lord Class fire beast in its domain. He quickly slipped off his limiter ring.


    She nodded and extended a finger, instantly his aura lit up and her eyes went wide with pleasure. "So beautiful."


    Nix looked down at his bare arm, the flames coming off him were alternating between blue, yellow and orange.Of course, his clothes had instantly burned to ashes.He glanced at the Aquarions, "wait here, please.I will get you to safety."


    Zhava looked like he wanted to talk, but he had a water-creatures healthy fear of Salamanders. "Very well."


    The Aquarions watched as the Salamander grabbed his hand, two naked people who were bathed in flames walked away, completely oblivious to the trail of melted ice and snow they left behind.


    She took him to a small cave that she had undoubtedly made by walking into the rock, a rather large piece of red skin was laying on the cave floor.


    "Did you shed your skin?"Nix pulled his hand free and knelt to look at the red salamander skin."It''s beautiful."


    Shae watched him, a smile playing on her lips.She seemed completely unconcerned that she wasn''t wearing clothes. "You can have it if you like.


    Nix picked up the salamander skin.


    [Convert Salamander Skin into Salamander leather?]


    "Yes."


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    [37 Lord Class Salamander Leathers have been added to your inventory]


    Shae placed a hand on his arm and slowly the flames coming off of their bodies burned out. "You found me... even in this desolate place."She sighed happily and embraced him, she rose up on her tiptoes for a kiss.


    Nix wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her from the ground, she moaned loudly when he pressed her against the wall hard wall.He was gentler this time, caressing her breasts and tasting her mouth. He knelt down, letting his lips trail down her flat stomach.Her hips were gyrating slowly, he lifted one of her legs onto his shoulder and tasted her before pushing his tongue inside.


    She arched back against the wall holding his head in her hands while moving against him.After a few moments, she pushed him away and placed her hands on the wall of the cave."Now..."


    Nix grabbed Shae''s hips and sunk deep into her, grinding his hips against her round bottom.He began to move, slowly at first, trying to hold back until her moans of pleasure caused him to lose control and he lost himself while thrusting into her again and again.


    Afterward, she lay against him, quietly watching."You have beautiful eyes, like the sun."


    Nix sat up slowly, comfortable in the heat of the cave."We can''t stay here."


    Shae nodded, "I want to find someplace safe where no one will try and capture me."


    "We''ll have to disguise you.If I made you some clothes, would you wear them?"


    She nodded shyly and moved closer for a kiss."They burn off sooner or later.The Guild that imprisoned me would often try to put clothes on me while I was in this form."


    "I can try to make you something."He sent her a friend request.


    [Shae Balefire has agreed to be your friend]


    "We are definitely friends now Nix," her voice was filled with humor.


    He decided to use the Malu Aquatic as the model for his attempt. In the second slot, he added abrimstone splinter needle.The third slot was Lord Class Salamander Leather.In the fourth slot, he added fine asbestos thread.He would use the bodysuit design with a ceramic zipper down the back.


    To attempt to make this recipe required five thousand credits per attempt.


    "Damn, that''s a bit spendy."He started clicking the ''attempt recipe'' icon.Fifty attempts, one hundred attempts, three hundred attempts. Finally, on the four hundredth and fourth attempt, he was notified of his success.


    Nix swallowed hard, two million credits gone like that.


    Lord of Fire: Primal [Elemental]


    Description: This red bodysuit is


    immune to flames from within.


    It''s light, flexible and can be worn


    under any kind of clothes or armor.


    it has a ceramic zipper in the back for


    easy removing.


    He set up the queue to make two, one for Shae and one for him.


    [Customer] Shae, [Item] Lord of Fire


    He activated the process and then added two standard red dresses as well.She could wear them over the bodysuit, they''d be fine if protected from her flames. They also look less conspicuous if she was near people.


    "I have a question Shae."


    "You want to know how I had come to be in such a weakened state last time we met?"


    Nix nodded, "if you don''t mind talking about it."


    "I was wounded badly by a Water Lord.A small guild called Ravenous found me and nursed me back to health.At first, I live there peacefully, then one day I woke up and found surrounded by a half dozen water mages. They bound me to an elemental stone and then began to harvest my energy."


    Nix frowned, "I haven''t been here long, but I''ve never heard of a guild by that name."


    Shae shook her head, "having a bound Fire Lord in your guild gives you fire enhancements and bonuses that other guilds don''t have.Eventually, they became a strong guild and changed their name to Salamander."


    "That guild I do know, I''ve worked with them in the past."Nix patted her head softly when she looked alarmed."How did you escape?"


    "I sacrificed part of my core seed to break my bonds.It was dangerous and left me quite weakened.The rest you know."


    Nix nodded, "I''m friends with Semmi Dow and Jun Li.I assume you know the names?"


    Shae frowned, "I know them.Semmi would spend a lot of time talking to me.She would often get mad at Jun Li for not setting me free."


    "I will take you someplace safe."


    *************


    A while later Nix and Shael returned to the spot where they had left the Aquarions.Shae was smiling from ear to ear.Her red hair hung down her back, and she wore a slim-fitting red dress over the top of a red bodysuit.She had ignited several times at Nix''s suggestion to test her clothes.They had not burned.


    Zhava had been sitting with his group, he stood up when they approached."Thank you both for coming to our aide earlier."


    "I have a mission here that I must finish,please wait."He glanced at Shae, "point me to where the Ice Spirit is."


    Shae pointed to the direction he had originally come from."There''s an ice cave less than a half-mile that way."


    "I''ll be back shortly, please get along."


    The ice cave was located about fifty feet up the side of a rock wall.Nix made his way up slowly on the icy path.Thanks to the blessing of the temple, his cold immunity was still intact.His breath crystallized into vapor each time he exhaled.


    The ice spirit sat on a gray rock, her white hair floating around her. She wore a white robe much like the one that Cyan had.Her human form was that of a small girl. When he approached she opened her eyes."Why are you here?"


    "I have been sent by Priestess Cyan to take the Fire Lord away from your domain."


    "Her presence draws power from me, with each day I grow weaker."


    Nix knelt down on one knee and bowed his head, "She will be gone once I leave this place.Will you be able to recover?"


    "Yes.I am Shi.I know you Nix.When you revived at my Temple, you had been killed by ice."She stood up and lay a hand on his bowed head."Never again will Ice be your enemy."


    [You have received the permanent blessing of Ice.]


    ************


    He returned to Shae and the Aquarions a few minutes later."Sorry for the wait, time to go."


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Sea World."


    The beach was crowded with Aquarions when the small group appeared next to the cottage.Mina spotted them first, her face lit up with joy when she recognized her friends.


    For a moment he thought Mina was going to hug him. "Where did you find Zhava and the rest?"


    "They were in the domain of the Ice Spirit Shi.A dozen Aquarions were trying to kill them when I showed up."


    Mina stared at him and then glanced at Zhava who only nodded."It seems that I owe you thanks once again Nix."


    He shook his head and pulled Shae closer."This is Shae Balefire, she is the one who saved your people."


    "Shae Balefire?"Mina took a step back, "a Salamander?"


    Nix nodded, "she has decided to visit us for a while.Shae this is Mina, a friend, and an ally."


    Shae looked around, "so much water Nix."She caught sight of the beach cottage, "is that our home?"


    Nix shook his head, "I think it''s safer for you to make some new caves in those rock walls."


    She smiled, "it''s like you don''t trust me Nix."


    Nix returned her smile and nodded in agreement, "it''s just like that.Don''t burn my house down."


    "Fine." She flipped her red hair at him and flew toward the rock wall above the cottage.


    *********


    A few hours later Nix sat on the beach with Zhava and Mina.Most of the Aquarions were busy making an underwater village.The Aquarions have a class called Weavers.Weavers could grow and form all sorts of underwater plants into shelters.Although Aquarions could thrive on land and sea, most of them preferred the sea.


    Soup paddled slowly out of the water and placed her head on Nix''s lap.Like the other turtles, she was curious about the new inhabitants.


    Zhava watched Soup''s interaction with him, "that''s a beautiful turtle."


    Nix nodded and glanced at the rock wall overlooking the cottage.It had glowed bright red for nearly an hour.He could only assume that Shae was making herself at home.


    Mina followed his glance, Nix seemed to have a wide assortment of friends. "Are you going to look for the Beast-Master now?"


    "Yes, tomorrow morning I''ll take up the hunt."

 Chapter 25 Wolfmen

    Pon and Wind were waiting for him the next morning when he dropped off some product at Shana''s Boutique. They were talking to Lela while she swept off the walk."You two here for some new underwear?"


    Wind shook his head and very nearly smiled.Pon just nodded, "yep, silk g-strings."


    Nix chuckled at the fire mage, "yeah, that''s gross."


    The three men headed toward the Jenza platform.Nix had received a message that Pon was looking for him."So...Hyai told me that you wanted something."


    Pon nodded, "a small guild called Vesuvius was wiped out last night on the Tsai Peninsula in Broyan."


    "Broyan again, please tell me it''s not more swamp."


    "No, not this time. Timber mostly." Pon stepped on the platform and chose Cella.The three of them immediately summoned their Mantas and headed west.


    Nix noticed that King Lubo was perched on Wind''s shoulder enjoying the ride."How''s the King?"


    Wind nodded, his face completely serious."He''s doing great."


    Pon opened his hud and sent Nix the coordinates of the attack. "Vesuvius is a mid-tier guild, they are comparable in strength to the Daybreakers. My contact says they were gathering herbs for their Alchemist."


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    Wind stopped what he was doing and glanced at the fire mage."Nansu?"


    Pon nodded, "the area they were gathering in is a beginner area.Nothing there higher than single digits."


    Nix noticed the interaction."Who is Nansu?"


    "She makes potions of all kinds, and I mean everything.Every guild in Colonial wants her," Pon explained.


    A few minutes later the trio circled the tip of the Tsai Peninsula.A man and woman were waiting there.Pon identified them immediately."That''s Nansu and Chael."


    Nix landed his manta and quickly stowed it.Chael was a lean looking man with blonde hair and blue eyes.Nansu barely came up to his shoulder, "her black hair was cut short like a mans and was worn slicked back."


    Chael immediately cut to the chase."You here about the attack?"


    Pon nodded, "something we are working on might be related, so we thought it was worth the trip to ask a few questions."


    Nansu pulled a bag out of her inventory and then dumped its contents on the ground."It''s a wolf, or at least he started out as one."


    The creature was about four feet long, its legs were bent awkwardly in a position that meant it walked upright.It had heavily muscled shoulders and possessed clawed hands instead of paws.Its upper canines extended below its jaws by a few inches.


    Nix rolled the carcass over, the bones on its ribcage looked like they''d been heavily reinforced."Did they exhibit signs of intelligence?"


    Nansu shook her head, "not really. They attacked like a wolfpack, it only took three of them to kill our Main tank."


    A flash of brown and three beasts jumped at them from the rocks, all three were wrapped in strands of fire before they managed to close the distance.Wind vanished suddenly while Pon took a step back and faced the opposite direction.


    Nix managed to hold six strands on the three beasts while Chael fired off arrows into them.An explosion followed by miserable howls and the smell of burnt fur permeated the area.


    Pon and Wind had killed four of the beasts, while Chael and Nix killed three.


    Chael gave Nix a nod of approval."A CC class?That''s awesome."


    Nix pointed to the three that had attacked first."These were the smaller weaker ones, sent in as a diversion."


    Pon kicked one of the ones he had roasted, the four that had come in from behind were easily double the size."When did you pick up the sixth strand Nix?The flame quality is better too, super-heated."


    He shrugged noncommittally."A person with a talent for fire has been helping me."He knelt next to the largest beast.


    [Do you wish to skin the Wolfman?]


    "Yes."Nix skinned all seven beasts and then turned back toward his group. "I''d call this bad."


    [Seven Pristine Enhanced Wolfman Pelts have been added to your inventory.]


    He held up the pelt for Nansu to inspect. "Magically enhanced, that means it isn''t some mutation."


    She looked at the other pelts as well, "they all have the exact same enhancement, impossible to occur naturally."


    A movement in the distance caused Nix to summon his Manta and fly south.He pushed his Aviente to top speed and drew his rifle.Aiming carefully he fired shot after shot at the fleeing figure.It disappeared in a flash of light.


    Nix was already on the ground and inspecting when the others arrived.He knelt next to a rock with a single drop of blood on it.


    Pon smiled when he saw it, "I''ll get Semmi."


    Wind looked at the drop of blood and then back at Nix."Nice shooting."


    Nansu and Chael had finally caught up, they shared a manta between them and were forced to ride double.The alchemist shook her head at Nix, "are all the white mantas that fast?It''s like the rest of us were walking."


    Wind looked at the white manta and then back at his."You always have nice things."


    It took about an hour for Pon to return with Semmi.She had her white fox pet in her arms and sat her down next to the drop of blood.It immediately started moving inland.


    They followed Tilde from the air, the animal moved easily through and over every type of terrain with ease.It stopped in a canyon about eighty miles from where they started.


    The group landed together while Semmi picked up her pet.She soothed it quietly, "She''s really scared, we should get some backup."


    "F*ck us."Chael was looking at the canyon they were in, lined on both sides were dozens of the Wolfmen.A single man stood among them, he was dressed in animal hides and wore a wolf mask.


    "Come closer to me, but don''t make any sudden moves."Nix activated his Sea-Beast bracelet.


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [No Sea-Beasts have been located.]


    [80 ineligible Wolfmen, already tamed.]


    [7 ineligible Tree frogs]


    [14 ineligible Field Mice.]


    The Wolfmen leaped from the canyon walls, tearing toward them much faster than a two-legged beast should run.


    "Grab onto me."Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Sea-World.


    A moment later all five of them appeared on the beach.Immediately Nix raised both hands in front of him, "the inhabitants of this place are under my protection."


    Shae was sitting on Soup wearing only her bodysuit while the turtle paddled through the shallow surf.There were several Aquarions in sight, most of them appeared to be relaxing.All four of Nix''s companions froze, they had heard his words but they hadn''t quite understood.


    Pon was the first to move, He ran toward Shae instantly recognizing her,"SHAE!"The Salamander smiled when she saw the old fire mage.He hugged her tight while saying her name."I was so worried!"


    Wind approached also, but much more slowly."Freedom looks good on you."He had lobbied for her release on many occasions.


    Pon wiped his eyes after Shae finally pushed him away.He frowned at Nix, "you could have told me!"


    Nix shrugged, "You should have freed her."


    Both Pon and Wind stared at the ground, they both knew that they hadn''t done enough.


    It was Shae who lightened the mood."Hey! That''s in the past, this is my new place."


    Nix looked confused. "How do two players from Daybreakers know the Salamanders Fire Lord?"


    Pon''s old face broke into a smile. "I use to visit them, many fire mages did.Shae knows a lot about the flame."


    Wind nodded in agreement, "I would tag along, she is easy to talk to.Even for me."


    Zhava walked toward them, stopping a respectable distance away."Mina is back Nix."


    "Oh okay, thanks Zhava."He glanced at Chael and Nansu, both of them seemed shocked beyond speech."There''s a rebel faction of Aquarions that are fighting for the right to co-exist peacefully with humans.They are called the Souza Accord, these are their members."


    Pon took a deep breath."I''ve decided Nix, I''m with you on this.If I need to take a leave of absence from Daybreakers, then I will."


    Wind nodded, "Same."


    "Check this out Pon!"Shae floated in the air and erupted into flames, only her head, hands and feet were on fire.Her red bodysuit remained unharmed, although it glowed brightly.


    Pon clapped his hands, "Did Nix make that?"


    Shae nodded, "He''s made me a few other things as well."


    Nix looked around and discovered that Semmi hadn''t moved, she was standing on the beach, holding her head in her hands while she cried.


    Shae floated down and extinguished her flames."Sem... don''t cry like that."


    Nix watched while the Salamander consoled her friend.He left them there to catch up and went inside to talk to Mina.


    Mina was sitting on the couch when he entered, she was wearing her normal black leather gear.He briefed her on the events of the past twenty-four hours.


    She looked troubled by the story. "You are sure there were 80 tamed beasts?"


    Nix nodded, "that''s four-times what I can hold in my stable."


    "Eighty tamed beasts makes him the same level asan Elder Matriarch."


    "We were about to get eaten."Nix was watching her expressions, at first, he had difficulty reading Aquarions, until he knew what to look for."There''s more right?"


    "This ability to enhance the beasts in his stable, only the Elder Matriarchs are capable of that."


    "The only Sea-Beasts I know that can battle his on land are Salt Water Crocs."Nix also knew what their weakness would be, lack of speed and mobility.Nothing like the super-fast hit and run wolfmen.


    "I have an idea, but we have to get you to the fifth floor of Mermaid City."


    Nix smiled at her and leaned back on his comfortable couch."Let''s do that then."

 Chapter 26 Fifth Floor

    Semmi and Zhava walked in together, the Salamander scout smiled in appreciation."This is quite the upgrade you''ve been hiding Nix."


    Nix didn''t reply. "How is the Fourth Stage''s 2nd floor looking?"


    Semmi sighed in frustration, "impossibly difficult."


    "This is Mina, a friend, and an ally of mine."


    Semmi greeted the Aquarion, her face showed none of the nervousness that other humans had shown when first introduced."So Mr. Nix.You seem to be hiding a few things.Shae Balefire, the rebel faction of Aquarions.What else are you harboring in your secret Sea Lair?"


    "Turtles, Manta eggs and women''s underwear."


    "That is curious.Don''t you make men''s underwear also?"


    "Just for myself."Nix gestured toward Mina, "she''s taking me to the fifth floor of Stage four."


    Mina pursed her lips, "how''s your level Nix?"


    "Locked at 50," Nix teased her with a smile, "I''ll tell you what the fifth floor looks like when I see it."


    "You''ll need a strong guild to take on Mermaid City."Semmi returned his smile, "I can guild you right here."


    Nix opened the Guild hud interfaced and applied for a new guild.He paid the 5 million credit fee and named it, ''Inferno.''"No thanks."


    Semmi wasn''t surprised to see him start his own guild.Nix was hard to predict. "I can come as a guest player if you like."


    "Maybe next time."Nix stood up and headed toward the door, "I''ll be ready in a few minutes, just have to return everyone."


    Pon and Wind were still talking with Shae.They both asked to remain at the Sea World for the time being.


    Nansu had to be pulled away from one of the Aquarion herbalists that were planting seeds."Can I come back?That herbalist Fajii knows all about sea medicines."


    "This must be kept a secret Nansu."


    Nansu was standing next to Chael, they both nodded in reply.After spending time with both of them, Nix realized they were an item.


    "We won''t say anything Nix."Nansu held up a bag she had received for Fajii, "I''m going home to plant these."


    [Nansu has sent you a friend request.]


    [Chael has sent you a friend request.]


    "Fine, I usually drop off items at Shana''s Boutique in Jenza every morning. If you are there I''ll bring you in."


    [Nansu is now your friend.]


    [Chael is now your friend.]


    Semmi grabbed his hand, her face serious."I won''t say anything to Junie, but you should."


    Nix shook his head, "this is enough for now."He activated Deep Blue and chose Jenza.After dropping them off he immediately returned to the Sea-World.


    By the time Nix returned to the cottage, Mina had geared up.She had removed the black outfit that she used to move around in human lands and was wearing the caster battle gear of Aquarions.


    "Tell me more about what we will face."


    "You don''t wish to bring anyone in with us?"Mina had been surprised to learn that he wouldn''t be taking any of his friends.


    "It''s not that I don''twant to bring my friends, the time isn''t right."


    "I have several points in Mermaid City saved onto Deep Blue.Since the slots were increased, I was able to add more."


    "Right, my Deep Blue came with a saved point that enabled both the Daybreakers and Salamander Guilds to move directly to the second floor."


    "We''ll be jumping three floors Nix, all the way to the end of the fifth.A single Matriarch stands between us and advancement."


    Nix whistled. "Can the two of us defeat a Matriarch?"


    "It will be difficult, she''ll have forty sea-beasts also.However, the enhanced Vilas should give us an edge.


    "What''s a Vila?"


    "It used to be a smaller version of the Salt-Water crocodile, however, an Elder Matriarch has enhanced them and purposefully set them loose on the God Path."


    Nix considered her words for a moment. "I thought there were strict rules regarding interference by the Elder Matriarchs?"


    "The God path is the human route that weaves in and out of Mermaid City.The God Path only uses copies of us to fight human progress.The Elders have managed to seed several areas with creatures that weren''t supposed to be there."


    Nix sighed heavily. "I''ve always wondered why the top guild is only on Stage Four."


    "This is why.There are six floors on Stage Four.The sixth floor itself is nothing but a race. If we are able to win, you will advance to the Fifth Stage which has seven floors."


    "The Artifact is at the end of the 12th Stage?"


    "Yes, your current strength is not enough to even consider it."


    Nix equipped his under armor and Malu Aquatic gear.He released his stable into the Sea World.It didn''t much matter to him, the turtles were friendly with him no matter what.He could always pick them up again later."Let''s give it a try then."


    Mina nodded and held out her hand, then activated her Deep Blue and chose Mermaid City Slot three.An instant later they disappeared from the Sea World and appeared over a platform in a large empty room.


    Nix glanced around, there were four hallways leading to the room they were in.He summoned Soup.


    Mina pointed toward the North hall."Down that hall is the Matriarch and end of the fifth floor.We want the South hall, those are where the Vilas are.


    Mina swam leisurely down the south corridor, to her surprise Nix had no problems keeping up, even though he wasn''t riding Soup.She pulled up just before they arrived at another room.


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    Nix didn''t have to pretend to be impressed.If the Vila had been a small crocodile at some point, then it had undergone major changes.Its legs were lengthened and ended in four webbed feet with terrifying claws. Its body and snout had been shortened quite a bit.Rows of razor-sharp teeth in a mouth that was nearly as wide as it was long.They were roughly the size of a large wolf, even the scaled body looked like it had been reinforced.


    Mina smiled at his reaction."The Elder Matriarch probably has something much more refined already, she trained these up and left them here."


    Nix returned her smile, "it''s not even my birthday."


    "Go ahead Nix."


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [80 Sea Beasts have been located.]


    [Type 1: Enhanced Vila: 80]


    Nix looked at the menu. "There''s eighty of them."


    "The Elder Matriarch would have emptied her stable here, just take your twenty, that will be enough to finish off this floor and take on the Beast Master."


    [Do you wish to Train the Available Sea-Beasts?]


    "Yes."


    The wait patiently while the progress bar moved, retraining beasts that had been tamed once seemed to go a bit faster than the first time.


    "I only have twenty beasts in my stable at this time, the Matriarch we are about to face will have forty."


    Mina nodded, "they will be standard sea-beasts though, nothing enhanced.There''s no telling what type of creature she''ll have."


    "Still, it will be forty against twenty, I don''t want you to get hurt, Mina."


    Mina lips curved in a smile, "it''s a necessary risk."


    [20 Sea-Beasts in the Area have been Tamed.]


    He chose the add to Stable option.


    [Level 1 Stable has 20/20 Occupants]


    "No."Nix removed the Ricoli artifact from his wrist and handed it to her."Time for our side to have an Aquarion Sea-Beast Master."


    "Nix..."Her pale eyes stared at him, her mouth opening and then closing in surprise.He was giving her a charged Ricoli artifact, the kind that only Matriarchs had access to."Thank you."


    "We''re allies, the stronger you are the better it is for me."Nix waited while she went through the activation process and then started training Vila.


    Mina stared at the access bar that only Matriarchs of her kind usually watched."Whenever you want to use it to retrain beasts, you just need to ask me."Unlike her, Nix didn''t need to be wearing the Ricoli artifact to use the Sea-Beasts to fight.


    "Thanks, I will do that if this Matriarch we are about to fight doesn''t have one."


    "Right!Of course, she''ll have one.Thank you, Nix!"


    A few minutes later they returned to the room they had initially ported into.They both summoned their stables.Nix couldn''t stop his heart from pounding, they were some scarey looking creatures.


    This time they headed down the North hall.


    "Together we have forty beasts, the Matriarch will also have that many.What kind of tactic do you favor Nix?"


    "You stay out of the battle and have your beasts defend me.I will also put mine in defense mode."


    Mina looked at him, her face showing concern."What about the Matriarch?"


    "Leave her to me, if it goes badly use Deep Blue to retreat and we''ll regroup back there."


    Mina knew that some of the humans in Colonial were immortals,so she went along with his plan."I''ve heard how terrifying your fire ropes are, I will be sure to watch carefully."


    "Um... right.Let''s gothen"


    [Command: Defend Nix]


    They stopped at the entrance to the room, the Matriarch was standing there by herself, none of her beasts had been summoned yet.


    Nix glanced at Mina, her face showed that she was also surprised.He flashed toward the Matriarch, she looked up just as six fire strands landed on her, two around her neck and two around each arm.She screamed soundlessly while her eyes reflected absolute horror.With six strands on her, she couldn''t move at all.Mina decided to set her beasts on her and the water clouded light red with blood as twenty Vilas tore into the Matriarch.It was over in less than a minute.


    Mina swam up to the Matriarch corpse and removed her Ricoli artifact, she handed it to Nix."You can handle a Matriarch by yourself."Her face showed her shock, "you may even match up with an Elder if her beasts were stabled."


    Nix slipped on the artifact and then pulled it off again immediately.


    "What''s the matter Nix?"Mina moved closer and picked up the artifact he had dropped.


    "There are beasts stored in that one, I can''t put it on until it''s emptied."


    Mina smiled, "fortune favors us then.We''ll take them back with us.


    Nix walked to the platform that had risen up out of the floor, he opened the small black chest.


    He made a face at Mina, "all fire gear.One katana, a pistol and a pair of boots."


    "Better change Mina, Salamander or the Daybreakers could be in the staging area."


    Mina nodded and quickly changed into her black gear with the hooded mask.She followed Nix through the exit.


    Colonial Message System: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to clear the fifth floor of Stage four in Mermaid City.All members of the raid will receive the Ring of Fire.


    Ring of Fire


    Ring: Unique


    Description: The effectiveness


    of fire-based skills has been


    doubled.


    Mina refused to put the ring on, she tossed it to Nix. "Want to clear six now?"


    Nix shook his head, "if it''s just a race, then I''ll come back with allies so we can maximize the clearance rewards."


    Mina nodded and held out her hand."Head back now?"


    Nix grabbed her hand and activated Deep Blue, then chose Sea-World."Yes, good job today.Let''s head home."

 Chapter 27 Settling Sea-World

    "I have her."Nix broke the news matter of factly."I know Salamander wants her back, but that will never happen."


    Jun Li stared at the man sitting in front of her desk at their Guild Hall."The Salamander Guild has been looking for her for weeks, we''ve expended thousands of manhours and countless resources trying to recover her."


    Nix shrugged, "the quicker you come to terms with her permanent departure, the easier it will be."


    "Nix, I have a board that I answer to.It''s an easy thing for them to remove me from this position."


    "Worthless... A small guild named Ravenous helps a wounded Fire Lord, then in an act of betrayal enslaves her, profits immensely and even dares calls itself Salamander."


    "Those weren''t my choices Nix! I wanted to make things better for her!"


    "I see,then you aren''t really the Guild Leader, are you?Just a very attractive figurehead who does what she''s told."


    Jun Li stared at her desk, her face pale.Semmi had told her much the same thing when they would argue.Since welcoming corporate sponsors, Ravenous had grown into the extremely powerful Salamander Guild. "There are huge penalties if I quit. What would you have me do?"


    Whatever Nix had been expecting, he didn''t think that Jun Li would put her head down on her own desk and cry."It''s quite easy.Get fired.Make the decisions you want until they''ve had enough and replace you.Corporations don''t understand the loyalty involved with fighting and raiding alongside someone."


    Semmi nodded, "it''s the way to go.I''m leaving the guild immediately and will wait for you. We started doing this for fun Junie." Semmi had grown up with Jun Li, she knew that the Corporate run Salamander Guild was slowly changing her. "Nix is on the sixth floor, he told me advancing to Stage five is merely one race away."


    "I should tell you the rest. The secret won''t last long anyway, no matter how careful we are.A rebel faction of Aquarions called the Souza Accord, have approached me."


    Nix explained the events of the past few days and how he was now harboring the entire Rebel Faction.Afterward, Jun Li was completely speechless.The Corporation behind Salamander wanted to make the Aquarions out to be monsters. Child abductions and regular raids on cities made that way too easy.


    Jun Li looked pale when she heard the news. "You have Aquarion allies?"


    Nix nodded. "Should I be restricted to a path where changing or rethinking past decisions isn''t allowed?"


    Semmi smiled at her friend."Come on Junie, let''s do it. No more logging off every night.We''ll purchase a three-year stasis package and play the way we want!"


    "You guys are dubs?"Nix didn''t have to pretend that he was surprised."Won''t a lot of your players follow you if you leave?"


    Jun Li frowned."Not really, I''ve been a dreadful bitch when under stress."


    Semmi laughed loudly, "that''s the cold hard truth."


    *************


    [Official Forum Announcement from the Salamander Guild]


    The Salamander Guild has discovered the existence of a rebel faction of Aquarions that have been fighting for the right to live peacefully with humans.Members of the Souza Accord have separated from their Aquarion brethren in the interest of pursuing peace and cooperation. Although we have been enemies in the past, Salamander feels that moving forward toward a peaceful existence is in the best interest of Colonial.


    ***********


    Within an hour of the release of the statement, all the officers of Salamander had been removed and replaced.Salamander issued a statement retracting what Jun Li had posted and quickly distanced themselves as the entire Colonial forum overloaded with questions.


    Salamander was forced to give Jun Li and Semmi a sizeable severance package.The only member of Salamander that followed them was Saintess, the guild''s top cleric.The three women waited for Nix at the Jenza gate, they spotted him a few minutes later leading a small group.


    Semmi waved to get his attention."Looks like he picked up some additional help."


    Nix smiled when he saw Jun Li, he was being followed closely by Nansu, Chael, Banza, Gypsy-Rose, and Ronnie. The three Daybreakers had put in for leave-of-absence, while the two members of Vesuvius had deguilded. "You are looking much better Junie."


    Jun Li felt her face turn red, only Semmi called her that.The truth was the moment she was removed as guild leader, she had felt better than she had in months."Thank you, I feel good."


    They all joined hands and Nix activated Deep Blue before choosing the Sea World.


    *********


    Mina sat with Pon and Shae on the beach while watching the sea creatures play in the ocean.Once a sea creature was tamed and turned loose, it would no longer act aggressively, unless directed to do so.There was something odd about watching the Vilas run playfully through the surf.The Ricoli artifact that had been picked up on the fifth floor contained dolphos.They bore a close resemblance to dolphins, the biggest difference was the mind-numbing sonic attacks they were capable of.They were incredibly rare, for a Matriarch to have twenty of them was very dangerous.


    Mina turned as the sudden crowd that appeared near the cottage."Nix is back."


    Nix noticed Shae staring at Junie, but he had decided not to get involved.The Salamander stomped up toward the new arrivals and promptly grabbed the shocked woman before flying her off to the recently formed caves high above the ground.


    Semmi didn''t seem bothered by it."They''ll sort it out properly."


    "So many new visitors Nix."Mina was wearing her black gear, she knew that her human allies were more comfortable around her because of it.


    "Right, some new faces.This is Mina, from the Souza Accord.Mina the new faces are Banza, Gypsy-Rose, and Saintess.


    The Daybreaker cleric smiled in greeting, "just call me Rose."


    Saintess nodded and made a similar comment, "Tess is fine for me.


    Ronnie sighed when she saw Pon and Wind."I tried to talk Sharl into coming, just give her some time."


    Pon put an arm around her shoulders, "she''ll come around.She approved our leave quick enough."


    Nix took a look around the beach.''Any ideas on what we should do for housing?"


    "We should buy a wharf."Nansu was scanning the nearby Aquarions for her friend Fajii."There''s a whole community of people in Hispana that live on houseboats.Some of the houseboats are pretty nice."


    Nix liked the idea, housing was definitely an issue. "How do you transport a houseboat?"


    "You buy them in a bottle initially, then launch them by placing the bottle in the water."Nansu had watched one being launched, it was amazing. "They''re kinda spendy, the cheaps ones are around eight million credits, while the more expensive ones can run up to fifty million."


    Nix wasn''t worried about the cost, "I''ll give everyone who has joined us five million toward the purchase of one."


    "Me and Chael can go with you, I wanted to pick up some locally grown herbs.You can purchase wharves also, but they are quite expensive."


    Chael made a face when he remembered the cost."Around five hundred million credits for a good wharf.It comes in a huge crate that can travel through portals."


    "Thanks, Nansu, I''ll take you up on your offer."


    ****************


    "Everything good now Shae?"


    After briefing everyone on the events of the fifth floor, Nix had guilded everyone except the Daybreakers.Shae had brought back Jun Li just as they were finishing up.The former Salamander guild leader looked like she had been crying, but apparently, things were better.


    Shae smiled sweetly, smoothing her red dress while she walked beside him.Several people stared at her when they walked by.That was due mostly to her being very attractive."Yes of course.I can be very magnanimous."


    Nix chuckled, "nice word."Everyone had decided to come along to Hispana. Shae had claimed his arm and was enjoying a stroll through the Hispana Market.


    The shop that sold houseboats had an impressive stock.They also sold ships and boats of every size. Before leaving the Sea-World, Nix had transferred five million credits to the ten members of his raid force.Some of them had already decided to double up in order to get something nicer.


    Nix spent five hundred million credits on a wharf. It had twenty berths for boats, but more could be added later if needed.He also spent fifty-three million credits on a three-level, sixty-foot houseboat. He had only planned on spending around fifteen, but while he was reading the amenities, he decided to splurge.The Shop would deliver the wharf crate to the city portal, from there the responsibility of moving it was Nix''s.


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    The wharf was a simple ''T'' design.It extended out two hundred feet from the shore and then extended left and right for a hundred feet.There were five berths on either side of both short legs.Many of the Aquarions had come ashore out of curiosity.


    The wharf was equipped with docking ropes and lights.Out of courtesy, they had left the nearest berth empty for Nix, but the rest of them had become first come first serve.Pon and Nix were the only ones who hadn''t doubled up.Semmi, Tess and Jun Li were the only ones who had tripled.


    "Not going to put yours in yet Nix?"Zhava had been watching everyone place their houseboats.Semmi, Tess and Jun Li had the biggest.


    "Guess I will."Nix walked down the wharf, it was anchored into the ground, so there wasn''t any sway.Semmi was standing on her houseboat watching him.


    "Finally going to show us what you got Nix?"Semmi called over Tess and Jun Li to watch."With all the credits you spent on that wharf, I bet you went cheap."


    Nix didn''t say anything, he knelt in the middle of the craft berth and placed the bottle in the water.He ignored the gasps of surprise as the houseboat slowly took form.The deciding factor in getting this one had been the hot tub on the third deck."Yeah, don''t hate the Underwear King."

 Chapter 28 Aquarion Alchemis

    The sound of the sea had lulled Nix to sleep, even though he had been busy planning the next day in his head.One moment he was wide awake and the next he was sleeping peacefully face down on his pillow. The bed on the third level of his new houseboat was King Sized and quite comfortable. Something pulled him slowly out of his slumber. He sat up in bed, the Sea-World''s moon lit up the back deck of his boat nicely.


    She sunk deeper into the water of the hot tub when he opened the sliding door leading to the back deck.He caught a glimpse her pale back before the Aquarion hid in the bubbles.


    Her hair was braided in a complex system that went well with her white hair.This was the same braid that Nansu wore, so Nix assumed it was the Alchemist that Nansu spent so much time with.Since he slept in shorts, he slid into the water, sighing contently while sinking up to his chin."I''m Nix, we really haven''t been formally introduced."


    The Aquarion didn''t seem embarrassed or shy."I''m Fajii."


    "You do realize this is my boat, the place where I''m going to be staying."


    Fajii nodded, "the bubbles called to me."


    Nix laughed."Did they?I can see now that this isn''t your fault."


    Again Fajii nodded, "how come the other sea homes don''t have bubbles?"


    "It cost too many credits."


    The Aquarion''s pale eyes watched him, "having them is better."


    "Do you have a swimsuit Fajii?I guess I haven''t learned much about Fajii anatomy."


    "Like the dark girl?Her''s is very pretty." Her face showed that she was interested, she had admired Ronnie''s swimsuit."I''m always in the water so my clothes are suited for that, but the bubbles are different."


    "I can make you one just for the hot tub."


    [You have sent Fajii a friend request.]


    [Fajii is now your friend.]


    Fajii smiled and nodded."I''ll give you something nice tomorrow."


    "Since you don''t need the underwater breathing features, we aren''t limited to color.Do you have a preference?"


    Fajii stared at him for a long moment before answering."The Fire Lord''s clothes."


    "You want red?Very bold."


    Since the swimsuit was simple, it only took a few minutes.


    Swimsuit: Red [Aquarion]


    Description: A Sleek one-piece


    swimsuit that is both comfortable


    and stylish.Custom made for Fajii.


    Crafted by Nix.


    She stood up after trying it on.Nix hadn''t bothered to think about the difference between Aquarions and humans. She looked very good in red, her lean muscles rippled beneath her pale skin.


    "I like it," she proclaimed before sitting back down.


    Nix stifled a yawn and stood up."I need to get some sleep.Big day tomorrow."


    A few feet away three women were ducked down behind the rail of their houseboat.Tess had her hand out."I win, pay up."


    Semmi transferred the credits to her, "I thought we were about to witness a historical moment."


    Jun Li looked back at the Aquarion that was still sitting in Nix''s hot tub."Everything works the same way right?"


    Tess and Semmi looked at each other and then shrugged.


    **********


    Tess, Rose, Banza, Wind, Pon, Ronnie, Chael, Jun Li, Semmi, and Nansu were all fitted for new Enhanced Aquatic gear that was a hybrid between the Black Sea Turtle Under Armor and the Malu Aquatics.Nix had designed it to be worn under armor or by itself, which is what he preferred. Nansu wouldn''t be part of the normal raid force, but for closing out the fourth stage Nix decided to bring the alchemist along; since the rewards were likely to be substantial.


    "You sure you don''t need me to come?"Mina had been busy helping her people with the construction of their village.She spent a good portion of her day traveling to human cities and purchasing things from vendors.


    "No worries, since I''ve finished the fifth floor, I''ll be able to access the sixth floor directly from the staging area."Nix wanted to limit Mina''s exposure to human areas until more people got used to the ideas of Aquarion allies.


    They held hands in a circle and Nix activated Deep Blue.A moment later they appeared in the staging area of Stage four.There was already a group there.


    Jun Li sighed when she saw who they were, "it''s Salamander of course."


    Semmi noticed right away the person running things."They brought Shank in to run the guild?I wonder how much that cost them."


    Nix glanced over at theSalamander guild but didn''t say anything."Who is Shank?"


    Jun Li scowled at the name, "he''s an eighty level sharpshooter, or at least he was.Those two bitches that shadow him are in the same boat."


    Nix felt that all three were very dangerous."Explain please."


    Jun Li nodded and explained. "Shank and the twins are dps. There''s a high-level raid in Hispana that features a whirlwind obstacle.By now all the guilds know to go around, going through the whirlwind route costs you two levels."


    Nix nodded as he understood."So the three of them went through multiple times in order to come back to fifty."


    "Correct, and you end up losing your gear unless you took all of it off beforehand."


    Nix was tempted to turn his Vilas loose on them, but he held himself back."What sort of advantage will they have over normal fifty level players?"


    Jun Li kept a straight face, in reality, Nix was a complete noob to gaming."At level 60, once your skills are maxed out, you gain modifiers at each level. Those modifiers stay regardless if you lose a few levels."


    "Let''s go."Nix summoned Soup and sat comfortably on his back while moving slowly to the entrance to the sixth floor.


    They appeared a moment later above the platform on the sixth floor.Nix held up his hand."No one leaves the platform yet."


    Mina had told him that the sixth floor is really just a race, it was why he had been upgrading and customizing gear all morning.Sooner or later his true strength would be known. He wasn''t on par with the Beast Master, but he could definitely shock some people."Nansu you will ride Soup and head down the middle hall with Chael and me.Junie, you take the right hall with Tess, Wind, and Semmi.Pon that leaves you Ronnie, Rose, and Banza.It starts when we leave the platform, we arestrictly racing the clock."


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    Ronnie smiled at him, "what will you give me if I beat you?"


    Nix returned the archers smile, "nothing.The faster we go, the better the reward.Everyone ready?"


    Ronnie stuck her tongue out at him. "Last one there has to host a cook-out on the wharf."


    Nix nodded in agreement."Go!"


    A flash of blue and Nix as gone, he moved down the center hall staying close to the floor while looking for obstacles.There were objects placed in their paths as the halls twisted and turned at odd angles.In the center hall, Nix was staying ahead of soup, with all his item enhancements he was a match for her on a course with obstacles.Nansu was cheering Soup on, while Chael was steadily losing ground on both of them.


    In the right Hall, Wind was steadily pulling away.He was the only one in that group with the Aquarion Badge. The left hall race was high contested, no one held the advantage so that race had become a dead heat.


    Mina had been right, the sixth floor was mostly a bonus floor. The real challenge in Stage four had been the fifth-floor Matriarch and the Vilas that had been seeded by the elders.


    There was no chest for the end of the sixth floor, just a bunch of smiling friends ribbing the former Salamanders, who had all been a bit slower.


    Jun Li had known about the Aquarion badges, so she had figured they would be trailing everyone.


    Tess shrugged it off like a good sport."Guess we are cooking tonight!"


    They exited together, Salamander was in shambles, trying to recover from a complete wipe.


    Colonial Message System: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to clear the Sixth floor of Stage Four and advance to Stage five.All members of the raid will receive a +20 modifier to the skill or ability of their choice.


    Semmi whistled, "oh my, that is nice."


    "Careful... here comes trouble." Jun Li was watching as her former guild walked towards them, there were sixty of them in the staging area."One of them is streaming."


    Nix moved to the front of the group."Spread out, don''t make a move unless I do."


    Shank was a lean, dark-haired man who wore his hair in a topknot and sported dual pistols at his waist.On either side of him were exceptionally attractive blonde twins, they were both sword wielders and looked to be geared toward speed and dps. The sharpshooter approached them, all of his guild watching."How did a bunch of traitors manage to get to Stage Five."


    Nix ignored him and smiled at the twin on the left."I''m Nix. You''re the older one right?"


    The blond stole a glance at her sister and then nodded."How did you know that?"


    "The older twin is always the prettier one."


    She tried to hide it, but a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth.


    "Perhaps you don''t realize the situation you are in."Shank sneered at him, angry at being ignored.


    [You''ve been challenged to a Guild Battle. Do you accept?]


    Nix laughed loudly."F*ck, you''re a brave bastard.Challenging the eleven of us with only sixty people."Nix summoned all 20 of his Vilas."I accept!"


    [Command: Defend Me]


    Nix put six flame strands on Shank as he was pulling his pistols, he dropped both of them onto the ground, screaming in agony, the thick fire strands burning into his skin."Feel the love shithead!"


    Both twins moved toward him at once, Nix swam upward dragging the screaming Shank with him.The twins were intercepted by a handful of Vilas who coordinated their attacks and took them down easily.Blood filled the water as the Vilas started to frenzy.He quickly sectioned them off in groups of four and assigned them defense.


    [Command: Defend Nansu]


    [Command: Defend Saintess]


    [Command: Defend Gypsy-Rose]


    [Command: Attack Shank ]


    [Command: Attack Shank ]


    Shank died miserably in the jaws of the Vilas, howling in anger while returning to his binding point.In only a few minutes, all of Salamander had been wiped out, with the exception of a healer named Philoe.Philoe had been the one tasked with streaming, he hadn''t been attacked since he wasn''t taking part.


    Nix smiled at Philoe who was still streaming."You picked the wrong side shithead."


    [Command: Attack Philoe]


    [Your Sea-Beast Master skill has improved to level 2]


    [You can now stable 25 Beasts.]


    The last thing Philoe streamed was twenty Vilas tearing into him while he screamed in terror.


    Nix glanced at Ronnie who was staring at him opened mouthed."Will they come back?"


    Ronnie shook her head, "they lost a guild challenge and so can''t revive for an hour."


    "Oh, I see..."Nix noticed all the gear on the ground."What about the gear then?"


    Ronnie finally snapped out of her surprise."It''s all ours, challenging and accepting Guild fights can be crippling."


    Semmi nodded while she began looting. "Every person forfeits two items, usually weapons."


    "Holy shit Nix."Ronnie moved closer, her dark face flashing a smile at him."We wiped out Salamander!"


    Pon was standing next to Wind, they both had their arms crossed in front of him."Care to share what just happened Nix?"Pon had faced Matriarchs in the past, he knew exactly what that skill was.


    "I possess the Sea-Beast Master Skill.It gives me the ability to train and control water creatures."


    Jun Li was watching him carefully."How come you can train the Sea-Beast skill?"


    "I managed to steal a charged artifact meant for one of the future Matriarchs."It sounded a bit thin to Nix.The artifact should have been a ''mount trainer'' only in his hands.He suspected that the Gladis Corporation had inadvertently aided him when they had illegally enhanced their lifestyle players.


    No one else said anything, they finished looting and then returned to the Sea-World.He had Jun Li and Semmi prepare a statement for the forums. After they logged off tonight, they would return as 3-year term stasis players.

 Chapter 29 Burning Bridges

    Official Forum Statement: Inferno


    Many of you have heard the news that we at Inferno uncovered. There is an artifact that can change the gender of unborn Aquarion babies.Our allies in the Souza Accord have been working with us as we investigate this matter fully.Recently we have discovered the location of this artifact, it is the mission of Inferno and the Souza Accord to permanently destroy this device.


    Jun Li smiled at her friend and posted the statement.As promised they had used their severance package from Salamander to purchase a three-year stasis package.A large company called Neuron was one of the most popular and reliable stasis companies.They would handle investments, send you regular updates on the world events and even transfer your game credits into real-world assets if you wanted.


    Semmi glanced at the time, in thirty minutes a driver from Neuron would arrive and bring them to the stasis facility.The entire process would take less than an hour.Both of them had already given Neuron their log-on and gaming information so that their pods could access their Colonial avatars.


    ***********


    Nix put the sixth strand on her, she smiled encouragingly.


    "It''s actually very pleasant Nix."Shae had no issues moving while being held, she was too strong."See if you can hold it!"She focused and waves of heat pushed away from her, each hotter and stronger than the last,the flame strands began to increase in thickness.


    Nix''s eyes had turned into twin suns, the salamander bodysuit glowed as his aura lit up.He gritted his teeth, blood running down his chin while he focused.


    Pon was watching them off to one side, he had already guessed that the strands were related to Shae.If Nix ever decided to walk the path of the fire, he would most likely stand at the top of fire mages.The old mage smiled when a seventh strand began to form, instead of shooting toward the Salamander it hovered for a moment and then split into two separate strands, both of them wrapping around Shae''s arm.


    Shae nodded in approval."You may be part Salamander Nix.Well done!"She broke the strands by absorbing them, Nix collapsed to his knees gasping for air.


    Nix looked up at her while trying to catch his breath."Not long ago, that would have come in extremely handy."


    She slipped her red dress over the salamander suit that she wore."I want to talk to you about something Nix."


    He nodded and followed her as she walked toward her caves.She slipped a hand through his arm just like she always did.


    "I''m going to enter metamorphosis for a while Nix. It''s how we elementals improve ourself."


    Nix glanced up at the caves, she had taken him there earlier.Shae had made quite a lair above them all."Is this safe?"


    Shae shook her head, "I will be quite vulnerable during this time. Normally only mated elementals would even dare try it. One would stand guard while the other goes through the process."


    "No one comes to Sea-World without me letting them in.It will be inconvenient, but I will confiscate Mina''s access key until you are finished."


    Shae smiled and nodded."Thank you, Nix, last time I attempted it I was attacked by a Water Lord."She moved close and kissed him."Should only be a few days, but it can last up to a few weeks."


    "Don''t worry about anything, you''ll be safe here."


    Shae didn''t say anything else, she floated upward and entered her caves, leaving Nix staring skyward.


    He found Mina in the Cottage, unlike her kin she enjoyed living and sleeping on land."I''m going to need your Deep Blue bracelet for a period of time.If you need to run an errand, I will be more than happy to take you."


    Mina nodded and handed him the bracelet.She didn''t ask why he wanted it, nor did he volunteer any more information.


    Nix walked into the living room and took a seat on the couch.The Aquarion leader was the only one currently staying in the cottage.Everyone else was enjoying life on the wharf."I want to start looking for Alpha again.He couldn''t have disappeared."


    Since the last time they saw him in Broyan, the only lead they had was the outlaw city of Kryn.A man wearing a wolf mask had been seen there. The coastal city was avoided by everyone except hardened criminals and people looking for hardened criminals.Assassin''s for hire, thievery, whatever you needed doing. Kyrn was the place you went to hire bad people, even law enforcement stayed away.


    "Could I see your hooded mask Min?"Nix opened his inventory and chose a sturdy black cloth, after exploring different options, he had discovered that if he placed an item in one of the enhancement slots, he could duplicate it.If he did that while using his own name in the first slot, he could copy it to his own specifications.


    "Sure,"Mina handed him the item he asked for."Thank you for making me all the clothes, you do amazing work."


    Since Mina spent a lot of time in human cities and out of the water, Nix had designed several outfits that helped mask her identity."We''re allies."


    The Aquarion nodded in agreement, "that''s your answer whenever I thank you for something."


    Nix duplicated the hood and then handed it back to her."Because it''s true."


    Mina pursed her lips slightly, "Nix... I saw Fajii wearing a very nice outfit that you made."


    "Hmm?Do you mean the swimsuit?"


    Mina nodded, "yes, that''s what she called it.Would it be too much trouble..."She didn''t finish her sentence.


    "You want one?What color?''


    Mina considered it for a moment, "the same as your eyes, if possible I''d like the two-piece one."


    "Sure Min."He didn''t have any yellow cloth, but by adding red and green cloth to the enhancement blocks, he could adjust the fabric color to something very close to yellow.


    Swimsuit: Yellow [Aquarion]


    Description: A Sleek bikini


    swimsuit that is both comfortable


    and stylish.Custom made for Filamina.


    Crafted by Nix.


    **************


    Kryn didn''t have a city portal, the quickest way for Nix to get there was by using the portal to Cella and then taking his Manta the rest of the way.He pushed his Aviante to top speed, staying close to the ground.Lots of people had Mantas nowadays, but everyone knew who owned the white one.


    He stowed the mount just after the city came into view and switched to a black one.The black mantas were slowest, but they were also the most aggressive.If he were to be attacked while riding, the black manta would most likely defend him.No one rode them because they were uncommonly stubborn, they always died during conventional taming.


    The city of Kryn was a sprawling assortment of one-story buildings.Given its proximity to the forest, nearly every building was made of wood.A steady ocean breeze brought a wide assortment of unpleasant odors coming from the settlement.The city itself was separated from the rest of Broyan by a river that gave it the same characteristics of an island and was only accessible by three long wooden bridges.


    While under the pretense of watering his manta, Nix released his stable and quickly placed them all in the water beneath the middle bridge.


    He pulled his mask over his face and rode the black manta toward the first bridge.It was a steady structure with huge wooden beams sunk deep into the river''s muddy bottom.The beams were as thick as a man''s waist and coated with pitch to protect against the elements.Nix chuckled when he saw them,super-dry timbers coated with pitch (Pine Tar), a fire-starters wet-dream.


    He moved under the bridge to block the view of anyone watching and shot out eight strands onto the two closest beams. He only needed to keep them in place for a minute before beautiful orange flames licked their way up to the main structure.


    He rode past the middle bridge and then repeated the process on the far one.He was riding fast, high-above Mainstreet, before the flames were visible.While scouting Kryn he had targeted a group of wood buildings close together.He landed on the roof, at the place where they came together and once again sent his fire strands onto dry wood.By this time, cries of alarm had arisen from the city.Two of the bridges leading into town were on fire.


    Nix rode his manta high into the air and moved back toward the middle bridge.There was no law enforcement in Kryn, by the same token, there weren''t any firefighters either.The fire spread quickly in all directions.Since half the people in town were pirates, the docks were immediately congested with people trying to board their ships and leave. The fire raged toward them, the smart criminals abandoned their plans and swam for it.


    The yellow-eyed man watched as the flames grew higher.There was a reason that he had left one bridge untouched.Had he set it on fire, then everyone would have immediately swum across the river.Since it wasn''t, people grabbed what they could carry and ran for the bridge.


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    No one on the bridge was moving quickly, it was only about thirty feet wide and not meant for the fast exit of five thousand people carrying their valuables.


    He spotted him way faster than expected, walking down the middle of the bridge and wearing his wolf mask.Nix smiled and dived his Manta toward the bridge, "found you, shithead."

 Chapter 30 Crafted Mask

    [Command: Attack My Target]


    Twenty Vila came up out of the water, instead of running around to the riverbank they scampered up the thick bridge beams like spiders, claws gouging into the hard timber as the moved upward toward the man with the wolf mask.


    Nix pulled his rifle and took aim before firing repeatedly, his Aviente stopped a hundred feet off the ground and hovered in place.The crowd around the masked man instantly scattered, some people going as far as to jump off the bridge to avoid the gunfire.


    He tried to turn and run back toward town, but the push of people rushing out caused him to give up immediately. He ran toward the rail just as the first Vila leaped onto the bridge. A moment of panic saw him try to summon his beasts but instead the nightmarish creature clamped onto his face and bore him to the ground.His screams were drowned out by the vicious growls of a half dozen predators tearing him to pieces.


    Nix landed immediately.


    [Command: Defend Me]


    The Vila surrounded him when he dismounted, right away that created an empty space around him.No one wanted anything to do with the beasts surrounding Nix.He pulled the mask off the man, he was average looking and could have easily passed for a college kid.A partially severed forearm had a familiar-looking device on it.


    Nix picked it up and examined it for a moment."Not good."He stepped back onto his mount and quickly gained altitude.Kryn, the docks and most of the ships were now ablaze.The flames reaching hundreds of feet into the air.He headed along the coast, away from the flames. After a few minutes, he landed and activated Deep Blue.


    There was a small crowd of Aquarions huddled around the cottage when Nix appeared among them a few moments later.Zhava''s thin face smiled pleasantly at him when he approached.


    "The Aviante has hatched Nix."Zhava was kneeling on the sand, pulling bits of eggshell off of the slimy white manta.


    Nix stepped forward and picked it up gently before walking toward the surf."Going to do you a solid by cutting down the sand travel a bit."Although mantas could thrive on land and sea, they usually hatched either in or very close to the water.He knelt down and held it in the surf, slowly its tiny wings began to flap as it moved towards deeper water.


    All the Aquarions were smiling excitedly, apparently, the hatching of an Aviante was a good omen.


    Nix caught the Aquarion leader''s eye when he turned back toward the cottage."Need to talk Min."


    Mina nodded and followed him back to the cottage.She was wearing the two-piece swimsuit he had made her.She closed the door behind her and took a seat on the couch."You seem troubled Nix."


    "Just a bit."He sat the device and the wolf mask on the table in front of her.


    "You found him?"Min picked up the artifact and then froze in place.


    Beast Master Bracer


    Enables the training of


    the Beast Master Skill and


    may be used as a stable for


    twenty beasts. Custom made


    for Zenic.


    20/20 Enhanced Wolfmen


    Crafted by Alpha


    If Aquarions cursed, Nix would have expected to hear it now.Min''s teeth were clenched and her brows were furrowed.


    "Nix...This is being crafted by someone."


    "It would seem that way,"Nix agreed."My question would be, how many has he made?"


    "The materials to make the Ricoli artifact are quite rare, I have to assume that this is also the case for the Land-Beast version."


    "What if it''s not?"Nix turned over the wolf mask and examined it.Then he handed it to Mina.


    Wolf Mask


    Hides the identity of


    the wearer.Provides heightened


    night awareness. Custom


    made for Zenic


    Crafted by Opaz


    "It provides another clue."Mina handed it back. "Is that a tailored mask?"


    "Yes,"Nix added it to the enhancement slot and then chose himself for the first block. "Opaz used a standard wolf pelt for the material.Let''s see what it does with an enhanced wolfman pet."


    "Can you tell the level of Opaz''s tailoring skills?"


    He didn''t need to make the recipe first since he already had an example.The recipe would be made automatically once the first one finished."It''s high, but that isn''t the troublesome part."


    Enhanced Wolfman Mask


    Enables Nightvision, enhanced


    hearing and +5 to all stats.


    Custom Made for Nix.


    Crafted by Nix.


    Mina watched him carefully, unlike other humans, he didn''t often show emotions.She could see surprise and fear in his eyes."What is the troublesome part?"


    Nix frowned and slipped the mask on, instantly his entire demeanor changed to that of a predator. "That mask was made at the Gladis Hub."


    Mina walked with him out of the cottage.He hadn''t spoken since he took the mask off.She had no idea where the place he mentioned was, however, she understood it was somewhere he wanted to avoid.


    "Let''s talk about it later Min, I need to consider our options."


    Mina nodded, "could you bring me to Jenza in the morning?I want to pick up a few things."


    "Sure, you can tag along when I drop off the product line for the boutique."They parted at the wharf with a wave and Nix headed towards his houseboat.


    The wharf was a bit loud, in particular, there seemed to be a large amount of activity on his boat.Nix took the stairs up to the top level and shook his head in disbelief."Just make yourself at home guys."


    Pon, Wind, Ronnie, and Rose were all in his hot tub.Ronnie flashed her pretty smile at him, "the hot tub was a great idea Nix!"


    Nix nodded in agreement, "you should have got one yourself."


    She laughed at the face he made."Sharing is caring Nix!Besides, no one but you can even afford something like this."


    "Fine, enjoy yourselves.I need to sleep a bit."Nix opened the sliding glass door and closed it behind him.A moment later he collapsed silently on the bed.


    ***********


    Nix opened his eyes a few hours later, the sun had already set and most of the inhabitants had turned in for the night.A glance at the back deck told him that his hot tub was empty.He stared at the ceiling over his bed, there was no mistake.The Gladis Hub used certain threads that couldn''t be found anywhere in Colonial. The mask had been made with a camel-hair thread, it was the only animal hair thread in his inventory.It was one of many items that he had brought with him from the Gladis hub.


    The sliding door from his back deck slid open, an Aquarion with braided hair and a red one-piece swimsuit peeked in. She smiled tentatively, able to sense the serious atmosphere."May I come in?"


    Nix nodded and sat up on the bed."Feel free to use the hot tub Fajii."


    "Thank you."She moved closer and sat down, before handing him an object."I told you that I would bring you something nice."


    Nix whistled and took it from her hands.It was an enormous seashell covered in beautiful leopard-like markings.Out of habit, he held it up to his ear.


    Fajii cocked her head to one side."What are you doing?"


    "My people say that you can hear the sea when you put a shell up to your ear."


    Fajii laughed and shook her head. Her laugh was pretty, the kind that made you want to join in."That''s silly right?"


    "I suppose it is.This is a beautiful shell though.Thank you."


    Fajii looked pleased, "May I ask you something Nix?"


    "Go ahead."


    "I saw Chael and Nansu touching their mouths together while hugging.What were they doing?"


    Nix gave her a deadpan look, "feeding each other."


    Fajii''s pretty face seemed less confused."Oh, like a youngling."


    He chuckled and nodded, "just like that."


    "Why are you laughing Nix?"


    He smiled and shrugged at her. "No reason, suddenly I realized that you are very attractive."


    Fajii shook her head, "Among my people I am not considered pretty."


    "Really?Why is that?"


    Fajii held up her hand and spread her fingers wide showing her webbed fingers."It''s called shorthand, when the webbing ends at the first knuckle, Aquarion men find it unattractive."


    "I bet the added dexterity is quite handy for an alchemist."


    She turned her head and pointed to her ear."My ears are barely larger than yours."


    "Ears and hands are important in determining Aquarion beauty?"


    Fajii nodded, "very important."


    Nix slowly shook his head."I would call you a stunningly beautiful woman."


    Fajii looked down at her hands for a long moment, as if considering his words carefully."Those are very nice words.Thankyou for saying them."


    "It''s late, but you can stay if you like."


    Fajii had a small understanding of human nature, but she did understand the invitation.A small smile showed on her lips and her voice lowered to a whisper."Does everything work the same way?"


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    Nix chuckled at her expression. "Probably."

 Chapter 31 Safarza

    Nix dropped off the product as promised at the boutique.Mina tagged along and left right away to run some errands.They tentatively planned to meet at the portal platform in Jenza at noon.


    That gave him a chance to visit Hyai at the Kindled Spirit in Cyphix.Morning time at the inn was always a bit slow.They didn''t serve breakfast so generally the staff spent that time cleaning and prepping for the rest of the day.


    Hyai was carrying an enormous bucket of potatoes when he saw her, without any hesitation, he followed her into the kitchen and rolled up his sleeves.


    "Nix!"She set the bucket down on the kitchen counter and hugged him tightly.


    He sighed contently, there was something overwhelmingly warm about Hyai."You wash em and I''ll start peeling."


    Hyai raised an eyebrow, not sure if he was serious."Can you peel potatoes Nix?"


    "With my dexterity?Like a champ."


    He helped her in the kitchen most of the morning.They talked mostly about the rumors concerning Alpha."I''m not convinced that Alpha is some super-powerful person.It''s just as likely that he or she is a jeweler and nothing else."


    Hyai was slicing long thin strips of meat while Nix talked.They had long finished the potatoes and moved onto other things."This artifact you mentioned, if he had a dozen of them; What would he be able to do?"


    Nix whistled softly, "just about whatever he wanted to.It''s a quick strike army that could be inserted anywhere.I don''t even want to think about it."


    Colonial System Message: Portal connections to the continent of Broyan are temporarily out of service.


    Nix sat down the knife he had been using and looked at Hyai."Why would all the connections to Broyan portals be closed?"


    "A few years ago, the portal to Cella was closed when the city came under attack."


    "I''m going to take a look, it''s nearly noon anyway so I need to head back to Jenza."He handed Hyai a box of clothes he had made for her and then gave her a quick kiss before heading out.


    "Nix? "She looked at the box in her hand and then at the quickly fleeing culprit."Spoiling an old woman?"


    Nix laughed and waved goodbye, "guess so."


    He picked up Mina at the Jenza portal and then activated Deep Blue."We need to find out what''s going on in Broyan."


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Valis has come under attack.


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Neptia has come under attack.


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Trifelez has come under attack.


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Berma has come under attack.


    A few minutes later, his entire raid team along with a few Aquarion additions was sitting on the top deck of Nix''s houseboat.He handed out custom wolf-masks to everyone in the raid. "Is that every kingdom in Broyan?"


    Pon shook his head, "There''s a small island kingdom called Safarza that is highly defensible and its shores have embedded cannons.There are only three major cities in Safarza and no portal platforms."


    Pon used his hud to show a map of Broyan.Just off the west coast was an isolated landmass nestled in numerous mountain ranges.


    Nix whistled, "no wonder it hasn''t been taken.What''s our easiest entry point to Safarza?"


    Jun Li had been sitting next to Pon, she pointed to the far western continent. "Jhabi to the west, it will be a few hours by Manta.That''s really our only option."


    "Prep for an extended stay on the western side of Safarza, from there we can move into the Berma kingdom and figure out what''s going on."He glanced up at Min who was watching quietly, "we''ll need about twenty Aquarion fighters, that will keep our strike group at thirty."


    Mina nodded, "this will be a good time for us to build trust with the kingdom''s under attack."


    Juni was using her hud to organize everything. As an experienced raid leader, she knew exactly what to do. "I''ll prep for a tent city and a month worthof supplies."


    "Thanks, Juni, I''ll be relying on your experience during this operation."Nix examined his own wolf-mask while Semmi talked about supplies with Pon and Juni."We''ll try out our newly acquired night capabilities to gain an advantage.


    Satisfied with her list, Jun Li forwarded to Nix. "You''ll have to take me to Jenza for a supply run."


    "Let''s go now."Nix grabbed her hand and activated Deep Blue.


    **************


    By the time the sun was setting on the Broyan continent, a dozen tents had been pitched on the western shores of Safarza. They were hidden nicely on three sides by huge rock formations.In addition to the sleeping quarters, there was also a mess tent (Meals), the TOC, (Tactical Operations Center) and a supply tent. The highly efficient former officers of the Salamander Guild had set everything up.Nix knew enough to step aside and let experts work.


    The raid group was sitting in the TOC, acentral hud was displaying the 3-D map of Broyan. Jun Li was standing next to it."We are an hour from Berma by Manta. Wind and Semmi are currently scouting the capital city, we''ll make our decisions based on the intel they bring back."Jun Li was wearing all black since they had decided to operate at night.Her long hair was down, she looked relaxed for once.


    Mina was sitting next to Pon and Ronnie, she had an easy way about her that made humans feel comfortable."Nix, you should tell them what to expect."


    Nix nodded and moved next to Jun Li."If you face someone with a wolf mask on the ground, do not engage.It may seem like they are alone, but most assuredly they are not."


    Ronnie already knew about the Beast Masters. "Air and Range then?"


    Nix nodded, "Stay on your Manta, do not bring the fight to the ground if you can help it. These Beast Masters can have anywhere from twenty to eighty beasts."


    Mina held up the Beast Master Bracer, "if you kill them, then make sure to take this.Like the Sea-Beast Master bracer, they always drop on death."


    Ronnie reached for the bracer and turned it over in her hands, she flashed a smile at Nix."Can I have this?"


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    "Sure... it''s basically a pretty paperweight now.These are customized to the person. They also contain stable storage for the Beast Master, they are helpless without it."


    Nix and Mina had talked about the differences between the Sea Beast Masters and the Land Beast Masters.The Alpha had figured out how to make the Land version of the Ricoli artifact.Nix was a hybrid version of the Sea Beast Master, the ability to use and store beasts without the artifact was unique to him alone.


    Ronnie slipped it on her hand, "it''s pretty but I want the wolfie things too. Where did you get this one?"


    Nix smiled, "Kryn."


    The old fire mage chuckled slightly. "You know... Kryn burned to the ground yesterday."


    "I did them a favor, that place was an eyesore and all that dry wood was definitely hazardous."


    The team sat around discussing different approaches and possible targets when Wind and Semmi returned.


    Wind uploaded his notes to the map that was currently being displayed. Semmi started the brief.


    "The capital city is under siege by a small force, they have taken the palace and also hold both gates exiting the city. City guards are dying by the dozens whenever they face these wolfmen."


    Jun Li zoomed the map to display the capital."Do we know how many?"


    Wind nodded, "two on each gate, I also counted forty beasts at each location."


    "So four Beast Masters hold the gates."Mina frowned, that was more than they had planned.


    Semmi glanced at Wind and continued, "it gets way worse than that.I counted at least ten more in the castle, their beasts are patrolling the halls and keeping the royal family locked in their rooms."


    "Smart... hold the ruling family hostage and the army is helpless."Jun Li shook her head and looked at her party."Any ideas?"


    "I''ll contact the leaders of the army, if we can take the city gates back they can lay siege to the castle."Semmi had already scouted out the location of Berma''s army.


    Pon nodded in agreement."If we take the gates fast, the people in the castle will think it was the army.They won''t be looking for us."


    "Mina and I will have to split up, each of us on a gate team.We''ll send our beasts in and use range damage from the air."Nix shot a glance toward the two archers in the group."I''ll take Chael and Ronnie will go with Mina."


    Jun Li considered the plan."The rest of us could already be on the Castle Roof.We should already be in play in case the gates go sideways on us."


    Nix gave Ronnie a hand up. "It''s cloudy out tonight, 0200 is generally when people are the most tired."


    Jun Li closed the hud, "let''s plan on that.That gives everyone a few hours to sleep.Make sure you are ready!"


    Nix walked into one of the sleeping tents and lay down on a cot.Ronnie had picked the one next to his."Get some rest, Ronnie."


    The dark archer yawned sleepily, "don''t have to tell me, I stayed up too late last night."

 Chapter 32 Assault on Berma part one

    Chael and Nix hovered a few hundred feet in the air about half a mile from the West Gate.Ronnie and Mina had taken up a similar position at the East Gate. The Berma army had already been notified that they were planning on moving into the city, they would move in quickly to surround the castle once the gates were taken.


    Chael noticed right away that the portcullis was up."Why leave it up if you''re trying to lock the city down?"


    "It doesn''t make sense unless they are hiding something close by." Nix activated his Sea-Beast Bracelet.


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [No Sea-Beasts had been Located.]


    [Eighty ineligible Wolfmen, already tamed.]


    Nix cursed softly. "There are two more wolf-masks hiding close by, the forty we see is only half of what''s waiting."


    Chael slipped on his wolf mask, the night instantly lighting up."I still only see the two beastmasters.Does this mean that the other gate is hiding reinforcements also?"


    Nix nodded, "head to East gate and warn them.Change of plans, stick with Mina and follow her lead.I''m going to create a diversion here."


    "Okay Nix, use your flare if you get in trouble."


    He landed quickly and hid his beasts in the underbrush, it would take them a minute to cover the distance to the gate.Then he gained altitude and moved toward the gate.He knelt low over his black manta and patted it on the shoulder.He was perfect for night raids.


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    He stopped when he was directly over the gate, roughly five hundred feet.His wolf-mask showed him the exact location of the two beastmasters that were in view.He pushed his manta in a steep dive and then pulled up only a few feet above them.He shot out four strands immediately, two around each beastmaster neck, then he kicked Shadow to climb fast.The smell of burnt flesh and a sizzling sound like bacon on a hot grill followed him up as the Manta shot skyward.


    He released the strands at a thousand feet, smiling at the terror-filled screams as they two beastmasters fell to their deaths.Nix banked shadow and quickly spotted the other two beastmasters who had come out of hiding.The forty beasts guarding the gate disappeared as their masters slammed into the cobblestone with sickening splats.


    The two remained beastmasters were both range fighters and immediately started shooting at Nix.He landed quickly and headed away from them on foot. Night shooting at two hundred yards proved too difficult, as he was able to duck behind a large boulder and bring his rifle up.


    Nix smiled when he saw their wolfmen giving chase."You f*cked up."He started shooting at the Beastmasters with his rifle.


    [Command: Attack my Primary Target]


    [Command: Attack my Secondary Target]


    After assigning priorities, Nix started shooting at the incoming wolfmen.The first ones were still 30 yards away when his Vila ambushed the unsuspecting beastmasters.He fired into the front wolves, sending them down, the ones immediately behind stepped right on them without any thought.


    "F*ck!"Three wolfmen leaped from twenty feet away, Nix sent two flame strands on them, chopping them down in mid-jump.The follow-up wave knocked him down and he felt sharp canines puncture deep into his shoulder.


    [Ignition Burning Aura]


    A second wolfman grabbed hold of his leg, a moment later the beast screamed in pain as its prey burst into flames.The pack of wolfmen surrounded him but stayed back, they possessed a beasts natural fear of fire. Then they suddenly vanished, along with the flames coming from Nix.


    A naked Nix quickly redressed and headed toward the beastmaster corpses as he considered the event."My aura ignited when my life was threatened, not only did it drive back the wolves but also healed me."He checked his stats, the Burning Aura was now grayed out."One and done?"


    He picked up all four beastmaster bracers and stowed his Vila away.He summoned Shadow and immediately the animal collapsed on the ground.A quick inspection showed that he had taken a few shots to the wings.Not life-threatening, but he was done flying for the evening.


    Nix entered the city on foot and headed toward the castle.He was supposed to rendezvous with the main force on the castle roof.He had a flare that he was to fire off if he couldn''t make it for whatever reason.


    A stomach-turning smell told Nix that he was approaching a sewer grate, he slipped on his second wolf-mask and bent down to pry it open."It''s as good idea as any."


    ************


    Chael quickly located Ronnie and Mina in the skies above the gate.After explaining what Nix had found, Mina decided to change plans.


    "You and Ronnie will find cover at the top end of your range.Both of you focus on one beastmaster, you should be able to take him out."


    Ronnie estimated the distance she''d need for night shooting."Hundred and fifty meters for me, we''ll find cover and leave the mantas ready."


    "Kill the one and then mount up and retreat.They''ll continue to chase as long as the two of you stay low to the ground."


    Chael spotted a small ridge that would provide them cover."We''ll head there.What will you be doing?"


    "I''ll be staying in the air out of range, however, my beasts are already in hiding."


    Mina stayed high in the air, waiting as her team moved to cover.As soon as they started shooting at one of the beastmasters, forty wolfmen charged at their position.She waited, stalling to see if any hidden beastmasters would come out.


    Chael fired one last time, killing their target.Both him and Ronnie leaped for their mounts and quickly gained about twenty feet of altitude. The snapping jaws and heavy breathing of canines followed them.


    As soon as the one beastmaster fell, the two that were in hiding summoned their beasts and sent them to guard the gate. Mina frowned when they didn''t pursue. "Guess we''ll see whose pets rule."


    She sent her twenty Vilas at one of the newcomers, the other beastmasters animals were too far away to help in this fight.Her Vilas were on him before his beasts could react.A quick kill and the odds were even.


    Ronnie noticed immediately when the wolfmen that had been chasing them turned around."Chael!"She banked her manta and headed back toward the gate.She quickly overtook the wolfmen and opened up on their master.


    The third beastmaster was torn apart just as the remaining wolfmen rejoined the fight.Several of Mina''s beasts had minor wounds, but nothing serious.A wolfman versus vila fight only last a few minutes, Chael and Ronnie caught up and were able to kill the last beastmaster.


    Mina landed long enough to collect all four bracers.A flash of light from the West gate drew her attention.She waited for a flare, but there wasn''t one.


    Chael had seen the flash also, "should I head back to the West gate?"


    Mina shook her head."He won''t fail."


    ****************


    His enhanced wolf-mask actually made the sewers worse, since it granted night vision and enhanced his other senses.It wasn''t his first time in a sewer, Nix had been forced to use them in the past to retreat and move closer to his targets.He had an unfailing sense of direction and immediately headed toward the castle.


    He quickly discovered that the sewers were teeming with rats, small reptiles and other tiny predators.Rather than worry about them, he summoned his Vilas.


    [Command: Guard Me]


    His beasts immediately went out in all directions.Apparently, anything within fifty feet of him was considered a threat that needed to be eliminated. The sewage was ankle-deep and Nix quickly discovered there was no quiet way to walk through it.Instead, he decided to keep moving quickly and relied on the thick stone walls to mask any sounds he was making.


    The passage he was moving down entered a large chamber about ten minutes later.There were five other passaged that emptied into it.Large stone steps headed upward on the far side.


    "Of course... What would a sewer be without big-ass alligators?"


    Nix stabled his Vila, he didn''t want to risk them in a fight.The sewage water in the chamber had risen to waist high, the alligators would definitely hold an advantage.


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [15 Sea-Beasts have been Located.]


    [Type 1: Mutated Crocodile: 7]


    [Type 2: Alligator: 8]


    [Do you wish to train the available Sea-Beasts?]


    "Yes, train Mutated Crocodiles."


    Nix waited while the progress bar slowly moved across the screen.His twenty vila would normally have taken up all the slots, but his Sea-Beast Master skill had leveled up recently and he had gained five slots.


    As soon as the training was finished, Nix set them to fight the others and started wading toward the stairs.At the top of the stairs was a small door.He glanced back and released the five crocs he had trained, they immediately stopped fighting.


    The door wasn''t locked, he stepped in and shut it behind him.He quickly undressed and donned his third set of gear.The stench of the pair he wore in the sewers was sure to attract unwanted attention."Good thing I''m a tailor," he whispered softly to no one in particular.

 Chapter 33 Assault on Berma part two

    The door led to another half flight of stairs and ended in a storage room.Crates and containers were all stacked neatly in sturdy-looking wood shelves.There were a few torches lit in the room, Nix snuffed them out before moving to the next door which opened into a huge cellar.This room was kept dark but Nix had no issues seeing as he ducked and weaved his way around the hanging vegetables to the exit.


    There were two men working in the kitchen when he stepped in.Neither one of them seemed to mind his sudden appearance, they had both been beaten badly, bruises and cuts covered their swollen faces.Nix understood immediately and slid his mask off."I''m not with them."


    The larger of the two men had cuts and scrapes on both knuckles so it was obvious that he had put up a fight. He had brown hair and pockmarks could be seen through the bruises."Are you with the army sir?"


    Nix shoot his head, "I''m with the Alliance.Tell me everything you can about the wolf-masks on this floor."


    "I''m Topper, the cook here and this is my assistant.What alliance are you talking about?"


    "The Inferno Guild and the Souza Accord.How many wolf-masks on this level?"


    "This level is primarily for staff. It has the laundry, kitchens and the servant''s quarters."Topper took a quick look down the hall, "you''ll want to head up to the next level.That''s where most of them are."


    "What''s in this thing?"Nix opened the top of a steel barrel next to the stove."Cooking grease?"


    Topper nodded, "Lard sir."


    "Throw that barrel on the stove, I want it all melted."Where are the exits?"


    Topper and his assistant lifted the heavy barrel onto the top of the stove."There are two exits, two men are guarding each."


    "They inside or out?"


    "Outside in the courtyard, along with their beasts."


    "Need you to help me, Topper.Is there a way for the help to leave without alerting the men outside the door?"


    Topper glanced at his assistant and then nodded, "we''ve been told that if we leave, all of us will be hunted down by their beasts and eaten."


    Nix laughed at the lame threat. "There won''t be a single person or beast left to carry out that threat.Get everyone out of here now."


    Nix spent the next ten minutes dragging every piece of wood furniture he could find into the two rooms with the exits.It was quiet and not many people were moving about.He was just finishing when Topper found him.


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    "I''m the last one sir."Topper handed him a small metal device."You might need this."


    Fire Starter


    Description: Common


    household item used to


    start fires, Refillable. 44/100


    Nix grinned, "thanks Topper, make sure you get out of here."


    ****************


    Mina and her team landed on the roof, as soon as they did they stowed their mounts.The main raid force was waiting next to a small steel door.


    Jun Li checked her hud when she noticed Mina landing.They were late and no sign of Nix. She noticed immediately that Chael was with them. "Something happen to Nix?"


    Mina shook her head."No idea.They had some hidden reinforcements at the gates.We had to make adjustments."


    "Don''t worry about Nix."Pon grabbed the knob on the steel door.


    [Hands of Fire]


    The steel knob melted in his grasp and he pushed the door open smoothly.


    Jun Li moved down the stairs and waited at the floor exit."Wind and Semmi scout the floor and then report back."


    Mina summoned one of her beasts and set it in Defend Mode. "We could use our Manta to start evacuating."


    Jun Li stared at the Aquarion, she hadn''t really talked to her much. "Good idea, if we can nab the royal family, then the army can rush this place."


    Ronnie put her bow away, "I can help with evac, my bows going to be nearly useless for this kind of fight."


    A few minutes later the scouts returned.Semmi came up to report while Wind kept a lookout in the hall. "The fourth floor has the King''s daughters, and their maids.Besides that it''s clear."


    Jun Li checked the sky one last time for any sign of Nix. "Ronnie, you and Chael start getting those people out.The rest of us will head down a floor to the next exit."


    **************


    "Never actually used lard before, but at least it smells nicer than gasoline."Nix started both fires and then quickly moved to the stairs where he summoned his beasts.


    [Command: Defend Me]


    He sprinted up the stairs and slammed into the closed wooden door.There were four men in the room, all of them had wolf-masks on.He put four fire strands around the two closest, pinning their arms to their sides.


    The two men further away immediately summoned their beasts, suddenly there were forty wolfmen in the room.


    Nix''s Vila charged in and formed a barrier in front of him, for a moment the two groups stared at each other.


    The smell of burning flesh coupled with the painful screams of the two restrained wolf-masks,broke the temporary lull in the action.


    Nix and his beasts were slowly being pushed back toward the door.The wolf-masks had given their beasts the generic attack order.He changed the order for four of his beasts and sent them toward the two beastmasters.


    [Command: Attack Primary Target]


    [Command: Attack Secondary Target]


    Nix held the flame strands and focused on heating them up, slowly his vision changed as if a thin red veil was placed over his eyes.The two beastmasters died one after another. Nix dropped his strands then pulled out his rifle and started firing at the remaining beastmasters who were trying to defend themselves against the Vila.


    ************


    Jun Li was on the fourth floor, waiting next to the stairs that led down.Half of her team was busy bringing the princesses and their maids to safety."As soon as Wind and..."


    The sound of gunfire from below them interrupted her sentence.A moment later Wind and Semmi appeared in the doorway.


    An out of breath Wind reported."The rest of the royal family is on the third floor, there were three beastmasters with them.Two of them went down to check out the disturbance."


    Pon closed his eyes for a moment and breathed deeply.


    [Sense Fire]


    His eyes reopened, flames could be seen flickering within."The first floor is in flames, we need to move fast."


    Jun Li swore quietly."The army jumped the gun?"


    The old fire mage smiled and shook his head, "seems we''ve found Nix."


    Mina pushed her way past them and immediately summoned the rest of her Vila.Jun Li watched in disbelief as the Aquarion charged down the stairway.


    Wind pulled his blades and immediately stealthed."Time to fight then."


    The rest of the raid force followed them, Jun Li was silently cursing Nix beneath her breath.He wasn''t following her plan!


    **********


    He unsummoned his Vila, noting that three of them were no longer available to fight.They hadn''t received mortal injuries, but they''d be out of commission for a while.


    Nix quickly looted all four bracers and sprinted for the stairway, he was halfway up when the door opened and two beastmasters ran through. He stopped and then pointed behind him."Quickly brothers, the army is coming, all my beasts have been killed."


    The one on the left cursed, "F*ck... Head upstairs and wait with Philo, we''ll take care of the army."


    Nix smiled beneath his wolf-mask and slowed to a walk.He shut the door and resummoned his beasts.


    He entered the next room to the sound of fighting, Vilas and Wolfmen were tearing into each other.He spotted Mina right away and split his forces.


    [Command: Protect Filamina]


    [Command: Attack my Target]


    He opened fire on Philo, Wind appeared behind the beastmaster and cut him down with a backstab.As quick as it began it was over.


    Nix turned back toward the door, "We need to move now, the two downstairs will be coming back."


    Jun Li slipped her Wolfmask off and faced the King, "We aren''t with them your Majesty, we are here to free you.Your daughters are already safe!"


    Nix watched as she quickly organized the retreat, within a minute the room was empty with the exception of Mina and Nix. He smiled at the Aquarion rebel."We finish these two and then follow."


    Mina frowned at him, "you had me worried."


    ***********


    Jun Li was circling her Manta above the castle, she had coordinated with the army and released the King into their care.The army immediately sent its Knights into the courtyard to deal with the beastmasters that had been trapped outside.She breathed a sigh of relief when Mina and Nix came out the roof access door and summoned their manta.


    An hour later the small raid force was back in the courtyard.The city had been retaken and the fire set on the first floor and burned itself out.Nix had made sure to loot the bracers from the beastmasters killed in the courtyard.


    "How many does that make Nix?"Semmi coughed and squinted her eyes, the smoke from the fire was still lingering.


    "Nearly twenty."He walked with her back to the raid force that was waiting for him.He could see that Jun Li had a big smile on her face."What did you get?"


    Jun Li held up a bottle with a ship in it."It''s a Navy Frigate !"


    Nix could see that she was happy about it, so he didn''t say anything else."Let''s head back to Safarza and plan the next raid."

 Chapter 34 Water Nymphs

    Although they had rested before the raid, by the time they arrived back at their base in Safarza, everyone was exhausted.Nix had just started to drowse off when his cot was jarred suddenly.He opened his eyes to an apologetic Ronnie who was pushing their cots together.


    "Don''t get any ideas, I''ve no interest in making a public spectacle of myself." She pulled a huge blanket out of her inventory and snuggled up next to him.


    "Right..."Nix pulled the blanket over himself and pulled her closer.He smiled and remembered the prison guard who had changed his life."Thanks, Glory," he mumbled just before he drifted off to sleep.


    A few hours later Nix slowly drifted back to consciousness, Ronnie had already left and moved her cot away. A quick scan of the tent showed him that he was the only one still sleeping.


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Berma has been liberated by the Alliance of the Inferno Guild and the Souza Accord.


    Quest: Sea Farer Faction


    Description: You have raised


    your rating to ally level with


    one of the Kingdoms of Broyan.


    Achieve this with two other Broyan


    Kingdoms.


    He shielded his eyes from the glare of the mid-day sun and headed toward the mess tent.Shouts and cheers of encouragement came from the area behind it so Nix walked around the back to check it out."The f*ck is going on?"Ronnie and Semmi were fighting inside of a roughly drawn circle. He moved to break it up, but Tess stopped him with a hand.


    "It''s fine Nix, it''s just an unarmed match game." The normally very pretty cleric was nursing some serious bruises on her face."No real damage can be done and the bruises heal within an hour."


    "Oh god... you''re fighting for fun?You look like you got your ass kicked."


    Tess smiled and shook her head, "it only looks that way.I knocked out Gypsy, although it was a close fight."


    Nix looked around the crowd, both Wind and Chael had obviously taken part.He cringed slightly when Semmi knocked Ronnie to the ground with a straight right hand.It''s obvious that she knew how to punch."It doesn''t look good for Ronnie."


    "She''s taking on a ''doesn''t look good'' match.''"Tess shook her head, "that girl is stubborn."


    "What is a ''doesn''t look good'' match?" Nix had to hold himself back from running into the circle and pulling Ronnie out.


    "It''s a game option that compares the likelihood of you winning against your opponent.It''s based on strength, agility and stamina scores.No talents or special gear is allowed.Based on how you match up, you get one of three messages. [Could go either way][Doesn''t look good] and [Don''t even think about it.]


    "Doesn''t look good means she will probably lose?"Nix felt sympathy for his archer friend as Semmi drove a knee into her stomach.Ronnie fell to one knee gasping for air.


    "Yep."Tess nodded in agreement, "this is the end for Ronnie."


    Unexpectedly when Semmi moved in for the finish, Ronnie dived forward and gripped her around the waist before rising up and slamming her onto the hard ground.A quick-mount and Ronnie finished her off with punches.The dark archer staggered to her feet and raised her hands in victory.


    Tess clapped, "nice comeback."She glanced at her friend who was still unconscious on the ground."Match games only allow you to get knocked out for a few seconds, except for a bruised ego, she''ll be fine."


    "That''s dumb."Nix pulled a piece of cloth out of his inventory and handed it to Ronnie when she approached."What the hell are you doing?"


    Ronnie smiled and wiped her face, "did you see me kick her ass?"


    Nix shook his head, "I saw you get beat up and then get lucky."


    Ronnie flexed her arm and then whistled."Damn Nix, what''s your strength rating at?"


    "I''m wondering the same thing."Tess brought up her stats, her strength was listed as twenty."There''s no difference in Colonial between the stats of genders, but I''m getting a ''don''t even think about it'' message from you."


    "More than double yours."Nix didn''t want to say that his strength and stamina were both over sixty.He looked around the group, there were several disappointed faces looking at him.Apparently, there were some people who wanted to punch him in the face.He laughed and pulled Ronnie away, "let''s go eat."


    Ronnie was all smiles when they sat down to eat some of the boxed lunches Jun Li had prepared for the raid.Semmi sat down with them, she was all smiles and even shared a bottle of apple cider with them.Nix glanced around the tent, he had thought there would be some hurt feelings or anger issues, but it was the exact opposite.


    An hour later they were back at the TOC (Tactical Operations Center) and were zoomed in on the small kingdom of Trifelez.Jun Li had highlighted an area in western Berma that was close to the border."Originally I wanted to keep our base here, but looking at it objectively we may be better suited by continuing to move it."


    Pon nodded in agreement, "the longer we stay in one place, the more likely our enemies will find us."


    "I think we should move."Nix studied the hud map, it was storming in Trifelez even though it was clear skies in Berma.


    **********


    Two hours later, the camp had been moved and reset in a small valley bordering Trifelez.Wind and Semmy had scouted the area thoroughly and reported no hidden dangers.The storms in the neighboring kingdom were expected to blow through in a day or two.According to the scouts, there were a few natural pools in the area so most of the group filtered off in small groups to enjoy a day off.


    Nix opened up his stable menu, it showed the three Vila that were wounded had fully recovered. Mina approached him just as he was closing his hud.


    "There are some very interesting water creatures in the area Nix."Mina had scolded him after the raid for making her worry, "you may want to consider training them."


    "Show me."He followed her out of the camp to a small grove of trees surrounding a pool.She held up a finger to her lips, "Water Nymphs are illusionists, try not to alert them."


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    Nix nodded and then ducked lower, he could hear the soft sounds of moaning.Silently the two of them crept closer to the pool."Of course it would be Ronnie,"he muttered under his breath.


    The Water Nymphs were transparent like clear water, their general image was that of a slender female with long hair and full breasts.They were laughing as they teased the human that was wrapped in their illusion.


    [Scan Surrounding Areas?]


    "Yes."


    [Scanning, Stand By...]


    [8 Sea-Beasts have been Located.]


    [Type 1: Water Nymphs: 5]


    [Type 2: Grass snake: 3]


    [Do you wish to train the available Sea-Beasts?]


    "Yes."


    Four of the Nymphs were holding her down, each on a limb.They had dragged her half out of the pond.The two holding her arms were kissing her breasts and nibbling at them with soft water lips, the fifth one had her head buried between Ronnie''s legs.She was raising her hips off the ground and arching her back.


    He was about to stop it when Mina placed a hand on her shoulders."Wait Nix, this is a rare opportunity.It''s nearly impossible to find Water Nymphs.They never hurt females anyway."


    The training completed shortly after Ronnie climaxed against the Water Nymphs wet lips, immediately they stopped and faced him.Their smiles were gone, but their faces showed curiosity.


    Nix looked at the menu options for them."They are CC pets?"(Crowd Control)


    Mina nodded, "men are especially susceptible to them, although as you can tell they prefer women when they are playing."


    Ronnie sat up at the sound of voices, her dark nipples were fully erect and she was completely out of breath.She didn''t cover up when she saw Nix and Mina."What the hell happened?"


    Nix had to bite down on the laugh that threatened to escape."What do you think happened?"


    Ronnie pursed her lips as if trying to remember."I was bathing when you and Semmi joined me."She looked around for the woman she had been fighting earlier in the day."I don''t see Semmi."


    He could no longer stop the laughter, he pointed at the Water Nymphs."I''m afraid my new girls had their way with you."


    Ronnie stared at the Water Nymphs, "real Water Nymphs?"Unmindful that she was still naked she stood up and approached them.A dark hand reached out to touch the watery skin of the nearest.


    Nix nodded, "really good at weaving illusions apparently."


    Ronnie wrinkled her nose at them and then walked to the side of the pool to get dressed.She definitely didn''t look angry."Make sure you bring them to the Sea-World."


    Nix nodded, "without a doubt."

 Chapter 35 Assault on Trifelez part one

    A day went by and the storms in Trifelez started to subside, the skies were still filled with dark clouds but the leadership of the raid group agreed that it was in their best interest to attack. It was late afternoon and the group had just eaten and were now discussing the plans for the evening raid.


    "We should try and use the Aquarions more in this raid."Nix had been studying the map and had a good understanding of the target."We really can''t plan anything until Wind and Semmi gets back."


    Jun Li checked her hud, "they are an hour overdue."


    "I''ll give them another hour." Nix turned at a commotion near the tent entrance, both Wind and Semmi came in with big smiles on their faces.


    Jun Li didn''t return their smiles."Where have you two been?"


    Semmi stepped forward and started talking. "We''ve been doing required quests for the ''Defending Trifelez'' Instance."


    The first thing that went through Nix''s mind was ''what the hell is an instance?''


    Apparently, Jun Li already knew. "What is itand how does that benefit us?"


    Semmi zoomed in on the map of Zier, the capital city of Trifelez."This instance is set up as part of a staged Aquarion Assault in which the object is to fight through to the signal tower located in the city.This summons five thousand knights to fight under your banner."


    Mina listened to the conversation, she was only slightly less confused than Nix. "It''s likeMermaid City?Where the fighters are copies?"


    "Very similar." Jun Li frowned at her best friend."How does getting five thousand knights in the instance help us?"


    Semmi grinned and closed the map."After the instance is won, the knights exit and reinforce the barracks for a brief amount of time.There will be World Events like bandit raids or monster stampedes that take place after the Aquarion Assault."


    Nix understood the basic gist."How many are required to do the raid?"


    Wind brought up the Instance Quest.


    Defend Trifelez


    Description: Zier has come under


    Aquarion assault.Signal the Knights


    of Colonial to your cause.


    15 person Raid.


    Jun Li glanced at Nix, although inexperienced, he often assumed the role of leadership. "Getting those knights before we take on the Wolf-masks will really help our cause.What do you think?"


    "I''ll head into the instance with Mina and her people. My fire strands are way more effective against water creatures."


    Wind brought up the map again and downloaded his new information."We were able to do a quick scouting of the city itself.They must have spoken to their fallen comrades, the gates are locked up tight and every beastmaster has his animals summoned."


    Semmi pointed to the west gate, "they did make a mistake though.This gate has four melee-based beastmasters.We could quickly overwhelm them from the air and open the path for the Knights."


    Jun Li nodded in agreement, "What about the city guard and the regular army?"


    Semmi shook her head, "the city guard have all been killed.Yesterday they hung every officer in the army with the exception of one captain who was able to escape into the woods with her platoon."


    "How did they get the jump on these cities?"Nix had never even heard of coordination on this level.


    "Impressive planning for sure."Jun Li checked the time on her hud, "it''s 1900, start the instance in an hour and we''ll start hitting them shortly after that."


    ************


    Nearly an hour later Nix, Mina, and thirteen of Aquarions stood at the entrance of the ''Defend Trifelez'' instance.The group was very caster heavy with four healers, five caster dps, one melee dps, and three tanks.


    Nix faced the members of the Souza Accord, "No map is available, so we''ll have to go in blind.Be ready to fight."


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    Mina summoned two of her Vila, "tanks in front.Let''s head in."


    Nix summoned four Vila and followed them.


    They were jumped as soon as they entered.Four Aquarions hit them hard, the tanks just managed to get their shields up.


    "Leave the two near ones to me!" Nix raised his hands and eight strands flashed toward the two nearest Aquarions.Both Aquarions were casters, they screamed soundlessly as the flaming strands dug into their flesh.


    [Command: Protect Filamina]


    He set his Vila to guard while the raid force quickly dispatched the two other attackers.Nix glanced at Mina just as a presence appeared behind her and stabbed her with a dagger.He drew his rifle and opened fire while their Vilas brought the stealth fighter down.


    Nix knelt next to her, Aquarions ranged from a very light blue all the way to a nearly snow-white color.The Rebel faction leader was somewhere in between. "You okay Min?"


    Mina sat quietly while the healers looked after her.It didn''t escape her notice that Nix usually called her Min instead of Mina like everyone else."Was that a human?"


    Nix shook his head,"Aquarion."He could tell from the startled glances that something was up."Not many Aquarions have stealth?"


    Mina was helped to her feet by one of the healers."Aquarions don''t have any stealth capabilities."


    Nix looked at the dead Aquarion and removed a bracer.They only had one melee dps in the party.A tall Aquarion malenamed Milat, "you want this bracer?"


    Shadow Bracer [Aquarion]


    Description: This bracer


    provides the user with


    the ability to detect and use


    invisibility.


    Milat nodded and took the bracer with a calm smile before slipping it on."Thank you, Nix."


    Nix summoned the rest of his Vila along with Water Nymphs. "Perhaps this gear is specific to the instance.That should have been a useless drop since Aquarions wouldn''t normally be doing this raid."


    Mina didn''t bother to hide her excitement."We could really benefit if we pick up a few more of them."


    He checked the menu on his Water Nymphs, they had a scout option, so used the map to give them assignments.


    [Command: Scout Checkpoints]


    Mina and Nix continued to study the instance map.Slowly red dots were being filled in as the Water Nymphs continued their assignments.


    Mina pointed out the six dots on the map that were much lighter than the rest."These are stealthed fighters?"


    Nix shrugged in reply. "One way to find out.Milat, why don''t you check him out.Be sure to stay out of his aggro range, remember he can see you also if he has the bracer."


    "Be careful," Mina warned. "We''ll advance to the first group of red dots, so rendezvous with us there.


    They were sizing up the next group of Aquarions when Milat came back, he had affirmed that the lighter red dots meant they were stealthed.Both Nix and Mina were in agreement, they needed to get those stealth bracers.


    Nix had noticed one of the Water Nymphs looking at him. She seemed less shy than the rest.He nudged Mina who was standing beside him."Hey, what''s a good name for a Water Nymph?"


    Her pale eyes studied him for a moment, "you are very odd Nix."


    Nix clicked his fingers together."Ducky...I haven''t seen any ducks in Colonial."


    "Waterfowl are found mostly in the north at this time of the year."A smile crept on her alien face."It''s not a bad name though."


    "It''s decided then." He placed a hand on the Water Nymphs head.It was cool and wet to the touch but it had more substance then he would have thought."Keep those other girls in line Ducky."


    Mina watched the Water Nymph for a moment, it showed none of the nervousness that was characteristic of her kind. "Can I see your stats Nix?"


    "Sure, but don''t tell anyone."


    Nix


    Level 50


    Strength 65


    Endurance 63


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 100 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Weapon Skills:


    Rifle 100


    Whip 100


    Support Skill:


    Flame Strands 0 [22]


    Swimming 2 [100]


    Sea-Beast Master 8 [Lvl 1]


    [Level 2 Stable has 24/25 Beasts]


    [Spirit Animal 2/4]


    1: Soup [Elite Black Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Nymph, Special]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    She nodded to herself. "In the future, be careful when you name Water Creatures."


    He shrugged and patted the Water Nymph on the head again."Welcome to the family Ducky."


    Mina laughed, a few of the Aquarions that were standing close by joined in.


    "Time to try them out."There were three Aquarions in the next group, Nix looked at the options menu for the Water Nymphs and saw the ''Befuddle'' skill.He chose the nearest one.


    [Command: Befuddle My Target]


    The Nymphs approached him at the same time, stopping just outside their range.A moment later the Aquarion started to sway gently back and forth like he had fallen asleep with his eyes open.Nix nodded in satisfaction and then put eight flame strands on the second Aquarion.It collapsed to the ground immediately, a quivering, smoldering mass.


    The third Aquarion drew her sword and flashed toward him, Mina''s Vila intercepted her and brought her down quickly.She then turned half of them on the befuddled Aquarion and the other half on Nix''s.


    He jumped back when the flame strands broke and opened fire with his rifle.He only managed to fire twice before the Aquarion fell to the ground.


    Over the next hour, they eliminated the Aquarion groups one by one, to include all six stealthed Aquarions.They approached the final courtyard where the signal fire needed to be lit.It was guarded by three Aquarions.


    Nix whistled softly."That''s a Matriarch, right?"


    Mina nodded, "and two healers."

 Chapter 36 Assault on Trifelez part two

    "Salt-Water Crocs, gotta love em."Nix counted thirty in all and quickly unsummoned his Water Nymphs, they''d be useless in this fight.The crocodiles were scattered all over the cobblestone courtyard, there was even one lounging in the small fountain at the center.


    Mina was studying the mini-map and the layout of the Courtyard."No matter how you look at it, she could be a tough fight.We can win, but those crocs are going to kill some Vilas."


    Nix nodded in agreement, "I''d just as soon not lose them at this point. Leave the two healers to me, and we''ll put our Vilas on the Matriarch."


    He summoned Shadow and jumped on its back.Without another word, he flashed toward the two healers that were standing guard. He targeted the Matriarch quickly and sent his Vila in.


    [Command: Attack my Target]


    Mina sent her Vilas in also, when Nix moved above the healers eight flame strands shot out before Nix pulled back and started pulling them away.


    Milat was stealthed beside Mina, his mission in this fight was to protect her in case things went badly. He stared in disbelief as the human struggled to get two Aquarian healers off the ground.The healers were screaming in agony while the flame strands dug deep into their flesh.Slowly they rose off the ground, only managing about fifteen feet; but Nix quickly turned his Manta and flew over the buildings they had gone around earlier.


    With the healers gone, the fight was one-sided, the Vila tore the Matriarch apart, however several of them were seriously wounded by the crocs during this time.


    As soon as the Matriarch fell, Mina ran back the way they had come."Help Nix with the healers!"


    Nix was on his Manta firing off shots with his rifle, both his arms had been injured carrying the healers.When he noticed Mina running toward him with her Vila,he stopped firing and let them finish the job.His own Vila remained in the courtyard.He grimaced when he checked the menu.Eight of his Vila were wounded to the point where they couldn''t be summoned for a day.


    An Aquarion healer named Saji healed his arms, while Mina started scolding him. "That was a bit wreckless Nix!You need to be more careful and let others take some risks."


    A few minutes later they returned to the Courtyard.Mina hadn''t lost any Vila, but four of hers were down for a day also.Nix grabbed a torch from the bonfire that appeared after the death of the Matriarch and handed it to Milat.He pointed to the top of the signal tower."Light it please."


    The group watched as Milat took a manta to the top and quickly lit the signal fire there.He hadn''t even returned before the galloping of horses were heard coming toward them.


    Colonial System Message:You have managed to light the signal fire.Captain Firebrand and his Stormriders will reinforce the City militia for the next two weeks.


    The street was suddenly crowded with endless black horses carrying heavily armored men. The woman leading them wore intricately designed, red cloth armor, one of her hands glowing with fire.


    The Knights stopped a few yards away, the leader''s smile quickly faded when she noticed their race."Aquarions?Kill them all!"Both of her hands rose over her head and flashed with a brilliant light before sending a raging fireball at them.


    Nix grabbed Mina and pushed her to one side before crossing his arms in front of his face.


    [Burning Aura]


    The fireball slammed into Nix, sending him skidding across the courtyard.A moment later he rose from the ground, with the flames around him his raging, the burning man walked back toward the group.Yellow orbs that burned like the sun stared at the Captain."I am the ranking Knight here, you will stand down!" A dozen flame strands shot out of his body in all directions, waving in the air like mad tentacles.


    Mina couldn''t help but shrink back, the heat coming off him was melting the stones under his bare feet.


    The Knight Captain''s face went deathly pale, she quickly extinguished her flames and ordered her troops to stand down."Forgive me, sir, I didn''t realize that a Commander had been sent here."


    Nix scowled at her, he hadn''t put on his Salamander bodysuit, so his gear had been turned to ashes again.It hadn''t occurred to him to check his own rank until he saw them riding up.He was awarded the ''Knight of Colonial'' title when he had solved the Aquarion mystery.It read, [Knight of Colonial, Commander]. "These Aquarions are members of a Rebel Faction called the Souza Accord, they have allied themselves with us and will be treated appropriately."


    "Of course sir.My apologies Commander."


    Nix turned back toward the Aquarions, his flames abruptly burning out. "We should exit the instance, Junie will be expecting these reinforcements."


    Min watched him with a small smile on her face."Of course.Are you planning on putting clothes on first?"


    Nix looked down and sighed heavily."Right..."


    ***********


    "F*ck they are strong!"Ronnie fired arrow after arrow from her Manta into the wolfmen swarming below.Chael and Gypsy had been killed when they had moved too close to a building that had a pack of them hiding in it.


    Pon pulled up beside her, both of his hands glowing with a white flame.


    [Balefire]


    Two of the beasts were instantly incinerated, the others screamed in agony as they fled from the fire mage.He slumped slightly on his manta, nearly falling off."Let''s head back, the gate is clear."


    The group had set up a small HQ in a back alley in the middle of town.The surviving militia were guarding both entrances to the alley.Jun Li was studying a map of the town."If Nix doesn''t get here with those Knights, we are going to have to retreat back to camp."


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    Semmi frowned at group just returning."Looks like we lost Gypsy and Chael, with Tess being down, we are out two healers."


    Since all the Broyan portals were still closed, dying meant spending a few hours flying back on manta.Everyone had been briefed to return to camp in the event of their death.


    Colonial System Message: The city of Zier is under siege by a foreign power, the Knights of Colonial have responded.


    Jun Li closed her hud quickly and summoned her manta."F*ck yeah Nix! Everyone rally, we''re heading toward the castle."


    A moment later the sound of thunder shook the city as the Knights of Colonial galloped down the cobblestone streets.Five thousand of them charging toward the castle, Nix and his band of Aquarions following them from the sky.


    There were a dozen beastmen wearing their wolf-masks in the courtyard.The heavily armored Knights slammed into them, Nix and his group bypassed the open fighting and landed at the entrance.


    Two beastmen moved to intercept, the area suddenly filled with swarming wolves.Nix summoned his Vila and set two of them to protect Mina while the rest defended against the wolfmen.


    [Command: Protect Filamina]


    [Command: Defend Area]


    Nix put all eight strands on one of the beastmasters, while an Aquarion tank smashed the other against the stone wall of the castle.A sickening thump could be heard as the beastmaster slumped to the ground.


    "Nix!" Ronnie''s shout could be heard from the air as the small raid force was once again reunited.She jumped down from her manta and landed near him.Jun Li and the rest had landed in the courtyard and quickly ran up the steps.


    The castle was nearly empty as the group ran through the hallways toward the throne room.Nix skidded to a halt when he saw a woman flanked by two beastmasters.


    He stared at her from the doorway.She was wearing an orange jumpsuit that he was very familiar with.The room went quiet while they watched each other."You''re the jeweler, making the beastmaster artifacts."


    She had pale blond hair, tied in a ponytail.Her blue eyes held no malice toward him, she looked like a college girl. "Artificer, actually.It''s nice to meet you finally, Trip-Seven."


    Artificer wasn''t one of the choices he was given during character generation, perhaps the choices were based on the current needs of the Gladis Hub."My name is Nix."


    [Command: Attack my Target]


    Nix pulled his rifle and opened fire on her, he scored a few hits before she managed to port out, her face smiling while it faded away. Immediately he put eight strands on the closest beastmaster.


    [Command: Defend Me]


    It was over within a minute, they quickly overwhelmed the remaining forces and then looted their bracers.


    Ronnie approached him after the last invader fell."Who was she Nix?"


    Nix pursed his lips as he considered the question."We use to members of the same lifestyle group."


    Jun Li and Semmi joined them, both of their faces were unreadable.The former Salamander Guild leader knew they were dealing with a very powerful group."Thanks for the reinforcements Nix."


    Nix gave her a smile and then turned toward the King, he was the only other person in the room."We are missing something, but what is it?"


    The king stared at them and then shook his head."I can''t think."He speech was slurred and nearly unrecognizable.


    Semmi moved closer and examined him. "He''s drugged.Let''s get a healer over here."

 Chapter 37 Durilium Diamonds

    An Aquarion healer named Meera cast a cleanse on the Trifelez King.Within a few seconds, his lucidity returned.


    King Gormick was a young ruler, at twenty-five he was a decade younger than the rest of the Broyan rulers.His pale face and shock of curly black hair made him appear even younger. He shook the healer''s hand and thanked her without any prejudices."The Souza Accord has aided us in a time of great need.We shall never forget."


    Nix was standing between Jun Li and Mina."The woman with the orange clothes... What was she after?"


    The Trifelez King studied him for a moment, he knew that this man stood at the heart of his rescue.The Monarch removed his crown and showed them an empty setting before handing the crown to Nix."She took the Durilium Diamond from its place setting."


    Nix held the crown in his hand, "it''s heavier than it looks.Why not just take the crown?"


    King Gormick shook his head and accepted the crown back."The crown is an artifact, a massive penalty is laid upon anyone removing it from Broyan."


    Nix noticed that the rest of the stones were all diamonds. "Is there anything special about the Durilium Diamonds?"


    The King nodded, "there are only five in existence."


    Nix cursed under his breath. "The other four wouldn''t happen to be stones set into the otherCrowns of Berma?


    Gormick nodded again, "The Nations of Berma, Safarza, Trifelez, Neptia, and Valis, were all gifted with these rare black diamonds."


    Nix turned to Wind who was standing to one side, "return to Berma and check to see if their stone is missing."


    Jun Li watched the scout leave. "Is that what is behind everything?They want those black diamonds?"


    Semmi brought up her hud and accessed the forums."We need an expert opinion.She said she was an artificer right?Those are exceedingly rare, you have to havemining and jeweler maxed out before you can even start."


    The young King considered her words for a moment. "There''s an old Artificer in Safarza, you''ll need permission from their monarchy to see him.He''s the sitting King''s uncle."


    **************


    Darsi untied her ponytail and let her blonde hair fall over her shoulders.Her small one-bedroom apartment at the Lifestyle village had a breathtaking view of the Snowcapped peaks that topped the surrounding mountains.She opened her hand and stared at the glittering black stone.


    She left her small apartment and exited into the hallway.It was set up like her old college dorm.Across the hall was an empty room with a picture of a man on it.Above the picture were the numbers 777."You are way more handsome than your picture Trip-Seven."


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    "How did it go?"A masculine voice spoke from the floor exit.He was a short man bald man, with brown eyes and thick brows.He probably weighed no more than a hundred pounds.


    Darsi held out her hand and displayed the stone."Two down and two to go."She tapped the picture on the door."Guess who I saw today?"


    The short man grinned, "so he did escape?"The small man''s name was Dalton Moore, he was a computer engineer that was caught hacking corporate secrets.He turned states evidence for a lighter five-year sentence.


    Darsi nodded, she wasn''t pale like many natural blondes, her skin had a nice olive color, courtesy of the character generation interface. "He''s not just a Tailor anymore, he''s become a strong player.Somehow he''s figured something out, half of the damn beastmaster bracers I made are now missing."


    "Nothing can be done about that. Did you bring some news?"Dalton looked like a little kid at Christmas.Gladis controlled all the information at the hub since they had the ability to deactivate any part of your hud that they wished.However, that wasn''t the case when you left the facility.


    Darsi handed him a thick pile of papers."Those are forum downloads, national news, financials, and sports."


    Dalton took the papers and paged to the forum information first."How are the beastmasters behaving?"


    Darsi scowled, her pretty face looking angry."They are a bunch of idiots, the sooner we wash our hands of them the better."


    *************


    Jun Li had moved camp from Burma to the Western edge of Trifeleza. With Wind still investigating the Berma Crown, she had decided to send Semmi to Safarza to warn them of what was occurring regarding the black diamonds.She was sitting in the TOC with Tess.


    "You look a bit cross, Junie."Tess smiled at her former guild leader.They had become closer since leaving Salamander.


    Jun Li nodded, "soon as he found out that the Trifeleza portal opened up, he left without saying anything."


    "You''re talking about Nix, right?Remember he needs to check up on the Sea-World.They''ve been there with no access to the rest of Colonial for a few days now."


    Jun Li made a face but didn''t comment. He had taken Chael, Mina, and Ronnie.No one had even bothered to ask her if she wanted to go also.


    **************


    Nix dropped off Chael and Mina at the Sea-World.Nansu had been very happy to see him, apparently, they didn''t separate very often.


    Fajii waited until everyone had greeted them before she handed Nix a piece of paper."Could you pick me up a few things in Jenza Nix?"


    "Sure, as soon as I drop off some things at Shana''s."He had given her a few days worth of product before leaving for Broyan, more than likely it was all gone by now.


    Nix emptied his stable and watched as the Water Nymphs started to explore their new surroundings.


    He started to activate Deep Blue.


    "Can I get a ride into Jenza?I''ll be meeting Sharl and some of the Daybreakers later today.


    "You meeting up with big sister?"He hadn''t spoken much with the Daybreaker guild leader since they had parted ways."Tell her I said hi."He activated Deep Blue and then chose Jenza.


    The dark-haired archer flashed a smile at him."I''ll make my own way back to camp, so don''t wait up."


    Nix handed her the list of items that Fajii had given him."You''ve been drafted, pick these things up for Fajii before you run off."


    Ronnie made a face at the list."FIne, I expect some new clothes as compensation."


    "Sure, because running errands for a few minutes is work a few hundred thousand credits worth of clothes."


    "Time is money Nix!"


    Nix walked down the Main street of Jenza toward the boutique.From the outside, it seemed like another shop entirely.New signs, some fresh paint and some minor repairs to the sidewalk had changed everything.The shop had a dozen customers in it when he entered.


    "Nix!"Shana spotted him as soon as he entered.She bowled into him with her arms spread wide, hugging him tightly.


    He picked her up and sat her on the counter."Did you make me something nice?"Shana had been learning some tailoring from her grandma.


    Shanashook her head, "everything I make ends up looking like someone''s old sock!"


    Nix took out a few boxes and placed them on the counter. "Keep working hard."


    Maye walked in from the back room and sat down her ledger."Nice to see you Nix, we should settle accounts before you run off."


    He nodded and watched when the zeroes were added to his account."The swimsuits are a big hit?"


    The old woman turned the ledger around and showed him the numbers."Bring a bunch more next time, word of mouth is spreading.We can sell however many you make."


    A few minutes later he left the shop and headed back toward the portal. There were several people flying overhead on their mantas. Originally when the artifact was given to the Provost Office, they were obligated to split the proceeds with Salamander and the Daybreakers.The actual wording of the contract awarded Salamander''s thirty percent to the guild treasurer, which was Tess.The healer was splitting it with those that had left Salamander with them.


    Nix took the portal to Cyphix and walked toward the Kindled Spirit.It was nearly dinner time and he had missed Hyai''s cooking.


    The buxom innkeeper smiled when he walked in."Just head up Nix, I''ll bring your dinner when it''s ready."


    "Any kind of stew is fine with me,"Nix hummed to himself as he dredged up the stairs.Whenever he walked into the Kindled Spirit, it felt like he was returning home.


    He tossed his clothes in a pile and ran some hot water in the enormous porcelain tub.As soon as it was filled, he sunk up to his chin and leaned back with a contented sigh.


    He must have drifted off to sleep, he woke a while later when a soft body moved into the tub with him.Nix opened one eye to see the smiling redhead''s voluptuous body just before it sank beneath the surface.He pulled her toward him until she lay on top of him.


    "Not going to eat first Nix?"Hyai kissed him lightly, the tips of her loose red hair dangling in the water.


    "Hmmm..."He cupped her large breasts in both hands and held them gently."Sometimes dessert before dinner is nice."


    Hyai moved her legs up until she was straddling his waist."We can always reheat it," she agreed.

 Chapter 38 Two Sudden Strikes part one

    A few hours later Nix arrived at the Trifelez platform, from there it was only a short ride to camp.An unexpected dark beauty was waiting, her full lips curved in a smile when she saw him.


    "Sharl!"Nix offered her a hug and then stepped back to greet the rest of the Daybreakers, most of them he already knew.


    Sharl responded to his big smile. "Missed you too, Nix."


    He pointed to tent city."That''s where we sleep, the mess tent is right next to it."


    "Ronnie tells me you guys are really kicking ass."


    He favored the younger sister with a nod, "for once she isn''t exaggerating.Follow me to the TOC."


    Sharl followed him into the TOC after directing the rest of her people to stand fast.Wind, Jun Li, Semmi and Mina were sitting around a table talking.


    Nix noticed that Wind had come back."The stone is gone isn''t it?"


    Wind nodded, "no one had even noticed until I asked about it."


    Nix pulled a chair out for Sharl and then sat down himself."The Daybreakers are going to join us for the next two raids."


    Jun Li smiled at Sharl, she had seen the Daybreaker in action before."Welcome back."


    "I think we should hit Neptia right now, and consider a joint mission into Valis."Nix figured that the statement would meet with some resistance.


    Instead, Semmi nodded in agreement. "We spoke to the jeweler that mounted the black diamonds onto the crowns. Removing them takes some time, Neptia is without a doubt the most difficult to steal."


    Nix brought up a map of Rhatia, the capital city of Neptia. "We airstrike it hard, hit the castle with everything from the roof and ground at the same time."


    Wind pointed at the channel that ran the length of the walled city."The ground team can come in here, me and Semmi with stealth directly to the Throne room and attempt to stall any removal action."


    Sharl stared hard at her scout. The usually quiet Wind was thriving in this small raid group. "I can lead the ground assault.I brought a half dozen fighters with me, four of them are mages."


    Pon and Banza chose that time to enter the TOC, both of them had come to see their guild leader.The old fire mage took a seat on the other side of her while Banza stood behind Wind''s chair.


    Nix considered their last mission where they were able to pick up several stealth bracers for Aquarions."Mina... you should take a stealth team directly into the throne room of Valis and attempt to secure the crown."


    Jun Li didn''t bother to hide her surprise."You want to hit Neptia and Valis at the same time?


    "We can put six stealthed Aquarions in the Throne room, with their combat strength they will be able to hold it."Nix glanced at the Aquarion leader, "I''ll come with you to reinforce your Vila."


    An hour later Nix was in tent city, surrounded by members of the Souza Accord.He had friended each of them and was attempting to customizing one of the enhanced wolf masks for Aquarions to use.


    Mina watched him as he worked."Are you sure this can even be done?"


    Nix nodded, "I think so."The beastmaster artifacts have to be a version of the Ricoli artifact that was customized for human use." After several attempts at creating a new recipe, he met with success.He placed several more in the crafting queue.Within a few minutes, he handed the first one to Filamina.


    Enhanced Wolfman Mask[Aquarion]


    Enables Nightvision, enhanced


    hearing and +5 to all stats.


    Custom Made for Filamina.


    Crafted by Nix.


    Mina slipped the mask on, immediately gasping in surprise."I feel strength surging through me."She removed it a moment later."So if the crafter''s skill is high enough, they can use the customize option to switch from one race to another."


    "You should keep the mask on Min, it''s a good look for you."


    *****************


    Shortly after Midnight, the first group''s ground assault team, consisting of Pon, Sharl and the mages from the Daybreakers guild, closed in on the castle.They were flying low through the channel and had managed to enter the city without alerting anyone.They came up out of the channel quickly and hovered above the Courtyard.


    There were three beastmasters in the courtyard, outside of the castle entrance.Sixty wolfmen prowled the courtyard, the musty smell, and growls of canines lingering in the air.


    Pon came in hard and leaped from his manta to the doorway of the castle.


    [Fireball Mass AE]


    The rest of the mage-heavy group landed and started laying down AE effects, the stench of scorched hair was pungent enough for Sharl to pull off her wolf mask before equipping her shield.She moved to the front and protected the mages behind her.


    [Shield Wall]


    *************


    Jun Li led her group from the top floor, they weren''t bothering with to hide their arrival.Semmi and Wind were stealthed in the middle as group members continually peeled off to defend, leaving the two scouts to continue their route to the throne room.


    Wind was the first to enter, the King was sitting on his throne, his face as white as snow."You seek the crown of Neptia?There is nowhere you can hide if you leave this room with that crown."


    Darsi scowled, "Oh shut up you idiot.I just need to remove this damn jewel."There were three beastmasters in the room, two of them had summoned their beasts.


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    Semmi was stunned when Wind decided to unstealth in the middle of them, for a moment the entire room seemed frozen in time.A small movement on the scout''s shoulder announced the arrival of the tiny gecko.


    [Fear the King]


    Wind grabbed the crown from the woman in the orange jumpsuit a moment before she screamed in terror.Semmi followed him Wind the way they had come, both sprinting as hysteria spread in all directions.


    Jun Li and Tess were holding the second-floor exit when they saw the two scouts running toward them.Semmi wacked Jun Li''s butt as she ran by, "Time to go Junie!"


    *************


    Darsi sat on the floor, a sheen of sweat covering her skin while she gasped for air."The hell was that?"


    Two of the beastmasters that had been in the throne room were dead, killed when they beasts went crazy.The third was leaning against the wall."Some kind of mass fear."He shuddered when he said it, he had never felt such overwhelming terror in his life.


    "It''s over." She looked at the artifact in her hand and then stowed it away.Nix was at the heart of this, she couldn''t bring herself to resent him, but that doesn''t mean she was going to let him off.Without saying anything, she vanished from the throne room.


    ****************


    Nix and Min put their Manta down in the empty courtyard in front of the Valis castle.They both summoned a few of their beasts before entering.


    Mina followed Nix through the empty first level to the stairs, "Where is everyone?"The stealth group was coming from the roof, they were told to avoid any unnecessary fighting.


    "I don''t like it."He ran up the stairs to the second floor and a few seconds later arrived in the throne room.A man and woman sat on the throne, both of them looked relieved.


    "I guess we have you to thank for the sudden retreat?"The crowned man stood up and walked toward them.


    Nix nodded, "we are a strike force from the Souza Accord, sent to break the beastmaster''s hold on this castle."


    "The entire group left a few minutes ago."The woman on the throne spoke softly. She was a stunningly beautiful person, wavy red hair and smooth pale skin made it seem like the goddess of fire had come to life.Nix thought she looked abit like Shae.


    The roof assault team chose that moment to enter the room from the upper level.The royal couple looked alarmed when the raid group appeared out of thin air.Milat slipped off his wolfmask and bowed."We are from the Souza Accord your Majesty."


    [Sea-Farer Faction Quest Completed]


    Quest: Sea Farer Faction


    Description: You have raised


    your rating to ally level with


    one of the Kingdoms of Broyan.


    Achieve this with two other Broyan


    Kingdoms.


    Colonial System Message: You have raised your rating to ally level with four Kingdoms of Broyan. A newly discovered Island has been located North of the Broyan Continent.This small island has been awarded to the Inferno Guild.


    [Sea-Farer Faction has been raised]


    [Navy Shipyard can be built]


    [Naval Officers may be recruited]


    ****************


    By dawn, the fragmented raid group reunited next to the Rhatia city portal platform.Jun Li looked particularly happy, she received two more Navy Frigate bottles from the King''s of Neptia and Valis.This brought their total to four.


    They had been talking about the sudden unexpected retreat of the beastmasters.Nix had made his best guess."Ibelieve they retreated because the artifact they are trying to build requires four black diamonds.Losing even one of them makes their cause useless."


    Ronnie was smiling from ear to ear, she had talked her sister into taking a leave of absence from the Daybreakers in order to join them."So now what?"


    "We head back to the Sea World and start planning our path to Naval power." Jun Li caressed one of the Navy Frigate bottles she had pulled out of her inventory.


    "Let''s head back then."Nix glanced around the group, a sense of danger suddenly overcoming him."Aquarions first, I''ll meet you guys back at our camp in a bit."


    Without asking anyone he activated Deep Blue and waited while the members of the Souza Accord joined hands.After dropping them off, he delayed a few minutes before returning. Something was bothering him, but he couldn''t quite place it.


    The trip to camp was quite short, but the entire place had been packed up by the time Nix arrived.


    Ronnie waved to him when he circled the camp before landing.


    One of the mages that had accompanied Sharl was smiling at him.He was an average looking man with brown hair and a small goatee."We didn''t get a chance to talk earlier.I''m Severon Kosk, one of the Daybreaker mages."


    Nix shook his hand when he offered it. "Nice to meet you Severon, and thanks for the assist."


    The group quickly finished cleaning up the area and gathered in a small circle.Nix examined the group for a moment, not reaching for Deep Blue.


    Ronnie was standing next to him, she squeezed his hand, "let''s get going Nix!"


    The yellow-eyed man shook his head, "you four will have to find your own way back."He pointed to the four mages that had accompanied Sharl from the Daybreakers.


    "Nix?"Sharl''s eyes showed confusion, the area around him was warming up as if he was getting ready to fight.She sensed the same build-up from Pon.


    "I''m not bring four unknown Water Mages back."Nix stepped away from Ronnie suddenly.


    Severon''s smile turned into a smirk, "I''m afraid I must insist Mr. Nix."


    Pon cursed under his breathe."Damn it Sharl, Water Mages!"

 Chapter 39 Darsis Artifac

    Nix watched the four mages, his face was expressionless."You four are new to the Daybreakers right?How did you hear about Shae?"


    Severon shrugged, "does it matter?We''ll take her back to where she belongs."


    Both Sharl and Jun Li paled suddenly.The former Salamander leader armed herself with a sword."You think you can take her with just the four of you?"


    Nix sensed the sudden building of power from the four mages, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up at the sign of imminent danger.


    Sharl also sensed their increase in power."You''ve let yourself be bribed into using your bank levels?"


    Severon only laughed as his strength suddenly skyrocketed, his level shooting up from fifty all the way to seventy-nine."You have something that brings you to a special world right?Take us voluntarily and we won''t have to remove it from your corpse."


    Nix was carrying one of the bracelets in his inventory and the other he was wearing.Deep Blue would definitely drop if he were to be killed here.He felt his anger starting to bubble up."You want to steal from me and hurt my friends?"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Flames exploded outward from Nix, his aura burning like a sun while a dozen thick fire tentacles dangled in the air.The entire group stepped back as waves of sun-like heat pulsed from him, instantly all the tentacles latched on to each of the water mages, screams of misery and the stench of burnt flesh permeated the air.


    Pon''s eyes widened at the water mages dangling several feet off the ground, Daybreakers or not, he would burn them to ash.


    [Bale Fire]


    Three separate balls of white flame shot towards each of the mages.


    Ronnie and Chael opened fire, the rest of the range fighters aided them.Within a minute, the four high-level water mages were slain.


    Nix collapsed to his hands and knees, his aura finally burning out.Ronnie helped him to his feet, while he pulled new clothes from his inventory.


    Sharl searched the bodies of the mages who were killed.She hadn''t hesitated to attack them either."Nix... I didn''t realize their motives."


    Jun Li was still speechless from seeing Nix''s true strength,she lay a hand on Sharl''s shoulder, both of them waiting for him to speak.


    He smiled his thanks to Ronnie and looked toward his friends."The temptation that a Fire Lord brings is too much for a guild.I would not hold you responsible Sharl."


    Sharl''s pretty face showed her relief, a moment later her hud lit up and she received a message from Guild Leader of the Daybreaker Advanced levels.She closed it after a few seconds and left the guild."I will not betray my friends."


    Pon, Wind, and Ronnie left the guild immediately.


    Nix shook his head, "I''m sorry that it came to this.I know how much the guild meant to you guys."


    Wind shrugged it off like it was nothing, "it''s not the name itself, but the people in it.I will stay with my friends."


    The remaining Daybreakers in the group deguilded and once again everyone joined hands in a circle.Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the Sea-World.


    The Aquarions were all waiting when the group ported in.Mina had sensed Nix''s urgency in getting her people out, so she hadn''t said anything.She was speechless when she found out what happened.


    A few minutes later Nix stood in the surf, greeting Soup who he hadn''t seen much of in the past few days.Ducky was sitting comfortably on his shell, a happy smile on her water face."I''m glad to hear that you two are getting along so well."


    Everyone seemed tired, so it was decided that they''d discuss the recent events and their upcoming plans in the morning after everyone was able to rest.


    "Party on the marina in one hour Nix.Try not to miss it."Semmi gave him a big smile while she pulled Jun Li toward their houseboat.


    "Wouldn''t miss it."Nix felt a strong hand grab his hand. he turned to see Sharl''s serious face.


    "I''m sorry Nix."Even though she had been played by her own guild, they couldn''t have realized how difficult getting Shae would have been.Even had the water mages been able to kill everyone, once they entered the Sea-World there were hundreds of Aquarions to deal with.It would have been a slaughter.


    Nix guilded her and the rest of the former Daybreakers that had joined them."There''s nothing to be sorry for Sharl. Welcome to Inferno."


    Sharl stared at the marina."I don''t have a houseboat."


    Ronnie threw an arm around her sister''s shoulders."Live with me sis, just until you get your own."


    Nix considered issuing the same invitation but held back since she already had an offer."I need to run a quick errand to Cyphix."


    A few minutes later he was walking toward the Kindled Spirit, a movement from one of the side street caught his attention in the darkness.A woman stood there, she was flanked by a half-dozen beastmasters.


    "Good evening Trip-Seven."She nonchalantly pointed something at him, "four stones would have made this artifact reusable, instead of the one-time use that it is now."


    Nix summoned his Vilas immediately.


    [Command: Defend Me]


    A flash of light emerged from the blonde woman''s hand.


    [Your binding point has been changed to the Gladis Hub: Lifestyle Village.]


    Nix turned and fled on foot.He sprinted down an alley and moved toward the Town gate.He didn''t trust the Wolfmen not to attack the people of Cyphix so he wanted to lead them away.He quickly summoned his Black Manta and took to the air.


    All of the beastmasters were range fighters.Shots rang out and his Manta veered drastically toward the rooftops.Nix leaped to a nearby roof and ran in the opposite direction.


    The beastmasters continued to chase Shadow, Nix cursed them when they finally brought the black manta down.He attempted to activate Deep Blue.


    [Deep Blue has been disabled for the next 24 hours and may not be activated at this time.]


    "F*cking shit..."He moved toward the town gate while looking at the debuff he had been hit with. He ducked down behind a chimney and opened his inventory.He heard the clawing of wolfmen as they attempted to claw their way up to his location.


    Darsi walked down the middle of the street, she had bought range fighters with her, there were now more than a hundred wolfmen hunting him.His beasts had been overwhelmed by sheer numbers, there was no way he''d escape."There he is!"She spotted him running through the front gate.He only made it a dozen yards before he was brought down by the wolfmen.


    Nix tried to ignite his aura but it was grayed out from being used against the water mages.


    ****************


    Inmate 777, welcome to the LifeStyle village.Please follow me to your room, where you will be briefed on your duties as a Tailor here.


    Nix looked up from where he lay on the respawning platform.He stood and looked around the enormous complex he was in.There appeared to be restaurants, assorted clubs and even something that might be a gym.He felt exactly like he had stepped onto the campus of a huge corporation.He scowled at the familiar ball of light as it moved away.


    The ball of light led him down the sidewalk.It was evening time and most of the streetlights were off.He checked his inventory while he walked, it was completely empty except for the default Tailor items.It was at this time when he noticed that he was wearing an orange jumpsuit with the numbers 777 across the right breast pocket.


    "Where are we going?"


    The ball of light didn''t slow down, but it did answer."We are going to your dormitory where you will be briefed by your Floor Director, Dalton Moore."


    Nix followed him into a four-story dormitory and up two flights of stairs.He tried to activate his hud, but most of the choices had been grayed out.Finally, the ball of light stopped outside a door with his picture on it.


    A voice from behind him spoke."I will take him from here."A smaller man approached him but didn''t say anything until the ball of light disappeared."Use your hand to activate the door, only you can open it."


    Nix ignored the man and checked out his stats.


    Nix


    Level 50


    Strength 65


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    Endurance 63


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 100 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Flame Strands24


    Weapon Skills:


    N/A


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    [Spirit Animal 2/4]


    1: Soup [Elite Black Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Nymph, Special]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    Nix clenched his teeth in anger. All of his weapon and support skills had been erased.He still possessed his Flame Strand skill, but it had been removed from the support list.


    "If you would open the door Trip-Seven."


    Nix was tempted to wipe the hallway with the little man but decided to get information first.He swiped his hand over the sensor and stepped inside.

 Chapter 40 A short Trip

    Nix walked inside of his new place, the door opened into a small galley kitchen and a tidy dining room.Through a small archway was a living room which exited into a short hallway that led to a bedroom and a bathroom."I''ve seen worse."


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    The small man had followed him to the living room but stopped there while he checked out the rest of the apartment."I''m Dalton Moore, the Floor Director. Do you have any questions before we get started?"


    Nix walked back into the room, gazing out his living room window."This place seems quite large.


    How am I suppose to get around?"


    Dalton tapped his hud bracelet and downloaded a map directly to Nix''s hud."This should help you quite a bit."


    "We came up two flights of stairs, right?So I''m on the third floor."


    "That is correct."Dalton Moore smiled pleasantly.


    "I hope you have a good reason for bringing me here.I went through hell to escape here the first time."


    The small man shrugged, "I''m not sure what you mean."


    "Don''t come back here without the artificer."He grabbed Dalton Moore by the front of his shirt and tossed him through the living room window.The shattering of glass, followed by a surprised scream that ended in a sickening crunch put a smile back on Nix''s face.


    He walked back into the kitchen and opened the fridge.Someone had stocked it for him, he grabbed a bottle of milk and poured himself a glass."Damn... That''s really good."


    Half an hour later he heard a knock on his door, he opened it to see the frowning face of Dalton Moore. A nervous-looking blonde was standing behind him. "Come in."


    He left the door open and walked into the living room, after a moment they entered and shut the door behind him."This is as patient as someone like me gets.You better have a hell of a reason for bringing me here."


    Darsi held up her hand to placate him."We were attempting to assemble an artifact that would enable us to change the binding point of anyone we wish."


    "Towards what end?"Nix shook his head at the idiocy, "Gladis might ignore one or two strays, but what do you think will happen if a few dozen or more escapes?"


    Darsi tried not to stare at the broken window. "Gladis has nearly fifty thousand lifestyle employees working across dozens of different VR games."


    "Why am I here then?"Nix stared at the woman who was responsible for his revisiting the Gladis Hub."If it''s merely for revenge, you should start practice screaming in agony right now."


    Dalton Moore didn''t have to pretend to be scared, although dieing had no real effect for him, there was still a moment of terror and a bit of pain.He had found the experience very disconcerting."We want to know the method you used to escape originally."


    Darsi nodded patiently, "we''ll pay you.One hundred thousand credits."


    Nix kept a straight face when he heard the amount, he could sell a pair of custom underwear for that much money.He regularly transferred his credits to the Colonial Banking system, his current balance was just a bit over 3 billion credits."Pay me?How are you going to compensate me for losing the Sea-Beast Master skill?Do you realize how many hundreds of millions that was worth?"


    Darsi slowly went pale, she felt an overwhelming desire to flee."What are you talking about?"


    "When I respawned here.All of the skills I attained in Colonial were erased, as well as several priceless artifacts."Nix kept his voice calm, he only needed one thing.


    "I''ll make you a Beast-Master Artifact."Darsi had been the one supplying the Wolf-masks with beastmaster skill.


    This time Nix laughed loudly."The beastmaster skill?Want to know how many humans had the Sea-Beast Master Skill?None... Compared to the dozens who have your artifact, which would you say is more valuable?"


    Darsi glanced at Dalton and licked her lips nervously. "We are just trying to free a few people, it wasn''t our intent to inconvenience anyone."


    "Why not just take them with you?You can already leave whenever you like."


    Darsi held up an artifact."This artifact can only transfer one person."


    Nix glanced at the artifact and instantly two flame strands wrapped around her neck, he sent two more at Dalton who was frozen in shock.They both screamed soundlessly and flailed their limbs.He watched them for a moment, pinching his nose at the stench of burnt flesh in the small room."Inconvenience?That''s funny."


    He released them right as they died. Quickly he searched their corpses before they were recovered to the spawning platform."Bingo."


    Phelinomia Bracer


    Description: This bracer can


    transfer the wearer to the


    Phelinomia portal.


    Ricoli Artifact [Aquarion]


    Description: Enables the


    training of the Sea-Beast Master Skill.


    "I''ll take all of these."Nix activated the Phelinomia Bracer just as he heard steps running in the hallway. He waved at the shocked faces of Dalton and Darsi.


    He took the portal from Phelinomia back to Cyphix. He trotted through the streets under the light of the stars.In less than a minute he found the building he had jumped down from.Scaling the wood building as quietly as he could, he walked softly to the chimney and pulled out the bag he had stashed earlier.As they were closing in, his biggest worry was losing Deep Blue and his other valuables.He reequipped it and hopped down.


    He activated Deep Blue and chose his binding point, which was still the Gladis Hub: LifeStyle Village. A moment later he appeared in the lifestyle village, he took a moment to save the location to one of his empty slots.Then he ported directly to the Sea-World.


    Soup and Ducky came to greet him when he stepped into the surf.He patted them both affectionately before heading towards his Houseboat.Fatigue started to seep into his bones while he was climbing the steep steps to the third level deck.


    Fajii and Mina were both in his hot tub.He gave them a smile and walked into his bedroom to put on some shorts."Looks like I missed the party."


    Mina watched as he eased into the hot water."Fajii said you wouldn''t mind if a few of us use your hot tub."


    Nix nodded in agreement, "Fajii is right.This many is okay."


    "You look tired Nix.I thought you said you''d be right back."Mina was wearing the yellow bikini he had made her.


    "I was captured by the leader of the beastmasters and taken back to their lair."Nix opened one eye and displayed his stats for them.


    Nix


    Level 50


    Strength 65


    Endurance 63


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Cold Resistance 100 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Flame Strands24


    Weapon Skills:


    N/A


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    [Spirit Animal 2/4]


    1: Soup [Elite Black Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Nymph, Special]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    Mina''s pale face stared at him. "Nix!Where are your skills?"


    "They are gone, taken from me.I did, however, get one of these."


    Ricoli Artifact [Aquarion]


    Description: Enables the


    training of the Sea-Beast Master Skill.


    Mina sighed in relief."Thank goodness, it''s a small setback, but you can retrain the skill and get everything back."


    Nix shook his head, "you will pick an Aquarion from the Souza Accord to train this skill.I will walk another path."


    Mina took the artifact from his hand."The path of fire?"


    Nix nodded, "Yes.All my paths seem to lead to the flame."


    Fajii moved closer to him until her leg brushed against his."I talked to Nansu, she told me all about kissing.You were joking with me right?"


    Nix laughed at the look on her face.He had told her that Chael and Nansu were feeding each other. "Yes, that was a joke."


    Fajii laughed softly."It''s really very funny now that I know you were joking with me."


    Mina looked from Nix to Fajii."What''s with the two of you?"


    Fajii shrugged, "we exchanged pointers regarding the mating habits of Humans and Aquarions."


    Nix laughed at the explanation."Pointers..."


    The Aquarion leader looked surprised."Fajii, you and Nix engaged in..."


    Fajii nodded, "I couldn''t help myself.He said I was beautiful."


    Mina frowned at her alchemist friend."You are beautiful."


    Nix yawned and nodded in agreement."See? I told you so."


    All of them sensed the sudden build-up of power and turned toward Shae''s lair.A flash of blinding light and wave of power swept outward in all directions.A moment later a huge explosion rocked the Sea-World.

 Chapter 41 Emerald Flames

    Nix jumped from the third level of his houseboat to the dock, a quick roll and he was back on his feet running toward Shae''s Lair.The two Aquarions were much more tentative since they were water creatures and the Lair had become a glowing mass of molten rock.


    [Aura Ignition]


    His aura lit up without him willing it to, Nix used the dozen tentacles spreading out of his body to stab into the rock and pull himself upward.He could tell something was wrong.He ran toward the back room of Shae''s lair, the rock splashing under his feet like spring water.He skidded to a stop when he saw her.


    Shae was arching her back in pain, there were three different color flames coming from her, yellow, red and dark blue.Her red flaming hair hung toward the ground, her teeth gritted with determination."Nix!Only the red flames sustain elemental metamorphosis."


    He sensed the absolute anguish in her voice, he had felt such pain before."Don''t worry, I will help."


    He grabbed her hands tightly, although most of her body was engulfed in the red flames, the yellow and blue was concentrated at her hands.


    Nix moved around Shae and wrapped all twelve of his strands around her arms, not really sure what he was doing.


    Shae screamed in pain, her breath ragged."You can do it Nix! Focus on the absorbing the hotter flames, the yellow and blue!"


    He closed his eyes and tried to absorb the heat, he stopped immediately when he sensed he was sucking dry the lifeline.He concentrated on the flames, the detailed movement, the pressure each type emitted and finally the temperature.It was there, the slightest difference.The red was warm and pleasant, he let it gently ease pass without offering it any resistance.The yellow and blue slowly started to advance toward him.


    All of Nix''s strands were wrapped around her body, he had looped them around several times taking up the slack until he was face to face with the elemental.An unbending will surfaced within him to fight the yellow and blue progress, he knew without a doubt that if he failed here, Shae would most certainly perish.


    Slowly the pleasant warmth of his own flame began to heat up and change colors.The absorption of the yellow and blue flames turned his into an eerie green color.Grimly he held on, his body expanding as it absorbed passed his filling point."I.. I can''t hold it Shae!"


    Shae screamed in frustration, her anger waking everyone in the Sea-World.Her flaming eyes looked at him in anguish, "It''s fine Nix, just let go."


    Nix gripped her hands tighter, he smelled his own flesh burning while he pulled the blue and yellow flames away from Shae. Even when he reached his limit somehow he was able to persevere.His own form was unrecognizable as the green flames increased his size by several times.


    *****************


    Ronnie was the third person on the scene, both Fajii and Mina had retreated to the surf, their eyes wide with numbing fear."What''s going on here?


    Mina didn''t take her eyes off the steadily growing green light coming from the Salamander''s cave."Something is wrong with Shae, Nix went to help her."


    "Nix is in there?"Ronnie advanced several feet closer to the caves, the heat stopping her progress."Where''s Pon?"She looked around for the old fire mage.


    Sharl and Pon ran down the beach at the same time.Sharl was forced to stop next to Ronnie, but the old fire mage could advance almost to the rock walls.He stared up at the green light coming from the cave.He could feel that it was building up.


    Pon stepped back as molten rock ran down walls.He turned back toward the beach and retreated."Everyone get back!All the way into the water!"


    As one, everyone turned and ran into the surf.The Aquarions swam under the water several hundred feet.A dark piercing flash of green light blasted outward like an emerald wave.Ronnie and Sharl were tossed further into the depths.


    Ronnie surfaced a moment later and pulled her sister up.Most of the rock wall had been destroyed by the blast.


    In the aftermath, everyone advanced toward the epicenter cautiously, old Pon leading the way.The old mage''s eyes looked wary.A warm red light started to ebb, its gentle warmth seeped out of the destroyed cave.In the darkness, the red glow floated into the air and landed gently on the beach.


    Shae''s flames stopped the moment she stepped on the sand.Her appearance had changed drastically.She seemed taller and a bit thinner.Her cheekbones seemed more pronounced as she walked toward them, her long red hair brushing the back of her legs.Her movements were beyond graceful, she emanated with power.


    Pon looked excited, being a fire mage he knew what metamorphosis for a Salamander entailed. It meant the birth of a Fire Nemesis.


    The group stared at the young woman, although she had taken human form, it was still elemental of course.


    Ronnie was smiling at her before she remembered something."Hey... Where is Nix?"


    A movement from the shattered caves drew their attention once again.A man wearing only a Salamander bodysuit slowly climbed down the rocky wall.He stumbled once he stepped onto the sand but continued toward the group.


    Nix seemed tired beyond reasoning, he stared at the elemental.There was something oddly off about him, but no one could immediately place it. "You are okay?"His voice was raspy with fatigue.


    Shae embraced him and kissed his forehead."Thank you, Nix."


    He shrugged slightly, even that seemed to take effort."I don''t like to lose people close to me."He staggered slightly before she caught him and eased him to the ground.


    "Going to take a look, okay Nix?"Shae stroked his head gently and inspected him.


    Nix


    Level 50


    Strength 65


    Endurance 63


    Intelligence 25


    Dexterity 25


    Perception 25


    Mana 12000/12000


    Cold Resistance 100 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 100 [Burning Aura]


    Emerald Flame Strands71


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of Fire [Salamander]


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm


    Combustion


    Comet Strike


    [Spirit Animal 2/4]


    1: Soup [Elite Black Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Nymph, Special]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    Shae pursed her lips as she considered his skills, she glanced at Pon whose mouth had dropped open."That''s my Path of Fire."


    The old fire mage nodded, "Of those four, I only recognize Balefire."


    She helped him to his feet, "Combustion is a self-heal.Meteor Storm is an Area Effect damage spell. Comet strike is a single target attack spell with really good range."


    Fajii pushed gently through the crowd and grabbed Nix''s other arm."Let''s get him back to his bed, so he can rest."


    Shae nodded and the two of them walked him slowly back to the marina, he was swaying back and forth between them like a drunk person.


    A few minutes later he was reclining in bed while Fajii mixed him up something to drink, she smiled when she handed it to him."This should restore your energy and help you sleep, although you probably don''t need help sleeping."


    Shae had made everyone else leave, she watched Nix drink down the concoction, "You are always there when I need you Nix.I''ve never had a truer friend."


    Nix nodded in agreement, his yellow eyes already closed."I''m awesome," he mumbled softly.


    ****************


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    Morning came and Nix woke up feeling refreshed.Pon and Ronnie were sitting at the rail of his back deck.They both smiled when he slid open the door.He gave them a quick wave, "Hey guys."


    There were dolphins playing in the water just off the rear deck.They had once been his beasts, although that was no longer the case, they were still very friendly toward him.


    "Let''s gather all the members of Inferno and then meet up at the beach."Nix slid his Salamander suit on and then put the Malu Aquatic over it.He wasn''t planning on an undersea excursion, but it paid to be ready.


    A few minutes later, Inferno was gathered in a small circle on the beach. They were studying the map Nix had brought up on his hud.


    Semmi seemed a bit confused."So... there''s no guards?"


    "None," Nix affirmed.He handed everyone bags that he had tailored."It''s like Christmas, fill everything up with items from your assigned area.Just in case there are some security surprises I don''t know about, in and out in five minutes."


    They held hands, each of them still looking a bit confused.Was this a raid or a shopping trip?"Semmi you are with me."


    He activated Deep Blue and then chose Gladis Hub: LifeStyle Village.

 Chapter 42 Gladis Hub

    The courtyard around the platform was empty in the mid-morning hours.Generally speaking, the crafters of the LifeStyle Village were working hard to finish their daily quotas.Semmi stopped and stared with the rest of the Inferno Guild.


    She glanced at Nix who seemed more amused than anything else."Is this a mall?Holy Shit Nix."


    "Come on, let''s get going."He grabbed her hand and left the main courtyard and headed upstairs to the second level west wing where the Artificers were located."Stealth here and take everything from Darsi''s work station while she is talking to me."


    Semmi pinched his side, "do your best Nix."


    Nix entered the room, there was only one artificer working.According to his map, she shared this work station with two alchemists.None of them looked up when he walked in,He smiled at the ponytailed girl."Really good concentration guys."


    Darsi stared at him, her blue eyes wide with shock."Trip-Seven..."


    The two male alchemists in the room glanced at him, neither paying much attention.Semmi snatched everything out of Darsi''s finished bin while she stared at Nix.


    "This is a hold-up, please step away from your work-stations."Three green strands shot from Nix''s outstretched hand, they waved threateningly in front of the three crafters.Each of them felt the intense heat pulsing from the emerald flames.


    Semmi couldn''t help but snort at his expression, she finished all three bins and headed toward the door.She tapped Nix''s shoulder on the way out.


    Darsi slammed her hand on the counter, just before she noticed the empty bin."God in heaven... You are robbing us?"


    Nix nodded in affirmation "Yes, I said that already."


    Darsi sighed heavily, "Can you give me back my Phelinomia bracer?"


    Nix shook his head, "No way... What time do you finish your daily quotas?"


    "My companions and I are done by 1400 every day."Darsi stared at the smiling Nix."I messed up, I wish I had done things differently."


    "Have all your friends on the platform tomorrow at 1500."He turned and trotted out the door.By the time he arrived back at the entry point, the rest of the raid group had already returned.He activated Deep Blue and chose Sea-World.


    ***********


    Nix walked down dock carefully inspecting the bounty they had picked up, there were several different kinds of melee and ranged weapons.Walking a bit further he ran into the armor section, it started at cloth armor and ended with some enhanced plating.At the end of the dock, there was a combination of potions, artifacts, and jewelry.


    Not many things impressed Jun Li, but this was a haul bigger than anything she had seen in any raid.She was looking through the jewelry very carefully, everything they brought back was high end.


    Nix leaned back against the dock post and waited for everyone to assemble.All ofInferno finally finished picking through the loot, no one had asked for anything yet.


    "How is this sort of haul possible Nix?"Jun Li had walked into the weapons area and had literally taken everything, no one lifted a finger to stop her.


    "Who here has heard of the Gladis Corporation?"


    Semmi considered her answer before answering, "they are a massive VR corporation, recently they''ve been delving more into games like Colonial."


    Nix nodded, he figured Semmi would definitely have heard of them."The Gladis Corporation recently purchased the contracts of non-violent felons to work as lifestyle players.The place we just visited is called the Gladis Hub."


    "Holy shit Nix!"Ronnie had been standing next to her sister, her dark face wore a huge smile."We just stuck it to Gladis Corp?"


    Semmi watched him carefully."That woman called you Trip-Seven."


    "Inmate 777, that was my designator while I was at the Gladis reception area.I escaped before being assigned to the Lifestyle Village."


    Semmi clapped her hands together."An escaped felon?How does she know you if you escaped from reception?"


    "Oddly enough there''s an empty room across the hall from her that has my designator and picture on it."


    Semmi raised an eyebrow, "For real?"


    "Yes, they used an artifact to change my binding point back to the Gladis Hub.I died and was respawned at the LifeStyle Village."


    Jun Li cussed loudly, "those black diamonds were used to make that artifact?"


    "Yes," Nix answered truthfully."However, without all the stones it became a one-time use item."


    ******************


    "There it is."Wind pointed to a large drafting table a hundred feet from shore.A few moments later the three of them landed and approached.


    Nix placed his hand on the table and instantly a menu popped up in his hud.


    [Guild Leader Nix of the Inferno Guild: Please name your guild''s island.]


    Nix smiled to himself."Glory."


    [Do you wish to start a settlement on Glory Island?]


    "Yes."


    [There are two types of settlement options for this island.]


    1) Coastal Settlement.


    2) Inland Settlement.


    "Coastal Settlement."


    [Use the overhead view of your map to choose a site.]


    Nix maneuvered the map over the island''s natural cove and chose the site.


    [Coastal Settlements come with a dock feature.Build Docks for Glory Island?]


    "Yes."


    [You can currently choose one of three support buildings to be built on Glory Island.]


    1) Guild Hall


    2) Shipyard


    3) Guild Portal


    Pon pointed to the third option. "Best to go with Portal."


    Wind nodded in agreement. "We already have four ships, so building a shipyard at this point isn''t reasonable.


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    [Glory Island]


    1) Guild Portal


    2) Coastal Settlement


    3) Dock option


    4) Natural Feature Site.


    [Total cost: 734,454,040 credits] Keep all options and build Glory Island?


    Pon laughed at Nix''s face."Holy shit."


    Wind whistled softly, "yeah... that sucks."


    "Yes.Build Glory Island." Nix started paging through the available settlement options, there were dozens of different stores and shops that could be constructed.Each of them carried hefty charges.


    [Guild Structures have been built.Inferno has been promoted to level two.Guild chat has been enabled.]


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: I have a Guild portal icon on my hud!Incoming!


    A moment later Ronnie ported to Glory Island, she was quickly followed by the rest of Inferno.


    Nix took a seat on a nearby rock and watched while the docks were being built.As a coastal settlement, they would receive ten initial small shop plots to be given or sold.Additionally, there were two large plots available also.


    "Anyone know a good Innkeeper we could talk into moving here?"Jun Li was smiling at Nix for once, usually, she was serious when he was around.Everyone knew that he had a close relationship with Hyai from the Kindled Spirit.


    Nix returned her smile. "How''s that work, Junie?"


    She didn''t seem to notice that he used her nickname."The Inn goes with the Innkeeper.She could pay a fee and the KIndled Spirit would be moved from the plot in Cyphix to one here in Glory Island."


    "Hmmm... I''ll consider asking her. Pon, I need you to find me a reliable Fire Acolyte for our temple."


    The old fire mage nodded, "I know of several, but Fire Temples require a flame spirit."


    Nix shook his head, "no it doesn''t."


    Jun Li pursed her lips slightly, Nix hardly ever said things that were wrong."In this case Nix... I believe he is right. To receive all the benefits of having an elemental temple, a spirit is required.Or else it would just be a building."


    Nix shook his head again. "Flame spirits are fairly low-level elementals.We don''t need one of those, because we have a Fire Nemesis."


    Pon, "oh god."


    Jun Li, "you can''t be serious."


    "Why not?Temple Spirits are given their own elemental worlds."He had already discussed it with Shae, it would give her a secure place that she could call her own.


    Jun Li glanced between Pon and Nix."No one has a Nemesis Elemental as their Temple Spirit.How would that even work?"


    Pon scratched his old face as he considered it."Temple benefits are directly related to the strength of the Elementals residing within its core world.Honestly, I have no idea what would happen if Shae had her own temple."


    "Bring me an acolyte, Pon.You know what Shae is like, so try to find someone who can get along with her."


    Semmi had been listening in on the conversation, she nudged Nix over slightly and sat down next to him on his boulder."You''ll use one of the large plots to build a Temple?"


    "Yes, we are going to need the benefits of a Fire Temple if we intend to make further progress in Mermaid City."


    Nix accessed the settlement menu from his hud and checked the Temple prices.He whistled and closed it immediately.It was nearly five billion credits, he didn''t have that kind of money."How can we land a temple without paying for it?"


    Semmi laughed at the comment."You want to take someone''s temple?


    Nansu chose this moment to approach, she was holding hands with Chael."I''d like an alchemist shop, please. I know it will probably have to wait until a later time, but just keep it in mind."


    Nix brought up the menu interface and showed the plot locations for small shops."See a location you like?"


    Nansu pointed to one that was close to the docks.She was never certain when Nix was serious or joking.


    Nix highlighted the area and then chose the Alchemy shop from a long list of possibilities.He smiled at the look on Nansu''s face.All businesses would automatically donate fifteen percent of their profits to the guild."All done."


    The build options Nix chose only took a few hours to complete.Jun Li volunteered to recruit Ship captains for them, while Semmi would look for a Settlement manager.Nix had a general idea of what he wanted, but he had no idea the best way to get it done.A manager was definitely needed.


    A familiar face approached him, Nix was surprised until he remembered that he had given her back the second Deep Blue bracer.


    Mina smiled at him, "I hear you are looking for a Temple?"


    Nix nodded, "you know of one?"


    Mina brought up a map and zoomed in on a large building."The Arcadic Temple."


    "Oh god..."Pon stared at her like she had three heads.


    Jun Li stared at the map."That''s an Aquarion Temple from Mermaid City, it isn''t even part of the raids."


    Nix looked at the map then back at the Aquarion."I like the way you think Min."

 Chapter 43 Glory

    A day later at 1500, Nix ported back into the Lifestyle Village.Darsi, Dalton and five others were waiting next to the platform.


    Nix held out a hand."Everyone please join hands."He waited patiently until everyone complied, then he activated Deep Blue and chose Jenza.


    Darsi stepped off the platform, she had been to Jenza many times, so she wasn''t standing there gawking like the rest of her group.Her eyes were watching Nix."This entire time, you have an artifact that can do what I spent the last few months trying to accomplish."


    "I suppose so, it''s not like I could just tell you that."He glanced at the rest of the group, "tomorrow morning I''ll pick you up here at 0700 and bring you back to the hub."


    "Can I copy the artifact that you use for travel?"


    "I''ll consider it, but first you need to show that you can make the daily commute work."


    One of the men who were in the group stepped forward.He was a thin Asian man with close-cropped hair."So we treat the hub like a regular job, 0700-1500, and we can live anywhere in this world?"


    Dalton Moore''s face showed that he was still nervous being around, but he could see the sense in the plan."We meet our quotas and there are no issues from the Gladis Hub."


    Nix nodded, "you can make a lot of credits in Colonial while you are here.You can arrange to keep that so you have something put aside when you are done. It''s something to think about."


    Darsi smiled at him, her pretty face finally relaxing."What about the island you mentioned?"


    "We are building our own town, there is room for crafters."Nix knew that most of this group would probably be done with their sentences in the next few years.Any shop you started, would still be yours after you are released."


    They were all still staring at him when he activated the Deep Blue and chose Cyphix.He couldn''t keep the smile off his face when he noticed the empty lot that had once been the Kindled Spirit.All he had done was mention moving to Glory Island and Hyai had jumped at the chance.Apparently she was tired of the cold and had been wanting to relocate to someplace warmer.


    "Nix!"Hyai was walking down the street with Kyla, both of them were carrying glowing deeds in their hands.


    Nix smiled at the pair, although Hyai''s hair was a shade lighter red, the two could have passed for mother and daughter very easily. The gunsmith was well known in Cyphix for doing quality work."Did you recruit us a gunsmith?"


    "Yep."Hyai held up the deed in her hand.To complete the transfer, all Nix needed to do was to assign her a plot large enough on Glory Island and the Inn would construct.The build time was about four hours.


    "Is someone going to come looking for me since I''m stealing all the business owners in Cyphix?"


    Kyla nodded, "the entire town will be missing Hyai''s cooking."


    Hyai smiled at the compliment. "Are we going to be the only two business owners in town?"


    Nix held out his hands, "let me show you the site."


    The Inn Site was overlooking the cove, Hyai''s eyes lit up the moment she saw it.Nix assigned her the plot and she activated her Inn Deed.The small grouped walked along the dock, most of the ten shops would be facing seaward, Nansu and Fajii were already setting up the Alchemy shop which was nearly in the middle of the dock area.


    Nix pointed to plot just to the right of Nansu''s."That''s where my Tailor shop is going, all you have to do is choose one that you like."


    He activated the town menu and assigned himself the plot after paying a hefty price.Kyla pointed to the one on the other side of him."That one works for me."


    He nodded and assigned her the plot, Fajii and Nansu walked out of their shop when they noticed the newcomers.


    "Nansu and Fajii, this is our new Inn Keeper, Hyai and our Gunsmith shop owner, Kyla."


    Neither Hyai nor Kyla seemed to mind Fajii being an Aquarion, they were both aware that Inferno was allied with the Souza Accord.Nix had already told them, that this would be an Aquarion friendly island.


    ***********


    By the time Nix made it back to the Sea-World, most of Inferno was lounging on the third deck of his houseboat.


    Shae smiled when she saw him."Ready for action Nix?"


    He leaned against the rail next to her and nodded at Mina who had been waiting for him so she could start her brief.


    "Arcadia is the biggest Temple in Colonia.Capturing a Temple in Colonial is straightforward. Eliminate the temple spirit and kill her acolytes.You can then capture the Temple deed.Once you do that the Temple will automatically deconstruct within a few hours."


    Pon was looking at a map on his hud."How many acolytes and what sort of spirit?"


    "There will be six Aquarion Water mages serving as acolytes.The water spirit is a Lord class spirit.She is currently the highest spirit controlling a Temple in Colonial."Mina shot a glance toward Shae, "at least for now."


    The old fire mage wrinkled his face, "Aquarion water mages are much stronger than their human counterpart."


    "Which is why you, Nix and Sharl will form a team of three to kill each of them."Jun Li had taken on the role of Raid Leader since Nix had asked her."The rest of us will ensure that you aren''t overrun by reinforcements."


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    Mina nodded, "initially we can expect that there won''t be much reaction, but if they figure out what we are trying to do, we can expect to face an army."


    Shae had been listening to the raid brief."The Water Lord there is quite old and very strong, we are each other''s weakness.If we can successfully take this temple, Mermaid City will be substantially weakened."


    Jun Li zoomed in on Pon''s map."Mina has a portal point saved relatively close by.We shouldn''t run into any issues before we get to Arcadia.The Main raid group will hit the Courtyard next to the entrance.Here the Temple group of Shae, Nix, Pon, and Sharl will push in.Shae will directly access the elemental world anchored to the temple while the others move on the Acolytes.We will set up in the doorway to create a bottleneck defense.If we can''t win this fight in fifteen minutes, everyone will retreat back to Glory.Questions?"


    Ronnie was studying the map, she had wanted to fight with her sister, but her lack of fire gear meant that she would have to be part of the defense."What sort of benefits will the Temple bring Glory?"


    Semmi had the most Colonial knowledge so she fielded the question."We can expect a huge fire damage buff, probably thirty percent.Shae will be given an elemental world that is anchored to the temple, this will draw fire mages from all over Colonial.We will also be able to anchor a seed-world to the temple."


    Nix looked up when she said the last part. "Can we anchor the Sea-World to the temple?"


    Semmi nodded, "In a round-about way.Temples come with a tiny speck of a seed world, this is meant for the Acolytes to reside in.Seed worlds all have one thing in common, no matter what their size is.They can be combined."


    "That''s going to be a fire seed world right," Nix asked?"Won''t that be bad if we combine it with a water-world?"


    "That''s something no one knows, but if we can manage it then the temple portal will become a private access to the Sea-World."


    **************

 Chapter 44 Acardia Temple

    The small raid group was gathered together on Glory island.In attendance were the members of Inferno with the addition of Mina, Milat, and Shae. A few last-minute changes meant that Semmi would accompany the fire team.There had been some fire gear mixed in with the loot from the Gladis hub, Jun Li had decided that Semmi would give them some much-needed scout abilities.


    Mina squeezed Nix''s hand, she had argued with Jun Li over not being part of the Acolyte team.In the end, it was decided that her Vilas would be more effective in the temple courtyard helping to hold back the reinforcements."I can send a few Vila to protect you."


    Nix shook his head, "I want you to use them to protect yourself."He was wearing turtle under armor underneath his Salamander suit.He had found an Aquatic ring that had the same qualities as his aquatic gear, thanks once again to the crafters of the Gladis Hub.


    The small group joined hands and instantly ported to Mermaid City.This was not part of the raiding levels, but if you were to look carefully, the Arcadic Temple was on the 8th floor.Nix immediately summoned Soup and Ducky.He patted Soup''s head gently.As agreed, Mina led the way through a mostly abandoned city.They ran into a few aquatic sub-species, but nothing that wished to pick a fight with them.They pulled up just before they entered a dense seaweed forest.


    The weeds and sea plants extended twenty feet from the bottom. In the distance, you could see a pyramid-shaped structure surrounded by vast open space.


    Nix whistled softly and glanced at Shae who probably would have been drooling had they not been underwater."That''s way bigger than I imagined."


    "It''s wonderful Nix, please work hard for me."Shae had changed slightly since undergoing her nemesis metamorphosis.Her long red hair floated around her in the water, she wore the body-hugging salamander suit and held a flaming staff.


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    Sharl, Semmi, Pon, Shae, and Nix moved away from the rest, they would move in fast and get into the temple ahead of the pursuit.It would be vital that the main group managed to block the entrance until they had completed the mission.


    Sharl, Semmi, and Pon all latched on to Soup''s shell.Even pulling three people, the Sea Turtle was much faster than them.Shae and Ducky would lead the way with Nix bringing up the rear guard.


    Jun Li made sure everyone was ready, then she gave Shae the thumbs up. Instantly Shae flashed into the Seaweed forest, the small group trailing behind.Jun Li gave them a five-count and then nodded for Mina to lead the way in.


    The entry into the Arcadia Temple was a huge archway that was closed up by white silver doors.The advance group was halfway across the courtyard when they were first spotted.There wasn''t a normal guard on the grounds since this was deep into Aquarion territory.


    Nix followed his group closely, he estimated the distance to the pursuit and decided that Aquarion ''s would arrive before the raid''s main body.Both his hands glowed with green flames.


    [Meteor Storm]


    A targeting array formed on the ground covering a space that was 50x50 meters, Nix centered it on the Aquarion guards and the continued toward the door.


    Mina noticed the guards heading to cut them off, "we may have to fight our way to the door!"A moment later green flames rained down on the courtyard, everything it touched screamed in mortal agony, although the flames only did normal damage, it seemed to have a hidden pain modifier attached to it.


    Jun Li was rear guard for the main body, she shook her head at the emerald meteor storm.One spell halted the group of five guards in their tracks and enabled them to make it to the doorway.The massive doors had been opened by the advanced team."Stealth fighters leave the group and pick TOAs, (Targets of Opportunity) tanks in the doorway, healers to the back."


    Mina set loose her Vilas in the area in front."Keep an eye on the time, this raid becomes unwinnable in fifteen minutes."


    *********************


    Shae pushed through the door and didn''t bother to even look at the Acolytes, above the altar was a shimmering blue light that hovered peacefully.The red-head darted through it without looking back.


    Three Acolytes came at them just after they entered. Nix immediately targeted the nearest.


    [Befuddle: My Target]


    Ducky weaved her hands gently, the Aquarion responded by stopping in her tracks while slowly swaying back and forth.Six strands shot from his Nix''s hands and wrapped around the second, completely immobilizing him.The green flames bit into the Acolytes cloth armor, only a strand wrapped around his throat kept him from screaming.


    Pon targeted the third Acolyte.


    [Wall of Flames]


    The flames forced the Aquarion Acolyte back, Sharl ignored the wall and leaped through it with her spear thrust outward, she swept her spear at the Acolytes feet, knocking her to the ground before she skewered her through the abdomen.


    Nix held the strands in place and assisted Sharl by targeting her opponent.


    [Comet Strike]


    Three balls of green flame burst from his hand, the first two missed but the third took the downed opponent in the chest hurting her badly.


    Semmi appeared an instant later and slashed her daggers across the Acolytes throat, finishing her off."I''ll go find the other Acolytes!"She faded from view, her voice trailing after her.


    Sharl turned back toward the other two, shaking her head in amazement.The one Nix held in his green flame strands was nearly dead already.She slashed it once across the back and stepped back when it crumbled to the floor.


    Pon targeted the third one with his strongest spell.


    [Balefire]


    A white flash of brilliant flame knocked the befuddled Aquarion to the ground.Nix quickly targeted her again with his version of the spell.


    [Balefire]


    The green flame flashed at the Aquarion, a moment later she disenigrated into nothing.Nix fell to his knees, his head spinning.


    Pon helped him to his feet."Oh... Shae said that you shouldn''t use Balefire yet, the Salamander version uses all your remaining mana.It''s meant for last resorts."


    Nix frowned at he old mage, "you did that on purpose."


    Pon nodded, "can''t have a young runt showing me up!"The old mage cackled and then moved behind Sharl.


    Sharl didn''t hide the smile on her face."Read the spell description noob, it says that right?"


    "Damn it...Aren''t we on the same team?"


    Sharl nodded, "sure."


    Pon grinned wickedly at him."Yep."


    **************


    Shae paused when she arrived in the elemental world, she immediately felt the weakening effects of being in a Water Lord''s Elemental domain.


    WHO DARES ENTER MY WATER WORLD?


    Shae frowned at the voice, such arrogance in front of an Elemental Nemesis was mind-boggling."Enough of the posturing old fool.Show yourself and we''ll talk this over properly."


    An old-looking man appeared in front of her.His ocean blue eyes throbbed with the power of a Water Lord."A Nemesis comes to my temple?Why?"


    Two swords made of flame appeared in Shae''s hands, her flaming aura lit up around her driving the Water Lord back a step."I''m taking this temple for my own. Leave now and you will escape with your life."


    The old man laughed at the sight of her."You think too much of yourself.If this was neutral ground you''d stand a chance."A shield made of shimmering blue water appeared on one arm while he pulled a blue trident out of the water surrounding them.


    ****************


    Nix held the fourth Acolyte with all of his strands while Pon, Semmi, and Sharl fought the fifth one.Ducky had the last of them befuddled off to one side.Since all of Nix''s mana was gone, there wasn''t much he could do.He hadn''t brought mana potions and so was relegated to strictly crowd control.He cursed the laughing fire mage in his head.


    Sharl finished off the fourth Acolyte and targeted Ducky''s mob.This would give Nix''s strands more time to weaken the last Acolyte.


    Pon assisted Sharl and hit her target with his Balefire spell, he felt a bit guilty when he glanced at his frowning guild leader.He tossed him a mana potion after the fifth Acolyte died.


    Nix opened the bottle and downed it without even looking.Instantly he felt the warm presence of his fire mana flowing through him again. "Thanks, Pon."


    The old mage nodded, "don''t use it all at one time noob."


    ***************


    "This is what you get when you invade my world, little salamander."The old man looked exhausted, but his smile was triumphant.The Nemesis knelt on the ground with a spear thrust through her side.


    "Stupid tricks..."Shae''s eyes blazed with red flames, she had the old man beaten to a standstill when they sprang the trap on her.There were two Water Lords in this domain.


    A blue-haired woman laughed from behind her."I''m his mate, so of course my strength is his."


    Shae spit some of her flaming blood on the ground in disgust, she stared at the old man who was still laughing."All you''ve done is cause her death.Do you think I have no one?"


    [Summon: Spirit Bond]


    A moment later a yellow-eyed human appeared beside her.Right away his intelligent eyes read the situation."You okay Shae?"


    Shae nodded toward the female elemental as she painfully removed the spear from her side."Stall her."


    [Aura Ignition]


    A green flame pulse outward from him, causing both Water Lords to scream in pain.A dozen green tentacles waved madly around him.All of them instantly wrapped around the female.


    The old Water Lord had scoffed when his opponent summoned a human.He wasn''t sure how he could enter the elemental world, but he had done so.The green flames coming off him were horrifyingly painful.His mate screamed loud enough to shake the water world.He flashed toward her without a second thought, unbelievably he had forgotten Shae''s presence for a split second.


    Shae thrust both swords through his chest, impaling him as he sped past her.He collapsed on the ground just before he got to Nix.He watched powerlessly while the Nemesis walked past him and beheaded his mate.


    Nix released his aura, not bothering to watch as Shae killed the remaining Water Lord."We need to go now Shae."


    Shae nodded and took the Temple Deed that had appeared over his corpse."I can always count on you Nix."

 Chapter 45 Fire Palace

    A half-hour later the Inferno guild was discussing the Arcadia Raid.Mina hadn''t lost any of her Vilas, but several of them would be down for a few days.


    "You vanished just as we finished off the last Acolyte."Sharl had thought Nix had ported out, he was using both hands to hold strands when he disappeared.


    "I summoned him."Shae was still holding the glowing deed in her hands."There were two Water Lords in the temple.They sprang a trap on me that caught me by surprise."


    Pon whistled softly, "two of them?"He stared at Nix, if his emerald fire strands could hold a Water Lord, then Nix was the strongest fire mage on Colonial."A Water Lord should have tossed him around like a toy."


    Shae pushed an errant strand of red hair behind her ear."He held her without assistance, even I am not sure what those flame strands are."


    Nix stood up and stretched his tired body.The depletion of his mana had completely worn him out.He would have to be more careful in the future."Let''s head to the temple site."


    The group walked toward the middle of the Island.There was a small hill with a level area on top.This was the temple site.Nix activated the Island menu and chose the temple site.He nodded to Shae who walked toward the middle of the plot.


    [You have a Temple Deed and an Elemental being.Do you wish to construct a Fire Temple?]


    "Yes."


    Both Shae and the deed she held vanished.The entire hill became a whirling cloud of smoke and flame.The Inferno guild quickly retreated back to town.The Temple was a 12-hour build.


    Nix noticed that the Inn had been completed, so he led the group there.Hyai had kept the name, it was still the Kindled Spirit.The Inn had been upgraded automatically when it was built, the tables, booths, and chairs were all new again.He took a seat at the bar and waited while the rest of Inferno did the same.


    Surprisingly Sila walked in from the backroom and moved behind the bar to serve."Heya Nix!"She served him a pint first and then started filling up mugs for everyone else.


    Nix grinned at her, he hadn''t seen much of her since the raid on Cyphix.Her short brown hair had grown to shoulder length.Her baggy clothes still did nothing to hide her impressive curves."What are you doing here Sila?"


    She hesitated in front of Mina, not sure if Aquarions liked to drink.She poured when Mina nodded.


    "Mina this is Sila, a friend of mine from Cyphix.Sila this is Mina, she is the leader of the Souza Accord."


    To her credit, Sila smiled pleasantly, even though it was her first time meeting an Aquarion."I''m here helping Hyai for a few days, Nezbit and Donri are here also. "


    Nix had grouped with the three of them shortly after his arrival in Colonial.Nezbit was also one of the clerics that had been captured during the Cyphix raid."Is this a coincidence?"


    Sila grinned at him but didn''t answer right away as she continued to pour.When she was finally done she walked back to the middle of the bar and leaned her elbows on the smooth wood.The act caused her large breasts to squeeze together, Nix did his best not to stare."We''ve left our guild and want to join Inferno.If you''ll have us."


    Nix didn''t really have to think about it.The three of them were all in the mid-30s, with a small push they could make 50 and start gearing up."We''d love to have you."


    A few minutes later Nix left by himself and walked down the short path to the docks.His tailor shop had been completed.He walked in and opened the small double doors to let some of the sea air in.He had used the Shop menu to have Nix''s Tailor Shop painted on the window.Inside were several rows of hangers, followed by a few large flat tables and some bins.There was a workstation in an attached backroom. The backroom had stairs leading up to a second floor that could serve as storage or a living area.He used his inventory from Gladis Hub to stock the workstation and was just wrapping up when he heard footsteps in the store.


    Nix peeked through the curtain leading to the back room and smiled at the young woman who had walked in."Hey, Kyla."


    Kyla was wearing the red dress that Nix had made her, for once her hair was down.She had always reminded him of his sister Lisa.It was her smile, it turned a normal face into a stunning beauty.


    "I ''m going to head over to the Inn to eat." Her shop was set up like Nix''s, she had been unpacking her personal things in the living area.


    "I''m heading that way also."Nix locked up his shop and then walked back toward the Kindled Spirit.There was a group of people standing outside watching the sunset.Nix had to admit, Colonial sunsets could be breath-taking.


    Kyla stopped outside to mingle a bit, she had made friends with Nansu during the day and decided to chat with her.


    The Kindled Spirit had the same warm feeling he remembered.He headed up the stairs, Hyai continued to insist that the luxury suite was his.Halfway up the stairs, he heard her voice.


    "I made some beef stew if you feel like eating something."Hyai had just walked out of the kitchen with a tray for one of the nearby tables.


    Nix nodded, "that would be great.Going to get cleaned up a bit, then I''ll be down."


    Hyai shook her head, "get some rest Nix, I''ll bring it up when things slow down."


    A few minutes later Nix was submerged up to his chin in hot water.His clothes were tossed in a pile next to the bed.


    ***************


    Nix was shaken awake several hours later, landing on the hard floor woke him up. The entire room seemed to be tilting as he stumbled to the door and down the steps.He managed to make it outside without further mishap, all of Glory island was rumbling.He headed to the back of the inn toward theTemple site.


    "Holy Shit." Molten rock was flowing down a steep volcano that seemed to sprout from nowhere.It continued to rise skyward with small eruptions sending rock and lava into the air.By the time the rumbling stopped, all of Inferno had joined him.


    Smoke clouds swirled around the site for several more minutes before finally clearing.The base of the volcano had become a serene white marble temple with huge stone columns and a large courtyard. There were dozens of fountains that flowed with flaming liquid, Nix felt a huge surge of strength when started walking toward the entrance.


    Colonial System Message: A Fire Palace has been constructed on Glory Island.All Inferno Guild members receive a +50 percent to fire-based damage.All Inferno Fire mages receive a mana boost of 30 percent.The Fire Palace may be chosen as a binding point.All weapons made in the Fire Temple smithy are automatically fire-based weapons.


    Nix felt someone grab his arm, he turned to see an excited Pon. He had a half dozen robed women with him."These your daughters Pon?"


    The old mage made a face at him but didn''t reply."These are all fire mages who volunteered to become Acolytes."


    "So many?"Nix glanced back at the temple, there was no sign of Shae yet."Suppose I''ll go get her."


    The group let him get several yards ahead before they followed him.Nix walked across the courtyard to the intricate red gold doors.They were quite warm to the touch and opened easily when he pushed against them.


    Inside were more columns and white marble floors, in the distance he could see an altar.He stopped for a moment and turned back to Pon."Six isn''t going to be enough Acolytes Pon."


    The old fire mage nodded, "I wasn''t expecting this."


    Above the altar was a swirling mass of fire.Nix couldn''t feel any head emanating from it when he approached.There was also a set of green leather armor folded neatly along with a wooden staff, a rifle, a spear, a shield, a sword, and two daggers.


    Shae stepped from the fire a moment later.Her red hair seemed to be in flames as it floated casually in the air behind her.She wore a suit of red mail and held flaming swords in each hand.When she saw Nix, the swords faded into nothing and she stepped toward him.


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    Nix returned the smile that she gave him."These are pretty nice digs Shae.I wonder if my.."He was interrupted when she grabbed his face with both hands and kissed him.


    She released him but latched onto his hand. "It seems like meeting you has been one benefit after another for me.I''ve named you the Fire Palace Champion."


    Nix let himself get pulled closer to the altar, where Shae handed him the green leather armor.He slipped it on without a second thought.It was warm and comfortable.


    [Aura Ignitition]


    Green flames crackled and swirled around him, the fire mages nearby all stepped closer when they noticed they had received a fire-based attack buff.


    Pon read the buff out loud. "Emerald Champion +100 to Attack, stacks with all attack based buffs.Four-hour duration."


    Nix looked at the stats on the leather armor.


    Emerald Armor[Growth Type]


    Unique: Elemental


    All stats increased by ten.


    Fire-based attacks use thirty percent


    less mana.


    "My aura ignition causes an ATK buff?"Nix dropped his aura and watched as Shae handed out the weapons on the altar.Pon received the Fire Staff, Banza received the spear and shield, Chael received the rifle, Jun Li received the sword and the two daggers went to Semmi and Wind.


    Shae smiled and thanked everyone."Once a month I can make armor and weapons in the Temple Smithy.Within a few months, everyone will have a set of fire-based weapons."


    Pon motioned for the Acolytes to move forward."Shae these fire mages volunteered to serve here.I will find more when I can."


    Nix moved away from the group and accessed Deep Blue, he chose the Sea World and right away received a system message.


    [You are accessing a personal seed world in the vicinity of your temple''s seed world.As the Temple Lord, you may combine the two seed worlds. Do you wish to combine them?]


    "Yes."He glanced at Shae, she was talking with the Acolytes.Why wasn''t she the Temple Lord?


    [Please wait an additional four hours for the seed melding to take place.]

 Chapter 46 Fortifying Glory

    Nix arrived at Jenza platform a few minutes before 0700.All seven members of the Gladis Hub were waiting for him.He offered them membership in Inferno.


    Darsi seemed surprised by the offer."What brought this on Nix?"She liked calling him Trip-Seven, but she didn''t want to antagonize him further.


    "It''s for ease of travel.By joining Inferno, you will receive a Guild portal icon on your hud.That means you can leave the Gladis Hub unassisted."


    Darsi smiled at him, "I can make us all ''return to binding point'' bracers.They aren''t complicated at all.As long as our binding point is the Hub, we''ll be able to go back and forth easily."


    Nix nodded, "that''s what I''m thinking also." He held out his hand and Darsi grabbed it. A few moments later he dropped them off at the Gladis Hub and then returned to Glory Island.


    He covered a yawn when he stepped off the Glory platform.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Going to check out the Sea-World now.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: If my houseboat is damaged, I''m going to want compensation!


    /Guildchat: Nix: Sure, just ask Shae for reimbursement.


    The Palace courtyard was empty as he walked through it. The beautiful Red Gold doors were open, Nix could hear the sound of voices coming from within.Pon was there with three additional Acolytes, bringing the total to nine.They were all huddled around the old mage, hanging on his every word.


    Nix held up a hand and waved."Hey guys, don''t let me interrupt." He guilded all of the Acolytes as he passed through.To his surprise, each of them bowed low to him.


    Off to one side of the altar was a small platform.The temple in Cyphix had a similar one, it was where he had respawned after freezing to death the last time.


    [Initial Set up of the Fire Palace portal, please choose permissions from the following choices.]


    1: Inferno Members only.


    2: Access on individual Basis.


    3: Unlimited Access.


    "Inferno Members only."


    [Access to Temple Seed World has been established.Please choose permissions from the following choices.]


    1: Inferno Members only.


    2: Access on individual Basis.


    3: Unlimited Access.


    "Access on individual Basis."


    [Initial Set up has been completed.Please return to the platform menu to change any choices.]


    Nix opened the guild roster and gave the original Inferno members access, then he stepped on the platform and chose the Sea-World.


    His feet stepped directly onto the beach.He breathed a sigh of relief to see that the marina was still intact.The small cottage on the beach had grown again.He turned to see acres and acres of rolling plains, covered in knee-high grass.The Seed World seemed to have doubled in size, with just about all of that being land.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Everything is fine, none of the houseboats were damaged.


    Most of the Aquarions had remained on the Sea-World during the melding, they walked out of the water when they saw him.


    "I can''t believe this is the same tiny world I use to play in as a child."Mina walked up behind him, she had used the Deep Blue bracer to access the world.


    Nix gave her portal access to the Sea-World and started adding Aquarions one by one.When she noticed what he was doing, She had them come up and present themselves.Adding six-hundred Aquarions to the portal permissions only took a few minutes."Now each of you may come and go as you please."


    Fajii was one of the last ones to receive permission."Thank you, Nix."She knew that he was giving up something quite valuable so that her people would have a safe haven.


    "Yes.Thank you."Mina placed a hand on his shoulder, they had been fighting alongside each other for weeks now and had developed a good sense of camaraderie.


    Nix used his guild portal icon again and walked toward his Tailor shop.


    /Guildchat: Darsi: Can we chat later Nix?I''ll meet you at the docks at 1500.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Sounds good.It'' would be nice if each of your co-workers introduced themselves to the guild.


    /Guilchat: Darsi:Sure Nix.I''m Darsi, I''m an Artificer.


    /Guildchat: Dalton:I''m Dalton, a cobbler.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie:You make desserts?


    /Guildchat: Sharl:Oh god..


    /Guildchat: Dalton:Shoes and boots.


    /Guildchat: Pinwall:I''m Pin, I''m a Chef.


    /Guildchat: Lena: Lena here, I''m a Carpenter.


    /Guildchat: Sorbie: I''m Sorbie, I make jewelry.


    /Guildchat: Blitz: I''m Blitz, I make bladed weapons.


    /Guildchat: Moki: I''m Moki, I am an armorer.


    Nansu and Fajii were standing in front of the Alchemy shop when Nix arrived at his door.Nansu offered him a smile, "Are those people from Gladis going to open shops here?"


    Nix shrugged, "Not really sure, but I hope so."He knew from experience that the Gladis Hub possessed the best crafters.


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    He spent a few hours working in the backroom.He made a few bins of both male and female undergarments, then moved on to swimsuits.Finally, he made a custom black suit for himself and slipped it on.He made two more generic versions for the mannequins.


    He stretched his arms over his head, it had been a long time since he had dressed up.Most of Inferno was at the Kindled Spirit when he walked in.The sudden silence pulled Hyai out of the kitchen.Nix waved and took a seat at the bar.


    Wind had been sitting with Banza across the room, they instantly made a bee-line for him.King Lubo was sitting comfortably on his shoulder.He jumped nimbly to Nix''s shoulder and patted his cheek.


    "Hail the King."Nix used a finger to rub his smooth stomach, theKing half-closed his eyelids and enjoyed the attention for a moment before jumping back to Wind.


    Wind sat down next to him, "you make that suit Nix?"


    Nix nodded, "Yes. A hundred thousand credits.Currently, I can make blue, black and gray."


    Wind gave him a rare smile."I''ll take three, one of each color."


    Banza nodded in agreement, "Same for me boss."


    "Pick them up at the shop tomorrow."He caught Hyai''s eye and motioned for her to join him.She finished serving the table and walked over.


    "Looking great Nix!What''s the occasion?"She was just finishing up with the lunch crowd.


    "Just advertising my product.Want to head to Rhatia?It has a nice river-walk down by the channels."


    "I don''t have anything fancy to wear Nix."


    He handed her a white box, "There are a few different colors, I''ll wait."


    A half-hour later, they were walking down the boardwalk that bordered the channels.The trees overhanging the walkway were blooming with yellow flowers.Hyai had chosen a simple white dress with spaghetti straps.She wore matching white sandals.They relaxed and enjoyed the night air while taking in the parade of boats that traveled the channel-way.


    Hyai leaned her head against him, a smile on her freckled face."Been a while since someone has treated this old woman so nicely Nix."


    "For an old woman, you are getting a lot of looks from the men walking by.I may have to fight my way out of here to keep you."


    Hyai laughed at the comment, she was aware that several men had stopped to stare openly at them.


    By the time they had walked the length of the channel, they had a dozen people keeping tabs on them, both male and female.


    "Where did you get those clothes?"


    A man and woman were pulling a small cart down the walk on the opposite side of the channel, they had noticed them and had stopped to watch.It was the man who spoke loud enough to carry across the water.


    "I made them. I have a small Tailor shop on Glory Island."Nix pulled Hyai back toward the Rhatia platform, it was still early enough to meet up with Darsi.


    "I enjoyed the stroll Nix.Thanks for inviting me."


    ************


    Darsi and her group were standing on the docks when Nix returned.They were talking with Nansu, Kyla and Fajii. They seemed curious about Fajii, but since they were from the Gladis Hub, they had no real understanding of the ongoing conflict between the two races.


    "Are these shop plots still available for sale?"Darsi was halfway through a three-year sentence, if she could establish a business in Colonial, she could have something nice to fall back on when she got out.


    Nix understood the concerns of these crafters."Yes.Not only that, when you leave Colonial, we will hold them for you until you are able to return."


    Darsi glanced at her companions."We would like the remaining plots.Would that be acceptable?"


    Nix hid his smile, he had been hoping these crafters would start shops on the dock.Crafter made items were in high demand and in some cases were better then the equipment that dropped in raids.


    "Nix!"Jun Li called his name, much louder then she meant to.She was with a small group, two men and three women.


    Nix used the Island menu to assign the Crafters their own shops and then walked toward Jun Li.All four of the people with her looked like pirates."What can I do for you Juni?"


    Jun Li didn''t mind him using her nickname, they had become good friends in recent weeks."These are the captains I''ve hired for our ships."He had specifically asked her to hire five captains, she still wasn''t sure what the last one was for.


    Nix bowed slightly."Nice to meet you.I"m Nix, the guild leader of Inferno."He glanced at the ship berths and noticed they were still empty."Where are the frigates?"


    "Semmi has them in Espana.It''s possible to upgrade them with certain features before launch.Waiting until after increases the cost quite a bit." (Launch refers to removing them from their bottle)


    /Guildchat: Nix: Can you check out ferry shuttles while you are in Espana, Sem?"


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Sure, how big are you thinking.


    /Guildchat: As big as they come.Once people realize what we have here, we should get a pretty big daily crowd.


    /Guildchat:Semmi: The biggest is a thousand passenger, just under 500 million.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Get it for me.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Um... you''re paying me back right?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Sorry, you''re breaking up.


    "Nice to meet you guys."Nix waved at them and headed toward the palace.He hadn''t checked out Shae''s Elemental world yet.


    Halfway to the Temple, Nix slipped his green armor back on.As he approached the altar, Pon and a few of the Acolytes watched him."Something on my face Pon?"


    The old fire mage shook his head. "What you doing Nix?"


    Nix pointed at the ball of flame hovering above the altar."Right there.I"m going in."


    Pon shook his head, "Unless Shae brings you in personally, you''ll probaly be incinerated."


    Nix shrugged at them, "We''ll see."


    [Aura Ignition]


    Bright emerald colored flames swirled around Nix and then pulsed outward. He leapt toward the swirling ball of flame above the altar and disappeared from sight.

 Chapter 47 Brown Flames

    Nix had been expected a world of flame and molten rock, however, the reality was quite different. The air was a bit heavier, and it bore the faintest hint of brimstone.There were dozens of pools with steam coming out of them. The entire area was lightly forested.


    "Nice of you to finally show up."A voice spoke to him from close by.He turned to see Shae floating casually on the surface of one of the pools.Her red hair was slicked back on her head, she beckoned him with a finger.


    He removed his armor while he walked toward her."This is way more water than I was expecting Shae."


    He placed a barefoot in and right away pulled it out."Trying to cook me?"


    Shae nodded, "That coincides with my plans to eat you... so yes."


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    Nix laughed and ignited his aura.This time when he stepped in he felt only the pleasant warmth of his own flames.The bottom of the pond was a spongy porous stone that he had never seen before. "Is that brimstone?"


    "Yes..."She moved closer, not hesitating to embrace him despite his flames.She placed a hand on his shoulder and closed her eyes in pleasure."Did you know that your emerald flames have an extreme pain modifier attached to them?"


    "I figured it was something like that.Doesn''t seem to bother you though."


    Shae laughed softly, "just the opposite actually.For me, there is a pleasure modifier.I dare say you could be very popular with fire creatures."


    "Is that right?" Nix sent a dozen strands to her limbs, while he wrapped his arms around her waist.She could have easily broken free, instead, she leaned forward and pressed her lips against his.


    Shae let her arms and legs be spread apart, her breathing was labored from the pleasure.His warm hands gripped her hips tightly before he entered her causing her to arch her back and moan loudly.


    Her body glowed with red flames that mixed together with his green ones.The colors fused together, making a brown flame both participants seemed to become frantic with need as they pushed against each other.


    "Nix!The flames are brown!"Shae thrust her hips against him while she let the brown flames envelop her, her entire body vibrated as her moans grew louder.


    ****************


    Afterward, they lay in companionable silence on the grassy banks.Nix had his hands behind his head while he stared up at the reddish sky.Shae had her head on his chest and had decided to entertain herself by tickling him with a blade of grass.


    "Going to scorch that piece of grass in a bit."


    Shae laughed at him, "such scary threats Nix."


    "I''ve been told I''m scary, it''s the eyes."


    She moved over him and planted a kiss on his forehead, "those lovely yellow eyes?Not scary at all."


    "What''s the significance of brown flames?"


    Shae sat up slowly, her hand caressing his face."Brown flames are a very high ranking flame, to advance further than Nemesis, I must cultivate a brown flame."


    "Oh... How are you supposed to do that?"


    Shae gave him a sly look, "until a few minutes ago, I had no idea."


    Nix grinned at her, "so we need more practice then?"


    "Undoubtedly."


    *****************


    Nix stepped onto the altar and then hopped onto the marble floor of the Fire Palace.He suspected that time flowed differently within the Elemental World, he could see the rising sun through the open doors of the Fire Palace.


    He used the platform to access the Sea-World and stepped onto the soft sand.On a whim, he decided to check out the cottage. The home had increased in size, adding a second story, two more bedrooms, and a bathroom.The kitchen was now separated from the living room by a large island that had a half dozen stools around it.


    Mina walked in while he was checking out the space, she had been living in the home ever since Nix moved into the houseboat. "Going to move back in Nix? There''s plenty of room."


    Nix shook his head. "Maybe when I get tired of the houseboat. I kinda like the gentle sway of the water."


    "We can attempt an advancement in Mermaid City after Shae distributes some more fire gear."


    /Guildchat : Semmi: I hired a dozen shop workers in Espana today, one for each shop and two for the inn.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Nice job Sem.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: And one huge ferry. Come down to the dock and see the fleet, the frigates have been launched.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Be there in a bit.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Bring my 500 mil.


    /Guildchat: Nix: No idea what you are talking about.


    "Come on Min, you''re going to be with me anyway."


    Mina followed him out the door to the new Sea-World platform that accessed the Temple."What do you mean?"


    They walked through the Temple together, Nix could have used his guild icon to bring him to the dock area, but since Mina was with him he decided to walk with her."It means I want you to pick a dozen of your best melee fighters, some of the new stealth ones would be great.You and I are going to do some privateering."


    Mina looked confused but quickly changed the subject. "I''ve chosen another person for the spare Ricoli artifact."


    Nix enjoyed having pets, they made the sticky situations more survivable."Who''d you pick?"


    "Fajii."Mina watched his expression turn into a frown."You don''t like the choice?"


    "It''s up to you, but no I don''t like the choice."


    Mina considered his words while they walked."May I ask why?"


    "She''s an Alchemist, in the event of her death you would lose two valuable assets."


    "She has high compatibility with magic, but you present a valid point.I will reconsider."


    Nix nodded, "And I like her.That shouldn''t be a reason probably.I like you also, yet I gave you one."


    "It''s nice that you want to protect us Nix.We want to protect you also."


    He stopped when he stepped onto the docks.The Navy Frigates were like nothing he had ever seen.Three Main masts and two additional smaller sails fore and aft.The cannons had been drawn out, he counted 56 of them."That is what I call a ship."


    The nearest berth was occupied by the Ferry that Semmi had brought back, starting tomorrow he''d have it make a daily trip to the coastal city of Balta, which was part of Rhatia.The next four ships were identical except for the names.The Venture,the Scimitar, the Crane and the Phoenix.He smiled and stopped at the last one.


    "This one is mine!"Nix said it out loud, he had just noticed that Semmi and Jun Li were onboard the Crane.


    Semmi leaned on the rail of the Crane."You like that one Nix?"


    Nix nodded and headed up the gangplank.A woman with short dark hair stood on the deck.Nix stopped abruptly."Permission to come aboard Captain?"


    The woman nodded and Nix stepped onto the deck."Welcome Sir, I''m Captain Delphi. I take it the Phoenix is to be your FlagShip?"


    "Without a doubt, tell me about the ship Captain."


    "She''s a 56er with 24-pound cannons, dual deepwater rudders that can turn this girl on the head of a pin.Sturdy hardwood construction with berths for 130 sailors."


    "Hmm... Can you pull those sails off for me? The smaller ones too, I just need them for a bit."


    "Er... You want to detach the sails, sir?"


    "Will that take a long time?"Nix examined the closest sail, there appeared to be dozens of attachment points.


    "Well, strictly speaking the crew is loafing a bit since we''re a new crew."Delphi considered it for a moment and then a smile spread to her face, "it''ll be good for them.All crewmembers on deck, detach the three mains immediately as well as the fore and aft assists."


    He had the first sail next to his feet within five minutes, his inventory was opened while he considered his choices.Tailors had all sorts of choices when it came to changing cloth.They could color it, strengthen it, make it lighter and even choose from hundreds of patterns or images to be transferred onto it.He chose to make the cloth white, it was already an off-white, but the color difference was several shades.He cycled through his choices of images until he found a red phoenix that was covered in beautiful orange flames.He chose the sail to be modified and then combined it with white silk for lightness.The end result cost him 200 thousand credits.


    Phoenix Sail


    Description: A beautiful white sail


    emblazoned with the image of a majestic


    Phoenix.+ 20 to Sail Speed.+ 10 to turn radius.


    The grumbling crew watched while Nix changed the huge canvas sail.Within a few minutes, the replacement left them speechless.


    "Reattach it and bring us the rest!"Delphi barked at them, her eyes staring at the sail.


    Within an hour, the Phoenix Sails were in place, Nix was standing with Mina who hadn''t taken her eyes off them."You like them Min?"


    "I think so."Mina had only seen the briefest flash of red, but she did notice the sails seemed much whiterOnly Nix knew exactly what the design was.Since they were quickly furled, no one could see them.


    Nix gave her thumbs up and then turned to the captain."I want to see the crew below deck please."


    Captain Delphi nodded. "Right away Nix."

 Chapter 48 Shake-out Run

    Although the Phoenix was equipped for 130 berths, there were currently only 115 sailors on board.That was more than enough for a Shake-out Run.Pon, Sharl and Jun Li had each taken a ship out while Nix was below deck.


    "How can you do that so fast Sir?"Captain Delphi was wearing a sharp-looking red overcoat with red pants and a white shirt.In a relatively short period of time, he had made the crews uniforms as well.They wore red pants that stopped at the knee with a white shirt.He had added a swim component to the pants and an AC (Armor Class) component to the shirt.


    Phoenix Uniform


    Shirt: Common


    Description: + 100 to


    Cooling Effect.+ 5


    to AC.


    Phoenix Uniform


    Pants: Common


    Description: +100 to


    Cooling Effect. Underwater


    breathing.


    One by one the crew put on their new uniforms, the cooling effect was immediately popular. Nix had put the same effect on Delphi''s uniform.


    Nix smiled at the three empty berths, "looks like they got the jump on us.How about you show me what the Phoenix can do?"


    Captain Delphi smile, she wore a red bandanna over her short hair instead of a hat.Her perfect smile was marred by a slight chip on her front tooth."I''d love to Sir."


    "Just Nix is fine Captain."


    *****************


    Jun Li and Semmi were at the front of the ship, enjoying the sea breeze as the Crane cut through the waves.To the right, they were kept pace by both the Scimitar and the Venture.


    Jun Li was watching the competition since the ships were the same they weren''t able to gain much ground.Pon was the closest on the Venture while Sharl seemed content to bring up the rear on the Scimitar.


    "Maam!A ship has appeared behind us, it''s gaining fast."Captain Hoki''s deep voice carried from mid-ship.


    "Gaining on us?Are we being attacked?"Jun Li and Semmi both trotted to the stern of the ship, one of the crewman handed them an eyeglass.


    "Bastard."Semmi cursed under her breath and handed it to Jun Li.


    Jun Li couldn''t quite make out the ship."Looks like a frigate.Why is it so fast?"


    Semmi shook her head, "She couldn''t be in our wind yet could she?"


    Captain Hoki was a rail-thin man with a bald head.His skin was dark brown from a life spent at sea."No.She''s not in our wind, she''s just faster."


    The trailing ship started snaking in the water, quickly gaining on the Crane.Semmi watched as it continued to close, after a moment she scowled."That''s the Phoenix!"


    Jun Li stomped her foot on the hardwood deck. "What kind of f*cking sails are those?How come we don''t have them?"


    Captain Hoki was staring at the Phoenix Sails, snow-white with a bright Phoenix emblazoned on it."Custom sails, I have no idea where they would have got them."


    Semmi shared a look with Jun Li."I know exactly where they came from."


    The Phoenix moved into their wind, effectively putting the brakes on them before coming broad-side to them.Most of the Phoenix crew had moved to the rail to wave.


    Captain Delphi nodded her head to Hoki, before shooting a smile at Nix."Permission to give them a proper greeting Sir."


    Nix shrugged, "Whatever you like."


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    Captain Delphi yelled to her first mate."Have the men greet them, Louie!"


    Nearly a hundred sailors who had been at the rail waving turned around and gave them a half-moon.Nix roared with laughter when he saw them.


    Semmi sighed heavily from the deck of the Crane, "not even a full moon."


    Jun Li''s face had turned bright red, "that''s kinda rude!Even for Nix."


    Captain Hoki took it in stride, "those uniforms are very sharp."


    Just before sunset, all four frigates returned to Glory Island.Nix grabbed Mina and walked quickly toward his shop."We should move fast before Junie pesters me about uniforms or sails."


    When he arrived at his shop, there was a middle-aged woman waiting for him.She stepped forward and introduced herself."I''m Nova.Would you be Mr. Nix?"


    Nix nodded, "Are you the shopkeeper hired by Semmi?"As Nix recalled, Nova had been one of the names on the list of people she had hired.


    "Yes, Sir."She looked relieved to finally meet him.All the people who she had been hired with were already assigned to a shop.


    "Just call me Nix, please.Do you have a place to stay?"


    Nova nodded, "I''ll be commuting from my daughter''s house in Espana."


    "That''s going to get expensive.You may stay above the shop whenever you like, to cut down on the portal prices."Nix gave her one of the keys and then unlocked the door to show her in.


    "Oh my..."Nova glanced around at the products on display."These are amazing Nix.You made all of this?"


    "Yep.I''ll make you some comfortable work clothes."He glanced over at Mina, "Could you see if Kyla has a minute?I''d like to talk to her."


    Nix walked in back and started making a comfortable work uniform for Nova, while he was at it he made a few dresses and several sets of cotton undergarments.He was just finishing up when Mina came back with Kyla.


    "Making me a new dress Nix?"


    Nix returned her smile, "I''ll make you a dozen nice dresses if you can take on an ultra-secret mission for me."


    Kyla raised an eyebrow."Ultra-Secret?Is there danger involved?"


    He chuckled at her, "sure, you could drop something on your foot if you weren''t careful. I want to hire you to customize my guns."


    Kyla nodded, "Sure Nix.Another rifle then?"


    Nix shook his head and walked toward the front door of his shop.He opened the door slightly and peeked out."Follow me, Kyla, be quick."


    A moment later he trotted down the dock toward the Phoenix, both Kyla and Mina followed him closely.He stopped at the gangplank and walked carefully toward the deck.


    The first mate was standing nearby watching him, he was a short muscular man covered in interesting tattoos."You only need to ask permission once a day sir."


    "Oh okay.Could you ask Captain Delphi if she has a moment to talk?"


    Louie nodded and then walked off.Nix brought them closer to the hold door.A few moments later Louie returned with the captain.


    Delphi still wore the bright red uniform he had made for her."Got something else up your sleeve Nix?"She was already getting a good understanding of his personality.


    "Yep, take me to one of the 20-pounders, I need a standard firing crew also."They followed the captain below deck and exited into the cannon alley.


    Nix was looking at 28cannons, each of them was on a rail and mounted on a pivot. They could fire in either direction merely by flipping them. One deck lower was a mirror image of this one, bringing the total to 56 guns."Two-person crews for a cannon?"


    Delphi had two sailors with her."That''s correct, a loader and the fuser."


    "In a fight, are the cannons assigned?Or do they just grab the first one they come to?"


    "They aren''t assigned to a specific cannon."


    Nix glanced at Kyla then back at the Captain."What if they were?"He stepped closer and inspected the cannon.


    Steel Cannon: Twenty-pounder


    Description: Fires twenty pound


    projectiles.Max Range: 250 meters.


    Effective Range: 100 meters.


    Accuracy 3/10, reload 15 seconds.


    Kyla admired the cannon, she liked the smell of new guns."Why am I here Nix?"


    "Could you customize this cannon to the fuser?"


    Kyla''s freckled face showed her surprise."Customize a cannon?"


    Nix nodded, " it''s really just a big gun right?"


    Kyla looked doubtful, "I''m not sure Nix."A small smile crept on her lips, "I really want to try though."


    She spent several minutes inspecting the cannon after she was done she had a list of items she needed.Most of them were basic metals. "I have all of these in stock Nix.You''re a crafter so I don''t need to tell you how spendy experimenting can be."


    "That''s only for the first one, after that we''ll be home free.Go get what you need, I will cover the credits."Nix waited, sometimes the cost of crafting new items bordered on ridiculous.


    Kyla returned a few minutes later and set up the first cannon."Every attempt is 51 thousand credits."


    "Twenty attempts to start then."Nix crossed his fingers as she began to work.Too soon she glanced up at him.


    "That''s twenty Nix."She smiled when he transferred more credits to her.


    "Twenty more."


    Halfway through the attempts, her face broke into a big smile. She looked up at him, "Take a look!"


    Steel Cannon: Twenty-pounder


    Customized to Fedor.


    Description: Fires twenty pound


    projectiles.Max Range: 450 meters.


    Effective Range: 200 meters.


    Accuracy 5/10, reload 9 seconds.


    Captain Delphi stared at the specs."Holy Shit..."


    Kyla laughed at their expression."I never even thought to do heavy armaments."


    Delphi glanced at Fedor, "from now on this is your cannon.Go roust the other fusers."


    "So..."Kyla gave Nix a sly smile."That''s a dozen dresses.Don''t be afraid to mix up the colors and patterns.I like orange, but nothing pink, please.Oh, matching underwear too."


    He nodded at her, "I''ll get to work on it, you stay here and finish up.Remember... Ultra-secret."


    **************


    The next morning Nix sat on the rear deck of his Houseboat with Sharl, Pon, Jun Li, and Semmi.They were all reading the Sea-Farer Quest interface options.Since they had come to the aid of Broyan, the Inferno guild had aligned themselves with the Sea-Farer Faction.There were dozens of Quest options to advance through.


    Jun Li had read through all of the options the night before and had stayed up late discussing them with Semmi."I think we should take on the Bellator Quest Line.It eventually offers additional ships and theoption to upgrade our Guild Town."


    Nix had seen the quest, although it was unreasonable, he refused to touch anything with the Bellator name on it.Madrid Bellator had been one of the primary companies responsible for dumping toxins into water tables and burying barrels without proper insulation."Sorry Juni, Inferno won''t be doing the Bellator Quests."


    Semmi was watching him carefully, Nix didn''t wear his emotions on his sleeve."Which one then?"


    Nix pointed to a singular Quest."This one."He activated the Quest and displayed in on his Guild Hud.


    Quest: Onion


    Duration: Unknown


    Description: Take 3-5 ships and scout


    the small island of Veshu.


    Reward: 5000 Sea-Farer faction points.


    Jun Li read the question description, "it might be a good place to start.I like the choice."

 Chapter 49 Onions

    "Where''s the quest start?"Mina was looking over his shoulder at the map.


    "We''ll enter an instance at these coordinates,"Nix pointed to an area in the middle of the ocean. He glanced casually at the rest of the fleet, they were keeping pace but only because Delphi was running at three-quarter sails.


    "Contact Captain!Off the port bow!"Louie''s deep voice yelled out, "Land-lubbers."


    Captain Delphi glanced at Nix, "Up to you Nix."


    /Guildchat: Nix:Small detour, we''ll catch up.


    "Go get her Captain."Nix grabbed Mina and walked toward the bow where the Aquarion Assault team was waiting. They seemed more nervous than they should be, "relax everyone and work in teams.


    Mina summoned her Vila and assigned one to each of the two-person teams.There were five Aquarion pairs, her and Nix were the odd ones out, they would fight solo where needed.


    The ship they were chasing looked to be slightly larger than theirs, it turned toward the Phoenix and very quickly the distance began to shrink rapidly.


    "Hard to Port!"Captain yelled out the command at three hundred meters, the other boat was still closing the distance.


    Nix watched as the Phoenix turned sharply, by the time they were perpendicular to the closing ship, they were at two hundred meters."Perfect timing."


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    "Fire!"Delphi watched as both mains of the larger ship were shredded by the accuracy of the Phoenix''s twenty pounders."Hard to Starboard!"


    The Phoenix turned again, this time running parallel to the enemy ship, they were at three hundred meters.


    "Let''s try our luck, Fire top cannons!"Captain Delphi had her eyeglass out as the top 28 cannons fired.Half of them hit the ship, three of them at the waterline.


    Nix grinned at Mina, "They''re dead in the water."


    "Bring us around!"Delphi was about to give the command for fire order when the opposing ship ran up their white flag.She smiled at looked at Nix, "what do you want to do?"


    Nix took out his eyeglass and examined the ship, she was taking on water.The ship was called the Alabaster and belonged to the Nottingham Guild."Loot it and leave it."Being too heavy-handed would paint a bigger target on them.


    The Phoenix pulled up broadside and a half dozen grappling hooks sailed over, a minute later the two ships were secured.The opposing crew opened their hold and stepped back.Nix was expecting angry faces, but the sailors actually looked relieved.


    "Thanks for the mercy."A voice from beside him called out.She was leaning against the rail also, only a few feet away."There are too many ships at the bottom of the sea out here."


    Nix eyed the woman, she wore the tradition eyepatch of a pirate.He could see a bad scar that ran the length of her face, so he guessed the patch wasn''t a gimmick."You the captain?"


    "Yes, Captain Faryn, well-fought today."She extended her hand over the rail and they shook cordially.


    Nix noticed that the pinkie finger on her right hand was missing."Will you be able to make it back to port?"


    She pulled off her bandanna and wiped her forehead with it, she had deep red hair that was tied up in a complicated braid."It''ll be close, we''ve only materials for half the low hits."


    Nix turned his head and looked at Delphi was had been monitoring her crew.Sometimes crewmen would be overaggressive and start fights with the losers, she didn''t want this win to turn into a deck melee."Can we spare some repair material?"


    Captain Delphi considered it for a moment before nodding, "I''ll send what we can spare over."


    "Thank you, Captain."Taryn smiled at Nix and bowed low before turning."Let''s fight another day!"


    Less than half an hour later the Phoenix had resumed its route to the quest coordinates.They were at full sail while Nix and the Captain examined the loot.They had come away with six chests.


    Captain Delphi was all smiles, "it was a good win Nix.What''s the split?"


    "Call it a bonus and split it up between you and the crew."Nix patted her on the back and walked away.He wasn''t an expert, but he liked what he saw.A new crew had easily taken down the Alabaster.They would only get better.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Dalton you around?


    /Guildchat: Dalton: I''m at the Hub if that''s what you mean.


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''d like to put an order in for 120 pairs of deck shoes.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: You guys done already?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yes, we are enroute.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: How much damage did you take?


    /Guildchat: Nix: None.


    /Guildchat: Dalton: No problem.


    ***************


    The entrance to the instance was a huge transparent arch in the middle of the ocean.It was a few hundred feet across and perhaps five hundred feet high.More than enough for the ships to enter side by side.


    Colonial System Quest Message: You have entered the Onion Instance.


    Quest: Onion


    Duration: Unknown


    Description: Take 3-5 ships and scout


    the small island of Veshu.


    Reward: 5000 Sea-Farer faction points.


    As soon as they entered, a map popped up on everyone''s hud.The island of Veshu was shaped like a boot, almost all of it appeared to be densely forested.


    /Guidchat: Jun Li: Pon, you go east with Nix.I''ll go west with Sharl and we''ll meet on the Northside.


    The Phoenix took the lead, with the Venture close behind.Delphi lowered sail so that the slower boat could keep up.


    "It''s a very nice beach."Nix had an eyeglass and was scanning the shore.It was nothing but pristine white sands as far as you could see.


    Mina was close by, she had her eyes on the water.The Aquarion assault team was still looking nervous."Relax, we will be able to handle this."


    Nix summoned Ducky and Soup and put them both in scout mode.They kept pace with the Phoenix for a few moments before rushing ahead.


    There were several minutes of quiet, as the seconds ticked by the tension seemed to grow.Suddenly there was an explosion in the water, about a hundred meters off the bow.Nix could tell instantly that it had been triggered by Soup''s sonic attack.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Mines in the water!!


    Captain Delphi was already moving."Hard to starboard, quarter sail. Free hands to the rail!"


    The Phoenix slowed to a crawl, both Soup and Ducky returned to the ship. Nix slipped his armor off, and dived overboard.


    "We''ll scout it out, Captain."Nix latched on to Soup''s shell and moved her forward.A splash next to him announced the arrival of MIna.She had two of her Vilas with her.


    They submerged about twenty feet and slowly moved forward, within fifty meters they ran into the first mine.They were circular steel balls that were lined with spikes, someone had lined up hundreds of them.They were anchored to the sea-floor by a long tether that allowed them enough slack to drift a few feet in all directions.


    Nix returned to the side of the ship to talk with Delphi."Spiked mines that are tethered to the ocean floor, just below the surface. You know anything about these?"


    The captain nodded, "cutting the tether sets them off, best if we find a route through them."


    Nix glanced at Soup, "How about if we just start blowing them up?"


    Delphi shook her head, "might set off a chain reaction.That''s the last thingyou want in an instance like this."


    Mina motioned for the rest of her team to join them in the water."Let''s leave the ship and scout as a group.We can easily avoid the mines."


    Nix nodded, "Anchor here, we''ll be back."


    /Guildchat: Jun LI: What''s your status Nix?The Scimitar is hit hard and we have no place to go.


    /Guildchat: Nix: We were able to discover the minefield before we entered it.Continuing to scout the island without the ships.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Should we do the same?


    /Guildchat: Nix: If you''re bored, take a team and head to the island.


    They had only swum for a few minutes before most of the Vila started acting up.Mina had them all stop."The Vilas are scared Nix."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Get in the water Pon.


    /Guildchat: Pon: On my way.


    The mines seemed to have cleared away, Nix swam to the surface and sat on Soup''s shell while he waited for Pon.


    The fire mage arrived a minute later, his eyes were grim."Something feels off Nix."


    A moment later the ocean exploded upward in a titanic mass of blackness. Pon barely had time to curse before a tentacle slapped him into a blood mist.


    [Pon has been slain]


    Nix summoned his white manta and leapt onto his back while ordering Soup to flee. "The f*ck is that?"


    A triangular shaped black head covered in bumps lay rose up from the water. It had a massive beak that sounded like cell door slamming when he chomped down the Vilas that lay stunned on the surface.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Pon was just killed by a f* king squid!


    "Bring us about, full sails!" Captain Delphi spared a glance at Nix who had gained altitude quickly on his white manta.


    "Return to the ship Min!"


    [Meteor Storm]


    The sky took on a green tint for a moment, then emerald fire rained down upon the Kraken.


    A deafening screech of pain filled the air as the Kraken slammed its tentacles into the water.


    [You have been stunned]


    Nix felt both himself and his manta falling toward the ocean.He slapped onto the surface and lay there gasping for air.


    Mina flashed toward Nix, "Everyone retreat back to the ship!" She was almost to him when she was plucked out of the water by one of the smaller tentacles.


    Nix coughed once, holding his ribs.


    [Combustion]


    A faint green glow surrounded Nix, he caught a glimpse of Mina''s flailing legs. "Bastard!"


    The snapping beak echoed in his ears as he raced toward her, without a doubt, he wasn''t going to make it. A flash of black announced the arrival of his ally, he jumped on Soups back and a moment later was flung into the air.Eight strands flew from his hands and grabbed the tentacle holding Mina.Another screech of pain from the monster and Nix was grabbed, he twisted enough to ensure that Mina had been dropped.


    The huge maw closed down on him, Nix tried to make himself as small as possible as he was tossed into its mouth. A bit of pain in his legs and then blackness.

 Chapter 50 Beast Slayer

    Nix retched, the sour taste of bile was exactly the same as he remembered.An unbelievably bad stench made him regret his keen sense of smell.He propped himself up against a wet, sloppy wall. The darkness confused him for a moment before realization set it.


    "That f*cking squid ate me!" Nix focused for a moment.


    [Combustion]


    A green light glowed around him as his wounds were healed.In the few moments of light, Nix could see foot-long cilia lining the creatures gullet.He gripped one with each hand."Choke on me dumbass!"


    [Aura Ignition]


    ************


    Captain Delphi had moved a good distance from the Kraken, she watched the giant creature, her entire countenance was gloomy.Her crew had pulled the injured Aquarion leader from the water.The other Aquarions were holding her down to keep her from going back in.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Shit.The Kraken just ate Nix.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Damn...


    /Guildchat: Pon: I respawned at the temple platform, Nix is not here.


    The Kraken gave another deafening screech, rearing almost completely out of the water, in its panic it wandered into the nearby mines. Dozens of mines exploded together setting off a chain reaction as the creature flailed in the water. It went on for nearly a minute, bright explosions followed by the maddeningly loud screeching.


    Delphi watched from a two hundred meters away, the waves from the struggle would have capsized them had they not been facing the Kraken.She watched the creature rear up one last time, nearly every mine in the area had been detonated, finally, it collapsed with a long wail.


    *************


    Nix was thrown face down in the regurgitation once again, he spat in distaste and calmly extracted his tentacles from where he had anchored himself.His aura burned out finally, exhausted he staggered back to his feet."Apparently, you''re only tough on the outside."


    [You have slain a legendary creature]


    [A new Title has been awarded: Beast Slayer]


    [You have received a promotion in the Knights of Colonial]


    [The inferno Guild has received 200 thousand Sea Farer faction points]


    Nix stumbled out of the beast''s mouth and plopped down.


    [Do you wish to skin the Kraken?]


    Nix grinned and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand."Yes!"


    [1 Titanic Kraken skin has been added to your inventory]


    [Do you wish to process the Kraken meat?]


    "Yes."


    [All of your available cans have been filled, 1668 cans of Kraken meat]


    Nix noticed the loot icon, so he activated it.


    You have received a City Upgrade Token.


    You have received an Air Wisp companion.


    421 thousand credits have been deposited in your inventory.


    You have received the Kraken Armor. [Water Mage Only]


    Soup Surfaced nearby and Nix climbed on his back."What a good girl you are Soup."He rubbed its head fondly as they closed on the Phoenix.


    When Nix finally stepped back on deck, he was immediately accosted by Mina.The Aquarion leader hugged him tightly for several moments before letting go."Thank you, Nix!"


    Nix placed a hand on her shoulder, "I''m glad you are okay Min."


    /Guildchat: Wind: Nix is out and the Kraken is dead...


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Of course, who''d eat that sourpuss!


    /Guildchat: Nix; Let''s continue scouting.


    Captain Delphi went to quarter sails and moved ahead slowly, four Aquarions swam in front of the stern.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Found some abandoned buildings, with some documents, most of the progress bar on this instance has been filled.


    Nix brought up the quest, they were a hair from completing it.Progress bars started out red, then advanced to blue when the minimum standards were met, finally they would turn green when full marks were received.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Let''s keep at it, Hyai will be cooking us some Kraken for lunch.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: I want to try it.


    /Guildchat: Pon: Count me in, I''m going to eat the hell out of that bitch.


    After another hour, the Scimitar and the Crane came into view.Jun Li had returned to her ship and just when the ships came together, the progress bar on the Onion Quest turned green.


    [Onion Quest Completed: Inferno Guild is awarded five thousand Sea-Farer Faction points.]


    [Inferno Guild has attained Sea-Farer Faction Tier 3 and is promoted to a Level Three Guild.]


    [Video Hud Guild Chat is now enabled]


    Onion Quest: The Second Layer


    Description: You have discovered


    proof that marooned inhabitant of


    the island was from Safarza, continue


    your search.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Looks like we have to ask around Safarza for a bit to get the next part.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: How did we get to Tier Three Faction already?


    /Guildchat: Wind: Nix killed the Kraken.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nix killed the Kraken?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Technically it probably blew itself up.We also got an upgrade Town Upgrade Token.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li:Link it, please!


    /Guilchat: Nix: Sure.


    Town Token


    Description: Upgrades


    a town by one level.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li:Don''t use it Nix, that''s the really good one.Most tokens say upgrade from level one to two.Save it for when we are already level two.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Sound good Juni.


    The four ships were going to wait until the Scimitar finished repairs before exiting the instance, but Semmi was sure the damage would disappear when they left.


    An hour later all four ships were heading back to Glory.Nix and Mina were leaning against the port rail in companionable silence.


    Captain Delphi found them there."Shall we open it up Nix?"


    Nix looked at the three ships trailing them and then nodded."Show them our wake Captain."


    A short while later, they came within sight of the dock, "Looks like the Ferry has brought us some business."


    Mina gathered the Aquarions and activated her Deep Blue."I''ll catch up with you in the Sea-World Nix."


    Nix nodded and waved, the close call that Mina had still made his stomach upset.He walked down to the Kindled Spirit.The warm atmosphere of the Inn always made him feel better. For once, it was very crowded.He noticed Hyai walking into the kitchen so he followed her."Got something for you Hyai."


    Hyai watched as he placed a few dozen cans of Kraken meat on her table."Kraken? Hmm... Great Idea Nix."She pulled a big stand from behind the door and wrote Lunch Special: Kraken Stew on it.


    "I''ll put this out front hun."Nix grabbed the sign and headed back into the dining area.


    "Nix!Make sure to take a quick bath, you must have stepped in something."


    He laughed all the way to the door and placed the sign in its place."You aren''t wrong Hyai."


    **************


    A half-hour later Nix had cleaned up and returned to the dining room.He found an empty seat at the bar in between Ronnie and Sharl.The two sisters smiled fondly at him."You guys here for the Kraken?"


    Ronnie nodded, "Everyone is Nix. I wanna get me some Kraken!"


    "I picked you up something nice today Ronnie."


    Sharl cleared her throat, "just the younger?"


    "She is my favorite." Nix gave them his best leer."Want to compete for it?"He only laughed when they both nodded.


    "When and where Nix?"Sharl leaned forward, her large breasts brushing against Nix''s arm.


    Nix shook his head, "I''m only joking, this will definitely help an archer."He handed Ronnie a small glowing ball.


    Wilo''Wisp


    Description: An


    air spirit, the best companion


    for range fighters.


    Ronnie stared at the ball in her hand and then back at Nix.A moment later she activated it, the immediate area was covered in a warm white light. A small creature appeared hovering next to her, she was no larger than Ronnie''s hand.


    Wilo: Air Spirit


    Description: An immortal Spirit


    Companion. While Wilo is active all


    ranged damage is increased by thirty percent.


    Critical damage to range attacks has doubled.


    Featherfall is in effect.


    Sharl whistled at the little creature who hovered in front of her sister''s face."Nix this isn''t a low-level air spirit."


    "It came off the Kraken, so I didn''t figure it was." He tried to pet the creature but it vanished quickly into Ronnie''s hair.


    "Hungry Nix?"Hyai was holding a tray with several steaming bowls of Kraken stew, when he nodded she sat one down in front of him.


    "Thanks, Hyai."Nix dug in without saying anything else, having been eaten by the Kraken, it only seemed fair to return the favor.He chewed with his eyes closed, surprisingly it had a very delicate flavor and tasted more like mammal then sea creature."I wish I had more cans."


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    Sharl was still watching the air spirit while she ate. "We should take them hunting Nix, so she can get used to fighting with the wisp."


    "Great idea, however first we need to bring her to see Shae."Nix smiled at the alarmed expression on Ronnie''s face.


    "Why do we need to do that?"Ronnie stroked the wisps tiny head, it was standing on her shoulder next to a dark ear.


    "She''s an Elemental spirit Ronnie, this is Shae''s domain."Nix finished off his bowl and was scraping the sides with his spoon when Hyai sat another one in front of him. "Thanks hun."


    Sharl nodded at her sister. "She looks cute, but we did get her from a Kraken."


    Ronnie sighed heavily, "fine, we''ll go see Shae."

 Chapter 51 Fire and Air

    Nix leaned back in his chair and rubbed his stomach."How can Kraken taste so good?"


    Pon nodded in agreement, he had also eaten his fill."We should have just fed you to it right away.Saved us some trouble."


    Semmi laughed from the other side of Pon."New tactic when facing Krakens.I like it."


    Nix left the Kindled Spirit with Sharl and Ronnie a few minutes later.The ferry would return to Broyan at 1800hrs."Not bad for a first haul, the captain said there were nearly 100 passengers."


    Sharl glanced at the dock shops, they were still crowded with customers."Those Hub crafters have already filled their shops with their product."


    "Once word gets out, the ferry will be full every day."Nix led the sisters to the Temple, there were near twice as many acolytes as the day before.


    They entered the temple, the only acolyte dressed in white greeted them near the altar."How may I help you today?"


    The acolyte was a young fire mage with long wavy hair.She seemed too thin to stand up in a strong wind.


    "I''m going in to talk with Shae, my companions will wait here."


    The acolyte shook her head."I''m sorry sir that isn''t..."


    Nix interrupted the woman by wrapping a half-dozen emerald strands around her.Her eyes rolled back in her head as she moaned softly.


    Ronnie stepped forward, "don''t hurt her Nix."


    Sharl grabbed her sister before she did something stupid."That woman isn''t in pain Ronnie."


    "Tsk, tsk."Shae stepped onto the altar and floated slowly to the white marble floors."Playing with my Head Acolyte Nix?"


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    Nix released her, trying not to smile when she collapsed in a shuddering groan. "I wanted to come to see you.She was blocking my path."


    Shae frowned and spoke in a soft voice, without a doubt all of her acolytes heard her words."Never stop Nix from seeing me.He is the Lord of this temple, and I will deal harshly with anyone who thinks otherwise."


    "Not too harshly Shae."Nix smiled and helped the acolyte off the ground, she leaned on him for a moment before straightening up.


    "I''m Dervi," she bowed slightly."Excuse my earlier actions."


    "Hmmm, there is something different about you Nix."Shae studied him for a moment."Show me please."


    Nix nodded, Shae had incredible perception.


    Beast Slayer [Legendary Creature 1/6]


    Description: You have slain one of the legendary


    beasts in single combat.+5 to all Stats. Your enemy''s


    first attack will be reflected back upon them.


    "Basically he ate me and I ignited him from the inside.Then it wandered into an active minefield."


    Shae raised an eyebrow at him, "Emerald flames inside of a legendary Water Beast, it must have gone crazy with pain."


    "It did seem to forget all about the mines."Nix smiled at her, "I''m here because it dropped something very interesting."


    Ronnie stepped forward, the wisp was hiding in her hair.


    Shae pursed her lips, "oh I see... An air spirit.Come out please."


    Regardless of being shy, the Air Spirit immediately presented itself in front of Shae.It hovered and bowed low."Greetings benevolent Nemesis, I am Wilo."The tiniest voice you could imagine squeaked forth from the wisp.


    "You are closer to Lord rank than I would have imagined."Shae extended a finger, a moment later a tiny ball of flame floated toward the wisp.


    Wilo swirled her hands together and the ball expanded dramatically before flying across the temple and slamming against the far wall.


    Shael smiled, "Air and Fire are very compatible little Wilo. (pronounced willow) If you wish to reside on this isle, however, you must make a vow,nothing that would conflict with your companion relationship.


    Wilo nodded and bent down again."I will defend this temple and your territory to the best of my ability whenever you have need of me."


    Shae bowed slightly in return. "Very well done, in return I shall lend you the use of my elemental world when it comes time for you to advance.I will also defend you while you are in my territory."


    *****************


    After visiting the Temple, Nix returned to his shop to make product for the next few days.His shopkeeper Nova notified him that the day had been a resounding success.He focused more on formal wear since the suits and the dresses had been very popular.It was late in the evening by the time he activated Deep Blue.


    Most of Inferno were socializing in the marina, Nix took a few minutes to play with Ducky and Soup in the waves.He played with the other turtles and a few of the dolphins as well.Once tamed, they seemed to always possess goodwill toward the Beast Master.


    He rinsed off in his houseboats shower and then walked up the stairs to his bed.A familiar face through the sliding doors caused him to put off sleep for a bit.Nix changed into a swimsuit and opened the door to the third deck.


    Surprisingly, the Aquarion in his hot-tub was not Fajii, but rather Mina.She smiled at him when he opened the door."Fajii said she will be around later."


    "Min..."Nix slid into the hot-tub and closed his eyes, he had been thinking about his Aquarion friend all day.


    Her pale eyes stared at him and she moved closer until their hips were touching. She put an arm through his and leaned her head on his shoulder."I was very scared today Nix."


    "Same here, unlike me you won''t automatically get rezzed if something happens."


    She nodded, "I know.I couldn''t leave you laying there though."


    Nix grinned when she moved closer."You here to exchange pointers?"


    Mina laughed at the thought and shook her head."Your hair is much too dark, and there are no webbings on your fingers."


    "So, I''m hideous?"


    "Just a bit."She kissed his cheek as if experimenting."Did I do that right?"


    Nix nodded,"Yep.Did Fajii show you how?"


    "She did." A small smile curved her lips. "You are very important Nix, I hope to be standing next to you when we destroy the Artifact."


    "I insist on it."Nix leaned his head back and closed his eyes.A moment later he felt a hand stroke his head gently.He opened one eye, "this kind of thing leads to exchanging pointers Min."


    Mina shrugged and ignored his words. "What did you feel when I was grabbed by the Kraken?"


    Nix thought for a moment, it was an old feeling and very unpleasant."Panic... Like someone grabbed my heart and squeezed."


    Min nodded in agreement, "I felt the same when it grabbed you.I was very angry when they pulled me from the water."


    "We will have to be more careful."


    "You''re very brave Nix."


    Mina stayed a while longer, they talked quietly about moving forward in the Mermaid Trials.Everything they were currently doing seemed to be in preparation for that.


    ***************


    Nix woke the next morning to someone sitting on his bed.He opened an eye to see the smiling face of Ronnie."Hey... Bit early I think."


    Ronnie shook his legs, making the entire bed shake."Come on Nix!Me and Wilo want to hunt!"


    He rolled out of bed and quickly dressed, "let''s hunt in Safarza, maybe we''ll find a lead for the Onion Quest."


    "Yep, Wind thought the same thing."Ronnie was using a piece of her hair to tease Wilo, the sound of tiny laughter brought a smile to Nix''s face.


    Wind was waiting on the beach, King Lubo was sitting on his shoulder. "Jun Li downloaded the information she received from the island, we''ll be able to access it and search for clues."


    An hour later the three of them were riding Manta toward Safaraza.It was only a short flight and no one was in a hurry to get started.


    Nix pointed at the beach on the south side of Safarza, several Saltwater Crocs were sunning themselves in the morning sun."Let''s do some hunting and test out Ronnie''s wisp."


    As soon as they landed, his hud vibrated, he opened it to see Jun Li''s pretty face. "Hey, Nix."


    Wind and Ronnie walked away to give them room to talk, neither wanted to hear about guild business.


    Ronnie couldn''t keep the smile off her face when she saw King Lubo."You brought the little guy today?"


    Wind nodded, while the tiny lizard stared at the wisp.The two of them seemed to be involved in a staring contest.


    Wilo hovered in the air, moving closer to the tiny creature.Suddenly she shook her tiny fist at Lubo and started scolding it.


    [Fear the King]


    Wilo screeched loudly and buried herself in Ronnie''s hair causing her to frown at Wind."Hey... keep that gecko in line!"


    A nearby laugh told them that Nix had seen the interaction."Now she knows... Don''t f*ck with the King."


    The shaking wisp refused to untangle herself from Ronnie''s thick hair.Ronnie scowled at the two men who were not even bothering to hide their amusement."I think she piddled on my neck."


    Wind turned inland, staring at the high rocks."Someone''s coming Nix."Immediately he stealthed and moved away.

 Chapter 52 Dunhams Cove

    Nix waited patiently, he could sense someone closing on them, but they had stealthed."Going to show yourself?"


    [Meteor Storm]


    Nix placed the AE spell a few yards in front of them, Instantly a handful of fighters appeared, each of them screaming in pain while they tried to put out the flames.Ronnie had her speargun pointing at them.


    The group looked frazzled when the effect finally wore off.They all wore the same light blue uniforms."What is the mean of this?"The only archer in the group gripped his bow while staring down an arrow at Nix.


    "You approached us in stealth when we asked you to show yourselves; our words were ignored.What should we have done in that situation?Wait for an unknown group to attack us?"Nix felt his patience fading fast.Why were there always idiots?


    The man sneered at them."Disarm yourselves and follow me for questioning. Safarza isn''t a place where riffraff like you can wander around."


    Nix raised his hand, and eight strands of emerald fire shot out,four men of the men were instantly immobilized, their screams filling the air.


    Wind appeared behind the speaker, his dagger at the leader''s throat. Wind nodded, and the strands were released.


    "Please wait."A voice spoke from the distance; she stepped carefully down the rocky slope. The woman had long silver hair and eyes that were nearly the same color. She wore green robes and was holding a plain wood staff."Please release the militia captain; he''s completely harmless other than being a moron."


    Nix nodded in agreement, and Wind stepped away from him and lowered his blade. "We aren''t here to cause trouble. I''m Nix, the leader of Inferno."


    The woman''s face seemed to pale. "Colonel Nix! I''m Captain Wylie Solm, You''ve saved me the trip to Glory Island.I''ve been assigned to you, sir." She stepped closer and handed him a scroll.


    Nix glanced at the scroll and then handed back, "It says you have fifty men."


    "Yes sir, we were previously attached to the Safarza militia to supplement the trade city of Garwiq."


    "I see. And now you were reassigned to me?" Nix eyed her garb; she looked more like an acolyte than a knight."Aren''t knights suppose to be armored?"


    Wylie glanced at his green leather armor; she had never seen anything so intricate. "I have been lucky to walk the path of the Nature healer.Too many of my abilities are inactivate if I don''t wear cloth robes."


    "I see...Why would you be assigned to me?I''m not undertaking any missions on behalf of the Order."


    "All officers above the rank of Commander are required to have a protection detail assigned to them."


    Nix stared hard,like Hyai, he wasn''t sure if she was an NPC or a player.Some players chose to become ordinary workers or butlers in a castle.Not everyone came to Colonial with the intent of adventure and danger.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Hey Juni, was a barracks one of the new build options for Inferno after we were promoted?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Yes, but it''s a waste of resources until we hire some troops.


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''ve been assigned fifty men by the Knight of Colonial.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: I''ll use the Guild menu to build one next to the Temple.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Ok, but not too close.


    "Fine captain, we are in the process of building a barracks on Glory Island, your people will have to put up a tent city until that happens."


    "Sounds good sir." Wylie glared at the militia captain, "get back to the city."


    Nix''s hud buzzed at him a moment later, he opened it to see both Semmi and Jun Li watching him."What''s up, guys?"


    Jun Li smiled at him. "We''ve been reviewing the documents left behind in the Onion quest. There was the mention of a Dunham several times.We assumed it was a person, but now we believe it to be a place."


    Wylie had been close enough to hear their conversation, "there''s a Dunham Cove on the Northside of Safarza."


    Jun Li''s face lit up, "that could be worth checking out Nix!"


    Nix brought up his map and let Wylie mark the spot where the cove was located."We''ll check it out Juni."


    "I would like to come also. I''ll contact my men and have them continue onward to Glory."Wylie smiled at Nix while he considered her words.


    Nix nodded, "that''s fine.Juni, have Min prep the Phoenix for immediate departure."


    ***************


    Nix returned with his group to Glory Island, by the time they arrived Mina had the Phoenix ready to depart with her Aquarion assault team on deck.


    Ronnie, Wylie, and Wind were talking near the stern while Nix sat comfortably with the Aquarions. The north coast of Safarza was just as unapproachable as the rest of it.However, lost in those caves and hidden nooks, lay all sorts of smuggler caves and stashes.Wylie had told them to expect three or four small pirate ships, but nothing big enough to threaten them.


    "Man the cannons, prepare for action."Captain Delphi received the brief from Nix, but she decided to be ready.


    Mina summoned a half dozen of her Vilas, "I didn''t give the Ricoli artifact to Fajii, you were right in your assessment.She''s a valuable alchemist and we can''t risk losing her."


    Nix kept his face expressionless, Fajii was someone who visited him often.She had taught him a great deal about the Aquarion culture."Can you wear this Min?"He handed her the Kraken armor that had dropped from the legendary beast.


    Mina touched it with one hand and then slipped in on.On her it turned a shimmering blue, she gasped in surprise at the effect.


    Kraken Armor [Water Mage only]


    Description: This thick but surprising light


    armor grants its wearer the boon of the sea.


    +100 to Water abilities.Immunity to range damage.


    All damage is reduced by thirty percent.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction.The armor fit her perfectly, there was a definite sense that her power had increased."Looks good on you Min."


    Mina smiled at him, "This armor is amazing Nix."She was checking out her abilities. "The number of Sea-Beasts that I can train has doubled."


    "I was hoping that would happen."Nix walked to the rail and watched the coastline."I feel better now that you are wearing it."


    "Coming around the point, all hands prepare." Delphi was standing at the rudder, she had her first mate standing at the bow.


    "Contact Captain!Three ships!"Louie was the first to see them, "all three are Galleons!"


    The range was less than a hundred meters, all three ships were coming at them. Captain Delphi made an instant decision."Hard left, top cannons fire!"


    The Phoenix turned sharply, it took a few moments for the ships to notice them.The middle ship took heavy damage.The two outside ships both turned toward shore.


    "Hard Right, bring us about!"Captain Delphi chose a sharp turn in the opposite direction, a moment later the near ship fired.


    "Clean Miss Captain!"Louie shouted out while drawing his cutlass.


    "Bottom cannons fire!"Captain Delphi waited until the barrage was complete, then he turned directly into the third ship.The second ship had been hit hard at the water-line by a half salvo, she was in danger of going down.


    "Incoming!Get Down!"Louie shouted again and dived to the deck as the forward assist mast was destroyed.Two rounds blasted into mainsail while a third bounced off the deck and into the captain''s cabin.


    Nix moved toward the bow and kept low."Prepare to board them!"Nix summoned his Manta along with the Aquarions and instantly they were flying toward the third Galleon.


    [Meteor Storm]


    He targeted the ship and green fire rained down on their deck and sails, ignited everything. Something impacted his shoulder and knocked him from his mount.He slammed face-first into the deck.He rolled over climbed to his feet, just as the assault team joined him.


    [Combustion]


    Nix healed himself and looked for a target.Ronnie moved beside him a moment later, a group of five charged toward them.


    [Whirlwind Shot]


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    She raised her speargun and opened fire, all five sailors were scattered, two of them going over the rail."Nice!"She continued to fire while Wind jumped into melee to help the Aquarions.


    Nix dodged through the oncoming fighters, using his strands to drag them and hold them down while his companions chopped them like firewood.He spotted the Captain, trying to fight off two of Mina''s Vilas.


    [Comet Strike]


    A three-round burst of green fire struck him full in the chest and knocked him to the deck.He was instantly torn apart by the beasts.Within a minute of the captain dying, the entire crew surrendered.The other two ships had waited for the results of the boarding before they ran up the white flags.


    The two surviving Captains were onboard the Phoenix.Delphi was watching them angrily, she was very unhappy that they had damaged her ship."What do you want me to do with them Nix?"


    "Those Galleons are nice, put the crews ashore and keep the captains for questioning."Nix waited patiently while Wylie insured he was unharmed."We''ll try to use the Manta to find Dunham''s cove. Start making repairs on all ships. "


    ***********


    An hour later, Nix and the assault team arrived at Dunham''s cove.Wylie was riding with him since she didn''t have her own Manta.


    "You''re a CC class Nix?"Wylie sat comfortably next to him while they flew a few hundred feet off the water.


    "Fire Mage actually, but I do have some CC abilities."He had noticed during the melee that she was quite vicious with her staff."Is that it?"He pointed to a small lagoon lined with steep rocks.


    Wylie nodded, "I''ve never been there myself, nor is it mapped since it isn''t an official name."


    The group landed on the shore near the entrance to the cove.Wylie was the only one who wasn''t equipped with Aquatic gear, so everyone waited while Nix made her one.He summoned Soup and waded into the water.


    They explored the cove for half an hour before one of the Aquarions located a small entrance hidden in near the ocean floor.Surprisingly the cave ended up being quite long, it took nearly an hour of swimming before they surfaced in a dark underground cavern.As soon as they surfaced, the entire area lit up.


    Colonial System Message: You have entered the Rite of Passage.Here you will undertake an individual combat trial, there are great rewards for those that do well.

 Chapter 53 Trial of Strength part one

    Nix stepped onto the suddenly hot sand.They had been transported to an instance, both human and Aquarions were still together.Before them stood a huge sand-colored pyramid.A glance overhead showed the sun to be in the noon position, the group was already starting to suffer in the stifling heat.


    "You guys okay Min?"Nix was worried about the Aquarions, a water race would definitely not be equipped for this kind of temperature.


    Mina nodded, her pale face seemed unconcerned."We will be fine for now Nix."


    There were four entrances ahead with signs above each.The first door had a fist sign, the second a water sign, the third an air sign and the fourth a fire sign.Nix eyed the fire sign, "if this is an individual trial then you can go in whatever entrance you wish."


    Ronnie was smiling at him, "I have a wind elemental with me, should I try the wind trial?"


    Nix shrugged but Wind nodded in reply."Most likely those are the benefits you will receive if you do well.I think I would take the chance."


    Mina moved in front of the water sign."Not sure if Aquarions are accepted in the trial, but I am going to attempt it."Without another word, she entered the trial.Three of the Aquarions entered the water entrance while the rest went into the Fist entrance.


    "Yep, times wasting."Nix glanced at Wylie, "which trial are you going to attempt?"


    "Water, that has the highest compatibility with my path."She motioned toward the Fire Entrance, "you going in there?"


    Nix nodded and waved at Ronnie before she trotted into Wind Entrance."Good luck!"


    ****************


    He stepped through the fire door, smiling as his ring engaged his aquatic capabilities."Of course they send a fire mage to awater world."Immediately Nix summoned Ducky and Soup.


    He slowly turned in a circle.The door had taken him to a large room with a large raised platform in the middle.There were no other people besides himself.A few torches located on the walls were the only decorations.


    [Meteor Storm]


    Nix aimed his only AE attack at the platform and then quickly stepped on.As soon as he did, three water beasts appeared and started to move toward him.Instantly all three were covered in green flame, their screeches made his ears ring.The beasts looked like hybrid Leopard Seals, he put four strands on each of them and held them in place.Within a few minutes, all three of them had breathed their last.


    "Guess the first level is supposed to be easy."Nix checked his surrounding, there was no change in the room.A moment later the platform started to slowly rise as the ceiling above him parted."Oh, I see."


    The platform he was standing on inserted itself in the second-floor platform, effectively doubling its size in an even bigger room.This room had two of the Leopard Seals in each corner, these looked much stronger than the previous floor.Nix sent Ducky into the NW corner.


    [Command: Befuddle My Target]


    Both mobs in the NW corner started gently swaying back and forth, unfortunately, the action aggroed the NE corner.Nix sent Soup in.


    [Command: Attack My Target]


    Soup swooshed in toward one of the mobs while eight green strands of fire encircled the other.the sizzling of meat could be heard as the creature writhed in pain.


    An image of a hand flashed in front of his eyes, he hadn''t seen the ''spell assist'' since the first time he used the Fire Strands.He copied the motion and all eight strands combined and then broke off from his hand, they remained bound around the creature.


    [Core ability discovered, Fire Root.]


    Fire Root [Emerald Flame]


    Description: A painful root binds


    your enemy in place for thirty seconds.


    Creature takes on fire damage every second for


    the duration of the spell. Any outside damage


    breaks root completely.


    Soup took only a few moments before it crushed the other creature in its powerful beak, it expired with a pitiful wail.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Nix there''s a pet trial on the fourth level, Wilo just completed it and was upgraded!


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''m only on the second level, but if I see something like that I''ll let Soup and Ducky give it a try.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: You''re only on the second level?Heh... I''m on the fifth.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Sixth. :P


    Nix moved toward Ducky and was about to try out root when another image from the ''spell assist'' popped up.This showed a single strand being used with the same technique as root.He focused a single strand and followed the image.


    A single strand of green flame entwined itself around the creature''s limbs, immediately breaking Ducky''s befuddlement.Wrapped in green flame, it screeched in agony and started making its way toward Nix.


    [Core ability discovered, Flame Snare.]


    Flame Snare [Emerald Flame]


    Description: A painful flame binding impedes


    the target''s progress by sixty percent. Creature


    takes on fire damage for


    the duration of the spell. Outside damage


    does not break snare.


    "Hmm... I love an upgrade."NIx moved toward the southern section of the room and sent Ducky and Soup into the western corner.


    [Command: Befuddlement]


    [Command: Attack My Target]


    Ducky and Soup split the targets, with the water nymph mezzing one while the elite turtle attacking the second.Nix faced the eastern corner.


    [Fire Root]


    Eight strands of green flame wrapped itself around the nearest target, effectively sealing it to the floor.The second creature immediately came after nix.


    [Flame Snare]


    The legs of the charging creature were bound by a single strand, causing it to slow considerably.


    Nix targeted the snared mob again.


    [Comet Strike]


    [Comet Strike]


    Nix hit it with two straight range attacks and then retreated toward Soup who was just finishing off his target.


    [Command: Attack My Target]


    He sent Soup after the snared mob that was still chasing him before sending a dozen strands onto Ducky''s befuddled target.He held the creature in place until it died.At his command, Soup finished off the last target, and the floor was cleared..


    A moment later the platform started moving upward, signaling their advancement to the next level.


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    ******************


    There was no companion trial on the fourth floor, as Nix progressed steadily he found the trial on the ninth floor.Through guild chat, he head learned that Ronnie and Wind both were stopped at the 8th floor.All of the Aquarions except for Mina were back and reported that they had made it to the ninth level.


    Nix also directed Soup and Ducky to start the companion trial."You two better not be shown up by that little gecko, even or worse the wisp!"


    As soon as they entered the small door, it slammed shut behind them and an Aquarion Mage was summoned.


    The mage immediately raised an arm and summoned a companion.


    [Meteor Storm]


    Nix centered the spell on them and let it loose while he moved forward.


    [Fire Root]


    He cast flame root at a reptilian creature with large bat-like wings, it stopped in place.The intelligent head turning to one side.A moment later it bathed Nix in flames.


    Reflexively he jumped out of the way, even though flames really couldn''t harm him.He cast snare on the mage while he cursed him.


    [Flame Snare]


    "Why does a f*cking Aquarion Water Mage have a Fire pet?"


    The mage was too busy writhing in pain to cast another spell.The green strands dug into him."Let''s really make your day!"


    [Aura Ignition]


    His aura exploded outward and instantly a half dozen large tentacles gripped the Aquarion.He held it in place while it screeched, the companion finally broke the root and charged Nix.He put the rest of his aura tentacles on the pet, freezing it in place."Immune to fire damage right?Too bad your master isn''t."


    A minute later the Aquarion died with a pitiful scream, He put the rest of the tentacles on the pet, but it had no effect other than to immobilize it.They stared at each other, surprisingly the creature didn''t seem aggressive any longer.Nix decided to inspect it.


    Fey [Fire Drake]


    Description: A rare


    creature companion of


    unknown rank. Can be used


    to fight or as a flying mount.


    Nix dropped the tentacles and the two stared at one another.He knew that since they were both immune to fire, he would either get torn apart or fight to a stalemate by holding it indefinitely.Unexpectedly the drake bowed its head.


    [Fey the Fire Drake has requested a companion bond.Do you accept?]


    "Yes."


    Fey [Fire Drake]


    Abilities


    [Fire Breathe]


    [Stealth]


    [Carpet Bomb]


    Nix stepped forward and extended a hand," You can stealth?Damn... you are awesome."He glanced at the closed companion gate."Too bad you can''t go through it now."


    *Thank you for freeing me from this pitiful Water Mage"Fey pushed its muzzle into Nix''s Chest as if speaking was normal.


    Nix stared at the Drake, before stroking its finely scaled head. "Why can you speak?"


    "Better question... Why is a Salamander pretending to be human?"

 Chapter 54 Trial of Strength conclusion

    Nix patted Fey''s head gently, "Shae''s going to love you."Nix waited for a short while before Ducky exited.Evidently she had passed, she had evolved into a higher tiered water elemental.He approached her and checked out her new stats.


    Ducky: Siren


    Description: A siren has the ability


    to command up to three subordinates.


    Abilities:


    [Appear Human]


    [Advanced Befuddle]


    [Charm]


    Ducky''s transparent form solidified and within a few seconds took on the form of a young woman. Her eyes were completely blue, with no pupils or white visible. Her long hair was pale blue and hung down her back covering her shapely bottom.She held her arms out and spun slowly. "Do you like this Master?"


    Nix nodded, her flawless pale skin and blue nipples were very interesting. "Just call me Nix. Is speech a new ability now?"


    Ducky shook her head. "It comes with the human form. I can only wear it for a short time, It drains my energy."


    "What''s charm do?"


    "I can persuade enemies to temporarily fight for our cause." Ducky ''s face was starting to show some strain.


    "Very well done, please change back at your leisure."


    Ducky sighed in relief and changed back to her water form.A moment later Soup exited the trial. His appearance had also evolved drastically. He had doubled in size, his shell surface looked like it had been coated with green armored scales.His overall color had changed to green.


    Soup: Royal Sea Turtle


    Description: High resistance to all


    types of damage. Immune to


    control effects.


    [Sonic Blast]


    [Shield Ally]


    [Battering Ram]


    Nix rubbed the turtles head fondly. "Looking good Soup, now let''s continue." He moved with his three companions back to the center platform. Slowly he was lifted to the tenth floor.


    [Your companions have been bound and cannot fight]


    Nix shrugged when all three companions vanished. He glanced curiously at the robed man standing alone.A moment later Mina appeared also, she smiled at him.


    "Two of you making it this far at the same time, it is uncommon."The man spoke with a deep voice that sounded like a foghorn."It''s is fitting that you fight each other for the final victory."


    Mina shook her head, "I could never bring myself to harm him."


    Nix stared at the man, "I concede. It''s her win."


    The man nodded in approval. "Staunch allies I see." He moved forward and handed them each a small ring.


    Allied Spirit


    Ring: [Trial of Strength]


    Description: Call Filamina


    To your side in times of need.


    Allied Spirit


    Ring: [Trial of Strength]


    Description: Call Nix


    To your side in times of need.


    "I cannot reward a victory here, but perhaps this is more important."


    "We are looking for clues to a person named Dunham."Nix figured since the cove had an instance, then Dunham probably would have completed it also.


    "Dunham?Miki Dunham?"The dark-haired man seemed to think about the name for a few moments."You should check Phelinomia, a small island called Lapu."He vanished suddenly without saying anything further.


    ***********


    A few minutes later Mina and Nix exited the Trial.Their group was waiting patiently for them to finish.


    "Let''s get out of this heat."Nix could tell that the Aquarions were suffering so they quickly exited and made the long swim out.Captain Delphi was waiting with the Phoenix when they surfaced.


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    That captain greeted the assault team and welcomed them aboard."I sent the Galleons back with just enough men to sail them."


    "Great thinking captain."Nix glanced up at the sails that had been damaged during the last fight."Take those sails down and I''ll do a proper repair."


    Ronnie walked up while Nix was sitting on the deck working."Little Wilo is ready to advance to Lord class."


    Nix smiled at the tiny wisp sitting on her shoulder."Want to help me Wilo?"


    When the wisp nodded, he targeted her and used her wind abilities as an enhancement."Not sure if this will even work."


    Phoenix Sail


    Epic Enhancement:[Strong Wind]


    Description: A beautiful white sail


    emblazoned with the image of a majestic


    Phoenix.+ 50 to Sail Speed.+ 15 to turn radius.


    Delphi whistled when she saw the new sail, "she''s already the fastest ship I''ve ever sailed."


    Nix laughed and accepted a hand up.Then he walked over to the rail and used a small fire strand to burn four notches in the smooth wood."We should start keeping track."


    Ronnie was still watching the sail when the crew took it away."Okay Nix, let''s talk compensation."


    [Summon Fey]


    The entire group jumped back when the Fire Drake happily flapped its wings.It was only slightly bigger than a warhorse.Nix jumped nimbly on its back, using a few fire strands to hold himself in place since they were harmless to Fey."I''ll meet you at the Inn Wylie!"


    The group stared as Nix flew away.Ronnie seemed the most surprised."When did he get a dragon?"


    "Why are you separating from your group?"Fey spoke softly as she effortlessly glided through the air.She was much faster than any Manta Nix had ever seen.


    "You''re a Fire Creature, you have to meet Shae before anything else happens."


    "Shae?Who is Shae?"


    "Shae is a Salamander Nemesis."


    "Your mate is a Nemesis?"


    "Shae is my friend, not my mate."Nix wanted to rap the drake between the ears, but since they were several hundred feet in the air, he refrained himself.


    As they got closer to the island Fey sped up."Such power, I can feel the flames from here!"


    "Don''t embarrass me in front of Shae, or I''ll eat you."Nix had Fey land in the Temple courtyard.


    "Goodness... You gave your mate a Palace?Are you trying to make her Overlord of Colonial?"


    Nix clicked the drake on the back of one ear."Follow me."


    As soon as they approached the altar, Shae exited.She was equipped in armor and had a flaming sword in each hand.She frowned at the drake that was trailing Nix."What''s this little fire lizard doing in my domain?"


    Nix felt Shae extended her aura over the pair of them, he was left unharmed but the drake had fallen to its knees.


    "Great Nemesis!I''ve sworn companionship to your mate, I have no ill intentions here."


    Shae raised an eyebrow at Nix, "you want this little thing?"


    Nix nodded, "anything we can do about the constant chatter?"


    Shae clucked her tongue at it, "I can remove its head."


    Nix considered the idea for a moment, "let me think about it."


    She moved closer and kissed his forehead."I''m glad your back, follow me and bring the drake."


    Nix grabbed her offered hand and entered through the altar flame.A moment later he stepped onto the soft grass of her world.Fey immediately dived into the nearest pool.


    Shae undressed with a wave of her hand and she slowly made her way into the scalding water."How did your quest go?"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix waded in behind her and took a seat next to her."A clue has pointed us to Phelinomia."


    Fey watched from a few pools away."Stupid Nix... Not mates?Then what do you call that?"The drake cocked its head to one side when the flames turned brown."No way..."


    The drake extended itself in the pool and relaxed.The elemental fire of this place was extraordinary."This is better than sleeping in a volcano."


    *************


    Semmi was waiting at the dock when Delphi returned with the Phoenix.Juni had increased the dock size to include four more berths.This was the max Glory could hold until they were upgraded to 2nd level City Guild.She noticed a silver-haired woman walking with Ronnie and Wind."I''m Semmi. Are you the Knight-Captain?"


    Wylie smiled and bowed slightly."Captain Wylie at your service."


    "We were going to place your barracks next to the temple, but opted for the North shore."Semmi could sense that she was a healer."What sort of training do your men have??"


    Wylie frowned at the question, "they are quite green actually.This is my first command."


    Semmi clapped her hands together as if pleased."Ever heard of Mariners?"


    Wylie nodded, "a force trained specifically for fighting at sea."


    "Let me show you to your barracks first, then we''ll head to the Inn to discuss specialized training.''Semmi turned and started walking away.Wylie paused for a moment to wave goodbye to her group and then hurried behind her.


    *****************


    "You could just stop all this exploring and spend your days here."Shae lay half over him at the edge of the pool.


    Nix laughed at the serious look on her face."That sounds like a good retirement plan."


    "Nix... this is very odd you know?I''m a new Nemesis, it should be decades before I even begin to cultivate a brown flame."


    "Are you able to cultivate it already?"


    "Just the most rudimentary flame, but the timeline is about fifty years too soon."


    Nix stepped out of the pool and started getting dressed."Does this present any problems for you?"


    Shae shook her head, "It isn''t harmful to me if that''s what you mean."She smiled when he bent down for a kiss."Fey can stay here until you need her, my domain will strengthen her over time."


    "Sounds good."Nix waved to Fey and then vanished into the warm air.


    Fey waited until she was sure he had left."Why doesn''t he know he''s a salamander?"


    Shae scowled at her, "he''s human, not a salamander."


    Fey bowed to Shae, she definitely wasn''t interested in upsetting someone so powerful.She closed her eyes and remembered something she had heard once.Salamanders are the only creatures who can possess fire seeds."Why aren''t your eyes yellow?I thought that was a salamander trait."


    Shae eased herself into the water, "silly lizard.We are born with yellow eyes, but that changes when we get older."

 Chapter 55 Gearing Up

    Nix sat with Sharl and Ronnie at a corner booth in the Kindled Spirit.Hyai was busy with the dinner crowd so he decided to eat with the sisters."Shae said to bring Wilo to the Temple, elemental advancements are very dangerous.She will make sure nothing happens."


    Ronnie nodded, her bright smile flashing."Thanks, Nix."


    He glanced at Hyai who was serving customers."Hey, Sharl... How can you tell the players from the NPCs?"


    Sharl followed his gaze, she had often wondered herself."Outside of asking them, I''m not sure if you can.Colonial is an open-world game if you choose to become an innkeeper..."


    Ronnie leaned forward and lowered her voice."I read something interesting on the forums a while back."


    Sharl rolled her eyes at her younger sister. "Not this again."


    Ronnie nodded, "listen... suppose Colonial got rid of all the computer NPCs.Your someone looking for employment, hey come work as a palace maid or even a King."


    Sharl had to sit on her hands to keep from wacking her sister on the head."You couldn''t keep something like that quiet Ronnie.Role-playing an entire life span?From the birth of a character until their death?"


    Nix listened with interest, "what about someone like Shae then?"


    Ronnie grinned, at least Nix listened."She''d be a person too.What we call a deep-stay."


    Nix took a long drink and then sat the mug down."What''s a deep-stay"?"


    Sharl had nearly forgotten that his game knowledge was very limited."Some people stay in stasis for years longer than the standard 3-5 years. A deep-stay would be anything longer than ten years."


    "I see."Nix waved at Pon who walked in the door with Wind."Scoot so they can sit with us."


    Wind and Pon squeezed into the booth.Right away Wilo hopped onto the table and stared at Wind.


    Ronnie covered a laugh."She wants to see the gecko."


    Wilo stood patiently waiting while King Lubo was summoned.The gecko noticed her right away and hopped off of Wind''s shoulder onto the table.


    Nix shook his head, "let''s not fight in Hyai''s inn."


    Instead of picking a fight, Wilo smiled sweetly and stroked the tiny gecko''s head.Ronnie nodded in approval, "Nice job Wilo."


    After a few seconds, the King had enough and hopped back on Wind''s shoulder before disappearing.The wisp tried to follow him but he had disappeared.


    Pon had been watching the interaction with interest."Was he able to pass the companion trial?"


    Wind nodded, "of course, he''s the King. Although I can''t tell what his new abilities are yet."


    *************


    Nix sat comfortably at his workbench, he was examing the Titanic Kraken skin he had received after the Sea-Beasts death.


    [Do you wish to process the Kraken Skin?]


    "Yes."


    [14,721 Kraken Leather have been sent to your inventory.]


    "Hmm... that''s a lot.Let''s see what it looks like."


    Kraken Leather: Legendary


    Description: Made from the


    skin of a legendary beast. Anything


    made with this leather is given a


    +100 AC rating and + 50 to Strength


    "That''s a game-changer..."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Moki are you still around?


    /Guildchat: Moki: I''m in my shop working on tomorrow''s product.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Could you come see me? I''m in my shop."


    /Guildchat: Moki: Right away Nix.


    A minute later he heard the front door open and footsteps walking toward his shop.Moki was an average looking man, his only standout feature was the enormous afro he wore."What''s up boss?"


    Moki liked to call everyone boss, so Nix didn''t say anything about it."You''re the armorer in the guild, I want you to take a look at this."


    Moki picked it up and immediately almost dropped it."Are you kidding me?"He was examining the leather in detail, "I could make the best leather armor in the game with this.Not only that, by adhering metallic scales to the leather, I could make a scale armor that would rival the best plate armor in Colonial"


    Nix nodded, scale armor was a hybrid between leather and plate armor."Could you use any scales for adhering?Or does it have to be metallic?"


    "Anything that has appropriate hardness and strength."He handed Nix back the Kraken leather, "do you have something in mind?"


    "Not yet, but we''ll look for an appropriate scale, until then could you concentrate on making leather armor for us?Two hundred sets ought to do for starters."


    Moki grinned when he was handed 400 Kraken leather."I''ll design something really nice Nix!"Without another word, he walked rapidly out the door.


    A short while later Nix was looking at his crafting setup.He was experimenting with different enhancement techniques.He discovered he could shorten sleeves or robe lengths without affecting the characteristics of the outfit.


    [Custom: Wylie] Shirt, [Qty] 1, Material [Kraken leather]Tool [Titanium Needle] Thread [Composite] Enhancements [Salamander Skin, Green Silk]Additional characteristics [Sleeveless]


    [Custom: Wylie] Pants, [Qty] 1, Material [Kraken leather]Tool [Titanium Needle] Thread [Composite] Enhancements [Salamander Skin, Green Silk]


    Unexpectedly both recipes were successful on the first try.He had never experienced that before, perhaps because of the legendary material?He held up the shirt, "Woah... that''s really nice."


    Chrysanthemum Shirt: Legendary [Set 1 of 2]


    Description: Beautiful green shirt blended


    with the smoothness of silk, the fire resistance


    of a salamander and the power of a Kraken.


    +100 to AC.+50 to Strength. Mana Increased by


    20 percent.+5 to all Stats. If both sets are worn


    then the enhancements combine to +130 AC, +65 Strength


    and + 8 to all Stats and Mana increased by 30 percent.


    Chrysanthemum Pants: Legendary [Set 2 of 2]


    Description: Beautiful green shirt blended


    with the smoothness of silk, the fire resistance


    of a salamander and the power of a Kraken.


    +100 to AC.+50 to Strength. Mana Increased by


    20 percent.+5 to all Stats.If both sets are worn


    then the enhancements combine to +130 AC, +65 Strength


    and + 8 to all Stats and Mana increased by 30 percent.


    "Heh... too bad they don''t stack."Nix cleaned up his area and left the shop, instead of heading to the inn he entered the Cobbler shop.A light on in the back told him that Dalton was still working.


    Dalton looked up when Nix entered, he was just cleaning up his shop for the day."Need something Nix?"


    "A quick order."He placed four Kraken Leather on the counter."One pair of caster boots, please. make then green if you can."


    Dalton nodded and picked up the leather."Nix... this is legendary material."


    "Yep..."


    He sat the leathers back down."Know what crafters use legendary material for?"


    Nix shrugged, "making legendary gear?"


    Dalton shook his head, "making difficult recipes that would normally be impossible."


    "Huh?Wait, you put it in in the enhancement block?"


    "Yes, legendary enhancements are very rare Nix."


    "Doesn''t seem very rare. I''ve got nearly 15 thousand of them."Nix laughed at Dalton''s expression.


    "These can be reused over and over as enhancement items.If every crafter in Glory had one, we could make a lot of really nice things."


    /Guildchat: Nix: All crafters report to Dalton''s shop, please.If anyone sees Kyla, have her come too.


    A few minutes later all of the crafters in Glory were crowded into Dalton''s shop.Nix had Dalton explain the benefits of legendary enhancements and then he handed one out to everyone.Moki didn''t need one since he was already aware of the benefits.


    "I want 200 complete sets of boots, armor, weapons, rings, bracelets. Whatever you can make.High defense against Water Magic is a must.When Shae makes more fire weapons in a few weeks, we''ll be heading back into Mermaid City.Your payment for this order is the legendary enhancement you just received. If you feel it isn''t enough, then hand it back and forget about what I just said."


    Dalton waited a few moments, no one was handing back the Kraken leather."I know it''s troublesome, but if you have our guildmates come by the shops, we can make custom gear."


    Nix nodded, "good point.Custom is always a bit better."


    /Guildchat: Nix: I need everyone in the guild to report to the shops'' area sometime in the next few days to put in their equipment orders.We now have the ability to make some legendary gear.


    /Guildchat: Sharl:Cost?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Our crafters have already been paid, so feel free to gear up.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Also, tomorrow morning I''m taking a team into Lapu, this is a great opportunity for those without Manta mounts to get one.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: I''ll come.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Me too!


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Let''s make it a guild event then.


    Finally, Nix crawled into his bed on his houseboat.He hadn''t been able to meet up with Wylie, but he passed her a message through Wind.She would join them for the Lapu raid.Footsteps on his deck made him sit up in bed.Fajii usually walked in whenever she liked, so most likely it was her.


    "Nix!"It was Fajii, but she was accompanied by Mina.The Aquarion Alchemist was being held up, her color was a deep blue.


    "What''s the matter?"Nix jumped up and gave Mina a hand, they carefully set Fajii down on the bed.


    "She''s very sick Nix."Mina covered her friend with blankets and stroked her head.


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    "Sick?"Nix didn''t even realize that you could get sick in Colonial."Like a curse?Or maybe poison?"


    "I''ve no idea, I was wondering if perhaps since she spends so much time here..."


    Nix frowned, "perhaps I got her sick?"


    /Guildchat: Nix: Nansu, report to my houseboat immediately.


    /Guildchat: Semmi:Very bold Nix...but Chael is going to flip out.


    /Guidchat: Nix: Tess and Rose come also.Wind, could you get Wylie for me?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: That''s all the healers Nix.Is something wrong?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yes. Please hurry.

 Chapter 56 Lapu Crater

    An hour later all the healers from the guild were crowded onto Nix''s houseboat.No one was able to figure out the issue with Fajii.


    Wylie shook her head, "it''s some sort of infection.Like a poisoning..."


    A glowing presence on the outside deck announced the arrival of Shae.The surrounding water creatures knew her well, but their instincts still told them to flee.She was wearing a red dress with her salamander suit underneath.Her bare feet padded silently toward the sliding door.


    Shae smiled the moment she glanced at Fajii."Well... that''s interesting."


    Mina stared at the salamander, her perception was far beyond anyone else in the Sea-World."Do you know what''s wrong with her?"


    Shae knelt beside the patient and placed a hand on her abdomen, her hand glowed for a moment before she removed it."Nothings wrong with her, she has a fire essence."She glanced at Nix and clucked her tongue.


    The room went quiet, Mina squeezed Fajii''s hand slightly."What did you do Shae?Her color is already improving."


    "Hmm?Oh, I absorbed a bit of the girl''s fire essence, it''s building up too fast fora water creature."Shae was smiling at Nix, her expression unreadable.


    "Fire essence?"Mina placed her hand on her friend''s stomach, trying to sense something."Why would Fajii have fire essence?"


    Shae shook her head and stood up."Fajii having a fire essence does raise a lot of questions."


    "Is it related to me having the Salamander''s Path of fire?"Nix had been standing next to the wall while everyone examined Fajii, he moved closer and sat on the foot of the bed.


    "Perhaps it had something to do with Nix and I exchanging pointers?"Fajii was already looking stronger, a relieved smile on her face.


    "Pointers?"Jun Li looked confused, she had been following the conversation while working on the next day''s raid.


    "They''ve been intimate."Mina cleared it up for everyone since Nix was oddly quiet for once.


    "Ohgod..."Ronnie started chuckling at the door.Wind and Pon were struggling to keep a straight face.


    Jun Li''s face had turned red, but she spoke anyway."I''ve never heard of sex causing fire poisoning in Colonial.How many times are we talking about?"


    Fajii shrugged, "many times.We are very good friends."


    Shae patted Nix''s head gently, "You''ve been so busy."


    Mina still looked worried for her friend, "is she going to be okay?Will you be able to remove the essence?"


    "Not sure, but I will take good care of her."Shae picked up the Aquarion effortlessly and vanished a moment later.


    Shae leaving with Fajii caused the room to go suddenly quiet.One by one they started to filter out.


    Everyone had left except for Mina, Nix crawled back in bed."I''m tired Min.Something else you need?"


    Mina shook her head, nothing that happened today was a surprise for her."Are Aquarions ugly?"


    Nix pounded his pillow a few times, trying to find a comfortable position in bed."Some are.Your brother was for sure."


    Mina smiled, "my brother was known to be extremely handsome by our standards."


    "What would the Aquarion males here say if they were asked about Fajii?"Nix already knew the answer.


    Mina looked at the floor, her face gloomy."Fajii is beautiful, no matter what my people say."


    "No argument."Nix stared at Mina, being an Aquarion she didn''t understand that she was supposed to leave now.


    She made a face at Nix, "you aren''t very handsome.Sometimes it''s hard to look at you."


    Nix laughed, "thank you Min."


    She bent down and kissed the top of his head."Good Night."She stopped at the door and turned toward him, "that doesn''t mean you aren''t very important to me."


    "Right... I''m your ugly buddy."


    Mina nodded in agreement and then left with a quick wave.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Does this mean that Nix is Fire Mage trainer now?


    /Guildchat: Pon: Nix, you should make a list, we''ll have to check everyone.


    /Guildchat: Nix: You two are hilarious.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Sis does this mean we can''t have sex with Nix anymore?


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Are you a complete idiot?


    /Guildchat: Tess: Oh my... I didn''t realize.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Nix is boss.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: So... Is that a no Sis?


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    /Guildchat: Semmi:hahahahahaha


    *****************


    Nix woke bright and early, his back deck was empty for once.In the past Fajii would sit out there in the sun."I''ll go check on her when we get back from Lapu."


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: We taking the ships today?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yes.We get faction points whenever we win a sea battle.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: I''m already interviewing captains for the Galleons.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Meet at the docks in two hours.


    He slipped on his armor and ported to the dock area.His store was already open and doing business.Some of the ferry passengers from the day before had stayed the night in Glory.


    The Kindled Spirit was busy for once, Nix grabbed a table in the corner, ignoring the invitations of his guildmates.Hyai smiled at him when she came to get his order.


    "What can I get you, hun?"


    "Eggs with anything."Nix noticed that was she was hiding a smile."Someone told you."


    Hyai grinned, "I use to be a Fire Mage you know.Nowhere near as strong as you though"


    "Let me know if you suddenly become super-powerful."He sipped the coffee that she had sat down in front of him.


    Hyai laughed at his expression."Go burn something Nix, it''ll make you feel better."


    "Great idea."


    ***************


    Lapu was one of the Phelinomia Islands,Nix had visited it twice before.All four Inferno ships anchored in the small bay, Pon, Chael and Mina''s Assault team were left to guard them while the rest of the guild went ashore.Mina accompanied Wylie and Nix as they joined up with the rest of Inferno.


    They stood onshore for a moment, while the utility boats returned to the ships.Wylie was admiring the new gear Nix had given her.The green leather shirt and pants were much snugger than Nix had intended, it hugged the Knight Captain''s curved figure.The kicker was the boots that Dalton had made, they were knee-high boots that matched the outfit.


    Wind watched as Wylie showed Jun Li and Semmi her outfit.They were all interested in its impressive stats."You did that on purpose, right? "


    "No... but she does look good, " Nix admitted.


    Wind nodded in agreement."Can I have one of the Galleons as a flagship?"


    "Sure. You''ll have to form an assault team."


    /Guildchat: Nix: How are the applications for members looking?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: We have about three hundred applicants.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Bring in about three dozen.No one gets in without knowing one of us personally.


    Nix led the group through the shallows area, slowly they started clearing manta."There should be way more manta here."


    Wind was sitting the fight out while getting patched up by Tess."You took a lot of manta from here before right?"


    Nix nodded, "they should have respawned to normal populations.Scout out the crater, I don''t like it."


    The scout vanished and Nix started cleaning up the manta.Skinning and harvesting their meat.


    "Thanks again Nix, the gear you made is amazing.Finally, something I can move around in."She thumped her wooden staff on the ground drawing his attention."Those are my kills you are skinning.What''s my split?"


    "Eighty/twenty."Nix smiled pleasantly at her."Of course when I charge for processing, storage, and transportation..."He did the math in his head, "you actually owe me a few credits, but I''ll take your share as payment."


    Wylie shot him a gloomy look, "I was only teasing Sir."


    /Guildchat: Wind: Was there an Aquarion city here last time you visited?


    /Guildchat: Nix: A few Aquarions, but definitely no settlement.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Then I have a nice surprise for you.


    Guild vidchat opened up and the entire guild watched as Wind zoomed in on the city that had been built right in the middle of the nesting grounds.Mina was leaning over Nix''s shoulder so she could see.


    Mina squeezed his shoulder with a pale hand. "Why are all the mantas white Nix?"


    /Guildchat: Wind: Aren''t white manta very rare?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yep, only a couple in ten thousand.


    /Guildchat: Pon: Boss, we are about to have company.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Who and how much?


    /Guildchat: Pon: Looks to be about twenty ships, two guild IDs-Nottingham and Marauder.You have an hour tops, so hurry it up.


    /Guildchat: Nix: You and Chael mount up and slow them down a bit, stay out of their range.


    /Guildchat: Pon: Got it Nix, we''ll buy you some time.


    Jun Li brought up a map of the bay."Why would that many ships be heading this way?"


    Semmi shook her head, "they show up after we arrive?My guess is that we are being hunted."


    Nix scowled at the map. "We leave anyone back at Glory Juni?"


    Jun Li nodded, "Tyrant is back there, he isn''t quite high enough to join in yet."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Tyrant, has the afternoon ferry come in yet?


    /Guildchat: Tyrant: No sir.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Conduct a quick search of all non-guild members.Find someone with a Nottingham or Marauder guild tag.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: they could be anonymous Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Right, until I change the settings in the Island menu.


    /Guildchat:Jun Li:F*ck yeah!Do it Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Calm down Junie...Start the search now Tyrant, I''ll change the settings.


    Nix brought up the guild leader menu and accessed Guild properties.He wouldn''t have known that it existed if he hadn''t been messing with it earlier.Under Island Access, there was an option to disallow anonymous visitors.He quickly selected it.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Okay, find them for us.


    Nix waited while keeping up the game menu.It only took a few minutes for Tyrant to get back to them.


    /Guildchat: Tyrant: There are two of them sir.A Marauder and a Nottingham person.


    /Guildchat: Pon: Have the Acolytes grab them and bring them to the temple.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Gread idea.Do it.


    Nix summoned Ducky and eased himself over the edge of the crater.The water was much cooler than he remembered."Semmi, find us the best route in."

 Chapter 57 Crater City

    "We are awfully close to human territory. Doesn''t this seem a bit off?" Nix couldn''t shake the feeling that this city shouldn''t be here.He was camouflaged by the weedy jungle growing up from the crater floor, Mina was so close that she occasionally brushed against him. Aquarions didn''t understand personal space.


    The entire raid was waiting in the seaweed, spread out over several yards.Semmi was looking for a way in, while Wind had snuck into the city looking for anything they might want.


    "I don''t like it Nix," Mina whispered in his ear."This city makes no sense.It only has housing."


    "What''s your estimate of their population based on the housing?"


    Mina considered the numbers while she counted the buildings."Four thousand."


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    "Ducky..."Nix had her change forms for a moment and gave her specific directions."There''s an underground cave entrance along the north wall.Check it out please, do not be seen."


    [Command: Scout Area]


    Nix summoned Soup and had him stand by.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Honestly there''s nothing here worth taking.


    /Guilchat: Semmi: We can take a direct route Nix, there a few stragglers but no guards at all.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Min says that there''s housing here for four thousand.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: I recommend we retreat Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Wind and Semmi return to our staging area.


    Banza sat on the crater floor, his fire spear and shield in hand.He was studying the replay of the video Wind had taken."This looks like a construction camp Nix."


    Jun Li had moved over beside him, "See those cages?What''s normally in them?"She pointed out a half dozen large metal crates.


    Nix was looking at his own map when red dots started appearing from nowhere.They extended toward Phelinomia in a dense display of activity."The F*ck is that?"


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nix!My entire map is flooded with enemy!


    /Guildchat: Nix: We found our missing Aquarions, they are in the tunnels.


    [Guild Event: Onion Quest Updated]You have discovered a plot to destroy the Phelinomia capital city of Lohai. You will be awarded points based on the actions you take from this moment.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Shit...Wind and Semmi head to Lohai immediately and warn them!


    "Those cages are for Rock Worms Nix!"Mina wasn''t following all of the conversations, but her map had been updated also.


    "Rock worms?Let me guess, they excavate?"Nix cussed under his breath.


    Mina nodded, "we use them to build tunnels."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Fall back to the ship and prepare for a fight.


    Nix waited while Inferno started moving out.It was Mina who had noticed that he wasn''t moving."Nix?Why aren''t you following us?"


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nix?


    "Follow them Min, I''m heading into the tunnels."Nix started moving toward the cavern entrance, he stopped with both Mina and Jun Li followed.


    Mina''s alien eyes stared at him, "if you are going, then so am I."


    Jun Li moved closer and grabbed his arm, the normally stoic woman looked angry."Hey!What do you expect to do by yourself?"


    "Those of you with complete fire immunity can stay.Everyone else should go."Nix started toward the cavern, both of his arms were being held."This is a dormant volcano, I''m going to see if there''s a chance to create some problems for our tunnel rats."


    He flashed away before they could respond.Jun Li grabbed Mina''s hand when she started to follow him."Mina, trust your friends."


    Mina stared in the direction Nix had taken, "I...okay.Let''s go back."


    Nix resummoned Ducky and headed to the entrance.They both clung to Soup''s shell as they plunged into the darkness.He slipped on his wolf mask and instantly the darkness faded.The main cave had been straightened and widened by quite a bit since the last time he had been here.The trio swam near the ceiling and in a straight line, not bothering with the side passages.


    They stopped after about five minutes of swimming.Nix could sense the flickering of flame in the ground deep beneath them. "Ducky... take us to one of the rock worms."He watched her face for a moment, to make sure she understood.She retreated to the last side passage and took a right, a few meters from the entrance were three Aquarions and A long metal cage.


    [Command: Charm My Target]


    Immediately the largest Aquarion grabbed one of the others and slammed him against the wall.Green strands shot out of Nix''s hand as a half dozen of them encircled the third Aquarion.Nix put Soup on defense mode, having him protect Ducky.


    The charmed Aquarion pulled a dagger and plunged it repeatedly into the other.When the smaller Aquarion died, his killer stood motionless, awaiting further orders.The third Aquarion had been paralyzed from the pain of six emerald strands, it died a few seconds after the first.


    [Command: Attack My Target]


    Nix sent Soup after the last one.Soup''s strength was far greater than a single Aquarion, he crushed its head in his enormous beak and with a powerful wrench removed the head.


    After searching all three bodies, he peaked in the cage, there was a single creature about fifteen feet in length.Its enormous teeth reminded Nix of a shrew, short powerful looking arms mounted right behind the head.Five rather sharp looking talons hung from its paws.There were no back legs.


    [Command: Charm My Target]


    Nix watched the animals eyes, right after Ducky charmed him they took on a blank expression.He opened the cage door and headed back toward the main tunnel.After arriving at the spot he had decided upon, he turned back toward his companions."Ducky, have the creature dig here, straight down. Recast Charm as many times as you need to."


    Ducky nodded and pointed to the solid rock floor.A moment later the creature started digging.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Ask Mina where to get Rock Worms at, these things are amazing.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: You okay Nix?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yes, don''t wait for me if I''m late.Get ready to take on that armada.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: We got this.


    /Guildchat: Pon: We''ve disabled three of there ships by burning their sails.Now they have sharpshooters on the decks.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Good job, watch yourself!


    Nix hovered and descended slowly, the creature dug through solid rock about as fast as a person could walk.He couldn''t see the front of the worm, but its teeth and claws cut through stone like it was cheese.A lumpy paste streamed out of its tail end, creating a passageway about three feet in diameter. He had been forced to unsummon Soup because he couldn''t fit.


    They traveled steadily downward for several minutes, Ducky had to stop and recast charm a half dozen times.


    Finally, they punched through to a large open area.


    [Your charmed creature has been slain]


    [Ducky has been slain]


    A blast of intense heat washed over Nix, instantly sending the water around him into a boil.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix''s green flame erupted outward, his face relaxing as the pain went away.He had come out in a large open cavern, the surface of the floor was magma, although it had cooled to the point where it seemed like mud to Nix''s feet.


    "Who are you that comes to this old Lord''s crater?"


    Nix turned at the voice, an old woman lay half in the lava and half out.Her hair had once been red but was now streaked with white."A Salamander Lord?"


    The old woman struggled to sit up, but couldn''t quite manage it."Perhaps I once was, it has been years since I wielded that sort of power."


    A skeleton figure lay next to her, "I''m Nix.I mean you no harm Lord."


    The old woman gave up her effort and caressed the skull next to her."It''s not fair... living on when the one you love dies."


    Nix nodded, unexpectedly his own memories surfaced and turned his thoughts dark."No.That isn''t fair."He moved closer and wrapped all of the green tentacles around her, slowly pulling her out of the lava.


    The old woman moaned with pleasure, her eyes opening wider."What are you trying to do young man?"


    Nix sighed with embarrassment , "sorry... I can''t control that part."Shae had told him that his flame was very pleasant for salamanders.He closed his eyes and tried to sense her flame, it was the barest flicker."Please excuse me further!"


    He wrapped her up tightly and pulled her closer,Shae had used her mouth to transplant the fire seed to him initially so he tried to imitate the process.The old woman''s eyes looked angry when his mouth covered hers, she struggled slightly and then arched against him, moaning as a large part of his fire essence sheared off from the Emerald Fire Seed.


    She screamed in protest, her voice growing louder and stronger.She glowed with green flames for a moment and abruptly they turned blue.Nix continued to feed the flames until finally she grabbed him and cast him aside.


    "Boy... You dare take advantage of this old Lord?"The Salamander''s appearance grew stronger, her body seeming to reverse age until a middle-aged woman stood before him.Her white-streaked red-hair had turned to blue.


    "Forgive me, I was trying to strengthen you."Nix aura faded to nothing and he collapsed on the molten rock.


    "Foolish little salamander."She approached him and picked him up gently."I chose my time already, this isn''t what I wanted."


    Nix smiled weakly."I apologize, I meddled in your affairs."


    The woman stared at him, her nostrils flaring."Summon her now.Or I will most certainly destroy you."


    "Summon who?"


    "Your mate..."Her old eyes watched him while he only stared back.


    "Sorry... I don''t have a mate, even if I did there''s no way I could summon her."


    "Place your hand on your chest, and concentrate on your need."She watched while he did what she asked.


    A moment later there was a flash of light and Shae appeared out of thin air.Her eyes glanced around and found Nix, then she gazed upon the old Salamander.If you''ve harmed him..." Shae left the sentence unfinished, the threat hanging in the air.


    "A Nemesis?" The woman bowed reverently, " He is unharmed great one, I am Severance."


    Nix staggered to his feet, his strength slowly returning. "I''m fine Shae." He glanced up toward the surface. "Above us there are Aquarions digging a tunnel that leads to Phelinomia. How could we ruin their day?"


    "Water creatures in my territory?" Severance scowled at the thought, "with help I could give them something unpleasant."


    Nix nodded, his thoughts still lingering on dark thoughts. "Let''s burn them all!"

 Chapter 58 Phoenix

    "You ready Nix?"Shae was holding his hand, her long red hair brushing his arm.


    Nix nodded, the set-up reminded him of jumper cables on a car battery.He would ignite his aura and then place six tentacles on each of them.Shae would provide the juice while he relayed it directly to Severance."Can''t you just do it directly?What''s the need for the middle-man?"


    Shae leaned forward and kissed his forehead."Because of our prior fire bonds, you can conduct my flames easily.I''m worried that without you here, it would be too much for her."


    Severance frowned, "don''t look down on this old Lord!"


    Shae kept her face expressionless, "Then defend your territory properly. It''s infested with water creatures."


    "Okay... Who''s ready to start?"Nix pulled Shae closer to Severance.


    Severance had changed her ragged clothes and tied up her dark blue hair."This isn''t my natural flame Nix, it''s a combination of my dieing seed and the essence you gave me. I''ve no experience with blue flames."


    Shae stared at the old Lord, "Let''s start. If this goes badly. I will kill you if it means keeping him safe."


    Severance glanced at the skeleton still lodged in the molten rock, "I understand the sentiment."


    Nix felt the need to remind Shae that he could easily be respawned at his binding point, but he refrained.She was just making sure Severance knew what her priorities were.


    [Aura Ignition]


    A wave of Emerald flame burst outward from Nix, causing both Salamanders to jump.He put all twelve tentacles on Shae, slowly their two aura''s combined.


    Severance waited, a slight smile on her face.More than anything she liked cooking water creatures.She gasped in surprise when her two companions flames merged."It''s brown!You have formed a brown flame... Amazing.


    Nix gritted his teeth and faced Severance.Normally he would only merge the flames while he and Shae were having sex.The pools in her elemental world served to help him bleed off what he couldn''t handle.Quickly he moved half of his tentacles to the fire lord.


    Severance was lit up in blue flame, the brown flame coming from Nix immediately overpowered her borrowed flame causing the old Lord to scream in misery.Her eyes rolled back in her head as she dangled from the brown flaming tentacles.


    Shae calmly watched her two companions, of the three she was the most comfortable.All she needed to do was meld with Nix''s green flame.It was something she enjoyed doing anyway.She slowly cultivated the brown flame while the other two struggled.


    Nix felt blood running down his chin from where he bit through his lip.Even protected by his aura, his skin felt like it was being cooked and then peeled off.He concentrated on moving the flame toward Severance, who had filled the cavern with deafening screams since they started.


    The old Lord put up with it for several minutes before finally breaking free."That''s enough... protect him now!"Her voice brimmed with raw power, her bare feet causing the rock to splash like water.The brown flames swirled around her, "I shall burn them all!"


    Shae pulled Nix close and enclosed him in her flames.Even without his aura, this flame felt warm and gentle.She watched as the old salamander dived straight down into the rock and disappeared from sight.A few moments later, the ground started shaking while the lava quickly filled the room and moved into the tunnels above.


    ****************


    Mina waited patiently on the deck of the Phoenix. The rest of the Aquarions were wide-eyed with fear. They could feel the build-up of their elemental opposite.An explosion caused the ship to shift suddenly throwing everyone to the deck, the ocean itself starting to churn.The entire top of the crater exploded, sending a wave of pure power in all directions. Immediately afterward, a fountain of molten rock erupted upward sending smoke and ash high into the air.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Holy shit...


    /Guildchat: Semmi: That''s got Nix written all over it.


    /Guildchat: Pon: I''m so jealous right now I can''t stand it.


    /Guildchat: Wind: He just got blown up... you fire mages are crazy.


    [Guild Event: Onion Quest Updated] You have been summoned to the capital city of Lohai.


    "I shouldn''t have left him."Wylie was standing next to Mina, she kept thumping her staff loudly on the deck.A blur of movement caught her eyes, she pointed upward."There!"A winged creature blurred through the cloud of ash moving toward the ships.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Time to burn things!"


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Have at them guys!


    Fey banked hard and dived toward the sea. Nix quickly summoned Soup and let him free fall into the water.The drake climbed quickly and turned back toward the armada whileNix targeted the nearest ship.


    [Command: Ram My Target]


    Jun Li and Semmi were at the rails of their ship, waiting to come within boarding range when they noticed the object in the water moving toward the enemy at a fast speed.A few moments later it crashed into the side of the ship and the waterline.Soup turned away and dived, immediately he was unsummoned.


    Nix frowned at the unsummoned notice, "so that''s one and done skill?He aimed for a second ship and then banked Fey into them.


    [Command: Carpet Bombing]


    A long narrow swath imposed itself on Nix''s target.A moment later dozens of tiny explosions blasted the ship at deck level, Nix felt something slam into his shoulder but he kept his seat.


    Fey climbed without being told, "their shooting at us Nix."


    He placed a hand on her back, "you get hit, Fey?"


    "Just nicked, nothing bad."


    Nix grinned and dived for the next ship, "pick me up on the other side!"


    "What?"Fey banked again when she felt her rider jump off.


    Nix landed hard on the deck and rolled quickly to his feet.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix ran down the length of the ship, slamming sailors with his tentacles, tossing them in the water, the smelling of singed flesh filling his nostrils.He slammed into the door to the cannoneer''s top row."Hiya guys!"


    He targeted the stack of powder charges.


    [Comet Strike]


    He quickly exited and ran for the stern just as the first explosion hit."Holy F*ck!"The rail appeared before him and he jumped from it and leaped into the air.Fey dived hard and just managed to move beneath him as more explosions rocked the ship.


    With her rider safe, Fey climbed steadily and moved back toward the Phoenix."I''ve taken a few hits Nix, nothing serious but I must land."


    They landed a moment later, just as the Phoenix turned back toward the armada, she had rushed out to sea to get out of range.Nix patted Fey''s head and unsummoned her.


    [Combustion]


    Nix felt his wounds disappear as the air around him glowed.


    "Nix!"An out of breath Wylie finally caught up with him."No more running off on your own."


    Mina had caught up also, she gripped his shoulder firmly with her hand but didn''t say anything.


    Captain Delphi noticed his arrival and bowed slightly."We''ll strafe the fleet a few times and then move into boarding range!"


    The Phoenix closed on the fleet quickly.The ships that had broken off to pursue them suddenly found themselves within their enemies range.Captain Delphi had lured them away."Hard to port! Ready cannons!"


    At four hundred meters the Phonix turned broadside and lined up the pursuit.Both ships were still chasing since they were out of range.


    Captain Delphi wait a few seconds longer."Top cannons fire!"


    The nearest ship was hit hard, the main mast had fallen and the deck was in shambles.The second ship decided to turn.


    Delphi''s smiled, "thanks for the bigger target.Fire bottom cannons!"


    The second ship was hit harder, a large portion of its hull was damaged causing it to take in water.


    Nix waited with the assault team."That''s the Alabaster, she''s taking on water so they''ll be desperate!"


    "Let them wait then!"Delphi steered the Phonix towards the first ship."Prepare to board!"


    Grappling hooks flew from the Phoenix, holding the enemy ship in place. Nix targeted their deck.


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    [Meteor Storm]


    The assault team waited while the green flames damaged both sailor and ship.Screams of pain filled the air while some of the sailors jumped overboard trying to put out the flames.


    Wylie was the first to arrive.She landed in the middle of a group of smoldering crewmen, one wide swing put the lot of them on the deck.


    ******************


    Within an hour the sea battle was over.The four remaining ships from the Nottingham/Marauder coalition had retreated.The ships from Inferno had taken too much damage to chase.Repairs were already underway even before the looting was finished.


    Jun Li and Semmi flew their manta to the deck of the Phoenix, Sharl, and Pon had already arrived.Jun Li shook her head at the lack of damage, did they even touch you guys?"


    Captain Delphi shrugged at the new arrivals."We were hit lightly a few times."She had to bite her lip to keep from grinning like a fool.The Phoenix was fast and furious, Nix and the Aquarion assault crew were a complete nightmare.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Well done everyone.We starched them.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: That was very satisfying.


    /Guidchat: Ronnie: Where did your dragon go Nix?


    [Inferno Guild has attained Sea-Farer Faction Tier-4. New Guild options are available]


    Nix spotted a familiar face sitting on the deck among the captured crew.She had her hands tied behind her back and her eyepatch had been lost.He approached her and cut her bindings before helping her up."Captain Faryn... sorry for the rough treatment."He handed her his canteen.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Let''s make sure we are treating the enemy captains respectfully.


    "Thank you, sir."Faryn took a long drink and then handed it back.The Alabaster was sunk and she was out of a job.


    Nix took the canteen back. "It was a good battle."


    Faryn sighed unhappily, "it was good for you guys.We outnumbered you and were still put on our heels."


    "Sorry about the Alabaster, but I''m glad to see that you are okay."Nix pointed to the rail."Please wait here while Inferno discusses our options."


    Faryn bowed again, "Thank you."She watched as he walked toward his guild members.She silently vowed that in the future, she would avoid missions that involved going against the Phoenix.

 Chapter 59 Expanding

    Nix leaned comfortably against the rail.Jun Li, Sharl, Pon, Semmi, Wind, and Tess were all gathered in a circle as they discussed the ransom prices for crew and officers of the ships. He wasn''t giving them his full attention because he was looking at the new guild options for Tier 4 Sea-Farer factions.


    "Hmm. So that''s interesting and very nice."Nix realized that most of the new options were cosmetic, but there was one addition he liked.NPCs could be invited into the guild.


    Filamina has joined Inferno.


    Hyai has joined Inferno.


    Kyla has joined Inferno.


    Shae has joined Inferno.


    Fajii has joined Inferno.


    Delphi has joined Inferno.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Welcome to Inferno.


    [Create a Raid Channel?]


    "Yes."Nix decided that communication with the inhabitants of Glory Island would be important to future growth.However, he also realized that people doing missions should use a different channel. He assigned Mina as a ''Recruitment Officer'' so she could add the Aquarion Assault teams to the roster.


    [Please name new raid Channel.]


    "Inferno"Nix closed the guild menu and turned his attention back to the group in front of him.


    /Inferno: Nix: From this point forward, this will be our mission and vital information channel.Guildchat will be used for all non-essential communication.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our Aquarion allies will need access to both.


    /Inferno: Nix: I already included them.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: You still want me to open up recruitment for three dozen people?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yes, today''s additions were already part of our community, them joining didn''t increase our capability.


    /Guildchat: Tyrant: The Temple Acolytes are holding the two prisoners for us.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Great thanks.We''ll have a chat with them later.


    Jun Li shook her head at the numbers."Initial count was seventeen ships, right?Four were able to retreat, six were sunk, seven more were disabled."


    Semmi nodded, "repairs on the disabled ships have already started.We are just a bit under-manned when it comes to repairs."


    Sharl was standing closest to Nix, she noticed that his thoughts were wandering."Everything okay Nix?"


    He nodded and addressed Mina who was talking with a few members of her team."How are Aquarions at ship repair?"


    Mina smiled at him, "I can direct repairs, there are a few others who can do the same."


    "Start repairs on the six ships that were sunk. With those, you can start your own fleet."Nix had given the matter a bit of thought.The American Pacific fleet had been completely destroyed at Pearl Harbor.What many didn''t know was that with one exception, those ships were returned to service before the end of the war.


    Jun Li had caught the tail-end of the conversation, "you want to return those ships to service?"


    Nix nodded, "after repairs are made, we should be able to do it with a little help from Ronnie."


    Sharl looked skeptical, "this I gotta see."


    /Guildchat: Nix: What''s the lunch special at the Kindled Spirit today?


    /Guildchat: Hyai: Kraken stew or fresh Cod.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Lunchbreak?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yep, we''ll go in shifts.Things busy Hyai?


    /Guildchat: Hyai: Very busy.The ferry arrived a while ago, this time it was nearly full.


    An hour later Nix was having lunch with Ronnie, Banzi and Wind.He had chosen the Kraken special since there was no room in the main room, the four of them were eating in Nix''s room.


    Wind glanced around the luxury suite in appreciation."Nice place Nix."


    Ronnie was playing with Wilo while she shared her cod with the tiny elemental."She''s read for promotion Nix, when are we going to do that?"


    "Tonight after the two of you bring the ships up."Nix leaned back in his chair, there was something very satisfying in eating a creature that had eaten you.


    Wilo walked across the table, refusing to look at Nix''s plate.She was scared to death of even trying the Kraken.Wind put out his hand and she stepped nimbly on it."You''re going to batten down the hatches and then have Wilo expand air into the hull?"


    Nix nodded, he knew that the quite scout had a sharp intellect."All the hatches but one. If she can displace enough water, and if the repairs hold.Then that should be enough to bring them up."


    Wind considered the plan, "lets use manpower too.We can put a few dozen hands on the hulls and ease them up slowly."


    "I hadn''t thought of that, good idea. I''ll leave that to Mina and her people, they''re the strongest in the water."


    Ronnie finished off the last of her lunch, her dark eyes staring at Nix."Are you really giving them those ships?"


    "Yes. As we strengthen ourselves, we also need to look to our allies strength."


    Ronnie flashed him a smile."You''ve changed a lot since we first met Nix."


    He returned her smile, "you mean when I carried you through those Elite Turtles?"


    She nodded in agreement, "my arrows just bounced off those things."


    ****************


    The Alabaster was the first ship they attempted to bring up.Mina thought it fitting that this would be the first ship to be part of the Souza Accord''s new fleet.The hull repairs were completed and the Aquarions were in place ready to guide the ship to the surface.Ronnie and Nix had swum inside the hull.


    Ronnie glanced at him, "So... Wilo just pushes out all the air she can.Why are you here then?"


    "I''m going to heat the air, causing it to expand further."Nix had left one of the lower hatches open so that the water could escape.


    Wilo hovered in the middle of the hull and started pushing air outward.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix focused on his own flame, causing the air to immediately become super-heated.The water level slowly dropped in the main hull, when it had dropped to waist high, the entire ship shifted and started to raise up.


    Mina and the Aquarions guided the ship upward, slowly it rose to the surface.After a few minutes, the Alabaster sat on low on water.Nix sloshed through the knee-deep water in the base of the hull."Get the pumps down here and lets clear this hull!"


    More Aquarions started showing up as Inferno worked hard through the late afternoon.By dinner time, they had completed the operation.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: That''s all of them, great job Nix!


    /Guildchat: Nix: Well done guys.


    /Guildchat: Filamina: I''ll be assigning assault teams to each of those ships, they will need captains and crews.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: That''s my thing Mina, I''ve been interviewing captains for weeks.I''ll give you the list and you can choose.


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    /Guildchat: Filamina: Thank you Semmi.


    Mina climbed on deck, taking a look at the broken mast and shredded sails."I wonder if my tailor friend can repair these sails... maybe even make them better?"


    Nix laughed at her expression, somehow coy didn''t fit the Aquarion face very well."Of course I will do my best Min, this going to be your flagship?"


    Mina shook her head, "I''m not leaving your side,my team and I are staying on the Phoenix with you."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Want to take a trip with me, Junie?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: We heading to Lohai?


    /Guidchat; Wind: Me and Banzi are coming too.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Meet at the Phelinomia platform in an hour.


    A few minutes later Nix was walking on the temple grounds, as soon as he entered the temple Acolyte Dervi approached him.


    The thin fire mage bowed deeply, her jet-black hair nearly touching the ground."Temple Lord Nix, welcome back."


    Nix smiled at the reception."Bring me the two prisoners, also a few healers."


    A few minutes later Dervi returned with two the two prisoners and a handful of Acolytes.Two of them were obviously healers that walked the path of air. The Head Acolyte motioned toward the two healers."These two are Boola and Chakali."


    Nix nodded pleasantly at the two acolyte healers.They were both males who shaved their heads."Keep these two prisoners alive please."


    Boola and Chakali glanced at the two men in irons, both of them were a bit scuffed up but neither had taken any damage.


    Two emerald strands shot out from Nix''s hands, encircling the necks of the two prisoners.They immediately started screaming.A sound like sizzling bacon filled the air, the two men had fallen to their knees.


    The Acolytes watched wordlessly while Nix burned them.His yellow eyes showing no concern for their blood-curdling screams.Suddenly one of the prisoners died and Nix dropped his strands.


    [Balefire]


    Boola has been slain.


    Chakali has been slain.


    Since they were standing next to each other, they were both caught in Nix''s balefire.Both acolytes respawned a moment later next to the platform.


    Nix ignored the dizziness from using all his mana, wordlessly he drank a mana potion. He shook his head while looking at the single prisoner, the other having died and respawned safely at his binding point."So... these are the healers of Shae''s temple?"


    /Guildchat: Nix: Tess and Rose, please come to the Temple at once.


    /Guildchat: Tess: Right away Nix!


    /Guildchat: Rose: On my way.


    The two men had recovered and were standing next to Dervi.Nix gestured toward the temple door."Find another place to practice healing. Leave now and never come back."


    Dervi''s face turned pale as the healers walked toward the door."Those are the only two healers in the temple my lord."


    "Acolytes in the only Fire Palace in Colonial aren''t allowed to fail. You serve a Nemesis, not some common Fire Lord."


    Dervi shuddered when he turned his yellow eyes on her, she bowed deeply again. "As you say my lord!"


    The surviving prisoner was still on his knees gasping for breath."What are you doing? This kind of thing isn''t allowed!"


    Nix turned his gaze toward the man.He was from the Nottingham guild. "My guild is comprised of NPCs whose death is permanent, please bear with me while I ask you a few questions."


    "Questions?"The man''s voice was hysterical, the emerald flames were worse than anything he had ever felt."You haven''t asked anything yet!"


    "Right...first I have to put you in the right mindset."Nix smiled pleasantly, "call it motivational."


    "Y-Your crazy."The man looked like he wanted to cry, he stayed on the floor not daring to stand.


    "Crazy?"Nix shook his head, "it would be better for you if I was."

 Chapter 60 City of Lohai

    "Are you sure Nix?"Jun Li had felt sick to her stomach when he relayed what the prisoner had said.The Salamander guild had paid Nottingham and Marauder to come after them.


    Banzi scowled at the words, "they think we are easy pickings?We should teach them a lesson."


    Wind nodded in agreement, "the fact that these two guilds accepted means they have no respect for us.They should have stayed out of it."


    Wylie was holding the prisoner, special shackles were attached to his ankles and feet. He was also gagged so that he couldn''t speak."Why are we bringing this person?There has been a ransom offer for him already."


    Nix was finding it hard not to stare at his Knight Captain.Since they were meeting the Royal family of Phelinomia, they were all wearing formal attire which Nix had made.Her silver hair was worn up, she looked stunning in pale blue.


    "Is there something on my face?"Wylie was smiling at Banzi, his red face was evidence that he had been caught staring.Wind laughed at his discomfort.


    "I''m sorry Captain Wylie, " Banzi''s deep voice made her smile, everything about the Inferno tank was oversized and exaggerated."You look like a princess."


    The Knight didn''t seem bothered by the comment, "thank you Banzi.You look very nice also."


    Wind and Nix exchanged glances, but neither commented.Did those too like each other?


    "I have my reasons for having him accompany us."Nix led them away from the Lohai platform.Lohai was one of the most beautiful cities in all of Colonial.White spires rose up on every block.The streets were made from large brown stones that had been buffed until they were smooth.There were well-armored guards on every corner.As they continued to walk down the main street toward the Palace, they eventually arrived at a cordoned-off area that was heavily guarded.


    A fully armored knight held out a hand when they approached."Halt. This area is off-limits."


    Wylie stepped forward, "this is your superior officer,Colonel Nix.It was his people who stopped the invasion attempt."


    The Knight quickly saluted and stood to one side."Colonel!I am Captain Haven. I will escort you to the site."


    Nix nodded and followed the knight while the rest of the group fell in behind.They walked half a block before they came upon a massive crater that had destroyed the street and part of two buildings.There were still Aquarion bodies littered about."No one has tampered with anything?"


    The Knight shook his head, "we were ordered to maintain security until you arrived to search the bodies."


    Wind moved to the side of the crater, he kicked a dead Rock Work into the hole." You can see where they stopped digging. They were within fifty feet of breaking through."He pointed to where the smoothly dug sides ended.


    Jun Li knelt and examined one of the Aquarions, "they were boiled Nix.The water super-heated and eventually the pressure broke through the surface here."


    Banzi stepped toward the edge and peered down, "so there are thousands of Aquarions down there?All of them were boiled alive?"


    The Knight nodded, "we would have been caught by surprise.The Palace is one block from here, a few thousand Aquarions would have overrun the guard quickly."


    Nix spotted an object the size of a pineapple and picked it up.It was metallic and covered in squares that had been adhered to each other.He held it up for the others to see."What is this?"


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    Jun Li shook her head, "there are a few laying around. I''ve never seen anything like them."


    Wind held out his hand and Nix handed it to him. "You can bet its a weapon of some sort."


    "A bomb maybe?"Banzi refused to touch it, "put it down carefully until we know for sure."


    Wind smiled at his best friend, "nervous Banz?"


    The big man nodded his head and backed up a few steps.


    "We should continue to the Palace. Captain Haven, I want you to clear up this site.Have a team enter this tunnel and remove everything that could be deemed useful.Then fill it in."


    "Right away sir.We will send it directly to Glory Island."Haven saluted crisply and turned to one of his men."Escort Colonel Nix and his group to the Palace immediately."


    The Inferno group followed the guard and within a few minutes were sitting comfortably in a waiting area outside of the Royal Court.


    A Royal page approached them."I will be escorting you into the Court.Please follow me."


    Nix stepped into the Royal Court to the sound of loud shouting."Introducing Colonel Nix from the Knights of Colonial and his trusted companions.


    /Guildchat: Jun LI: F*ck!When did I become a trusted companion?


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Hmm?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Never mind.


    Phelinomia was ruled jointly by a King and Queen.They had a son and daughter that were standing next to the Queen''s throne.Each of them had the same dark hair and tanned skin that were prevalent in the Phelinomia archipelago.The King was dressed in rich red colors and wore a large golden crown.The queen was wearing a lighter red dress with a simple silver circlet on her head.Her dark beauty immediately made Nix think of Sharl and Ronnie.She could have been their older sister.


    Nix stopped next to the page and bowed deeply."I am Nix and these people are Banzi, Wind, Jun Li and Captain Wylie of the Colonial Knights. Each of his friends bowed when they were introduced.


    Neither the King nor Queen spoke, but their daughter did."Well met Nix.I am Princess Festa.Would you please describe the events of this Aquarion invasion?"


    "Of course.While we were hunting for mounts at the Lapu crater we became aware of an Aquarion Assault force inside.At this time we declared a guild emergency and used all of our available resources to ascertain their mission.We were able to uncover a plot between the Aquarions and two human guilds to invade and capture the city of Lohai."


    /Guildchat: Jun Li:What the f*ck?


    /Guildchat: Wind: Oh... you''re good Nix.


    Nix paused until the Princess motioned for him to continue."We sent a brave team into the heart of the volcano to ignite the inner core.Sadly everyone on that team was killed while carrying out their mission. Their efforts superheated the water in the tunnels that the Aquarions were digging."


    "How many of your people died saving us?"TheKing finally spoke, his manner was calm but there was anger burning in his eyes.


    "Twelve Sire.We lost many more during the naval battle."


    The King nodded gravely,he had heard of the great battle."Explain please."


    "While our team was heading into the volcano, we discovered the enemy invasion fleet moving toward Lohai.We intercepted them with our four frigates and destroyed most of their fleet.A few of them managed to limp away because our ships were too heavily damaged to pursue."


    The Queen lay her hand on the King''s arm and then stood up."This prisoner is a member of the invasion force?"


    Nix nodded, "The Nottingham and Marauder guilds thought they could rule Lohai, their ships were loaded with soldiers.The Aquarions were tunneling toward your Palace, while their ships were poised to take your docks to make you fight on two fronts."


    The Queen made a gesture and two guards grabbed the prisoner and dragged him away."You''ve suffered loss because you chose to defend us.We shall not forget this."


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Phelinomia has entered into an alliance with the Inferno Guild.


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Phelinomia has declared war on the Nottingham Guild.No members of Nottingham are allowed entry into Phelinomia. [Limit 120 Days]


    Colonial System Message: The Kingdom of Phelinomia has declared war on the Marauder Guild.No members of Marauder are allowed entry into Phelinomia. [Limit 120 Days]


    /Guildchat: Semmi: What''s going on over there?Both of those guilds have their headquarters in Phelinomia.


    /Guildchat: Wind: They''ve just been Nixed.


    [All members of Inferno have been given the title of ''Knight of Phelinomia.'']


    [The Inferno Navy has been given a Legendary Shipyard to upgrade their fleet]


    [For halting the invasion before it reached Lohai, you''ve been given a special gift.]


    [New Guild Options available]


    Onion Quest Part III


    Dunham''s trail led you to discover a plot to invade Lohai. You discovered a mysterious map that he left behind.


    [Onion Quest Updated]


    Onion Quest part III, Investigate the mysterious map.


    ****************


    A few hours later the group from Inferno returned to through the dock portal.There were dozen of crates full of gear and objects stacked neatly.Jun Li opened one of the crates."Captain Haven works fast, it''s the loot from the Aquarions."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Could you come to the docks Min?There''s some Aquarion gear here.


    /Guildchat: Filamina: Right away Nix.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: When we going to see Shae?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Tomorrow morning, sorry I''m a bit tired.


    Nix was looking at the new options for the guild. They could build a shipyard and there was an option to build a Phelinomia embassy.The embassy came with a hundred Knights.


    Jun Li had been hovering close to him since they got back. "We can put that shipyard on the West side of the island."


    Nix nodded, "I was thinking the same thing.The embassy can wait until we advance our town."


    Jun Li smiled, "let''s see what the special gift is Nix."


    Nix held up the small wooden box he had received."You mean this?"


    She tried to grab it but he moved it way."Open it Nix!"


    "Fine." Nix opened the box, it was completely empty.


    [New Quest Available: Help Lionel out at the Phelinomia Quarry]


    Jun Li sighed heavily."It''s a quest?"


    Nix shrugged, "guess so."

 Chapter 61 Growth and Developmen

    Nix was by himself on the docks by the time Mina arrived.She was wearing her traditional black gear that she used to travel about freely in the human cities.


    Mina offered him a polite smile and opened the crate he was standing next to."This is from one of the elite Aquarion Assault forces, we can really use this gear Nix."


    Nix nodded, "it''s all yours.Can''t have your people undergeared when we are fighting the same war."


    She picked up one of the pineapple sized objects that had been found with the invasion force, right away she gasped in surprise."Nix... Do you know what this is?"


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    "No, but I''d assume it''s some sort of bomb."


    "Yes.There is a tiny air sprite enclosed within.When you throw it at something the liquid fire inside breaks the compartment and destroys the sprite.This causes a massive explosion of air."


    "So it sends shrapnel blasting everywhere?"Nix shook his head, it was the magical version of a hand grenade.


    "These are very lethal but extremely hard to build because of the rarity of air sprites."Mina did a quick count, "There''s fifteen of them, I''m surprised they were able to make so many."


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Nix have you read the forums?


    /Guildchat: Nix: No.Something I should know?


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Just that the guild HQs for Nottingham and Marauder have been reclaimed by the Phelinomia government.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Serves them right.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Not just that.All the businesses owned by the guild and its members in Phelinomia have been confiscated by the crown.


    /Guildchat: Wind: The forum is eating it up too.With all the announcements from Phelinomia, everyone is convinced that they colluded with the invasion force.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Taking a bite out of us needs to hurt. Are you still around Lena?


    /Guildchat: Lena: Yes.Do you need anything?


    /Guildchat: NIx: Coming to see you.


    "Grab one of those Min and come with me."Nix walked with her toward the shops'' area.


    Mina was holding the bomb like it was an egg, but she didn''t look scared."Lena is the guild carpenter?"


    Nix nodded, "yep."


    Of all the people from the Gladis hub, Lena was the one who looked most like a criminal.She had a shaved head and was covered in tattoos and piercings.That was just on the outside however, Lena had been a social worker for inner-city youths.Nix wasn''t sure what landed her in prison.


    Nix held the door for Mina as they walked into Lena''s store."Hey, Lena.Have you met Min yet?"


    Lena shook her head. "Not officially.Nice to meet you, Mina."


    "Nice to meet you also Lena."


    Nix smiled when he noticed all the carvings on the shelves."What are the prerequisites for a carpenter?"


    "Construction and Wood carving," Lena replied.


    "I want to commission a figurehead for the Phoenix."


    Lena smiled at the request."I haven''t done one of those yet.I''m assuming you want a Phoenix figurehead?"


    Nix nodded, "I want you to add two enhancements, Air and Fire."


    "You a crafter Nix so you know I''ll need something to base those enhancements on."


    Mina handed her the Aquarion bomb."Careful this is an explosive."


    Lena carefully set it in her enhancement block, instantly her face lit up."It has a strong Air enchantment, the fire part is much weaker but I can strengthen that a bit."


    Nix couldn''t stop smiling. "What kind of final result can we expect?"


    "Not really sure, stop back tomorrow after 1500 and I''ll have something for you."Lena covered a yawn, she had been working all day.


    ***********


    A few minutes later Nix watched as Mina and her team removed most of the crates from the dock.They left the ones that were filled with the explosives.They had given Lena a good idea of what they wanted and then left her to her business.Finally, Nix head to the Kindled Spirit for some rest.


    Hyai was cleaning up the dining hall when he walked in.She offered him a smile, "want some company Nix?"


    Nix nodded as he trudged slowly up the stairs."No matter what I''m sleeping in tomorrow."


    When she opened the door to his suite a half-hour later, Nix was sleeping soundly in the bath.She clucked her tongue at him and placed a gentle hand on his head."Sleeping in the bath Nix?"


    "No."Nix denied it even though it was obvious he''d been sleeping. "I only closed my eyes for a bit."


    Hyai held out a towel, "climb out of there Nix.Let''s get you in bed."


    The warmth of thick blankets combined with the innkeeper''s soft skin made Nix fall asleep instantly, even though he had entertained other ideas.His eyes opened for the first time when the morning light started to come in from the windows.He smiled sleepily, he felt as comfortable as he had ever been.


    Hyai moved slightly, propping herself on one elbow."I have to get up in a bit Nix."


    "Hmm... in that case."He pulled the warm and very willing Hyai on top of him. "I must apologize properly for falling asleep before my work was done."


    **************


    The second time Nix woke up it was already mid-morning.Hyai was working when he finally made it downstairs he waved and headed outside.Ronnie and Jun Li were already waiting for him when he left the Kindled Spirit.


    Jun Li had her island map open and was looking at the best options for the shipyard placement.The legendary shipyard came with twelve berths for ships.More than enough to hold its rapidly growing fleet."We decided on the west side of the island right?"


    Nix nodded, "you get that built and I will head over to the temple to see Shae."


    Colonial System Message: The Inferno Guild has constructed the first Legendary Shipyard.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Go us!


    /Guildchat: Pon: I hear if your ship is upgraded and you bring it to a legendary shipyard, it enhances it even further.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Nix come fix my sails!I know you did something to the Phoenix to make it faster!


    /Guildchat: Nix: Fine.All interested personnel head over to the dock and talk to Captain Delphi.She will let you know how to upgrade the sails and weapons.


    /Guildchat: Pon:You upgraded the weapons too?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Can''t have an old bastard like you showing me up.


    Ronnie and Nix entered the temple a few minutes later.Shae was leaning against her altar, her acolytes were close by, hanging on her every word.


    "Giving them some pointers Shae?"Nix noticed that her hair was braided, it was definitely Fajii''s work.She had learned that braiding style from Nansu.


    Shae nodded, "can''t have them continuing to disappoint the Temple lord."She gave him a kiss on the cheek before glancing at Wilo who was perched on Ronnie''s shoulder."Ready to promote?I''ll take care of everything."


    Ronnie looked like she wanted to cry when Wilo entered Shae''s world.Her gloomy face stared at the altar where she had disappeared."She didn''t even say goodbye."


    Nix threw an arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently."She''s focused Ronnie, this is a dangerous time for her."


    "Right... I''m being silly."


    Nix felt Shae''s eyes on him, he waited until Ronnie left the temple before speaking."Can I see Fajii?"


    Shae shook her head."Give it a few days Nix, she''s at a very dangerous time." She handed him a small bag."She made some potions for you."


    Nix smiled and accepted the bag. "Hey, what happened to Severance after she ignited the volcanic core?"


    Shae shrugged and moved closer to him before grabbing one of his hands."More than likely she is starting a new reign as a Salamander lord."


    Nix had seen first hand what the brown flames had done to her.Her age had quickly moved backward from a middle-aged woman to a younger version that looked to be about Shae''s age."You seem different Shae."


    "I''m progressing towards my next promotion decades ahead of schedule.We will have to stop cultivating the brown flame so often.No more than once every few weeks.Otherwise, my foundation will weaken."


    Nix nodded, "I have a few things to do Shae.Let me know if you need anything."


    Shae leaned closer and hugged him for a moment."I will Nix."She smiled at his back when he started walking toward the exit."Hey, Nix!"


    He stopped and looked back. "Hmm?"


    "If you start feeling really bad sometime in the next few weeks.Come find me immediately."Shae waved and disappeared from sight.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Who wants to investigate the Quarry quest with me?


    /Guildchat; Wind: I''ll go.


    /Guildchat: Chael: Me too.


    /Guildchat: Pon: I''m in.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Meet at the Phoenix in fifteen minutes.


    /Guildchat: Wylie need me to come Sir?


    /Guildchat: Nix: No, I''m setting up the Mariner training for the knights.You''ll need to oversee it.


    /Guildchat: Wylie: Yes sir.


    While walking back to the Phoenix, Nix used the barracks menu to bring up the Mariner training for Captain Wylie and her knights.There was also a Marine Commander training available, so he quickly lined that up for her.


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''ll come by the barracks tomorrow and check your progress.


    /Guilchat: Wylie: Look forward to being impressed, Sir.


    Nix received permission to come aboard and shook Delphi''s hand.She was standing at the notched rail where they kept unofficial track of their kills."You''re counting my two individual kills as part of the Phoenix''s record?"


    Delphi nodded with a sly smile."You are part of her crew."


    Pon, Wind, and Chael arrived a few minutes later.They were a group that leaned heavily toward fire damage.Exactly the type of teammates you wanted if you ran into trouble.


    A few minutes later they left port, waving at the Ferry that was arriving just as they were leaving.


    /Guildchat: Wind: That Ferry is packed today.Standing room only.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Make sure to upgrade the fleets sails as soon as possible Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Bring all the sails to my shop tonight.I''ll take care of it.


    Nix opened the bag he had received from Shae.There were four small bottles in it.


    Transparency


    Potion: Invisibility


    Description: Offers an hour


    of invisibility. Effect may be turned


    on or off repeatedly for the duration.


    Chael noticed the potion bottles right away."Fajii make those?"


    Nix nodded, Chael recognized them right away, Nansu made something similar for him."She is still with Shae."

 Chapter 62 Black Quartz

    Pon was frowning at the Inferno guild leader.Mostly because he was angry with himself for not thinking outside the box. "You had the weaponsmith upgrade the cannons on the Phoenix?"


    Nix nodded, "Lena is making us a figurehead for the ship, I''m hoping to add more enhancements before I bring it to the shipyard."


    "Nansu has been asking about Fajii."Chael didn''t mention how shocked he had been to find out the Aquarion and Nix were very close.


    Wind and Pon smiled at each other knowingly.Pon''s old face wrinkled up in his version of a smile, "She''s pushing you to find out the scoop right?"


    Chael sighed and nodded, "Nansu thought she was Fajii''s best friend among the humans.


    Wind laughed at the comment, "apparently not."


    "Fajii and I are friends."Nix couldn''t hide the smile from forming on his lips.The Aquarion alchemist was someone he liked being around.


    Pon made a face at him, "I''m surprised Shae hasn''t scorched you."


    "Hmm?Why would she do that?"


    Pon shook his head in defeat. "You don''t know women Nix."


    "Probably not," Nix admitted.


    Chael glanced over his shoulder to where Captain Delphi was standing, deliberately he lowered his voice."So... Sharl and Ronnie?"


    Nix didn''t answer."You guys ask a lot of questions."


    Chael shook his head, "you should settle down with one person."


    Nix nodded in agreement."Who says I won''t?"


    Wind was leaning against the rail, listening to the conversation."Just haven''t found the right person?"


    NIx laughed at his serious expression, "maybe I have and haven''t realized it yet."


    Chael ran a hand through his blonde hair, when he had met Nansu, he had realized right away."I''ve been researching the Onion Quest.Do you know that no one has made it past the first leg of that quest?"


    Pon laughed, "that damned Kraken probably is the reason."


    Wind nodded, "it seems like a high tier quest.First a legendary beast and then a major invasion force.We should strengthen ourselves before we attempt the next part."


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Let us know if you need help with that Quarry quest Nix.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: I''m interested in seeing what sort of quest it is, considering it was part of a reward.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: I miss Wilo Nix!


    /Guildchat: Nix: Few days and she''ll be back.


    Pon was staring at the armor that Nix had received from Shae."Is that growth armor Nix?"


    Nix nodded, "yep.+ 10 to all stats and mana boosts"


    "I thought so, that''s the Temple Lord armor."Pon understood more about the topic than anyone else."She named you Temple Lord Champion right?Do you understand the significance?"


    Wind was listening to the two fire mages talk, everyone knew that Nix was the strongest noob around."Let''s see the stats Nix, we won''t tell anyone."


    Chael nodded in agreement, "yep, I want to see them too.Show us the boss stats!"


    When Pon looked at him expectantly Nix only shrugged."Fine, it''s not a secret or anything."


    Nix


    Level 50[Locked: Actual Level 84]


    Strength 80


    Endurance 78


    Intelligence 40


    Dexterity 40


    Perception 40


    Mana 12000/12000


    Cold Resistance 115 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 115 [Burning Aura]


    Emerald Flame Strands75 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of Fire [Salamander]


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm


    Combustion


    Comet Strike


    [Spirit Animal 3/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Siren]


    3: Fey [Fire Drake]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    "The f*ck is that?"Pon looked like he wanted to cry.


    Wind stared at the stats, "you need to train a secondary path Nix.With that strength, you should take up a martial path also."


    "Your strength is 80? That''s stronger than Aquarions."Chael had seen Fajii strength stat once, hers was at 55."


    "Some of it is from the Beast Slayer title and the armor."Nix hadn''t looked at his stats lately, he decided he was going to start looking for a good support skill.


    "The significance of being Temple Lord is that you will defend the Palace in the event of a challenge." Pon old face looked worried, "That means if Shae chose not to step in, you could be taking on a Lord level elemental."


    "I''m not worried."Nix closed his stat screen.


    Wind had noticed the locked level."How did your locked get so high?"


    "It went up 15 levels with the death of the Kraken."Nixnoticed the Phoenix was slowing."


    "We''ll anchor here Nix, you can take the Utility boat to the shore."Delphi had marked the island that the Quarry quest was on. It was one of the larger islands in the archipelago."


    "This is Tsani Island?"Nix shook his head at Delphi, "we''ll take mounts in, keep the boat on deck."


    "Yes sir. " Delphi watched as the team summoned their mounts.


    "Feel free to target any non-Sea Farer ships while we are gone."Nix climbed up on Fey and a moment later was airborne.


    "About time you let me fly!"Fey stretched her wings and easily pulled away from the Mantas.


    "Right... you just sit around all day soaking in Shae''s ponds."Nix patted the scales on her neck."Are your wounds healed?"


    "Yes."


    "I wonder if you can wear armor.We could shore up your underside a bit so we don''t have to worry about range damage." Nix hadn''t known before the last fight that most of the drakes protection was on the top, her underside was very vulnerable.


    "I''m not a dragon Nix.Weigh me down with armor and I probably won''t be able to fly at all."


    "Hmm...I''ll look into it.Just keep an open mind."Nix spotted the Quarry in the middle of the island and banked Fey toward it.


    "Keep the mounts out?"Wind always liked to plan an exit strategy.


    "Sure, won''t hurt to be ready."Nix walked toward the only building on the site.It was a small one-roomed hut.


    A tall thin man wearing a black mohawk exited the building when they approached."Hello, friends.Welcome to the Phelinomia Quarry. I''m Foreman Lionel."


    Nix glanced at his companions, none of them seemed to know how they should progress."We were sent here by Lohai city to help you out."


    "Help me?"Lionel shook his head, "I don''t see how you can help me unless you can make seven trillion tons of quartz disappear."


    "Seven trillion tons?"Nix looked at Pon, the old mage was deliberately avoiding eye contact."This is a rock quarry right?"


    Lionel shook his head, "No, it''s a black marble quarry.Somehow we''ve run into a large strain of black quartz.We have to get rid of it since it''s useless to us."


    Guildchat: Nix: What do we do with seven trillion tons of black quartz?


    Guildchat: Semmi: There''s no market for quartz.Why do you have seven trillion tons of it?


    Guildchat: Nansu: It can be crushed and used to make roads.Does that help?


    "We can take the quartz off your hands.Is there a reward?"Nix knew the island was still kinda small, the need for roads was minimal.


    Lionel nodded, "of course.The reward is seven trillion tons of black quartz."


    Colonial System Message: You have successfully completed the Quarry quest.


    "...." Nix.


    "...." Pon.


    "Wow... that was easy."Wind kept the smile off his face, but it took effort.This quest had turned into a duck.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Um... You guys finished the quest right?"


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yep.How''d you know.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: The entire eastern part of Glory is now buried in black rock.


    *******************


    An hour later the group had returned to Glory island.Like everyone else they went to look at the mountain of black quartz.Jun Li and Semmi were already there.


    Nix sighed when he saw the size of it."Somehow it was a lot smaller in my head."


    "I''ve been checking the possible uses of quartz.This pile isn''t going anywhere."Semmi picked up a piece and tossed it to Nix.


    Jun Li brought her map up, "I''m more worried about the space it is taking up.This could seriously hamper our development."


    Nix caught the quartz in his hand and immediately the guild menu on his hud came up.


    [Suitable expansion material acquired. Seven trillion tons of Black Quartz.]


    [Do you wish to expand Glory island?]


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    "Yes."The hud map came up.Nix was suddenly grinning from ear to ear.He moved the highlighted area on the map to the eastern shoreline.


    Instantly the mountain of quartz disappeared, it could be seen shimmering above the water just off of the eastern shoreline.


    [Glory Expansion in progress 6 hours]


    "What the hell just happened Nix?" Jun Li was staring at the empty spot where the quartz had been.


    "The quartz is filler for island expansion.Looks like we''ll gain quite a bit."Nix couldn''t tell from his map how big the island would grow, but he estimated it at close to double.


    Semmi was clapping her hands. "This is awesome Nix! I thought it was odd that the reward on such an important quest would be a complete dud."


    /Inferno: Filamina: Nix! Look to the North!


    /Inferno: Wylie: ALERT!All Knights establish defensive positions on the North Shore!


    "The f*ck is going on?"Nix turned toward the north.There were hundreds of Manta coming toward them.They were still several hundred meters away.


    /Inferno: Filamina: I count at least five Matriarchs Nix!They have a Water Lord with them!


    /Inferno: Nix:Water Creatures invading a Fire Island?Ballsy...All available hands deploy the dock area.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Noncombat Personnel evacuate to the Sea World Immediately.


    /Glory Island General chat: Nix: All guest please evacuate to the Fire Palace Immediately.An Aquarion invasion force is heading our way.


    /Inferno: Shae: I''ll get rid of the Water Lord Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: No.Leave it to me.

 Chapter 63 Water Lord

    /Guildchat: Nix: Hyai, please check the guild roster against the noncombatants currently in Sea World.


    Nix summoned Fey, then immediately drank his invisibility potion, and activated the icon before climbing on her back.


    /Inferno: Nix: Junie I''ll leave coordination of fighters to you.Remember that those five Matriarchs probably have at least 20 Sea-beasts they can summon.


    Fey leaped into the air and started climbing rapidly.


    [Command: Stealth]


    Fey disappeared from sight.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit, a stealthed mount?


    /Inferno: Filamina: The Souza Accord will hold the center, Junie.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Captain Wylie, I want you to shift west so you can protect the town if they decide to start destroying things.


    /Inferno: Jun Li:Sharl, Banzi and I will hold the right side.DPS and casters will provide us with fire and heal support.


    Nix was already high into the clouds when the first Aquarions were approaching the shore.


    /Guildchat: Hyai: All non-combatants are accounted for Nix.


    /Inferno: Pon: Sweet heavens.What is that thing?


    /Inferno: Filamina: Careful Nix, that''s a Manta Prime!It almost certainly has an ice attack.


    The Manta in question was three times bigger than the standard white mantas.The Water Lord was standing majestically on its back.There were also two other passengers, both Matriarchs.


    Nix leaned closer Fey''s back and whispered."Dive right at it, when we get close, show them your fire breath!"


    Fey extended her wings and then banked into a dive."What then?"


    "Carpet bomb the enemy whenever you get the chance,"Nix pulled his legs under him and crouched on his knees.


    Shonie moved from her hiding spot behind the Kindled Spirit.When she heard the alert go off, she decided it was a good chance to complete her mission.Her guild master had sent her to Glory Island to scout out Inferno.No one really knew anything about them.Salamander regularly flamed them in the forums, but they couldn''t be trusted.The Resolute Guild was looking for a strong, reliable ally, and the upstart Inferno guild was growing fast.


    Shonie stealthed and climbed her way up to the roof of the inn, then she turned on ''Live Stream.''


    At the same time in the Fire Palace, Shae sat unconcernedly on her Throne.Her acolytes were huddled around her looking worried.Dervi stood away from the rest, her Fire Staff was ready in her hand."Highness... shouldn''t we help them?"


    Shae''s light brown eyes stared at her Acolytes."You aren''t ready.I want you to move to the door and watch.You should have a nice view."


    Fey steepened her dive, moving impossibly fast while Nix used his strands to anchor himself in place.The Prime never saw them coming.Thirty feet from their target Nix she let the Manta have her flames at point-blank range.


    [Fire Breathe]


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    Nix leaped from her back, hiding in the flames as he slung himself at the Water Lord.


    [Aura Ignition]


    The Water Lord used an instant shield to protect himself and the riders, but the Prime was heavily damaged.There was a flash of green just before Nix slammed into the trio.He wrapped his arms and legs around the stunned Lord as a half dozen emerald tentacles encircled each of the Matriarchs.The four of them bounced off the Manta and plummeted toward the ground.The painful shrieks of the Water Lord and his companions rose above the din of battle.


    Fey banked away and immediately stealthed again.Nix had told her to stay at range with her AE attack, but first, she wanted to kill the Prime.She banked hard towards the wounded Manta.A near-deafening sound silenced the battlefield as Nix and the water creatures slammed into the ground, throwing a huge cloud of dust into the air.


    *Water Lord Azure has been stunned*


    *Matriach Sorba has been stunned*


    *Matriarch Vel has been stunned*


    Unseen the in dust-filled air, Nix locked a death grip on the Water Lord,using all of his strength he pulled and twisted the water creatures head while his legs were anchored around its waist.The Lord was not trying to fight back, his only concern was escaping.The two matriarchs were trapped in the emerald tentacles the smell of burnt flesh permeated the air as the Emerald flames continued to swirl around Nix.Finally, after several seconds Nix''s aura finally burned out and he staggered to his feet.


    [Combustion]


    Nix''s wounds began to heal, while the dust finally settled.The two matriarchs were charred to a crisp.


    "Nix!"Filamina had run toward him after dealing with the last Matriarch. She came up short when he tossed something on the ground.


    Nix smiled and drank a mana potion while kicking the object he had dropped. The Water Lord''s head and several inches of vertebrae had been torn from its body.He booted the head toward the enemy line."Fey!"He looked toward the air for his mount."How many matriarchs are still alive Min?"


    "None."Mina called one of her Vila and jumped nimbly on its back before riding back to her people.


    /Inferno: Nix: They are retreating to toward the eastern shore.Do not pursue.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We have them on the run Nix.


    The Glory defenders had first taken out the manta mounts of the invaders, leaving them on foot.The Aquarions were in full retreat as they ran for the eastern coastline.


    /Inferno: Nix:Now Delphi! FIRE!!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Fire?


    A moment later the roar of hundreds of cannons brought everyone''s attention to the east bay.The entire Glory fleet was present as their 56ers roared to life.They fleeing Aquarions had run straight into the lion''s den.Cannon fire tore through the line, blasting through flesh and landscape while causing the ground to shake like thunder.


    /Inferno: Wind: Holy shit...


    /Inferno: Nix: One more round, then pursue and wipe out everything.


    **************


    In the aftermath of the battle, Nix walked toward his Aquarion allies.They had taken much of the load during the fight.He could see that several of them were down.One of Mina''s Vila was following him, "Did Mina assign you to protect me?"The vila just stared at him while shadowing his every step.


    Mina was kneeling on the ground next to two of her allies, they had both died from their wounds.She stroked their pale faces while murmuring something quietly.Nix waited off to one side until she had finished.


    "How many Min?"


    Mina turned at his voice, "we lost two."Her pale features looked impossibly sad, she took a quick look around the battlefield before unsummoning her beasts.


    Nix grabbed her hand and squeezed it gently."What happened to the other three Matriarchs?"


    "I killed them."Mina clung to his hand for a moment before stepping closer and embracing him.


    Nix stroked her head softly, taking down three matriarchs by herself was impressive."I''m glad you are okay."


    /Inferno: Ronnie:Gross Wind... what is that thing?


    /Inferno: Wind: It''s the Water Lord''s head.Going to have it made into a totem for the dock!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Casualty report, please.


    /Inferno: Tess: All guild members have been rezzed.Two of our Aquarions friends have been killed.


    /Inferno: Wylie: I lost four knights.


    /Inferno: Rose: I rezzed Pon three times.


    /Inferno: Pon: Why mention that?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Non-combatants may return to Glory.


    /Glory Island General chat: Nix: All visitors may return to the town area.Because of clean-up requirements, the Ferry will be leaving for the mainland in thirty minutes.No overnight guests will be allowed tonight.Thank you.


    An hour later the members of Inferno and the Souza Accord were gathered on the beach in the Sea-World.Nix was sitting on the warm sand between Pon and Mina.Jun Li and Wind were seated across from them.


    The old mage had wounded two of the matriarchs badly before their creatures had torn him apart."Why are your Vilas so strong now Mina?"


    "I put all of them through the companion trials at Dunham''s Cove."Mina''s voice was soft and low, it had been a while since she had lost anyone.


    Nix had noticed that her Vila seemed heavily armored and quite a bit larger then he remembered."That was good thinking Min."


    "Why did an Aquarion force single us out?"Jun Li had been thinking about it since the battle ended."We had just stopped a major offensive in Lohai and suddenly we are attacked?"


    "Good question. Seems like it shouldn''t be a coincidence."Nix opened the Island menu, the expansion had another hour left.


    "It''s because of us."Mina knew that sooner or later her people would come after them.Breaking off from established traditions wasn''t allowed.The Souza Accord was the number one enemy of the Aquarion race. "I''m worried, next time the force could be much greater."


    Nix nodded in agreement, "they didn''t send enough.We should prepare a suitable reply."


    ****************


    Shonie stood at the rail of the ferry as it left Glory island.She had wanted to stay and speak with the Inferno leaders, but she understood the need for recovery.She had streamed the entire event, the forums were lighting up in response to the short but very decisive battle.The Aquarion assault force should have been more than enough to pillage Glory island, the reality was something completely different.Glory was a haven for hidden powerhouses, the Nemesis that protects the island didn''t even bother to come out.


    ************


    Over the next four weeks, Glory would continue to grow.The guild city had been upgraded shortly after the eastern expansion had finished.A few days after that, Nix had used his upgrade token to upgrade it to level three.Level three Cities came with wall options and cannon emplacements.More shops applied to come to the island, these were carefully perused by Semmi before being handpicked.


    Inferno would continue to make small excursions into Mermaid City. Shae would finish another month of Fire-based gear, with this it was decided that it was time to advance their Mermaid City mission.


    The officers of Inferno had set up two important appointments.One was to meet with the leadership of a guild called Resolute.The other was a highly secretive meeting with the Kingdoms of Neptia, Valis, Trifelez, and Berma.Only Nix and Jun Li knew what their agenda was.

 Chapter 64 Important Meetings

    The black-cloaked figure turned down the dark alley and sprinted along the city wall, both of the warehouses he had targeted were already in flames.He slowed to a walk and checked his backtrail, suddenly the sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet evening, he had been found.


    "He''s up ahead Vera, close on him!"The one who spoke was holding her side while she ran, a bad fall from the rooftop had injured her.


    "Damn it Tula, be more careful!"


    Vera stopped at the wall, their prey was slowly scaling it.She pulled her pistol and pointed it at the arsonist."Bastard ass!Making me run all this way."She was tempted to shoot him, but she had strict orders to bring him in.A quick death would mean his escape to his binding point.


    "My side hurts!"Tula finally caught up to her twin sister.That''s when she saw the man on the wall."Got you at last dumbass!"


    "Do you?"The dark figure showed no sign of fear, he smiled when they approached the bottom of the rope.


    [Fire Trap]


    A shaped charge exploded and tore through the legs of the twins putting them both down.Tula had been hunched over holding her side, so the trap had killed her.Vera was not so lucky, one of her legs was gone from the knee down and the other was burnt beyond use.


    "F*ck..." Vera picked up the pistol she had dropped and pointed it toward the wall but the man had disappeared.She looked down at her legs before cursing loudly and pointing the pistol at herself.


    A half-hour later Nix returned to the house in the Sea World.He had emptied one of the spare rooms and brought in shelves and a large workbench. Trap making was part of the hunting craft.Nix hadn''t paid much attention to it in the past, but recently he discovered that it was quite handy. He changed his clothes and returned to Glory Island.


    Glory had undergone extensive changes.A stone wall completely enclosed most of the city, only the dock area had been left unwalled, but there was a heavily guarded gated entrance. The dock shops and Inns had become thriving businesses but slowly a main street was developing as new shops continued to open.Semmi had some experience with city planning, so she was taking care of everything.


    He walked over to the Kindled Spirit and tiptoed up the stairs to his room.It was 0300 and just about everyone was sleeping.After undressing he slid into bed, magically the person who had been there when he left was now two people.Apparently Sila had made a late-night visit and had been welcomed by Hyai.Nix felt that it was worth noting that both of Sila''s wrists were still tied to the bedpost.


    "Damn it... The hell did I miss?"He moved closer to his favorite innkeeper and closed his tired eyes.


    Nix smiled in his sleep a few hours later, feeling a soft hand encircle his shaft before it was enclosed in the warm wetness of a mouth.


    Propping his head upon the pillow he watched while Hyai''s head slowly bobbed up and down."Is this how the Kindled Spirit keeps its guests returning?"


    Hyai let him slide out of her mouth before moving up to straddle his waist."Complaining?"She was still holding him in her hand, with a soft moan she slid onto him.


    *************


    A while later Nix woke up for the second time. He noticed the time and gently shook Hyai awake."It''s morning hun, maybe you can get the help to open some mornings?"


    Hyai opened one eye, she often woke up next to Nix so it came as no surprise."Hmm... I like opening the Inn for breakfast."She turned her face into his neck, kissing his skin."You smell like smoke again Nix."


    He kept his face expressionless."Do I?"


    Hyai shrugged, "I love the smell of smoke."


    Nix nodded. "Me too."


    She rolled out of bed and headed toward the dresser."Are you still taking me to Jenza today?"


    Yep, sometime before dinner."Nix watched as she casually opened a drawer in his dresser and took out a change of work clothes.She kept a lot of stuff in his room for moments like this.He watched with interest as the curvy innkeeper dressed.Hyai wasn''t beautiful in the traditional sense, it was her warmth that was attractive.


    "Going to want something to eat Nix?"She finished putting on her uniform, well aware that her companion was watching her.


    "Yes please, but not for a few hours.Junie and I are heading to Neptia for a meeting this afternoon, so maybe I''ll grab brunch after I get up."


    "Okay hun, I''ll put something aside for you."Hyai waved and left the room quietly.


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    ****************


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Hey Nix, let''s meet up at your houseboat before we head to Neptia.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Sure, was just heading there anyway.


    Nix gated to the Sea-World.The warm sun of late-morning was very pleasant.He took the outside ladder up to the third level of his houseboat, the fact that he had the biggest boat in their marina still made him smile.A familiar face brought him up short.


    "Hello, Nix!"Fajii smiled sweetly at him and stood up in the hot tub.Without any hesitation, she embraced him tightly."I really missed you!"


    "Same here."He didn''t mind the fact that she was wet. "Has Shae finally set you loose?"


    Fajii shook her head."Only for a few hours, until my training is complete, she has to monitor me constantly."


    "Er... I''m scared to ask."Nix stared at her, there was something slightly different.


    Fajii nodded and held out her hand, the smallest flame appeared in her hand.It was a warm yellow flame.


    "Oh god..."Nix put his hand over it to test it, it was pleasant to his touch."An Aquarion Fire Mage?Is that even possible?"


    "Shae said that my people are strong mages, it''s just that normally we have a complete intolerance to any kind of fire."


    "This sounds very dangerous Fajii.I don''t like it at all."


    "Shae said she will explain everything and asks that you come to visit us tomorrow in her world."Fajii hugged him again and placed her head on his shoulder for a long moment before finally stepping away."Now that I''ve delivered the message I must return."She waved at him and quickly left.


    Nix watched her walk away.He understood the constant monitoring, Fajii would be killed by flame poisoning if left by herself before her own fire seed was fully developed.


    "Permission to come aboard?" Semmi stood next to his gangplank, her normal bright smile was in place, Jun Li was with her.


    "Why start asking now?" Nix leaned over the rail, "come on up."


    "Was that Fajii I saw leaving?" Semmi liked to tease Nix, they shared an easy sibling-like relationship.


    Nix didn''t answer, instead he took a seat and waited for them to come up.


    Jun Li took the seat across from him while Semmi chose to lean against the rail. "Salamander was hit again last night, this time it was two warehouses that were burned to the ground."


    Nix didn''t hide his smile. "Good, let''s find the guy and give him something nice."


    Semmi nodded in agreement, "Like what though?"


    "I was thinking we''d give him you."


    Semmi laughed at the comment. "What if it''s a woman?"


    "Then we''ll give her Junie."


    Jun Li turned slightly red. "What''s that supposed to mean Jackass?"


    Semmi winked at him. "I think it means women find you attractive."


    "The f*ck!A man would be more than happy with me!"


    Nix gave her a defeated look. " Fine Junie, we''ll give him you once we establish his identity."


    "Yep," Semmi agreed with a quick nod.


    Jun Li scowled at her two friends. "That makes six different Salamander targets."


    "Seven," Semmi corrected. "The guild hall was torched twice."


    "Right, seven then." Jun Li had been reading a first hand account of the incident written by Tula. "Seems like they nearly caught him this time."


    Semmi fixed a stray lock of blonde hair. "The forums love this guy. Shank has been shitting on everyone since he took over leadership of Salamander."


    Nix gave them both an unreadable smile. "If he''s smart, he will lay low for a while."


    Jun Li open her hud and transferred a document to Nix. "This is the contract that I wrote up for the establishment of an Independent City State that will be allied with the Kingdoms of Broyan."


    Semmi clapped her hands in excitement. "Do you think they''ll sign?"


    Both Nix and Jun Li nodded. Safarza was the only Broyan Kingdom against it, but thankfully under the rules of the Broyan alliance, only 4 out of 5 votes were required.


    Nix stood up and stretched his arms overhead. "Let''s get on with it, we''ll take the Phoenix."

 Chapter 65 New Allies

    Mina and her Aquarion Assault team were huddled closely together on the deck of the Phoenix.At the last minute, the Souza Accord leader had decided to accompany Nix and Jun Li.


    "You''re going to fall overboard if you keep trying to get at it like that."Nix had to grab Jun Li''s arm when she nearly slipped over the rail.


    Jun Li stared at the Phoenix figurehead in frustration."Nix!You said you were going to tell us all of your secret upgrades for your ship!"


    Nix had upgraded the entire fleet''s sails and told them how to upgrade the cannons.The Soaring Phoenix head he would let them find out for themselves, although he had mentioned it in passing to Pon."Where''s the fun in that."


    Phoenix Figurehead


    Description: A terror of the


    seas.The Phoenix soars above all others.


    +10 Fire Damage to cannons


    +30 Speed to travel.All effects


    are stackable.


    Jun Li finally gave up, "thanks for not letting me fall overboard."


    Nix scratched his chin to hide the guilty look he was wearing.Letting her fall overboard had been very tempting."No worries Junie."


    Jun Li was wearing one of the armor sets that Moki had made for the guild.With the inclusion of the Kraken leather, it was a legendary set.Moki had turned the leather Kraken armor into a beautifully scaled armor that was vastly superior to any plate armor at the mid-levels. "It was nice of Fey to donate scales to the cause."


    "She loses them monthly."Nix had discovered that the pond Fey normally soaks in was saturated with her scales. Drake scales had given them the punch to create a legendary set of Scaled armor.He glanced at Junie, the scaled armor had a reddish tinge, her long black braid and pale skin added together to make her a striking figure.


    "I don''t see Shae much nowadays."Jun Li tried not to sound like she was prying, but of course, she was. "Is everything okay?"


    Nix didn''t know how much to share, Shae had to constantly monitor Fajii''s fire levels.The Aquarion chemist wouldn''t have survived without the personal attention of the Salamander Nemesis."Shae is in an important phase in solidifying her foundation.When she emerges, her strength will be terrifying."


    "Like yours?"Jun Li was too busy during the assault to monitor Nix, but she had heard the account from others.She had also seen the streamed version.He had pulled the head completely off of a Water Lord while killing two Matriarchs.A few days after that, she had received written apologies from the guild leaders of Nottingham and Marauder. The apologies had come with a promise of non-aggression and a large number of credits.Jun Li hadn''t been fooled by the gesture, she knew they were scared to death that Inferno was going to swoop in and finish them off.


    "You were pretty impressive yourself Junie.I thought you were a DPS when we first met, but now you are tanking alongside Sharl and Banzi."


    "I adjusted a few things so I could be used as an off-tank.Sharl is still the best tank at our level in Colonial."


    ************


    Rhatia hadn''t changed since Jun Li had led an assault team to save the black diamond in the King''s crown.The capital of Neptia was a beautiful city with several cultural enhancements.Not the least of these was a university and a museum.The pale white stone streets gave it a heavenly appearance.Without a doubt, Rhatia was the cleanest city in Colonial.


    Nix and Jun Li were welcomed into a large stateroom along with several heads of state.Mina and her team had chosen to stay on board the Phoenix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Junie, where are the other Kings?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: They won''t be here for a simple signing Nix.Since they''ve agreed, their representatives will do the signing.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Damn... This doesn''t feel very historical.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: King Cray will be in attendance, as the host he will reside over the signing.


    /Guildchat: Wind: For the record, I would like to inform everyone that the ''Gambler'' has just made its first kill.


    Nix smiled at the statement.The normally reserved Wind was slowly becoming more sociable.He had been given a Galleon ship as his flagship.


    /Guildchat: Nix:Great job Wind.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: I am so glad we aren''t in the Terran faction, those bastards are lame.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: I agree.


    The entire signing only took a few minutes, however, the discussion that took place before then was quite extensive.The other Kingdoms of Broyan had no real grasp of a non-monarchy government system.In the interest of moving things along, Nix had offered them Shae Balefire as the ruler of Glory Island.He had discussed the probability of this happening with her, although she was uninterested in ruling, she had no issues with being the figurehead.


    An hour later Nix and Jun Li were boarding the Phoenix when the world-wide announcement was made.


    Colonial System Message: A new nation has joined the Broyan Kingdom Coalition. The Independent City-State of Glory Island has been formed.


    [New Guild Options are available]


    [New Glory Island Options are available]


    [New Fire Palace Options are available]


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Can I be a princess?


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Are we really sisters?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Princess Ronnie?Hmm... I don''t hate it.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: It does have a certain ring to it.


    Jun Li watched while Nix interacted with Mina and her assault team.The Aquarions had accepted the Inferno members as allies, but they treated Nix like family.It was evident in the way they were always touching him.Aquarions often showed their friendship by placing a hand on your shoulder when they spoke.If the relationship was close they would embrace or stroke the person''s head.


    Nix laughed at something one of the Aquarion males said and then turned his attention toward Jun Li."What do we know about Resolute?"


    Jun Li waited until he approached to answer. "Not much honestly. They are one of the few upper-tier guilds that don''t have a mid-range branch."


    Nix claimed a spot at the rail next to her."What''s their average level?"


    "Mid-70s."Jun Li had to research them on the forums, most of her experience was at the mid-tier.


    "Why would they be interested in an alliance with us?"Nix knew that the power difference between the mid and upper-tier was substantial.


    "There are several guilds who have approached Resolute over the years.Until now they''ve shown no interest in alliances."


    "They want something from us."Nix had given it some thought."Why else approach a guild that is obviously weaker?"


    "What could we give them that they can''t get for themselves?"


    "Not sure, but if it involves Shae in any way, the answer will be no." Nix had seen first hand how guilds were willing to double-cross each other if it meant getting their hands on a Salamander.


    The Resolute guild was located in Espana.In the interest of speeding things along, the Phoenix returned to Glory island, leaving Nix and Jun Li to continue the mission with the use of portals.


    The southern tip of Espana was called the Cattail peninsula, it was here that the guildhall for Resolute was located.The guild had a rather large navy of about forty ships, they also were part of the Sea-Farer faction.


    There was no obvious guard but when Nix and Jun Li walked into the Guild''s courtyard, several people approached them.


    "Please state your business friends."A cheerful-looking man with curly brown hair and wide shoulders moved in front of them.Three others flanked the visitors, effectively sealing them off.


    Nix didn''t let the security bother him, unlike Glory, this place was easily approachable."I am Nix from the Inferno Guild, this is my Raid Leader Jun Li."


    The cheerful man bowed slightly, "Jun Li and Nix?Welcome to the Resolute Guildhall.I am Caza, one of the vice-leaders here."


    Caza led them through a set of double doors into a large stone building.Nix thought it resembled an old fashion Fort.They stopped at a large round table where several members were sitting.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: This is like the Knights of Camelot.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Agreed.So where is Arthur?


    A rather plain-looking woman in leather armor looked up when they approached.Her short brown hair was faded to near blonde from the outdoors.Her face was liberally covered with freckles but it was her eyes that drew attention, they were the color of blood.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Okay, the eyes are freaking me out.


    /Guildchat: Nix: I don''t mind them.


    "Nix and Jun Li?I am Sulane, the Guild Leader of Resolute."The freckled woman extended her hand and shook Nix''s.


    "Nice to meet you Sulane."Nix watched while she shook Jun Li''s hand also.The small smile she had offered them both had totally transformed her face.


    "I have to admit the recent announcement has weakened our bargaining position.May I be blunt?"Sulane gestured to two empty seats and waited until they obliged her before sitting down herself.


    Since Nix had asked her to take the lead on negotiations, Jun Li jumped right in. "We prefer it that way also.Please tell us what you want and then we will start from there."


    Sulane nodded and took a deep breath. "There''s an artifact we are interested in attaining.The only problem is that it resides in a place where we can''t touch it."


    Jun Li shared a glanced with Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Mermaid City?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: That would be my guess.


    "A place where Resolute can''t get to it?How is that even possible?"Jun Li smiled pleasantly and took a drink from the wine chalice they had offered her.


    "We are restricted by level.The artifact we require is in Mermaid City."Sulane watched them both as she spoke.Neither showed any surprise.From all reports, the Inferno/Souza Accord alliance were far ahead of the competition in Mermaid City.


    Jun Li nodded like she had expected it."We have our own agenda in Mermaid City, but then you already know that."


    "Resolute has been working on an important quest for more than two years.We stand at the last step, imagine our surprise when we found out that all of our members are now too high to finish the quest."


    /Guildchat: Nix: We have to know what it is and what they are offering us.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: I agree.


    Jun Li leaned over and pretended to whisper something in Nix''s ear when he nodded she looked back at Sulane."We aren''t touching this quest without knowing what it is."


    Sulane and her guildmates exchanged several looks.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Think we are being talked about in their guild chat.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Very likely.


    "It''s called the Earth Pearl, through this quest we now have the ability to activate it."Sulane waited patiently while considered her words.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Holy shit Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Something important?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: If it''s real, then yes.The Earth Pearl will open up the Earth Mage path.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Junie?Are you guys f*cking with us?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: No.


    Nix had heard enough. "We agree, however, we don''t agree to the terms you are offering."


    Sulane turned toward him, Inferno''s infamous Fire Mage finally spoke up. "You haven''t heard our terms."


    "I don''t need to.The only thing we will accept is the use of it for three days."Nix crossed his arms to indicate he would be inflexible on this matter.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: It probably has a recharge timer Nix!Better to ask for usages.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Darsi?If I give you a charged Earth Pearl, what can you do with it?


    /Guildchat: Darsi: I can make a single copy, but it will be exactly like the original. I won''t know what is required until I place it in my queue.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Fine, ask for three days then.Don''t mention our ability to copy it.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Obviously.


    "We will agree to three days of usage." Sulane sighed heavily, "there''s more.The two year limit to finish the quest ends in two days."


    Jun Li smiled pleasantly, "that won''t be an issue.Is there anything else?"


    Nix frowned, something wasn''t adding up to him."Why can''t you drop levels like Shank did when he took over Salamander?"


    Sulane shook her head."Part of the quest required afull raid into the Clam farm."


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: The Clam farm is a 50 level raid, very difficult, but unlimited numbers.


    Nix let his confusion show."Why does that matter?"


    "The entire guild has already dropped their levels down."


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    /Guildchat: Jun Li: The level drop only works one time on each person. They are stuck now.


    /Guildchat: Nix: That explains why they are so strong. Let''s do it.


    Jun Li stood up and extended her hand."We will agree to those terms.We will retrieve the artifact first thing in the morning. In exchange, once you charge it, you will lend it to us at Glory Island for three days."


    Sulane also stood up, she smiled when she shook Jun Li''s hand. "I will write up a contract and send it over immediately."


    Nix nodded in satisfaction."Come to Glory for lunch tomorrow.We will have it by then."

 Chapter 66 Earth Pearl part one

    Nix listened to Semmi give the Earth Pearl brief.It was located on the third stage of an unguarded section of Mermaid City.An old abandoned temple housed the Earth artifact.Lore said that Earth mages were once a very large part of the Aquarion civilization, but that slowly with the passage of time, the Water Mages ran them out.


    Semmi brought up the only known map of the area."As you know, there aren''t many guilds at the third stage.We could expect interference from Salamander, but with their recent troubles, they''ve placed raiding on the backburner in the interest of protecting their resources."


    Sharl was looking at the map, it seemed very straight forward, there were two approaches to the temple."So two small raid teams?What is the thought process here?"


    Semmi nodded, "A team of ten coming in the front, and a team of five trying to enter stealthily from the side entrance."


    Jun Li was looking at the guild roster and trying to find their best options.This was too important to trust any of the new recruits."The side team will be Nix, Chael, Wind, Semmi, and Milat."


    Nix nodded in agreement when he heard the team.Milat was an Aquarion melee expert who had received a shadow bracer in the Trifelez raid.Since then he had fully embraced the silent kill methods of a stealth class."Who''ll be at the front then?"


    Jun Li read the names she had picked, "myself, Sharl, Pon, Ronnie, Banzi, Gypsy, Tess, Mina, Donri and Nez."


    Nix would have preferred Mina to be in his group, but he understood her dps would be needed in the front door group that was tank and healer heavy."Will we be fighting Aquarions?"


    Mina shook her head, "although many Aquarions had become Earth mages, the acolytes in the temple were a hidden race.No one knows what they were."


    Nix glanced at two of the first people he had grouped with in Colonial, Nez, and Donri.Since joining Inferno with Sila, they had worked hard on leveling and were now properly geared.More importantly, Nez was a talented healer and Donri a steadfast tank.He had given Nez secret instructions, keep Mina alive at all costs.


    Jun Li decided she liked the groupings, since Nix had appointed her Raid Leader, it was her call. "We''ll leave from the dock portal in an hour."


    Nix decided on a quick meal before the raid.It was a bit after the normal dinner time, but the kitchen was still open.He walked through the dining room and stopped in the kitchen doorway. "Why do you look so happy when you are cooking?"


    Hyai looked up from the oven and quickly closed it before answering."Cooking makes me happy.When you get older you realize it''s the simple things that are nicest."


    Nix smiled and walked in, she served him a bowl of stew and they talked in the kitchen while she prepared the baked goods for the next day."Our trip to Jenza is going to be later than planned."


    "It''s fine hun, my daughter has prepared a room for us."


    "Will I still be able to meet the Swordsman?"Nix had never really given the sword much thought.Guns seemed much more effective to his modern thinking. After raiding for a while, he felt something a bit more up close and quiet would also be nice. Hyai knew a master swordsman, more importantly, he was staying with her daughter and son-in-law in Jenza.


    Hyai poured him some wine, then helped herself to the first drink."He''s a bit of an odd duck, but he will be staying the rest of the week."


    Nix could learn the sword at any skill trainer, but Roaming Masters would oftentimes produce unexpected results.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: We have some new guild options Nix if you want to activate them.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Wasn''t sure if those were wanted. Do what you think is best Junie.


    [Inferno Members may now send personalized communications to each other and other guild personnel that have this feature enabled.]


    Unlike other VR games, Colonial didn''t come with a built-in communication package.In the interest of expanding initial networking among beginner players, this feature wouldn''t be added until they joined an advanced guild.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix]First!


    Nix looked up at the blonde-haired scout, she gave him a small wave without saying anything else.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] I wanted to be the first to send you a whisper!


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Sorry... Semmi was first.


    *************


    Nix was standing in the shipyard with Captain Delphi.He had directed her to enter the first berth in the Legendary shipyard and then to have everyone disembark.


    [Legendary Shipyard Options] Which task do you wish to perform?


    1) Build a new ship.


    2) Copy an existing ship.


    3) Enhance an existing ship.


    Nix chose option three, he wanted to further enhance the Phoenix.


    [Analyzing existing modifications]


    Navy Frigate: Phoenix


    Phoenix Figurehead


    Description: A terror of the


    seas.The Phoenix soars above all others.


    +10 Fire Damage to cannons


    +30 Speed to travel.All effects


    are stackable.


    Steel Cannon: Twenty-pounder


    Customized Cannons


    Description: Fires twenty pound


    projectiles.Max Range: 450 meters.


    Effective Range: 200 meters.


    Accuracy 5/10, reload 9 seconds.


    Phoenix Sail


    Description: A beautiful white sail


    emblazoned with the image of a majestic


    Phoenix.+ 20 to Sail Speed.+ 10 to turn radius.


    Craft Rating: Epic


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    [Do you wish to enhance the Phoenix?]


    "Yes." Nix patted Captain Delphi on the back."Keep an eye on things here.When I come back we are going hunt up some Terrans."


    Delphi grinned and nodded."I can''t wait, sir."


    ************


    An hour later Nix was huddled together with Wind, Semmi, Chael, and Milat." Both him and Chael quietly drank their invisibility potions since they were the only ones without natural stealth.


    Nix glanced at his hud, Jun Li and her team would hit the front first.Hopefully, this would pull most of the aggro to the front door.His team would fight as little as possible.Get the pearl and leave quickly.


    /Inferno: Jun Li:Here we go.Please knock on the door Pon!


    /Inferno: Pon: It''s a shame to f*ck up such a nice door.


    The Fire Mage targeted the door, it looked like a pretty solid metal door.There were intricate carvings that showed the talent of a true artist.


    [Balefire]


    A blast of white flame passed through the metal door like it was paper, leaving a huge gaping hole through it.Bits of melted metal ran down the door.


    Sharl, Banzi and Jun Li charged to the front.A few seconds later a dozen hooded acolytes burst through the doorway.


    [Barricade: Sharl, Banzi, Jun Li]


    [Shield Domain Established]


    The three tanks utilized the same ability, by combining them they created a domain that must be destroyed before the enemy can implement any other strategy.


    ***********


    [Summon: Ducky]


    Nix waited a few moments longer and then activated his tempory stealth icon."Time to go guys."


    The side door was locked, but Semmi and her support skills made short work of it. She noticed Nix''s smile."Dig a chick who can pick locks?"


    Nix nodded, "who doesn''t"


    The other men in the group nodded in agreement.The group entered through the door and immediately came upon a choice, up or down?They stood in the landing of a massive staircase.


    /Inferno: Nix: Crap... if we choose the wrong one.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s split up, we''ll take ten minutes to scout and then regroup.


    /Inferno: Nix: Two down and three up.I''ll head down.


    /Inferno: Wind: Me too.


    Nix and Wind headed down the staircase, while the other three moved upward.


    /Inferno: Semmi: If anyone finds it, let us know.Don''t try to take it by yourself.


    Nix and Wind descended several flights of stone stairs, finally, they came to an exit.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] I''ll take this level.


    With a flash he was gone, leaving Nix to continued downward. There were no other exits from the stairs, after several minutes the stairs ended abruptly in a large door with a barred window.To Nix''s eye, this looked exactly like a dungeon.


    [Command: Scout Area]


    Ducky nodded in compliance and disappeared through the door.Nix followed along much more slowly.A low hissing sound made the skin on the back on his neck crawl. The sound came from all around him as he entered a cell area.The prisoners were all cloaked and covered from head to toe.For the most part, they were shackled either to the floor or the wall.


    Ducky appeared a few minutes later.Nix checked his map, there were two red icons on it that were a bit further away.


    /Inferno: Chael: I found the Earth Pearl!It''s on the top floor and it''s guarded by three acolytes!


    /Inferno: Semmi: Great Chael!Everyone rendezvous on the top floor.


    Nix looked around the dungeon, his thoughts seemed to slow a bit.Something was off, he really wanted to explore this area a bit more.


    /Inferno: Nix: Change in plans Semmi, proceed with the Pearl Extraction.I''m going to investigate something.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What if we can''t handle the fight without you?


    /Inferno: Nix: Ask the King to help, then run like hell. I won''t be long.If you aren''t confident, then wait a bit.


    Ducky grabbed his arm when he headed to the door on the far side of the open cells.She shook her head, fear evident in her eyes.


    "Something scary Ducky?"He patted her head gently and moved toward the door anyway.


    The room he entered was much brighter than the one he had left.A single Aquarion sat on a huge throne.He was obviously male, there was a large broadaxe across his back and a whip in his hand.His eyes looked maniacal as he whipped the prisoner repeatedly from his seat.


    /Inferno: Nix: The f*ck is that?


    The woman was perhaps the most beautiful female he had ever seen, She looked like a bronzed goddess, her long light brown hair descended down her perfect bare back.Her wrists were bound with shackles and attached to a metal frame that forced her to stand.That absolute beauty stopped at her waist, where she turned into a snake.


    /Inferno: Nix: There''s an Aquarion here, and something else. Stay on the mission, I won''t be long.


    Nix shook his head to clear it, she hissed again when the whip cracked against her back.Her snake body started out the thickness of a woman''s waist and then slowly narrowed to a tip.He estimated the snake part to be about ten feet in length. He recognized the race from Greek mythology, she was a Lamia.

 Chapter 67 Earth Pearl part two

    Nix waited until the Aquarion was in mid-stroke of his next attack on the Lamia before he attacked.He placed four strands on the surprised water creature, one around each arm and two for his neck.


    [Fire Root]


    [Flame Snare]


    The Aquarion male was a melee, Nix stayed out of range until the man let out his last soundless scream. As fights go, he was weaker than most Aquarions. There were two chests by the throne, he stowed both of them in his inventory.


    "Human..."The hissing words of the Lamia sent shivers down his spine, there was a complete absence of emotions in her words.


    Nix moved a bit closer but was careful to stay out of harm''s way."What should I do with you?"


    "Cut your own throat and then fall at my feet to be consumed."Her eyes glowed slightly when she spoke.


    Nix felt an overwhelming desire to kill himself.


    [Salamander''s resistance, you have broken the Lamia''s charm]


    "Well, since you played it that way."


    [Aura Ignition]


    "A Salamander?Wait, Lord..."Her eyes panicked for a moment before Nix fully embraced her.


    *****************


    Jun Li slammed stabbed her sword straight through a charging acolyte.It faded into dust the exact same way all of them did once you killed them.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ve got the Pearl!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, gate out immediately


    Jun Li raised her sword to defend against another acolyte.Suddenly the ground started shaking, she dropped her sword and covered her ears as an inhuman scream tore through the courtyard.The acolytes they had been fighting vanished into dust.


    /Inferno: Nix: Enter the temple and loot everything that can be used.


    Nix stepped away from the corpse. Dropping to his knees he vomited the remnants of his last meal.There were several fang marks on his neck and shoulders that were streaming blood.


    [Combustion]


    [You have Slain a Legendary Creature]


    [Beast Slayer Title has been updated 2/6]


    [Do you wish to skin the Lamia?]


    "Yes." Nix looked at Ducky, "bring me a healer."


    [One Complete Lamia Skin has been added to your Inventory]


    [The Knights of Colonial have decided to send you more Troops.]


    **********


    Tess and Pon found him a few minutes later, he had already passed out.Tess placed a hand on his forehead, immediately her brows furrowed."He''s fully healed, but there is some sort of poison ravaging him."


    [Whisper: Pon to Jun Li] Come to the lower level at once.


    Jun Li and Mina arrived a few minutes later, they had been directing the looting of the temple.Jun Li moved to his side, "Did you heal him?"


    Tess shook her head, "I didn''t have to.He was fully healed already.There is some sort of powerful poison in his body, it ignores both detox and cleanses."


    "F*ck..." Jun Li was the first to notice the scroll hovering above the dead body a few feet away."It''s a temple deed... which means that was the temple lord."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: This is a Lamia temple... Nix''s been poisoned.


    /Inferno: Wind: Let him die, won''t that cure it?


    /Inferno: Tessa: The poison description says ''Persistent.''


    /Inferno: Sharl: Permanently poisoned?I''ve never heard of such a harsh poison.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Shae] Nix''s has been poisoned by a Lamia.I''m not sure...


    Shae appeared next to him before she could even finish the sentence.She placed a hand over his chest and closed her eyes for a moment."How could this happen?"Shae scowled at the dead Lamia, "your race has long been dead, yet youstrike at my mate?"She waved her hand and the snake-woman corpse incinerated.


    Mina had been watching off to one side, she wasn''t a healer so she didn''t approach.Her eyes were filled with worry."What can be done Shae?"


    Jun Li placed a hand on his arm, "will he regain consciousness if he dies here?"


    Tess shook her head, "I don''t think so, one of the side-effects is loss of consciousness.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ve taken everything worth taking.What''s the plan, Junie?


    Jun Li grabbed the temple deed from the air and then turned to Shae."We can''t stay here."


    Shae nodded and picked Nix up in her arms."I will bring him to the Fire Palace."


    *****************


    An hour later, Nix lay comfortably cocooned in the warm red flames of a Nemesis Salamander.He was partially submerged in one of her pools, Fey and Fajii were watching patiently.


    "Do not worry, " Shae smiled at the two of them, "Nix is going to be fine."She placed a hand on his forehead and ignited his aura.The flames around him instantly turned from red to green and then to brown.


    Fey watched for a moment longer, "Is forcing metamorphosis on an unconscious person the best way to proceed?"


    Shae nodded. "A while ago he aided me when I was attempting to advance.He absorbed an impossible amount of meta flames.This is partially responsible for Fajii''s condition and his own Salamander path."


    "Areyou going to join him?"Fey understood elemental metamorphosis, Shae had only recently become a Nemesis, to force herself to advance now would have deadly consequences.


    "I wish I could walk him through it, however this time I can only watch from the side."Shae''s light brown eyes watched him, "but if it goes badly and intervention is required, I won''t hesitate."


    Fajii stared at her sleeping friend, he looked like he might jump up at any moment."What if the Lamia poison survives his metamorphosis?"


    "It may do so in some shape or form, the process is about adapting your body through growth."Shae summoned a single fire cord and attached it over his heart.It was roughly the thickness of her arm and would serve as fuel for his flame."I''m confident that even though he sleeps, he has an awareness of events."


    "The flames are brown Shae."Fey wasn''t overly worried about his advancement, however, she knew that brown flames were especially dangerous.


    "It''s not unexpected.Nix has a natural ability to control all types of flames, it''s uncanny that a human like him exists."


    Fey nodded as though she understood."That''s because he''s a Salamander, not a human," she muttered under her breath.


    The flames grew hotter, making the water in the pond boil.Fajii moved further away, the heat radiating off him was still difficult for her to handle.She watched him, the brown flames surrounding him grew thicker and darker.Fey stayed close, being so close to a powerful flame was a boon for her so she focused on absorbing as much of the residual flames as she could.


    ************************


    Most of the guild sat in the Kindled Spirit late into the night.Hyai kept the bar open, but she wasn''t charging anyone.She kept her mind focused by staying busy.


    /Guildchat: Darsi: A lot of my customers have been complaining that the portal here is private use only.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Understandable, they are used to instantly gating wherever they like.


    /Guildchat: Darsi: Are we going to open up the portal to public use?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: No.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: The ferry runs twice a day, that''s more than enough.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Keeping the portal private lets us have better security.


    /Guildchat: Darsi: I''ve been examining the special item you retrieved.Duplicating it will not be a problem.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: "They will charge it in the temple and then leave it in our care for three days.


    **************


    Shae watched him closely, her mind lingering on his steadfastness."I was expecting more struggle and discord."She shook her head in amazement, "this is the most peaceful adaption I''ve ever heard of.The poison has changed slightly and is being integrated."


    Fey nodded, her scaled lids were half-closed as she basked."The flame adores him."


    The build-up of power started suddenly, Shae recognized it immediately for what it was."Quickly, both of you retreat to the temple."


    Shae removed the bodysuit that Nix had made for her and fully immersed herself in his flames.She mounted him quickly, her mouth seeking his as she vanquished the cord feeding his flames and used her own aura.The flames they made together were much much purer and hotter than they had been earlier.It was a testament that his own emerald flame had become more refined.


    The brown fire aura continued to swirl around them, gradually forming a sphere.Shae could only watch and moan with pleasure.The sphere constricted around both of them, the pressure strong enough to make a Nemesis strain to withstand it.Then it exploded outwards in all directions, a wave of pure power that shook the flame world and the Fire Palace that was anchored to it.


    Nix opened his eyes a few minutes later and found himself face to face with a smiling Shae."Taking advantage of me while I was sleeping?"


    Shae nodded, "certainly."She placed a hand over his chest."A few small changes.Show me."


    Nix untangled himself from her smooth limbs and sat up.


    Nix


    Level 50[Locked: Actual Level 90]


    Strength 85


    Endurance 83


    Intelligence 45


    Dexterity 45


    Perception 45


    Mana 18000/18000


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    Cold Resistance 120 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 120 [Burning Aura]


    Emerald Flame Strands90 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of the Fire Lord [Salamander]


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm


    Combustion


    Comet Strike


    [Spirit Animal 3/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Siren]


    3: Fey [Fire Drake]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    Beast Slayer [Legendary Creature 2/6]


    Description: You have slain two legendary


    beasts in single combat.+10 to all Stats.


    [Kraken''s Strength] Your enemy''s


    first attack will be reflected back upon them.


    [Lamia''s Curse]


    Your attacks add one stackable poison counter.


    "Very nice Nix."Shae pulled him deeper into the pool."I made you something nice, remind me to show you later."She closed her eyes and leaned heavily against him, her fatigue suddenly very obvious.


    Nix wrapped her up in his arms and supported her.Unlike her, he had never felt better."A present?I got you something too."


    Shae opened her eyes, "really?Another dress perhaps?I hope it''s red."


    Nix accessed his inventory and removed the two chests that he had recovered from the Earth Temple.The first contained a large speckled egg, he handed it to her without saying anything.


    "It''s not for eating."


    Shae took the egg in her hands and held it up to her ear."A Lamia Egg?"

 Chapter 68 Spellsword part one

    /Guildchat: Jun Li: You really should be here Nix.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Sorry Junie, busy at the moment.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] What do I tell Resolute?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Nothing, our contract says we let them take the pearl long enough to finish the quest and charge it.


    [Whisper: Jun Li: Nix] What if they try to take it?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Have Shae greet them, if they try anything squirrely she will stop it.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Fine.Then I just give it to Darsi?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li:] Yep


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] She''s a criminal Nix.What if she runs off with it?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] In three months Darsi will leave everything she''s made with us.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Darsi is almost done?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] As part of her agreement with Gladis, her character will be reset to zero, along with her crafting.She''ll be woken up and turned loose.It will be a few days before we see her again.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] You''ll give her back her shop and all the credits?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Yes.It''s a good deal all around.Being able to duplicate an artifact is pretty amazing.She hasn''t said what she''ll do when she returns.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] What should I do with the Lamia Temple Deed?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Give it to Shae when you see her.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Fine.Have fun in Jenza.


    After grabbing a few hours of sleep, Nix had woke up just in time to grab the mid-morning ferry.He had insisted that Hyai take the day off so that he could keep his promise and bring her to Jenza.


    Hyai stood at the rail of the ferry, it was the return trip back to Broyan, so it was completely empty."Why didn''t we just gate Nix?"


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    Nix shrugged, enjoying the warm sea breeze and the seagulls shrieking overhead."You said you''ve never taken the ferry, it seems like a nice trip."


    Hyai nodded and slid an arm through his."Thanks, Nix."


    Nix smiled, "you are helping me out by getting me an introduction to this mysterious swordsman."


    Hyai nodded, "Bane says he''s the real deal.Apparently he visits annually because of Bela''s cooking."


    Nix had originally been shocked to learn that Bane Ton was Hyai''s son-in-law, he wasn''t surprised that Bela was a great cook."Taught her everything you know?"


    Hyai gave him a wicked smile. "Just about cooking."


    "Mind if we stop by Shana''s before we head to the Provost office to meet Bane?" Nix had been wondering how the shop and Shana were doing.


    "It''s fine hun."Hyai took a deep breath and exhaled, "sometimes I miss the good old days."


    ***************


    Sulane was flanked by Caza, she had been directed by Nix to only bring one other person with her to Glory.She ran a hand through her short hair and glanced toward her companion."That f*cking temple is amazing."


    Caza nodded in agreement, "This is a Fire Palace, which of course dwarfs normal Temples." Caza was a Fire Mage, so of course, he had felt the buff the moment they arrived in Glory.He also felt a strong fire presence nearby."The Palace Nemesis is definitely here."


    They were greeted by an Acolyte the moment they entered the Temple, she was accompanied by an old Fire Mage."Greeting friends.I''m Dervi and my companion is called Pon. He is one of the Inferno representatives."


    Caza smiled at the old mage, they knew each other of course."Pon, you old bastard!"He extended his hand towards one of his oldest friends.


    Pon scowled and shook the offered hand."I didn''t realize that Resolute would let shitty Fire Mages join."


    Caza pounded him on the back, "I was going to say the same thing about Inferno.This is Sulane, my guild leader."


    Pon nodded toward her. "Please follow me Guild leader Sulane."


    A moment later the two members of Resolute were standing in front of Shae and Jun Li.The Salamander was seated comfortably on her throne while Jun Li was standing to one side.Shae''s long hair hung nearly to the floor, her red dress clung to her slim body.On the floor in front of her was a red cushion with a pearl sitting on it.


    "Greetings Nemesis Shae."Caza bowed deeply, his heart pounding in the presence of the Salamander.


    Shae stared at her guests, then gestured toward the pearl."This is the Earth Pearl.As our agreement states, you will charge it and finish your quest.Then you will leave it in our hands for the next three days."


    Sulane had been waiting to be introduced, but neither the Acolyte or her guildmate had done so."It may not be possible to charge it successfully in Glory.I believe our chances are better if we take it back to Resolute HQ first."


    Shae shared a glance with Jun Li, they had expected something like this.Resolute was reliable, but they wanted to keep and maintain possession of the artifact."Charge the artifact or not, I really don''t care which."Shae stood up and walked toward the duo, "however, no matter what.This pearl is mine for the next three days."


    Sulane swallowed her words, she felt the aura of the Nemesis pushing at her.The two of them wouldn''t be able to take it from the Salamander.Even with all of Resolute present, standing against Shae in her own territory would be suicidal."Of course, please give me some room to work."


    A few minutes later Sulane and Caza both left the Fire Palace together, neither one of them had spoken after it was charged.They were more than willing to lend the pearl to Inferno for their efforts in recovering it, however, they had wanted to maintain its possession.


    Darsi pulled back her acolyte hood and moved closer to the pearl.Shae had asked her to pose as one of her people so she could ensure there weren''t any slight of hands from Sulane."May I examine it now?"


    Jun Li nodded, "Please do, then I''ll escort you back to your shop."


    Earth Pearl: Artifact


    Description: The Earth Pearl grants


    the path of the Earth Mage when activated.


    This may be done once a day.When placed


    in an Earth Temple, the Earth Pearl gives


    +100 to Earth abilities, Resistance to Fire andEarth Wall.


    Earth Wall: +200 to temple and


    city defense.


    Resistance to Fire: Base on a percentage of indivduals current resistance.


    Darsi whistled softly, "it won''t take long to duplicate it."


    Jun Li glanced at Shae, "As soon as the pearl is copied, we''ll return it to you."


    "Don''t bring me the copy.Save that for the members of Resolute."


    Jun Li hid her smile, everything would be fine as long as the copy was an exact match."Of course, we''ll be back in a bit."


    Shae waited until everyone but Fajii had left, then she pulled out the Temple deed and handed it to the Aquarion."After you become an Earth Mage, you will activate this here and choose to integrate it into the Fire Palace."


    Fajii nodded, she already knew that the fire within her was dangerous.If not for Shae''s intervention she would have long been dead.They had been working on improving her resistance to fire in the interest of extending her life.Walking the path of Earth would probably solve her issues."I understand."


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Resolute has come and gone Nix.Everything happened just as we planned.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Great.Was there a recharge on the Earth Pearl like you thought?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Yes, it''s once a day.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Two volunteers to walk the Path of Earth?


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Me.


    /Guildchat: Chael: I would like to also.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Don''t even think about it, Ronnie.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Nix?I can, right?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Earth princess Ronnie, I don''t hate it.


    /Guildchat: Semmi:Two of our range dps.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: It''s fine, they can choose to move their primary to the secondary.Secondary dps comes with a forty percent penalty.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Ouch.


    /Guildchat: Chael: Harsh.


    **************


    Nix walked hand in hand with Hyai towards Shana''s shop.Since he had been a total noob to Colonial, he had researched a lot of his questions.Secondary paths only did sixty percent of the damage the Primary did.When you choose the new Primary path, you have the option of moving the current path to Secondary.This saves a lot of time working talents, however, it is also very costly. Nix''s circumstances hadn''t given him that option.


    "We should buy Bela something at your friend''s shop."Hyai could see the sign in the distance, she was well aware of Nix''s close relationship with the shop owners.


    "I made both her and Bane something, but feel free.Everyone likes presents."

 Chapter 69 Spellsword part two

    "Didn''t know you had a soft spot for kids, Nix."Hyai teased him as they walked toward the Provost Marshal''s HQ.Shana had clung to him like a baby koala; the young girl chattered nonstop the entire time they had been there.


    "My defense is weak," he admitted.Bane was supposed to meet them. Then he would escort them to his home."Why are we stopping at the Provost?We could have gone straight to your daughter''s house."


    Hyai gave him a helpless shrug."You''re a pretty big deal in the Provost Office Nix.You are a high ranking member of the Knights of Colonial, the person who gave them the very profitable Manta trade and the Guild Leader of a City-State."


    Nix sighed, "Am I being set up here?"


    Hyai nodded, "only slightly.My daughter pushed it when she found out you were visiting.Bane is up for a promotion to captain. We don''t have to go if you''re against it."


    "So sneaky."Nix smiled at her, "I''ll say a few words if it will help.He was a big part of getting our friends back."


    When they arrived at the Provost Office a few minutes later, Sergeant Ton was waiting for them.He was flanked by two men that were a head shorter than him.He bowed low to Hyai."Nice to see you, Mum."


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    "Thank you, Bane.You remember Nix?"


    Sergeant Ton nodded and greeted him with a crisp salute."Colonel Nix, welcome to the Provost Office."


    Nix returned the salute and then offered Bane his hand."Good to see you again Sergeant Ton.I''ve been meaning to compare notes with you regarding the Aquarion raid and subsequent hostage rescue, your defensive formations were instrumental in holding the line against much stronger foes."


    "Of course Colonel, I''d be happy to."Sergeant Ton gestured toward the man on his right.A slim older man who wore a bow like he was born with it."This is Captain Belik, he runs the Jenzi office."Bane turned to the man on his left, "this is Director Chang, he is the district manager for the Northern region."


    "Just call me Nix please." He shook both of the men''s hands."Nice to meet both of you."


    Belik only nodded, but Chang put on a big smile and patted him on the back."I hear your name daily Nix."


    Nix laughed at the comment, "somehow I get credit whenever anyone from Inferno does something.The truth is I''m just a cog in the gear."


    "I hear that the Fire Palace on Glory Island is veryinspiring."Chang immediate shifted into political mode, unlike Belik who seemed very straight forward.


    "Stop in and visit us, Director Chang.My reason for coming today is actually to offer Sergeant Ton a position at Glory Island."


    "You are starting a Provost Office in Glory?That''s the southern district, under Director Kleau."Chang shared a glance at Belik."Sergeant Ton is a big part of the Jenza Office."


    "We are considering a Provost Office, given Bane''s leadership and experience.He''s the obvious candidate to head it up."


    Hyai placed a hand on his shoulder, "we should get going Nix.Bela is expecting us."


    Nix bowed slightly to both men."Nice meeting the..."An instant later Nix''s head snapped forward and his body was thrown into the air to slam face-first into the outer wall of the Provost Office.


    [Kraken''s Strength: Reflection]


    [Nix has been stunned]


    Ton was the first to move, He pushed Hyai to the ground and blocked Nix with his body as he scanned the area. "ALERT, ASSASSIN!"Ton shouted into the building.


    Belik shielded Hyai and drew back his bow, just as men streamed out of the door. "Bring her inside." Nix was just climbing to his feet, his eyes still dazed.


    /Guildchat: Hyai: Someone just tried to kill Nix in Jenza, in front of the Provost Office!


    /Guildchat: Wylie: On my way!


    A woman''s voice screamed out, drawing everyone''s attention.Nix shook his head to clear it, immediately swallowing the taste of bile.


    [Aura Ignition]


    He quickly summoned Ducky while he sprinted toward the scream.


    [Command: Scout Area]


    A corpse lay on the boardwalk, the top of his head had been blown away.Even missing part of his skull, he was easily recognizable. On the ground next to him was a long sniper rifle."It''s Shank.The Guild Leader of Salamander."


    Belik had followed Nix, while Ton quickly set up a perimeter.He threw a black disk onto Shank''s corpse, his face showing anger."An Assassination attempt in my town?"


    [Charm: Target]


    Tula has been charmed.


    The sound of fighting caused Nix and Belik to duck through the nearby alley to the back of the building.When they arrived, Ducky was watching while two women were locked in a bitter melee fight with drawn daggers.


    "The f*ck are you doing Tula?"Vera dodged her sister''s slash and stepped in closer to drive her knee into Tula''s stomach.There was no reaction from her other than to slash Vera across the face.


    Nix raised a hand and four strands encircled Vera.Tula mercilessly stabbed her sister in the stomach several times.


    Belik ran toward the combatants, tossing another black disk at Vera when she finally collapsed and then quickly tackled Tula before putting her in restraints.


    Nix took a deep breath and looked at his map.Ducky''s scouting had only picked up the sisters.He glanced at Belik who had dragged the shocked Tula to her feet."This is Tula and her twin sister Vera, they are both officers in Salamander."


    The sound of heavy steps announced the arrival of Sergeant Ton, surprisingly he was flanked by Captain Wylie and her Knights.


    Belik''s calm face was scowling at Tula."Bring the prisoner and the two corpses inside the office."


    Ton nodded and picked up Vera by one leg before dragging her through the street. The black disk that Belik had used was stuck onto her chest.


    "Salamander again Commander?"Wylie''s silver hair hung loose, she was wearing the gear that Nix had made for her.


    Nix nodded, "Seems like the intel you found was accurate.Salamander was attempting to assassinate Director Chang."


    /Guildchat: Wylie: Commander?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Just go with it.


    Wylie grimaced slightly, "good thing you were here sir.To try such a thing in broad daylight."


    Belik raised a hand, stopping further conversations."Let''s return to the office and discuss this matter behind closed doors."


    A few minutes later, Nix, Ton, Belik, Chang, and Wylie were sitting around a large table.The bodies of Vera and Shank were placed in a cell before being rezzed.


    Chang''s face had turned lily-white."You think I was the target?"


    Nix nodded, "more than likely.I was standing directly in front of you."


    Belik was still scowling, "you mentioned intel?"


    "Our sources inside Salamander said the higher-ups were planning the assassination of a high ranking member of the Provost Office."Nix smiled apologetically at Ton, "this was the real reason for our visit."


    "If I may sir." Wylie interrupted him, "Shank took the shot from the top of the build across the square, he must have aimed low because of the elevation.The two sisters were waiting in the alley with their mounts."


    Chang swallowed heavily. "Why isn''t Nix dead?"


    "I wear an artifact that deflects first attacks." Nix didn''t consider it a lie just because it was actually an ability."What were those disks you used outside?"


    Belik held up one in his hand,"it prevents recovering corpses and gating."


    Black Hand [Artifact]


    Description: You feel a terrifying


    hand grip your neck and hold you in place.


    You may not gate or resurrect without the permission


    of the person who used it.


    "May I see that?"Nix held it in his hand, it was cool and smooth to the touch."Luckily you have these or else all three of them would have escaped."


    Belik nodded in agreement."We only have a dozen of them, but you can have that one Sir."


    "Thank you."Nix stared at the backroom where the Salamanders were being held.He couldn''t bring himself to feel anger since he had been hitting them regularly for the last few weeks."I do have other business to attend to.Mr. Chang, I recommend a full protection detail until we are sure the threat has been removed."


    Belik stood up and shook Nix''s hand."The Director will return immediately to the district office.I must thank you for your actions today sir."


    A few minutes later Belik and Chang watched as Ton, Nix, and Hyai continued on their way.The Inferno Knights had followed them.


    "What do you think Captain?"


    Belik grinned, "it''s hard to say.Sooner or later Nix will have to stand in front of the Cabal."


    "Do you think I was really the target?"Chang no longer looked shaken or scared.


    "No, he made that part up."Belik''s eyes glanced toward the holding cells."We''ll have to act accordingly anyways or our plans will be exposed."


    "I agree.Give the Salamanders a quick trial and then hang all three of them."Chang smiled nonchalantly like he was discussing a baking recipe.


    ******************


    A few minutes later the trio was walking toward the Ton residence.Hyai would occasionally comment on something random, but for the most part the group was quiet.The events of the past hour had each of them thinking.


    Nix was deep in thought.The truth was he hadn''t considered a Provost Office, but the more he thought about it, the better it sounded.Glory was eventually going to be big enough to house a population of fifty thousand or so.At least that''s what Semmi was counting on.She had taken over as the city planner for Glory Island.The Provost Offices was largely independent of each other.They were divided into four district branches, North, South, East, and West. They handled and investigated crimes in the city and the surrounding area on both land and sea.


    /Guildchat: Hyai: What will happen to Salamander?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Nothing probably, they''ll pay for the release of their people and then come to me for payback.

 Chapter 70 Spellsword Conclusion

    Bela was waiting for them by the time they approached the Ton home.It was a nice two-story house with white stucco walls and a red tile roof.Mrs. Ton was a petite woman with dark hair and an easy smile.At first, Nix couldn''t see the slightest resemblance between mother and daughter, but when the younger woman introduced herself, it was there in her smile.


    Bela gave her husband a quick kiss before hugging her mother. The brunette turned her eyes toward their visitor."Nice to finally meet you Nix."She grabbed both his hands in hers and squeezed them warmly.


    "Same here, Hyai has been wanting to visit you for some time." Nix handed her a box of Tailored goods, "these are for you and Bane."


    Bela accepted the box with an easy smile."Thank you Nix, please make yourself at home."


    Hyai and her daughter disappeared into another room, leaving Nix alone with Bane.The big man glanced at the side door that led to their small courtyard."Chiba is out there."


    "Chiba?" Nix grinned at the name, he had a dog named Chiba when he was a child.[Prounounced-Cheeba]


    Bane nodded."He is the Sword Master that you''ve been hearing about. Just head out there and introduce yourself."


    Nix stepped out into the brown bricked courtyard.It was a square about fifty feet across.Several wine bottles were scattered haphazardly around the yard.A squishy feeling under his feet made him look down."That''s just gross."His nose wrinkled just as the stench of fresh vomit assaulted his nostrils.


    "HUHHH!"A moan right next to him caused him to start.An object Nix could have sworn was a shrub started to move and then staggered upward.


    Nix stared at the vagabond.His clothes were tattered and one side of his face was crusted in his own vomit.The man had close-cropped gray hair and stood about five feet tall."Master Chiba?"


    "Master?"The man squinted at Nix, "I''m the master of your mum boy."


    "You smell like the inside of a bottle, one spark and you''d be a bonfire."Nix was sorely tempted to turn the drunkard into a roman candle.


    "You must be Nix?"Chiba was staring off into space, like a man seeing double and talking to the wrong image."


    "Over here, Master Chiba."Nix waved a hand in front of the man''s face.


    "Right... Has my assistant showed up yet?He''s a great Master and I can''t teach properly without his input."Chiba rummaged through the shrub he had been passed out under and grabbed a long sword.


    "I''m not aware of any other visitors sir."Nix gave Chiba the quick once over, he was standing barefoot in his own vomit.His brown eyes were somewhat dazed and he seemed to be having a conversation with himself.


    "Baiter isn''t here yet?"Chiba shook his head, "You must have run into him before you entered the courtyard."


    "No sir, I didn''t see a Master Baiter in the..."Nix stopped when Chiba started cackling.He had a creepy laugh that made Nix want to take a bath."Very funny, Master Baiter... Are you a child or just an idiot?"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix felt an overwhelming urge to burn the idiot swordmaster.


    "Woah there handsome, just calm down a bit."Chiba stepped closer, unfortunately the smell also advanced.


    "Handsome?"Nix decided that Chiba would be better off dead, Hyai would be sure to understand.


    Chiba nodded, "awfully quiet.I suppose it''s not every day you see a stunning beauty like myself."


    "The f*ck are you talking about?"Nix breathed through his mouth to ease his upset stomach.


    Chiba grabbed his wrist and yanked it in a strong grip until it was against his wet crotch.Apparently the swordmaster had pissed himself when he was sleeping."Feel that?Now you know what you are dealing with."


    NIx yanked his hand away like it was on fire, his nose wrinkled in disgust."You''re a woman?"


    [Balefire]


    Having enough of the Master''s antics, Nix decided to ash him on the spot.


    A flash of a silver blade easily deflected the white-hot flame, it splashed harmlessly onto the bricks causing them to instantly glow red. Chiba smiled at him, "such a way to treat a fine woman like me."


    "Right..."Nix raised a hand and six emerald strands shot out. The swordmaster blocked all but one, that one wrapped around the wrist of her sword arm.


    Chiba grimaced in pain but calmly grabbed the blade with her other hand and sliced through the strand."Very nice," she rubbed her wrist that was quickly starting to blister."I like your temperament.What do you know about the way of the sword?" Chiba had put her sword away and had her hands clasped behind her back.


    "Nothing."Nix let his Aura burn out, even though the urge to scorch the ugly woman was still very tempting.


    Chiba nodded, her face looking quite pleased."Perfect, nothing to unteach then."


    ************


    Bela sat in the kitchen of her home talking with her mother.The sound of swords clashing outside told them that Chiba had decided to train Nix."Mother... It''s not really my place but."


    Hyai smiled at her daughter''s hesitation."Nix and I are close friends."


    "I see."Bela decided not to pry further, it was no one''s business if she wanted to warm a younger man''s bed."You seem very happy.Are you enjoying Glory Island?"


    Hyai nodded, "it''s quite lovely.I love the warmth of the south."


    An hour later Nix reentered the house, a fine sheen of sweat glistened on his forehead. "Master Chiba decided to clean up a bit before dinner."He took a seat at the table, even though no food had been served yet.


    Bela noted with interested that her mother immediately fetched a pint for him."Nothing fancy I''m afraid.Mum brought us some Kraken.Have you ever tried it?"


    Nix nodded, "inside and out."


    Hyai covered her laugh with one hand. "Nix killed the Kraken dear."


    Bela''s smile widened, "oh I see.I''ll grab Bane from his study and we''ll sit down to eat."


    Dinner was a quiet affair with easy conversation, Master Chiba did not return until they had finished.She motioned for Nix to follow her into the courtyard.


    Nix followed the swordmaster without speaking.Chiba had cleaned up but still looked like a man.


    She pulled out her sword and gave Nix a hilt from her bag."I want you to have this Nix."


    Nix turned the hilt over in his hand, The was the barest nub where the blade should have been."Not much I can do without a blade."


    Chiba shrugged."Is that right? That was once the most terrifying blade in Colonial."


    Nix couldn''t tell if the swordmaster was joking or not.He had discovered over the past few hours that Chiba had the humor of a teenage boy."Where''s the blade now?"


    Chiba held her blade out in front of her with a very steady hand."It''s inside you, you just have to bring it out."


    NIx sighed loudly."If this is another masturbater joke, I''m going to kick your flat ass."


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    Chiba looked over her own shoulder."F*CK... Is my ass flat?"


    Nix grimaced at her and held the sword in front of him.He stared at it patiently, trying to focus his attention on the blade.


    Chiba nodded in approval, "that''s the start of it Nix.Feel where the blade should be, remember the flame aura you used?Try to push the green flames into your focus."


    She watched in patiently, every once in a while she would nod to herself.Nix''s forehead was beaded with sweat, his yellow eyes glowed.After many long minutes, the hilt of the blade began to glow with the lightest shade of green.A moment later a long thin flame shot out from it.


    "This is critical Nix, focus now on shaping.Exactly 33.3 inches in length, 1.88 inches wide and a thickness of .15."Chiba placed a calloused hand on his shoulder, "concentrate on exact dimensions."


    [Achievement Gained]


    You''ve learned the rare skill: Spellsword.


    [Do you wish to appoint Spellsword as your secondary skill]


    "Yes."Nix let out a long breath, the blade vanished when he relaxed.He smiled in interest, a quick thought made it appear again."Oh... that is nice."


    Chiba clapped his back hard."That''s not even the best part."


    Nix stowed the hilt and turned to face the swordmaster."What''s the best part?"


    "Secondary skills come with a forty percent penalty.However, since your blade has the backing of your Primary skill..."She left the rest unsaid.


    "Are you saying I can use it as a primary skill?"


    Chiba shook her head, "better actually.So Nix..."She looked at him with expectant eyes.


    "Yes?"


    "Since I helped you out.Fancy a quick one?" Chiba winked at him.


    "Oh god..."Nix scowled at her.


    [Aura Ignition]

 Chapter 71 Espana Bay

    Nix and Hyai spent the night and left after breakfast the next morning. The mysterious vagabond swordmaster was nowhere to be seen.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nix are you guys still in Jenza?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yep, about to take the portal back to Glory.Something up?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nothing big, just that the Provost Marshal isn''t releasing Shank and his sidekicks.They are going to stand trial!


    Nix frowned, thinking of his own trial, the frown quickly was replaced with a smile when Glory popped into his thoughts.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Isn''t that normal for someone being charged with a crime?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Not in Colonial Nix, you get fined and perhaps a few days in jail if you can''t pay.


    /Guildchat: Nix: It breaks my heart when bad things happen to ass hats.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Darsi has completed that project you requested, Shae has it.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Okay, I''ll head there in a bit.


    Nix escorted Hyai back to the Kindled Spirit."It was nice meeting your daughter Hyai."


    "Thanks for asking me, I don''t get to see her enough."She squeezed his arm and opened the door to the Kindled Spirit, "will you make it for lunch?"


    Nix nodded, "I''m planning on it, not sure when though."


    "No worries hun, I''ll save you something."


    Nix headed toward the Fire Palace, spending time with Hyai always made him feel good.She was one of those people whose presence he found comforting.


    **************


    Fajii held the Earth Pearl in her pale hands, it was smooth and warm to her touch.She glanced at Shae who nodded in encouragement.


    [Do you wish to activate the Earth Pearl?]


    Fajii inhaled deeply and let it out."Yes."


    The pearl expanded outward in a flash, trapping Fajii in a transparent sphere.The Aquarion started to panic slightly, pounding on the inner walls of the pearlShe spotted Nix running toward her, instantly she calmed down."Is this what''s supposed to happen?"


    Nix placed a hand on the outside of the enlarged sphere, "Not sure but I believe so Fajii."


    A cloud of swirling brown dust started to fill the sphere, it grew larger and denser, completely obstructing any view of the inside.A coughing sound could be heard from within.The cloud condensed into solid rock and then expanded further, causing Nix to take several steps back.


    Shae placed a hand on his shoulder. "She is fine. It''s not an easy process turning a water creature into an earth creature."


    Nix felt the gathering of extreme power, suddenly Shae grabbed him and flashed away from the pearl.An explosion rocked them, tossing them into the air and skidding them across the smooth palace floor for several yards.


    [You''ve been Stunned.]


    Nix saw Shae bend over him, a smooth hand on his cheek.Her mouth was moving but he couldn''t hear anything other than a loud ringing sound."Can''t hear you Shae."


    Shae nodded and helped him up.They walked back toward Fajii, the entire area was coated in a thick coat of fine brown dirt.A tanned woman with light brown hair lay curled up in a ball on the floor.


    Nix stared in shock, "Fajii?"He lay a hand on her arm and helped her sit up."Woah..."Her eyes had changed into a warm brown, he noticed that her ears and hands hadn''t changed."Still Aquarion I see, although not like the others."


    Fajii held up an arm and stared at it, her calm face showing a bit of shock."I was never like the others anyway."


    Nix patted her cheek, smiling widely."Still beautiful Fajii." He pulled her to his feet, the ringing in his ears had faded.Fajii handed him the Earth Pearl.


    Shae''s laughter filled the empty palace hall."Look what you''ve done to my temple Fajii!"


    Fajii took a look around the hall, there was dirt everywhere."Maybe do this outside next time?"


    Nix glanced at the pearl in his hand, it couldn''t be used for another twenty-four hours."Next time we''ll have access to the Earth Temple also.Are we ready to activate the deed?"


    Fajii held the deed in her hand, her eyes held the hint of power."I would like to see what I can do Nix."


    Both Shae and Nix nodded in agreement.No one had any idea what an Earth Mage could do.


    The darkest Aquarion in existence smiled brightly and held up the deed."Fine, I''ll do it your way."


    [You have an Earth Temple Deed and there is an Earth Mage present. The following options are available.]


    1) Activate the Deed at a different location


    2) Merge the Earth Temple as a Subsidiary of the Fire Palace.


    Fajii''s clear voice was filled with anticipation. "Merge the Earth Temple please."


    Fajii disappeared suddenly, leaving Nix and Shae by themselves.


    Shae cocked her head to one side as she read something that Nix couldn''t see, "It''s a four-hour build. We should go outside."


    Nix followed her out of the temple, she grabbed him by the door and floated easily into the air, there was a large pit in front of the Fire Palace that hadn''t been there before. It was completely clouded over, Nix could feel the static of raging power in the air."Earth magic is f*cking scary."


    The Salamander nodded in agreement before putting him down gently on the far side of the trench. "Earth Elementals are by far the most powerful, however, they also keep to themselves and don''t really involve themselves in the affairs of others."


    "I''ve some things to take care of Nix, please stop in tonight after the merging is complete."Shae vanished with a quick smile, leaving him staring into space.


    "Sure would like to know how you disappear like that."He turned toward the Shipyard, seeing two familiar faces walking together he sped up to catch them.Mina and Delphi both slowed their steps when they saw him approaching.


    Captain Delphi gave him a respectful bow."I was just heading to see how the Phoenix is sorting out."


    Nix glanced toward the shipyard, he had received a notice earlier that the work had been completed."I feel like teaching Salamander a lesson.They''ve been coming at us since Junie and Semmi left them."


    Mina''s pale face looked excited, "I really can''t wait to see her."


    All three of them stopped at stared at the ship.It barely looked the same.


    Navy Frigate: Phoenix


    Craft Rating: Legendary


    The Phoenix soars high above its enemies, a terrifying


    existence that seamlessly blends firepower with pure speed.


    When the Phoenix is outnumbered, she receives a +20 Buff to


    all stats for each ship going against her.


    +150 to Sailing Speed.


    +50 to Turning Radius.


    +500 to Defense


    56 Elite Cannons [Dual Loads]


    Special Buff: The Red Lady


    Effects: Unknown.


    Captain Delphi ran up the gangplank."Dual Loads?What''s that even mean?"She ran into cannon alley and skidded to a stop, her mouth dropped open in surprise.


    Nix shook his head, each cannon had been intricately carved with the logo of the Phoenix, there were two side-by-side barrels on each one."Doesn''t that make this a 112 now?"


    /Guildchat: Filamina: All Phoenix hands report at once to the shipyard.


    Delphi grinned and nodded her head.


    /Guildchat: Wylie: Something going on Nix?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Shake out run, report to the dock.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Mind if I join you guys?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Feel free.


    Less than an hour later, all Delphi''s crew had reported for duty. The Aquarion assault team along with Semmi, Wylie, and Nix were ready to go.


    Wylie approached Nix with a rolled piece of parchment and handed it to him."There are 50 more Knights being placed under your command. "


    Nix glanced at the parchment,Wylie normally took care of these sorts of things."How is Mariner training going?"


    "Sir we''ve completed the first stage, as soon as the new recruits join us they will undergo the same training."


    "I have a request, Wylie."Nix had noticed that nearly every Colonial Knight he had ever seen carried some sort of melee weapon as their primary offensive.


    "I want all those with primary melee weapons to transfer it to the second position.All knights are to incorporate a firearm as their primary weapon.Unless that person is a mage of some sort."


    "Nix... "Wylie''s face had dropped at the news, she looked like a person attending their own funeral."That seems rather rash sir."


    "Those who don''t wish to comply will be offered a transfer."Nix pursed his lips slightly, his eyes falling onto the Fire Palace."Also I want a half dozen volunteers from the company to undergo Earth Mage training."


    Semmi came running up the dock a few minutes later.Banzi was tagging along, both of them were fully geared.She was out of breath by the time she was standing in front of Nix."Where are we going boss?"


    "How big''s the Salamander fleet and where are they?" Nix gave her an innocent smile.


    "Salamander?They are scattered all over the place on different missions.There should be a rather large contingent in the Bay of Espana."


    Nix caught Delphi''s eye."Set a course for Espana Captain."


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    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix are you going hunting?


    /Inferno: Nix: Just a quick shake-out run.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''m getting my ship, wait for us.


    /Inferno: Wind: Me too!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Looks like we are all going.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nix you cocky bastard, you better wait!


    Semmi leaned back against the rail, "going to waitNix?"


    Captain Delphi was also staring."Orders Sir?"


    Nix looked around at the expectant faces of the Phoenix crew, even the Aquarions seemed excited. "Only prey waits.Let''s go hunting."

 Chapter 72 Bay of Flames part one

    "Nix..."Mina was leaning against the rail next to him, a pod of dolphins was keeping pace with the Phoenix off the bow. The Aquarion was watching them with great interest.


    "You like dolphins Min?"


    Mina nodded, "quite tasty."


    Nix stopped his gazing and turned toward her, "that''s a joke right?"


    "Why would it be a joke?"


    "Nevermind."He closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the ocean, the sun warming his face gave him the urge to take a nap.


    "Have you seen Fajii lately?"Mina moved closer, her personal boundary was basically nonexistent.


    "Earlier today, I''m afraid that you won''t recognize your friend next time you see her."


    "Does this have anything to do with the Earth Temple?"


    "Yes."Nix gave up on watching the dolphins, the normally quiet Mina was too intent on talking.


    "Do you find Aquarion women beautiful Nix?"


    "Some of them are I suppose."Nix kept a straight face, "especially Fajii."


    "What about Wylie and Semmi?"


    Nix turned toward the pair she had referenced.Wylie was technically very beautiful, but her demeanor was a bit cold for his taste. Semmi, on the other hand, seemed like a handful for anyone.It would be hard to explain to an Aquarion that female avatars are almost always beautiful.They are the reflection of how they want to see themselves.His own avatar was an exact match for himself, he hadn''t known enough about the game to change his features properly."They are both very attractive.What''s with the sudden interest?"


    Mina shrugged. "What about me?"


    Nix clucked his tongue at her, "I would say you are average.Nothing really special about you in the looks department."He had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing at the expression she made.He didn''t feel obligated to tell her the truth, not when she had repeatedly said how ugly she found him to be. Average was worse than being butt-ugly.For some odd reason, Chiba popped into his head, he shuddered slightly at the thought of her.


    Captain Delphi wandered over during the tail end of their conversation. "This ship fast Nix, I''ve never seen anything like her."


    "We are going to teach Salamander a lesson." Nix summoned Fey, Ducky, and Soup.He knelt for a moment and rubbed the giant turtles head."Going to torpedo something for me again today Soup?"


    Fey snorted, a bit of smoke coming from her nostrils."Don''t spoil her anymore Nix.She''s hard enough to deal with as it is."


    Ducky made a face at Fey and then promptly hid behind Nix when the Drake stared at her.Nix felt a wet hand stroke his hair.The Siren had a water creature''s fear of Drakes, but Nix didn''t bother her.She spent a great amount of her time playing with Soup in the Sea World, so they were very close.


    "That reminds me, Fey, I need to shore up your defenses a bit."Nix took a seat on the deck and started setting up his craft.


    [Fey] [Enhancement: Kraken Leather][Thread: Ceramic twine] [Needle: Brimstone Hook] [Primary Material: Kraken Leather] [Secondary Material: Salamander Leather]


    [Do you wish to process the Lamia skin?]


    "Yes."


    [13 Lamia Leathers have been sent to your inventory]


    Lamia Leather: Legendary


    Description: Anything made with this material


    gains a poison counter with each attack.


    +200 Poison Immunity


    +100 Charm Immunity


    Nix examined the queue again."You don''t really need the extra fire protection, so I''ll just switch out Salamander for Lamia."


    [Fey] [Enhancement: Kraken Leather][Thread: Ceramic twine] [Needle: Brimstone Hook] [Primary Material: Kraken Leather] [Secondary Material: Lamia Leather]


    [There are two legendary items in this crafting attempt, do you wish to continue?]


    "Why mention that?It''s not going to blow up or anything is it?" Nix queued up the recipe grimacing at the amount."9 million credits for one attempt?That''s f*cking highway robbery."


    After one-click, he received a success notice.


    [Primal Gear has been created. Please name the creation.]


    "Death from Above."


    [Primal Gear ''Death from Above'' has been created.]


    Death from Above [Drake: Fey Only]


    Armor: Primal


    Description: Tremble and Dispair in the face


    of certain death.A Primal beast soars the skies


    and nothing is safe. Each successful attack places two


    poison counters. Chance to deflect attacks.All-natural abilities have been greatly


    enhanced.


    +200 Poison Immunity


    +100 Charm Immunity


    +500 Strength


    +500 AC [Armor Class]


    +100 Flight Speed


    Even with Nix''s high strength rating, it was a challenge slipping in onto Fey.When he finished the armor was barely noticeable.


    "Nix!"Fey felt her strength surge, she raised her head spat flames.It was much thicker and hotter than her previous ones."I feel stronger!"


    Nix stared at her, his face unimpressed."That f*cking thing was 9 million credits, I expect you to make it up to me."


    ******************


    Captain Delphi stood calmly, she kept glanced upwardly occasionally to the crow''s nest where one of her sailors was keeping an eye out for enemy ships."Make ready!Make half sails and open the cannoneer doors.We are closing on Espana Bay!"


    Both Ducky and Soup slipped over the side and into the water together, they would keep pace with the Phoenix from below the surface where they would be much safer.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li:Semmi?Where are you guys now?


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Almost to Espana Bay.


    /Guildchat; Jun Li:What?


    /Guildchat: Semmi: It''s true Junie, the Phoenix has wings.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Nix! I want to be on your crew!


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Forget it, you are stuck with me.


    /GUildchat: Nix: I''ll consider it princess!


    Nix climbed onto Fey''s back, the armor protection for her torso included a comfortably padded seat for the rider, it was positioned on her shoulders, just forward of the wings.He pulled out the hilt that Chiba had given him and poured his focus into it, a moment later the emerald flamed blade emerged, Nix took a few practice swipes in the air.


    Mina was watching from nearby, she took a step back when he pulled out the emerald sword.It hissed in the air menacingly.She held up a hand to the other Aquarions nearby that had also retreated from the blade."It''s still Nix,our ally grows stronger."


    A voice shouted down from the crow''s nest."Fleet spotted sir!Espana Bay dead ahead, more than thirty ships Captain!"


    Delphi frowned slightly and glanced toward Nix.She was the Captain but it was his ship, he was always careful not to interfere with her command."What do you think Nix?"


    "I think they''re a flock of sheep and the tiger has come down from the mountain!"Nix patted Fey''s shoulder and without a word, she took to the air.She climbed must faster than she had previously, in a flash of brown she disappeared into the clouds.


    Delphi stayed at the helm and steered the Phoenix directly at them."All hands prepare for battle, cannoneers ready your weapons!Assault teams prepare the grappling hooks."


    Mina put a hand on the rail and turned toward her assault team."On me!We''ll coordinate with Nix from beneath the surface."She dived effortlessly into the water, no splash marking her entry.A moment later her assault team followed.


    "Captain!"The crow''s nest sailor shouted out again."Theyhave a Dreadnought!"


    /Inferno: Delphi: Dreadnought spotted Nix.Center of their formation, the big black ship.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We are ten minutes from the bay Nix!


    "The Aquarions have entered the water Nix."Fey''s enhanced vision spotted their allies moving toward the fleet. She hid in the clouds, just out of the enemy''s view.


    "Min, move to the group of ships on the left!We''ll take the middle ships and slow down the Dreadnought''s progress."Nix stared at the Dreadnought, three hundred 50-pound cannons, enhanced armor and a full contingent of Elite commandos.


    He targeted the Dreadnought for a moment.


    [Command: Attack my Target]


    From the air, he spotted the trail of water moving toward the Dreadnought as Soup accelerated under the surface.He tossed down his last stealth potion and activated the icon."Disappear Fey!"


    [Command: Stealth]


    "Are we going to hit the ugly black ship Nix?"Fey flew easily, her speed and strength-giving her added confidence.


    "First we''ll slow down the front so the Phoenix can operate without worrying about the Dreadnought."


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll scorch the four ships in the front and create a blockade.


    /Inferno: Delphi: We''ll leave them be then, going broadside and hit the ships on the right flank.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t worry about the Dreadnought, for now, don''t engage her.


    /Inferno: Delphi: Understood.


    Fey climbed steeply for several seconds before apexing, her form seemed to freeze in place at the height of her climb, then she corkscrewed and banked toward the front of the ships.


    "Attack at will Fey."


    "I love those words."Fey leveled off suddenly, Nix felt himself pushed further onto his seat by the sudden change of direction.From forty feet above the surface, she let them have it.


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    [Carpet Bomb]


    Hundreds of tiny explosions rocked the decks of the first three ships.Fey''s bombs shredded the sailors, she banked away from the fourth ship, but not before she felt Nix leap into the air.


    Still stealthed, Nix landed hard on deck of the Neverwinter, the rolled nimbly to his feet and beheaded the nearest sailor who had sensed the hard landing.His head bounced across the deck like a ball, the sound was oddly loud given the noise of battle.There was no blood, just the smell of scorched flesh as his emerald flame blade instantly cauterized the fatal wound.


    A woman jumped at him, her blade flashing through his defense to slash at his side.


    [Kraken''s Strength: Reflection]


    The sword wielder gasped in surprise and leaped away, her wound dripping blood.


    [Aura Ignition]


    "An expert?"Nix crouched slightly and moved in a slow circle, the rest of the crew quickly giving them space.


    The woman took one look at him, she wasn''t the least bit scared."I can tell you''re new to the blade.Let this be your first real lesson."


    Nix nodded wordlessly, she had moved so fast originally that he hadn''t the time to react.Her silver blade was roughly the same size as his longsword, however, it was curved slightly."Come at me then."

 Chapter 73 Bay of Flames part two

    Nix grinned suddenly and retreated toward the rail when she advanced."You have rocks in your shoes?Why so slow?"


    "You call yourself a man?"The woman swiped her blade once, Nix felt something impact his shoulder and side.


    [Lamia''s Resistance: Viper''s poison has been resisted.]


    "You handle a blade well, sadly I can''t test you at this time."Nix ignored the woman and faced the rest of the sailors.


    "You dare turn your back on Bree, the son of Calyph?"


    [Bree has been Charmed.]


    Nix glanced at the rail, Ducky was shadowing his movements from the sea."Wait... You''re a guy?"


    Breland flashed into the group of sailors and started cutting through them, his face was a mask of anger and outrage.Apparently charm didn''t extend to facial expressions.


    "We''ll come back to that."Nix targeted the Mainsail.


    [Comet Strike]


    Nix spotted the captain, he was still at the helm and barking orders.A thundering crash in the distance caused a lull in the fighting, everyone glanced toward the Dreadnought.


    [Soup has taken critical damage and has been unsummoned.]


    Nix moved from behind the blur of blades that Bree had become and sprinted toward the enemy captain.He raised one hand and six emerald strands shot out, completely immobilizing him.The captain dropped something he had been holding, it looked like an antique lantern.He sliced his blade across the captain''s throat. "I''ll take this since it looks important."


    [Bree has resisted charm]


    Nix leaped backward, narrowly avoiding a slash from the swordsman.


    [Flame Root]


    "You son of a bitch." Bree''s long hair hung in his eyes, his overly pretty face was splattered with blood.The root held him in place, drool ran from the corner of his mouth as he howled in anger.


    Nix shrugged, "I''m going to kill you too, but not until my Ducky has made you her bitch."


    [Bree has resisted charm]


    He stored the lantern and then sprinted for cannon galley.The deck was suddenly bathed in flames, announcing the return of Fey. Nix ignored the pleasant feeling flames and kicked down the cannon galley door. He quickly targeted the black powder loads.


    [Comet Strike]


    [Bree has resisted Flame Root]


    Nix ran for the rail but was cut off by Bree. "Resistant bastard, ain''t ya."


    "DIE!"


    [Leap Attack]


    In a flash of silver, Bree appeared in front of Nix.


    Nix dived to one side and used a magic attack to back him up.


    [Balefire]


    Bree blocked it easily, triumph written on his maniacal face. "Your tricks have been used up!"


    [Bree has been charmed]


    Nix swung his blade and neatly beheaded the swordsman, his silver blade clattered on the deck next to his head, with a quick grab he snagged the blade and jumped for the rail just as several explosions rocked the ship.


    [You have been stunned]


    A blast wave slammed into his back and tossed him head over heels into the air, a moment later Nix splashed into the sea.He lay motionless for a moment before a pair of arms grabbed him and pulled him beneath the surface. "Okay... that hurt a bit."


    [Combustion]


    Nix''s pain and wounds were washed away in a faint green glow.


    Mina released him but kept ahold of his hand."Are you okay?"


    Nix shook his head dizzily, he had used Balefire by mistake when he was pressured."Doing noob stuff again," he quickly drank a mana potion.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We are five minutes out.


    /Inferno: Pon: Damn you punk!I see the smoke from here.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sorry Pon... Attack at the edges, we''ve disabled the front ships.The Dreadnought is temporarily out of the battle.


    /Inferno: Delphi: She took some damage from your companion, but not near enough to sink her.


    Mina pulled him with her, the Aquarion assault team following closely."Come with us back to the Phoenix."


    A few minutes later Nix and the Aquarions climbed back onboard the Phoenix.Fey was waiting for them.


    Nix patted her scaled head before glancing at the helm."Status Captain?"


    "We''ve torn the right flank apart, four ships down, two more disabled."Delphi had turned the Phoenix away from the battle to come-about and make another strafing run."Nothing can take our teeth!"


    Nix noticed that Ducky had climbed over the rail, she looked lost without Soup."Ducky you''ll stick with me, Fey you can take a break."


    Fey nodded her scaled head, "Thanks to my gear, I was able to fight hard for quite some time.I need some rest."


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Nix... We are being threatened.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] So?Someone is always doing that.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] It''s Salamander Nix, they have made demands.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li]F*ck Salamander.We are kicking their ass.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Wrong Salamander Nix, this is the upper level one.Level seventy and above.


    Nix understood that both Sharl and Jun Li were once guild leaders in the mid-range guilds.The Daybreakers and the Salamanders both had at least one higher tier guild.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] F*ck Salamander.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] The Dreadnought in the bay belongs to them, they loaned it to their mid-tier guild.They have five more and they are all headed toward us.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] F*ck Salamander... Wait.Did you say they have five more Dreadnoughts?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Aye.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li]Can they do that?Higher-tier guild coming at a mid-tier like us?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix]It''s against protocol, but usually mid-tier guilds have their own high-tier guild to protect them.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li]What are their demands?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix]They want the unconditional return of the Silversword. Did you kill Bree?Calyph''s son?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li]Is that the very attractive female that is actually a guy?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] This is very complicated Nix, you should consider returning the sword.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li]I''m sure it is.Let''s dumb it down a bit.They want something we have and are threatening us to get it.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix]When you say it like that, it makes us look like bitches if we give in. F*ck Salamander!


    /Inferno: Nix: New plan, concentrate your attacks on the right flank.Let''s take the Dreadnought.


    Nix spotted Semmi standing next to Delphi, "I have a mission for you."


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    Semmi nodded, "I need something to do, we haven''t even boarded anyone yet.


    "I want you to scout out that Dreadnought from below.Soup hit it pretty hard, she was bound to do some damage."


    Milat was standing close by and overheard the conversation."I''ll accompany her."


    "Fine, stay stealthed and don''t engage."Nix watched Semmi and Milat go over the side together."Captain, find us a ship that we can board."


    Delphi scanned the bay carefully, a good portion of the ships was still on fire. Counting the ships that Nix and the Aquarion Assault team had sunk separately, Inferno had put a half dozen ships on the bottom of the bay.A half dozen more were on fire but remained battle-ready.The issue was that they couldn''t maneuver properly.She spotted a ship moving away from the battle and immediately steered toward her."There!We have a runner."


    Nix smiled when he saw one ship retreating, "Looks like one of them has some common sense."


    Wylie was standing at the rail staring at him, the Knight Captain did not look happy."Sir quit going off on your own."


    "Sorry.You can be my battle buddy when we board this ship"


    Wylie raised an eyebrow, she wasn''t familiar with the term."What does that mean?"


    Nix grinned at her expression."Nothing bad, just that we''ll count on each other when things get dangerous."


    "Of course Sir." She smiled suddenly, her cold demeanor instantly unfreezing.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: We are here Nix!You are rescued.


    /Inferno: Wind: Leave anything for us?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Just scraps.


    /Inferno: Nix: Focus on disabling the perimeter ships.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nice of them to crowd together like this.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They were here to deter a fight with their numbers.Who would pick a fight with thirty ships?


    /Inferno: Sharl: We would.


    /Inferno: Wind: Damn straight.


    The Phoenix cut through the water, easily overtaking the slower vessel that was fleeing the battle.


    "Prepare the hooks, bring her in!"Delphi watched as a few dozen grappling hooks sailed into the space between the ships.She was quickly reeled in.


    Nix was the first on the deck.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Unexpectedly the deck was suddenly filled with fully armored men streaming up from the hold.


    Wylie was flanking Nix when she saw them."Why would there be Knights on this ship?"She shook her head at the idiocy.Wearing such heavy plate armor on a ship was a sure way to end up on the bottom of the ocean.


    /Inferno: Nix: Everyone pick your kills very carefully here, it looks like there might be a high-value target onboard.

 Chapter 74 Bay of Flames conclusion

    Nix sliced downward across the blade of a sailor that had rushed him when he jumped on deck.His strength caused his opponent''s blade to be knocked to one side, a quick backslash opened up his throat. The pounding of heavy feet caused him to turn back toward the hold.Two knights were charging at him.


    [Fire Root]


    Both knights wore heavy red plate armor, the one who he rooted was carrying a shield and a mace, while the other closed quickly with a wicked-looking ax.


    Nix backed away and allowed two of Mina''s Vila to attack.He motioned for Ducky to come closer from the rail."I need you to find someone, Ducky.They are in one of the rooms downstairs. Look for someone different than the rest. Do you understand?"


    [Appear Human]


    Ducky nodded, "Find someone different and bring them to you?"


    "Do your best but also be careful."Nix watched her walk calmly away.She didn''t have traditional stealth, more like an ability that caused others not to pay attention to her presence.Since she had been promoted to Siren, her abilities were much stronger.


    Nix jumped forward just as Wylie used her staff to sweep the knight''s legs, he didn''t fall completely but he did drop to one knee.Nix grabbed him by the shoulders and tossed him overboard like he was weightless.


    [Flame Snare]


    Nix slowed the knight attacking Min, her Vila were hard-pressed to deal with the other


    two dozen heavy armorer wearers. The Aquarion was wielding a water mace that her opponent was fending off with a kite shield.The power of the strikes sounded like the beating of a drum.Nix was about to attack when an image of him leaping, spinning and striking appeared on his hud."You kidding me? I''m not a f*cking acrobat."He leaped into the air, doing his best to imitate the movements of the tutorial.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    He leaped into the air and landed behind the knight, slashing across his back, he instantly brought him down.The emerald blade cut through plate armor like it was warm butter.Nix''s emerald flame blade hissed as it burned off the blood that splashed on it.The sweet coppery smell made his eyes water.


    "Was that a jump attack?"Mina finished the spasming knight off with a blow to the head.Her assault team and Vila were slowly clearing the deck of knights.Many of them took a page from Nix''s book and chucked their opponents overboard, no one was going swimming with a hundred pounds of steel on them.


    "Yes, unless I miss my guess, there should be at least one more."Chiba had told him that eventually, his repertoire would include a dozen or more attacks.


    A moment later Ducky returned leading a young man dressed as a merchant.Nix could tell by his face that he was charmed."Grab this guy Wylie and bring him back to the ship."


    "Are you returning also?"Wylie was starting to understand how Nix operated, he didn''t like to endanger other people.


    "In a bit."Nix doused his flame sword and stowed it away. "Mina, bring your team and follow me."


    He headed into cannon galley and started loading up on charges. The charges were made of very light paper and shaped like a cylinder.Each one held the exact same amount of power."Grab as many as you can carry."


    Nix picked up an entire pallet of charges and headed out.He entered the hold and moved down a dark walkway to the front cargo area located just under the deck. He sat the pallet down and turned back toward his Aquarion friends."Let''s pack this room full of these."


    Over the next few minutes, they completely filled the forward hold full of the cannon charges. Nix took a few minutes to craft the largest shape charge ever attempted. By the time they were done, the rest of Inferno had logged several kills.The bay was a cluttered burning mess of wrecked ships.The ships that could still fight were boxed in and could only watch in frustration.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''re back on the Phoenix Nix.You were right, Soup really hit that Dreadnought hard.


    /Inferno: Nix: Is she taking on water?


    /Inferno: Semmi: She was but not anymore.Her hull is compartmentalized, only a small area was affected.


    /Inferno: Nix: Anything else?


    /Inferno: Semmi: It would be an easy thing to enter the ship through the flooded compartment.


    /Inferno: Nix: I am curious about what we might find in her hold.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Me too.Are we going?


    /Inferno: Nix: Head back there with Milat, I''ll meet you there in a few minutes.


    /Inferno: Ronnie:Can I go too?


    /Inferno: Nix: No.I''ve got a special mission for you.I''m giving you a flagship.


    /Inferno: Sharl: What?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What?


    /Inferno: Pon: What?


    /Inferno: Ronnie:Hey... Why so many?


    /Inferno: Nix: Come to my location, Captain Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yes!


    A few minutes later Ronnie was onboard and standing next to the helm.Her pretty, dark face was frowning at Nix."You want me to ram the Dreadnought?"


    "Yep, I''ll leave you with a skeleton crew, just steer right into her."Nix placed a hand on her shoulder, "Don''t forget to have your manta out or you''ll end up back at Glory Island."


    Ronnie sighed heavily."Fine, I''m a team player you know."


    "Thanks, you handle this properly and we''ll feed Salamander a big shit sandwich." Nix couldn''t keep the smile from his face, Ronnie was someone who never put on airs, she said and did exactly what she wanted.


    Ronnie nodded, her bright smile returning."Count on me Nix."


    *****************


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Who is the prisoner?


    /Inferno: Nix: Unknown at this time.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I tried talking to him, but he wasn''t interested.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Give him something to make him sleep, we don''t want him communicating with anyone.


    Milat led the way toward the Dreadnought, they approached the huge ship from a few hundred feet beneath the surface. The calm of the blue depths contrasting with the smoke-filled inferno that raged overhead. Nix felt the close presence of Mina as she swam next to him, lately, she seemed to always be closer than usual.


    They stopped under the Dreadnought.She had an exceptionally deep keel, which meant she''d run aground in shallower seas.There was a dark hole about four feet wide near the forward bow.Soup had come from underneath her and angled upward.They swam into the damaged compartment, there was a three-foot space near the ceiling that hadn''t flooded.


    Nix activated his flame blade."We''ll go in here and take a look around.We''ll give ourselves five minutes."


    Semmi nodded, suddenly Nix brandished his sword and swung at the ceiling panel."Hey, Nix!Don''t do th..."


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    A hole formed and instantly all four of them were shot through it to slam into the ceiling of the room above. They bounced loudly on the floor, each of them struggling to shake off the bone-jarring collision.


    Nix grimaced at Semmi, "I suppose you understand the physics of what just happened?"


    Semmi nodded, "smooth move Nix."


    Milat stealthed, "I''ll scout a bit."


    Semmi also disappeared, "you two wait here.Try not to break anything Nix."


    Nix and Mina followed them at a distance, he was placing small traps in the doorways and tripwire in the darker passages."Let me lead on the way back, or else we''ll end up taking the shortcut home."


    Semmi had come back when they hit a dead end. "Shouldn''t you be marking the locations down?What if you forget where you put one?"


    Nix winked at her."It''s like you don''t trust me."


    Semmi nodded, "it''s just like that."


    "Nothing is here."Milat had come back last, his pale Aquarion face seemed to glow in the near darkness of the hold.


    "It was worth a try, let''s head out and let Ronnie do her thing."Nix headed back toward the hole in the floor, everyone followed except for Mina.


    "Wait please, " Mina placed her hand against one of the walls."There''s a water artifact on the other side of this wall."


    "Hmm?"Nix walked over, had it been a fire artifact he would have sensed it the moment they entered the ship."A false wall?"


    Semmi winced when Nix slashed at the wall with his sword."Please don''t randomly slash things Nix.What if you break something valuable?"


    "Oh?Did you bring a saw by chance?"Nix cleared away hole he had cut, there was a small room with a decent stockpile of weapons and a silver chest.He ignored the weapons and grabbed the chest.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They are opening up a path through the wreckage to get to the ship that we boarded.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That could mean they don''t realize she''s been taken over.With all the smoke in the bay, visibility is shit.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, let''s head back.Ronnie, start moving toward the Dreadnought, it''s likely that they won''t even try to stop you.


    The group swam directly toward the Phoenix, by the time they were back on board, Ronnie was moving steadily through a channel that had been opened up.


    **********


    Ronnie glanced at the sailors that had been assigned to help her."Okay guys, everyone overboard now and swim back to the Phoenix."


    "You going to be okay captain?"An older man with bowed legs was the last to leave.


    Ronnie''s face lit up in a big smile, "I''ll take it from here, thank you."


    She summoned her manta and steered through the wreckage.Inferno had managed to do a lot of damage in a relatively short period of time.She sighed heavily, "this is a really nice ship too."


    When Ronnie was within a few hundred feet, the Dreadnought crew finally realized something was wrong.By then it was too late.Ronnie jumped on her manta and summoned Wilo.


    [Air Barrier]


    Ronnie didn''t look back, she kept her manta climbing steadily, the shield around them took several hits before she got out of range. A moment later a thundering explosion shook the bay as the Dreadnought was rammed head-on, a few tons of black powder, aided by Nix''s shape crafting, completely obliterated the front of the Dreadnought.


    Colonial System Message: Major Faction Event, the leader of the Terran faction has been taken hostage.All Terran factions will receive a substantial penalty if they fail to recover their leader.This event will take place twenty-four hours from now. A ceasefire is in effect until then.


    Colonial System Message: Major Faction Event, the Sea Farer''s have taken a high ranking member of the Terran leadership.All Sea-Farer ships are ordered to the vicinity of Glory Island.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Now we know why there was a Dreadnought and an entire Armada just sitting in the bay.


    /Inferno: Nix: All ships return immediately to Glory Island.


    [The Phoenix has been placed as the Flagship of the Sea-Farer Faction.There are currently seventeen fleets responding to this Faction Event.]

 Chapter 75 Earth Temple

    The mood was unusually somber on the way back to Glory Island.Pon, Wind, Sharl and Jun Li had all moved to the Phoenix to discuss the upcoming events.


    Nix sat the silver chest on the deck and opened it.A pale blue stone the size of a fist was the sole occupant, there was a gasp of shock from the Aquarion''s watching.


    Mina approached immediately and knelt down. She picked it up in her hand as if to verify something."Why would humans have a Reverence stone?"


    Reverence


    Water Element: Precious Stone


    Description: A priceless blue-colored


    stone.


    Nix held his hand out, immediately he gave it back to her.The moment he touched the stone it felt like dozens of fingernails raking across a chalkboard."What does it do?"


    "It''s basically an Aquarion promotion stone, simply put, it''s a substantial increase in power." Mina sat it back in its place.


    Pon stared at the stone but didn''t touch it, it gave him a feeling of danger the moment Nix had opened the chest. "From the description, I would guess that no humans have guessed what it is."


    Semmi nodded in agreement."In the past, these stones were used as mounts in rings and crowns.They bring in a lot of credits if you decide to sell."


    Nix closed the chest and handed it to Mina. "Its biggest value to us is in strengthening our allies."


    /Guild: Nix: Darsi, how''s the Ricoli duplication coming?


    /Guildchat: Darsi: I don''t have enough resources to make any.I did craft two dozen Black Hands.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Are those the black disks that prevent gating and rezzing?


    /Guildchat: Darsi: Yes.


    /Guildchat: Nix: We have a Reverence stone, see if you can duplicate it before one of our Aquarion friends activate it.


    /Guildchat: Darsi: An Aquarion artifact?You just made my day Trip-7.


    Jun Li opened a map of Glory, "no matter how you look at it, our town is going to be a battlefield."


    Semmi was sitting against the rail, trying to keep from smiling whenever Ducky would touch her hair.The siren was apparently fascinated by blonds."Let''s put our different offenses on the table and devise a working strategy."


    Nix opened his faction map, he was listed as Faction Admiral for the event."The list of fleets has jumped to 22, plus our own ships."


    Wylie seemed calm, the knight captain had the right temperament for battle."We''ll have one hundred knights by the start, fifty of them are trained Mariners."


    Pon''s wrinkled face wore a grin, he sensed a battle of epic proportions was approaching. "Glory has its cannon emplacements."


    Jun Li listed them as they were mentioned, "Can we count on Shae?"


    Nix nodded, "No worries, she definitely won''t sit this one out. Also, I can place mines wherever they are needed."Mines fell under the traps category, as a hunter, he could make a wide variety of devices.


    "Resolute has contacted us, they want to put a large land force on the ground in Glory." Jun Li gauged the reactions of the others, although they were paper allies, Resolute and Inferno were still not completely trusting of each other.


    Nix shrugged, "they''ll fight to protect their interest, which of course is the Earth Pearl."


    "The members of the Souza Accord will be in full force. I will have my Vila there also." Mina and her assault team were normally the only ones who engaged in fighting, there were several hundred other Aquarions who could also participate."


    Sharl studied the detailed map that Jun Li had opened."The problem is that we have no idea how many we might be facing."


    Pon swore under his breath, "everyone we''ve pissed off will be jumping on the bandwagon."


    Unexpectedly, Nix started laughing loudly.The members of Inferno watched him with curious eyes, but he didn''t say anything further.They didn''t understand his thinking.Gather your enemies all in one place, and then wipe them out with a baptism of fire.He had utilized that method himself before his incarceration.The trick was staying alive long enough to ''stick it to the man.''


    "How many mines can you come up with Nix?"Jun Li looked at their current assets."We could use minefields to slow down their march on Glory."


    "I can come up with five hundred or so."Nix was thinking about the event, "do we know the win/lose criteria yet?Besides losing our hostage?"


    Semmi nodded, "there''s a posting on the official forums already, it''s counting down from four hours.At that time we will get the details of the event."


    Nix noticed that Mina was staring at him, "Mina, I''ll want you and your people in the water."


    "Nix... I want to stay with you.We fight best together." Mina''s normally calm face seemed upset.


    "You and your people are water creatures Min."He placed a hand on her shoulder, "I need you at your strongest."


    Milat shook his head also, he had been standing nearby and was listening intently. He had gotten to know Nix since receiving the stealth artifact. "The Aquarion people prefer to fight alongside you."


    Nix shrugged helplessly."My decision is final, the Souza Accord will lend their strength where it is most needed, or they can sit it out in the Sea-World."


    ****************


    A few hours later, Nix was alone once again and walking toward the Temple.He stopped and stared the moment it came into view.The Fire Palace had been a beautiful white marble structure built into the side of a volcanic crater.The size of it was larger than any temple Nix knew of.He realized now that he should have been building forces for its defense. The steps leading up to its impressive doors now had two sets of stairs leading downward.He descended slowly, at the first landing the Earth Temple came into view.It was placed directly under the Fire Palace. It was a pyramid-shaped structure embedded directly into the volcanic foundation of the Fire Palace.Nix was immediately reminded of the Egyptian pyramids he had seen pictures of.In place of a Sphinx, there was a large statue of a Lamia.


    "Do not be alarmed Nix."Shae''s voice called out to him a moment before a half dozen lamia acolytes surrounded him.


    Nix gave out a soft whistle."What''s going on here Shae?"


    A movement from inside the sand-colored archway drew his attention.A tanned woman who moved with the lithe grace of an earth creature walked toward him.She had light brown hair and warm eyes of the same color.Fajii was all but unrecognizable, the webbing on her hands seemed to have shrunk a bit and her ears were starting to point slightly."This is Nix.You will never harm him nor impede his progress, he is the Earth Temple Champion."


    The acolytes nodded and hissed their acknowledgment before moving away.Nix stared after them, his mouth still hanging open."Where did the Lamia come from?"


    Fajii continued to approach him, "they are part of the temple build.Two hundred acolytes to protect the temple." She grabbed his hand and pulled him through the doors. In one hand she held the Earth Pearl.She stopped before a large stone altar and inserted it carefully.


    Colonial System Message: An Earth Temple has been constructed on Glory Island.All Earth Mages receive +50 damage and a twenty percent increase in mana.


    Shae stood off to one side, staring at the Earth Pearl."I must show you something Nix."


    Nix was staring at the Earth Pearl, it had the same mesmerizing effect that the Lamia Queen had.It was a challenge to look away."There''s more?"


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    ****************


    A short while later Nix, Mina, Shae and the officers from Inferno were sitting in a circle on his houseboat."You all need to see this."He used his hud to show them the new Earth Temple option.


    [Earth Temple Upgrade Options Available]


    Your Earth Temple has been combined with a Fire Palace.This gives you a unique upgrade option.


    [Scorched Earth Temple]


    Pon stared at the words."So... not only do we have the only Earth Temple in Colonial, but we can upgrade it also?"


    Nix nodded, "I''m not sure it''s a good idea.We don''t even know what other kinds of benefits our Earth Mages will have, and we have no idea what a Scorched Earth Temple is."


    For once Ronnie was paying attention, she was next on the list to be given the Earth Mage path."It has to be like it sounds right? An Earth Mage with elements of Fire."


    Mina caught herself staring at Fajii, Milat was also captivated. "What if the Scorched Earth Mage is some hybrid that is actually weaker than the Earth Mage variety?"


    "Why does that matter?"Jun Li had spent several minutes searching the forums, no one had ever heard of Scorched Earth Temple."Our Earth Pearl won''t change, even if the temple does."


    Shae shook her head, "the option is only available when the Earth Pearl is placed in the altar.There is a strong likelihood that the upgrade includes the Earth Pearl itself."


    Sharl looked around at the other Inferno leaders, only Fajii seemed relaxed."We should put it to a vote since all of us could be affected."

 Chapter 76 Scorched Earth

    "Would you mind showing us your abilities as an Earth Mage?"Nix noticed that the Aquarion Alchemist was staring longingly at his hot-tub, some things never change.


    Fajii nodded quickly."I actually haven''t assigned myself a path yet but I will show you what is available for Tier 1.


    Earth Mage


    [Three available Paths: Crowd Control, Defender, Assault]


    [Crowd Control-1st Tier]


    Earth Mire I: Area Effect


    Your opponents are mired in mud and unable to move.Mire can affect


    up to five enemies.45-second duration. Cooldown=1minute


    Dust Bowl I: Single Target


    Your target is surrounded by a cloud of dust and unable to see. 60-second duration. No Cooldown.


    Ground Quake I: Area Effect DoT [Damage over Time]


    A sudden quake takes your enemies by surprise.You''re at the epicenter and all enemies within


    20 meters of you will take 1500 damage per minute.3-minute duration. Cooldown= 2 minutes.


    Silent Earth I: Single Target


    Your target has breathed in a large amount of dust and is unable to speak or cast spells. 60-second duration. No Cool Down.


    [Defender:1st Tier]


    Rock Wall I: Mass Buff


    Your allies receive a rock shield and will take no damage until the shield is destroyed.The amount


    of damage a shield can take is equal to the allies hit points. Duration based on damage taken. Cool Down=5-minutes.


    Earth Shield I: Single Target


    Your ally receives a personal shield and will take no damage until the shield is destroyed. The amount of damage a shield can take is equal to twice the allies hit points.This effect may be stacked with Rock Wall.Only one Earth Shield may be placed by each Earth Mage.Duration based on damage. Cool Down=5-minutes.


    Rock Blade I: Mass: Buff


    Your allies'' weapon is modified to do Earth damage.This effect stacks with whatever type of damage the weapon normally does. Duration: Persistent,


    Earth Mother I: Single Target


    The power of nature returns your ally to life. No Cool Down.


    [Assault: 1st Tier]


    Boulder Slam I: Single Target


    A large boulder slams into your target. This strike causes no damage but the target remains stunned for 5 seconds.The effect may not be avoided or countered. Duration: 5-seconds. Cool Down-60 seconds.


    Ground Spear I: Single Target


    A deadly shard of rock shoots upward from the ground and strikes your target.This strike adds a poison earth counter.Counters stack up to ten times. Duration: Instant.Cool Down: 3 Seconds.


    Rock Pelt I: Multiple Targets up to 5.


    Hundreds of rock bullets pelt your target. Rock Pelt also damages gear and equipment. Duration: Instant. Cool Down: 15 seconds.


    Rock Golem I: Summoned Pet


    The Rock Golem is a front line tank.He has the ability to completely shield one target until he is destroyed. If Rock Golem is used as an attacker, he does half the damage of the owner.


    Rock Coating: Self-Only weapon buff.


    Adds a rock coating onto your current weapon.Damage is changed to Earth damage and increased by fifty percent.


    Nix glanced at the Earth Mage 1st Tier stats.As someone who didn''t have a gaming background, most of it went over his head. However, he was surrounded by experts."Thoughts?"


    Chael was staring hard at the Assault Mage path."Rock Coating will enable me to use my rifle without the penalty of having it as my secondary path."


    Semmi nodded in agreement."There''s a bunch of nice CC abilities, including a silence.However, the big hit is the Rez.Earth Mages have a real rez."


    Jun Li had only needed to glance at it to realize that it was a powerful path.Comparably the 1st tiers of fire and water were much weaker."It''s nice, but not overpowering.I think we should consider the upgrade.They wouldn''t call it an upgrade if it makes the class weaker."


    Sharl was staring hard at the Defender path, "The Defender path will be huge in keeping tanks alive.It would be tragic to lose stackable buffs that effectively quadruple your life expectancy."


    "Let''s vote then."Nix looked around at the group, by their expressions he couldn''t tell what they were thinking.


    /Inferno: NIx: Change.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Keep it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Change.


    /Inferno: Mina: Keep it.


    /Inferno: Chael: Change.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Change.


    /Inferno: Shae: Change.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Keep it.


    /Inferno: Wind: Change.


    /Inferno: Pon: Change.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Keep it.


    /Inferno: Chael: Keep it.


    /Inferno: Milat: Change.


    Shae smiled at the results, they were split but the majority wanted to upgrade the temple."The upgrade will take six hours. Fajii will need to initiate it as the Temple''s Earth Mage."


    Jun Li opened her hud and checked the countdown on the forums."There is still a bit over two hours until we get the details of the event."


    "I will initiate the upgrade in an hour."Fajii could feel the eyes of her Aquarion friends staring at her, she turned to face Milat and Mina."I''m still me, perhaps even uglier in your eyes, but inside I haven''t changed.


    Milat shook his head, "You''ve become beautiful Fajii.I''m sorry for staring."


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    "Oh?"The brown-haired Aquarion raised an eyebrow and held up her hand."What about my shorthand?" (Refers to the webbing that stops at the first knuckle.)


    Milat looked at the ground without commenting. The Aquarion males had never paid much attention to Fajii, even though she was exceedingly good-natured.


    Mina sensed that Fajii was being honest, although she hadn''t commented in the past, the opinions of her people had affected her."The changes suit you Fajii."


    ****************


    A few minutes later only Fajii remained.Nix assumed that she wanted to relax in his hot tub for a few minutes."You don''t have to ask Fajii, make yourself at home."


    Instead, she approached and sat next to him.A brown hand touched his face."What do you think Nix."


    Nix shrugged, his yellow eyes catching the small change in expression.It seemed she was easier for him to read, less alien somehow. "Still beautiful Fajii."


    The Aquarion leaned forward until their lips brushed softly, her light brown hair fell against his face."Thank you for saying such nice things Nix. I know you actually mean it when you say that."


    He tried to keep the grin off his face when her hand rested against his leg."Are we having a conversation?Or is this going somewhere?"


    Fajii returned the smile, "well... We could exchange pointers if you like."


    **********************


    Nix was sitting in the Inferno Guild Hall with Pon and Wind.The two of them, along with a dozen Aquarions, had volunteered to help Nix place the mines in the waters around Glory island. He pointed to the Northern part of the island.This is the only section we don''t really need to worry about.The formation of the Fire Palace has made this area unpassable."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix, I believe we are going to be outnumbered at least two to one.


    /Inferno: Nix: Not as badly as you think.As part of the Broyan alliance, we have allies ready to come to our aide.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They are going to help us?


    /Inferno: Nix: Of course, that''s what allies do Junie.Shae put in a request, we can expect three additional fleets.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Let me know when the temple upgrade is finished.We need to get Ronnie spun up for this fight.


    /Inferno: Nix: I wonder if her looks will change.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I hope so.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: You can''t improve on this obviously.


    /Inferno: Nix: I agree.


    "We''ll leave the bay itself open, but I''ll mine the f*ck out of the rest of the shoreline, in the water and the beaches."Nix wasn''t worried about winning the battle, his biggest concern was the safety of his Aquarion friends and the sacking of Glory.Like last time they would evacuate all non-fighters to the Sea-World.


    /Inferno: Wylie: I just received a communication from Colonial Knight HQ. They are sending a battalion of Elites to aide us.


    /Inferno: Wind: Expect the opposition to recruit a few heavy hitters also.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I agree.They know there is a Nemesis here.I wouldn''t put it past them to find their own.


    /Inferno: Shae: There aren''t any.However, if they were to gather enough Water Lords, it could present a problem.


    /Inferno: Nix: Did you contact Severance?


    The former water-filled crater in Lapu had been the domain of a dieing Fire Lord.During the mission, Shae and Nix had helped restart the dormant volcano.Severance had also received benefits.She had been silent since the operation.The crater was no longer dormant, it frequently rumbled and spewed molten rock high into the air.


    /Inferno: Shae: Yes.She will be here.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Okay guys.The Event details have been posted.Everyone meet at Guild HQ and we''ll discuss it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Finally, now we can start planning our strategy properly.


    /Inferno: Shae: I won''t be there Nix, I''m preparing to defend the Palace grounds.


    /Inferno: Nix: No worries.I''ll stop by after and give you the details.

 Chapter 77 Earth and Fire

    Nix stopped by the Kindled Spirit on his way to Guild Hall.As expected Hyai was still there.She was sitting at the bar with Sila, enjoying a pint. "I want you to stay on my houseboat until this blows over."


    Hyai nodded and glanced at Sila. "You sitting this one out?"


    Sila nodded, "My dps is crap right now, I am really considering a transition to another path."


    "Let''s talk about it after the event Sila, there are some options available." Sila had leveled up since joining Inferno, but she wasn''t strong enough to do much in this fight. "I''ll feel better if you keep Hyai company for the duration."


    Hyai smiled and handed him a boxed dinner."Make sure to eat something Nix.Oh, try and keep my Inn from being razed to the ground."


    "I''ll do my best.Don''t wait too long before heading over to the Sea-World." Nix headed out the door with a quick wave.He was very curious about the event.Would there be some sort of compensation if all of Glory were destroyed?


    "Hey, Nix."Wind''s voice broke into his thoughts.The scout was heading toward the Guild Hall, Pon was with him.


    Pon''s face showed his excitement."Let''s take bets on who dies the most!"


    "Hmm... that will be you obviously." The quiet Wind seemed to have been replaced with a more chatty version of the scout.


    Nix nodded in agreement, "yep, it will definitely be you old man."


    "F*ck you two clowns.I''m going to be standing on top of a mountain of Terran bodies when this is over."Pon radiated heat when he became angry.He was practically glowing when he began scolding the two younger men.


    The long table in Guildhall was already crowded when the trio arrived.In the past Inferno had used the Sea-World for these meetings and the hall had gone mostly unused.There was an empty spot next to Jun Li waiting for Nix so he slid in while everyone was talking.Semmi was using her hud to copy down the requirements on a big wall screen in the front of the room.


    After a few minutes, she was finished and turned to face everyone.She smiled at Nix, "shall I do the honors boss?"When Nix nodded she continue and the screen lit up with information."Please read and then we''ll discuss."


    Major Faction Event: Keep the hostage from being rescued.


    Event Start 1300 hours tomorrow.


    Event Completion: 1700 hours tomorrow.


    Event Location: Glory Island and surrounding area.


    Sea Farer Faction


    Hosting Guild: Inferno:


    [Participating in Sea Farer Faction]


    Resolute


    Judgment


    HOSS


    Tea Leaf


    Silent Night


    Midnight Tea Party


    Baker''s Dozen


    Scimitar


    Daybreakers


    Holy Infantry


    Vesuvius


    Red Riders


    Bitchin Betty


    Caretaker


    Iron Palm


    Street Cleaners


    Tabula Rasa Lives


    Unreasonable


    Ghost Battalion


    Widowmakers


    Red Dawg


    Stiletto


    Nighthawk


    One Trick Pony


    Terran Faction


    Hosting Guild: Salamander [Upper Tier]


    [Participating in Terran Faction]


    Salamander [Mid-Tier]


    Thunderstone


    Nero


    High Speed


    Quick Strike


    Taiga Su


    Defective Thoughts


    Angel Blade


    Potentate


    Guardian


    Kings X


    Lion Heart


    Focus


    Zero Chance


    Baca Noire


    Lava Junky


    Storm Riders


    Fire Dome


    Crazed Killers


    Nottingham


    Marauder


    Jambo


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    Moza Forte


    Blind Side


    Rage


    Tsunami


    Edgewater


    Arctic Blast


    Phenom


    Zeus


    [Faction Event Description]


    Sea Farer Command Intercepted a Top-Secret missive that alluded to the movement of a top Terran official in Espana Bay.Under direct orders, Inferno was deployed to ascertain the accuracy of the intel.During their mission, they inadvertently came in contact with the Terran VIP and proceeded to capture him.Against overwhelming odds, Inferno escaped with the prisoner and are now keeping him at their home base on Glory Island.


    [MISSION: SEA FARER]


    Assist Inferno in holding Shidai Oruk.You may bring ships to defend the seas around Glory Island. If you manage to hold off the Terran attack fleet for two hours, the mission will be successful.


    In the event that the sea battle is lost, fall back and help defend Glory with your land troops. Hold the opposing forces until 1700 hours so Sea Farer HQ has time to evac Shidai Oruk back to Sea Farer HQ.


    [MISSION: TERRAN]


    Destroy the fleet surrounding Glory Island and set foot on its shores.You must accomplish this before 1500 hours. If you manage this you will advance to the second part of the mission.


    Attack Glory Island with your land troops.Defeat their forces and kill the Alliance Commander.If you fail to accomplish this before 1700 hours, you will fail this objective.


    [Mission Details]


    During the Sea Battle, victory or defeat is decided if either side loses more than eighty percent of their vessels. No landfall is allowed until the defending fleet has been defeated.


    During the land battle, victory or defeat is decided if either side has lost more than eighty percent of its land army.Additionally, the Terran force must kill the Alliance Commander before 1700 hours.


    [Mission Restraints]


    All ships, buildings, and personnel participating in the mission may take part until they are in critical condition.Upon reaching critical condition all assets will be moved to a holding area.When the mission is over, all assets will be returned to their previous location unharmed and in good condition.


    Sea Farer Flagship: Phoenix [Non-Transferable]


    Sea Farer Naval Commander: Nix [Transferable]


    Sea Farer Troop Commander: Jun Li [Transferable]


    Sea Farer Alliance Commander: Nix [Non-Transferable]


    [REWARDS]


    The First Tier of awards will be based on whether or not your faction won the Sea battle.


    The Second Tier of awards will be based on whether or not your faction won the land battle.


    The Third Tier of awards will be based on your role during the mission as well as individual contributions.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane] You''ve seen the Mission write-up in the forums?


    [Whisper: Suland to Nix] Yes, it seems pretty straight forward.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane] Your choice, command either the sea or land battle.


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix] I''ll opt for the land battle if you don''t mind.


    Mission Event Message: Do you wish to assign Sulane as the Troop Commander in place of Jun Li?


    "Yes." Nix opened the menu and moved Jun Li to Naval Commander.


    Jun Li was watching him work."It''s a good choice to bring Sulane in as the troop commander.She''s a tactical genius."


    Semmi was studying the screen, "more than likely our sea forces will lose.We must hold as close to the deadline as possible."


    Jun Li breathed a sigh of relief, her first choice would have been sea battle commander."Every minute we hold is a minute less they get to fight our land forces."


    Pon laughed at Nix''s expression."You got a big target on your back now smart ass."


    "I''ll be standing next to Shae, so let them come."


    Semmi started listing the individual fleets belonging to the guilds."I''ll get a list of commanders and send them to you Junie."


    Wind was sitting back listening to his friends make plans, he continued to study the events closer."The mission criteria means that our NPC friends are safe right?No permanent death?"


    Jun Li nodded, "I''m taking it that way.Even an instant death strike should only result in a critical hit and them being moved to the holding area."


    The group spent the next few hours coordinating sea and land forces.Sulane joined them in the Guild Hall with one of her vice commanders.


    Suddenly the entire building shook, chairs and tables tossed about like a storm was raging inside.It continued for nearly a minute before it stopped.


    Colonial System Message: A Temple of Scorched Earth has been completed on Glory Island.All members of Inferno receive +100 to Earth-based damage and + 50 to FIre-based damage. All Inferno Earth Mages and Fire Mages receive a mana boost of 30 percent. These buffs stack with existing Temple structures.


    Sulane read the notification, her lips pursed together tightly."You''ve constructed a Scorched Earth Temple?"


    Nix shrugged, "it''s just a small upgrade to the Earth Temple we built."


    The shock was written plainly on the Resolute Guild leader''s face."How did you manage to construct an Earth Temple?"


    "We killed the Earth Temple Guardian and claimed the Temple deed."Nix gave her a vague smile, he didn''t know Resolute well enough to share more details."If you''ll excuse me, I have a few things to take care of."


    *************


    Nix trotted toward the Fire Palace, the smell of smoke and fire was much heavier than it had been earlier.He took the stairs down and stopped on the first platform when the Scorched Earth Temple came into view.The light brown stone was now much darker and cracked in many places.Those cracks oozed liquid rock and gave the temple a sinister look.The smell of sulfur and brimstone made Nix think of Shae''s elemental world.He felt his strength surge and immediately checked his buffs.The combination of the two temples had essentially increased his mana by sixty percent and + 100 to Fire Damage.It couldn''t have come at a better time.


    He felt a comfortable surge of warm air push against his face when he passed through the archway entrance.There was the barest hint of earth mustiness in the air, it reminded him of his parent''s vegetable cellar.He spotted Fajii right away, she had changed once again."Did you become a Scorched Earth Mage?"


    Fajii nodded at him."As the Temple''s Earth Mage, I change with it."


    Nix stared at his Aquarion friend.Her light brown skin might have grown slightly darker, there were dozens of red streaks in her hair that hadn''t been there earlier.The biggest change was in her eyes.The light brown eyes now had verticle irises, like the Lamia Queen."How do you feel Fajii?"


    Fajii smiled the same friendly smile she always did."I guess I''m quite ugly now."She held up her hand, the webbings were still there, but her Aquarion ears were replaced with a more human-looking ear that came to a sharp point.


    "Still the same Fajii to me.Your eyes have changed by the way. "Nix wasn''t carrying a mirror so he couldn''t show her."I like them."


    "I''m next!"Ronnie had entered through the arch with her sister Sharl."The conversion is quick, I''ll need a few hours to get used to the new abilities."


    Sharl had come with Ronnie to dissuade her, but when she saw Fajii she decided against it.She could feel the power radiating off of the Scorched Earth Mage, besides class changes in Colonial were quite common."Let''s do this so you have time to study the paths and choose one."


    Fajii waited until Ronnie approached, then she led her to the altar with the Earth Stone."Kneel on the altar and activate the Earth Pearl."

 Chapter 78 Prelude to Glory

    Ronnie knelt on the altar, her Wind companion sat peacefully on her shoulder without moving.Wilo seemed to be worried and clung to a strand of the ranger''s hair."Go hang out with Nix until I finish this please."


    Wilo frowned, her grip on Ronnie''s hair loosened and she flew easily to Nix."I shall be watching closely."The wind elemental had recently been promoted to Lord rank, no one, including Shae was sure how strong she was.


    Nix grabbed Sharl''s hand and led her away."There''s going to be a big cloud of dust and a release of power.He quickly ducked down behind one of the pillars with Sharl and Wilo.


    The Earth Pearl expanded to include Ronnie, it had changed since last time Nix had witnessed the procedure.This time the swirling mass inside was a mixture of earth and fire.Ronnie pounded on the insides of the sphere, her voice muted slightly.


    Several minutes later a cloud of dust and cinders were sent in all directions as the Earth Pearl released the remanents of its power. A lone figure lay curled up in the middle of the altar.


    Sharl was the first to arrive at her side, she took one glance at her sister and swore."Holy shit Ronnie."


    /Inferno: Nix: Get Chael down here to the Scorched Earth Temple to undergo the conversion.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That won''t work Nix, it has a twenty-four-hour recharge.


    /Inferno: Nix: Good thing we have two then.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Damn it, that''s right.Chael get down to the temple if you are still going through with it.


    /Inferno: Chael: I am, be right there.


    /Inferno: Nix: Both Fajii and Ronnie are now Scorched Earth Mages.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''m coming down to check it out.Wait for me.


    /Inferno: Wind: Me too.


    /Inferno: Pon: Same.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I can spare a few minutes.


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    While Nix waited for the rest, he pulled Fajii to one side. "You''ve chosen a path?"


    Fajii nodded, "the paths are the same, Crowd Control, Defender and Assault."


    Scorched Earth Mage


    [Three available Paths: Crowd Control, Defender, Assault]


    Nix stared at the Aquarion Alchemist, no one would guess she was a water creature by looking at her."Which one?"


    Fajii smiled gently, although her looks had changed dramatically she was still the same."I want to defend my friends."


    "The choice suits you.Once this battle is over, I''ll start bringing you hunting so you can get used to the talent tree."


    ''Thank you, Nix."


    Ronnie and Sharl approached them together.The changes in Ronnie were similar to Fajii.Ronnie had already been dark, but now her black hair was streaked with red and her dark brown eyes had verticle irises.Her small perfect ears were pointed, a fact that seemed to anger Wilo quite a bit.Her small voice squeaking in protest as she hovered close to her companion.


    The group from Inferno arrived a few minutes later.They gathered around Ronnie to check out the Scorched Earth Talent Tree.


    [Crowd Control-1st Tier]


    Scorched Earth Mire I: Area Effect


    Your opponents are mired in molten rock and unable to move.Mire can affect


    up to five enemies.Target takes Fire and Earth Damage for the 45-second duration. Cooldown=1minute


    Scorched Dust Bowl I: Single Target


    Your target is surrounded by a cloud of cinder dust and unable to see. There is a chance that the blindness will become permanent. 60-second duration. No Cooldown.


    Ground Quake I: Area Effect DoT [Damage over Time]


    A sudden quake takes your enemies by surprise.Fire and Ash spew from the ground and damage all enemies within 25 meters of you.Target takes 1000 Fire and 1500 Earth damage every 30 seconds.3-minute duration. Cooldown= 2 minutes.


    Silent Earth I: Single Target


    Your target has breathed in a large amount of dust and fire is unable to speak or cast spells. An additional Scorched Earth poison counter is added to the target. 90-second duration. No Cool Down.


    Scorched Earth Battlefield I: Mass DoT [Damage over Time]


    The Scorched Earth Mage sacrifices the rest of their mana and half of their current hit points to call a Scorched Earth Quake to their position.All Enemies in their vicinity take damage every 30 seconds until the amount of damage equals the mana spent for casting.


    [Defender:1st Tier]


    Flaming Rock Wall I: Mass Buff


    Your allies receive a flaming rock shield and will take no damage until the shield is destroyed.Anyone who attacks the shield receives a Scorched Earth poison counter for each attack, no limit. The amount of damage a shield can take is equal to the allies'' hit points. Duration based on damage taken. Cool Down=5-minutes.


    Scorched Earth Shield I: Single Target


    Your ally receives a personal shield and will take no damage until the shield is destroyed. The amount of damage a shield can take is equal to twice the allies hit points.This effect may be stacked with Rock Wall.Scorched Earth Shield is immune to Fire and Earth Damage. Only one Scorched Earth Shield may be placed by each Scorched Earth Mage.Duration based on damage. Cool Down=5-minutes.


    Charred Rock Blade I: Mass: Buff


    Your allies'' weapon is modified to do Scorched Earth damage.This effect stacks with whatever type of damage the weapon normally does. A Scorched Earth poison counter is applied for each successful attack, no limit. Duration: Persistent,


    Scorched Earth Mother I: Single Target


    The power of nature returns your ally to life. Ally receives Flaming Rock Wall and Scorched Earth Shield upon revival. No Cool Down.


    [Assault: 1st Tier]


    Molten Rock Slam I: Single Target


    A molten boulder slams into your target. This strike adds a Scorched Earth poison counter and stuns the target for 7 seconds. At the end of the duration, a second Scorched Earth poison counter is applied. The effect may not be avoided or countered. Duration: 7-seconds. Cool Down-45 seconds.


    Flaming Ground Spear I: Single Target


    A deadly shard of flaming rock shoots upward from the ground and strikes your target.This strike adds a Fire poison counter, an Earth poison counter, and a Scorched Earth Poison counter.Counters stack up to ten times. Duration: Instant.Cool Down: 3 Seconds.


    Earthen Fire Bullets I: Multiple Targets up to 5.


    Hundreds of flaming rock bullets pelt your target. Rock Pelt also damages gear and equipment. This attack adds a Fire poison counter, an Earth poison counter, and a Scorched Earth Poison counter. Duration: Instant. Cool Down: 15 seconds.


    Scorched Earth Rock Golem I: Summoned Pet


    The Scorched Earth Rock Golem is a front line tank.He has the ability to completely shield one target until he is destroyed. If Rock Golem is used as an attacker, he does half the damage of the owner. When the Golem is destroyed the pet owner receives Flaming Rock Wall and Scorched Earth Shield.


    Scorched Earth Golem Bomb


    The pet owner sacrifices his pet and all of his mana to damage all enemies within 20 meters.This damage is equal to the amount of mana spent.The bomb adds a Fire poison counter, an Earth poison counter, and a Scorched Earth Poison counter to everyone it damaged.


    Scorched Earth Coating: Self-Only weapon buff.


    Adds a Scorched Earth coating onto your current weapon.Damage is changed to Scorched Earth damage and increased by 60 percent.


    Semmi stared at the talent trees."Holy crap... That''s a big upgrade.


    Ronnie pursed her lips as she made her choice."Going to go for theAssault tree.Stand back and bask in my awesomeness."


    Pon shook his head, "even the rez is better.Back to life with Flaming Rock wall and Scorched Earth Shield?That''s the best BR I''ve ever heard of.


    "What''s BR?" Nix ignored the grimace on the old mages face.


    Pon scowled at him."It''s battle rez noob."


    Jun Li handed Fajii the duplicate Earth Pearl so she could switch it out."You still doing it Chael?"


    Chael nodded.Nansu looked visibly upset, she kept looking at the physical changes the Scorched Earth mage path made in Fajii and Ronnie.She like her blonde haired boyfriend as he was."It''s fine Nan, I''ll still be me."


    Nansu sighed heavily, she was going to be sitting the fight out since she was a non-combatant by choice."Sorry, Chael.I''m just being silly, I want you to be stronger.Go ahead."


    Chael nodded and knelt on the Scorched Earth altar.


    Nix followed Wind and Pon out of the archway."The Earth Pearl can still make regular Earth mages, it needs to be placed in the altar setting to create a Scorched Earth mage."


    Wind was still surprised that the two range dps in the guild both elected to change their paths."How did Ronnie go before the 24-hour time limit on the original Earth Pearl?"


    Nix shrugged, "It reset when the Temple was upgraded to Scorched Earth. We are using the duplicate to convert Chael."


    Pon glanced at his two friends."Make sure both of you get the Charred Rock Blade buff for this battle. It basically doubles your damage output."


    "Right," Nix replied.


    "Yep." Wind agreed.


    Colonial System Message: All players participating in the Major Faction Event will now have their levels adjusted up or down to reach the mandatory level 50 requirement for this mission.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Looks like we caught a huge break.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s great news for us.


    /Inferno: Nix: I like it.

 Chapter 79 Prepping Glory Bay

    Mina stood on the deck of the Phoenix, she had her hand looped through the arm of her closest human friend.It was a sign of changing times when humans and Aquarions lived in peace.Her pale face was emotionless but inside she was unhappy.Nix stopped by to wish them well, but today he wouldn''t be fighting alongside the Souza Accord.


    "I''m sorry for being difficult about this Nix.I feel disappointed that you won''t be part of the sea battle. "


    "We can''t take the risk that I could be finished off during the first stage of this event."Nix didn''t want to miss the Phoenix''s coming out party either.The Phoenix had already made a reputation for herself at Espana, today they would continue that by becoming the terror of Glory Bay.


    The Aquarion smiled unexpectedly."Did you know that a few of the Aquarion males are showing an interest in Fajii?"


    Nix frowned at the statement, "they are just figuring out how great she is now?"


    Mina nodded, "that doesn''t make you happy?"


    "It''s nothing to do with me." Nix closed his eyes, the noise of the docks was oddly comforting in the calm before the storm."If Fajii is happy, that''s what matters."


    Mina smiled gently, "I think so too."


    "Today, if anyone receives a critical injury they will be transported to a holding area."


    "If I survive the sea battle, then I will find you on the battlefield." Mina placed a hand on his head. "You must be safe until we get there."


    "I see..." Nix didn''t fully understand Aquarion intimacy, but he had seen Aquarions touch each others head like this often.It was a sign of trust. "Once you are there I can cut loose?"


    Mina nodded, "yes of course.The Souza Accord will be sure to protect you."


    Nix felt like laughing, the normally even-keeled Aquarion was being a touch dramatic."Today is great training.Did you use the Reverence stone?"


    "Yes, I am stronger than a Matriarch now."


    "I won''t worry about you so much then." Nix knew he didn''t have to worry about her.With the enhanced Vila, not many humans would be a threat, unless they were able to gang up on her.


    Mina watched as he walked down the gangplank, her expression complicated.The Aquarion''s thought of Nix as one of their own.Without a doubt, he was the key to destroying the artifact in Mermaid City.


    "Don''t worry Nix!We''ll take good care of the Phoenix."


    Nix turned at the voice that called from the ship.Captain Delphi was waving at him from the helm."I expect no less than a dozen kills today, Captain."


    Delphi grinned, "as you say, sir.It''s a fine day to hunt."


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] You guys get to safety yet?


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] Safe and sound on your houseboat hun.Good luck.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] There''s a nice galley on board, feel free to make use of it.


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix]No worries, I''ll feed you when you get back.


    /Guildchat: Nix: All non-combatants make your way to the Sea-World now.


    [Sulane has invited you to the Allied Command channel.]


    /Allied Command: Nix: Thanks for the invite.


    /Allied Command: Sulane: Going to assign you protection today Nix.Keeping you alive gives us the win.


    /Allied Command: Nix: I have a Fire Nemesis and a Scorched Earth Mage protecting me already.


    /Allied Command: Wylie: And an entire Company of Colonial Knights.


    /Allied Command: Sulane: Fine, it looks like you are well-protected.Do you plan on fighting?


    /Allied Command: Nix: Yep.


    Nix walked casually to the temple.He still had plenty of time before he would see action.Most of the guild was not taking part in the sea battle, that would be the ships and the crew for the most part.Allies were gathering on key parts of the island.The Sea Farer fleet was spread out around Glory Bay.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] What''s the plan?


    [Whisiper: Jun Li to Nix] Still debating.Looks like the Terrans have placed their fodder in the front and their stronger ships to the rear.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] They probably have more fodder than the Sea Farers do.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] I''m tempted to match them up with our stronger ships, try and eliminate the garbage and create a two to one mismatch when we face their Dreadnoughts.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Will our weaker ships really be able to contribute much?And what if our stronger ships are damaged taking down their weaker ones.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] All good points, Semmi mentioned them also.What do you think?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] I think we are overmatched in the Sea Battle.The most effective tactic might be one they aren''t expecting.


    Nix arrived at the temple a few minutes later.Shae was wearing her red dress and leaning against the altar. Fajii was nowhere to be seen."You don''t seem dressed for a fight Shae."


    Shae shrugged and grabbed his hand, "we are a few hours from the battle still and it only takes me a few moments to get ready."Without asking she pulled him into the elemental world and sealed it off.


    "What''s going on?"Nix let himself be pulled along, although in truth there wasn''t much he could have done to prevent it anyways.


    "We need to cultivate the brown flame for a while, it will heighten both of our powers." Shae eased out of her dress and placed it carefully on the ground.


    "Um... we have time for this?"Nix started taking off the armor he had already put on.


    Shae''s long hair flowed down her bareback.She eased down into shallow water."Of course."


    Nix noticed a large egg nestled neatly on a nest of brimstone."That the Lamia egg?"


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    Shae nodded and pulled him down beside her."We''ll talk about that when this battle is done."


    *****************


    Mina stood on the deck of the Phoenix.This time she was by herself.Her assault team was gathered together near the starboard bow while she took a few minutes to consider her plans. There were nearly four hundred Aquarions gathered beneath the surface of the bay.She would stay with the Phoenix, but her people would swarm enemy ships under the Command of Milat.


    Colonial System Message: The battle of Glory Bay will start in one hour.All ships must leave the neutral zone at this time.


    Time til Start. 59:59


    Sea Farer Fleet Report: 23 fleets, 169 ships [100 percent]


    Terran Fleet Report: 30 fleets,214 ships [100 percent]


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: All ship captains, I''ve already sent you each a missive on what I expect from you at the start of this mission.


    Mina joined her team and waited as the Phoenix slowly crept up through the ships.Jun Li had decided to risk her best ships by sending them into a mismatch.The Phoenix would break away and use her superior speed and handling to strafe the enemy.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Do you still have that silver sword Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Mid-Tier Salamander says they will abstain from this event if you return it immediately.


    /Inferno: Pon: F*ck Mid-Tier Salamander.


    /Inferno: Sharl: F*ck those bastards.


    /Inferno: Nix: You heard them... I may even use it today.


    /Inferno: Milat: There''s a group of sea turtles moving toward our fleet.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Is this your doing Nix?The battle hasn''t even started yet?


    /Inferno: Nix: No... Use caution.


    Mina ran to the rail and watched as the sea turtles moved quickly through the water, they seemed to be heading toward shore.


    /Inferno: Mina: They are under us!


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: Do not do anything that will get us disqualified!If they are pulling a fast one, let them bear the penalty.


    Mina crossed the ship, she couldn''t see the sea turtles any longer, but given their speed, she could guess where they were."What are they..."


    A thundering explosion instantly disintegrated dozens of ships as water and bits of wood were thrown high into the air.The concussive blast sent Mina sliding across the deck of the Phoenix.


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: That was an attack?Stay in formation!


    Mina picked herself up and walked back toward the far rail.The entire middle portion of their fleet was on fire.She wrinkled her nose at the fire and smoke billowing into the air.She turned toward her people, "prepare to investigate, do no enter the neutral zone no matter what."


    Many of the ships were destroyed immediately, a few on the outskirts received minor damage. Jun Li was frantically trying to reach the event coordinators.The fires were eventually put out, and the huge gap in the middle was filled again.


    ***************


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] We''ve stepped in it this time Nix.The attack was by an independent party, so no penalty can be levied.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li]That''s complete shit.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] That''s not the worst part.Since the event hasn''t started, the loss of ships and personnel cannot be recouped.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] We lose anyone?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] No, I decided to move our forces to the front of the formation.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] No worries Junie.Do your best and we''ll bleed them when they come onshore.


    Time til Start. 10:03


    Sea Farer Fleet Report: 21 fleets, 144 ships [85.2 percent]


    Terran Fleet Report: 30 fleets,214 ships [100 percent]

 Chapter 80 Earth, Wind and Fire

    Delphi was standing at the helm, carefully monitoring the bay in front of her and the timer that was slowly clicking down.At the last minute, Ronnie decided to join the Phoenix, the captain was happy to have the newly minted Scorched Earth Mage.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] I''m going to personally protect your precious Phoenix.So I expect compensation.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] I am open to reason.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] Can I borrow Ducky for a few days?


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    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] What for?


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] Not telling.


    Ronnie smiled to herself as she strolled across the deck to Mina and her Assault team.She wasn''t especially close with the Aquarion but they did know each other."I''m going to stay on board and protect this ship, Mina."


    Mina looked up when she spoke, her coloring had changed only a little given that Ronnie was already dark-skinned.She personally thought that Ronnie was a bit silly but Nix had told her that was only an act."We will board ships when we get the chance.Do you need me to assign you a Vila for protection?"


    Ronnie shook her head."I''ll be fine."She pulled a hairband off of her wrist and tied her hair up in a top pony.


    "You are quite beautiful Ronnie."Mina tried not to stare at the dark girl, the changes brought on by the new class only emphasized her dark beauty.


    Ronnie took out the bow that Shae had made for her and stroked it lovingly. "Nix thinks so," she smiled slyly before wandering back toward the helm.


    [Summon Rock Golem]


    A moment later a huge titan made of brown rock appeared on the deck.He was easily seven feet in height and nearly half that wide.He held a shield and sword, both made from shiny black rock.Ronnie patted its rock arm."You stand in front of anyone who comes at me."


    [Command: Defend Me]


    A movement at her shoulder warned her that Wilo was present.The tiny Air Lord immediately moved in front of the golem to inspect it.A moment later she returned to Ronnie, utterly unimpressed.


    Ronnie laughed at the expression on her tiny face. "Try and get along Wilo.I need you to get to your post now please."


    Wilo pulled hard on one of Ronnie''s pointed ears, she still was unhappy about the changes.A moment later she flashed toward the mainsail and took a seat on the crossbar.


    [Scorched Earth Coating]


    Ronnie grinned widely when her bow changed colors, she could feel the power of earth and fire pulsing in it.She turned toward Delphi."Today you have a Lord of Wind at your disposal, her name is Wilo, please treat her nicely."


    Delphi nodded, A Wind Lord? She eyed the timer, only a few minutes until they started.A movement from up above them drew everyone''s attention.A drake landed nimbly on the deck, her passenger stepped off quickly.


    "Thank you, Fey."Fajii bowed toward the drake before turning toward Mina."Time for buffs."


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    Everyone on deck felt strengthened as a rock barrier instantly became part of their armament.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    The weapons of everyone on deck became more dangerous as their weapons were instantly modified to do Scorched Earth Damage.


    Fajii nodded to herself and jumped back onto Fey''s back."Those should last for the duration, good luck!"


    *******************


    Delphi watched the timer until if finally moved to zero."Hoist full sails! Drop the port cannon doors!"


    Wilo waited until the captain started giving orders, then she hovered close to the mainsail.


    [Gale Wind]


    The Phoenix accelerated off the line, even without help she was the fastest ship in the bay.Delphi charged right into the teeth of the Terran fleet.At two hundred meters he turned hard to starboard.


    "Fire top cannons!"


    The front ranks of the fleet hadn''t space nor time to turn broadside yet as they were shredded by the Phoenix''s guns.Delphi steered around the perimeter of the fleet as her crew alternated firing bottom then top cannons.


    In twenty minutes they completed a near full circle.


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: Good job Phoenix!I want everyone to concentrate on putting the disabled ships down!


    By the time they were behind the Terran fleet, a small gap appeared, and the Dreadnoughts could be seen.Delphi saw her chance and took it."Prepare for deck fighting!We are going in."


    The Phoenix threaded the small gap, her cannons continuing to fire as she moved in.The enemy ships didn''t dare fire at first because of the fear of hitting each other. Someone must have given the order, halfway through the gap the ship came under heavy fire.


    Ronnie shook her head at the forty Vila on deck, someone was going to have a shitty day when they met Mina''s friends.Her rock golem moved surprisingly fast, raising his shield to block an attack from the air.A fire mage on a manta had tried a sneak attack on her.


    "Good luck with that."Ronnie raised her bow and sent three quick shots into the manta.Apparently the water creature didn''t react well to scorched earth damage, it turned upside and dived into the water in an attempt to escape.


    Mina set one of her people into the water to ensure the Fire mage was dead."Your pet is fast Ronnie."


    Ronnie took aim with her bow and started targeted the sails of ships as they went by.Scorched earth damage caused everything it touched to burn."He''s immune to flame too, so he''s a fire mage''s nightmare."


    Wilo moved away from the sail and hovered above her companion''s shoulder.She was staring hard at Ronnie''s bow.She landed lightly on her archery glove and lay both hands on the wrist.


    [Twisted Wind]


    Ronnie watched her for a moment, she felt the power of wind encircle her glove.She fired point-blank into a deckhand fifty yards away.He instantly exploded, causing the rest of his mates to freeze in horror."Earth, Wind, and Fire?My little Wilo is the best!"


    Ronnie ran up and down the deck one-shotting crew from enemy ships.The Scorched Earth mage''s body count continued to climb steadily.Mina and her crew stayed low on the deck, waiting for their chance to board.


    Delphi noticed that the Terrans were opening a path to the Dreadnoughts. "They want to deal with us. I can''t go broadside with them Mina, they''ll light us up!"


    "Understood."Mina waited until the Phoenix turned again and fired at the Dreadnought that was still pointing away from her."Now."Mina, her crew and 40 Vila slipped quietly over the edge.


    *************


    1400 hours Update:


    Sea Farer Fleet Report: 17 Fleets, 118 Ships [69.8 percent]


    Terran Fleet Report: 20 Fleets, 144 Ships [67.2 percent]


    Terran Dreadnought Captain Felix Sori cursed at the turning Phoenix."Why is that ship so f*cking fast? The sound of claws raking the deck caused him to turn just before his entire head was chomped off by a Vila.The creature crunched away a few times and then swallowed it whole.


    Mina stayed next to the rail and directed her Vila while her melee crew tore into the humans.She wrinkled her nose slightly at the brutality of it.Unlike most Aquarions, she had respect for human life.Except for Nix, it generally took at least two human fighters working together to subdue an Aquarion.


    One of her team members speared a sailor through his chest and then flung him over the rail.It was Jersi, the Aquarion equivalent of a tank.He stopped suddenly and glanced toward the hold.Stark terror was written on his face as he spun quickly and charged toward Mina."Retreat now, Mina!"


    Mina trusted her people so she quickly vaulted over the rail of the ship.An instant later the heavy doors of the hold exploded outwards.A huge scaled head pushed upward into the air, it stopped about thirty feet off the deck.Its serpent-like body was greenish-brown and wider than the arm span of three adults.


    Ronnie stared at the huge serpent."The f*ck is that?"She opened fire with her bow, her arrows exploding against its skin didn''t seem to do much damage but it turned its black eyes toward the Phoenix.


    Delphi froze as the creature glided across the sea toward them."It''s a Leviathan!"


    /Allied Sea Command: Ronnie: Big, big snake spotted.The Phoenix is in trouble!


    Mina swam underneath the ancient beast."It''s going toward the Phoenix!"Without considering the idea, she flung herself at its tail and grabbed it with both arms.Seeing her example, the rest of her assault team did the same.They may as well have been gnats, the creature didn''t slow at all.


    Ronnie cursed her luck as she huddled behind her golem."Don''t feel bad if you can''t stop that thing Rocky, a big ass snake like that is definitely cheating."


    Its open maw pointed toward the Phoenix, the hundred-meter distance closed instantly.Before it could get to the Phoenix it suddenly reared up, thirty feet of its body came out of the water as the creature roared in pain.Ronnie ran to the rail, her jaw-dropping.Every Aquarion in the raid was clinging to the Leviathan.Many of them had impaled it with daggers or spears, even the Vila were clinging stubbornly to it.


    Captain Delphi didn''t need an invitation, she turned out of the creature''s path, going broadside she opened up with her cannons at point-blank range.


    Four hundred Aquarions weren''t able to completely stop it, but they did slow it down.It twisted and coiled its body, crushing Aquarions by the dozens.


    It roared again in anger, its wide mouth opening up showing razor sharp fangs that dripped with venom.Halfway through its roar, a creature appeared in front of it, breathing a thick stream of fire right into its mouth.

 Chapter 81 Leviathan

    Nix leaped from the back of Fey, he was aiming for the top of the leviathan''s head but it reared back from the drake''s flames causing him to fall short of the target, stabbing the silver sword and his emerald flame blade deep into the neck of the serpent.


    "Nix!"Ronnie shouted from the deck of the Phoenix, her bow strumming constantly as she sent shot after shot into the beast.She glanced at her combat log, 32 scorched earth poison counters, "keep hitting it.The counters are doing damage."


    Nix hung by his blades as the Leviathan reared back.


    [Aura Ignition]


    He plunged a tentacle into the beast and used it to scamper around to its back.He clamped all of his strands around the leviathan and continued to hack away at it with both swords.The beast was becoming frantic as the scorched earth counters from hundreds of attacks began to take a toll."Keep it up!"


    Ronnie caught the movement out of the corner of her eye,"Water Mages Nix!"


    [Kraken''s Strength: Reflection]


    One of the water mages was tossed off his manta, half of his body crushed.The second mage followed up on the attack and a moment later a water orb the size of a horse slammed into Nix, tossing him into the air directly and at the Leviathan''s maw.


    Nix tried to shield himself, holding his blades out in front of himself to ward off the attack, but it never came.Instead, he plunged toward the sea, a swooping Fey just managed to get under him before quickly banking away.Nix glanced back, his jaw-dropping in surprise.


    The entire inside of the Leviathan''s mouth was encased in a ball of ice.A young girl wearing a white robe stood casually in the air.She waved her hands once and a half dozen ice shards shaped like spears plunged into the serpent''s face.


    Fey gained altitude and dived once again toward their target."Who is that Nix?"


    Nix stood on her shoulders, anchoring himself with his emerald strands."That''s Shi, the Ice Spirit of the Cyphix Temple."


    [Balefire]


    A white stream of fire struck the creature through one eye and continued out the back of its head.An exhausted Nix collapsed to one knee as Fey charged toward it and blasted it in the face with another round of flames.He downed a bottle of mana potion, his head clearing instantly.


    The Leviathon gave out a deafening roar of pain and thrashed in the seas as it ceased fighting and struggled to escape.


    "F*ck!"Ronnie cursed as the huge serpent came down on the stern of the Phoenix, half the ship instantly disappeared, including Captain Delphi.She sprinted for the rail as the spasming Leviathon continued its death roll.She dived cleanly in the water, almost immediately she found herself surrounded by Mina and her team.They had let go when the leviathan had been mortally wounded.


    "Are you okay Ronnie?"Mina assigned two Vila to protect her since her golem had sunk to the bottom of the sea.


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: Nix!Get out of there now!


    Nix was already flying back toward shore, shadowing the Leviathon as it finally collapsed, sending seawater spraying high into the air.Nix landed Fey on the beast and quickly jumped off.


    [You have slain a legendary creature]


    [Beast Slayer title has been updated 3/6]


    [The inferno Guild has received 75 thousand Sea Farer faction points]


    [Do you wish to skin the Leviathan?]


    "Yes!"


    [1 Titanic Leviathan skin has been added to your inventory]


    [Do you wish to process the Leviathan meat?]


    "Yes. Good thing I restocked."


    [All of your available cans have been filled, 1800 cans of Leviathan meat]


    /Inferno: Nix: You okay Ronnie?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Better than okay, I just received the Beast Slayer title.


    /Inferno: Nix: Everyone who damaged it probably did.F*ck... we lost the Phoenix.


    Nix noticed the loot icon, so he activated it.


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    You''ve Received the Thief Ring.


    You''ve Received the Assassin''s cloak.


    You''ve Received the Leviathan Armor.


    You''ve Received the Ice Seed.


    "I now consider us even Nix." The young girl who had saved him from the jaws of death floated casually in the air, her long white hair swayed as if it were in the water.


    Nix bowed low."Thank you, Shi. It dropped an ice item.Perhaps it is something you can use?"


    Shi moved closer and examined the item he held out."An Ice Seed?"Shi sighed heavily, "I just removed our debt and now I incur another?"


    Nix shook his head, "this is your earned bounty from helping with the Leviathan.I''m not doing you a favor here."


    Shi accepted the Seed."I''m going home. I shall help you again sometime if I''m able."


    Nix nodded, "of course.Let me know if I can help you also."


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: Nix, bring Ronnie and get back to Shae.


    /Allied Sea Command: Nix: I''m on my way, Junie.


    Ronnie swam toward the Phoenix, its bow still partly out of the water. She pulled herself out of the water and stepped onto the wreckage.


    "I thought you were going to protect my ship!"


    Ronnie frowned at Nix."This isn''t my fault!" She held her head in both hands, the destruction caused by the Leviathan was passed any sort of salvaging.


    Nix hopped off of Fey''s back when she landed on the only section of the Phoenix still above water.


    Ronnie shrieked at them, "Are you trying to sink us?" Wilo was hovering next to her, the Air Lord''s tiny eyes still watched the Serpent.


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: Nix?What are you guys doing?The sea battle is all but lost.


    /Allied Sea Command: Nix: Waiting, no worries Junie, we''ll be there.


    Nix stood on the broken bow of the Phoenix, he could still feel the last remnants of power within her.It was his ship, so of course, he knew what she could do.A glanced told him that the four Dreadnoughts in the middle of the Terran Fleet were moving toward them."Where the f*ck do you get a Leviathan?"


    Ronnie moved beside him and gripped his hand tightly."What''s the play here boss?"


    Nix glanced at the vertical irises.They gave the already beautiful girl a certain degree of exoticism that wasn''t there before. "We are going to send those Dreadnoughts off properly."


    "I did well though.Right"Ronnie''s full lips were curved in a smile.


    Nix shook his hand loose from hers and patted her on the head."Very impressive princess. Not get on Fey please."


    He moved forward to the figurehead and placed his hand on the Phoenix that was still above water.He smiled and targeted the Dreadnoughts."Here''s a lesson for you bitches."


    [Red Lady]


    The beautifully carved figurehead moved slightly before it started expanding rapidly.Nix jumped onto Fey''s back and escaped just as the beautiful red Phoenix took to the air.


    Ronnie clung to his back, normally the drake wouldn''t have been able to carry two but with the armor Nix had made, her strength was more than up to the task."What is that Nix?"


    Nix watched as the bird glided easily across the small space to the Dreadnoughts."That''s a Phoenix."


    The ancient cry of the fire predator filled the air as the flames around her increased in brightness and heat.She glided over the decks of the Dreadnoughts, setting them on fire.She seemed invulnerable to attack as they crews onboard fired on her.She landed nimbly on the first ship, setting it ablaze before moving on to the next.When she took to the air a minute later, all four ships were raging with flame.


    Nix thought she would self-destruct, but instead, she ascended easily into the clouds before disappearing in a flash of red."Chalk up four Dreadnoughts to the Phoenix.Captain Delphi will love that."


    Fey climbed steadily and headed toward the Fire Palace.


    /Allied Sea Command: Jun Li: All ships... We are close to the limit on fleet loss.Let''s stretch it out as much as possible.


    Shae and Severance were standing together in the courtyard of the Fire Palace when Fey landed. Fajii and Chael were down a level just inside the Scorched Earth Temple archway.


    "Nice to see you again,Palace Lord."Severance bowed slightly, her tone was much more respectful than the last time they had met.


    "Thank you for coming Lord Severance."Nix returned the bow politely before glancing around the palace grounds."The city has stone walls, perhaps we should have done something similar."


    "That''s not necessary Nix."Fajii''s soft voice spoke from the landing as she made her way up the steps. Lamia Acolytes were following behind her, two hundred of them in all.


    "Can you do something about our defenses?" Nix noted how confident the Aquarion seemed, she nodded her head in greeting to the two Salamanders.


    "As the Scorched Earth Temple Mage, I can set up a proper defensive wall."Fajii knelt on one knee and placed both hands on the ground.The power around her started to gather, causing the ground to shake and rumble.Rock barries started shooting out from the Earth, they were flaming, smoking barriers nearly twenty feet in height.In succession, they rose up on the perimeter, over the course of a few minutes a wall of scorched earth formed around the Fire Palace grounds.


    Nix whistled, it was ugly but very effective.He could feel the heat radiating off the walls."The sea battle will be lost in the next twenty minutes, more than enough time to gear up. Have the Acolytes line up please."

 Chapter 82 A few moments of Calm

    Nix looked at the crafting queue he had set up for the Lamia Acolytes.Their robes just didn''t have the necessary protection. The top acolyte was a Lamia named Sori, she was barely understandable, all of her words seemed to be drowned out by hissing.He examined the Leviathan leather before deciding to use it.


    Leviathan Leather: Legendary


    Description: Anything made with this


    material gains + 5 endurance and +5 speed


    for every five minutes of continuous battle.


    All incoming damage is reduced by 20 percent.


    [Sori Dah] [Enhancement: Leviathan Leather][Thread: Ceramic twine] [Needle: Brimstone Hook] [Primary Material: Leviathan] [Secondary Material: Kraken Leather]


    Nix decided that since the acolytes had a high fire tolerance, it was better to add Kraken strength to their armor.Last time he combined two legendary materials, he made primal armor.Every attempt to create the recipe would cost 12 million credits.


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    [There are two legendary items in this crafting attempt, do you wish to continue?]


    "Yes."


    He received the success message after one try.


    [Primal Gear has been created. Please name the creation.]


    "Scorched Earth Defender." Nix decided that mass-produced armor didn''t need an awe-inspiring name."


    Scorched Earth Defender [Sori Dah]


    Armor: Primal


    Description: This armor is made for


    long drawn out battles, with the passing


    minutes the wearer gets stronger and faster.


    +50 Strength [Base Start: +5 every 5 minutes]


    +50 AC [Armor Class]


    +10 Speed [Base Start: +5 every 5 minutes]


    He handed the armor to the Lamia acolyte.


    Sori shed her robe in front of him and quickly put on the new armor. From the waist up she appeared nearly normal, her skin shimmered with a snake-like quality and her nipples appeared nearly black.At her waist she became completely serpent, she was about five feet tall with a few feet of tail sticking out from behind her."SSSThankssss," her raspy voice caused Nix to shudder slightly, he was definitely not a snake fan.


    Nix turned to face Fajii, somehow the verticle irises on her seemed warmer."Line them up, we are in business."


    Shae had been talking to Severence, she approached quickly and interrupted him."Mind if I inspect Nix?I sense the Beast Slayer title has increased your abilities again."


    Nix smiled at her, "be my guest."


    Nix


    Level 50[Locked: Actual Level 95]


    Strength 90


    Endurance 93


    Intelligence 55


    Dexterity 55


    Perception 55


    Mana 18900/18900


    Cold Resistance 120 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 120 [Burning Aura]


    Emerald Flame Strands90 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of the Fire Lord [Salamander]


    Secondary: Spellsword


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm


    Combustion


    Comet Strike


    Secondary Path Skills


    Flame Blade


    Flight of the Gryphon


    [Spirit Animal 3/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Siren]


    3: Fey [Fire Drake]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor100


    Beast Slayer [Legendary Creature 3/6]


    Description: You have slain three legendary


    beasts in single combat.+20 to all Stats.


    [Kraken''s Strength] Your enemy''s


    first attack will be reflected back upon them.


    [Lamia''s Curse]


    Your attacks add one stackable poison counter.


    [Leviathan Speed]


    During drawn-out battles, your attack speed increases


    by +5 every five minutes.


    "Hmm... very nice Nix."Shae leaned forward and kissed his forehead."I''m looking forward to this."


    Nix grinned, "I''ll protect you properly."


    Shae laughed at his words before moving back to Severance.


    Nix turned back toward the long line of acolytes."Okay, let''s get this moving."He set up the queue for mass production, all he needed to do was continually change the names to custom it to each acolyte.


    *****************


    Wind ran down the length of the wall that surrounded Glory City.The lean scout stopped at the southern wall.He ran his long fingers through his dark hair and frowned at the fire mage as he landed his manta next to him."Aren''t you the poor cousin?"


    Pon''s wrinkled face scowled at him."The hell does that mean?"


    "Just saying... A big bad fire mage rides a water creature?"Wind had grown close with both Pon and Nix in recent weeks."The other fire mage in Inferno rides a ... well... let''s just call it a badass Fire Drake, with stealth, fire breath, and great grammar."


    Pon sighed heavily, the scout had hit a sore spot.Nix''s mount was about as cool as a fire mage could hope for."I''m so jealous of that young punk."


    Sharl and Chael joined them a moment later.Sharl had her fire spear in one hand and a large kite shield in the other."You guys get some of Fajii''s buffs?"


    Pon nodded, "we went there first."


    "This a private party?"Semmi smiled at her friends.They had all been assigned the south wall.It was likely that this would bear the brunt of the attack; Gypsy, Tess, Banzi and Jun Li accompanied her.


    Sharl grinned when she saw the clerics."You brought healers and more tanks!"


    "We were just pointing out how much Pon admires and respects Nix."Wind said it with a straight face, ignoring the Fire Mage''s sudden intake of air.


    Banzi nodded, "he has a beautiful Salamander that protects him too."


    "You think Shae is beautiful?"A voice spoke from behind him, a green armored knight with silver-colored hair approached the group.


    Banzi was tempted to reply but decided not too.He had been spending a lot of time with the Knight Captain."You''re on the wall with us Wylie?"


    Wylie smiled, the effect of which froze all the males in the group.The Colonial Knight barely ever smiled."I was only teasing Banz."She patted his arm casually but the rest of them understood the message.They were an item.


    Wind shook his head in disbelief.Banzi was is best friend but not someone who was good with females.Somehow the giant tank had stumbled through and found a girlfriend.He stole a glance at Jun Li and Semmi.Both of them were attractive in their own way, Sharl seemed unattainable somehow. Maybe he should take a page out of Nix''s book and start hanging out with Aquarions."Where are the Aquarions setting up?"


    Jun Li was studying the landscape in front of the South wall.They''d come with ladders and try to scale.No other way to do it quickly. "Mina and her assault team went to the Temple to help Nix, the rest of the Aquarions are guarding the harbor side in case we see an attack from that direction."


    Wind shook his head, "right... because Nix needs more protection."


    Semmi grinned, she had lobbied to join the Temple defense, "200 hundred Lamia acolytes, Severence, Shae, Fajii, the Aquarions, and Ronnie are all there now."


    Pon scowled, that little bastard always had a backup. "Don''t forget the Fire Palace acolytes as well."


    Jun Li pulled out her sword and swished it through the air. She smiled at the hiss the blade made when it cut through the air.The Inferno group was placed in-between two cannons that would alternate firing. Their job was to plug the 100-meter gap between them."As long as Nix stays alive, we will win the event."


    Semmi stared at her friend, "Junie... Isn''t that the blade Nix stole from the Caliph''s son?"


    Jun Li nodded, "yep, he handed it to me when I went to see him."As soon as she touched the blade, she wanted it for her own, Nix could be very accommodating with his friends."We decided we''d keep it and Salamander could f*ck themselves sideways."


    [14:52 Faction Event Update]


    The Terran Fleet has won the sea portion of this event.All hands prepare for invasion.


    Semmi placed a hand on her friend''s shoulder."The cheapshot at the beginning and the leviathan tipped the scales, Junie, even so, we hung on for almost two hours."


    Sharl moved toward the wall."I''ll take the center if no one cares."The tall dark woman smiled at her friends, without a doubt she was the top tank at Inferno.


    Jun Li nodded in agreement, "I''ll go left of you."

 Chapter 83 Unbreakable walls

    Sulane rode her Manta over the south wall of Glory city.She was stunned at how big the city had grown and how strong its defense was.One guild would have no chance of staging any sort of coup.She brought up her wall defense menu.


    [Allied Command: South Wall Defense]


    Sharl


    Banzi


    Jun Li


    Wind


    Pon


    Semmi


    Gypsy


    Tess


    Wylie


    [Lock in this Defense?]


    "Yes." Sulane liked the class breakdown, three healers, three tanks and three dps.After locking down the South wall defense, the wall couldn''t be breached until all of them were dead or had retreated from the wall.


    She turned her manta back toward the north wall.She had elected to put the elite from Resolute there, the rest of her guild was entrenched in makeshift bunkers outside of the walls.Their job was to slow down progress and create havoc with the invading force. More then anything, she wanted to see what her new allies were made of. She had tried to inspect the Temple defense but Shae ran her off.


    /Allied Commander: Sulane: The hoard is gathering, be ready!The first few waves will be the hardest.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let''s use the Inferno chat for local comm so we stay off the allied channel.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Shields Up!


    [Allied Shield Wall x3]


    All damage is now routed through the shield wall.


    Pon inhaled deeply and then let it out, his mana pool was almost double what it normally was.Given the existence of the Fire Palace and now the Scorched Earth Temple, on Glory Island, Fire Mages ruled."Time to burn shit."


    All nine of them jumped when the cannon to the left of them fired, a second and a half later the right one caused the same reaction.There were smiles all around at their own reaction.They fired every three seconds, which meant every 1.5 seconds since they were alternating.They watched the hoard slam into the entrenched guilds, their allies did a surprisingly good job of limiting the numbers that were able to pass by.


    Nearly a hundred from the Terran faction made it through the lines, the firing cannons shortened their range and continued to weed them down as they sprinted toward the wall carrying long ladders and ropes.


    A flying creature unstealthed right above the battlefield.


    [Carpet Bomb]


    The entire area was blanketed with small explosions.Fey dipped her wings and then banked back toward the temple.


    Sharl squinted at the Drake."Was Nix flying?''


    Pon shook his head."It was just Fey.Bastard''s using his companion to sop up some extra kills.Shameless."


    Wind laughed at the old man''s posturing, "now''s your chance."


    Pon stood behind Banzi and raised his hands, they instantly burst into flames.


    [Volcanic Tribute]


    A wide swath of land the size of a soccer field burst into flames, screams of agony and the smell of burnt flesh filled the air.The old man laughed maniacally and shouted at the charging crowd. "Welcome to Glory Island Shitheads!"


    Four ladders started to go up at once, a moment later they burst into flames.A gold armored knight managed to scamper up the ladder and make it to the wall.


    [Balefire]


    A white flash of flame took the knight through his visored helm, he fell lifelessly to the ground below.


    Wind frowned at the fire mage."Hey... don''t be so selfish, we want to get a few hits in."


    Semmi nodded in agreement before stealthing, Wind smiled at the spot where she had been standing and followed suit.


    "Damn stealth classes," Pon muttered under his breath.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: First wave and we only experienced light contact.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Really light.


    Over the next half hour, three more waves of fighters charged the South Wall, only to be wiped out by Allied defense. Finally, on the fifth wave, a dozen Terrans made it on the wall.


    "COME ON!"Sharl met the charge of a group of four heavily armored Assailants, Banzi moved with her while Jun Li hung back with the clerics.


    [Fire Field]


    Pon has cast Fire Field, all nearby enemies receive a fire counter that deals light damage every thirty seconds.


    The entire area around them burst into flames, the low-level AE didn''t bother the armored fighters but it exposed a stealthed fighter moving toward the healers.


    [Natures Sanctuary]


    Wylie has cast Natures Sanctuary and all nearby allies are healed for half of their existing health.


    [Divine Armor]


    Tess has cast Divine Armor on Sharl. Divine armor continually heals ten percent of target health every 30 seconds for three minutes.


    "Bree!" Jun Li moved to intercept the swordsman, her silver blade flashing out to parry his.


    "You bitch!That''s my blade."Bree ignored the target and attacked with multiple slashes, driving Jun Li back a step.


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    /Inferno: Pon: Should we help her?


    [Backstab]


    Semmi has landed a critical strike onBree.


    [Backstab]


    Wind has landed a critical strike on Bree.


    Jun Li leaped in and removed Bree''s head with a casual swipe of the silver sword."This is my sword now bitch!"


    /Inferno: Wind: Bree is a guy right?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Aye, a very pretty one.


    /Inferno: Nix: Bree is there?Do you need help?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Why would we need help?


    Sharl slammed her shield upwards into the chin of one of the attacks, her spear flashed instantly and opened up his throat, spraying her nearby teammates with blood.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Oh god... that''s not coming out.


    /Inferno: Tess: Kinda gross hun.


    The tank laughed and used her shield again to stun an opponent before running him through with her spear.She kicked him off the wall a moment later.


    "That''s my son''s sword you have there Inferno bitch!"A handsome middle-aged man in leather armor walked carefree down the wall toward them.


    /Inferno: Semmi:Bugger... It''s Calyph.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We are going to need that help Nix.He''ll wipe us all.


    The slender man stood ramrod straight, every movement seemed impossibly graceful."I gave that sword to my son, whom you should never have touched."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll hold him off as long as I can.Finish the rest of this group!


    Jun Li circled Calyph warily, suddenly jumping in with her sword.He casually went to block it with his blade but was forced to leap back and defend her shield strike.


    "Very nice feint.You have potential."Caliph smiled at Jun Li, "hand me the sword and come with me.I will be your master!"


    "Sure..."Jun Li leaped forward again, attacking quickly both high and low before landing a kick that spun the man slightly.


    "Who taught you the sword young lady?"Calyph stopped retreating and moved forward, his blade flashing faster than the eye could follow.A moment later Jun Li screamed and the silver sword fell onto the wall along with her hand.


    [Go no further]


    Gypsy has cast root and bound Calyph in place.


    Banzi grabbed Jun Li and pulled her back toward the group, she grabbed the silver sword before he did so.


    Jun Li pried her own fingers loose from the sword and switched it to her left hand.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''re in trouble here Nix, this guy can take us all.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t worry, help is coming.


    [Disclaimer: In Colonial, the non-fatal loss of limbs cannot be healed by normal means.You can be fully healed, but the missing limb won''t be returned unless you are rezzed or restored by game events.]


    The root wore off and Calyph advanced on the group. All three clerics tried in vain to reroot him.


    "Should you really be picking on the younger generation?"A slurred voice spoke from behind Calyph.An old man in bare feet and greasy gray hair stared at the immaculate swordsman.


    "Whoever you are, you''d be best served by not interfering with me."Calyph''s smooth voice held all the arrogance of a Swordmaster.


    "I was looking for the master who sometimes helps me resolve issues like this one.Have you seen Baiter?"The speaker held a half-empty bottle of wine in one hand and a sword in the other.


    "I haven''t seen any Master Baiter, please die without speaking further."Calyph moved forward and flashed his blade quickly, he immediately jumped backward in retreat, a deep gash opened on his cheek.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Oh god... Did that old man just make a masturbation joke?


    /Inferno: Nix:I''m sure she did.


    /Inferno: Pon: The f*ck you say?She?


    Chiba finished off the bottle and tossed it to one side."Come then, pretend master."She flashed toward the shocked swordsman and attacked.


    Calyph stopped the first two slashes but was run through the chest when he tried to retreat. He collapsed to his knees in shock."Who are you?"


    Chiba shrugged and picked up the blade Calyph had dropped."You blocked two of my attacks, so in your honor, I will keep this blade."


    /Inferno: Jun Li:I didn''t even see the attack.


    Chiba turned back toward the group as Calyph''s critically hit body vanished.She stared at Wind for a moment."Are you Pon?Nix said you would take good care of me."The old woman licked her lips suggestively.


    Wind shook his head and pointed to the Fire Mage."He''s Pon."


    Chiba wrinkled her nose, "the old ugly guy?"


    Both of Pon''s hands glowed with fire."You''re an old ugly guy!"


    Chiba sighed unhappily."Fine, after we finish this mission I''ll shag you properly.It''s obvious you''ve never had a woman as hot as me."


    Wind turned away to hide his laughter, he wasn''t along."Please take good care of Pon."


    Jun Li put the silver sword away and hoisted her shield in her hand."Looks like I''m all defense now, let''s get ready for the next wave!"

 Chapter 84 Fire Palace Champion

    Sulane rode her Manta high above Glory City, with less than an hour remaining, the Terran forces hadn''t managed to breach the tall walls of the city.She admitted to herself with some jealousy, after today the popularity of Glory City would skyrocket.People wanted to work and live in a secure place.


    /Allied Command: Nix: Hey... Are they coming yet Sulane?


    The guild leader from Resolute ground her teeth, initially hundreds of riders had stormed the air around the Fire Palace.However, when Shae floated upwards and made her presence known, the water creatures that served as mounts disobeyed their rider''s instructions and retreated.Since then there had only been a few small skirmishes in front of the walls.Nix had taken a group of Lamia acolytes over the wall to fight several times.


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix] Please say within the temple walls Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane] As you say, commander.


    Sulane frowned as he left the walls again a group of Aquarions.


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix] You say that but then you cross the walls anyway?


    A smile came to her face when he stopped and looked around.She was aware that something odd was going on with him.Each passing battle saw his effectiveness increase.It wasn''t just him, many of the defenders seemed to get faster as the minutes ticked by.She frowned suddenly as a large group formed once again in the ranks of the Terrans.She pulled out a spyglass to zoom in on them.


    The large force was mounted on giant water horses, they were easily three times the size of a standard warhorse.They needed to be in order to carry the giant Ashobel.Although technically not Ice Giants, those actually existed but were exceedingly rare.TheAshobel lived in the Polar regions of Colonial.They usually stood around eight feet in height and weighed triple what a man typically weighs.They were covered in long thick fur that ranged from white to light blue.With the long claws and teeth of a predator, they were the primary reason no one bothered to explore the Icecaps. Normally if they used weapons, it was a club or spear.


    /Allied Command: Sulane: Incoming Charge Nix, they are Ashobel!


    Shae had stood in the courtyard of the Fire Palace all day.There were Water Lords present, she could feel them.For some reason, they hadn''t shown themselves yet.She rose slowly off the ground until she could see the charging force.


    /Inferno: Shae: Careful everyone, the Ashobel are riding Ceffyl D?r.


    /Inferno: Nix: What?


    /Inferno: Shae: Ancient water horses, unlike other water creatures they don''t fear fire.Don''t be fooled by them running, they are also capable of flight.


    /Inferno: Nix: Fajii have your acolytes man the walls.


    The Lamia acolytes all carried daggers and bows. The weapons they carried had an especially potent Scorched Earth poison.


    Nix joined Mina and her assault team."Ever fight Ashobel Min?"


    Mina shook her head, "I know of them of course.They don''t bother the Aquarions much.Occasionally one of us will wander into their territory."


    "I see."Nix eyed the group that was charging toward them."How do you fight them?"


    "Fight them?"Mina stared at him like for a moment."We don''t fight them Nix, we retreat as fast as possible.They eat humans and Aquarions!"


    Nix summoned Fey and climbed on her back."You know of these Ceffyl D?r?"


    Fey''s scaled head nodded, "don''t be fooled by the ground charge, they can fly."


    "So I hear." Nix downed an invisibility potion and had Fey stealth."Let''s expose them then."


    Fey climbed quickly into the air then banked hard and broke into a steep dive.


    [Carpet Bomb]


    The mass of charging giants were suddenly covered in tiny explosions, immediately a handful of them flew into the air and gave chase.Fey stealthed again and banked back toward the pursuit.This time she raked them with her flames.


    Nix kept low on her shoulders, several spears were chucked at them but Fey''s constant maneuvers kept them fairly safe.She retreated toward Glory City, this time she didn''t bother to stealth."What you doing Fey?"


    He could hear the Drake laughing as if something were funny.A moment later the wall cannons of Glory started firing."Hmm... smart move Fey."


    /Inferno: Nix: Move into the temple ground Min, the walls aren''t going to stop them.


    /Inferno: Mina: Please hurry.


    With the pursuit taken care of, they headed back toward the walls.Fey easily overtook the Ceffyl D?r mounts and landed long enough to drop Nix off before taking to the air once again.


    Nix could feel the charge under his feet, the temple grounds shook with the pounding of heavy hooves. There were only about twenty but it sounded like an entire army bearing down on them.


    The Ceffyl D?r cleared the Temple walls easily, immediately the air was filled with the shrieks of agony as the Lamia acolytes fired arrows directly into the soft underbelly of the water horses.Nearly every giant who crossed the wall found himself on foot.The Lamia archers concentrated on killing the mounts first as the Aquarions intercepted the Ashobel.


    All forty of Mina''s Vilas were summoned into the courtyard.A group of three Ashobel recognized Min as a threat and headed towards her.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s take one and leave the other two for your Vila.


    Nix extended one hand and six emerald strands shot out, three around each arm.The Ice creature roared in pain as his long fur burst into flames.Normally Nix wouldn''t even feel resistance when he had six strands on something, but the creature yanked his arms back and jerked him into the air.


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    Mina moved fast, her long spear stabbing into the side of the creature while her Vila attacked the other two.Fire and arrows filled the air as the forces from the Fire Temple responded under Derva''s command.


    Nix dug his heels in and held the strands with one hand.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    Nix leaped into the air and slashed at the neck of the creature with all of his strength, unexpectedly the large furry head went flying, a look of shock on its face.


    "Watch out!" Mina dived into Nix, knocked him to one side just as a massive war club landed where he had been standing.


    The giant club didn''t move, its owner stared at Nix with malevolent eyes.He held up a hand and his warriors stopped fighting.


    Nix climbed to his feet."Stand down."Immediately the Lamia and Fire Acolytes stopped fighting.


    The giant was the largest of the group.A feathered headdress from some huge predator adorned his head.He pointed at Nix."You, Me!"


    /Inferno: Mina: He''s the chieftain Nix, most likely he can use magic also.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks for the tip.


    "You want to challenge the Fire Palace Champion?"Nix glanced over at Shae who hadn''t bothered to fight yet.She smiled and nodded like she was taking an evening stroll."Fine then."


    /Inferno: Nix: This is a diversion Shae, they''ll strike at you soon.


    /Inferno: Shae: I shall remain on guard.


    Fighters from both groups formed a large circle as a temporary cease in aggression was initiated.Nix stared across the circle at the Ice giant.Nine feet tall and four hundred pounds of muscle.His long fur was the color of snow, huge fangs grinned at Nix as he switched out his club for a large ax.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shae... there''s something off about the six Ashobel closest to you.


    /Inferno: Shae: Of course dear, they are water lords.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s kill them then.


    /Inferno: Shae: Don''t worry.Well done, by the way, even Severance didn''t catch it.


    Nix nodded to himself, ahand on his shoulder caused him to turn around.


    "Please be careful Nix."Mina had her spear ready, "I don''t like this."


    "No worries Min."


    Nix moved away from the perimeter of the circle.He stared at the Chieftain and advanced toward him a few steps. "I''m Nix, the Fire Palace Champion."


    The chieftain growled at him before holding out his ax."I''m Glacio, Ashobel Chieftain."His voice was deep and raspy. "Prepare for your death human."


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix''s aura burst into flames around him, all the Ashobel took a step back, including Glacio.


    Glacio roared and charged in with his ax.


    [Ice Roar]


    [Your opponent has attacked you, but you are immune]


    Nix raised a hand and six-strand encircled the ankles of Glacio, causing him to fall heavily onto the ground.Nix flashed in and slashed at his back, just managing to dodge the ax as the Chieftain spun on the ground to attack again.


    Light blue blood splashed on the temple courtyard.The Ashobel howled at the sight of their Chieftain''s blood.


    [Flame Snare]


    Chieftain Glacio has been slowed.


    The Ashobel Chieftain paused, ignoring the pain from the DoT snare. [Damage over Time] His hands glowed slightly.


    [Snow Blindness]


    [Your opponent has attacked you, but you are immune]


    "F*CK! I can''t see!"Nix screamed in agony and clutched his eyes with one hand, he waved his sword madly in the air striking at everything.


    The Chieftain took three long slow strides forward and brought his ax downward at Nix''s head.At the last moment, Nix dodged to one side and stabbed his emerald sword deep into the chest of Glacio.He leaped backward as the ice creature tried to clutch at him.


    [Balefire]


    A white-hot flame took the Chieftain in the chest and sent him sprawling.Nix followed up and raised his sword for the finish, the other Ashobel howled in protest.


    The six Ashobel nearest Shae raised their hands.Their skins seemed to fall away from their flesh and land on the ground in loud bloody flops.Even the other Ashobel seemed shocked.


    Fajii was the first to respond as she cast magic in rapid suggestion.


    [Earth Mire]


    All nearby enemies have been slowed.


    [Ground Quake]


    All enemies within 20 meters will take damage for the next three minutes.


    The remaining Ashobel grabbed their Chieftain and retreated from the battle.


    Ronnie moved beside Fajii, her bow raised."Let''s work together!"


    [Summon Rock Golem]


    Shae walked calmly toward the Water Lord group, a flaming blade held in each hand.The marble of the courtyard melting under her bare feet. "You dare enter this Fire Palace?"

 Chapter 85 Victory

    Nix drank a mana potion to steady himself, the Ashobel were carrying their Chieftain toward the walls, they''d only moved a few steps before his wounds caused him to disappear."Shit..."


    [Temple Champion Challenge Complete]


    [You have received the First Blood Medal]


    Mina moved beside him, but the leaderless Ashobel decided to flee rather than fight.She called the rest of her Vila to her, only twelve of them still survived.She assigned six to defend Ronnie and Fajii, the rest followed her.She pointed to the Water Lords."Summoning circle Nix!"


    A dozen emerald strands shot out and wrapped themselves around two of the Water Lords. He yanked backward with all his strength, the surprised Water Lords flew towards them.


    [Flight of the Gyphon]


    Nix dropped the strands from one of the lords, they met in the air as his emerald blade sliced neatly through his waist.Blood splattered the ground, his upper and lower body going in different directions.


    [Water Clense]


    Berik has broken free of your control


    [Water Spear]


    Berik has flung the might of the seas at you.


    Nix felt the other six strands he held collapse, he leaped to one side just as several water spears impaled the marble tile he had been standing on.


    Fey unstealthed in mid-dive and slammed into the Water Lord, her sharp teeth clamped down on one shoulder, the weight of the Fire Drake pinning him down.


    [Summons; Ducky]


    The Siren appeared next to him a moment later.


    Berik has been Charmed.


    Nix leaped at the charmed Water Lord and removed his head with a quick slash.Relying on Ducky to keep a high-level Water Creature charmed was too risky, better to take the opportunity to attack."Help Fajii and Ronnie!"


    Severance was locked in a vicious air battle with a Water Lord, her fire colored blood dripped onto the floor.


    [Meteor Storm]


    Nix has cast Meteor Storm, all enemies within 30 meters will take damage for the next three minutes.


    [Comet Strike]


    You have struck a critical blow on Verazi


    The Water Lord fighting Severance grimaced and retreated away from the fight.Her watery eyes found Nix."You dare attack me little Salamander?"


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    Nix leaped toward Verazi, the distance was too far.He quickly sent a half dozen emerald strands around her neck and arms, dragging her to the ground while she screamed in agony.


    "Watch out!"


    Nix heard Mina''s warning and turned as a water spear blurred toward his chest.Two strong arms pushed him to one side, the spear taking her through the neck.She collapsed onto the ground, her pale lips opened and closed a few times before pinkish blood oozed out of them. "Mina!"


    She vanished just before Nix reached her.He stood there for a moment, staring at the bloody tiles where she had been.His vision started to blur, his flame aura darkening.


    Shae tore the culprit in half with her bare hands an instant later, both Water Lords she had faced were at the summit of their class.She scanned the area, Severance finished off the last one.A power spike drew her attention to Nix, her eyes widening in horror."Nix!"


    She closed the distance instantly but didn''t touch him.His emerald aura had flecks of deep brown."Nix!Push the brown flames away!She''s fine, our friends will be rezzed after the fight!"


    For a moment the brown flames threatened to spread, but slowly they faded until Nix''s aura returned to normal and flamed out.He collapsed to his knees afterward, gasping desperately for air.


    Severance watched him from a few meters away.This was the younger version of herself, deep blue hair and an ageless face."You are too weak to wield the brown flame Nix, even your mate can''t do that yet.You''d only burn yourself into an empty husk."


    The sounds of fighting drew their attention to the walls.The Lamia and Fire Palace acolytes were fighting off the last desperate charges of the Terrans.


    Colonial System Faction Event Message: Sea Farer Headquarters has succeeded in evacuating Shidai Oruk to an undisclosed location.All Sea Farer participants receive a faction promotion of one level.All Terran participants receive a faction demotion of one level.Guild and individual awards will be compiled and given out at 1800 hours. All resources and assets will be restored at 1800 hours.Individuals who were critically injured during the event will now be revived at their binding point.


    Sulane breathed a sigh of relief when she read the announcement.She glanced at Glory City and the South wall.A few minor injuries and a mountain of bodies, Inferno was a tough nut to crack.


    /Allied Command: Sulane: Great job everyone.This event will change the power structure in the factions for years to come!


    ****************


    Nix excused himself quickly and ported directly to the Sea-World. It was irrational, but fear gripped him.What if Min wasn''t revived?He ran towards the front door of the cottage, his steps slowing when the door opened and an Aquarion dressed in black stepped out.


    "Nix!"She hugged him tight for a long moment."I was so worried about you."


    Nix grinned at his Aquarion friend."Really?You were stabbed in the neck."


    Mina shrugged, she had moved when he was in danger. It was an instinct because he was important to her.She stroked his dark hair with one hand, a smile on her face."I care about you Nix."


    Nix nodded, his expression turning serious."Same here."


    Mina gave him a small smile and stepped away."Am I prettier now?"


    Nix laughed, she seemed less alien than she had ever been."I was only teasing you when I said your looks were average."


    Mina frowned at him."You weren''t serious?That really bothered me!"


    Nix shrugged and patted her shoulder as he turned back toward the portal platform."You are very beautiful Filamina."


    "Thank you, Nix."She called after him as he walked away."I wasn''t kidding though.You are quite ugly!"


    He laughed in response and took the portal back to the Temple.The courtyard was empty, but the signs of battle remained behind.Nix walked into the open doors of the Fire Palace.He opened his inventory and took out the medallion received.


    First Blood: Fire Palace Temple Champion [Nix]


    1 Victory, 0 Defeats


    All stats increase by 1.


    Description: A champion''s medal that keeps


    track of wins and losses.Each win earns a stat increase.


    Each loss results in a stats decrease.


    Upon death, the Champion returns to the temple altar.


    At that time he has the option to return immediately to the place of his death.


    Wind, Pon, Semmi and Jun Li were standing around Shae''s throne, they were all wearing smiles.Nix glanced around the room."Severance leave already?"


    Shae nodded from her seat."Well done today Palace Champion."


    Nix stopped next to his friends and bowed slightly."Thank you for your support."He realized that she was hampered by the need to protect her allies.She could have vaporized half of Glory and killed the Water Lords without much effort, however, that would have killed all the acolytes and her allies.It was like fighting with one arm.


    Shae stood and approached him."Don''t we always stand together Nix?"She kissed his forehead, one hand picking up the First Blood medallion."To really get the most out of this, we should start challenging the champions from other temples."


    Nix shook his head, "maybe down the road sometime."He took out the drops from the Leviathan.


    Thief Ring: Unique


    Grants the ability to open


    any nonmagical lock. 50/50


    "Time for presents." He handed the ring to Semmi."I''m betting Darsi can recharge that if you need it."


    Leviathan Armor: Primal


    All stats are increased by 10.


    The wearer receives a bonus of +5 agility


    and +5 speed for every three minutes


    while in combat.


    He held the armor in his hands for a moment before handing it to Wind."This should come in handy."


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    Wind stared at the armor and then promptly equipped it."Thanks, Nix!"


    Nix shrugged, "gotta keep you alive so you can keep me alive!"


    Assassin''s Cloak


    Description: All range damage is increased


    by 20 percent.All critical hit damage


    is doubled.


    Additional Description: Wearer may stealth for three


    seconds while in combat.


    He tossed the cloak to Pon, whose old face scrunched up with joy."Mine?"


    "Yep." He patted the old mage on the back."Figured you needed all the help you could get."


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s meet at the wharf at 1800.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] Everything going good?


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] My staff and I are using your galley to cook up a celebration dinner.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] Hey... I''ve got a ton of Leviathan meet.


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] Hmm... Better bring it over and we''ll see what it''s like.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] I''ll be there in a few minutes.


    Semmi''s smiling face appeared in front of him."Thanks for the ring Nix.It''s a bit soon, but then I''m not getting any younger."


    Nix grimaced, "well the last part is true."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: See everyone at the wharf.Great job Inferno!


    /Inferno: Ronnie:Yay me!


    Shae pulled Nix toward the altar."A moment of your time Nix."


    Nix nodded and followed her.A moment later they both disappeared.

 Chapter 86 Naga

    Nix followed Shae through the long grass of her world.For a Salamander, Shae had a high appreciation for forest land and all things green.She slipped her clothes off and walked into one of the steaming pools.


    Nix stopped at the edge and disrobed, he tested it with a foot.It seemed comfortably warm."Did you cool the pools down Shae?"


    She shook her head and eased herself into the scalding water."Your tolerance for heat improves every day."


    "Maybe so," Nix smiled noncommittedly and sunk down into the water with a contented sigh.He ducked under the water and then surfaced to slick his black hair back with both hands."Something on your mind Shae?"


    Shae moved behind him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her soft breasts pushed against his back."Does something need to be wrong?A friendship like ours needs to be tended carefully."


    Nix laughed when she kissed his shoulder. He leaned back against her and closed his eyes."You are right of course."


    She leaned against his back and sighed contently."Am I missing something in my world Nix?"


    "Some wildlife would be nice.You''d have to allow a few cooler pools for that though."


    "There are a couple of them south of here."


    "If you are interested in creating a habitat, then ask Fajii to plant things here.This dark volcanic soil is great for growing things."


    Shae shrugged against his back, "I don''t know much about gardening."


    "My mom and sister loved to grow things in our back yard when I was a kid."He smiled at the memory of them, "I secretly grew ghost peppers," this time he laughed aloud.


    She leaned over his shoulder and looked at his face, "you''re very handsome when you laugh Nix." She paused long enough to kiss his lips."What''s a ghost pepper?"


    "It''s a pepper so hot that it burns your mouth."


    Shae clapped her hands excitedly."I want some Nix!"


    "Might be tough to find, but I do know a chef."Nix''s eyes fell on the egg he had retrieved from the Earth Temple."How close is that egg to hatching?"


    "Hmmm... less than a week I would say. It''s not a Lamia egg like we thought though."Shae closed her eyes, her red hair floated on the surface of the water.


    "Not a Lamia?"


    Shae shook her head, "I thought it was at first, but in the last few days I discovered I was mistaken."


    Nix stared at the egg, he had no idea what kind of egg it was.He had assumed it came from the Lamia Queen."What then?"


    "It''s a Naga."


    The term sounded familiar to him, but he couldn''t quite place it."What''s a Naga?"


    Shae moved away from him and submerged herself in the water for several moments be surfacing.Her light brown eyes watched him with unhidden amusement."In simplest terms, it would be the male version of a Lamia."


    "Oh, I see..."Nix pondered her words carefully, Shae''s senses were better than anyone he knew. "I had thought it was the Queen''s egg."


    "It probably was, it''s valuable Nix.For whatever reason, there were no Naga in the temple.That may have been some long-forgotten law.Whatever the reasoning, this Naga needs to be bound to someone."


    "You mean as someone''s companion?"


    Shae nodded.


    "Not me, I only have one slot left and I''m looking for something a bit more stout."In his head, Nix considered something like a bear. "Why does he have to be bound?"


    "If he''s the last of his kind, which I assume he is.Then his life is quite precious."


    "Right, binding to a companion grants him life protection."Fey had admitted to Nix that this was the reason she had wanted to bind with him.If a companion was slain, she could be revived three days later.A drake in the wild would die and probably end up as armor.


    Shae walked to the shore, her skin dripped with water for only a moment before it dried.The air around her shimmered for an instant as her form changed.


    Nix knew he was staring but he couldn''t help it.Of course, he realized that Shae utilized her human form because she liked it best.He was also aware that Salamanders weren''t human.She was nearly nine feet in length, her smoothly scaled skin reflected every color in the spectrum, the glow around her looked like a rainbow.He approached slowly, not because of any threat but because he wanted to soak in every detail.


    Her voice sounded soft in his head."What do you think Nix?"


    "I''ve always thought your human form was beautiful."He stroked her back with one hand, "this is real beauty."


    A warm feeling flooded his senses, she was pleased by his words."If I were to take this form during a fight, all of Glory would be in ashes."


    Nix nodded, "thank you for showing me Shae."


    Her bright eyes closed slowly and she rolled over on the brimstone rock that lined the shore."You are the only one I would show."


    *********


    Nix was still smiling when he exited the elemental world.Shae had fallen asleep and not moved.He claimed the Naga egg and ported directly to the Sea World.It was her aura that had kept the Manta mounts from coming near the Fire Palace, keeping it extended for such a long time had tired her out.


    [Do you wish to bind with the Naga companion?]


    "No."Nix looked toward the wharf, of course, there seemed to be a group of people hanging around the top deck of his houseboat.


    "Nix!"Ronnie waved when she saw him, she was leaning against the rail between Pon and Wind.


    On the second floor, he ran into Hyai and one of her assistants."Anything I can do to help Hyai?"


    Hyai nodded, "let''s see the Leviathan meat."


    He handed her a can which she sat on the counter and quickly opened.She broke off a piece of the white meat and dropped it in a pot of boiling oil.Hyai fished it out a minute later and took a small bite before offering some to Nix.


    "Oh my... That''s really good.Barbecue?"


    Hyai nodded in agreement."Barbecue.Head on up Nix, I''ve work to do."


    Nix grinned at her and unloaded two dozen cans of Leviathan on the counter. "Thank you, Hyai."


    She waved at him as he headed up the stairs."Cya hun."


    There were four people in his bedroom when he exited the stairs. Nansu was holding Chael''s face in her hands.It was obvious that she wasn''t pleased with the changes the Scorched Earth path had brought.Nix took a closer look, his hair and eyes were still the same.The only real change was his pointed ears."Looking good Chael!"


    Chael grinned at him."She hates it."


    Fajii and Sharl were sitting on his bed.There were dozens of bottles of potions spilled everywhere.


    Nix frowned at them."You selling stuff from my mattress?"


    Fajii gave him a small smile."Yes."


    Sharl laughed at the face Nix made, Aquarions didn''t understand sarcasm."Sorry Nix, we''ll clean it up."


    Nix handed her the Naga egg."This is for you Sharl.No strings attached, please take good care of it."


    Sharl''s dark eyes stared at the egg."Is that the Lamia egg I''ve heard so much about?"


    "Yes and no.It''s actually a Naga egg, the male counterpart of the Lamia."


    She held out her hands, instantly a soft web of light connected her and the egg.She must have accepted the binding right away.Fajii already knew what the egg was, but was surprised that Nix had turned it down.


    Sharl stroked it softly for a moment before stowing it in her inventory."It''s counting down Nix.The timer says it will hatch in 3 days."


    "Why is everyone on my boat again?The party is on the wharf!"He motioned the four of them toward the sliding door."Out, out!I''m going to change."


    Nix changed into a swimsuit and t-shirt before heading down the stairs barefoot.On the dock, Hyai already had a large barrel-shaped barbecue going and a table full of food.When she waved him away,so Nix headed toward the end of the wharf and sat down.


    A beautiful song caught his ear and caused him to peer under his seat.Ducky was playing under the wharf with her sisters.Unlike her, they were still water nymphs.She reached up and grabbed his foot when she noticed him.


    "Ducky... Don''t even think about it."He gave her a stern look that lasted all of a second before he was pulled into the water.


    "Nix play..."Ducky laughed and circled him with her sisters.A sudden movement from underneath caused them to scatter in all directions.Soup had arrived.


    "Very heroic Soup."Nix complimented the sea turtle before pulling himself onto its smooth back."Let''s relax a bit."


    Soup swam slowly away from the wharf, keeping on the surface.He ignored the Nymphs but would occasionally move closer to the Siren so that she could stroke his smooth head.


    Nix watched the interaction for a few minutes."You''re kinda popular Soup."


    Ducky slid easily onto the turtles back and settled down next to Nix. She had taken her human form."Soupy is good."


    The siren slid off a few minutes later when Nix started to fall asleep.The gentle sway of the ocean coupled with the warm sun made him drowse off.


    "Hey, sleepyhead."Ronnie''s voice pulled him out of his sleep.


    Soup had circled back and came ashore when Nix fell asleep.Ronnie and Mina were watching him.


    "His head is sleepy?"Mina looked confused.


    Ronnie shrugged, "it''s an expression.Nix is cute when he sleeps."


    Mina pursed her lips together and considered it for a moment."No... He is not."


    "Bring that guy to the tables Sis!We''re starving."Sharl shouted at them from the wharf, she was wearing the swimsuit that Nix had made her.


    "Right."Ronnie grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet."Come on lazybones, girls gotta eat."


    Colonial System Event Message: Congratulations to all participants of the Faction Event.Results are as follows.


    [Victorious Battle of Glory Bay]


    All Terran fleets receive 50 thousand faction points.


    All Sea Farer fleets receive a reduction of 50 thousand faction points.


    [Top Five Ship performances]


    Phoenix; Inferno: 39 kills


    Venture: Inferno: 23 kills


    Scimitar: Inferno: 19 kills


    Crane: Inferno: 19 kills


    Star Fire: Kings X: 15 kills


    Notable Performances: Inferno defeats Leviathan.


    [Victorious Battle of Glory Island and Faction Final Event]


    All Sea Farer guilds are promoted one faction level.


    All Terran guilds are demoted one faction level.


    [Top 5 Individual Kills]


    Nix:Inferno: 337


    Caza: Resolute: 115


    Ronnie: Inferno: 106


    Gideon: Salamander (Upper Tier) : 98


    Sori Dah: Scorched Earth Temple: 95


    [Top 5 Individual Contributors]


    Nix: Inferno


    Gypsy-Rose: Inferno


    Saintess: Inferno


    Sharl: Inferno


    Fajii: Inferno


    [Notable Performances]


    Chiba defeats Calyph


    Nix defeats Glacio


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    Top 3 Guild Contributors]


    Inferno


    Resolute


    Silent Night


    [Glory Island has received the Golden Settlement Expansion Award]


    [Inferno has been promoted: New Guild Options are available]


    [All Inferno Sea Captains and crews are promoted to Elites]


    [You have received the ''Unstoppable'' Title]


    [Your Champion Metal has been upgraded]


    [You have received an invitation to Shangri]


    [You have received a letter from Morgan Bolo]


    /Guildchat : Nix: Great job everyone!


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: We win, we win!


    /Guildchat: Pon: Bullshit!There''s no way Ronnie topped a hundred kills!


    /Guildchat: Sharl: I agree.


    ***********


    A half-hour later the small group was sitting at a long table that they had assembled on the wharf.Semmi stood up and raised her pint. the small blonde had already finished two of them and was starting to talk loudly."Cheers everyone!Let''s give it up for the lovely Hyai who prepared all of this food for us!"


    Nix raised his mug, he was sitting between Hyai and Banzi."This is even better than the Kraken."


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Anyone get an invite to Shangri?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Everyone in Inferno did.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Oh... What is Shangri?


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Read the letter Ronnie, it explains everything.


    Tess and Gypsy were sitting on the other side of Hyai, they were toasting each other.


    Tess''s smile continued to widen after each pint."Finally, the healers get a little bit of love!"


    Gyspy nodded in agreement, for the fifth time."I worked hard keeping Pon alive!"


    Tess covered a yawn with her hand."I know right?A total glass cannon."


    Banzi laughed at their teasing, even the normally volatile Fire Mage took it in stride."Thank you for the magnificent job healing us."


    Wylie noted that she was included in the thanks, she smiled and nodded her head."I''ve never seen such great teamwork."


    Hyai slid an arm through Nix''s. "Did my Inn take any damage?"


    Nix shook his head, "the Terrans didn''t step a single foot in our city!"

 Chapter 87 Golden City

    Nix opened one eye and then promptly shut it. Someone had opened the blinds next to his bed, he grabbed a pillow to cover his face and drifted back to sleep.Nearly an hour later he woke once again, he could hear the clinking of dishes coming from the galley below."Sleepy..."He mumbled to himself as he slowly descended the stairs to the second-floor galley.A woman was washing dishes in the sink, her faded red hair was tied up in a ponytail while she made her way through a tall stack of plates.


    Hyai looked up when he stepped into the room.She gave him an apologetic smile, "sorry if I was too loud."


    Nix shook his head and hugged her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder.Hyai always smelled like cinnamon to him."You always work so hard," he mumbled into her neck making her laugh.


    They stood like that for a long moment before Nix released her and moved next to the other sink. "You wash, I''ll rinse and dry."


    Hyai nodded at him, she pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face with a suds covered hand. "Thank you, Nix."


    An hour later Nix escorted her back to her Inn, they stopped short when it came into view.The entire Inn was surrounded by a soft golden glow.Nix frowned when he saw it, "the hell is this?"


    Hyai nudged him gently and pointed toward the dock shops, all of them were surrounded by the same glow."It''s everywhere Nix."


    /Inferno: Nix: Where you at Semmi?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Having some breakfast.Why?


    /Inferno: Nix:Something odd is going on with the town.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ll be there in a sec.


    Nix and Hyai walked down to the storefronts together, Nansu, Chael, Kyla, Fajii, and Nova were standing in a circle staring at the dock shops.


    Nix smiled at his shopkeeper.Nova had moved into the second floor of his Tailor shop."Any idea when this started?"


    Nova nodded her head, she was wearing a blue work uniform that Nix had made for her. "It was 0700 sir.I was organizing today''s product lines when I received a message telling me to exit the shop."


    "It''s not just the dock shops either."Semmi''s freshly washed face smiled at the group, her hair was still wet from a morning bath.She managed to roust both Wind and Pon to accompany her. "Every building in Glory, including the Temples.Even the shoreline is covered with that golden haze."


    "The forums say anything?"Nix knew that Semmi read the forums daily, she knew just about everything that was going on in Colonial.


    "Not yet but I don''t need the forums to guess.We were given the Golden Settlement Expansion award, this has to be it."Semmi was looking through the forums for any reference to Golden Settlement Expansion.


    Nix walked closer to his shop and examined it closer."There''s a progress bar here, a bit under four hours and it will be complete."


    Nova frowned at his words, she kept all her things on the second floor."I''m going to head to Jenzi to pick up some supplies then, I''ll be back before it finishes."


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix] Inferno was very impressive yesterday.Resolute is looking forward to working with you guys again soon.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane] We feel the same way.You may pick up the Earth Pearl tomorrow at noon.


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix] Any idea how we can construct an Earth Temple?


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane]Find an earth-based elemental I guess.


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix] Want to share anything about the Scorched Earth Temple?


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane] Do you really need one?You''ll be able to make all the Earth Mages you want with the Earth Pearl.


    [Whisper: Sulane to Nix]We could establish some sort of sharing,limited use of our Earth Pearl for the Temple details?


    [Whisper: Nix to Sulane]Pass.


    The group sat on the dock and started talking amongst themselves.Nix took the opportunity to take out his letter from Morgan Bolo.


    Greetings Inferno Member,


    On behalf of the Sea Farer faction, I would like to thank you for your valiant effort in capturing and detaining Shidai Oruk.We would like to invite you to visit us in Shangri.Shangri is located in a remote mountainous land on the Western Continent of Jhabi.Shangri is located in an instance, so it is impossible to access without the invitation you have been given.You must be carrying this invitation on your person.We look forward to seeing you.


    Morgan Bolo


    He finished reading the letter and took out the Sangri Invitation.It was a flat circular stone, carefully engraved with a sea frigate.He noticed Semmi watching him, "so we all got these invites?"


    Semmi nodded."Even non-combatants like Hyai and Nansu."


    He glanced at Hyai who looking somewhat pensive."Feel like taking a trip?"


    Hyai nodded when Kyla nudged her with an elbow."I''m not up for any kind of real fight Nix."


    "I am."Nix smiled innocently, "I seemed to remember two charred corpses laying on the street in front of your Inn back in Cyphix."


    Semmi brought up her hud and opened up the world map."Soon as the upgrade finishes, we could take the entire fleet.Make it a low key guild event."


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Did you receive an invitation to Shangri?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] We all did, no idea what it is.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Can you take a three-day trip with inferno?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Sure, we regularly work ahead so we can take a few days off here and there.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Have everyone who is interested come to the dock today at 1500.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Will do. Thanks, Trip-7.


    **************


    The hours passed slowly, the group sat on the docks talking, as time went by more and more members of Inferno arrived.


    [Golden Settlement Expansion has been complied with: Glory]


    All one-story buildings are now two stories.


    All two-story buildings are now three stories.


    Individual building managers may now allocate the bonus floor space.


    Glory Island has been expanded outward by 30 percent.


    Nix whistled and started walking toward his shop. He brought up the building menu allocated the second floor for business and the top-level as living space.By the time he arrived at the front door, he had already finished.The first floor was exactly the same, so he took the stairs up to the second floor.It was a wide-open space with display tables and lots of windows, he didn''t bother to go up any further.He had given the top floor to Nora."I''m going to have to do to way more crafting."


    He walked slowly toward the Inn, the Kindled Spirit''s first floor was dining and the second floor had been lodging.He found himself curious about what Hyai would do with the extra space.He found her leaning against the bar, studying the hud menu.


    Hyai''s pretty face showed her excitement.She looked up at him and shook her head."I''m not sure what I should do."


    Nix leaned over her shoulder."Well, the top floor is lodging no matter what right?"


    Hyai nodded and allocated lodging on the third floor."The first floor is dining for sure." She paused for a moment, "the thing is I need more dining and more rooms."


    "Lots of space on the second floor since there no kitchen.Can you split it?"


    Hyai started trying different options, a smile growing steadily on her face." I can split it!I can add six more rooms and still double my existing dining space."


    Nix clapped his hands together."My work here is done!"He waited until she was finished and then walked with her up to the second floor.


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    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Guild event today, we are taking the fleet to Jhabi.This is designated as a non-combat event.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: All officers need to attend.There are several governing decisions regarding Glory that need to be made.


    Nix frowned and continued to follow Hyai as she went up to the third floor."Did Bane get that promotion at the Provost Office?"


    Hyai shook her head."They brought someone in from Wisteria and promoted her instead."


    "Do you mind if I offer him a job here?"Nix opened the door to his room, nothing had changed.


    "Not a bit."

 Chapter 88 Shangri

    A few hours later, four ships from the Inferno fleet headed west for the continent of Jhabi. Nix was aboard the Phoenix along with the officers from Inferno and a few others. Captain Delphi stood at the helm, her face still wearing a smile.Although she had gone down in defeat, the Phoenix had taken entire fleets with her.Delphi and her crew had been promoted to elites because of their efforts.An elite crew would fight harder and perform their individual jobs better.


    Pon, Wind, Sharl. Mina, Nix, Jun Li, Semmi and Ronnie relaxed at the rail near the bow of the ship.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: A few governing items need to be addressed.Let''s start first with town security. Crime isn''t a problem yet, but as our population grows we are going to have to offer some sort of deterrent against crime. Suggestions?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: We do have a lot of Colonial Knights on Glory, could they handle the task?


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''d prefer to keep them as part of our military.


    /Guildchat: Pon: We could hire our own private security force.


    /Guildchat: Wind: You mean like mercenaries?


    /Guildchat: Semmi: That might work short term, but I think we''d do better thinking ahead.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: There are two hundred acolytes at the Scorched Earth Temple... Surely they don''t need all of them.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Please stop talking now.People would be freaked out by them.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: I think they''re cute.


    /Guildchat: Nix: We could open a Provost Marshals Office.I know just the guy to head it up.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: That''s a great long term solution, but there''s a lot involved in bringing them to Glory.


    /Guildchat: Nix: No worries, I have close ties to the Provost Office.Oh... did you check out the build menu for new constructions in Glory?


    /Guildchat: Semmi: No.Has something changed?


    /Guildchat: Nix: The Golden Expansion bonus is permanent.All new constructions will come with the bonus.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Damn... that''s really going to bring in new businesses.Let''s shelf security for now.The Artesian Guild wants to build a headquarters in Glory.


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''m not familiar with them.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: It''s a guild made up of expert crafters.They try to regulate prices so that prices in one town don''t significantly rise or fall when compared to other places.


    /Guildchat: Sharl: I hate that idea.Have you seen the gear that our crafters make? I''m okay with being overpriced.


    /Guildchat: Pon: Letting someone else regulate our economy seems like a horrible idea.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: I agree but we do need some sort of Economic Advisor.The last thing on our agenda is land sales.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: There have been inquiries regarding the purchases of land plots on Glory, both in and outside of town.Our town policy is lease only.


    /Guildchat: Nix: We''ve worked hard for every acre of Glory Island.Let''s keep it in our possession.


    /Guildchat: Wind: I agree.If we offer land plots to outsiders, it can only hurt our security.


    /Guildchat: Pon: It also prevents future expansion of the Town.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Okay... Let''s Vote on bringing in the Provost Marshals Office.Aye or Nay.I say Aye.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Aye


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Aye


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Aye


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Aye


    /Guildchat: Wind: Aye


    /GuildChat: Pon: Aye


    /Guildchat: Mina: Aye


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Next vote.Inviting the Artesian Guild to Glory.Nay.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Nay


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nay


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Nay


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Nay


    /Guildchat: Wind: Nay


    /GuildChat: Pon: Nay


    /Guildchat: Mina: Nay


    /Guildchat: Semmi: And finally selling land plots in Glory.Nay.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Nay


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Nay


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Nay


    /Guildchat: Sharl: Nay


    /Guildchat: Wind: Nay


    /GuildChat: Pon: Nay


    /Guildchat: Mina: Nay


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Nice and painless when everyone agrees.Will you get the Provost Office started Nix?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yep.


    After the meeting ending Nix moved to the Starboard Rail where Fajii, Nansu, and Chael were standing.


    Fajii offered him a smile."If you are looking for your Inn Keeper friend, I saw her board the Crane with Sila, Nez, and Kyla."


    "I was looking for some herb advice actually.I figure the two guild alchemists might point me in the right direction."


    Nansu''s pretty face broke into a smile.She normally wore her short black hair slicked back, but today it was spiked."We are at your service Mr. Nix."


    "I''m looking for the Colonial version of ghost peppers."


    Nansu nodded, "many herbs and plants from our world are here in Colonial Nix.You are looking for Bhut jolokia, it''s the actual name for ghost peppers."


    "I have a contact in Jenzi, I''ll pick you up some, or even get you the seeds if you want to plant your own."


    "Thank you Nansu.I''ll take both."He grabbed Fajii''s hand and pulled her away from the pair.He stopped when they were near the Phoenix figurehead."How is everything Fajii?"


    "Things are changing fast for me."Fajii tightened her grip on his hand and took a seat on the edge of the anchor.


    "I can see how it might be difficult."


    Fajii shook her head, "It''s the opposite, I feel like I''m becoming part of something."


    Min had told him that Fajii had never really fit in with her own kind, the Aquarion alchemist was always by herself."What are the Lamia like?"


    "Sori is very nice and talks to me often."Fajii realized Nix didn''t know the Lamia by name, "she''s the High Acolyte."


    Nix nodded, "I remember, she''s quite fierce too.Hey, did the Earth Temple expand also?"


    "Yes, our bonus floor appeared below our main level.The Fire Palace added a second story."


    "You needed the extra space, two hundred acolytes is a lot," Nix recalled that the Fire Palace Acolytes didn''t have anywhere near those numbers, but then they had a Nemesis protecting the Temple.


    "Remember your words Nix.You said we''d hunt together."Her brown eyes watched him, even with the verticle irises, her gaze seemed warm. She had decided to wear her light brown hair down for the trip, the red streaks stood out like tiger stripes.


    "I wouldn''t forget, although Milat seems to be interested in spending some time with you." Nix noticed that the Aquarion was watching them from mid-ship and seemed to want to approach.


    Fajii caught the Aquarion''s eye and waved politely"He''s known me for years, but has never looked in my direction. Suddenly he sees me, I''m not sure what to think."


    Nix shrugged, "it''s hard not to see you Fajii."


    "You don''t have to worry about me when we hunt Nix.If the worse happens and I''m slain, I will revive at the Scorched Earth Temple."


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    Nix breathed a sigh of relief. "That does make me feel better."He understood that the reason she was a top-five contributor in the faction event was due to her buffing everyone.As an alchemist, her fighting experience was limited.


    *******************


    The Inferno fleet arrived at Jhabi a few hours later.They were given directions to take the Jhabi river directly into the mountains from the bay.Everyone stood at the rails as the river narrowed and the mountains quickly rose up on either side of them.The mountains were covered in a blue leafed tree that filled the air with vibrations when the wind blew them.The river itself seemed to have been carved directly into the rock, the sheer walls rising up several hundred feet.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Morgan Bolo will be waiting for us a few miles upstream.He''s waiting at the entrance.


    A few minutes later the river widened and the mountains retracted to form a cozy valley.A large dock with several berths waited for them.


    Nix waited until the Phoenix was tied up and then glanced at Delphi who gave him the thumbs up before walking down the gangplank.A large white-haired man dressed in gold robes was waiting for them.


    Although the man was quite large, he did not appear soft, he bowed slightly."Greetings Travelers, I am Morgan Bolo."


    Nix politely returned his bow."It''s nice to meet you, sir, I am Nix."


    After introductions, they moved quickly away from the dock so that the rest of Inferno could disembark.Morgan Bolo led them down a narrow path to the entrance of a second valley.He stepped up on a large boulder and raised his voice so everyone who followed could hear."We have invited the Inferno Guild here for one very simple reason.The Sea-Farer Faction feels that the awards given to you were insufficient.Although you are a mid-tier guild, we feel that as you continue to rise, our faction will rise also.We are bound by faction rules and can only do so much.In front of you is the entrance to Shangri.Before you enter you will have to choose the area you wish to explore.Travel between areas is possible, but also highly dangerous and time-consuming. Please choose from the following."


    Nix studied the menu that popped up in front of him, everyone seemed to be experiencing a similar thing.


    [Shangri Exploration Areas] Disclaimer: There are no guarantees that you will come away with anything. The benefits you discover here will depend on your fate and ingenuity. If you die in Shangri, you will respawn at the entrance and be unable to re-enter.


    1) Area One is the place to look for rare skills.Main path skills and support skills of all rarities can be found here.This is the most dangerous area of all.Non-combat personnel should not enter.


    2) Area Two is the home of a legendary gambling hall.Depending on your luck, you may win weapons, armor or even rare spells.You are only allowed to win three items.This is a non-combat area. Good Luck.


    3) Area Three is where the greatest library in all of Colonial exists.The crafting section of this library holds long-forgotten techniques and many rare treasures. You will have to be good at riddles to come away with anything.This is a non-combat area.


    4) Area Four is where you will find many different creatures.Looking for a flying mount?


    Or perhaps a companion that can heal?Then your mission is clear.Find the one you want and convince them to follow you. This is a combat area, it is recommended that you travel in groups.


    5) Area Five covers many special treasures.Want a world seed? Or your own set of wings?Many strange and wondrous things exist in Area five. This is a combat area and you must enter alone.


    Morgan''s voice could be heard as all of Inferno read the choices."How you earn these items is going to vary greatly.Some may require a quest, or rare knowledge, while in others you might have to slay a powerful adversary or win a game of chance.As long as you stay alive, you may continue to try your luck.You have eight hours from the moment you enter."


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai]Where are you heading?


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] To the library section in area three.And you?


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai]Not sure yet, one of the combat areas.Good luck.


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] Thanks hun, you too.


    Fajii pulled on his arm, "Mina says that she is going to Area One with Milat."


    "Hmm..." Nix stared at the choices, "Area four is my preference."


    Fajii nodded in agreement."Let''s go there then."

 Chapter 89 Companions

    Nix stepped onto the riverbank of a densely forested area.The clear water of the brook flowed gently, immediately Fajii stepped toward it.


    Nix grabbed her elbow gently. "It looks harmless enough, but remember to check your surroundings before relaxing."


    Fajii bent closer and watched the clear water flowing; after a minute she spotted the nearly invisible silverfish that darted back at forth under the surface. There were hundreds of them, coordinating their movements by instinct. Her hand flashed and a moment later she held one of the fish up to the light.It was only the length of her hand and quite narrow, it had both upper and lower teeth meant for the tearing and rending of flesh."I''ve never seen anything like this."


    Nix took a closer look, its teeth looked suspiciously like those of a pirana.If his Aquarion partner didn''t know what it was, then it was likely native to Shangri."Me neither, let''s avoid the water if we can."


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    Fajii has placed a protective barrier of rock and fire around you.


    [Scorched Earth Shield]


    Fajii has given you a Scorched Earth Shield


    "Thanks, Fajii." Nix smiled at the weaponless Aquarion."What kinds of weapons can you use?"


    Fajii shook her head, "I haven''t used any combat weapons.Unless you count spearfishing, I did bring a spear."


    "First Tier Defenders don''t have a heal, so basically you are a buffing class that is equipped with a BR." (Battle Rez)Nix glanced at his health bar, it was substantially longer than it was before the buffs."Are the multipliers fixed on the target''s original health points?Or does it use the buffed hitpoints?"


    "It uses buffed health as the multiplier."


    ******************


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    [Example: For information Only]


    Target''s unbuffed HP is 1000. Rock wall adds protection up to that amount. It does this by increasing your HP to 2000.Earth Shield adds protection up to twice your current HP.If Target is buffed with Rockwall, then adding Earth Shield multiplies that number by two. (2000HP x 2 = 4000HP) Since the buffs stack, the resulting HP should be 4 times higher than the initial.This is the reason why Tier 1 Defenders don''t have a heal.


    ******************


    "A small heal would be nice, maybe that''s included in Tier 2."Nix took a moment to examine their surroundings, while Fajii rummaged through her bag."We should do some scouting."


    [Summon: Ducky]


    The Siren appeared before them an instant later.


    "I need to talk with you Ducky."


    [Appear Human]


    Ducky shimmered and took on a near-human form."Yes, Nix?"


    "We are looking for Spirit Companions.Could you do some scouting?"


    Ducky nodded, "What type?"


    Nix scratched his cheek, not sure what she meant."Type?Like Water or Fire?"


    Ducky shook her head."Control type like me, or flying type like Fey."


    "Oh I see, something sturdy like Soup but not a sea creature."


    Fajii listened to the Siren speak and then made her own request. "I would like either a flying type or one that heals."


    Ducky disappeared a moment later.


    Nix was smiling at Fajii, "You want to fly?I can get you a manta."


    Fajii wrinkled her nose in disgust, "they smell funny."She handed him two small bottles from her pack.


    Golden Elixir: Potion


    Description: Heals half of your


    health immediately.


    Nix held them up, the liquid inside looked like honey."Guess you don''t need heals if you can make these."


    "Those are really expensive and difficult to make.I only made those two for research."She equipped her spear, "may I ask you a question Nix?"


    "Sure, let''s head north along the river bank.I want to explore a bit until Ducky gets back."He equipped the spellsword hilt and focused his emerald flame into it, a moment later the cackling blade sprung to life.


    Fajii followed along, fascinated by the flame blade."Why are you so strong Nix?I don''t mean the flames, your physical strength seems impossible for humans."


    Nix glanced sideways, "I''ll tell you the story.If you let me buy you a pair of earrings."With her pointed ears, the temptation to adorn them with shiny things was overwhelming.Aquarions never wore anything on their ears.


    "Hmmm, I shall consider it.Tell me the story first."


    He laughed at her expression."Fine.I assume you have criminals in your world?"


    Fajii nodded, "Normally if someone does bad things, they are sent away or in some cases beaten badly or killed."


    "I was an arsonist on my world.I destroyed many valuable properties and in the process killed a number of people."


    Fajii didn''t say anything, she understood there was more.


    "I was a fugitive for a long time when I was finally caught and sent to trial I ended up being sent to this world to work for a very powerful organization as a crafter."Nix felt it was okay to only touch on the highlights.


    "And the strength?"


    Nix shrugged, "I was supposed to spend my life as a Tailor at the Gladis Hub in Tunis. We were all given special enhancements that are unavailable to others.I didn''t realize this until I escaped the Hub and started down a fighting path. I''m a mistake that wasn''t supposed to happen.The people who paid for my enhancements have since decided I''m not worth the trouble of recovering."


    They walked in silence for a few minutes, as they headed north the forest grew thicker and the river wider.


    "Why did you do those things Nix?" She stopped and grabbed his arm, her face showing curiosity, not judgment.


    "My parents owned their own Tailor shop.In all honesty, it''s something I never aspired to, nor did I have any real talent for it.We had a nice life in a small town.I was attending school out of state when people in our town started getting really sick."


    "Why were they getting sick?"


    "A large corporation built a factory near our town about two years before I left.They were dumping waste directly into the river.Later on, we discovered that they buried toxic materials in landfills without proper containers."


    "It started slow?The illness?"


    Nix nodded, "the first case was actually my younger sister Lisa.Hers was the most severe, she died four months after she started feeling bad."


    "And your parents?"


    "By the time my mom was sick, there were already a dozen cases in town.The factory was forced to shut down so they could correct the pollution problem.They hid the buried toxins from everyone.That didn''t come out until my trial."


    Fajii listened quietly, "and your mother?"


    "She was sick for a long time.I guess she got tired of it because one day she killed herself, no note or anything."Nix had long since locked only the good memories of her.She loved to bake him cookies, and always called him sweet Nicky.


    "And this started you on the path of fire?"


    Nix nodded, "my dad moved out west to live with my older sister.They never spoke or contacted me again."


    Fajii raised a hand, the smallest amount of power radiated from it.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    Your weapon has been modified to do Scorched Earth damage.One poison counter is added to each successful attack.


    "You loved your family Nix."


    Nix nodded with a small smile."Still do, even the ones who aren''t alive.That doesn''t change the fact that I did many bad things."


    "Bad things to bad people."


    "Not all of them were bad.I was dealing out vengeance, not justice.There were innocents who were caught up in the crossfire."Nix frowned at the memory, "in the end I was no different than the ones who killed my sister."


    "And now?"


    "I''ve been lucky.Somehow I managed to let go of my anger and retain the good memories of my loved ones. There''s a certain freedom with that, I probably don''t deserve it."


    Fajii laughed at his expression, ''Is that why you do whatever you like?"


    "Who says I do whatever I like?" Nix opened his hud and brought up the map.


    Fajii''s smile widened, her hand gripped the spear tighter.Her hand flashed forward thrusting the spear towards his chest.


    Nix caught the movement from the corner of his eye and managed to lean to one side, the spear impaled his shoulder, the point punching through the other side."F*CK!"


    Fajii''s expression turned cruel as she jerked back on the handle, before she could tear it from his shoulder he clamped both hands on it.


    [Charm}


    Ducky has charmed Fajii.

 Chapter 90 Charmed

    Nix poured his will into the hilt that had flamed out, the spellsword cut easily through the shaft of the spear.He frowned at Ducky. "Pull this out please."


    The Siren nodded and moved behind him, with an easy motion she pulled the spearhead all the way through."It''s close, but I can''t pinpoint the exact location."


    He stepped closer to the Aquarion, her eyes were absent of expression and she stared into space unmoving. Nix looked down at his shoulder, the wound was already closing up. "That strike should have been reflected back to her, perhaps it was because she''s an ally who has been charmed?"


    "Found it! There NIx!"Ducky pointed to a small patch of flowers, a beautiful turquoise colored butterfly fluttered its wings from a stem.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix''s flames exploded outward, scorching the nearby vegetation.The butterfly floated quietly on the air, unaffected by the flames.


    [Captured Spirit]


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    Veridian has attempted to charm you but has failed.


    [Flame Snare]


    Veridian has been slowed.


    "Release her at once, I won''t ask again."Nix heard the sudden intake of air as Fajii collapsed to her knees.


    [Veridian has requested a spirit bond with you]


    NIx shook his head, "no chance of that happening."


    Ducky cocked her head to one side like she was listening."This is Veridian, she says she is sorry for the attack."


    Fajii climbed slowly to her feet, the anger on her face was evident."You made me attack him, I will never forgive you!"


    "You okay Fajii?"


    She shook her head, "I am not."Fajii stared at the ground, suddenly unable to make eye contact."I am sorry Nix.I will return to the docks."


    Nix waved the idea off."You are taking it too hard.I knew it wasn''t you the moment I saw her expression."He scowled at the butterfly, her expression had shown cruelty.Something that Fajii was incapable of, it had looked completely alien on her face.


    The Aquarion stepped closer to him, her hand reaching out to hold his. "I let my guard down while we were talking.I will do better next time."


    Nix pulled her into his embrace.He felt an overwhelming desire to scorch the butterfly.He stayed like that for a moment, stroking her hair the same way Mina liked to do to him. "We should continue."


    Fajii''s smile returned, "you stroked my head."She laughed when she said it.


    NIx nodded in agreement."I did. Let''s keep going.Any bears here Ducky?"


    "Yes, there is one bear, only..." Ducky gave him a pensive look.


    /Guildchat: Wind: We''re done, the three of us just wiped.


    /Guildchat: Pon: Heh!Young punks should have come to the casino with me.


    /Guildchat: Wind: I guess.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: I guess.Be careful everyone, so many hidden dangers.


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: Damn it... I wanted something nice.


    /Guildchat: Nix: We were just attacked by a butterfly.


    Fajii bent down and picked up her broken weapon."You broke my spear Nix."


    "It was too long for you anyway. Fits better this way."


    Fajii took a few swipes in the air with the two-foot length."If you say so."


    Ducky led them northeast on a narrow trail that wound its way through the thick forest.They had walked for several minutes when they heard a deep wailing.


    Nix turned his ear toward the sound."Is that the bear?Maybe he''s fighting something, let''s check it out."He broke into a trot, Fajii followed on his heels while Ducky slowed down.


    The Siren followed them at a slower pace, shaking her head sadly."He''s not fighting," she muttered under her breath.


    Nix skidded to a stop in a small clearing next to a large cave."The hell is this?"


    A large creature lay on the ground in front of the entrance, he was blubbering like a child, huge tears running down his face from his bloodshot eyes.The animal was completely devoid of any hair.


    When Ducky joined them a minute later, they were still staring in silence."This is Mortimer, the cave bear."


    "This bald wrinkled thing is a bear?Bull shit!That thing is a mole."


    Mortimer looked up, his droopy skin followed him as he made an effort to stand.After nearly a minute he managed to climb to his feet, he was wheezing like he had been running for an hour."I am a bear!"


    Nix glanced at Fajii who only shrugged at him."Nope... You''re a fat, bald mole."


    "Bear!"


    "Mole," Nix disagreed quietly.


    "BEAR!"Mortimer reared back on his hind legs and slammed his front paws onto the ground sending a wave of sheer power in all directions.


    You have been stunned.


    Fajii has been stunned.


    Ducky has been stunned.


    Mortimer turned his back on them and sat back on the ground, after a moment he resumed his crying, this time a little quieter.


    The group recovered after a few seconds, their surprise was evident as they glanced at each other.


    "Don''t cry, Morty."Ducky walked closer and stroked his enormous back with her hand."Perhaps we can help you."


    "I don''t want his help!He called me a mole."Mortimer''s deep voice caused a cloud of dust to rise into the air.


    "Hmm. What if he says he''s sorry?"Ducky continued to placate the bald bear.


    Mortimer turned to face Nix, his reddened eyes staring."He doesn''t look sorry."


    Nix had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing, this was a waste of his time.A nudge from Fajii caused him to speak up."Sorry Morty, I shouldn''t have said that.You are obviously a bear."


    Ducky nodded in agreement."See?He is sorry, now tell us what is wrong?"


    "A spirit fox has snatched part of my spirit. I have lost my will to go on." Mortimer looked like he wanted to start crying again, but instead, he settled for drooling as his enormous mouth opened in a wide yawn to show some very impressive teeth.


    Fajii approached the bear also, she knelt down on one knee and placed a brown hand on his bald head."Losing part of your spirit caused this?"


    The big bear nodded.


    "Oh come on... "How can losing part of your spirit result in hair loss?"Nix was losing his patience, time was passing quickly.


    "A few days after the spirit fox left, a Salamander came to challenge me.A despicable creature who could breathe fire.When I wouldn''t fight he burned all my hair off."Mortimer collapsed on the ground and buried his head under two gigantic paws.


    Nix sighed heavily."Ducky, what kind of creature is this Spirit Fox?"


    "He is a healing creature." Duck smiled sweetly, she understood that Nix had decided to help.


    "Awesome, two birds with one stone maybe.Bring us to him."Nix glanced at Fajii, she had said she wanted a healer.


    Ducky broke into a trot, continuing the direction they had been traveling."He''s not too far."


    Nix and Fajii followed without commenting, the bear''s wailing started up again as soon as they left the clearing.


    /Guildchat: Hyai:I need help with a riddle, its the third of three and I can''t get it.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: I''m great at riddles, tell me, tell me!


    /Guildchat; Hyai: I''ve already got the first two right.I need to answer within 10 minutes.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Yeah... Spill it!


    /Guildchat: Hyai: Okay, thanks.


    [Riddle # 3]


    You are stranded on an island covered in forest. One day, when the wind is blowing from the west, lightning strikes the west end of the island and sets fire to the forest. The fire is very violent, burning everything in its path, and without intervention the fire will burn the whole island, killing you in the process. There are cliffs around the island, so you cannot jump off. How will you survive the fire? (There are no buckets or any other means to put out the fire)


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Summon your manta and fly into the air.Easy!


    /Guildchat: Sharl: How did you get through grade school sis?


    /Guildchat: Ronnie:I gave her the answer!


    /Guildchat: Sharl: If she had a manta, she wouldn''t be stranded on the island.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Ask for a hint!


    /Guildchat: Wind: Sorry... No idea.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Grab a piece of wood and light it using the fire on the west end of the island. Quickly run eastward, when you can see the eastern end, start a new fire. The wind will cause that fire to burn toward the eastern end and then you can take shelter in the burnt area.


    /Guildchat: Hyai: Thanks hun, you were right of course.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Well yeah, that was just common sense.


    /Guildchat: Nix: No worries.Get something nice?


    /Guildchat: Hyai: Yep, Master Chef crafting token.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Cook us something nice when we get back!


    /Guildchat: Hyai: I will!


    Ten minutes of running and they arrived at a huge tree next to a small burrow.Ducky stopped abruptly and pointed toward the hole.She carefully moved closer. "Would you come out and talk with us?"


    Nix watched as a black nose sniffed the air cautiously before its dark head peered around.


    /Guildchat: Nix: You want this guy?The black fur is kinda cool.


    /Guildchat: Fajii: Yes.


    Fajii''s voice was gentle as she approached."Would you like to bond with me?"


    The black fox exited the burrow completely and cocked its head to one side. "Aur dilis vai coc''rais?"


    /Guildchat: Nix: Some help here Semmi, we have a spirit fox speaking gibberish to us.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: The fox envy finally got to you?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Um... No.Fajii likes him.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Him?Did you say him?It''s a black fox?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Yep, black as night.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Bend down on one knee and say. Fura dilis vai coc''rais.Do it now before you lose him!


    Fajii approached and bent one knee."Fura dilis vai coc''rais"


    A glow formed around the black fox and Fajii, a small web of light connected them for a brief moment before disappearing.


    The fox leaped at Fajii, landing neatly in her arms."I am pleased.Your beauty has captured me. I am Eron."


    For some reason Fajii''s brown face blushed deeply, "Thank you Eron, I think you are very beautiful also.My name is Fajii."


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Did you get him?


    /Guildchat: Fajii: Yes, his name is Eron!


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Eron?The Eron?

 Chapter 91 Cave Bear

    "Let''s head back to the mole."Nix turned without saying anything further, both Ducky and Fajii frowned at him.


    Fajii carried the fox, he seemed to shrink slightly to make it more comfortable for her.Her brown hand stroked the soft fur on his head, Eron''s half-closed lids showed his contentment.


    When they arrived back at the cave, the fox had hidden his head in Fajii''s hair, nuzzling her ear with a wet nose.The Aquarion was all smiles as she bonded with her new companion.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Ask Eron about the mole''s spirit Fajii.


    /Guildchat: Semmi:Oh god... It''s Eron the spirit snatcher?Do you realize what you have there?


    /Guildchat: Nix: Another rat, this one is black.Tell us later Sem.


    /Guildchat: Pon: BOOM!New Fire Spell for the win!


    Fire-Nado: Parchment


    Description: Learn a spell that


    wraps up to five players in a whirlwind of


    fire.Fire-Nado lasts thirty seconds and drains


    10 percent of its target''s health.This health is


    then siphoned to the caster.


    /Guildchat: Wind: Damn... That''s really nice, its a vampiric spell.You can use it to self-heal.


    /Guildchat: Semmi: Awesome Pon!


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: I''m so jealous.


    "Eron... I am trying to make Mortimer''s spirit whole."Fajii continued to stroke the fox''s head. "Can you help me?"


    "Of course."Eron stared at Mortimer, his tiny black eyes started to glow.


    After a few moments, a ball of light the size of golf ball appeared in front of Eron, it moved slowly until it hovered in front of Mortimer.It descended and touched the huge bald head, it bounced once and then rolled into the dirt.


    Mortimer covered it with a huge paw and pulled it back to him."It''s mine!"


    The fox continued to watch, "I''m sorry Fajii.They have been apart too long."


    The bear no longer cried, but lay there calmly, one paw covered his splintered spirit and the other was over his eyes.


    "Let''s get going."Nix glanced one last time at the bear and turned around."There''s nothing else to be done here."


    The bear lifted his huge head, watching them as they left the clearing."Thank you, this lessens my pain."


    NIx slowed his step and then stopped.The letter his family had received after the civil settlement said the same thing."I hope this lessens your pain."It was accompanied by a large check, but in reality, did nothing to lessen their anguish."Wait for me at the river, I will catch up."


    He waited until the group left then he approached the bear and opened his bag."Let me see what I can do for you."He sent Mortimer a friend request.


    The bear sat its head on one big paw."You want to be my friend?"


    "Yes, let me use your spirit splinter.Do not worry, I will return it."Nix pulled the spirit from under the bear''s paw and placed it in slot Two.


    [Mortimer] [Spirit] [Kraken Leather, Leviathan Leather, Lamia leather]


    He looked at the queue, impressive line-up with three legendary types of leather.Nix shook his head, there was nothing bearish about it."Oh, that''s right."He dug into his inventory and pulled out Bulo''s pelt.He had wanted to make something nice out of it, but never got around to it."Do you like this Morty?"


    The bear sniffed the air."That is a fine fur."


    "One of my first groups, it was even bigger than you."(Bulo was the bear Nix helped Nes, Donri, and Sila kill.)


    [Mortimer] [Spirit] [[Bulo''s Pelt] Kraken Leather, Leviathan Leather, Lamia leather] [Dragonbone needle] [Camel Hair Thread]


    You are using three legendary items, one epic item and an Infinity Spirit to craft Mortimer''s Fur.Do you wish to continue?


    Nix looked at the recipe and counted the zeros necessary to create the item.It had more zeros than Nix could count."Shit... That''s way more than I have."He was just about to start over when he received a message.


    [Notice: All crafting costs in Shangri are waived.]


    "Maybe I should remove one of the legendary skins?"Nix shrugged and hit the create icon.A moment later he felt like someone hit him with a pillow and then he blacked out.


    /Guildchat: Fajii: Nix?Where are you?


    /Guildchat: Mina: Something wrong?


    /Guildchat: Fajii: The entire area we were in exploded. Ducky, Eron and I were all killed.


    /Guildchat: Mina: He isn''t with you?


    /Guildchat: Fajii: No... We were waiting for him to catch up.


    ****************


    The entire forest was flattened as far as the eye could see.A large black bear stood on his back legs, he radiated power as his keen eyes scanned the surroundings.In the distance, he spotted a booted foot sticking out of a pile of trees. The ground echoed with the lumbering gait as the giant bear ran toward the pile.


    "F*ck me... that hurts."


    [Combustion]


    A soft green glow settled around Nix, healing his dangerously low health.


    "Nix?"A deep, powerful voice spoke his name, the debris he was covered in was torn away as powerful claws pulled the rocks, tree limbs and dirt away from him.


    Nix stood up slowly, although his health had recovered his ears were ringing and his vision seemed slightly blurry.He squinted his eyes at the huge bear in front of him, soft fur from its enormous head nudged against his chest.


    [Mortimer has requested a Spirit Bond with you]


    "Fine, okay."


    Nix saw the light settling on them, it grew bright and then finally dimmed.


    [You have bonded with a creature ranked substantially higher than you.His abilities will be mitigated to your level.]


    "Higher than me?"Nix shook his head, the cobwebs that seemed to cover his senses finally clearing."You are big."The bear''s shoulder was at Nix''s head."Were you this big before?"


    Mortimer nodded, "Of course."


    "I''m going to inspect."Nix scratched the bear''s ears roughly.


    Mortimer: Spirit Companion, Lord Ranked.


    [Abilities]


    Ground Pounder: Stuns all creatures with 10 meters.Duration: 3 seconds


    Absolute Defense: Blocks half of all incoming damage from one target.


    Absolute Challenge: All enemies are forced to change their targets to the challenger.


    Bear Intentions: First Strike.


    Rage: Unknown Effect. (Use of Rage results in companion sleeping for three days.)


    [Bad Memories] Past experiences have made this companion immune to fire.


    [Charmless] Immune to all charm effects.


    [Fearless] Immune to fear and control effects.


    "How did youhelp me reclaim my spirit and fur?"Big brown eyes stared at him before the head lowered and bowled into him."You''re my friend.My very best friend."


    Nix struggled to breathe as the enormous head butted into his ribs."Easy there Morty, I''m more fragile than you."


    "My fur is mine again.Although it''s a bit darker now."


    Nix scratched his head, "well... I''m not sure about that one.I''m going to have to research using spirits as enhancements."


    /Guildchat: Nix: Fajii?Where you guys at?


    /Guildchat: Fajii:Dead Nix.The entire area blew up.


    /Guildchat: Nix: I''m kinda done here I guess.Do you need any help Min?


    /Guildchat: Mina: Yes, I could use a Fire mage right now.There''s only 20 minutes left.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Holy crap... How long was I out?


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    /Guildchat: Fajii: It''s been a few hours since we exited.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Just summon me, Mina.You have one too right?


    Allied Spirit:


    Ring: [Trial of Strength]


    Description: Call Filamina to your


    side in times of need.


    /Guildchat: Sharl:Where''d you get that?


    /Guildchat: Jun Li: That''s from the trial of strength?


    /Guldchat: Mina: Yes.Thanks, Nix I forgot about that.Bringing you in.


    Nix glanced at Mortimer."Call you to my side in a bit."


    You have been summoned by Filamina.Do you accept the summons?


    "Yes."


    A cold blistering wind hit Nix in the face, the temperature was below freezing."Holy crap... Warn me first!"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Emerald fire bathed Nix in flames, instantly warming him.He spotted Milat and Mina.They were standing in front of a huge black rock."What''s the mission guys?"


    Mina couldn''t keep the smile off her face, Nix was someone she adored."We already retrieved one item for Milat, however, the trident I want is encased in that."She pointed to the large black rock.


    Nix examined the rock closer.He could see the image of a trident inside."How come I can see through this rock?"


    "It''s black ice."Mina sighed heavily."It''s immune to every type of damage we have.Since it''s a type of ice... I thought perhaps you could melt it."


    Nix took a few steps back.


    [Balefire]


    The object is immune to Fire damage.


    "This is going to be a tough nut to crack."


    Mina frowned at the object."Let''s just go Nix.Sorry to waste your time."


    Nix shook his head."We haven''t tried everything.Let''s see if it''s immune to bear.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    A moment later a 12-foot bear appear on his hind legs, sharp claws extended as he roared loudly.He stopped after a moment when he didn''t see any enemies."Was I scary?"


    Nix nodded, "Very." He pointed at the black ice object."Can you open that?"


    Mortimer dropped to all fours and lumbered up."It''s cold here.I like it."He sat on his enormous butt and swiped at the ice with one huge paw.An instant later a cracking sound like glass breaking could be heard.


    "Wow... You are strong."Milat had struck the block several times.He watched as the bear pulled its paw back again, this time the block of ice shattered into countless pieces and the trident tumbled to the ground.


    Mina grabbed the trident and stood up."I''m Mina, thank you for your help."


    Although the big bear was still sitting, it was taller than all of them."I''m Mortimer. Are you a Water person?"


    Mina nodded, "my people are called Aquarions."


    Sea Scepter: Legendary


    Description: While this is equipped you are


    protected by a water shield that blocks


    30 percent of incoming damage. All Water


    abilities are enhanced by 30 percent.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Score!Look what I got!


    Corvette: [Gunship: Legendary]


    Description: Very fast and maneuverable,


    this ship has 24 guns and has berths


    for 50 crew members.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Wow... that''s really nice princess.


    /Guildchat: Ronnie: Just call me Captain.


    /Guildchat: Nix: Aye Captain.


    The event ended after eight hours, a few of the stragglers like Pon were finally forced out.Nearly everyone came back with something but there were a few unlucky ones.Morgan said goodbye to everyone and with little fanfare sent them on their way.


    All of Inferno opted to gate back to Glory, leaving the captains and crew to return with the ships.Nix unsummoned Mortimer and ported directly to the Fire Palace.


    Shae had resumed her human form and was soaking in the hot pools.She looked up when he approached."Were you successful?"


    Nix nodded, "I brought home a nice tank pet.I thought I would introduce him."


    Shae walked out of the water and equipped her salamander suit."Is it a bear?"


    Nix smiled.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Mortimer appeared once again with a deafening roar.He stopped when he saw the Salamander. He sat down on his butt."You''re very strong."


    Shae hid the alarm she felt. "So are you.I rule here, my name is Shae.I require you to make an oath of loyalty if you are going to remain on Glory."


    Mortimer glanced at Nix who only nodded."I promise to take good care of you and everyone here.And do my best not to break anything."


    Shae laughed at his words and approached him."That''s a very good oath. In return I shall aide you whenever I can, you may consider this your home."


    Mortimer stuck his foot in the nearby pool, immediately he yanked it back."That''s way too hot Shae."


    "There are some cooler pools south of here."Shae pointed in the general direction.


    Nix watched him waddle away."He''s awesome right?"


    Shae waited a few moments before replying."Nix... You do realize he''s a Titan right?"


    "A Titan?"Nix thought back to the crying bald thing that Mortimer had been a few hours earlier."Are you sure?Isn''t he a bit small for a Titan?"


    Shae nodded, "of course.He''s only a cub."

 Chapter 92 Secret Warning

    "Yeah... He''s gorgeous." Jun Li was sitting on the beach watching a few members of Inferno play in the water.


    "Gorgeous and fluffy, I want one of those." Semmi wore a one-piece white swimsuit that Nix had made her.


    "Raaawwwr" The huge bear splashed through the surf, his shaggy fur sending droplets of saltwater in all directions. Every once in a while he would plant his butt down and swipe at the water with his huge paws. The result would be a massive wave of water being sent at his playmates. Mina and an Aquarion healer named Saji were laughing loudly while they played with him.


    "Where''s Nix?" Jun Li had been watching the events for half an hour, as of yet, there was no sign of the Inferno guild leader.


    "Sleeping it off I assume." Semmi had witnessed a certain young Fire Mage sleeping on his deck. "Nix, Chael and Wind decided they could drink more than Pon."


    Jun Li snorted, "no one can drink more than that old fish."


    Semmi nodded in agreement, "he put them all to sleep."


    **************


    Nix opened one eye, someone had helped in into his bed. The last thing he remembered was sleeping on the deck. He sat up slowly and noticed a person sitting patiently on the edge of his bed. She handed him a glass of ice water, which he gladly accepted. "Thank you."


    The young blonde looked like a college kid, she wore a white t-shirt and cut-off jeans, her hair was pulled back in a ponytail. "We should talk Nix."


    "Sure... You start." Nix stood up and stretched, he was shirtless but thankfully wearing a pair of boxers that he made. He shuffled slowly to the bathroom, intent on washing his face.


    "I''ve received notification that I''m being released a bit earlier than planned." Darsi watched him wash up, she wasn''t usually impressed by avatar physiques because you could choose whatever you liked. She had the feeling Nix hadn''t changed anything.


    Nix dried his face and grabbed his toothbrush. "How much early?"


    "In few days. I''m actually unhappy about it," she admitted.


    Nix felt she wanted to say more, so he began brushing his teeth without comment.


    "I''m a hacker Nix, that''s my reason for being incarcerated." She smiled when he had no reply, "not just a regular hacker, I specialize in infiltrating stasis facilities."


    Nix finally stopped and looked up, his yellow eyes expressionless as he rinsed his mouth. "That''s remarkably specialized."


    "How much do you know regarding Gladis Corporation''s legal battles?"


    "Nothing. I didn''t even know there was an issue." Nix had never spent a night in the Gladis Crafter Village, and he never read the forums.


    "They have their hands in dozens of VR games and Worlds, it has reached the point where other companies are feeling the heat."


    "Is the government stepping in? As far as I know, Gladis has strong ties to the government. That''s how they were able to land all the convicts."


    "The government is obligated to follow up on charges of monopolies and tampering."


    "Tampering? As in giving their lifestyle players certain enhancements?" Nix grabbed a fresh shirt and slid on some pants. "This have anything to do with why you are here?"


    Darsi nodded, "I was part of a group hired by an unknown entity. They paid me more money than I''d ever made."


    "What for?"


    "We were to look for evidence of foul play. Any kind of smoking gun or money trail that could be used as leverage."


    "And?"


    "Their cybersecurity measures were too high. I suspect they have an AI running it." Darsi frowned at the memory. She had dived into the Gladis Server virtually, she should have been invisible; instead, she had been immediately discovered before she could even do anything.


    Nix raised an eyebrow. "An Ai? That''s illegal, isn''t it? And very risky."


    Darsi shrugged, "there''s a fog over everything Gladis does, no one seems to be able to prove anything.


    "It''s ironic that you ended up working for the company you tried to hack."


    "I''ve thought the same thing myself." She leaned forward and lowered her voice. " I want to tell you something important, but you mustn''t share it with anyone."


    Nix nodded, "not a word."


    "Gladis is going to be targeted again."


    "How do you know?"


    "I was part of a team, the only one who got caught. They are making sure that I''m in the loop."


    "Are you still with them?"


    Darsi nodded, "I don''t know the specifics. They can''t give me any details while I''m still here. It''s going to be different this time Nix."


    Nix stood up and started gearing up. "Different how?"


    "Less finesse and more force." Darsi stood up also and handed him a small token.


    Nix glanced at the token. "You won a first aide token?" The first aid support skill was the most sought after of all the skills.


    Darsi smiled, "don''t get attached to it. Just hold it for me. Once I''m released, it will be a while until I''m able to return."


    "Are you suggesting that Gladis hub might be shut down?"


    Darsi shook her head, "I doubt anyone could pull that off. However, it may come to the point where they aren''t ignoring their lifestyle players so much."


    Nix frowned, he definitely didn''t want to leave his friends. "They might come after me?"


    "That''s about all they can do. They don''t own Colonial, nor do they have access to the server. I suppose they could threaten you."


    "An ultimatum? Come back to the hub or we''ll wake you up?" Nix still remembered the corporate ass who informed him that Gladis was done with him.


    "Not sure. This is all speculation on my part." Darsi moved toward the door, "don''t lose my token. When I return I''m going to get my shop back and start leveling up!"


    "Thanks for the info Darsi. Count this as me owing you one."


    ***************


    Inferno spent the next few weeks recovering and prepping. Nix successfully brought in the Provost Marshals Office with the newly promoted Captain Ton in charge. Ronnie and Wind were racking up quite a few kills with their new ships. The Corvette was smaller but worked well when paired with the larger Galleon that Wind used. Darsi disappeared, presumably because she was released. The small mid-tier guild continued building their strength.


    ******************


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    /Inferno: Nix: Enough laying about, everyone report to the guildhall. Time for a raid. Mina has a shortcut for us and we are pushing ahead on the Onion Quest.


    /Inferno: Semmi: A shortcut in Mermaid City?


    /Inferno: Nix: No spoilers.


    Within a few minutes, the guildhall filled up. Donri, Sila, and Nez were finally going to join a raid.


    Mina waited until everyone sat down. "As many of you know, Inferno is currently on the 5th floor of Mermaid City. Recently I was able to save a gate location to the 3rd stage of this floor."


    Semmi was reading the information that Nix had downloaded regarding 5.3, "this is the Pinnacle raid?"


    Nix nodded, "we are also doing Onion, we will be dividing into two forces for this one. As long as the division is viable, you can sign up for whichever one you like."


    Ronnie''s hand shot up. "Which one are you doing Nix?"


    "Both." Nix and Mina switched their Deep Blue bracelets. After he was done with Pinnacle, she''d use her ally ring to summon him to The Onion quest. "Sending everyone the details of Pinnacle, you can make your decisions after you read it."


    [Pinnacle]


    Although Pinnacle is located in Mermaid City, it is not a water zone. A multitude of pumps keep fresh air coming in and the seawater out. Why is there an Air Zone deep in Mermaid City? What are the Aquarions hiding there?


    Destroy the pumps, clear the zone and solve the mystery. Most Importantly, continue the march upward.

 Chapter 93 Pinnacle

    "She''ll get over it." Nix was near the southern edge of Shae''s elemental world. The Salamander was telling him about an argument that his companions had been involved in. It started with Fey dousing Morti with flames and ended with Morti using a huge paw to slap some common sense into the drake.


    "Fey just lay there moaning all morning, finally I had to run her out." Shae''s long red hair was in a braid that hung down passed her round bottom. She was wearing her favorite red dress, sitting in the tall grass while Nix cleared out a small garden plot. "What are you planting?"


    "Bhut Jolokia," Nix fished one out of his bag and handed it to her. The one he handed her was red and dried perfectly. "Give it a taste."


    Shae eyed the pepper, first bringing it up to her nose to smell it. Apparently she found the scent pleasing, her next action was to pop the entire thing in her mouth and chew vigorously.


    Nix watched her, he liked spicy foods, but even the smallest sliver of ghost peppers was too much for him.


    Shae chewed slowly, the look on her face turning slowly from curiosity to shock and then joy. "What are these? Do you have more? How long do they take to grow?"


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    Nix laughed at her excitement. He handed her the small bag that Nansu had picked up for him. "Not sure how long their growth cycle is, but I''ll plant as many as I can."


    Shae grabbed the bag and stashed it away before she jumped on the hoe Nix had sat down and started tearing up the ground. "We''re going to need a bigger plot Nix. Way, way bigger!"


    "Take it easy Shae... Those aren''t candy."


    Shae popped another one in her mouth and continued to swing the hoe. She had obviously never used one before, but after watching Nix all morning she had a decent idea. "Don''t worry Nix, I''ll prepare a proper patch, just make sure there are enough seeds."


    ***************


    An hour later Nix sat on the rear deck of his houseboat, it had been designated as the meeting place for those going on the Pinnacle raid. Pon, Wind, Sharl, Chael, Nez, Banzi, Milat, Tess, Sila, and Nix were all taking part. The raid was limited to 10 people. Sila had recently become a Scorched Earth Mage and Nix had invited her so she could learn her new path. She chose Crowd Control.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s see... Nez, Sharl, Milat and Chael, you''re with me. Tess, Sila, Wind and Banzi, you''re with Pon.


    Sharl wasn''t even pretending to listen, the Naga egg had hatched two weeks earlier and she spent a good portion of her time bonding with him. She had named him Floyd, Nix had been tempted to tease her but Ronnie stepped in and told her the name belonged to their grandfather who had long since passed. The Naga had jet-black hair that stuck straight up, he was nearly waist tall already and growing daily. He didn''t have eyes like the Lamia, from the waist up he could pass for any young boy. At the waist, however, he turned into a light brown snake, five feet of tail followed him around. Oddly enough the end of his tail was split into two separate tails, not even Shae was aware of what that meant.


    /Inferno: Pon: Guess we''re the ''A'' team since you are stuck with Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Guess we''ll see. I am curious to see if Fire-Nado does anything for your "dieing right away" habit.


    /Inferno: Pon: Ignore him, we''re the group to watch.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll move out in ten minutes, meet on the docks.


    Nix gated to the dock area and entered his shop, he waved Nova over and deposited a few boxes on the counter. "Here''s the latest. We doing anything with the second floor yet?"


    Nova shook her head, "mostly empty sir."


    "Let''s designate the second floor as ''combat-oriented gear. I''ll start putting out more product."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Salamander has been suspiciously quiet. They don''t want to fight anymore?


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''m guessing they are laying low. First, they lost the Faction Event. Then their mid-tier officers were executed by Jenzi.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Shank and the twins were executed?


    /Inferno: Sharl: It''s embarrassing how uninformed you are.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Keep bullying me and I''ll sink that garbage scow you call a ship.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t be mean to Captain Ronnie.


    ******************


    By the time Nix walked out of his shop a few minutes later, the rest of the raid was already gathered. The Onion group had long since left, their mission to explore the Mystery Map had started at dawn.


    Fajii stopped by to buff the team with Flaming Rock Wall and Scorched Earth Shield before they left. She was busy organizing Lamia Acolytes and was helping Nansu catalog sea-herbs. Eron, the black fox lay comfortably across her shoulders.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks Fajii. Join hands, please.


    He waited until everyone was ready then he activated Deep Blue and chose the fourth slot. Mina had labeled Pinnacle.


    The platform they appeared on was a water zone, just off the entrance to Pinnacle. Nix summoned Ducky and moved off the platform.


    /Inferno: Nix: Milat and Wind, go scout out the zone for us. I''ll send Ducky with you.


    Ducky changed into her human form and followed the two scouts as they stealthed. Nix would often see her using her human form while in the Sea-World. Her ability to hold it was increasing.


    [Milat has been slain]


    [Wind has been slain]


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit...


    /Inferno: Nix: Report!


    /Inferno: Wind: We were scouting the perimeter of Pinnacle, there is only one path going in and two coming out. A huge bubble has formed over the entire area, there aren''t any pumps though, something else is keeping the water at bay.


    /Inferno: Milat: Our stealth broke when we entered the Courtyard, there is definitely something very powerful in the area.


    /Inferno: Nix: Recover and I''ll pick you back up at the docks.


    Nix gated back to Glory Island and picked up Wind and Milat, Fajii rebuffed them before sending them on their way once again.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, Pinnacle take two. We''ll all enter the air-zone together and then prep for trouble.


    Nix stayed close to the ground as he swam away from the platform, it only took a few minutes before they approached the air-zone. It reminded him of the stadiums he used to watch baseball in as a kid, only it was many times larger and completely transparent.


    The group moved through the bubble in pairs. Pon had pointed out that there may be security measures that are tripped if several people come through at once. After they entered they waited for any possible alarms, there didn''t seem to be any.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Mortimer appeared a moment later. Nix had previously briefed him not roar to announce his arrival this time.


    "Are you kidding me?" Their scouts hadn''t described Pinnacle in much detail. "This is a habitat."


    There were several trees visible, although they were a kind that Nix hadn''t seen before, slightly violet in color. A lush, spongy blueish moss covered the ground and a sweet flowery smell hung in the air. In the distance, a walled area surrounded two large building, one looked like some sort of fort and the other a temple.


    "Morty... Sorry to ask this, but can I ride you?" Nix scratched the bear''s huge head when it bumped into him.


    "You want to? I''m really fast you know, faster than a horse even." Mortimer lay down on the moss so Nix could climb up.


    /Inferno: Nix: I think we''ve been doing this all wrong. I''m going to walk in and see what''s up.


    /Inferno: Wind: Bad idea Nix,


    /Inferno: Nix: No... a bad idea is starting a fire in a doorway before realizing you''re stuck in the room.


    /Inferno: Wind: You did that? How''d you get out?


    /Inferno: Nix: Jumped out the window, three stories. Wait here.


    He didn''t add that he broke his leg in two places and so ended the fire rampage of Phoenix Phire.


    "Just head right toward the big building Morti."


    "Okay boss... Want me to swat things?"


    "No, we are going to be cautious."


    The rest of the raid watched as Nix and Mortimer rode all the way to the entrance. Nix rode crossed-legged on the bear''s back, it was much too wide to ride like a horse.


    They had just arrived at the gate when a group of white-robed guards appeared. Their heads were wrapped carefully in the same white material of their robes. They were all nearly the same height and size, each of them wore a recurve bow across their backs.


    "You are trespassing in the Air City of Pinnacle, under the protection of Nemesis Rhylia Thundercloud."


    /Inferno: Nix: Oh shit... An Air Nemesis is here.


    Nix cleared his throat and pulled out his Champions Medallion. "My mistress, the Fire Nemesis Shae Balefire sends her greetings to Nemesis Rhylia and has sent me here to challenge the Pinnacle Temple Champion."

 Chapter 94 On Stage part one

    An hour later, most of Inferno was sitting comfortably on mats that had been placed for them on the temple floor. Nix was standing in front of the Air Throne speaking with the Air Nemesis. It was an impressive sight, a transparent seat that was levitating off the floor.


    "I had thought that my presence here was unknown. How did your mistress learn about me?" Rhylia looked nothing like what Nix thought an Air Nemesis should be. She had raven-colored hair that was shaved to the scalp on the sides. She was frighteningly beautiful, long furled wings as black as night hung over her throne, her eyes were like twin pieces of shiny coal. In Nix''s eyes, she looked like a fallen angel.


    "I am not important enough for Nemesis Shae to share such knowledge with. My mission here is to challenge only."


    /Inferno: Nix: Shae, there''s an Air Nemesis in Pinnacle.


    /Inferno: Shae: What? Retreat at once Nix!


    /Inferno: Nix: Too late, I challenged her champion.


    /Inferno: Shae: Ask to summon me, say that we will take the Guest oath.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay.


    "Nix..." Rhylia stood up and walked towards him. "What is Shae like? She''s a Salamander right?"


    NIx nodded, "She is. Shae has requested that you allow me to summon her. She has agreed to take the Guest oath."


    Rhylia pursed her lips, "Summon her?" She stepped close enough for Nix to feel the constant breeze that circled her. "Are you her mate?"


    Nix shook his head, "I''m the Fire Palace champion, and the Scorched Earth Temple champion," he added belatedly.


    "A Temple of Scorched Earth? You actually built one?" Rhylia retreated back to her throne, she turned slowly and started chanting. A large circle, several feet in diameter formed on the tile behind Nix; runes appeared and disappeared quickly while she spoke. She stopped after a few minutes and sat down. "If she takes the oath, she may now enter freely."


    Nix lay a hand over his chest and pictured Shae in his head. "Shae Balefire, Salamander Nemesis of FIre."


    A moment later Shae appeared in her red armor, her hands were open in a display of peace. "Greetings, I am Shae Balefire, a Nemesis of the Fire Palace."


    Rhylia had returned to her seat, "Welcome Shae, I am Rhylia Thundercloud, Nemesis of Air." She gestured with a hand and a large chair was placed next to her. "Let us sit and talk."


    Nix waited until Shae sat down, then he moved and stood behind her chair. He could sense that this temple was only a structure and not a proper temple. Most likely there wasn''t an elemental world anchored to it.


    Rhylia watched the duo carefully, the Salamander radiated strength. "You must be curious. Why is an Air Elemental hiding in a water zone?"


    Shae nodded. "It does seem like an unlikely place to have your temple."


    "There are three known Elemental Nemesis besides the two of us."


    Shae''s face showed her surprise. "How is that possible?"


    "They hide, I found this out for myself several years ago." Rhylia glanced at Nix, "I can sense that my temple champion is no match for yours. However, we both need something. Don''t we?"


    Nix considered the words carefully. "You built a settlement on the God''s road so no one would discover it. Inferno is further along than any of the other guilds. We are the first to discover that you replaced the Aquarions that were once here." Nix glanced at the guards, with their carefully wrapped heads.


    "There is a Water, a Fire, and an Earth Nemesis. Each of them wields substantial power. The Earth Nemesis is buried deep in the ground and doesn''t involve himself in the affairs of Colonial. The other two do and actively seek to destroy anyone who unbalances their power base."


    The area around Shae seemed to heat up slightly, her warm brown eyes growing brighter. "Why wouldn''t they have attacked us already?"


    It was Nix who answered. "We are a ripe fruit, the temptation of a Fire Palace would entice a Fire Nemesis. With the addition of the Scorched Earth Temple, the balance of power would tilt if the Fire Nemesis were able to take it from us."


    Rhylia nodded, "this is my opinion as well. The attempt to gain a Fire Palace and a Scorched Earth Temple might even force the Earth Nemesis into acting."


    Shae understood what she was saying. Everything they''ve worked for was at risk. "If they wait too long, our power base will be too established and an attack too risky."


    "I know what you want." Rhylia leaned back in her seat, her black fingernails clicking on the invisible throne. "You want to access the exit to the next stage of Mermaid City."


    Shae nodded, "Nix would challenge your temple champion and if he wins access would be granted."


    Rhylia laughed at the Salamander''s words. "I''ve already said that he is too strong four my champion. However, a 3 on 1 battle could be competitive."


    Suddenly Nix was glad he had unsummoned Morti, if they saw the big bear sitting next to him, they might forbid the Titan cub from participating. "You want something also. What is it?"


    Rhylia glanced around at her followers. "A sun."


    Shae stared at the Air Nemesis. "That would be quite costly."


    /Inferno: Nix: What does she mean Shae?


    /Inferno: Shae: This isn''t an elemental world Nix. It''s why the plantlife are all of the ocean variety.


    /Inferno: Nix: Right. Can''t grow trees without a sun. Why does she expect you to do?


    /Inferno: Shae: She expects me to make one.


    /Inferno: Pon: The f*ck? Can you do something like that?


    /Inferno: Shae: I can build a small artificial one, more than enough for this tiny air pocket that she lives in.


    /Inferno: Nix: Why would she care?


    /Inferno: Shae: Her and her followers are air creatures. The absence of a sun weakens them substantially.


    /Inferno: Nix: Wait... These are air creatures? Why fight then? Let''s trade them a sun for access to the exit.


    /Inferno: Shae: Making a sun requires part of my Fire Seed, it would weaken me for a very long time.


    /Inferno: Pon: How long?


    /Inferno: Nix: It doesn''t matter how long, I won''t allow it.


    /Inferno: Shae: Yes you will. But you aren''t allowed to lose.


    Rhylia waited while they discussed her proposal. "Will you agree?"


    Shae nodded, "My champion against your best three."


    Rhylia shook her head. "Even that is too risky. Five matches, the first to win three takes the prize. Your champion will fight last, and only if needed.


    /Inferno: Shae: Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Up to you. I feel comfortable taking the challenge.


    /Inferno: Pon: I want to go first Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Do your best old man.


    The spectators moved off to one side, Rhylia formed an air barrier between the stage and the spectators. There were nearly a hundred of the white-robed followers.


    /Inferno: Nix: An air barrier within an air barrier. It seems a bit impressive.


    /Inferno: Shae: It is, she''s quite strong.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You guys are fighting against Air creatures? Watch their range, they do best from a distance.


    Pon walked slowly forward and pushed through the air barrier. He smiled pleasantly and bowed his head when a man dressed in white did the same.


    The man took off his head wrappings and shrugged out of his robe. He wore some sort of enchanted black armor and his feet hovered off the ground. From a distance, it looked like he had black hair, but when he moved closer it was obvious they were short, fine feathers.


    /Inferno: Wind: He really is a bird Pon, it''s a safe bet that he can fly.


    Both men turned toward the throne and nodded.


    "I''m Chohai, please advise me."


    "I''m Pon, please advise."


    Rhylia glanced at Shae, the Salamander was nibbling on a red fruit while she watched. "Let''s begin then."


    Instantly Chohai took air, his hands flashed twice in succession.


    [Summons: Victonia]


    [Summons: Esmer]


    Immediately the tables turned to three on one, when Chohai summoned two Arch-Winds. (See end of chapter notes) Pon merely shook his head as all three of them drew back bows.


    [Flame Sphere]


    Pon was encased in a ball of orange fire, he stood with his hands behind his back watching unconcerned as arrows tested his defense.


    All three assailants were expert archers and some of their arrows penetrated Pon''s shield. These impacted his Scorched Earth buffs and the old man remained unharmed.


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    [Balefire]


    White-hot flame burst from Pon''s hands and raced toward the Esmer, she raised an air shield at the last moment and deflected some of the damage, the impact sent her flying back against the barrier.


    /Inferno: Wind: Stop playing with them, you''re starting to take damage.


    /Inferno: Pon: Fine...


    Pon''s face lit up into a shit-eating grin.


    /Inferno: Nix: Here it comes.


    [Fire-Nado]


    Pon stepped out of his Fire sphere as all three of his opponents were caught up in a whirlwind of fire. He spammed a low-level fire spell while his health points recovered.


    [Flame Dart]


    [Flame Dart]


    [Flame Dart]


    Victonia has died.


    Esmer has died.


    "Enough!" Rhylia held up her hand, a tight smile on her face. "We yield the first round." She had felt the old fire mages surge of power, he wasn''t taking Chohai seriously. The old man was stronger than he looked.


    /Inferno: Wind: I want some of this Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: You''ll get your chance. Next is Sila, then Nez.


    /Inferno: Sila: What?


    /Inferno: Nezbit: Pardon?


    /Inferno: Nix: Fight hard.


    Author: Notes


    [Colonial Canon Reference: Information Only]


    Arch-Wind: Sometimes called Arch-Wings. A human-bird hybrid, usually the companions of Air Creatures. They are strong archers and in some instances healers. They are quite slender, and due to having hollow bones can not take much damage.

 Chapter 95 On Stage conclusion

    Sila stood motionless on the stage. Nix smiled at her obvious discomfort. Sila had been a dps-based marksman when they had first met. Since then she had taken the Scorched Earth Crowd Control path. The physical changes caused by the path seemed to vary greatly from person to person, there was Chael who only had minor ear changes, then there was Fajii who exhibited more substantial changes. Nix theorized that the amount of change had to do a lot with your current self-image.


    Sila had the body of a swimsuit model, not the skinny plastic models that use to be popular, but the curved voluptuous type that caused you to bite your lip to keep from staring. Her short brown hair was now streaked liberally with red. Her ears had sharpened to a point, but besides that, there was no real physical change.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take it to him Sila. Be first, Prey waits.


    [Pon has invited you to a hidden channel. Men''s Club,]


    /Men''s Club: Wind: Welcome Nix.


    /Men''s Club: Chael: Finally invited the boss?


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    /Men''s Club: Pon: It''s ultra-secret Nix.


    /Men''s Club: Nix: The hell is going on?


    /Men''s Club: Pon: Sometimes it''s nice to chat without worrying about women listening.


    /Men''s Club: Banzi: Super secret Nix, don''t ever mention it.


    /Men''s Club: Nix: Is this where you say that the first rule of Men''s Club is don''t talk about Men''s


    Club?


    /Men''s Club: Milat: How does he know that already?


    /Men''s Club: Wind: On behalf of everyone here, I''d like to thank you for inviting Sila into Inferno.


    /Men''s Club: Banzi: Seconded!


    /Men''s Club: Nix: Well... she is a man after all.


    /Men''s Club: Pon: Huh?


    /Men''s Club: Wind: What?


    /Men''s Club: Nix: Read the forums. 67 percent of the accounts are owned by men, but 70 percent of player characters are female.


    NIx laughed and closed the channel.


    You have left the Men''s Club.


    Sila bowed toward Shae and then faced her opponent. He could have been twins with the guy who fought Pon. "I''m Sila, please advise me."


    "I''m Jespa, please advise."


    [Silent Earth]


    Jespa has been silenced.


    Sila immediately dropped to one knee and pulled her rifle and started firing. Jespa moved further away, his face showing panic when he was unable to complete a summons.


    [Scorched Dust]


    Jespa has been blinded.


    Sila calmly fired at the target who was flying blindly in the air. Within a minute, the match was over.


    [Jespa has been slain]


    The end of the match was met with complete silence. Sila had used her path to easily overwhelm her opponent.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nice job Sila.


    /Inferno: Wind: CC for the win.


    Rhylia sighed heavily, her element operated best in a support role but she had hoped her people would do better. "Well done Sila, so this is the Scorched Earth Path? Very impressive.


    Sila bowed, her pretty face showing a smile. "I would be happy to discuss the Scorched Earth path with you if you are curious."


    Sila walked back to the holding area, her teammates all congratulating her. "Thanks, Nix, I was really nervous."


    Nix accepted a quick hug from her, "great job Sila."


    /Inferno: Wind: That was very impressive Sila.


    /Inferno: Pon: Hard and fast, your opponent was reeling from the start.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sila:] Were you hitting on the Air Nemesis?


    [Whisper: Sila to Nix] Maybe... jealous?


    [Whisper: Nix to Sila] Nope.


    Nez walked onto the stage. She smiled nervously at her opponent who was already waiting before bowing slightly in the direction of the two elementals.


    Her opponent was a female this time. Her feathered scalp had a ridge down the middle, making it look like she wore a mohawk. "I am Isadori, please advise me."


    Nex bowed toward her, "I''m Nezbit, very nice to meet you. Please advise."


    [Twister]


    Nezbit has been captured by the wind.


    The cleric''s body immediately started spinning in place.


    [Summons: Tulat]


    [Summons: Peri]


    Two Arch-Winds were summoned quickly and both of them started firing immediately at Nez. The Inferno cleric had lost nearly half of health when the spell finally expired.


    [Blessing of the Goddess]


    Nezbit has been completely healed.


    Nez frowned at her opponent and then pulled her mace and charged at her.


    [Entangle]


    Isadori has been rooted in place


    [Sins of the Father]


    Isadori has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Gale blast]


    A gust of wind slammed into Nez, knocking her to the ground. She quickly rolled to her feet and charged again.


    [Gale blast]


    A second gust slammed into her, she managed to side-step and barely stumbled as she closed on her opponent.


    Arrows peppered the ground around her, Nez was dodging and weaving while she continued to charge ahead.


    [Blessing of the Goddess]


    Nezbit has been completely healed.


    [Gale blast]


    Nez stopped suddenly, skidding on the tile while the spell landed in front of her, unexpectedly she leaped onto the impacted area and shot high into the air. One hand grabbed the ankle of her opponent and dragged her to the ground. Nez kept ahold of Isadori and started bashing her with her mace. A moment later, Isadori slumped to the floor.


    Isadori has fallen unconscious.


    The cleric stopped attacking and put away her weapon.


    [Blessing of the Goddess]


    Isadori has been completely healed.


    The moment was met with stunned silence, before the Inferno members started clapping.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nice job Nez.


    /Inferno: Pon: Clerics are such cheats.


    /Inferno: Tess: Don''t hate the healers. Way to represent Nez!


    Nez helped her opponent up, and gave her a friendly smile. "Thank you for the match."


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] F*ck Nix... Did you know those two were heavy hitters?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Did you think I invited them to Inferno because of the way they looked?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Yep.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Know what advice Chiba gave me while I was training with her?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Don''t say that name to me... What did she say?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Only a fool fights clerics.


    /Inferno: Wind: Damn it... I should have gone after Pon. You did that on purpose Nix!


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t blame me.


    Nix approached the two elementals. He would still fight if needed, but it was obvious that the advantages of Air weren''t suited to single combat. "I have a suggestion."


    Rhylia had been watching the matches with great interest. Losing to a cleric didn''t surprise her, no sane person wants to fight someone who can completely heal themselves over and over again. However, the Scorched Earth mage showed abilities that completely nullified Air Elementals. She offered Nix a tight smile. "What''s your suggestion?"


    "Partner with us," Nix spoke quietly, both Elementals stared at him. "You face the same fate as Shae, sooner or later you will have to face the other Elementals. Your choices are to hide away, or consolidate your power quickly and hope to survive a confrontation."


    "You would have me take refuge in the Fire Palace? Or maybe the Scorched Earth Temple?" Rhylia''s tone told him that she wouldn''t consider it.


    Nix shook his head, "We''ll find you a temple, it''s what we do."


    Rhylia''s dark eyes were impossible to read, "and then what?"


    "Among the Nemesis, only Shae has a temple. The other Nemesis isolate themselves from outside contact. Earth, Wind, and Fire... Would they still dare attack us?"


    Shae listened without comment, she had long understood that Nix was unpredictable. He did have a point, together they would be stronger. "There is no need to make a decision today, please consider my Champion''s words carefully."


    Rhylila shook her head. "This isn''t the right move for us, at least not at this time."


    The Air Elemental walked them outside and then escorted them personally to the gate. She bade goodbye to Shae and Inferno with a slight bow. "Thank you for visiting us."


    Shae returned to Glory while the raid party exited through the gate.


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to clear the third stage on the 5th floor. All raid members receive the Feather Fall ring.


    Feather Fall


    Ring: Rare


    Description: When jumping or


    falling from a great height, the wearer


    descends slowly.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Great job guys!


    /Inferno: Sharl: Tip of the sword!


    /Inferno: Semmi: We are lost here Nix. How''s your sense of direction?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Bring him in Mina.


    Filamina has summoned you. Do you accept?


    "Yes."

 Chapter 96 Mystery Map part one

    Nix appeared on the deck of the Phoenix, Mina''s smiling face was welcoming him. "Thanks for coming Nix."


    "Hmm. It''s almost like I''m your spirit companion." Nix glanced around the deck. "This is bad." The entire fleet was immersed in a dense fog bank. He was scarcely a dozen feet from Mina, and she was already blurred. A quick peek at the helm, showed that Captain Delphi was indiscernible.


    /Inferno: Nix: Damn... thirty feet visibility?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Aye, can''t see the sky or each other. Forget about finding landmarks.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ve been anchored here for two hours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Two hours? What were you waiting for?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: For you to get done.


    /Inferno: Nix: Somehow that doesn''t make me happy. What have you tried so far?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ve tried using Wilo to blow the fog away. It works for a few seconds and then swirls back in place.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We tried deploying an underwater team, no creatures may enter the water at this time.


    /Inferno: Semmi: No flight is possible either.


    /Inferno: Nix: So it''s a puzzle then. Can you come alongside the Phoenix Ronnie?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: You have an idea Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix; Not really, just like having you around.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Captain Ronnie is on the way!


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t run into us, Captain Ronnie.


    "Deploy lanterns to the starboard rail!" Captain Delphi shouted to her crew. She had a good idea where the rest of the ships were, the smaller corvette had been trailing their starboard side all day.


    A few minutes later, the smaller ship eased next to them. Ronnie was standing on the rail. "Don''t drop me Nix!" She leaped through the air at him, laughing when his strong hands wrapped around her.


    "Oh god... What''s with the pirate get-up Ronnie?" Nix laughed when he stood her up straight. She had a black bandanna on her head and an eyepatch. With her pointed ears and dark skin, she resembled some sort of dark elf pirate.


    Ronnie winked at him. "It''s cute right?"


    "Very..." Nix had to agree, she was very cute if pressed he would have said outrageously sexy. "Follow me."


    Ronnie nodded and followed him to the front of the ship. She watched curiously as he climbed on the rail and stood on the figurehead. "Why are you up there?"


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "The figurehead is fireproof." He apologized in his heart for standing on the majestic bird''s head.


    "Right." Ronnie nodded as if she understood. "What should I do?"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix''s emerald flame encircled him, the heat rushing across the deck of the Phoenix. He gave her an innocent smile. "Blow me."


    Ronnie''s smile widened, "be happy to. Hold on tight!"


    Wilo appeared on her shoulder.


    [Wind Tunnel]


    Nix used his flame strands to anchor his legs to the figurehead a moment before the wind slammed into him. The superheated air pushed the fog away while burning it up, in a matter of a few seconds, there was a clear path several meters in front of them.


    Mina pointed to a single streak of white in the water, it intercepted their heading and veered sharply to port. "Are we suppose to follow that?"


    /Inferno: Nix: There''s a trail in the water, we''re going to follow it.


    "Hard to Starboard! Three-quarter Main!" Delphi shouted her commands and centered the Phoenix on the path before them.


    The Phoenix sailed steadily North, Nix had turned to face the ocean during one of their short breaks. He could see the rock reefs on either side of them, Delphi also noticed them, she had a sailor''s healthy fear of reefs. Rocks rose on either side of them, eventually forming fjords as the fog faded into nothing and land appeared.


    [You have entered Mendota Heights]


    /Inferno: Nix: This must be our stop!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let''s anchor here and meet up on the Phoenix.


    *****************


    A short while later Semmi, Jun Li, Wylie, Mina, Ronnie, Zhava, and Tyrant were gathered around Nix. He was going over their roster. Tyrant was a new Scorched Earth mage who specialized in the Defender tree. Both Mina and Wylie brought small assault teams. The Colonial Knights had done as Nix asked and chosen the path of the marksmen. Two Aquarion healers and two human ones made him comfortable with the roster.


    "Once we get ashore be ready for anything. I''ll send Ducky out initially before our scout team."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared, without asking she immediately took on her human form. "Greetings Nix."


    Nix patted her head gently. "Ready to do some work? Scout out the surrounding area for us, make sure no one notices you."


    Ducky nodded before disappearing in a blur of blue.


    /Inferno: Wylie: She''s a siren now right?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Let''s disembark and get ready for action.


    Nix stepped ashore a few minutes later, the beach had a few yards of sand but then turned rocky right away. Black shale littered the landscape, making walking very precarious.


    [You have entered a no-fly zone]


    Nix heard Wilo complaining from Ronnie''s shoulder. No flying meant she was stuck riding on her companion.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    A 12 foot tall black Cave bear appeared instantly. Immediately he looked around for enemies when he didn''t see any he sat down on his huge butt. His big brown eyes found Nix quickly. "We gonna fight something boss?"


    Nix reached up and scratched his enormous ears. "Yep, gonna need you at your best."


    Morti nodded, "just you wait! I can do it!"


    Semmi and Zhava were preparing to scout just as Ducky came back. She embraced Nix, her entire body shaking. "Bad, bad things!"


    "Hmm?" Nix could feel her fear so he stroked her blue hair soothingly. He opened his hud map with his other hand. The dots that normally filled out from Ducky''s scouting were still there, only this time they were all black. "What does this mean?"


    "Dead things Nix... Lots of them!" Ducky hugged him tightly and then de-summoned herself.


    Nix stared into the empty space where she had been a moment earlier. "A battle maybe? Ducky isn''t normally so skittish."


    Semmi had watched the interaction and shook her head. "Never seen that before. We''ll check it out."


    Zhava and Semmi walked carefully inland, both of them stealthing before they traveled more than a few yards.


    /Inferno: Nix: Junie you''ll have to be the MT today. I''ll have Morti back you up.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: How about I back him up? Have you seen how big he is?


    /Inferno: Nix: Fine. You can back him up.


    They waited near the beach and a few minutes later Wylie approached him. The silver-hair knight offered him a smile. "You should fight more with the Knights Nix. They always hear how strong you are, but they never get to see it firsthand."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I plan on going through the Mariner training with the new recruits in a few days. Plenty of time then to bond properly."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Holy... corpses everywhere Nix. Fifteen minutes west of your position is a valley, I''ve never seen so many bodies in one place. They are stacked up like firewood.


    /Inferno: Zhava: Should we wait here? Or continue scouting?


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll move to your position, when we arrive you can scout further.


    Nix walked slowly toward the spot Zhava had marked on the map for them, Morti, with his lumbering walk, waddled alongside him.


    "You look tired boss. Want to ride me?"


    "No thanks, Morti."


    "Okay." Morti nudged him with his head, his big tongue lolling to one side of his mouth. "Let me know if you change your mind. I''m very soft."


    The big bear halted suddenly, the hackles on the back of his neck rose up as a deep menacing growl vibrated from his chest.


    Nix stopped walking, they hadn''t arrived at the spot yet. He could see Semmi and Zhava in the distance.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi, Zhava, stealth immediately!


    Nix nodded when they disappeared, he placed a hand on Morti''s side. "What is it?"


    "Stench... bad things Nix. Stay behind me." The big bear reared up on his back legs and then slammed his paws onto the ground.


    [Ground Pounder]


    An Undead Soldier has been stunned.


    A Mutilated Corpse has been stunned.


    A Risen Aquarion has been stunned.


    A Zombie Archer has been stunned.


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    /Inferno: Jun Li: Undead! Everyone stay close. Clerics prepare Undead Spells!


    Morti gave out a deafening roar and charged the undead that were suddenly clawing there way out of the ground.


    [Absolute Challenge]


    All nearby enemies must attack Mortimer for the next 90 seconds.

 Chapter 97 Mystery Map part two

    Tess stepped behind Mori, both her hands glowing with purifying white light.


    [Holy Ward]


    A holy light envelops Mortimer


    Morti slammed a big paw into an Undead soldier that was digging his way out of the ground, its entire upper half was torn away and turned into a projectile.


    [Turn Undead]


    A Zombie Archer has been laid to rest.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Damn, Tess is our only true cleric. All other healers focus on keeping Tess and Morti alive!


    Nix raised both hands, a dozen strands shot out and locked down a half dozen undead.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Skellies coming your way guys. Dozens of them!


    [Turn Undead]


    An Aquarion Risen has been laid to rest.


    Tess stayed behind Morti, tossing her Turn Undead spell whenever she got the chance. She shouted at her guildies. "Skeletons are immune to fire but weak to blunt force! Swat them down Morti!"


    "Yeah! It''s swatting time!" The big bear rumbled but sat on his big butt and starting swiping at everything with his enormous reach. Each blow of his huge paws creating bone dust as he laid waste to them.


    Nix put his hilt away and charged in also, his fists blurring as he crushed skulls and collapsed ribcages. The fight went on for several minutes with Morti taking the lion''s share and Nix backing him up. The rest of the melee fighters fought on the fringes making sure they weren''t surrounded.


    The tide of skellies continued, but they were unable to overrun Inferno. Finally, the battle started to lessen, Nix was flashing from fight to fight, making sure to cover Morti''s openings.


    [Leviathan Speed Buff is in effect: Extended Fight]


    Darkness formed on the backside of the enemy line, a black cloud that swirled with evil. Two glowing red eyes stared at the group, his head thrown back as a burst of evil laughter caused everyone to look up. A giant robed skeleton with a black crown stepped from the cloud.


    /Jun Li: Lich King! Leave him to Morti!


    "LICH KING?" Morti roared in anger and charged the undead being. Although the Lich was seven feet tall, he was dwarfed by the Cave Bear.


    [Absolute Challenge]


    All nearby enemies must attack Mortimer for the next 90 seconds.


    Nix followed close behind the charging bear, the Lich seemed to vanish for a moment and then reappeared with a black scythe that sucked the light out of the air and cast a shadow over both of them.


    [Dwell in Darkness]


    Mortimer is immune to Curses.


    Nix has been cursed. All stats have been decreased by half.


    Nix has been snared.


    Nix has been slowed.


    Nix raised his hands and a dozen emerald strands landed on the weapon, the tremendous strength of the Lich King dragged him across the rocky soil despite Nix digging his heels in.


    [Holy Touch]


    Saintess has cured you of all dark curses.


    /Inferno: Tess: Get me an opening!


    With his curse lifted, Nix''s strength surged again and he yanked the scythe to one side, off-balancing the Lich King. Morti reared back on his hind legs and slammed two huge paws into the ground.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Lich King Navi has been stunned.


    Tess slid between Morti and Nix, the two of them moving to one side as she closed in with both hands glowing.


    [Turn Undead]


    Lich King Navi is too high a level to be slain by Turn Undead.


    Lich King Navi has been critically injured!


    Mortimer''s gigantic jaws clamped on the scythe, the two of them managed to wrest it from the Lich''s grasp.


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    /Inferno: Semmi: The red stone on his weapon, it''s his Phylactery! Shatter it!


    Nix dropped his strands and raised the weapon high over his head, he slammed the crystal onto the ground. A blinding flash of red saw Nix blown sideways.


    You have been slain.


    "NO!" The Lich King screamed in agony, a black fire erupted from his dark robes and started to consume him. "I''ll take your corpse!" He started raising arms while moving toward Nix, a moment later a giant black form descended on him.


    [Lich King Navi has been slain]


    Morti snuffed the air but didn''t move. The Lich''s skeletal arms and legs could be seen sticking out from beneath Morti''s butt.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s a new one.


    [Ressurection]


    Saintess has offered to resurrect you. Do you accept it?


    "Yep."


    Nix walked over to his own corpse and looted it first before turning back to Morti. "Awesome job Morti."


    "Are you okay?" The big brown eyes were filled with worry. "My abilities were on cooldown, so I sat on him."


    Nix laughed at the broken mess that the Lich King had become, Morti was definitely not a lightweight. "Get up so we can loot him."


    "Okay." Morti moved to one side and sat down once again.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t drop your guard.


    Nix bent down and placed a hand on the Lich King.


    [A tiny spark of black fire still exists. Do you wish to preserve it?]


    "Yes."


    You have received the crystal of Necrofire.


    You have received the key to the Death Temple.


    You have received the Grim Reaper. (Broken)


    You have received the Support Skill: Darkness (Rating Cost 5)


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Woah, I''ve never heard of that one. Link everything Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure, take a look.


    Necrofire: Crystal


    Description: A fire


    that steals life force, handle


    with care.


    Portkey: Death Temple


    Gain Access to the Death Temple


    on Mystery Island.


    Grim Reaper: Scythe


    Description: An over-powered


    edge weapon, unfortunately, it''s


    broken. Only the handle still throbs


    with dark power.


    Darkness: Scroll


    Type: Support Skill


    Description: Use of Scroll and


    gain the Darkness skill.


    (Rating: 5)


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone interested in the Crystal? If not I''ll take it back for Shae to examine.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Darkness is likely to be some sort of Crowd Control skill right?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Could be...


    /Inferno: Nix: That would be my guess. Any takers?


    /Inferno: Semmi: My stealth takes up too many points, I can''t afford it.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Too creepy for me.


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t need another CC.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll take it.


    Nix tossed the dead blade, there was nothing special about it. He held the broken handle in his hands.


    /Inferno: NIx: It''s powerful, I can feel it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sure... but it''s broken.


    Nix gripped the handle tightly and cleared his mind, focusing on the emerald flames he pushed the green flame toward his hands. After a few deep breaths, an emerald green flame blade emerged from the handle with an evil hiss.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Careful Nix.


    Nix let it flame out and quickly stowed it away.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, Zhava and Semmi, find us something to explore. We''ll stay here for now, although it feels too exposed.


    Morti lay down while they waited, Nix leaning heavily on him while they talked quietly. "I did good right boss?"


    "You were very fierce Morti, everyone thinks so."


    Morti laid his head down and closed his eyes. "That was very tiring... Wake me if I need to swat stuff Nix."


    Nix used his fingers to scratch the soft fur on the back of Morti''s head. "A short nap will do you good."


    A few minutes later the scouting team reported in.


    /Inferno: Semmi: There''s a platform here with a triangular-shaped door. The message says it requires a portkey.


    /Inferno: Nix: What about the corpses?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Still lots of them, nothing is moving around though.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m going to stick close to Morti until we leave this place.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re on our way.


    NIx and Morti led the way to the spot the scouting team marked on the map. Ronnie was sitting on the bear''s very wide back, both of them seemed to be enjoying it quite a bit.


    Semmi and Zhava were waiting patiently on the raised stone platform when the main body of Inferno caught up with them.


    On the platform was an enormous stone triangle, a few feet off the ground Nix could see a slot for the portkey.


    /Inferno: Nix: Everyone get up on the platform, please.


    Without waiting any further, Nix inserted the portkey. Immediately their world flip-flopped in darkness, a moment later they were standing in a circle of lit torches.


    "Guests? Welcome then." A soft, but masculine voice spoke from a large throne overlooking the courtyard that they were standing in. A dozen undead denizens held up torches all around them. "Please feel at home. You are never leaving this place."

 Chapter 98 Death Temple

    Nix frowned and stepped away from the group he was in. He could dimly see a cavern ceiling high overhead. It reminded him of the Sea-World, although it looked a lot larger. There were cliffs visible in the far distance, torchlight lined what seemed to be long dark stairs to the top.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Emerald flames pushed out in all directions, with dozens of tendrils waving in the air. The undead were skellies, however, they seemed a bit stronger than the ones on the surface. The undead holding the torches moved away without attacking. A slight man in a dark robe watched them, there was no malice in his eyes, only interest. He had shoulder-length light brown hair that was drawn back in a ponytail. His features were as pale as ivory.


    /Inferno: Nix: Be ready, but for now don''t attack.


    "Never leave?" Nix walked toward the pale man, both Tess and Morti followed along closely.


    "Yes. You have wandered into a trap, you cannot gate out. Even if you die you will respawn on the platform." He showed them no aggression, his deep voice bore no hint of cruelty.


    /Inferno: Nix: Test out Deep Blue Min.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Could you attempt to summon me? We may have wandered into some sort of trap that stops us from leaving.


    /Inferno: Mina: It cannot be used at this time.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shit.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I''m not allowed to summon you. Bring me in Nix, I will help you.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Too risky, let''s leave you out there for now.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Permanent traps like this don''t exist in Colonial, let''s figure it out.


    Nix stopped a few meters away from the man. "I''m Nix, the guild leader of Inferno."


    The man smiled. "I''ve never heard of Inferno, but then I''ve been here several years already. "I am Tu-Khat. The rightful King of Wisteria."


    /Inferno: Semmi: King Tu-Khat is the current reigning monarch of Wisteria, as far as I know, he is still there.


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    Nix waited until Morti sat down before answering. "That''s curious, King Tu-Khat is alive and well in Wisteria. Or at least he was when we left."


    The self-proclaimed King shook his head. "A Necromancer, with a doppelganger stone."


    Nix felt his medallion pulse with energy, he pulled it out to examine it.


    [You are within Range of a Temple with proclaimed Champion]


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s curious, my Champions Medallion just notified me of a potential challenge. It didn''t do that at the Air temple.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That wasn''t a real Temple, just a building they threw together.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That could be the key to leaving this instance.


    /Inferno: Tess: Let Nix challenge, and while he''s fighting we steal the temple.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Are all clerics so sneaky?


    /Inferno: Tess: Don''t say bad things about me Junie.


    /Inferno: Nix: The Temple is likely to have some help.


    /Inferno: Tess: We''ll take Morti with us, and deal with them. He''s super strong


    /Inferno: Nix: And part of my strength. Which is why I need him to deal with the Champion.


    /Inferno: Tess: Don''t be so clingy Nix.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Don''t worry Nix, we''ll take good care of him.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s talk with Tu-Khat first, we need more information.


    Nix approached the self-proclaimed King. "Any idea how long you have been here?''


    Tu-Khat shrugged, "it''s hard to say. I was about to unite the three central continents under my banner."


    Semmi was listening in from behind Nix, "Wisteria, Hispana, and Phenlinomia? One united Kingdom?"


    Nix shook his head, if that was true, then a major powerplay was blocked in Colonial. Wisteria, Hispana, and Phelinomia were the three central continents. Not traditional continents like the others but large archipelagos that spanned a thousand miles and more than a hundred islands. All three countries have very strong fleets, the unique geography of them made a standing army obsolete.


    "Who was involved, specifically."


    "I was to marry Princess Festa," Tu-Khat sighed heavily.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Now I remember, this was nearly ten years ago, the Wisteria King and Queen died when their ship was caught up in a storm. After they disappeared there was a quest to uncover the truth. No one was able to solve it.


    /Inferno: Nix: This is that guy? Where''s his wife?


    /Inferno: Semmi: This would be their son. He was going to marry Festa and unite the two countries. I never heard mention of Hispana being involved in the alliance.


    Nix remembered Festa, she had been very pleased with them. "How does this involve Hispana?"


    Tu-Khat frowned, "essentially they were being forced out of leadership. The old King there has no heir so he was given an ultimatum. Join the Central Continent Kingdom or face our navy."


    /Inferno: Nix: I find myself less than sympathetic. They were strongarming a rightful King.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let''s find out a bit more.


    Nix kept his face expressionless. "Please continue."


    "I don''t know much outside of that. A powerful Necromancer visited my court, he brought with him many wondrous gifts. One of them was the Doppelganger Stone."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Probably the rarest stone in existence. It can be used to assume the identity of someone else. That person is then transported... f*ck. We''re boned.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: You think we''re inside Sem?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Has to be, the doppelganger assumes the identity of the person, that person is transported inside the stone.


    /Inferno: Nix: A splintered world inside the stone? Then why would we be here?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Think of it as a mobile world seed. He can banish people here by using the doppelganger ability. We arrived because we took the portkey from one of his minions.


    /Inferno: Nix: So that Lich King was the Overseer of this place?


    /Inferno: Mina: What''s our plan?


    /Inferno: Nix: The Lich King was outside when we fought him, so this portkey must be able to get us out also. There has to be another portal.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s probably in the Temple, near the champion. Time to pick a fight.


    /Inferno: Mina: I''ll come with you Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Looks like we''ve uncovered a plot involving Wisteria. We are probably going to need your help.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I''ll gather Inferno and head there now.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Great idea, leave the Knights to protect Glory Island.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''ll sum up. A Necromancer used the Doppelganger Stone to assume the identity of Tu-Khat while banishing him to this prison. In all likelihood, the Necromancer was hired or allied with the Hispana Kingdom. Inside the stone is a small seed-world. This is where the Necromancer has his Death Temple, we wandered in when we took the portkey from the Lich King. We have to assume that the Lich was part of the Necromancer''s forces. Nix is going to challenge the Temple champion and we are going to deal with the Temple forces. It''s our hope that the portal out is near the champion.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sounds easy when you say it all at once.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Really?


    /Inferno: Nix: No.


    Nix patted the big bear''s head. "Protect these guys Morti. I''ll be fighting the champion on my own."


    "Got it, boss. I''ll make sure no one gets hurt." Morti pushed his big head into Nix''s chest.


    Mina shook her head, "not on your own, I''m coming with you." Mina summoned her Vilas and assigned most of them to protect the healers. "We''ll take five with us Nix."


    Nix held out his hand. "Sounds like a plan." He squeezed her hand and held onto it with one hand while activating his Champion medallion with the other. "Challenge."

 Chapter 99 Sudden Disappearance

    "Hmmm... so delicious." A soft female voice purred from the darkness. Red eyes gleamed from the shadows of the dimly lit hall. A large raised stage had been placed in front of three empty thrones.


    Nix shivered at the sound, something about it creeped him out. He stepped onto the stage and Mina followed. When he did, torches mounted on the stone walls burst with light, pushing back the blackness that had covered the room a moment earlier. "I''m Nix, Champion of the Fire Palace on Glory Island." He felt his medallion pulse suddenly, it was obvious that hers had done so also.


    She moved toward the stage, one step seeming to close the distance. Long black hair fell down her back like an obsidian waterfall, high cheekbones, and blood-red lips completed the image. She was a vampire. She drew her weapons while she watched him, the twin daggers from her belt slid free of their scabbards with a soft metallic scrape. "I''m Josora, Champion of the Black Temple." She wore simple black armor that seemed to cling to her body like a lover. Her long fangs showed when she smiled at him. "It''s been a while since I had a new toy."


    Nix shook his head to clear it.


    [You have resisted Charm]


    A half dozen small clouds of fog formed on the edges of the stage, slowly solidifying into human forms.


    /Inferno: Nix: A whole nest of Vampires. Wonderful. Leave the Champion to me Min.


    /Inferno: Mina: Understood.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    Nix advanced with a giant leap, drawing the scythe and flaming it on in midair. It slammed into the daggers that Josora raised like an ''X'' to block and drove her back several steps.


    "Where did you get that weapon?" She leaped to one side but was interrupted when a half dozen emerald strands settled around her arms. Her scream of agony made Nix''s ears ring.


    Nix felt the tremendous strength of her when she tried to pull away. The smell of cooking meat and the sound of sizzling filled the air. Nix swung the scythe at her legs, scoring a hard hit that nearly severed her right leg before he could follow up her body changed to a crimson cloud of mist and moved to one corner where a vila was fighting with one of her minions.


    When he pursued, a second vampire blocked his path. He was bald and pale skinned with exaggerated fangs that hung down to his chin. The nails on his hands looked like small daggers and flashed toward Nix scoring a hit on his side.


    Nix raised a hand and four emerald strands shot out to encircle his target''s neck. Nix ignored him, dragging the growling creature toward the red cloud that was starting to grow thick as it absorbed the two fighters.


    /Inferno: Nix: Unsummon this Vila Min.


    Nix leaped into the air and swung the scythe horizontally, a moment later he released the minion he had been fighting. Its head landed with a wet thump before rolling across the floor.


    Nix targeted the minion in the red cloud, it was shriveling up as if the life force was being sucked out of it.


    [Balefire]


    The minion in the cloud evaporated when the white-hot flame tore through its torso.


    "NOOOO!!" The cloud solidified into Josora, the leg that had nearly been removed looked better, but she retreated with a pronounced limp.


    /Inferno: Nix: Minions first or she''ll use them to recover. Traditionally, wood through the chest and decapitation kill these creatures.


    Mina and one of her Vila were attacking a minion while the other three were protecting them from a group of four. The Aquarion who had been swinging her staff like a club, quickly turned it and with a lunge drove it into the chest of her opponent. The blunt end of the staff sunk into the creature''s chest and with a flash of light, it turned to dust.


    "You can''t ignore me Champion!"


    A screech from behind him was all the notice he needed.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Josora was wrapped in emerald tendrils, the end of the fight coming when the yellow eyes closed in. Tremendously strong hands gripped her throat, instead of squeezing they wrenched in separate directions. A loud shuddering crack drowned out by a scream of blood lust were her last sounds as Nix removed her head. Her minions disintegrated upon her death.


    Mina grabbed a torch from the wall and joined him in the middle of the platform. "We still need to find the portal out."


    Nix nodded and removed Josora''s champion medal, immediately he felt a surge of strength as it disappeared before his eyes and was absorbed by his own medallion.


    [Medallion Promotion]


    [New Champion''s ability: Josora''s Stealth]


    A small stealth icon appeared on his hud, Nix hid his smile from Mina. No more invisibility potions. "Let''s take a look around."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Can I have Morti?


    /Inferno: Tess: Nope... I have dibs if Nix gives him up.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Seriously, he''s a skelly destroying nightmare.


    Nix laughed and walked toward a well-lit area. The Temple itself appeared to be designed like an old cathedral with really high ceilings. "This would be perfect for an Air Nemesis, all this room for flying around."


    It only took a few minutes of looking before they found a large portal platform next to a set of tall doors made of bone. The platform had the same triangular shaped stone that the one on the island had. Mina went to open the door, while he tested the portkey.


    /Inferno: Nix: Found it.


    "Nix!" A loud booming voice rumbled from the door as a giant black cave bear charged through. He slammed into Nix a moment later, knocking him to the ground while pushing his big head against him.


    Nix tried to frown but ended up laughing. "Don''t be such a baby Morti." He scratched the big bear''s ears. "I hear you did really well."


    Morti moved away so Nix could get up. "I did, we were swatting things." He sat on his enormous butt, his tongue dangling out while he panted.


    Nix stared, Morti seemed bigger. "You grow a little Morti?"


    Morti nodded his big head. "Sometimes I grow in sudden spurts."


    ***************


    An hour later, the expedition was heading to Glory Island, Tu-Khat was standing on the deck of the Phoenix, more than happy to see the light of day again. Shae and the rest of Inferno had been preparing to head to Wisteria, but on Nix''s recommendation, they delayed their journey.


    The bodies had disappeared from the valley when they exited the portal. It was Semmi''s who decided to take the entire portal back to Glory. They would stash it in Shae''s world until they dealt with the Necromancer and took the Doppelganger Stone from him.


    The leaders of the expedition gathered in a circle around Nix. Morti was sleeping peacefully on the deck. Tu-Khat was thanking each of them personally.


    Nix shook the King''s hand. "We''ll have to hide you on Glory while we make contact with Princess Festa." They had decided that she was the best person to approach. Fake Tu-Khat had canceled the marriage and alliance without explaining himself.


    "It''ll be war Nix." Semmi ran a hand through her short blonde hair. With the conspiracy and the broken treaties, this would not end peacefully.


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    Jun Li grinned at Nix. "Well... Someone made a good impression on the Princess when we were at court. I know just the person for this mission."


    Nix frowned at her. "Diplomacy isn''t really my thing."


    Mina had been watching quietly. "What is your thing Nix?"


    "Setting things on fire."


    ****************


    Shae and the rest of Inferno were gathered on the docks when they finally returned to Glory. The salamander unexpectedly hugged him tight for a long moment before letting him go. "You are always getting into trouble Nix."


    Nix laughed at her expression, "it was all good right?"


    Shae smiled sweetly, "I need your help with my cultivating again."


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his grin. "Glad to assist."


    "Nix?" It was Semmi that noticed he was fading.


    "Nix!" Shae shouted loudly, the panic in her voice obvious.


    The person they had been watching suddenly faded into nothing.


    [Logging Off: Colonial]

 Chapter 100 Into the Sun

    Colonial disappeared around him and then everything went black. The darkness lasted only a moment before he found himself in the white room he had originally created his character in. He felt panic welling up inside him but he pushed it down and willed himself to remain calm. "I suppose my sins were too great to warrant anything good."


    He held his hands out in front of him. He felt normal, no magic or fire aura. This lasted only a few seconds before he felt a jarring impact and suddenly the white room vanished.


    Nick Phire coughed and pushed up against the capsule he was enclosed in. It cracked open a few inches but then stopped. Thick smoke rushed in and he heard the familiar sound of fire alarms. He brought his knees up to push against the jammed lid and managed to widen the game another inch. It was nowhere near enough to slide out. "This must be the Gladis Corp Stasis capsule." Through the gap he could see a large room with dozens of other capsules, all of them appeared to be open. The room was quite dark but something had engaged the emergency lighting. He used his hand to feel blindly for any control levers or handles that might open the capsule.


    The smoke began to thicken, the temptation to just lay back and accept his Karmic fate was nearly overwhelming but the thought of his friends and Colonial drove him to keep trying.


    "Nix?" A female''s voice called him from another section of the room. "Are you in here Nix?"


    He recognized the voice immediately. "Darsi? I''m over here!"


    Within seconds she found him and a flashlight shone into his partially opened capsule. "Nice jumpsuit. Let''s get you out of there."


    Nix continued coughing, after a moment the lid opened a bit more and he was able to slide out. He tried to thank her but a coughing fit stopped him.


    "Get on the floor Nix, the air is better there." Darsi was prying open one of the panels on his capsule. "We need to snatch the ''Character Card'' or you can say goodbye to this account."


    In Deep-stay capsules, starting stats as well as log-in information was stored on a small chip called a Character Card. Everything else was kept on the game server, you couldn''t access it without the card.


    Nix nodded through his cough and lay down. He covered his mouth with his sleeve, it seemed to help but the smoke stung his eyes making his vision blurry. "We only have a few minutes before we are stuck." If there one thing he was an expert in, it was fires.


    "Got it." Darsi removed the data card and placed it in her backpack. She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the exit. She was wearing a hooded mask that covered her face. "Don''t let go of my hand, no matter what."


    Nix followed her as she made her way to an elevator. Darsi had obviously studied the layout of the building. He slipped several times on the smooth floor and managed to stub his toes on a few of the capsules they were forced to go around. They were opened, but Darsi didn''t bother with their cards. He could see a flashing light on the far side of the room. "Where did everyone go?"


    "You see that flashing light? That leads to an exit where Gladis Corp and local law enforcement are waiting to recover their contracted employees." Darsi pulled him into a small elevator and a moment later they were shooting downward.


    "Why are we going down?"


    "There''s an access tunnel on the bottom floor. Its kept locked up, but thankfully I have the code."


    She glanced at him, "glad to see me?"


    Nick nodded. He suspected she had some sort of breathing device behind her mask, she hadn''t struggled at all in the rapidly thickening smoke.


    A few minutes later they were jogging down a dark tunnel, true to her word Darsi knew the code and had managed to open the door quickly. Her flashlight was their only source of light.


    She was still holding his hand, "thought for sure you would have exited already. I''m glad I checked!"


    "Checked?" Nick limped along beside her.


    When I accessed the system, I noticed that one capsule on this level remained closed, Capsule 1467-777."


    "Only mine stayed locked?" Nick breathed a sigh of relief when she slowed to a walk.


    Darsi nodded, "someone overrode the safety protocol right after we came in, it wasn''t our side."


    "Guess my existence here would raise too many questions. A neat and tidy death wraps things up nicely. Thank you." Nix cursed quietly, his bare feet were scraped and bleeding. "You have more Character Cards in that bag?"


    She slowed to a walk and handed him a small bag that contained his card and a half dozen others. "Keep these Nix, I have to turn the others into my people."


    Nick lifted the bag in his hands and pulled one out. "Seems to be a lot of cards in here." He turned it over in his hand. It was bigger than he would have thought, about the size of a playing card. "You guys came in rather hard. Was there a need to torch the place?"


    "Gladis did that too, the records server and the capsule cards were all rigged with pyrotech."


    Nick cleared his throat, his lungs still burning from smoke inhalation. "If the capsules cards were rigged to blow, how did you salvage so many?"


    Darsi smiled and let go of his hand. "I''m good...I was in the system and blocking capsule access. Truthfully I was keeping an eye out for yours, the others that you are carrying belong to my friends from the hub."


    "What will happen to Dalton and the rest of them?" He had given a handful of the crafters from the hub their own shops on the Glory docks.


    "That part is up to the courts. I have enough cards to prove that Gladis manipulated player stats."


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    "They had to have help from someone in Colonial."


    Darsi nodded in agreement. " Probably, but that''s outside my wheelhouse."


    A deep rumbling drowned out any further talking, a rush of air that carried the scent of smoke, fire, and dust blew passed them. Nick frowned down the dark passageway from which they came. "Looks like the building collapsed."


    "Exactly what Gladis wanted, the lower level capsules will never be recovered." Darsi stopped when they finally arrived at another coded gate, this one had a stairway behind it. "No questions, or talking for a bit."


    Nick nodded and she opened the gate.


    The air had the warmth of a mid-fall night. The stairway leading up led them to another gate that opened into a deeply wooded area. He had no real idea where Gladis hub had their capsule facility, there wasn''t enough light for Nick to make a guess.


    Darsi pointed her flashlight north and flicked it off and on three times. Instantly a pair of headlights blinked on and a vehicle moved toward them. A dark cargo van pulled up, Darsi held the side door open for him before closing it and hopping in the front.


    A man dressed in dark colors and wearing a black stocking hat was the only occupant of the van, he put the van in gear before he spoke. "How''d it go Darsi?"


    Darsi held her bag up for him to see. "Seamless."


    "Nice job. I''ll take you to the crossroad, your transport will be waiting there." The man spoke with a slight English accent. Nick couldn''t see his face from the back seat.


    The warmth and steady sound of the van made Nick drowsy, he nodded off a few times over the next half hour before the van stopped again.


    Darsi opened the passenger door and handed the man her bag. "Thanks for the ride!"


    The driver nodded and waited until Nick exited the vehicle. "Nice working with you again Dars, be safe."


    "Same here. Cya around." Darsi waited until the taillights pulled away before letting out a long breathe


    Nick understood she had been concerned that the man would silence her. He glanced at the blonde, she was gutsy and loyal. "Now what?"


    They were out in the countryside somewhere, two wide dirt roads intersected next to a sugarbeet field. A sleek black car was pulled off the road nearby. She smiled at him and used her fob to unlock the car. "Now we take another ride."

 Chapter 101 Identity Change

    Darsi opened the backdoor and motioned him inside, then she walked around the vehicle to the driver''s side and entered the other backdoor. She sat quietly while sliding off her second pack and taking out a small touchscreen. She punched a few buttons and the car''s windows darkened. "Home please."


    Nick watched as the headlights came on and the car pulled out of the lot. He could feel the girl''s eyes watching him.


    "You are very disciplined Nix, not a single peep. That was a very dangerous moment back there."


    "Call me Nick, I''m not a Fire Mage at the moment. Where are we?"


    "Upstate New York. My family has a cabin nearby that I can use overnight, we dare not stay any longer than that."


    Nick nodded in agreement. The feeling was familiar. He was on the run again. "What''s the plan after that?"


    Darsi watched him in silence for a long moment before answering. "In two weeks I will be going into Deep-Stay in a small facility north of the border. There is a spot for you if you are interested."


    Nick considered her words carefully. She was an unknown but it was still a good move to lay low. "What if it''s discovered that I''ve escaped?"


    "Then you are on your own."


    He didn''t hold it against her, she had done more than enough. "And the next two weeks?"


    "You can''t follow me where I''m going." She handed him a wrist hud and waited until he put it on. "This gives you access to some money, enough to last a few weeks. If they aren''t looking for you in the next few days I''ll send you information on where to go."


    Over the next hour the landscape continued to change, the tree grew denser once again until finally, the car pulled into a long dirt driveway. "Cozy." Nick smiled at the rustic-looking cabin with a wrap-around porch, it reminded him of one his family used to rent in Maine.


    "Come on in." Darsi left the car and led the way into the cabin. She pointed to the fireplace. "Know how to start a fire?"


    Nick kept a straight face. "Yep."


    "Back in a bit. Take a shower if you like. There should be some men''s clothes in the back bedroom." Darsi left through the front door, the sound of the car starting told Nick he was alone.


    The hot water felt good, he carefully washed his feet and cleaned himself thoroughly. Wrapped in a towel he used his hand to wipe the steam off the small mirror. It had only been a few months, but the person looking back at him seemed foreign. The orange jumpsuit he had been wearing was crumpled up in a pile. There was no way he was putting that on again.


    In the bedroom, he found everything he needed, socks, boxers, pants, and a casual shirt. After dressing he walked back into the living room and added more wood to the fire, along with the orange jumpsuit. There were a pair of workboots next to the front door, so he slipped those on before taking a seat next to the fire. Nix watched the jumpsuit burn while he keyed the wristband and opened up a hud.


    ****Virtual Network News*****


    A pretty Asian woman with short black hair was reporting. "A tragic accident tonight at the Gladis Stasis Facility in Upstate New York caused the death of at least a dozen Virtual gamers. Not all of the names have been released, Gladis is making every effort to recover the bodies of these victims, but some of them are dozens of stories underground. We take you to Vic Hjari for an up to date report. Vic?"


    A slim blonde man with perfect hair stared at the camera. "No report yet as to the cause of these events, but the latest report says that 14 people have died in this accident. Three of those are workers from Gladis Corp. Rescue workers are only able to reach the first dozen lower levels, the danger of collapse is hampering any attempt at proceeding passed the 25th level. Gladis Corp has scheduled a news conference for noon tomorrow. Until then. all we can do is watch and pray that more survivors are found."


    Nick drifted off to sleep, the morning light coupled with the sound of a car door closing was enough to wake him.


    Darsi walked in the front door a moment later, her hair was damp so Nick assumed she had spent the night elsewhere. She handed him a paper bag. "Some things you might need. Hair dye and blue colored contacts. Picked you up a breakfast burrito also."


    Nix reached in the bag. "I''m going blonde?"


    Darsi nodded. "You stick out too much. Now you are Henry Jones from Vermont." She handed him an ID that had his blonde-haired blued eyed picture already on it.


    "Good work." Nick held up the ID. "How good is it?"


    Darsi raised an eyebrow at him. "You mean how good are my people?"


    Nick nodded. "No offense."


    She shrugged. "None taken. Your DNA and fingerprints on record have already been changed to someone who doesn''t exist. If you were to be arrested now, your DNA would identify you as Henry Jones, a 25-year old male from Vermont with a degree in Environmental Science."


    "So fast?"


    "I had him prep a dozen different ones. The real challenge was changing your DNA in the World Data Base."


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    Nick unwrapped the burrito while she spoke. "Seems like I owe you."


    Darsi nodded, "don''t forget me when you are back in Glory. I want my shop back and that first aide token."


    "Of course." He smiled and looked at the time. "Gladis is having a news conference at noon."


    "Yep... Expect news that going to overshadow everything else. The death of the Infamous Arsonist Nicholas Phire." Darsi watched him, throughout the evening, he had remained calm and composed.


    "I''ll leave after I dye my hair." Nick was already planning his next two weeks. With a bit of luck, he''d be plugged back into Colonial soon.


    "I''ll be leaving too, the less we know about each others plans the better." Darsi placed a hand on his arm, "if everything works out, I''ll contact you in two weeks."


    Two hours later, blonde-haired and blue-eyed Henry Jones hugged the pretty brunette for a long time before letting her go. He grinned when she pecked him on the cheek. "You look nice as a brunette."


    Darsi tilted her head to one side while she stared at him. "I can''t say the same, Henry... I prefer the way you looked before."


    She dropped him off in Oswego, New York and without waving drove away.


    Henry paid for a train ticket and boarded the 01100 train to New York City. The train was nearly empty, so he took a seat next to a window near the front. A screen at the front of the train-car was already tuned into the Gladis Conference, even though it hadn''t started yet.


    The familiar anchors from the night before had come back on the air. "Good Afternoon everyone, this is Cora Chang with special correspondent Vic Hjari. There are rumors of something big, but the voices from Gladis Corp have remained silent. What can we expect Vic?"


    "The details are still sketchy, Cora. What we do know is that the cause of the accident has been determined and a full list of all the victims will be released."

 Chapter 102 Death of the Arsonis

    "This is Vic Hjari reporting live at the Gladis News Conference in Syracuse, New York. Gladis Corp has just dropped a major bombshell. Nicholas Phire, AKA Phoenix Phire has been reported as one of the victims of this accident."


    Cora was trying to read the teleprompter while listening to her producer talk in her ear. "What was Phoenix Phire doing at the Gladis Corp facility? He was supposed to be doing time at Rikers Island."


    Vic shook his head in disbelief. "A misfiled piece of paperwork resulted in him being placed with the Contracted workers from Gladis Corp."


    "Unbelievable. Do we know what VR world he was working in?"


    Vic nodded, "According to Gladis Corp, he was never assigned a VR job. He''s been in a VR confinement area for the past few months while Gladis Corp was trying to fix the mistake."


    "Amazing Vic, and the cause of the accident?"


    Vic read directly from the notes he had taken. "According to the Fire Marshals report, faulty wiring next to a gas line on the lowest level caused the initial explosion. This explosion also disabled fail-safe devices on a few stasis capsules. All bodies have been recovered and positively identified by DNA."


    Nick turned away from the screen and watched the changing landscape. He was dead then. How would his friends and family react?


    **************


    12 days later in Camden Main, nearly four thousand people turned out for the funeral of local resident Nicholas Phire. A blonde-haired man watched silently from some distance away. "Why are there so many at my funeral?"


    His hud buzzed and a moment later a text appeared on the screen. "Prince Albert, Canada. 3440 Baylor." He saved the location on his hud and then started walking. They were burying him next to his mother and sister, their memory caused his steps to turned toward Camden Orchard.


    A half-hour later he sat peacefully on the banks of the Iris River, a small creek that ran through the Camden Apple Orchard. He had spent countless hours here as a kid playing with his two sisters. Lisa and Bev were separated by only four years but they were like night and day. Nick was the middle child and often times would play the role of peacemaker between his sisters. Lisa had been funny and artistic while Bev was serious and intelligent. He laughed at the memory, back then he had been close with both of them.


    "Nicky?"


    Nick turned at the voice, for the first time in a long time he was unable to move or speak. The dark-haired woman charged at him, knocking him back on the grass while she sobbed.


    "I knew it... I knew it, Nicky." His older sister hugged him tightly, refusing to give him any space. Finally, Nick forgot about standing up and stroked her hair softly.


    "Nicky?" A deeper voice told him that his father had also arrived. Did nostalgia bring them here?


    After a few minutes, he managed to separate himself from his sister and slowly stood up. The man watching him had only the slightest bit of gray in his hair. "You look, good dad."


    His dad lunged at him, nearly knocking him down again while hugging him. His body shook as he wept openly. "Nicky... I''m so sorry Nicky."


    Finally, Nick was able to step away. "I shouldn''t have come here. Dumb move on my part."


    Bev shook her head. "I''ll die before I ever say anything Nicky." She grabbed his face and kissed him several times. During this time he felt his dad hug both of them together. They stood like that for several minutes, all that was left of the broken Phire family.


    "I''m sorry Nicky. That should have been me. I should have been the one that paid them back." His dad''s normally calm face was wet with tears. "I was too scared to act."


    "No dad, I didn''t get justice. Mom and Lisa are still gone. It''s better that you kept your head."


    The next hour saw the trio talk quietly amongst themselves. They were careful not to ask him about his plans. In the end, Nick had to force them to leave, both of them visibly distraught as they walked away hand in hand.


    ***********************


    Almost exactly two weeks from the day he left Gladis Corp, Nick buzzed in at the front gate of Vasai Virtual, a Candian company that specializes in Deep-Stay customers. A black man in a blue uniform walked out. "May I help you, sir?"


    Nick nodded. "I''m Henry Jones, I have an appointment."


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    A half-hour later Nick was sitting in an office, signing documents and turning over his belongings. A lovely red-haired woman was helping him.


    "We are all set, Mr. Jones. Your Character Card has been loaded into your custom deep-stay module. You will be going to Colonial for the next ten years. You may contact us from the game at any time if you need to leave stasis early. If there are no questions. You can proceed to room 211. Use the shower and put on the blue jumpsuit. Leave your things in the bin there. One of our technicians will escort you to your module."


    After a few more minutes he climbed into the deep-stay module. Nick shut his eyes before the tech closed him in. The capsule module would be stored in a hive-like facility deep underground. He hadn''t seen Darsi on his way in, but he had a feeling he''d be seeing her soon.


    [Logging On: Colonial: Nix]


    Nix glanced around slowly. Still, on the dock, the exact place he had disappeared from a few weeks earlier.


    /Inferno: Nix: Wow... No one here to welcome me back from a short vacation?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Nix?


    /Inferno: Semmie: NIX!!


    A burst of light appeared in front of him before he could react a red-hair woman jumped into his arms, her beautiful face tucked into his shoulder while she sobbed loudly.


    He stroked the Salamander''s head soothingly. "Oh come on... It wasn''t that long."


    The sound of people running announced the arrival of his guildmates, while Shae refused to release him several of them squeezed in long enough to hug him. Even the old Fire Mage was crying, although he did his best to hide his tears.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, party at my houseboat in twenty minutes. Let me say hi to Hyai and I''ll be right there.


    /Inferno: Pon: I''ll bring the booze.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ll start a barbecue, don''t be late.


    Shae was the last to go, she held his hands and stared up at him. "Don''t be too long and...Please don''t go again."


    Nix smiled at her. "Can''t promise that, but I can say that I will most definitely come back."


    Someone must have told her, just as Nix was reaching for the front door of the Kindled Spirit it was jerked open. Hyai stared at him from the doorway for a moment. "You''re back."


    Nix bent forward and kissed her before wrapping her up in a hug. "I''m back!"

 Chapter 103 Revisiting the Hub

    Dawn eased in quietly, the soft sound of surf charging up the beach before retreating gracefully while the warm sun slowly pushed back the chill of night. Nix licked his lips, his mouth felt like it had grown fur. A soft body next to him snuggled closer and so he decided to put off waking for a bit longer.


    Soft, wet kisses on his face woke him up the second time, he opened one eye, finally noticing that he was sleeping outside. Ducky''s smiling face was staring down at him.


    "Morning Ducky."


    She was in her Siren form and so answered easily. "Welcome back Nix. We really missed you."


    "Where''s Morti?" Nix moved a stray red hair out of his face, Shae was still sound asleep.


    Ducky seemed confused by the question. "You are sleeping on him."


    "Huh?" Nix sat up slowly, a large empty jug of ale rolled off his lap. Morti was sleeping on the dock, both Nix and Shae were curled up under a blanket, lying peacefully on the bear''s enormous back. He tried not to laugh while he carefully removed himself from the Salamander''s grip and the warm bear bed. "At least I''m dressed."


    Nix stretched and walked to the edge of the dock. Just about everyone seemed to be using Morti as a pillow or a bed. He removed his armor and switched to his aquatic gear. The water looked too inviting, a shallow dive with the smallest splash woke him up the rest of the way. Almost immediately Soup found him and Nix latched on his shell for a ride.


    After playing with the sea turtles for a while, Nix lay across Soup''s back while it made its way toward the beach. Tu-Khat was still there, and Nix wanted to talk to him.


    Since Nix''s departure, Tu-Khat had remained incognito at the beach cottage. He had been growing steadily more frustrated by Inferno''s refusal to act until their Guild Leader returned. Nix was just leaving the water when Tu-Khat left the cottage.


    Nix held up a hand to stall his first question. "I''ll call a meeting of my officers this afternoon and we''ll figure out the best course of action regarding fake Tu-Khat."


    Tu-Khat nodded, his face showing relief. "Of course. Thank you and welcome back Nix."


    *******************


    An hour later Nix was in his shop working on the day''s product. Nova kept the shop open, even though there hadn''t been anything to sell in 10 days. The rest of the shops owned by the members of the Gladis Hub had also been empty.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix:] You''re at your shop? What are we going to do regarding the folks from Gladis Hub?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] We are going to wait. Darsi will be here soon, she should know about the others.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] We having a meeting?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Yep, first I have some business to tend to.


    He found his favorite Inn Keeper a few minutes later, in the kitchen of the Kindled Spirit, prepping for lunch. Nix rolled up his sleeves. "What can I do?"


    Hyai favored him with a smile and pointed to a sack of potatoes. "Peeling duty suit you?"


    Nix nodded, "yep. I can do it."


    Hyai worked across from him, every once in a while she would glance over at the ever-growing stack of peeled potatoes. "My daughter invited me over for dinner tonight. Want to come?"


    Nix glanced up from his task. "Did they get settled somewhere close?"


    Hyai nodded, "a nice place near the south wall."


    "Count me in. What time?" Nix stopped peeling and began cutting up the potatoes before tossing them into a large pot.


    A half-hour later Hyai made him leave but not before packing him a boxed lunch. "Dinner will be around 1800, we can walk together if you like."


    "Yep... Cya then."


    /Inferno: Nix: Meet at Guild Hall in half an hour. Come with some options regarding Tu-Khat.


    Mina was waiting for him when he arrived at the Guild Hall a few minutes later. The Aquarion had been acting odd since his return. She offered him a smile in greeting when he sat next to her.


    They sat in awkward silence for a few minutes before Nix finally caved. "What''s going on MIn?


    The Aquarion grabbed his hand and held it tightly, but didn''t offer any explanation. She hadn''t offered him much of a greeting the night before, the odd behavior seemed out of place for her.


    "It''s fine if you don''t want to say Min. Take your time."


    The members of Inferno slowly filtered in over the next few minutes. Jun Li and Sharl were the last to arrive, they were chatting amiably when they walked in together.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nice to see everyone. I wanted to touch base quick on a few topics. The first thing, of course, is Tu-Khat.


    /Inferno: Semmi: He''s important not only because he''s the King of Wisteria, but also he''s a key part of the Onion Quest.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll pay an unofficial visit to Princess Festa today. From that, we''ll decide on the next step.


    /Inferno: Semmi: He''s been patient up until now. We can''t hide him here forever.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Any word from Darsi? Or the other crafters from the hub?


    Nix popped up out of his chair suddenly. "Damn..."


    Semmi stood up slowly also. "Something up Nix?"


    "Yep, please join hands." Nix extended his free hand since Mina hadn''t let go of him yet. After everyone had complied he activated Deep Blue and chose the Gladis Hub.


    A moment later 20 members of Inferno stood on the platform of the Gladis hub.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Where is everyone?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Completely empty?


    /Inferno: Nix: Spread out and search.


    Nix brought up his hud and sent everyone a copy of the old map they had used for their last ''Gladis Shopping'' trip.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take everything, we will restock the shops on the dock, and try to keep them open until our guildmates return.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What if they don''t return?


    /Inferno: Nix: Some of them may be delayed for quite some time. If too much time passes, we can lease their shops out on a short term basis.


    Nix returned to the last place he had visited in Gladis, Darsi''s work area. As an artificer, her work was probably the most valuable of all the crafters.


    Semmi followed him since she was familiar with the shop also. She glanced at the bins, "looks like they were just finishing up. None of the products has been moved."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Jackpot... Why bother raiding anymore when we can just come here?


    /Inferno: Nix: Take everything, we don''t have to tiptoe around Gladis in Colonial anymore.


    Nix whistled softly. "Darsi made some nice accessories. Check this out, Sem."


    Shadow Ring


    Unique: Crafted


    Description: Increases the effectiveness


    of stealth abilities.


    Semmi held out her hand, a smile showing on her pretty face. "Can I have that?"


    Nix tossed it to her before he removed the entire bin and placed it in his inventory. "Useful?"


    Semmi nodded, "Any mob that''s higher level than me has a chance to see through or break my stealth. Stealth modifiers are valuable."


    "Oh... that''s right."


    [Josora''s Stealth]


    Nix vanished in front of Semmi''s eyes.


    "Did you pick up a support skill?" Semmi reached out and touched him.


    "No, my Champions medallion leveled up. I received one of Josora''s abilities as a result."


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    Semmi snorted, "such a cheat Nix."


    He dropped his stealth and moved to the next bin, it was empty except for a single item. Nix held it up to show his companion. "Is this an earring?"


    Semmi moved closer. "Hmm... yep. Instead of attaching with a clasp through a piercing, this clips on the earlobe and hangs down." She put it on to demonstrate. "Can I have this?"


    Nix shook his head. "It''s a present for someone." He laughed at the face she made. "Very mature."


    He examined it closer when she begrudgingly handed it back.


    Deep-Sea Trident


    Jewelry: Unique


    Description: Summons the weapon of


    the sea.


    "It''s a weapon?" He clipped it on his ear and activated it.


    [Deep-Sea Trident]


    A long trident with wickedly sharp barbs appeared in his hands. He waved it a few times in the air, surprisingly it was light.


    "Damn it Nix... Give me that!" Semmi tried to snatch the earring from his ear but he moved away.


    Nix laughed at her and quickly stowed the earring away. "I told you it''s a present."

 Chapter 104 Diplomacy

    Inferno spent much longer in the hub than they had on their previous visit. They took everything that could be used or sold, every bin they could find was emptied.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: You know there''s a treasury build option for the Guild. We should build one so we have someplace better to store items.


    /Inferno: Nix: Do it, Junie. Many of the items will have to be stored until we advance to an Upper Tier guild.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: When will that be?


    /Inferno: Nix: Not until we destroy the Cai-Song artifact on the 12th floor of Mermaid City.


    ***************


    Nix made his way to the Scorched Earth Temple. The Lamia acolytes hissed greetings at him when he entered through the archway, he did his best not to shudder.


    "sssNIXsss." An acolyte dressed in red approached him. She had an aura of power around her that the others did not. Sori Dah smiled and bowed her head.


    Nix bit down on the temptation to run. Her fanged smile seemed to make his blood freeze. "Sori... Nice to see you as always."


    A slight scraping sound on the tile floor told him that Sori was following him while he walked toward a small courtyard in the middle of the Scorched Earth Temple. It was where that Fajii had planted dozens of different herbs.


    [Josora''s Stealth]


    Nix smiled and glanced over his shoulder at the Lamia Acolyte. She had stopped, her cold face seemed confused at his sudden disappearance.


    "sssNIXsss?"


    He found the Temple''s Scorched Earth Mage exactly where he had figured, she was sitting in between two rows of plants, carefully tending them. Nansu was nearby, planting a new row.


    He dropped stealth and approached, purposely scuffling his feet on the floor to announce his arrival. Nix smiled at the two Alchemists. "You two are always working."


    Fajii looked up from the rows, her brown face changing completely. She carefully walked between the rows until she was next to him. "Nix." Her voice carried a hint of happiness, "are you here to help?"


    Nix shook his head. "No, just dropping off a present for my favorite Alchemist."


    Fajii moved closer, her verticle irises blinked. "Something nice?"


    He stepped closer and leaned in. "Hold still Fajii." He clasped the earring on her ear, there was a small curve on her lobe where it fit nicely. He knew Aquarions were sensitive about their ears so he moved carefully. He would have botched it had Semmi not shown him how to wear it.


    Deep-Sea Trident


    Jewelry: Unique


    Description: Summons the weapon of


    the sea.


    Nansu had approached while he was putting it on her. She smiled approvingly, "so pretty Fajii."


    [Deep-Sea Trident]


    The long trident appeared in her hands, the smallest smile on her lips. "Thank you, Nix." She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Can you stay for a while?"


    Nix shook his head. "No... Neither can you. The two of us have a mission." He had become aware that Fajii was very strong, but also too inexperienced. More than anything she needed seasoning.


    Fajii''s smile widened, "right now?"


    "Yep, meet at the Phoenix in ten minutes. This should be a diplomatic mission, but things like this have been known to go badly."


    Nix used the guild port icon on his hud to return to the dock, he didn''t want to have to speak with Sori again.


    /Inferno: Nix: The Phoenix is departing for Wisteria in 15 minutes. This mission is strictly voluntary, we don''t really require an assault team.


    A few minutes later he was walking down the dock toward the Phoenix. "Permission to come aboard?" Nix paused before stepping on the gangplank.


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    The first mate of the Phoenix was overseeing deck cleaning. He smiled and waved. "Permission granted Commander Nix."


    Fajii boarded a few minutes later, a small black fox was curled up on her shoulders. It looked like a fur wrap. Occasionally it would pop up its head and look around.


    "You got ready fast." Nix had to admit, he was curious about Eron''s abilities. According to Semmi, he was some sort of infamous fox prince, known for creating mischief.


    The Scorched Earth Mage had braided her hair before leaving the temple. "I''m excited. Thanks for inviting me Nix."


    "Get used to it."


    Eron chose this moment to look up. His dark eyes glanced at Nix. "Worthy." He gave a small yawn and settled back down.


    Nix noticed the three Aquarions walking down the docks; Mina, Milat, and Zhava had decided to join them. "So many..." He glanced at Fajii, "you must have told someone that you were going with me."


    Fajii nodded. "How''d you know that? I ran into Milat when I was getting my gear."


    Nix watched as they came aboard. "Lucky guess."


    When the group approached, Mina took a moment to hug both Nix and Fajii. Milat and Zhava both offered their hands in greeting.


    The black fox popped his head up again, glancing from Milat to Zhava before closing his eyes again. "Not worthy."


    Nix bit his lip to keep from smiling, the moment of awkwardness was broken by the captain.


    "Clear the bindings and make ready for three-quarter sail!" Delphi was standing by the helm, watching carefully while her crew followed orders.


    "That''s pretty Fajii. Where did you get it?" Mina''s sharp eyes had noticed the earring right away.


    Fajii turned her head to show her more clearly. "It''s nice, right? Nix gave it to me."


    [Deep-Sea Trident]


    Fajii grinned at the group while showing them her trident.


    The two Aquarion scouts tried not to frown. Their kind didn''t wear ear ornaments, the distance between Fajii and her people seemed to widen with each passing day.


    Mina didn''t seem bothered, she understood that the changes in Fajii were only on the surface, deep down she was an Aquarion, just like them. "I like it."


    The group made small talk while the ship slowly left Glory. It took only a few minutes to clear the bay.


    "Full Sail, Course set for Wisteria. Man the Crows nest!" Delphi shouted from the helm while the terror of the seas accelerated. The captain and crew had changed along with the ship, they were no longer the same green crew from a few months earlier. There wasn''t a single ship in Colonial that would dare take them on without a fleet to back them up.


    "What''s Princess Festa like?" Milat spoke to Nix in a low voice, he had tried to strike up a conversation with Fajii, but the Scorched Earth Mage seemed content to reply with one or two words.


    "She seems smart and very poised. Dark hair and brown complexion, typical of Phelinomia natives. I would say she''s beautiful."


    "Are we all going to meet her?" Fajii was content to ignore the Aquarion Males, although she was careful not to be impolite.


    "No, just me and you." Nix shrugged apologetically at the other three Aquarions, they stood out too much and were obviously alien. Fajii had the brown hair and skin common to the area, no one would really be bothered by her ears and eyes.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Why can''t I go also?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] I don''t wish my Aquarion friends to be exposed to hidden threats.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Fajii is going.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] She is not easily recognizable as an Aquarion.


    Mina moved to the rail, pulling up her disguise and turned her back to him while the Phoenix slowed to enter the port of Lohai City.


    *************


    The City of Lohai was vastly different than the last time Nix had visited. The shops and streets were crowded with vendors and customers. The frantic bargaining from dozens of directions was oddly comforting.


    Nix pulled Fajii into a small side alley and stepped out of sight. "You brought an invisibility potion for yourself?"


    Fajii nodded, "you want one?"


    Nix shook his head, "don''t need one."


    [Josori''s Stealth]


    He waited while she drank the potion and then gripped her hand while she activated it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Stay close, be as quiet as you can.


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Why the secrecy?


    Nix held a finger to his lips and pulled her back into the street. If Tu-Khat had been replaced, then it was possible that more than one of them had also. If he was forced to kill Festa, he didn''t want to advertise the fact that he was visiting her.


    The palace walls were fairly low, neither one of them had any trouble getting over. Fajii may lack experience, but she was still very strong and agile. In the brief conversation they had, Festa had mentioned that she spent long hours in her flower garden. She was an amateur herbalist, nowhere near as knowledgeable as Fajii or Nansu.


    They walked along the top of the wall, not bothering to enter the grounds. The palace walls were only a few feet thick, they were not made for patrolling. They walked past several guards and workers, but no one noticed the pair as they made their way to the west grounds.


    Nix stopped and knelt down when he saw her. Festa was trimming roses and placing them carefully in a basket.


    "Stop." A soft male voice spoke from Fajii''s shoulder. "There is an agent of darkness nearby."


    Nix froze in place, his eyes scanning the garden. Did Eron mean Festa?

 Chapter 105 Raven

    "Raven" Erin uttered a single word. It took Nix a few moments to find the black bird perched in the branches of a lilac tree. The tree was in full bloom, its pink flowers neatly masked the bird''s presence.


    Fajii squeezed his hand. "Eron can hold the bird for a few minutes, it won''t realize anything is different."


    [Captured Spirit]


    Eron is holding Sirca the Black.


    Nix jumped down and approached the Princess, he kept stealth on and stopped a few meters from her. "Do not be alarmed, this is Nix from Inferno."


    To her credit, she barely jumped. She placed the rose she was trimming in the basket and reached for another. "Why are you stealthed?"


    "Inferno has uncovered a plot against Phelinomia. You were once engaged to Tu-Khat from Wisteria. Ten years ago he was captured and replaced with a doppelganger. That doppelganger assumed his identity and canceled the engagement. Since then he has been ruling Wisteria while the real Tu-Khat was imprisoned."


    "We had planned to unite the three central kingdoms." Festa ran a gloved hand across her forehead. "If this is true, What can we do?"


    "The Necromancer who replaced him has at least one spy here, the raven in the lilac tree behind me."


    "Spying?" Festa''s voice frosted over with anger. "That old bastard-King Brahmi has to be involved."


    Nix nodded, temporarily forgetting he was stealthed. Brahmi was the King of Espana. The uniting of the three kingdoms would have relegated him to a glorified governor.


    "Eron says time is short." Fajii''s voice spoke softly from behind him.


    "We have to go Festa, our hold on the raven is limited. Make up a reason to come to Glory. We will figure it out there" Nix moved to the wall and climbed back up. Eron released the raven and they quickly retreated from the rose garden.


    The duo remained in stealth and quickly made their way through the streets of Lohai. They ducked behind a shop near the docks and dropped stealth.


    /Inferno: Nix: We made contact with Festa. She was being watched.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Were you discovered?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, we''ll be coming back to Glory now. Let''s gate back, Captain Delphi can return to Glory with the Phoenix.


    ***************


    Within the hour, Tu-Khat and the officers from Inferno were gathered on the back deck of Nix''s houseboat. Fajii wasn''t part of the meeting, but she was relaxing in the hot-tub, presumably standing by in case they needed to question her. Shae was also in attendance since she decided to help take on the Necromancer.


    Tu-Khat was leaning against the rail, too nervous to sit. "You made contact with Princess Festa?"


    Nix nodded, "thanks to Eron, we discovered a spy and were able to neutralize it long enough to speak with the Princess."


    Semmi glanced at the black fox laying comfortably on a seat cushion. She didn''t dare bring Tilde out with him around, apparently, the black fox had an irresistible charm. "What did she say?"


    "Our time was limited, I told her about the doppelganger switch and the Necromancer that now rules Wisteria."


    Jun Li had a map of Wisteria open. She was confident that they would easily win a naval battle. "Anything else?"


    "Yes, I invited her here to discuss this properly." Nix smiled at Tu-Khat''s reaction. He was jumpier than a cat.


    "She''s coming here?" The rightful King of Wisteria looked down at his robes. "I''m not properly dressed to receive the Princess."


    "Receive the Princess? The f*ck are you talking about?" Nix frowned at the King, they were about to start a fight with a Necromancer and Tu-Khat was worried about his wardrobe?


    Shae lay a hand on Nix''s arm. "He just wants to make a good impression on the woman he was engaged to."


    Semmi cocked her head to one side, nodding as if she was talking to someone. "Just received a bit of intel from Sulane."


    Nix thought well of the Guild Leader from Resolute. Inferno had helped them attain the Earth Pearl or at least a very good copy of it. "And?"


    "Four ships, including the Fire Storm have left Lohai and are on their way here." Semmi smiled when she said it. The Fire Storm was the Flag Ship of the Phelinomia Navy.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: ETA?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Five hours.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s pretty late.


    Nix stood up suddenly. "You need to stay here, for now, Tu-Khat, I''ll make you something suitable to wear."


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll meet at the docks in four hours. Be prepared to move. Prey waits.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I love it when you say that Nix.


    Nix grabbed Shae''s hand and squeezed it. "Need a few minutes of your time."


    Shae nodded, Nansu or Fajii must have braided her hair, it hung down past her waist in a simple but attractive weave. "Yes, of course, Nix."


    After everyone had left, Nix pulled Shae through the sliding door and motioned for her to sit on the bed. "I forgot about something I looted off the Lich King." He pulled out the black crystal and held it out to her.


    Necrofire


    Description: A tiny spark of


    black fire.


    Shae stared at the crystal in his hand but didn''t make a move to take it. "Black fire Nix...The Lich King had that?"


    Nix nodded. "Can we use it?"


    "Not you or I, but if we placed it in the Fire Palace Altar." Shae seemed to consider her words carefully. "We could make a Black Fire Mage."


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    "You are talking about a Necromancer?" Nix wanted nothing to do with Necromancy, although he wasn''t averse to having other Inferno members try it.


    "No. More like a hybrid. I doubt they''d be able to summon undead or dominate corpses."


    "Hmmm... so useless then?" Nix looked at the crystal in his hand, if nothing else he''d have Darsi make it into a ring.


    "One time use Nix. Someone could try the Path of Black Fire." Shae looked interested in the idea. "Anyone but you, of course, your emerald flame is too valuable."


    /Inferno: Nix: We have a crystal capable of developing a unique Fire path. Is anyone interested in becoming a Black Fire Mage?


    /Inferno: Pon: You have Necrofire?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes... Interested?


    /Inferno: Pon: Hell no, I''ve spent years tempering my flame.


    /Inferno: Wind: Do it old man! I want to see a Black Fire-Nado


    /Inferno: Donri: I''m interested.


    Shae wrinkled her nose slightly. "Who is Donri?"


    "He''s a tank actually, pretty good one." Nix didn''t hate the idea, Inferno was already loaded at tank. They could always use some fire-based dps. "He''s smart and calm."


    Shae nodded, "have him meet us at the Fire Palace."


    Nix shook his head, "I''ve got a few things to take care of. Can you handle it alone?"


    "Of course." Shae took the crystal from his hand and bent closer until her lips brushed against his. "Don''t miss the dock meeting."


    "Wouldn''t dream of it. Cya there."


    ********************


    Nix stopped by his shop and made a black three-piece suit for Tu-Khat to wear. It definitely wasn''t Colonial fashion, but the best Tailor in Glory didn''t care in the least. He slipped on some casual clothes and comfortable shoes. If it got out that Nix could make jeans, he''d be overrun with requests. "Too many moochers in Inferno."


    A short while later he met Hyai outside of the Kindled Spirit and offered her his arm. She was dressed in a simple blue dress that complimented her curves, her red hair was up in a tidy bun.


    She slid an arm through his. "Thanks for the dress."


    Nix shrugged. "You work hard for everyone else."


    The streets of Glory had changed substantially over the past month. There were no more one-story buildings anywhere in town. Since the lack of Inns caused most visitors to leave on the last ferry, the town became quiet and peaceful with the setting sun.


    Bela welcomed him with a warm hug when she answered the door. "Nice to see you again Nix."


    "Thanks for having me." Nix shook hands with the mountain standing behind her. His normal-sized hand all but disappeared in Bane''s enormous mitt.


    Dinner was a quiet affair with wine and easy conversation. Bela wanted to know everything about the chef token that Hyai had brought back from Shangri. Apparently she hadn''t activated it yet. The food was the typical pasta that Nix had eaten many times growing up. It reminded him of something Ronnie had once said. What if the NPCs in Colonial were all people? Deep-stays like him, who were hired to perform a certain role in a virtual world.


    Nix dropped Hyai off at the Inn a few hours later. He took the gate to the Sea-World and dropped off the suit for Tu-Khat. He had even found a suitable pair of shoes in Dalton''s empty shop. After gearing up, he arrived back at the dock a few minutes before the appointed time.

 Chapter 106 The Reluctant Bride

    Nix ignored the whispered words of envy from his guildmates as the Fire Storm pulled into Glory Bay. His own FlagShip definitely wouldn''t lose out to the Fire Storm, the Veranda Class ship was even bigger than a Dreadnought.


    The silver-armored Princess stepped onto the dock a few minutes later. She was flanked by a half dozen very serious looking Knights. She wore a smile on her face and greeted Nix as an equal. "Well met Nix! It''s nice to see you again." She offered him an armored glove to shake.


    Nix returned her smile. "Welcome to Glory Princess Festa." Nix turned to one side and motioned for Shae to come forward. "May I present Shae Balefire, Nemesis of Fire."


    Shae nodded cordially, she wore one of the dresses that Nix had made for her. It had intricately designed red flames on darker red silk. The Salamander wanted everything in red. "I am pleased to finally meet you, please address me as Shae."


    Festa could feel the dormant power of the Nemesis, even royalty wanted to make a good impression. "Thank you for inviting me Shae, since we are allies we will dispense with titles."


    /Inferno: Nix: Fajii, have Eron examine the Knight in the back row, nearest the water.


    /Inferno: Shae: Something is masking his intent. Such foolishness.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Eron says that he is being possessed.


    /Inferno: Nix: Anything else?


    /Inferno: Fajii: He says you are worthy.


    /Inferno: Tess; I''m on it.


    Tess moved from behind the group. Her dark red hair was tied up in a ponytail, she wore leather armor rather than the traditional robes of a cleric. She stood beside Nix, a slight smile on her face. "Please accept the blessings of Glory Island."


    [Sacred Ground]


    A white pulse of light moved outward from the cleric. Those whose nature wasn''t dark received a small strength and stamina buff. The knight in question collapsed face-first on the ground.


    Nix frowned while the other knights tried to help him up, he was completely unresponsive.


    /Inferno: Tess: He''ll be fine, This wasn''t a long term control.


    Tess knelt next to the Knight, her hands running casually over his limbs, torso, neck and finally hair. At the base of his neck was a black scarab, its pincers were embedded deep into the flesh. She pulled in free and immediately healed the area.


    Nix took one look at the scarab and stepped in front of Festa, blocking her from the Knights. "Festa is now under my protection. You will stay here."


    The Knight Captain was a squat, dark man, with a short goatee and broad shoulders. He placed a hand on his sword. "What is the meaning of this?"


    "Stand down," Festa spoke quietly but firmly. "You may escort me to their gate, but I forbid you to go any further." She glanced at the scarab in Tess''s hand. "Please bring that with us, honorable Healer."


    Nix brought Festa into the Sea-World, immediately the Princess seemed to relax. Her expression changing from worry to curiosity.


    "A seed world? It''s lovely." She glanced at the cottage on the beach and the houseboats tied up on the wharf. A man stood on the wharf, he was dressed in a dark suit of foreign fashion.


    "This way please." Nix led her to the wharf, stopping in front of Tu-Khat who seemed to be frozen in place.


    "Tu-Khat? Is that really you?" Festa''s dark features remained expressionless. It was true that he betrayed their plans ten years ago. "What did I say to you during my birthday celebration in Lohai?"


    Tu-Khat stared at her without replying.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Oh shit...


    /Inferno: Nix: Be ready Tess, just in case.


    Tu-Khat cleared his throat, looking quite uncomfortable. "You said that you would provide me with one heir and that I should never think of ever touching you again after that."


    Nix chose this time to burst out laughing. Apparently Ronnie had been holding it in also and was unable to contain herself. The two of them laughed at Tu-Khat''s words.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix...


    Nix bit down a chuckle but didn''t bother to hide the grin on his face. "Sorry... that was some funny shit."


    Festa''s dark lips curved in a smile. "That''s exactly what I said."


    A short while later, the officers of Inferno along with the Royal couple were sitting in a circle on the deck of Nix''s houseboat.


    "This could spark a war, I''m reluctant to have it come to that." Festa voiced two concerns, the imposter on the Wisteria throne and all-out war.


    "We''ll go in quiet and change everything." Nix smiled and spent the next few minutes laying out his plan. Only King Brahmi and the Necromancer knew about the switch. They could ignore Brahmi and deal with the Necromancer. Once the Dark Mage was dead, they could swap in the real Tu-Khat and only Brahmi would know the difference.


    Festa leaned back in her seat, her dark eyes watching Nix. "Brahmi will keep his mouth shut, especially if we decide to keep to our original plans and unite the three kingdoms."


    "Two teams then, one to handle the imposter, King. The second to protect Tu-Khat and put in him in place after the Necromancer is dealt with.


    Jun Li nodded in agreement. "I''ll head up the second team. Ronnie, Gypsy, and Semmi with me."


    Nix cast a sideways glance at Shae who nodded. "I''ll take Shae, Tess, and Wind."


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Why am I being left out again?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] You aren''t, I have a mission for you.


    "Shall I return to Lohai?" Festa had verified Tu-Khat''s identity, there wasn''t much left for her to do.


    Nix shook his head, "I''d feel better if you remained here as my guest until the mission is complete."


    Festa''s eyes wandered to the scarab that Tess had placed on the small table. Necromancers used them to create walking zombies. The person could obey simple directions and perform basic tasks, everything that he heard and saw while being dominated would be seen by the owner of the scarab. "Perhaps that would be for the best. Rhanos is the name of the Knight that was infected. It had to have been someone in the palace."


    Tess nodded in agreement. "He was infected sometime in the last four hours."


    Nix stood and picked up the scarab. According to Tess, it was no longer a threat, he handed it to Mina. "Take Fajii, Milat, and Zhava. Infiltrate the palace and track down the source. I''m assuming Eron can find the culprit."


    A soft voice spoke from Fajii''s shoulder. "Of course."


    Festa reached in her belt and pulled out a small token. "This shows you are in my personal service. If you are discovered, present this and they will ignore your actions."


    Mina stowed the token. "I''m assuming we aren''t bringing this person back for questioning?"


    "Correct. Eliminate the threat and return immediately. Let me know when you are safe." Nix took a quick look around the deck. "Questions?"


    ***************


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    Three small teams stood next to the Dock portal. Jun Li''s team was escorting Tu-Khat, they would leave last. Nix''s team would deal with the Necromancer and Mina''s group would find the scarab owner and relieve them of their life.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Be careful Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Remember this is an infiltration mission in friendly territory. Surrender is the best option if you are caught. We shouldn''t kill our allies and I don''t want anything to happen to you.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] I will do as you say. Be safe.

 Chapter 107 Necromancer

    Nix, Shae, Tess, and Wind took the portal to Wisteria. The Wisteria portal wasn''t connected to a city, it was literally in the middle of nowhere. Perhaps at some time, someone was going to build a city there. It was the only portal on the Archipelago continent.


    [Summons: Fey]


    Nix hopped up on the Drake, patting its shoulder. "We''re facing a Necromancer, you up for it?"


    Fey snorted, "I hate dead meat."


    The rest of the group summoned Manta and a few minutes later were flying west toward Corso, the capital city of Wisteria.


    /Inferno: Nix: Tu-Khat suggested we put down on the Palace roof, I''m not against it.


    Although the hour was late, the skies were clear. Even with the dark, they stood out while they were in flight. In an effort to avoid detection, they purposely spread out and went to maximum elevation. Fey stealthed and didn''t bother.


    The city of Corso was a sprawling settlement on the largest island in the Wisteria Archipelago. Roughly five times the size of Glory, Corso was known as a smuggler city. You could find whatever you needed, provided you had the credits. The city itself didn''t have walls, however, the Palace did. Gigantic stone walls nearly thirty feet in height surrounded a pristine looking palace made from white marble. The grounds of the palace were quite large, in the event of an invasion, the population would fall back behind the walls, completely abandoning the city.


    There was only one roof access door, Wind unlocked it quickly before turning back to the group. "Plan?"


    Nix smiled in the darkness. "You''re the scout... Find that Necromancer for us."


    Tess nodded in agreement. "We''ll wait here."


    "Hilarious." Wind stealthed and entered the door quietly.


    They waited a few minutes before they were given the all-clear.


    /Inferno: Wind: The fourth floor is completely empty, no bedrooms up here at all. You can come to the landing outside the third level.


    Just to be safe everyone stealthed and advanced to the next floor. It was here that Shae suddenly stopped.


    /Inferno: Wind: Shit, I''ve been discovered. Need assistance.


    "Nix... I recommend we abandon this mission now." Shae looked calm on the inside, but Nix could feel the radiating heat of her body rising.


    "Can''t now, Wind needs help." Nix moved out the door, with Tess on his heels.


    /Inferno: Shae: There''s a Fire Nemesis here, he''s been masking his source.


    Nix skidded to a stop.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    When the bear appeared, Nix began running again. "Protect Shae!"


    /Inferno: Nix: F*ck... Can you hold him?


    /Inferno: Shae: He''s stronger than me but I can hold for a bit.


    *****************


    Wind tried to move but couldn''t. The Necromancer had been in bed when the Inferno Scout decided to risk a quick assassination. The black eyes had popped open the moment he stepped toward the bed.


    The Necromancer wore Tu-Khat''s face, his dark smile giving it an evil visage. "An Assassin? Not even a good one." He ignored Wind and slid on a black robe. He armed himself with a long black staff that had a large jewel mounted on the end.


    /Inferno: Wind: Hurry... Found the Doppelganger stone.


    "Where are you from little Assassin? No wait... please don''t say. I prefer to find these things out myself." He moved closer, his foul breath smelled like a graveyard. "Takes a brave man to be a Kingslayer." The Necromancer''s eyes turned blacker, his freehand glowed with Necrofire.


    Wind gritted his teeth, struggling desperately to move. "You''re not the King." blood oozed from his mouth when he forced the words out.


    "No?" The Necromancer seemed to find his words amusing. "If I''m not, then who..." He stopped speaking when a small creature crawled from beneath the scout''s armor. The tiny gecko patted Wind''s cheek with a webbed hand.


    [Fear the King]


    The Necromancer''s black eyes widened in terror, covering his head with both hands he screamed and ran for the door.


    Nix grabbed his sword hilt, an instant later emerald flames lit up the hallway. They turned the corner and instantly dodged to one side when fake Tu-Khat ran passed them screaming.


    /Inferno: Wind: I have the doppelganger stone!


    /Inferno: Nix: Gate back to Glory now!


    /Inferno: Wind: Understood.


    Wind smiled at the little gecko who was still standing on his shoulder. The doppelganger stone was a big part of the mission. Even if they missed killing the Necromancer, they could destroy the stone and expose his disguise. According to Nix, this would be plan B. Wind activated his guild portal icon and a moment later he disappeared.


    The Necromancer stopped suddenly, the terror in his eyes quickly turning to rage. An eerie green light flooded the dark hallway, he turned towards it while producing another staff.


    Nix stared at fake Tu-Khat, the man''s brown hair was sticking straight up, his eyes seemed crazed. "I see you met the King. How''d that go?"


    [Turn Undead]


    The Necromancer screamed in agony when Tess suddenly appeared next to him and place both glowing hands on his back.


    [Deadly Counter]


    An explosion of Necrofire burst outward from the Necomancers''s hands.


    Saintess has been Slain


    Nix charged into the Necromancer, slamming him through the wall, both men landing in the next room.


    [Aura Ignition]


    A dozen strands of Emerald flame wrapped around the Necromancer''s body, pinning his arms. "You''ve hurt my friends pretend King."


    [Absolute Corruption]


    The strands around the Necromancer held but slowly began to turn black. Nix dropped the strands and summoned his flame blade, slashing at the Necromancer''s face.


    [Deaths Gate: Lich King]


    Nix leaped backward, as a spear-wielding Lich King stabbed through the air where he had been standing a moment earlier.


    The Entire Palace suddenly trembled, a deafening roar filled with power shook the floor.


    [Your Summoned Creature has initiated Rage]


    Nix grimaced. "I don''t have time to fuc..''


    [Ducky has charmed Lich King Soto]


    The Lich King flashed toward the Necromancer, impaling him into the wall with his spear.


    [Turn Undead]


    The Necromancer screamed in mortal agony as the Inferno cleric pressed both glowing hands into his chest. She ducked away a moment later, just when a blade of emerald flames removed the fake king''s head.


    Nix stared in shock from Tess to Ducky. "How did you two...? Never mind, get out of here now. I''m going to help Shae!"


    ************


    The entire palace grounds had been leveled, a huge crater formed where an orchard had once been. Two Elementals faced each other a dozen meters apart.


    "You''ve done well, it''s my good fortune to meet you now. In a year or so, this might have gone differently." A refined-looking man with white hair spoke quietly, he wore blue robes that matched his bluish tinged flame.


    Shae scowled at the arrogance of the old salamander, his name was Sogan and he was powerful. The area around her was splashed with red glowing blood, her anger welling up at the sight of the titan cub. Morti''s rage had caused his size to instantly triple, forty feet of angry bear had slapped the other Nemesis twenty feet into the ground, like a hammer striking a nail. If only rage was a bit longer. "This won''t be our last meeting, I promise you that," the redhead''s words dripped with venom. Despite how it looked, she knew he was wounded.


    Sogan shook his head. "I''m afraid it is. Unlike you, I have no problems wasting this entire city."


    Shae''s brown eyes reflected her disbelief. "You''d change here?"


    /Inferno: Shae: I want everyone to leave Corso immediately. This city is about to disappear.


    The light cast by the red flames of Shae and the blue flames of her opponent changed slightly when the smallest bit of green mixed in.


    Sogan watched the newcomer with interest. "A lord class Salamander? The green flame is nice... I''m going to have to take it from you.


    /Inferno: Shae: Please run Nix. Escape now.


    "Take it from me?" Nix walked slowly toward the center of the crater. Morti lay unconscious off to one side, Shae was obviously badly wounded. "Messing with my woman and f*cking with my bear... Someone your age ought to know better."


    /Inferno: Nix: How long can you channel brown flames?


    /Inferno: Shae: Long enough.


    Nix moved behind Shae and wrapped his arms around her waist, he pushed all of his emerald flames into their joining.


    "Why would I be scared of y..." Sogan stopped when the flames around Shae turned a deep, rich brown. "Brown Flames?" His hands glowed suddenly, his body shrinking as it began to morph.


    [Balefire]


    Brown flames shot out from Shae''s extended hands and struck Sogan on the shoulder, his right arm disappearing while he howled in agony. He scurried backward, caught between forms.


    [Flight of the Gyrphon]


    The distance between them closed in an instant. Nix shouted in pain, pushing the brown flames into the hilt of the Sythe, he slashed downward, scoring a deep hit on the Nemesis''s wounded shoulder.


    Sogan used his life-saving measures and disappeared, his agonizing scream echoing in the crater.


    Shae ran towards Nix, who had collapsed on the ground. "Drop the brown flames Nix!"


    By the time Tess and Ducky arrived a few minutes later, Shae had helped Nix to his feet and Morti had been unsummoned.


    Nix crossed his arms and stared at the pair. "Explain your presence here Ducky."


    The Siren looked down at the ground, her lower lip sticking out slightly. "I ran away last time I faced a Lich King, this time I did not run."


    "Well... very nice job Ducky." He patted her blue hair before turning to Tess. "You shouldn''t have been able to recover during combat."


    Tess smiled sweetly, "Area 5 in Shangri." She held up a ringed finger and then linked it to him.


    Heaven''s Might


    Ring: Legendary [Cleric Only]


    Description: Resurrects the wearer.


    Uses: 2/3


    "What a cheat!" Nix shook his head in disgust.


    Tess laughed at him. "Right... says the raging forest fire to the little spark."


    Nix frowned at her. "What''s that even mean?"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Real Tu-Khat has been put into his bedroom. He''s currently yelling at his guard for allowing thieves in the palace.


    /Inferno: Shae: You didn''t evacuate?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nope, we knew the two of you could handle it.


    [Onion Quest: Mystery Map has been completed.]


    Colonial System Message: A Colonial Embassy has been built on Glory Island.


    Onion Quest: The Final Layer


    Abominable Creatures


    Description: Investigate the origin of the creatures on Mystery Island.


    ********************


    "Just rest Nix. Morti is fine." Shae stroked his head softly while the hot water of her elemental pool healed their wounds. The bear cub was sleeping soundly on the soft grass and Festa had returned to Lohai.


    Nix opened one eye, smiling up at the Salamander. "What do you think will happen with them?"


    Shae shrugged, "there''s no telling. We''ll talk later, rest now."


    Nix yawned, "fine. Thanks for your hard work."


    *********************


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I''m back. Miss me?

 Chapter 108 Colonial Embassy

    The pretty blonde had her arms crossed in front of her, frowning at him when he appeared in the doorway. "Really Nix?"


    "Hmm... What?" Nix walked in, letting the door swing shut behind him.


    "Don''t what me. I contacted you last night and you didn''t bother to reply!" Darsi spotted the first aide token in his hand and dropped the frown.


    "Sorry Darsi. We just had a major raid and I was injured." More than likely she had saved his life, so he was going to take good care of her in Colonial. He placed the token on the counter in front of her.


    She picked up the token, the smile on her face returning. She noticed that he was wearing jeans. "You can make jeans?"


    "Yep, underwear too." Nix noticed that she had been crafting. "Doing the lifestyle route? Or feel like adventuring?"


    "Adventuring, but I''ll keep crafting since I can make credits." Darsi finished the piece and set it aside. "Gladis Corp has been banned from Colonial, pending investigation of tampering."


    "What about Dalton and the rest?"


    "Gladis wiped all the cards right when they discovered they''d been infiltrated. Fortunately, a lovely and talented angel was able to grab their cards first."


    Nix grinned at her. "No argument here. When can we expect them?"


    "They''ll filter in slowly. Our friends are part of the case against Gladis. In exchange for sworn affidavits and testimony, they will be released. Some of them could be here in a few weeks if Gladis decides to make a deal, the release might be quicker."


    "Anything I can I do for you?"


    "I''d like to be a sniper, I can''t shoot or anything but that''s not needed right?"


    Nix shook his head. "Definitely not. I''d recommend becoming a Scorched Earth Mage, Assault Tree, and a rifle marksmen as your second path."


    Darsi gave him a blank look. "Didn''t I just say I want to shoot things?"


    "Yep. Normally the second path comes with a penalty. The Scorched Earth Path has modifiers in place that can avoid that."


    "So I can still be a sniper but with added benefits of a Scorched Earth Mage?"


    Nix nodded, "Scorched Earth sniper."


    [Whisper: Wylie to Nix] Were you serious about going through Mariner training with the newest recruits?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wylie] Yep.


    [Whisper: Wylie to Nix] The next rotation starts in two weeks.


    [Whisper: Nix to Wylie] Sign me up.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Can you make it to a meeting Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure when and where?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Guild Hall, right now.


    After saying goodbye to Darsi, he headed toward the Guild Hall, he could have gated there but preferred to stretch his legs.


    "Nix!" Mina''s voice called him from the doorway of the Kindled Spirit.


    "Morning." NIx accepted a hug from her, smiling when she fell in beside him. "How''d the mission go?"


    "One of the Palace Pages was secretly a Necromancer in training, still very weak but he was able to use the Scarabs that fake Tu-Khat had given him."


    "Did you destroy them?"


    Mina nodded, "unnatural and evil."


    "Glory will have its first Black Fire Mage in a few days." Shae had told him that the queue time was five days, even she had been surprised by the time table.


    "I''ll be interested to see what sort of abilities he has." Mina slid an arm through his. "I''ve not been myself lately."


    "Everything okay?"


    Mina nodded, "when you disappeared, it felt like my heart had been torn out. I guess getting back to normal will take a while."


    "Am I better looking now?"


    The Aquarion stared up at him for a moment before shaking her head. "Nope, still very difficult to look at."


    Nix laughed at her serious face before stopping abruptly. "The f*ck is that?"


    A black, windowless tower stretched skyward several hundred meters into the air. It was round at the base, perhaps fifty meters in diameter, it stayed that way until the very top.


    Mina pulled his arm and continued walking. "It''s the Colonial Embassy Nix."


    "Huh? That''s not an Embassy. An embassy has courtyards and gardens, maybe some offices filled with diplomats." Nix frowned at the huge ugly building, it was an eyesore.


    Mina shrugged. "No idea. The construction is not quite finished. According to Semmi, less than an hour left."


    They entered the Guildhall together and Nix took a seat at the table. Shae''s injuries were serious enough to take her out of commission for a few days, so she wouldn''t be attending. "Morning everyone."


    Ronnie claimed the seat on the other side of him. "How''s Morti?"


    Nix shrugged. "Fat and lazy, he''ll be sleeping for the next three days."


    Tess took a seat across the table. "He slapped the monkey-snot out of a Nemesis, I''d say he''s earned a nap."


    Jun Li and Semmi were the last two officers to arrive.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''m assuming everyone has seen the Embassy by now?


    /Inferno: Sharl: You mean the black Wizard Tower of death?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: There''s a wizard in there?


    /Inferno: Sharl: No Ronnie...


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Regardless, we''ll check it out after this meeting.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The Inferno Guild received an invitation to the marriage ceremony of Princess Festa and King Tu-Khat.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Be my date Nix!


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Hey!


    /Inferno: Tess: The hell? No asking stuff like that at the meeting.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Heh... Too slow.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: He can''t anyway, Festa has requested that he attend her for the duration.


    /Inferno: Nix: Attend? Am I a bridesmaid now? No thanks.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Can''t really say no Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure I can. No, no, no. See? Easy.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Can you make me a nice dress Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    /Inferno: Tess: Stay with the agenda, Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Moving on. Their intent is to follow the original plan and unify Espana, Wisteria, and Phelinomia into one Central Kingdom. Festa''s parents will become the governors of Phelinomia and Brahmi will be the governor of Espana. They will answer directly to the King and Queen of the Central Kingdom.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s the name? The Central Kingdom?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Unsure. Anything else on the agenda besides the Embassy?


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll be taking Mina back to Pinnacle to speak with Air Nemesis Rhylia.


    /Inferno: Tess: Need any healing support?


    /Inferno: Nix: Diplomatic mission, we will avoid any fighting.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Anything else?


    /Inferno: Nix: If you want me to make you proper wedding attire, put an order in now. Be prepared to pay for mats, no free rides.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Looks like the Embassy is finishing!


    Nix exited the Guildhall, the rest of the officers following behind. There were already dozens of vendors setting up shop around the embassy.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay... How is this possible?


    /Inferno: Semmi: They came with the building.


    The entire first floor was nearly all windows, after that, it was black marble all the way up. A huge set of double wood doors was the only entrance, Nix and his group filed in quickly.


    The building''s lobby had a single elevator with a rather large armored man guarding it. He smiled when he saw them. "Going up folks?"


    Nix gave the man a blank look. "Sure..."


    "Guild Cards please." The man held out his hand expectantly.


    "We''re from the Inferno Guild. We own Glory Island." Nix smiled pleasantly. "the fifth floor please."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Why the fifth?


    /Inferno: Nix: Lucky number.


    The man cleared his throat and pointed toward the office across the entryway. "No one is allowed access without first presenting an Adventurer Guild Card."


    /Inferno: Nix: This a joke?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I think it''s an instance. Let''s play along.


    Nix walked through the glass doors and stood in front of a large counter. Three men in office uniforms stared back at him. "Where can I get a Guild card?"


    "Here sir!" The first man pointed to a line on the floor. "Stand there please!"


    Nix grinned when the man took his picture. The man held it up and examined it for a moment before sliding it over to the man next to him.


    "Next in line please."


    The second man grabbed the picture and slid it into a pad. "Place your right hand on the pad please."


    Nix placed his hand on the pad, it warmed up for a moment and then vibrated.


    The third man reached over and pulled a small card from the pad. He lowered his spectacles and read it aloud. "Nix from the Inferno Guild. Is that you?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    The man slid the card in front of him. "Please verify that the information is correct."


    Nix [Race: Human/Salamander Hybrid]


    Level 50 [Locked: Actual Level 96]


    Strength 92


    Endurance 95


    Intelligence 57


    Dexterity 57


    Perception 57


    Mana 18900/18900


    Cold Resistance 120 [Ice Blessing]


    Fire Resistance 120 [Burning Aura]


    Emerald Flame Strands 100 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Josori''s Stealth [Champion''s Ability]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of the Fire Lord [Salamander]


    Secondary: Spellsword


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm


    Combustion


    Comet Strike


    Secondary Path Skills


    Flame Blade


    Flight of the Gryphon


    [Spirit Animal 4/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Siren]


    3: Fey [Fire Drake]


    4: Mortimer [Titan Cave Bear]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor 100


    [Current Floor Rating: 1st]


    [Companion Price: 19 million Credits]


    Nix shrugged. "Seems okay."


    The man smiled happily. "There''s a Kiosk in the lobby. If you wish to hire a companion, you may choose one there. You also have the option of becoming a companion for others to hire. If you choose this option you will be immediately transported to the lobby whenever someone hires you. Your hiring price may go up or down depending on your performance in the Embassy."


    Nix walked into the lobby a few minutes later. The elevator attendant hadn''t moved. "Can I choose any floor?"


    The attendant shook his head. "There is a test on the next level. Your floor rating will depend on how you perform there. You can take this rating test as many times as you like."


    "How many floors are there?" Nix glanced back into the offices, Semmi was just finishing up.


    "I''m not sure sir. I know there are at least a hundred. On the tenth floor is a weapons/armor shop, on the 20th floor there is a casino, on the 30th floor there is an inn. on the 40th floor there is a Pleasure Club. I have no data on anything passed that.


    Semmi overheard most of their conversation. "Every 10 levels there''s a break and a special floor?"


    The attendant nodded, while examining both of their cards. He handed them back and stepped to one side. "Going up?"


    Semmi glanced at Nix, "you and me Nix?"


    "Sure, we''re going up." Nix grabbed Semmi''s hand, a moment later the huge elevator door opened up and they stepped inside.

 Chapter 109 Mercenary for Hire

    Semmi jumped in and slashed at the swamp lizard''s hamstrings before rolling to one side.


    [Balefire]


    White flame tore through the lizard''s abdomen backing him up.


    NIx raised a hand and a dozen emerald strands wrapped around its legs, the creatures alligator face opened wide as it roared miserably.


    [Backstab]


    Semmi has slain as Swamp Lizard.


    [Level Cleared]


    Semmi placed her hands on her knees, gasping for air. "Stop for now?"


    Nix nodded at the blonde scout. "Nice job Sem."


    Each zone in the Embassy has a small neutral zone in its entrance. In this zone is the floor control panel. You can change floors, provided you are qualified to enter the new choice. This is also the area in which you are rezzed in the event of your death.


    They walked back to the entrance together. Semmi was covered in swamp muck from having been ambushed by a half dozen man-sized lizards.


    The blonde was using the edge of her dagger to scrape mud off her armor. "This random zone shit is for the birds."


    Nix nodded in agreement, the two zones prior to this had been arctic and desert. "Not a bad piece of work though."


    Semmi smiled, "It looks like we qualified up to Floor 33. Want to check out the shops on the 10th floor?"


    "Sure."


    They summoned the elevator and stepped in. This time the floor lights were lit all the way to 33. Semmi pushed the button for the 10th floor. "Too bad we didn''t qualify for the 40th floor."


    Nix hid a smile, "Oh? Why''s that?


    Semmi wiggled her eyebrows at him. "You know why."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Looks like my asking price is 1.5 mil. I''m gonna get rich!


    /Inferno: Sharl: 1.8 mil.


    /Inferno: Pon: 3.7 mil.


    /Inferno: Tess: 7 mil.


    /Inferno: Wind: Everyone wants heals. 2.1 mil.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Tess and I just qualified up to floor 25. Heading to the armor shop on 10 now.


    /Inferno: Semmi: See you there. I qualified for 33.


    /Inferno: Pon: Bullshit.


    /Inferno: Wind: Really?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yep.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Hey... You''re with Nix!


    /Inferno: Semmi: Maybe.


    /Inferno: Tess: Cheat.


    /Inferno: Pon: Lame.


    The elevator came to a stop with a loud ding, and the duo stepped out. The armor/weapons shop on the tenth floor was actually a huge bazaar. As soon as the elevator closed, it opened again and two more inferno members stepped out.


    Tess smiled at her friends before her eyes caught the board behind them. "Hey, it''s a leaderboard."


    Semmi smiled innocently, "Oh?" She''d already noticed that she and Nix were at the top.


    "Welcome to the 10th Floor. I''m Khabi, the Floor Steward. May I help you find something?" A tall, muscular man with dark skin approached them. He was wearing white robes with a purple turban and sandals.


    Nix smiled pleasantly at the Stewart. "Where can I find rifles?"


    Khabi turned and pointed directly across from them. "This entire row of vendors sell firearms."


    "How about daggers?" Semmi had noticed a touchscreen map on the wall, however, it was listed by shop name, not by what they sold.


    Khabi stepped closer to the touchscreen. "Upper right is the map index, you can use it to highlight shops by what they sell." The Steward chose the dagger search icon, a dozen shops on the far wall lit up.


    All four of them went in separate directions with Nix heading toward the firearm vendors.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Hey, I stopped by the Scorched Earth Temple, there''s quite a waiting list.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Would you push Darsi to the front of the conversion line, please?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Yes.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Ask again, Fajii will take good care of you.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Thanks Nix.


    Nix spent a few minutes shopping for a quality sniper rifle that Darsi would like. After finding one and settling on a price, the vendor offered to use their ''delivery service.'' This option enabled the person to receive it as a package via their hud.


    /Inferno: Nix: Done shopping yet Sem?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Um... No.


    /Inferno: Tess: Not even close, the corner shops have accessories!!


    "Sorry Jani, Mira logged in, so we are swapping her in for you."


    "Oh, I see. It''s fine... I''ll find another group."


    Nix overheard the conversation between a handful of guildmates from Tea Leaf. They definitely stood out, every one of them wore a bright green singlet over their armor. They left the cleric in question and entered the elevator.


    She noticed his approach right away. "Care to group with me? 44 level cleric!"


    "What floor are you on? Nix smiled at her patience, she''d been dumped by her group. She was handling it better than he would have.


    "Just the 14th," she admitted. Her hair was dyed bright pink, and she had a smattering of freckles across her nose. "I''m a good healer though, and I work well with others."


    Nix laughed at her words, he remembered saying the same thing at his first job interview. "You''re hired Jani the Pink."


    "Sajani actually... sometimes my guildmates call me Jani." She spoke quietly as if she was in a library.


    "I''m Nix, let''s head to the 14th floor." Nix summoned the elevator and a moment later they stepped inside.


    ******************


    [Several hours later on the 41st floor]


    "Map says there are three more mobs on this level Nix." The pink-haired cleric''s face was smudged with mud, she pursed her lips while studying the map.


    [Summons: Fey]


    The Drake appeared in front of them a moment later. She looked around the area, "where we at?"


    "41st floor in the Embassy. This is Pinkie."


    The Drake nodded, "Hi Pinkie. Good thinking bringing a cleric. What''s our status?" The drake glanced around, they were in an arid region, low foothills with lots of sagebrush.


    "Clearing out the zone, but we are missing some mobs." She pointed to the west side of the map, "my best guess says they are here."


    Fey nodded her scaled head, "What kind of mobs?"


    "Melee so far, white primates with four arms." Nix waited until the Drake took to the air. "Why did Fey ask about the mobs?"


    Pinkie scratched her cheek while considering the question, he had been doing it all day, teaching her small things. "Risk assessment?"


    "Correct. Fey''s a flier, so melee mobs don''t present a threat. She''ll find them."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Dumped me Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Um... you were shopping until ten minutes ago.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: 41st floor? You check out the 40th?


    /Inferno: Nix: Not yet.


    /Inferno: Tess: Cheating on me with another healer?


    /Inferno: Nix: Fraid so.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: With the Embassy here, we are going to have to get another Ferry.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sounds good.


    Fey landed a few minutes later. "Found them, a small cave hidden by some brush. Probably going to need a tank Nix."


    Nix scowled, "bosses seem to be randomly occurring every few floors."


    "We should stop here Nix, the last boss took us three tries." Pinkie shuddered at the memory, The 38th floor was a volcano, the boss there had been immune to fire.


    "I guess." Nix grinned at the young woman and sent her a friend request. "Wanna check out the 40th floor?"


    Pinkie kept her face expressionless, it was difficult to know when Nix was teasing. "We are at the top of the leaderboard. That means we''d be the first ones to see it."


    A few minutes later they stepped back into the elevator and chose the 40th floor.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Hey... Nix is on the 40th floor!


    /Inferno: Semmi: Traitor!


    /Inferno: Pon: What''s it like?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Spill it Nix.


    /Inferno: Wind: Nix? Why isn''t he answering?


    /Embassy System Announcement: The Embassy exits and entrances close at 1800 hours, at that time a special campground for overnight guests will be located on the 5th floor. You may continue to shop or advance floors. Enjoy your evening.


    ******************


    Pinkie exited the elevator and strolled into the lobby, she walked over to the kiosk and activated the ''For Hire'' option. Her asking price was 5.2 mil credits. She scrolled down the mercenary column, even though his name was grayed out she could see the price. "Holy crap. Who has 20 mil?"

 Chapter 110 Air Champion

    "So... tell me more." Hyai used a hand to prop her head off his chest.


    Nix laughed at the interest in her eyes. "Pinkie thought it was a place to eat... Yep, not the best place to go for dinner."


    Hyai laughed, a warm sound that was pleasant to hear. "This Pinkie seems pretty young."


    Nix nodded, "I had to cover her eyes a few times, to preserve her innocence."


    "What about your innocence?" She ran a fingernail down his chest and bent closer until their lips touched.


    "Hmmm... Long gone."


    "Maybe you could bring me there?" Hyai frowned at the sun shining through the window, already time to get up.


    Nix shrugged and watched as she slid out of bed. "I could ask Kai if guests are allowed."


    "And Kai is?"


    "Floor Steward on the 40th floor."


    She cupped her large breast and eased it into her bra, well aware that she had a captive audience. "Is Kai a man or a woman?"


    "Yes."


    Hyai sat on the edge of the bed and continued dressing. "What kind of answer is that?"


    Nix stretched his arms over his head and turned on his side so he could continue to watch her. "From the waist up, Kai seems like a very attractive woman."


    Hyai stopped what she was doing and turned her head toward him. "And the rest of her?"


    Nix shook his head, "no idea and I''m not checking."


    Hyai laughed at his expression. "Be adventurous Nix, grab the bull by the horns."


    "Pass... I''ll bring Chiba there, she''ll definitely solve the riddle."


    She finished dressing, occasionally laughing while they chatted. "You getting up or staying in bed?"


    "Staying in bed. Have to meet Mina at the docks in a couple of hours."


    "Okay hun, cya later."


    *********************


    When Nix came down the stairs a few hours later, Hyai was too busy to talk. She did, however, hand him a box lunch and offer him a smile.


    /Inferno: Semmi: For those interested, the Inn on the 30th floor is quite amazing. The rooms have every amenity you can think of. There are also apartments available for rent or purchase.


    /Inferno: Pon: The casino is pretty nice, Wind and I checked it out last night.


    Nix found Mina waiting for him by his shop door. He took a few minutes to deliver some products to Nova.


    The Aquarion was wearing her black leather outfit with the hood pulled over her head. "You sure we don''t need healing help?"


    Nix frowned at her, "the moment you make me say we don''t need it, we will definitely need it."


    Mina offered him a smile, "better not say it then."


    A few minutes later, when Nix finished up, they joined hands and she activated her Deep Blue. Once on the platform in Mermaid city, they swam leisurely, neither of them in a hurry.


    Mina smiled at him, "it''s nice talking, I feel like we aren''t spending enough time together. In Aquarion society, you spend a lot of time with your friends."


    "It''s like that with humans also."


    Mina nodded as if his answer pleased her. "I want to talk about something, but am not sure how to approach it."


    "I find it''s best to speak your mind."


    "I want you to stop seeing Fajii."


    "No. Anything else?"


    "Milat wishes to pursue her, he can''t do that if Fajii remains close with you."


    "Why should I give a f*ck about what Milat wants?" Nix spoke calmly, no hint of anger in his voice.


    "They are both Aquarions, this is how it should be."


    "I see... You don''t like the idea of Fajii having a human companion? You would prefer that she bonds with Milat or Zhava?"


    Mina nodded.


    Nix stopped, not really in a hurry to arrive at Pinnacle. "I do understand what you are saying, Mina."


    Mina offered him a smile. "Good Nix, you are easy to talk to."


    "What if I told you one of my human friends feels the same way?"


    Mina stopped beside him, "I would say you should listen to your friend."


    "I see... Suppose my friend takes it a step further and says that I shouldn''t be friends with Aquarions? It''s unnatural and I should avoid them."


    Mina shook her head, "isn''t that unreasonable?"


    "What if I take Deep Blue away from you, banish the Aquarions from the Sea-World?"


    "Nix... Why are you saying this?"


    "Didn''t you say that we shouldn''t intermix? Do you think your race will accept you back if you admit that it was a mistake to be allied with humans?"


    "These aren''t my words Nix. I don''t believe anything like that."


    "No?" Nix continued toward the Pinnacle air pocket. "Tell Milat if he wants Fajii, then he should do his best to win her heart. Your belief about racial barriers is nothing more than an unreasonable prejudice hidden deep inside."


    They entered the Pinnacle territory a few minutes later, neither speaking as they approached the white-robed guards.


    Nix bowed his head slightly. "I seek an audience with Nemesis Rhylia."


    One of the guards ran toward the temple, while the other returned Nix''s bow. "Please wait here Champion."


    The guard returned a moment later and escorted them into the Air Temple. Rhylia was sitting on her throne, her dark eyes watching them as they walked toward her. "Champion Nix, it''s only been a short time since we last spoke but I welcome you anyway."


    Nix bowed low, "I find your conversation interesting and am here to speak more with you."


    Rhylia laughed at the words, "aren''t you here to repeat the last conversation we had?"


    Nix shook his head, ''I''m here to take you to your temple. This time I won''t take no for an answer."


    Rhylia''s smile faded, her dark eyes glittered. "What if I say no anyway?"


    "As I said, that''s not an option anymore." Nix stared at her, in truth it was a harder stance then he had planned but some of the aggression he felt toward Mina had affected him.


    She stood slowly, black feathers dragging the ground, her hands caressing the longsword at her waist. "You''re not in a position to dictate conditions to me Nix."


    "Sogon thought the same thing."


    [Burning Aura]


    A green flame erupted around Nix, his yellow eyes staring at the Air Nemesis.


    /Inferno: Mina: Nix? What are you doing?


    "You''ve met Sogon?"


    "Met him and would have killed him if he hadn''t used life-saving measures."


    She stared at him, everything about him was different then it had been a few days earlier. Slowly she dropped her hand from her sword. "What are you offering?"


    Nix flamed out his aura and held out his hand, "I''m offering my hand, my companion will stay here until we get back."


    Rhylia nodded and took his hand. "Treat her well, I will return shortly."


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the slot he had saved in the Death Temple. A moment later the two of them appeared on the platform near the huge doors of the abandoned temple.


    Nix led her further inside, the place looked the same but the smell of death was gone. The high cathedral ceilings and vast amount of space would be a huge step up for the Pinnacle inhabitants. Together they walked through the temple and then outside to the large courtyards. The world was still dimly lit and lacking a sun.


    "Where is this place Nix?"


    "It''s a seed world encased in a doppelganger stone. We''ll mount the stone on the altar of the Fire Palace. You will be able to come and go through the portal whenever you like."


    "The receiving portal is in the Fire Palace?"


    Nix nodded. "We''ve defeated Sogon once, the next time he shows his face I''m going to remove his head." He took a step toward her, when she didn''t back away he took another.


    She didn''t move when he placed his hand on her shoulder, they stared at each other for a long moment. "You''re the Fire Palace champion and the Scorched Earth champion?"


    Nix nodded.


    "Would you be my Air champion also?"


    "Yes."

 Chapter 111 Palace of Fire and Air

    /Inferno: Mina: Nix? All the air elementals have suddenly vanished.


    /Inferno: Nix: Rhylia summoned them into the Temple.


    /Inferno: MIna: All of them at once? Did she decide to join us?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes to both. Gate back to Glory, I''ll see you there.


    /Inferno: Mina: Can you meet me in the Sea-World?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure Min.


    Nix stepped into the Sea-World, the warm breeze off the water made him stand in place for a moment. "Gulls... we need some birds here."


    Mina was standing next to the door of the cottage when he walked up, she had removed her hood and the tie that held her white hair.


    "You never wear your hair down Min, looks nice."


    She didn''t reply, only stared at him with her pale blue eyes before opening the door and walking in. Nix followed behind and eased the door shut.


    "I misspoke." She stated softly and then sat on the couch. "My words sound sour, even in my own ears."


    Nix sat down next to her. "You''re jealous, it''s a common feeling between men and women."


    "I''m jealous." She sat there staring as she considered the words. "Would you stop being my friend if Fajii asked you to?"


    "Fajii wouldn''t ask me something like that."


    "No... I guess she wouldn''t." She moved closer and leaned against him until her head rested on his shoulder. "I see Fajii as she is now, There''s a happiness that wasn''t there before."


    "She seems the same to me, perhaps the Scorched Earth path has made her emotions more stable."


    "Please forget my harsh words."


    "It''s fine Min." He stroked her hair softly. "The mantle of leadership can be heavy."


    "I cannot calm myself."


    "We could always exchange pointers."


    Min sat up, her pale eyes looking intently at his face. "It would be difficult with such an ugly man."


    "Right... I could just turn you around, then you wouldn''t have to look at me."


    A smile cracked on her alien face before she laughed loudly. Nix joined her and they laughed together for some time.


    *************


    /Inferno: Sharl: Floyd just shapeshifted...


    Nix was walking toward the Fire Palace when he heard the comment. Floyd was the name that she had given the Naga boy.


    /Inferno: Nix: Into?


    /Inferno: Sharl: A regular boy.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Don''t worry, it''s normal.


    /Inferno: Sharl: He can''t even speak yet.


    /Inferno: Fajii: He should be able to turn into a regular snake also although that might take longer.


    Nix shuddered, anything but snakes.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Can I come to see you Fajii?


    /Inferno: Fajii: Yes.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] You will be leading a man''s group into the embassy later.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Let me guess... You want to see the 40th floor.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Of course we do!


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Fine... Only if you guys make it into the 30s on your own. I don''t want to repeat all those floors.


    /Inferno: Pon: Wind, Banz, Milat, Chael... Our mission is a go. Meet at the Embassy.


    /Inferno: Wylie: Such motivation, I like it.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: A suspicious amount of motivation.


    Nix entered Shae''s elemental world, he had expected to find her in her favorite pool but she wasn''t there. Morti was still sleeping soundly although he had actually moved enough to turn on his back with his huge paws in the air. Nix patted his fat tummy and kept walking.


    Nix stopped when he finally found her, she was sitting next to Fajii and the two of them were tending an enormous garden plot. "This is way bigger than I remember."


    Shae looked up when he spoke. "We planted more peppers Nix, Fajii says I am good with plants!


    He nodded and accepted a hug from her. There was dirt smudged all over her face. "Wanted to talk about the Air Nemesis.''


    Shae frown, "she still refuses?"


    "No, she is in the Doppelganger Stone with all of her air elementals. She has agreed to join us."


    Shae grabbed his hand and pulled him into the freshly planted rows. "Help us for a while."


    "Sure... let''s put the stone in place first."


    Shae sighed, "you''ll come back and help us plant after?"


    "For a bit, I already promised Pon I''d give him a hand.


    Shae waved and all three of them appeared on the altar. She held out her hand and Nix placed the Doppelganger Stone in it.


    He watched as Shae held it up, to Nix it was just an ugly brown stone. It looked like a topaz. "Is it okay to leave them in there while you do this?


    Shae nodded and placed the stone in an unmounted slot on the altar.


    A near-deafening sound of rushing wind surrounded them, the Fire Palace shook while the stone shone brightly. After several minutes it stopped. Nix dropped his hands from his ears and glanced at Shae.


    The Salamander smiled and shrugged at him. "She is a Nemesis after all."


    [Fire Palace Upgrade Available]


    Nix moved closer and opened the Palace menu.


    [The Fire Palace may be upgraded to the Palace of Fire and Air]


    Shae read the message and then nodded at him. "Go ahead Nix."


    "Upgrade the Fire Palace."


    [Upgrading the Fire Palace: 6 hours]


    Colonial System Message: Phelinomia, Wisteria, and Espana have united to form The Central Kingdom.


    Colonial System Message: The wedding of King Tu-Khat and Princess Festa will take place in 10 days, all of Colonial is invited to attend.


    Colonial System Message: The Central Kingdom has entered into an Alliance with the Inferno Guild.


    New Guild Options are available.


    New City Options are available.


    [Whisper: Cyan to Nix] Please come to Cyphix and help us!


    Without a second thought, Nix activated Deep Blue and selected Cyphix. A moment later he appeared on the city platform. His nose detected the scent of sulfur and brimstone. "Damn... A Salamander Lord."


    /Inferno: Shae: Nix?


    He sprinted down the street, half of the temple had been destroyed already. Cyan was shielding the unconscious Ice Spirit with her body. Her long dark hair had been scorched in many places and half of her face was burned badly. "Leave us alone! This is merely a Spirit''s Temple. Someone of your rank will only destroy it!"


    "These two are under my protection." Nix''s shouted voice carried in the empty street. The Salamander had blonde hair and a too handsome face. There was an evil in his eyes that turned Nix''s heart cold.


    The blonde man stared at the newcomer. "Defending this Ice bitch is worth your life?"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix armed himself, pushing his emerald flames into the hilt of his sword.


    The Salamander backed up a step. "Brother... Why defend an Ice spirit?"


    "You are no brother of mine." Nix walked toward the Salamander, his footsteps leaving a path of glowing rock behind him.


    A flash of light announced the arrival of Shae and Fajii. The Nemesis frowned at the destruction, she immediately saw cruelty in the eyes of the other. "If Nix has told you to leave, then leave at once and never come back."


    Stark terror entered the Salamander Lord''s eyes when he felt Shae''s aura pushing down on him. "I will leave! Forgive this one Nemesis!" The air around him started to shimmer, he gave Nix a malice filled glare and then disappeared.


    Nix flamed out his aura and ran toward Cyan.


    /Inferno: Shae: I must leave Nix, my existence here is too much for her in this weakened state.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thank you Shae, bring Fajii back to the Palace. I will take care of things here.


    Cyan pulled Shi into her arms, her body glowing while she healed her. The ice priestess wept bitterly, "she protected me, even though she knew there was no standing against him."


    Nix felt his heart squeeze, this was the first person he had talked to in Colonial. The anguish in her eyes reminded him of his past. He noticed the Temple deed floating above the altar. "You can rebuild?"


    Cyan nodded, "We could, but for what purpose? He will just return and you cannot always protect us."


    "Come to Glory then."


    "You heard Shae. Fire and Ice will not do well together."


    Nix grabbed the deed and then picked up the small Ice Spirit in his arms. "Do not worry, I will definitely protect my friends."


    ******************


    Nix returned to Glory several hours later, his step seemed exhausted as he made his way back to the Fire Palace. He entered quietly, Shae was seated on her Throne with Fajii standing next to her.


    "How is the Ice Spirit?" Shae seemed genuinely worried, her presence in Shi''s ice world had nearly caused her death once.


    "I have taken care of it." Nix felt the sudden build-up of power, the doppelganger stone glowing brightly, changing from brown to transparent as a strong wind blew Nix back several steps. A second throne formed next to Shae''s, this one was clear and made from air.


    A flash of black wings announced her arrival. Rhylia seemed much stronger than before, dressed in black, her wings dragged on the marble floor while she walked slowly to her throne.


    She bowed her head slightly at Shae. "Greetings Shae."


    Shae smiled in return. "Welcome, Air Nemesis Rhylia."


    Rhylia sat on her throne, her dark eyes finding Nix immediately. "Please advance Champion and receive the blessings of Air."


    Nix walked forward and knelt down on one knee. When he did, Rhylia stood and approached. She laid a cool hand on his head. "My blessing upon you, Air Champion."


    You have received the blessing of Air.


    Your Champion''s Medallion has been upgraded.


    You have learned [Fire Burst]


    You have learned [Flame Throw]


    You have learned [Vacuum]


    You have learned [Gusting Flames]


    You have learned [Null]


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Glory Island for constructing Colonial''s first Palace of Fire and Air.

 Chapter 112 Special Mission

    "For Pete''s sake... Why are you dragging your feet?" Nix pushed against Mortimer''s side trying to get him to move faster.


    "It looks scary. I don''t wanna." Morti sat in front of the entrance of the Embassy, refusing to budge.


    Three days had passed since the construction of the Palace of Fire and Air. Mortimer had finally woken up. When he was told about the Colonial Embassy, the curious bear demanded to be taken there.


    "Hey, Nix!" A young woman with pink hair and a big smile called out to him. She ran toward them waving before skidding to a halt. "Who''s your friend?"


    Nix resisted the urge to kick him. "This is Morti, he''s a chicken."


    "Bear," Morti corrected.


    "Fine, a Chicken Bear."


    Morti turned his head toward Pinky. "Just a regular bear. I like your hair."


    Pinky grinned up at the bear, she was shorter than him even though he was sitting. "A brave bear I bet."


    "I''m very brave," he agreed.


    Pinky gestured toward the door. "I''m going into the Embassy, you coming Morti?"


    "Yep." Morti stood and waddled to the door, it was a tight fight but he squeezed in.


    Nix frowned at the pair of them and followed along. "Take a left and go into the office."


    The first man behind the counter was writing something on a notepad. "Stand on the line pl..."


    Morti stood his hind legs with his feet on the line, his head only a few inches from the ceiling. "Here?"


    "Perhaps sit on the line sir," the man amended.


    Morti sat down while the man took his picture. "This my good side Nix?"


    "It''s your fat side."


    The second man grabbed the picture and nodded approvingly before sliding it into the pad. "Place your right hand on the pad please."


    Morti placed his gigantic paw on the pad, the entire counter seemingly disappeared.


    After a few seconds, the man patted his paw. "That should do it, sir."


    The third man reached over and slid a small card from the pad. He lowered his spectacles and read the card. "Mortimer the Cave Bear. Is that you?"


    Morti nodded. "Yep."


    The man slid the card in front of him. "Please verify that the information is correct."


    Mortimer [Titan Cave Bear: Spirit Companion]


    Rank: Lord [Redacted]


    Level: 1


    Strength 911


    Endurance 450


    Intelligence 38


    Agility 15


    Charm 85


    [Abilities]


    Ground Pounder: Stuns all creatures within 10 meters. Duration: 3 seconds


    Absolute Defense: Blocks half of all incoming damage from one target.


    Absolute Challenge: All enemies are forced to change their targets to the challenger.


    Bear Intentions: First Strike.


    Rage: Unknown Effect. (Use of Rage results in companion sleeping for three days.)


    [Bad Memories] Past experiences have made this companion immune to fire.


    [Charmless] Immune to all charm effects.


    [Fearless] Immune to fear and control effects.


    Morti stared at the tiny card. "I like honey... it doesn''t say that."


    Nix leaned in and snatched the card. "Thank you, this is perfect."


    Pink smiled at Morti. "Do your best on the test! You can join me on the 41st floor." She glanced at the leaderboard that hung over the elevator, there were a dozen people on the 40th floor most of them were from Inferno.


    Nix handed the card to the elevator attendant. "He''s gonna do the trial."


    The attendant took the card and nodded. "From now on I will keep your card here with me Mr. Mortimer."


    Morti squeezed into the elevator. "You gonna wait for me Nix?"


    "Don''t be such a baby. I have a few things to take care of."


    "I''ll wait, Morti." Pinky waved until the elevator closed.


    ********************


    "She''s waiting for us." Shae smiled from her throne, her eyes watching the glowing stone that signified the presence of the Air Temple.


    "I thought for sure you''d go in." Nix held out his hand and pulled Shae to her feet.


    "Not without you." The Salamander''s red hair brushed against his arm. She lowered her voice to a whisper," Rhy is very excited."


    Shae lay a hand on the stone, immediately Nix felt the air sucked out of him as a vacuum pulled them into the Air Palace. He shielded his eyes, the bright expanse of blue skies coupled with the glaring sun made him squint his eyes.


    "She has a sun." Nix glanced at Shae who seemed mildly surprised.


    The dark dreary court had been replaced with colorful gardens that filled the air with the scent of flowers. Many of the air elementals relaxed in shallow pools while dozens more raced through the clear skies. The white robes and head wraps seemed to have been replaced with barely anything.


    "Do air elementals typically wear...?"


    "Nearly nothing at all?" Shae finished his question. "As far as I know, although if they leave here they will put the robes on, probably."


    Nix tried not to stare, there was something mildly disconcerting being dressed among a bunch of scantily clad air creatures. "Probably should make sure Pon doesn''t come here."


    "Welcome Shae, welcome Air champion."


    [You have designated as the Lord of this Palace]


    Nix bowed his head slightly, "Thank you, Nemesis Rhylia."


    Rhylia''s dark eyes seemed to find his words amusing. "No need to be formal, please address me as Rhy."


    "Show us your new abilities Nix." Shae could sense the changes, but she had refrained from asking until now.


    "Yes, show us please," Rhy agreed, her dark eyes watching him closely.


    Fire Burst: [Fire/Air Ability]


    Description: Five spheres of superheated flames shoot instantly from your hand.


    Target: Single target up to 200 meters.


    Null: [Air Ability]


    Description: Remove all the air surrounding your opponent, immediately canceling any spells/abilities. Duration 5 seconds.


    Target: Single target, line of sight.


    Flame Throw [Fire/Air Ability]


    Description: Superheated flames shoot from your hands, bathing nearby targets in fire.


    Target: Single target up to 20 meters.


    Gusting Flames [Fire/Air Ability]


    Description: Summons a wall of flames that engulf your targets and follows them. Duration:30 seconds.


    Target: Area Effect, Up to 5 targets, line of sight.


    Vacuum [Air Ability]


    Description: Summons your target.


    Target: 20 meters, instant.


    Shae''s eyes shone while she examined his new abilities. "Fire and Air are natural allies."


    "With my support, Sogon wouldn''t dare challenge you." Rhy had been hiding from him for a long time, it felt good to be relieved of that burden.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] I need your help apprentice.


    Nix suddenly cringed. Neither Nemesis noticed, they were considering how they could work best together.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] If you can''t handle it, who could I possibly bring?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] If you don''t come, I will most likely kill King Brahmi.


    Nix cursed silently.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon, Wind, and Chael. Meet me at the Guild Hall immediately.


    Rhy cocked her head to one side, Nix had brought her into Inferno, she still wasn''t use to the chatter. He had shown her how to silence it, but she found the interactions interesting.


    Nix turned back toward the two women and bowed slightly. "Something has come up."


    He ported directly to Guild Hall; Pon, Wind, and Chael were already waiting for him. "Special mission. We''re taking the portal to Espana.


    ***************


    Twenty minutes later, the group was flying over Hova City, the location of King Brahmi''s palace.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] We are in Hova City.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Follow the smoke. There''s a large sky window, you''ll have to break it.


    Nix pointed to the southern wing of the palace, it was completely engulfed in flames.


    Fey dived straight for the glass, talons extended she crashed through the window and skidding on the marble floor for a dozen meters before stopping. The rest of the group floated down gently on their Manta.


    The sound of sword fighting drew their attention to a large set of double doors. Nix ran down the hallway and stepped into a large room, Chiba was guarding the door against a half dozen guards, more than twice that many already lay on the ground dead.


    [Gusting Flames]


    Five of the guards burst into flames, their screams echoed in the room as they desperately tried to put the fires out.


    Nix drew his hilt and pushed his flame into it.


    [Vacuum]


    Nix targeted one of the men he had already torched, dumbstruck the man appeared in front of him, the look stayed on his face as his head bounced across the floor.


    The rest of his group had already put the stragglers down.


    /Inferno: Pon: The f*ck... What is Chiba doing here?


    "This way Nix." Chiba led through a narrow hallway that was littered with bodies. "Watch your step, I didn''t have time to remove them." She came to a large reinforced door. "Open up, it''s me."


    The door opened up and the group followed Chiba inside. All four members of Inferno froze suddenly, their eyes showing surprise.


    /Inferno: Pon: I take back every bad thing I''ve ever thought about you Nix.


    /Inferno: Wind: Thanks, boss.


    /Inferno: Chael: Woah... Best mission ever."

 Chapter 113 King Brahmi

    "Okay... I did not see this coming." The door opened up to the most luxurious room Nix had ever seen. Silk covered walks, exotic furs lining the gold tile floors; sofas, chairs, and cushions of all shapes and sizes were set up throughout the room. The smell of lilac and rose petals tickled pleasantly at his senses.


    Slowly they stood, women of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Each seemingly more beautiful than the next. A particularly lovely blonde threw herself at Chiba.


    "Aunty Chiba!" She was wrapped in red silk and had white flowers braided into her hair. She hugged the swordmaster tight. "I was so worried about you."


    /Inferno: Pon: Nope... not buying it.


    /Inferno: Wind: Completely impossible.


    /Inferno: Chael: No way they are related.


    Nix didn''t bother to count, there were a lot of them. "Explain please."


    Chiba turned to face him, pulling the blonde with her. "This is Mari, my sister''s child, you probably already guessed. The resemblance is uncanny."


    "I''ll let that go for a bit. Why am I here?" Nix knew there were at least a dozen guards dead, and the Southern Wing of the palace was in flames.


    Chiba frowned, the expression making her look even more like an old man. "It''s Brahmi. You had to guess he wouldn''t be happy with losing a country right?"


    Nix sighed heavily, "war?"


    Chiba shook her head. "Nothing so grand or honorable. His army has been dismantled. A smaller and more reasonable ''governor''s mansion is being constructed away from the capital."


    Pon whistled softly, "it''s like they are pushing him to do something rash."


    Chiba nodded, giving Pon a wink. "This Palace was to belong to one of the new Princes of the Central Kingdom."


    "So Brahmi has decided to torch it?" Nix shrugged, "I don''t care if he burns this place. Let''s get them out and head home."


    Chiba''s old eye''s glittered dangerously, though her face was remarkably calm. "He has ordered that his harem stay."


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Why is your niece part of the King''s Harem?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Sadly, she has my looks, but not my skills or brains.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] So this was the answer? An old man''s plaything?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Relax. Who knew you were so uptight? The old fool leans in a different direction. Every one of these girls are virgins.


    Nix smiled at Chiba''s Niece, "We''ll do this the hard way then."


    "Forget about fighting apprentice. My backup isn''t here, and you four aren''t good enough."


    Chael had been trying not to stare at the women, it was definitely a losing battle. "We aren''t? Who''s your backup?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Why did you ask that?


    Chiba smiled and leaned closer. "His name is Baiter... Have you seen him?"


    Mari laughed, but quickly covered it up with a hand.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shit... I think they are related.


    Nix closed the door and glanced around the room. "We are on the second floor?"


    Mari nodded, "the door you came in is the only entrance."


    "What about porting out?" Nix frowned when Chiba immediately shook her head.


    "Brahmi has a safeguard against thieves, you can''t port out from anywhere on the grounds."


    Pon pulled some of the silk coverings off the walls, the walls behind it were made from stone. "This place is just a pretty prison Nix."


    Chiba nodded in agreement. "Normally they aren''t confined to this room. Even though the army has been dismantled, he still has a few hundred of his Palace Guards."


    /Inferno: Nix: Pull all that silk off the wall. Let''s make sure we aren''t missing something.


    The four of them began pulling the silk off the walls while Chiba talked quietly with Mari.


    "Over here Nix." Chael called from the far side of the room.


    Nix stowed the huge pile of silks into his inventory, no use letting them go to waste. "What did you find?"


    Chael slid a wall panel open. "Dumbwaiter."


    "That leads to the kitchen, its way to small for a person." Mari had followed him, her voice sounded right behind his ear.


    Nix didn''t answer, he slammed both fists into the wood paneling and started tearing large pieces out. In a few moments, he had opened it up from the floor to the ceiling. He had broke the platform also, the only part left were the two ropes that made up the pulley system. "Should be large enough now. One of us at the top, the other at the bottom."


    "Me! I have the most experience with this sort of thing." The old mage was sliding down the rope before anyone could react.


    /Inferno: Chael: Did Pon volunteer?


    /Inferno: Wind: He did.


    Nix pulled his scout off to one side. "Go down first, find us a way out that doesn''t include the palace guard."


    Wind nodded and leaped into the hole.


    After he was gone Nix faced the nervous beauties. "Just slide down the rope, I''ll help you get in and Pon will be there at the bottom." Nix helped them through one at a time, while Pon caught them at the bottom. Within a few minutes, they were all crowded into the kitchen.


    Nix and Chiba were the last two out.


    "Gonna torch the place apprentice?"


    Nix nodded, "I''ll be down in a bit." He had taken all the silk from the walls, but the cushions and chairs were all flammable, better yet, they would make more smoke than fire.


    [Flame Throw]


    A thick fountain of flames shot out of Nix''s raised hand, he turned in a slow circle, bathing the room in flames. When satisfied it was enough, he walked casually through the flames and slid down the rope to the kitchen below.


    /Inferno: Wind: No guards on this level yet. Head west from the kitchen, left at the first hall. There''s a small chapel.


    Nix nodded at Pon to take the lead.


    Chiba waited with him. "Going to burn your way out of here?"


    Nix nodded, "seems like the safest way. Ideally, these girls can all disappear and go back to their lives."


    Chiba shook her head. "These are rare beauties Nix, if any of these girls are seen somewhere, Brahmi will immediately know."


    "In that case... Just leave it to me." Nix motioned for her to leave. The serving dishes on the shelf caught his eye, "each one of these plates is probably 100k credits. What a waste."


    Nix caught up with the group at the Chapel. Wind was waiting for them. He motioned to a dark stone staircase leading down.


    "Don''t tell me those are crypts?" Nix raised a hand, instantly it burst into flames. "Let''s go. There''s no sense in wasting tim..."


    An explosion rocked the chapel, the mortared bricks that lined the outside wall burst inward showering them with stone shrapnel. Nix slammed into the far stone wall, catching Mari before she suffered the same fate. He collapsed to his knees, ears ringing.


    It felt like minutes, the smell of smoke and the scent of charred flesh. A hand pulled him to his feet. Chiba''s face was next to his a moment later. Her lips were moving but Nix couldn''t hear anything.


    "plan this. We have..." Nix squinted at her, trying to understand what she was saying. The blurred swordsman shook her head and then dragged him down the staircase. The heavy metal door closed behind them with a loud metallic clunk.


    Several minutes later, the group stopped long enough to tend to the wounded. Nix had recovered his hearing and was using his hud to plan a route through the catacombs.


    The sound of crying seemed eerily familiar, Nix''s yellow eyes watched them in the dim room. "Who did we lose?"


    Mari limped forward, her leg and arm on the right side were bandaged. "A Jhabi girl named Malisa. She was new, everyone called her Lisa."


    Nix stared at the corpse. "This is my fault. I should have bought Tess."


    Chael watched from one side, there was no trace of the easy-going marksman from a few minutes earlier. He watched as Nix wrapped her body in a long sheet of white silk. Not moving when he bathed her corpse in green flames until there was nothing but ashes.


    [Summons: Rock Golem]


    A huge golem appeared in their midst, its stone head nearly touching the ceiling.


    The pointed ear blonde equipped his rifle. "No more deaths..."


    [Scorched Earth Coating]


    Chael''s rifle throbbed with the combined power of Fire and Earth.


    Nix walked toward the only visible passageway. "I''ll take the lead, Chiba bring up the rear."


    Chiba nodded. "Okay, Nix."


    *************


    Several hours later the large group exited near the rocky eastern shore. The catacombs had connected with natural caves that eventually led them to the ocean. No one in the exhausted group felt like celebrating.


    /Inferno: Pon: What now Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: You three head back. I''ll catch up after I stash these women.


    Chiba waited with Nix while his guildmates left. "What''s your plan for my niece and her friends?"


    "Better that you don''t know." He lay a hand on her shoulder. "I never said thank you for dragging me out of there. Thank you, Master."


    *******************


    It was nearly dawn by the time the master swordsman found him. The ex-King had confiscated one of the better inns in town. She snuck in quietly, weaving passed the guards until she opened the door with the softest of clicks.


    Chiba drew her sword silently and like a ghost appeared at the side of the King''s bed. She stopped and stared in mild surprise. King Brahmi had already been relieved of his miserable existence. A thin cut had nearly removed his head. There was no blood, the wound had been instantly cauterized by intense heat. She smiled in the darkness. "A worthy apprentice."

 Chapter 114 Spirit Companions

    "How long have you been here?" Shae offered him a small smile and sat next to him while he weeded a row of peppers.


    Nix shrugged, "not long. I didn''t want to bother you."


    Shae stared at him, her warm brown eyes watching his every movement. "Want to talk about what''s bothering you."


    He nodded but didn''t stop working. "I moved a bit too quickly and was caught unprepared in a dangerous situation."


    Shae moved behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist while leaning against his back. "Someone died?"


    "Yes. Brahmi decided to burn his palace with all of his worldly possession inside."


    She squeezed him tighter. "These possessions included people?"


    "Yep."


    "Feel responsible?"


    "Initially I did." Nix squeezed her hands, "rational thought has since won over. Better preparation may have prevented it, but the death is Brahmi''s fault."


    In Colonial, NPCs could only be rezzed by a cleric and that had a time limit of minutes. Aquarions were a different story altogether, they could only be rezzed by Elder Matriarchs.


    [Rezzed=Ressurection]


    Shae leaned forward and kissed his shoulder. "So now what?"


    "I need an Elder Matriarch." Nix smiled when her soft lips touched the side of his neck.


    "You want to protect our Aquarion friends."


    Nix nodded. "One small error or mistake for Mina or Milat..."


    Shae pulled him back and moved around to straddle his waist. "You have unexpected respect for death Nix. Remember when we met?"


    Nix grinned. "You tried to impregnate me with your fire seed."


    "I was mortally wounded and you could have taken the easy way out by accepting my gift."


    "Good thing I was there to fix you up."


    Shae laughed loudly. "Know what I like about you Nix?"


    "Everything?"


    "Everything," she agreed. "I have an idea though."


    "Does this idea involve the higher tiered brown flame?"


    Shae bit her lip while she considered the question. "Fine... I have two ideas."


    "Tell me."


    "Spirit Companions." Shae watched him as he considered her words, there was momentary confusion before he sat up, nearly unseating her from her perch.


    "Is that even possible?" Nix stood up, carrying the surprised Shae with him.


    "No idea. Aquarions had no personal interactions with humans until you discovered the purpose of the abductions."


    /Inferno: Nix: Nansu and Mina, please come to the Fire Palace.


    Shae wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the side of his face. "The Palace of Fire and Air," she corrected.


    Mina and Nasu talked quietly while they walked towards Shae''s throne, they could see her and Nix talking, but neither was sure of the reason.


    Nansu smoothed back her short dark hair. "This is the first time Nix has summoned me, I''m a bit excited."


    Mina glanced at the alchemist, she was what the humans called a lifestyle member. "You talk to Nix every day."


    Nansu rubbed her hands together nervously. "Yeah, but this is official!"


    They stopped in front of the Shae and bowed slightly.


    Nix took a step forward. "I wonder if the two of you would try something for us."


    Mina looked at Nansu, who was suddenly looking very scared. "If we can Nix."


    "In an effort to protect our Aquarion friends, we are experimenting with Spirit Companions. Have you any spirit companions Nansu?"


    The alchemist shook her head. "No."


    He moved away from the throne and approached the pair. He could tell Mina already understood what he wanted. "Min?"


    The Aquarion leader shook her head. "I ''ve never considered such a thing."


    Nix watched as they faced each other, a moment later a thin white strand of light connected them before completely fading away.


    Nansu''s face lit up in a smile when she displayed the results.


    [Spirit Companion 1/4]


    1: Filamina [Aquarion Matriarch]


    /Inferno: Nix: I want all combat and noncombat members of Inferno to meet in the Sea-World at 1000 hours.


    /Inferno: Mina: All Aquarion assault teams please attend the meeting also.


    Nix smiled at the salamander. "Thanks. What are you going to do now?"


    She moved closer and kissed him before stepping away. "Since you are busy, I will tend to my peppers."


    Shae watched as he exited the Fire Palace. Humming softly to herself, she willed herself into her world. "It''s a good memory Nix." It had appeared back then when he had returned her fire seed.


    [Spirit Companion 1/1]


    1: Nix


    *******************


    By the time Nix entered his houseboat an hour later he was beginning to feel the effects of not sleeping. "I''ll just put my head down for a moment."


    Ronnie found him face down on his bed at 0945, she sat down on the bed next to him and waited another ten minutes before shaking him. "Wake up Nix."


    Nix sat up slowly, his eyes focusing on the smiling face of Ronnie. "Where''s Sharl?"


    Ronnie''s dark face moved closer. "Why? Feeling like another ride on the Sinful Sister''s Express?"


    Nix nodded and rolled out of bed. He could hear her talking while he splashed water on his face in the bathroom. "I didn''t hear any of that Ronnie."


    Ronnie shrugged, "I was only pointing out that you seem to be very busy."


    Nix grabbed a towel from the bathroom and dried off his face. "If Sharl were more like you, the two of you would rule Colonial."


    Ronnie nodded in agreement. "Sis is great. It''s too bad about the enormous stick shoved up her backside.


    Nix tried not to laugh, Sharl was one of his good friends. "I''ll work on it."


    A few minutes later Nix was standing next to Mina in front of the Beach Cottage.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nix! Where did you put Brahmi''s Harem?


    /Inferno: Nansu: Harem? What is he talking about Chael?


    /Inferno: Chael: No idea.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s make this quick. I want every human here who isn''t maxed out on spirit companions to raise your hands. That includes non-combatants.


    Nix could see Sila, Hyai, and Kyla all standing together. After a few seconds, all three raised their hands, along with just about everyone else.


    /Inferno: Nix: If you are on one of the Aquarion Assault teams, I want you to raise your hands also.


    /Inferno: Mina: This morning Nansu and I were able to successfully complete a spiritual bond. As you know this protects the companion''s life.


    Everyone started talking at once, the result was a loud, chaotic, mess. Nix relaxed and eventually, he started seeing the strands of white light that indicated spiritual bonding.


    /Inferno: Rhylia: Nix, would you attend me in the Air Palace at your convenience?


    /Inferno: Nix: Of course.


    **************


    Nix entered the Air Palace a short while later. The skies were filled with Air Elementals and Arch-Winds racing back and forth. Rhylia was easy to spot, she was the only one with black wings.


    Rhy was standing in knee-deep water, flapping her enormous wings to dry them. "Thank you for coming." She walked toward him, her feet splashing slightly. She held out her hand and held up a small bracelet.


    Nix received it from her with a confused smile. It was a plain white bracelet made from ceramic. "What''s the occasion?"


    "As part of the Air Palace, you are given a number of Arch-Winds."


    "Those are the archer elementals that accompanied all of your fighters?" Nix had been fascinated by them at the time but had lost interest when he realized how fragile they were.


    "Some are archers, rare ones are healers." She smiled when he slipped in on. "The bracelet is inactive now, activating it will grant you a one time passage to Air''Voilla."


    Nix felt her dark eyes watching him. His feeling was that Arch-Winds were too weak to bother with. However, he didn''t want to offend Rhylia. "What do I do?"


    Rhy''s black lips were the same color as her wings and eyes. Nix wasn''t sure whether he liked it when she smiled at him. "Activate it and you will be transported to Air''Voilla."


    "Is this a dangerous place?" Nix didn''t feel like fighting anything, the memories of the Espana Palace were still too fresh.


    Rhy shook her head, "not at all. It''s an Air Zone, you will be granted temporary wings for the duration of your stay."


    Nix stared at the Air Nemesis, not sure if she was serious. "Wings?"


    Rhy nodded, "or else you''d spend the entire time endlessly falling through the skies."


    "Can I bring others?"


    Rhy nodded. "As many as you like, however only you will be able to come back with Arch-Winds."


    "I can never go back again?"


    Rhy shook her head. "Unless you become an Air Elemental, this will be your only visit."


    A smile crept onto Nix''s face, "how do I do get them?"


    "Fly around, your presence will attract some. They are very friendly. Arch-Winds will eventually agree amongst themselves who will be anchored to your bracelet."


    Nix frowned when he remembered how easily they die. "What happens if they are killed?"


    "They return to Air''Voilla and will most likely remove their bracelet anchor."


    "That means that your people who fought against us all lost their Arch-Winds?"


    "Yes, but since they are elementals they can return to Air''Voilla for more."


    Nix bowed his head slightly. "Thank you for the gift. I shall return the favor when I can.


    [Rhylia Thundercloud has accepted your friend request]


    /Inferno: Nix: Sorry to ask this again. All Inferno members, both combat and noncombat, report at once to the Sea-World.

 Chapter 115 AirsVoilla

    Nix waded into the knee-deep surf to greet Soup. He had grown again but wouldn''t reach his full size for quite some time. "We''re gonna hit the next stage of Mermaid City in a few days, I''m expecting big things from you."


    "Nix?" Hyai called to him from the shore, she hadn''t wanted to come since it was lunchtime at The Kindled Spirit, but Nix had insisted.


    Nix waved at the Innkeeper. He had seen her in a wide variety of outfits but never in pants. "You look good Hyai."


    "Why am I wearing pants?" Hyai tried to frown at him, but her lips wouldn''t comply.


    "You''ll be happy you did." He rubbed Soup''s head one last time and then came ashore. "You have some Spirit companions now?"


    Hyai nodded, her freckled face blushing slightly. She had found herself surrounded by a crowd of Aquarions, all of them wanted to be her Spirit companion. She was unsure if her popularity was caused by the Kindled Spirit or by Nix. "Four of them."


    "Saji was one right?" Nix had seen the Aquarion healer make a bee-line for Hyai at the start. He suspected that Mina put her up to it, but was clueless as to why.


    Hyai nodded.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: How''d you get to the 61st floor Nix?


    Nix scratched his head while he considered it, he was actually on the 41st floor.


    /Inferno: Tess: This cleric from Tea Leaf? You and Morti carried her to the 61st floor! I''m your favorite cleric!!


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Pretty sure it''s me.


    /Inferno: Nix: No comment. Junie, I want to bring all the raid gear. Prep for Tent City.


    He used his hud to check out the Embassy rankings. Sitting on the top were five names. Sulane, Caza, Mortimer, Sajani, and Nix. "That''s curious, I''ll have to look into it."


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] This meeting is required?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Yes. Mandatory.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] May I ask why?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Of course. Our recent discussion has shown me how far apart we still are. This could be considered team building.


    Inferno began to gather on the beach in the Sea-World, slowly over the course of a few minutes they all arrived.


    /Inferno: Nix: Raid leader Junie, please form them up into groups, according to their Spirit Companions, please.


    It took several minutes to figure out, but Jun finally finished.


    /Inferno: Nix: Save this configuration for future reference. We''ll be doing this regularly.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Doing what?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Why so secretive?


    Nix walked down the beach, a distance away from the raid and examined the bracelet that Rhy had given him.


    [Do you wish to activate the Arch-Wind bracelet?]


    The roaring of wind made him cover his ears, it sounded like an approaching freight train was rushing down upon them. A small horizontal whirlwind appeared, over the course of a few seconds, it widened and lengthened until it formed a wind tunnel several meters long.


    /Inferno: Nix: Prey waits.


    Nix leaped into the wind tunnel and was instantly sucked out of sight.


    Nix howled in the face of the hurricane. The wind was so strong he couldn''t open his eyes. It felt like one of those rides he use to go on as a kid. There were several dips, turns, and unexpected climbs until suddenly he was thrown high into a clear blue sky. He knew a moment of panic before his wings opened up and caught the wind gracefully. "Wings? F*ck yeah... Wings!"


    Ronnie was the second one out, she was screaming and laughing before finally leveling out in a glide.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: OH BOY!! Nix, you are the MAN!!


    Nix flapped away from the entrance, it felt awkward at first but as he moved further away it became easier. It was blue sky in all directions as far as he could see. Floating trees seemed to be scattered liberally throughout the area.


    Perhaps the natives of Air''Voilla had seen visitors from Colonial in the past, but not 60+ at once.


    /Inferno: Nix: Spread out and explore, stay with your companions. There are no hidden dangers here.


    Nix glanced over his shoulder, his wings were light brown, the same size and shape as everyone else. He spent a few minutes trying to understand how to climb and turn. By accident, he discovered banking and diving. He climbed for a few minutes, making sure he was higher than everyone. He could spot Hyai in the distance, a smile started to form on his face. She was with a group of four Aquarion females. "Time for some fun."


    He banked hard and then went into a steep dive.


    [Flame Throw]


    Hyai and the Aquarions froze in place for a moment as Emerald flames roared by them, then they scattered like roaches. The sound of Nix laughing told them who was responsible.


    /Inferno: Hyai: Nix!


    Not stopping there, he chased Min, Zhava, and Milat around for a few minutes. Mina scolded him several times but Nix ignored the threats and continued.


    Ronnie was laughing louder than anyone. She buzzed her sister a few times, trying to get Sharl to play, but her older sibling seemed uninterested. It was then that she noticed the rather large flock of birds following Nix.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Nix, you have birds following you.


    /Inferno: Pon: Arch-Winds! Is that why we are here?


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s why I''m here. The rest of you are here to have fun.


    Having blown off steam, Nix was content to circle lazily. His guildmates had gone in several different directions. Everyone seemed to be embracing the chance to fly. A movement beside him announced the arrival of 3 Arch-Winds. Two of them were male and the third was a female. The two males both carried bows, while the female carried a small staff. They circled around him as he flew, their speed and flight abilities were years ahead of his.


    "I''m Nix, a Fire Mage."


    "I''m Torrent, an archer."


    "Cali, also an archer."


    "Ea''Shadai, a Priestess of Air."


    "Hmm, the three of you are quite impressive. In the interest of making things easy, I will call you Tor, Cal, and Shadai."


    "Of course." Shadai offered him a smile and flew alongside him. "It is our destiny to fly for you."


    "Will the three of you remain here and wait to be summoned?" Rhy had told him that they would probably choose that but also there was a chance they''d want to stay at the Air Palace.


    Cal seemed to be the leader of the three. "We will stay with you."


    Nix nodded, that wasn''t what Rhy had told him, but they could always change their minds later. "My home is in the Sea-World, but there are plenty of wide-open spaces to fly."


    A few hours went by before Nix decided to head back.


    /Inferno: Nix: Time to go.


    He activated the Wind Tunnel and dived in. Immediately he felt the loss of his wings. His three Arch-Winds flew close beside him. Nix landed gracefully on the beach and kept moving in order to stay clear of the others coming through.


    "Pretty." Shadai stood in the surf for a moment, looking at the area around them.


    Nix took this moment to get a closer look at them. They were all about the same height, around five feet tall. They had white wings and feathered heads. Their faces were human-like, although quite thin and they had normal-looking arms and legs. Nix pointed to his large houseboat. "I live on that, make yourselves at home."


    Cal glanced at the other two and then nodded before flying away. Nix watched them until all of Inferno had recovered on the beach.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay... that was amazing. Why did I grab all of our Raid gear?


    /Inferno: Nix: We aren''t done, everyone report directly to the Embassy.


    Nix looked at the time, it was nearly 1600 hours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Get a move on, those who haven''t received a Guild Card, do so now. Everyone else stays outside until we are ready.


    It took nearly two hours to get everyone through, Kyla and Hyai were the last two.


    The elevator Attendant was watching his group carefully. He faked a smile when Nix came forward.


    Nix handed him his Guild Card. "The doors close at 1800 right? We want to move directly to the 5th-floor camping grounds."


    The Attendant breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s easy, I''ll lock on the 5th floor and all of you can walk in at the same time. Sector six had been pretty empty. There is a vendor there who sells camping supplies and vegetables."


    At exactly 1800 the Embassy elevator opened up into a large open meadow, it was surrounded by a fairly dense looking forest. The sun was just starting to set when Inferno entered.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ronnie and Nansu, take your companions and gather wood.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll get the tents set up.


    /Inferno: Nix: Hyai, come see me.


    A short while later Hyai walked up with her new Aquarion friends. "What do you need hun?"


    "We''re going to have a dozen campfires, choose two sites for cookfires."


    "Do we have things for cooking? Pots? Utensils?"


    Nix nodded, "Junie is setting up the Mess tent, you can get what you need there." He began to stack cans of Kraken and Leviathan on the grass.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi, take Pon and head to the Inn on the 30th floor.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Booze run?


    /Inferno: Pon: Yep.


    /Inferno: Nix: Tess ask Hyai what she needs, and see if the Vendor has it.


    /Inferno: Tess: I''m on it.


    Slowly, over the course of two hours, fires were started, tents were put up and food was prepared. The voices of dozens of different conversations going on at once made a comfortable but very loud and steady din.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    A surprised Morti appeared in front of him a moment later.


    "Nix!" He pushed his head into Nix''s chest. "Where''ve you been?"


    Nix scratched the bear''s ears roughly. "No where fun. Still hanging out with Pinky?"


    Morti nodded and looked around. "A party?"


    Nix shook his head. "Just camping. Now that you''re here, it''s a party." He patted the ground next to him, smiling when the big bear waddled over and sat down.


    There were just over a dozen people around Nix''s fire. Hyai, Chael, Nansu and all their companions.


    /inferno: Semmi: Well done, Nix.


    /Inferno: Pon: I''m inclined to agree.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Same here.


    He felt Mina staring at him over the fire. She smiled slightly without speaking.

 Chapter 116 Then there were two

    Nix opened his eyes slowly, mid-morning on the fifth floor and nearly an hour before they were required to vacate the level. Hyai and her Aquarion friends were clearing the camp while Jun Li was showing her companions how to take the tents down. He was leaning back against Morti who was snoring softly, someone had placed a blanket over his legs.


    Morti turned his head when Nix moved. "Nix. Can you bring Pinky into Inferno?"


    "She''s already in a guild Morti. Tea Leaf I think, right?"


    "I don''t like them. They aren''t very nice to her." Morti''s big brown eyes stared at him,


    "Did something happen I should know about?" Nix stood up, he scruffed the fur on Morti''s head, making the black hair stand up.


    Mort moved to a sitting position. "They told her she''d have to leave the guild if I didn''t help them."


    "I see... Did Pinky tell you that?"


    "No, she hasn''t mentioned it. I heard them talking to her."


    Nix nodded. "I''ll take care of it. You should go to visit Shae, she''s been missing you."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix are you heading out?


    /Inferno: Nix: After I lend a hand with clean-up, I want to check on Darsi and Donri.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Salamander has petitioned us to remove the ban on them coming to Glory Island.


    /Inferno: Nix: They want access to the Embassy?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes. What do you think?


    /Inferno: Nix: Lift all bans regarding ferry travel to Glory. They can take the ferry like everyone else. We won''t allow portal access to any non-Inferno members.


    Colonial System Message: A Bridge had been spotted in the Great Escalades Barrier to the far west. Rumors of a New World with powerful inhabitants are starting to circulate. Please check the forums for further details.


    /Inferno: Nix: Can someone investigate that?


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''m on it Nix, I''ll have a full report by the end of the day.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, Sem.


    He spotted Hyai stacking up the cooking pots. "Hey, let me do that. Why don''t you show your companions the Inn."


    Hyai favored him with a smile. "Thanks, hun. I really should get started on lunch prep."


    After helping clear camp, Nix found the elevator attendant. "Wanted to ask you something. Why am I cleared to the 61st floor?


    "You''re Morti''s companion right?" The large armored man smiled like the bear was his best friend. "Since he''s your Spirit companion, your Guild Cards are linked."


    "I see, thanks." Nix reentered the elevator and chose the 50th floor."


    The elevator dinged and opened up. Nix froze in place when he saw her.


    An Air Spirit glided smoothly toward him. She was nearly transparent and completely devoid of clothes. "Welcome to the 50th floor. I am Esta, the floor Steward."


    Nix bowed slightly. "Greetings, I am Nix. Is this what I think it is?"


    Esta nodded, her air hair flowing gracefully. "Yes, it''s a portal."


    "To anywhere?" Nix frowned at the huge device. It represented a security threat if an entire guild could land here and then launch an assault at Inferno.


    "Yes, you can port in from any destination in Colonial, providing you have access to this floor. Furthermore, the 50th level of this Embassy is a free binding point."


    Nix shook his head. "I would like security measures put in place. No one who ports into the tower from outside of Glory may exit the Embassy."


    Esta smiled at the Nix. "You have interesting eyes, but I cannot do that, sir."


    "This Embassy is on Glory Island. I will simply dismantle the entire building if you won''t agree."


    Esta laughed but then quickly covered it up. "Sir, the Embassy cannot be dismantled."


    Nix brought up the Glory Island Menu. A hud map of the island appeared, when he touched his finger on the Embassy it lit up.


    [Do you wish to destroy the Embassy?]


    "WAIT!" Esta stared at the menu and bowed her head. "Forgive my mirth Sir. I didn''t realize your identity."


    "I am Nix, Guild Leader of Inferno, The Champion of the Palace of Fire and Air. You may be able to control this floor, but this building is on Glory Island and is the home of the Inferno Guild."


    "Of course Sir. We are enjoying your hospitality."


    Nix closed the menu. "I am not being unreasonable. Restrict those who port-in from other places to the Embassy."


    Esta sighed, she had started badly. She could sense the smallest measure of Air within him. "It is my honor to greet the Palace of Air Champion. Anyone who arrives through this portal will not be able to use our exits."


    /Inferno: Nix: The 50th floor is a Portal. Once you make it to this level you receive a free binding point.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s bad Nix. An entire guild could launch an attack from there and we wouldn''t even know they were on the island.


    /Inferno: Nix: No worries, if you use the portal to enter the Embassy, you are not allowed to exit.


    When Nix headed back to the elevator, the Air Elemental moved to block his path.


    "Does the Palace of Air have access to Air''Voilla?"


    Nix nodded. "Why do you ask?"


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai]


    The small Arch-Wind appeared in the air behind Nix. Right away she realized it was a single summons.


    [Wind Haste]


    Ea''Shadai has increased your movement speed by 30 percent.


    Esta gasped when she saw the Arch-Wind. "An Air Priestess!" She bowed deeply and introduced herself. "I am Esta Helisstuiride."


    Shadai moved closer to Nix. "A Stormsinger here?" She glanced at Nix, "is she being troublesome?"


    Nix shook his head. "Not really. Just a small misunderstanding."


    "I bet she wants access to Air''Voilla." Shadai shook her finger at the Air Elemental. "That is the home of Arch-Winds!"


    Esta leaned closer, smiling at the priestess. "I only want to play for a bit."


    Shadai shook her head. "My companion has access to a world that you may have some fun in, but you''d have to pay a price."


    Nix shook his head. "I can''t bring her to the Sea-World."


    "Sea World?" Esta circled them both quickly, her movements blurring her form. "Water and Air together? That sounds amazing!"


    "I''ll consider it. Let''s discuss it another time." Nix opened the elevator and waited until Shadai landed beside him before choosing the 60th floor.


    The elevator opened up once again, immediately the sounds and smells of Colonial flooded his senses. Shadai ducked behind Nix, and grabbed onto his sleeve. "It''s a city, kinda like the 10th floor only not limited to weapons and armor."


    There were hundreds of brightly colored tents everywhere. Vendors hawked their wares in the streets, while NPC customers by the dozens examined their goods. There were no players that Nix could see. White stones covered the marketplace, there were several small stages where people sang or dance. A theater troupe performed on a large stage that had stadium seating built around it.


    "Apprentice! Of course, you are strong enough to get here." Chiba was dressed in proper clothes for once, sleek white armor and her shoulder-length hair was pulled back into a ponytail.


    "Master... What are you doing here?" Nix studied the Swordmaster, her normally cavalier disposition was absent.


    "Did you think this place some sort of market? No. It''s where you can buy a few more minutes of life." She turned and pointed to a domed building in the far distance. "This floor is the Embassy Arena!"


    "Arena? Do you fight in the Arena?" Nix studied her gear, the armor was definitely high end and the sword was the one she had taken from Calyph.


    Chiba bowed slightly. "Advance in the Arena and you will eventually have to face me."


    Nix considered the words carefully. Chiba was better than anyone he''d ever heard of with a sword, but defeating her using abilities may be possible. "How far would one have to advance?"


    "To the end. I am the Arena Champion."


    [A champion that you may challenge is present. Defeating this Champion will result in a major upgrade.]


    Nix wasn''t interested in fighting Chiba, he had a genuine fondness for her. "I am just looking around Master."


    "Smart and handsome." Chiba lay a hand on his shoulder. "I would like to see you here for the next few days. It''s time to continue your sword training."


    "Of course. I will make an effort to come in the mornings if that works."


    Chiba nodded and then walked away without another word.


    /Inferno: Nix: The 60th floor is a huge Bazaar that seems to have everything. There is also a fighting Arena.


    **************


    Shadai returned to the Sea-World while Nix walked toward the Scorched Earth temple to check on Darsi.


    "Finally come to see me?" Darsi was sitting with Fajii and Nansu on the bench next to the Temple''s garden.


    "Hmm.. Interesting changes." Darsi looked nearly the same as before, the biggest change were the pointed ears.


    "I look like an elf now." She smiled at Fajii, "An elf and a dark elf, tell me that doesn''t make you think."


    Fajii stood and greeted him with a hug. "My High Priestess would like a word with you, she won''t tell me why."


    "Um... Sure. When I can arrange it. I came by to check on Darsi, now I have to see how Donri is doing." Nix strained his ears, listening for the telltale sign that Sori Dah was close.


    Colonial System Message: The capital city of Safarza has been destroyed. A Palace of Fire has been constructed in Safarza.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: All Inferno members return to Glory and stand by.


    Nix ran out of the Scorched Earth Temple and up the stairs to the Palace of Fire and Air. Just as he came into view of the thrones, both Rhylia and Shae appeared.


    Nix''s face showed his anger when he stopped abruptly. An entire city had been destroyed. "Sogon?"


    Shae nodded. "Has to be."


    /Inferno: Nix: Milat, Wind, and Semmi. Drop whatever you are doing and investigate this immediately.

 Chapter 117 Prepping for Battle

    "The capital city doesn''t exist anymore. It''s ground zero for a catastrophe. The only thing standing is the enormous Fire Palace." Semmi sent the rest of the officers the scout team''s findings.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi, I want you to take Chael, Wind, Tess, and Sharl. Find the next in line for the Safarza throne and keep them safe.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''ll do some research. According to initial estimations, the entire royal family and nearly fifteen thousand inhabitants have been vaporized.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What should we do Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: I want you to take the fleet to Safarza. Notify our Allies that we are deploying and that we expect them to support us.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: And do what?


    /Inferno: Nix: Create a blockade, Safarza may have enemies that are looking to move in. It''s possible that Sogon has allies, he''s strong but he must have someone standing with him. One Salamander can''t stand against Colonial.


    /Inferno: Sharl: What are you going to do?


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m going to take Shae, Rhylia, Fajii, Milat, and Pon, then we''re going to kill that f*cking creature.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All teams report to your designated ships immediately.


    /Inferno: Nix: After the 1800 ferry leaves, I want all non-combatants to return to the Sea-World. Wylie, I need you and all your Knights on the walls.


    /Inferno: Wylie: Yes, Commander.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m going to leave Banz with you, and a cleric.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sajana] Inferno has gone on full alert. If you are willing I have a mission for you.


    [Whisper: Sajana to Nix] Yes, of course, Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sajana] Report to Captain Wylie on the City walls.


    Pinky quickly put back the armor she was looking at and headed toward the 10th-floor exit. She slowed when she spotted a group of her guildmates.


    Mira, one of the clerics in Tea Leaf stepped in front of her. "Jana. Where''s that big bear? We are ready to go."


    "Morti? You do realize he''s not my bear? He''s the companion of Nix, the Inferno Guild Leader."


    "We told you to make him come," Mira played with a strand of her light brown hair while her cold green eyes stared.


    "No, I won''t even ask him. Anything else Mira?" Sajana started toward the elevator but stopped when she read the message.


    [You have been removed from Tea Leaf]


    She sighed and waved at them, ignoring the smile on Mira''s face. "Sorry, I have an important mission."


    **************


    Fajii stood in front of Sori Dah and her two hundred Acolytes. The dark-skinned Scorched Earth Mage looked nothing like the easy-going Aquarion Alchemist from a few months earlier. "You will stand with Knights on the City Walls. We must ensure that if Glory is attacked, we protect our people."


    Sori Dah nodded. "Did you pass on my message to the Champion?"


    Fajii sighed, it was painfully obvious that Nix avoided her Priestess at all costs. "I told him."


    Sori Dah''s cold face frowned. "Am I not worthy of his time? There are things I must discuss with him."


    As an Aquarion, Fajii was honest to a fault and was sometimes overly blunt. "He''s nervous around you because of your lower half."


    Sori looked down at her snake tail, surprized etched on her features. "He thinks of me like a snake?"


    Fajii nodded. "I believe this to be the case, but you would have to talk directly to him to know for sure."


    "I''m a Lamia, the highest-ranking of my kind." Sori''s verticle Irises expanded and contracted several times, a sign that she was upset. "Could you arrange something Mistress?"


    Fajii smiled at the title. They had called her Queen for the first few days until the Aquarion decided that she didn''t like the term. "I will make sure he comes to see you." Sori hadn''t told her the nature of her business with Nix, only that it was imperative.


    Wylie stood on the west wall an hour later, a fully armored Banzi was standing in front of her. She lay a gloved hand on his shoulder. "The men have transitioned to rifles, so if we are overrun, we''ll be relying on you." The surrounding knights watched their captain with interest, it was no secret that she fancied the Inferno Tank.


    Banzi nodded. "I won''t let you down, Captain."


    "Captain Wylie?" They both turned as a young pink-haired woman skidded to an abrupt stop in front of them. She wore white cleric''s robes and was somewhat out of breath.


    "Are you the cleric that Nix assigned to me?" Wylie grabbed Banzi''s arm. "See this guy? Your job is to keep him alive."


    Pinkie nodded. "Keep him alive, got it, Captain!"


    Banzi waited until Wylie moved away, then he lowered his voice. "If Wylie is killed, I need you to drop whatever it is you are doing and rez her right away."


    "No matter what?" Pinkie understood the order. As an NPC, the time in which Wylie could be rezzed was limited. No one was sure what sort of calculation went into the time period, it varied from a few minutes all the way to a quarter of an hour.


    Banzi nodded. "Nix agrees, we can always rebuild but we must protect our friends."


    Pinkie smiled, "I''ll keep you healed sir, and watch the Captain''s back."


    ******************


    Captain Delphie moved the Phoenix into the small channel between Safarza and the rest of Broyan. She glanced up at the Arch-Winds that Nix had assigned to them. All three of them were perched on the mainsail. The Aquarion assault team were standing by at the bow. "An entire city destroyed," she shuddered at the idea, her voice trailing off. What kind of monster would do that?


    Mina and her team stood by the rail. They would enter the water the moment an enemy was spotted. She smiled at the Siren who waved at her from beneath the waves. Nix had assigned Ducky and Soup to her. The massive Sea-Turtle could sink anything smaller than a Dreadnought and the Siren was a powerful Charmer. "We mustn''t allow any ships to make it to shore."


    Zhava frowned at the empty sea. "Why are we here? Our place is with the Cora''Zai."


    Mina''s eyes narrowed. "You aren''t allowed to use that term! We will support Nix by making sure no one is able to approach them from the sea."


    "He is the Battle Leader of our people. Yet, he continues to push us into support roles." Zhava sighed in frustration.


    "You know his reasoning, our lives are valuable to him. This is as it should be." Mina understood that above all, her human friend valued his friends.


    "I am a Spirit Companion now! This protection should enable me to stand with the Cor..." Zhava trailed off without finishing the sentence. "Forgive my words Filamina. I say too much."


    ***************


    Semmi glanced at the Inferno Guild Leader. He was sitting comfortably on his Drake while two Nemesis traveled on either side of him. Her team would find a sixteen-year-old male name Nygil Rapti. According to Semmi''s research, this was the person with the best claim to the Safarza Throne.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We have to part here Nix, our mission is taking us west to Vrye Peak. Nygil should be there.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay Sem, do whatever you need to do. Secure his safety.


    /Inferno: Tess: Be safe guys.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Cya soon.


    Semmi turned slightly west, a small gap appeared between the two groups. She could tell that none of her group was happy about leaving them. "It''s fine guys. We have our own mission. Trust Shae and Nix to take care of this rogue Salamander."


    Wind nodded, hiding a slight smile. Before they had parted he had given Lubo an order. It never hurt to have a hidden card when things started going badly.


    [Command: Protect Nix]

 Chapter 118 Assault on Safarza

    "There are eight Ships on the horizon sir!" Cal landed nimbly on the mainsail, all the Arch-Winds had been flying high above the fleet for the past hour.


    Captain Delphie nodded. "Thank you. Did you get a look at their flag?"


    "A red leaf or tree." Cal shifted slightly so that his two companions could land beside him.


    Mina was listening to the interaction from the front of the ship. "Does that mean something?"


    Captain Delphie shrugged, "it sounds like the Emblem of the Buelasi Empire."


    Mina didn''t know the human geography of Colonial very well. "Where is Buelasi?"


    "It''s a group of Kingdoms on the Jhabi continent that have united under one banner." Captain Delphie took out her scope and peered into the distance. They weren''t visible yet.


    /Inferno: Mina: Ships heading toward us, flying a flag that looks like a red leaf or tree.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s Buelasi, they''ve been fighting small skirmishes with each other for the last few years.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Ronnie, take your Vette and find out what their intentions are. Let them know that approaching Safarza at this time will be considered an act of aggression against Broyan.


    /Inferno: Shar: You up for this sis?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yes. I''ve been getting diplomacy lessons from Nix. Don''t worry.


    Nix laughed from the back of Fey. The amusement became short-lived as they approached the Temple. "Put down here."


    A cloud of Ashes hung over a dark Temple that glowed with heat. It was much smaller than the Fire Palace at Glory. "Fey, get back in the air and keep an eye on things. Stay stealthed."


    "Okay, Nix" Fey leaped into the air and began climbing upward, her sleek form fading into nothing.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Morti appeared a moment later. He sniffed the air with a large black nose.


    "The bad Salamander is here." A deep rumble sounded in his chest signifying his disapproval.


    [Deep-Sea Trident]


    Fajii summoned her weapon and then put buffs on her group.


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    A weightless rock barrier instantly became part of the small group''s armament.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    The group''s weapons throb with the power of Scorched Earth.


    Milat squinted in the haze caused by heat and ashes. "I''ll scout us a path." He started out at a trot before he faded from sight.


    Rhy and Shae were standing side-by-side. They had been communicating non-stop since the mission started. Nix understood, as Nemesis, they were vastly stronger than him. They would work together to take Sogon down. His job would be to react accordingly as the fight unfolded.


    Pon wiped the sweat from his brow. The old man''s face was emotionless but inside he was scared. They were facing a Nemesis of fire, the Salamander wouldn''t be affected in the least by his tempered flame.


    /Inferno: Milat: Flame Wolves, a half dozen on them.


    Milat has been slain.


    The beasts charged out of the haze as a pack. They loped in easy strides that ate up the distance to the group. Nearly as tall as a man, the Flaming Wolves with their razor-sharp teeth, closed on Pon.


    Fajii stepped in front of the fire mage and impaled the first Flame Wolf through the chest, she easily lifted it off the ground and tossed it to one side as if it were weightless. Then she dodged off to one side and ran past the pack.


    [Balefire]


    White fire exploded from Pon''s hands and incinerated the next closest wolf.


    [Sonic Burst]


    Rhy has cast an Air Spell.


    A flaming wolf has been stunned.


    A flaming wolf has been stunned.


    A flaming wolf has been stunned.


    A flaming wolf has been stunned.


    Nix pushed emerald flames into the hilt of his sword and took the heads of the two nearest creatures.


    A small wave of Shae''s hand destroyed the remaining two.


    Fajii returned a few moments later with Milat in tow, her battle rez had finally been used.


    /Inferno: Pon: A BR that returns you buffed and full XP, total cheat.


    /Inferno: Milat: There''s a clear path to the temple, this group of Flame Wolves was roving. There aren''t anymore.


    **********


    Ronnie stood next to her captain as he steered the Infinity towards the incoming ships. Wilo perched happily on her shoulder. "Hope the reinforcements hold up Captain."


    The Captain of the Infinity was the youngest captain in the fleet. He had a dark brown face and wore his hair close-cropped. Although young, Rolan had skills beyond his years. It was his idea to reinforce the masts and use thicker sails. The Infinity had an Air Lord on board, the small ship needed to be both sturdy and fast. "They''ll hold Commander."


    "Wilo you can wait by the Main. Once the fighting starts, give her what you think she can handle." Ronnie laughed when she buzzed her cheek with a kiss.


    Rolan frowned from the helm. "Why do you think they''ll be a fight?"


    Ronnie winked at the young captain. "This is Inferno, there''s always a fight."


    When the Buelasi fleet was within 100 meters, Ronnie moved to the rail. "You are entering the Sovereign waters of Safarza, please turn around at once."


    An older man, dressed like a soldier moved to the rail of the lead ship. "We are merchants, this is a designated trade route."


    Ronnie pursed her dark lips. "Safarza is currently under siege, the Broyan Alliance is defending her territory. Turn around at once."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: They claim they are merchants, it''s obvious they aren''t.


    /Inferno: Nix: Your call then.


    "Prey waits Captain, let''s hit''em hard." She sprinted for the Main Mast and drew her bow. Immediately targeting crew members on the deck.


    "Fire! Full Sails! Prepare to come about!" Rolan held onto the helm as the Infinity surged forward on the Winds of Wilo. He quickly steered through the middle of the fleet. "Hard to Starboard! Fire!"


    The sounds of cannon fire were all the signal needed, Mina and her team entered the water. She took a moment to give Soup orders to hit one of the center ships. The Sea Turtle turned abruptly, leaving the Aquarions in her wake.


    "Why is that turtle so fast?" Zhava swam alongside Mina, their assault force trailing behind. They were nearly there when a loud boom announced that Soup had taken one of them down.


    Mina could see that three ships were already riding low in the water, Ronnie must have hit them hard. "Follow me!" She dived and then came up at a steep angle, her momentum freeing her of the water while she landed Nimblly on the deck of the enemy ship.


    "Stay back!" Zhava moved in front of Mina while she summoned her Vila, the rest of the assault force were already engaging.


    A quick analysis told Mina that her Vila wasn''t needed on this ship, she sent them to the next target.


    Ducky has charmed Serai Quickblade.


    The Siren seemed to have appeared out of nowhere and charmed a stealthed fighter that was closing on the Aquarion leader.


    Mina frowned at the charmed assassin. "Careful! Stealthed fighters!"


    **********


    "Your intel said the Vineyard east of the Vrye''s Peak." Sharl spotted the Vineyard first, there were bodies everywhere. She put her Manta in a steep dive and jumped to the ground when it leveled off.


    "Wait for us." Semmi cursed aggressive tanks everywhere. "There could be more!"


    "I''ll get to high ground!" Chael banked his Manta toward a small bluff overlooking the vineyard.


    "Prey waits!" Sharl slammed her shield onto the ground, sending shockwaves in all directions.


    A Buelasi Assassin has been stunned


    A Buelasi Assassin has been stunned.


    Sharl impaled the first one through the neck, driving him into the ground. "Found them."


    [Sniper''s Nest]


    Chael has set up kill point.


    Semmi slashed across the second assassin''s hamstrings and dived out of the way.


    [Critical hit]


    Chael has slain a Buelasi Assassin.


    Tess moved behind Sharl. "Lead the way!"


    Sharl charged the door, both Wind and Semmi stealthed and followed.


    **********************


    Wylie stood directly beside Banzi, the large tank nearly blocking out the daylight. "Will they really come at us? Didn''t the faction event show them that Glory is a difficult city to take?"


    Banzi shrugged, "or... maybe someone was paying attention and now they know what not to do.


    Wylie smiled and continued to patrol the walls. She had asked him to accompany her for one circuit. "Make sure you keep an eye on that cleric, but not too close, she''s awfully cute."


    Banzi grinned in response, he liked it when the woman behind the Knight Captain facade peeked through. "As you say, Captain."


    Wylie has been critically hit


    Wylie has been critically hit.


    Wylie has been slain.


    Banzi watched in stunned silence as Wylie fell face-down on the wall. He moved next to her, drawing his sword but there was no enemy. "Wylie!"


    Sounds of gunfire made him look upward, dozens of men were falling from the sky. He cursed loudly. "In the Air!"


    /Inferno: Banzi: Pinkie! Wylie is do...


    "F*ck... She''s not in the guild!" He bent close and checked her rezz time. "Oh god... 90 seconds?" Banzi picked her up and started running toward Pinkie''s checkpoint. "PINKIE!"


    [Blessed Heavens]


    All nearby allies are healed for half of their existing hitpoints.


    The cleric ducked down behind the wall, healing the knights as they targeted the soldiers floating down on them. Something caused her to turn her head, on the far wall a heavily armored Knight was running toward her. "Banz?" She stood up to get a better look and realized he was carrying someone. Without a second thought, she sprinted toward them.


    Banz slid to a halt and knelt when the cleric entered his range. Pinkie''s hands glowed while she cast.


    [Ressurection]


    Wylie has been resurrected.


    [Blessing of the Goddess]


    Wylie has been completely healed.

 Chapter 119 Killing Sogon

    Banzi helped the Knight Captain to her feet, not trusting himself to speak he placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded.


    /Inferno: Wylie: They are in the air, don''t let them land!


    The Knights and the Lamia Acolytes poured heavy fire at the incoming invaders. Wylie watched as the wall defense completely obliterated them. Is this why Nix had ordered that the Knights be converted to firearms? Had he seen this kind of attack coming? Wylie stepped closer and embraced the cleric who rezzed her. "Thank you both. Return to your posts immediately!"


    She bent down and checked the corpse of an invader. She spotted the ring she was searching for. "Featherfall item. Where are their mounts?"


    **************


    Sharl slammed into the front door of the Vineyard, immediately raising her shield when a sword stabbed at her.


    [Battle Cry]


    Sharl has released her rage, all enemies must attack her.


    [Heavens Shield]


    Tess has placed a Holy Shield around Sharl.


    Four would-be Assassins were forced to unstealth and attack. The Inferno tank didn''t miss a beat, slamming her shield into the face of the nearest.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Don''t waste time Semmi, find the boy!


    [Backstab]


    Semmi has critically wounded a Buelasi Assassin.


    Sharl bulled forward and stabbed the wounded assassin in the neck.


    Sharl has slain a Buelasi Assassin.


    Semmi stealthed and headed up the stairs. The hall leading to the only bedroom was empty, she pushed the door open and moved quickly to one side. When no attack came she stepped into the room. "If you''re in here, please come out. I''m with the Broyan Alliance, here to secure your safety."


    A moment later a scuffling could be heard under the bed. "The Broyan Alliance?"


    Semmi smiled as the young man crawled from under the bed. "Yes. We are the Inferno Guild, from Glory Island."


    /Inferno: Semmi: I have the kid. Need any help down there?


    /Inferno: Sharl: No, all done. Why would we need help? Looks like all his retainers were killed defending him.


    /Inferno: Chael: All clear outside, I''ll stay here and keep watch.


    **************


    "A Salamander Fire Lord," Fajii saw him first. The same one that Nix had chased in Cyphix.


    Nix patted Morti''s head. "You help Milat, Pon and Fajii take this guy. I have to help Shae."


    Morti''s big head nodded. "Yep, gonna swat him."


    Shae grabbed Nix and pulled him closer to Rhy. They blurred for a moment and appeared in front of the Fire Palace.


    Nix stepped away from the two Nemesis. They were in the courtyard of the Temple, none of the others were visible through the thick ash that floated on the air. The smell of sulfur and brimstone hung in the air, Sogon had to be close.


    "Let''s say hello." Shae smiled pleasantly at Rhy and held out her hand. Nix took another step back when they joined hands.


    [Balefire Burst]


    The temple doors were struck a half dozen times, incinerating them while leaving gaping holes completely through the walls.


    A maddening roar could be heard from inside. "WHO DARES??"


    Nix frowned at Sogon when he appeared in the entryway. His Salamander form wasn''t breathtaking like Shae''s. It was lumpy and black, like some ugly deformed toad. The pure heat coming off it made Nix step back. "Shit... He''s wielding brown flames."


    Rhy moved first, a wave of her hand and an air-weave surrounded Sogon.


    [Nullified]


    Sogon has been silenced.


    The two Nemesis joined hands again, an instant later a glowing projectile hurtled toward Sogon.


    [Fire & Air Seeker]


    Nix pushed Emerald flames into his scythe.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    He landed next to Sogon just before the Seeker struck him, Nix stabbed deep through his back, a moment later the Nemesis was blasted away. Nix cursed as his weapon was yanked from his grasp.


    Sogon impacted the side of the Temple and then fell onto the ground.


    "No mercy." Shae and Rhy joined hands again, but before they could strike the wounded Salamander''s flame blurred and he appeared in front of them. A flaming longsword struck at Rhylia, Shae stepped in front of her and blocked it with her own blades. The brown flames pushed them both back several feet.


    "Time for your death li.." Sogon''s words were intercepted as a dozen emerald flame strands wrapped around his body and he was yanked backward several meters.


    Nix''s emerald aura surrounded him, his voice calmly reassuring his friends. "You should have stayed hidden."


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    All three Nemesis were blown away by the massive release of power. Rhy managed to put a wind barrier around them but they were still blasted high into the air.


    In the aftermath, a frantic Sogon dug out of the rubble caused by the collapse of one of the Temple walls. His eyes were glazed over with fear, the Salamander coughed loudly, black blood leaking from his mouth. "I''ll be back..."


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced Sogon.


    [Vacuum]


    Sogon tried to scream as an irresistible force pulled him to Nix.


    The emerald green Salamander raised his front leg and a several thick strands of green flame move toward Sogon. These didn''t wrap around but rather impaled him with spear-like tips.


    Sogon hung in the air, eyes filled with pain and fear.


    [Balefire Burst]


    Sogon was blasted several times by white fire as the two Nemesis rejoined the battle. Its body was nearly torn in half, as it hung in mid-air from the emerald strands.


    Rhy placed a hand on the Emerald Salamanders Shoulder.


    [Air Expulsion]


    The barbed ends of the flame strands exploded, sending a mist of black blood in all directions.


    Sogon has been slain.


    Nix collapsed on the ground, his form blurring as he morphed back into a human. He groaned and climbed slowly to his feet. The two Nemesis were both staring at him in shock. "You two okay?"


    You have received an Escalades Token x 2.


    Your Champions Medallion has been upgraded.


    The sound of running feet announced the arrival of their four guildmates.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Sogon is dead?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. The Fire Lord?


    /Inferno: Milat: Pon finished him.


    /Inferno: Pon: Take notes young bastard and bask in my awesomeness.


    Nix shook his head, laughing while he collected the Temple deed that was hovering over the top of the rubble.


    /Inferno: Nix: Report.


    /Inferno: Wylie: Small invasion force of less than a hundred. Repelled easily, I believe they were a diversion.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: A fleet of eight ships were destroyed when they refused to turn away. One of the dead is a Buelasi Prince.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The heir to the throne of Safarza is safe and sound in our custody.


    Colonial System Announcement: The Salamander Guild [Upper Tier], has become the first guild to defeat the Escalade Bridge Master and advance into the New World. They have departed Colonial forever.


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone have a clue about that announcement?


    /Inferno: Semmi: I do. Let me locate this boy''s family and we''ll discuss it.


    ****************


    The Kindled Inn was standing room only, both dining floors were filled with Inferno members who decided that a feast was compulsory. Hyai was being helped by her four Aquarion companions , Nix and Jun Li were serving behind the bar.


    "You old enough to drink this Pinkie?" Nix stared at the cleric, he had heard about her performance on the wall.


    Pinkie smiled sweetly and took the ale from his hand. "I''m 25 Nix. That''s probably older than you."


    [You have invited Sajana to join Inferno]


    "Thanks for your hard work today Pinkie, and welcome to Inferno." Nix shook her hand and toasted her before downing his pint.


    "Hey! Serve them don''t drink em Nix." Hyai caught him for the third time in an hour.


    "Right, sorry Innkeeper."


    "It''s not bad really." Rhylia sampled a pint.


    Shae was seated next to her, she also had one. "It''s better with peppers in it. Want some?" She held out a handful of ghost peppers.


    Rhy glanced at Nix who was shaking his head ''No''. "I''ll pass Shae, but thanks."


    The door opened and shut, announcing the arrival of the blonde scout that everyone had been waiting for.


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome back Sem.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: About time girl!


    Nix placed a pint next in front of the empty stool he had been saving for her. "Take your time Sem."


    Semmi sat down and took a long drink.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Okay. A Buelasi Prince conspired with Sogon in a massive power grab. In exchange for interfering with Inferno, he was going to receive something very valuable. No one seems to know what that is.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We botched their plans by moving quickly, they were out of position.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It seems like Sogon may have moved his timetable up, my guess is that he believed we would be coming for him.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Toward what end? Sogon created a Fire Palace, but I hadn''t heard of any Acolytes being recruited. Trust me, there would have been a lot.


    /Inferno: Shae: He was very close to advancing to the next level. Had that happened, it would have taken many guilds to put him down.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The unanswered question is why? He was worried we were coming, but then his actions ensured that we would.


    /Inferno: Nix: He was leaving. My guess was that the Prince was too. He had two of these.


    Nix linked them in guild chat.


    Escalade Token


    Description: A pass across


    the bridge to the New World.


    Limit five per token.


    /Inferno: Pon: F*ck... Where did you get that Nix?

 Chapter 120 Ronnies Theory

    /Inferno: Semmi: We need to lock those away and keep them safe Nix. Those tokens are worth a fortune.


    /Inferno: Shae: I''ll keep them in my elemental world.


    /Inferno: Nix: So...Explain what you''ve discovered about the New World.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Exactly what it sounds like. There has been a crowd of upper-tier guilds fighting over the same scraps in Colonial for a few years now.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Right, there''s actually a waiting listing on all the top Upper-tier raids that aren''t instances.


    /Inferno: Semmi: There''s a forum for the New World, but since Salamander is the first Guild to advance, there aren''t any details yet.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Salamander''s policy is not to give out information. So we''ll have to wait until another guild advances.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I do know one thing, the recommended level for entry is 100.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s the level cap for Upper Tier guilds.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Anyone here close to that?


    Pon, Sharl, Wind, and Nix all raised their hands.


    /Inferno: Pon: You''re that far noob?


    /Inferno: Nix: Fraid so. Our mission hasn''t changed. We are going to destroy the Artifact on the 12th floor of Mermaid City. After that, who knows?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I have a theory.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Don''t start sis.


    /Inferno: Nix: Go ahead, Ronnie.


    Ronnie sat on the bar, giving Nix a smile when he slid a pint to her. "Okay. I think that Aquarions and humans are highly compatible. We were never meant to be enemies but actually allies that live and fight together."


    Nix kept his face expressionless. "Please continue."


    "Know why a human girl is needed to change the gender of Aquarion babies? It''s because the two can interbreed. Think about it, how were there any Aquarion girls before the artifact?" Ronnie took a long drink from her pint, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.


    Milat frowned at her. "We are friends yes. Our two peoples cannot reproduce."


    "I''m not sure that is correct Milat." Fajii''s soft voice carried everywhere in the Inn.


    Mina stared at her friend. "Are you saying?"


    Fajii nodded.


    Nix felt his stomach flip-flop as he listened to the conversation. "Wait...What are you saying?"


    Mina took over the conversation. "Aquarion females have an inherent protection around their eggs. It''s impossible for one of us to accidentally become pregnant. We have to allow it or fertilization will not occur."


    Fajii smiled at Nix, "when Nix and I have exchanged pointers in the past, I became aware that not only was it possible but also quite probable."


    Ronnie whistled softly. "So you aren''t pregnant, but only because you didn''t remove the protection?"


    Fajii continued to watch Nix while she spoke. "I believe that to be the case."


    "Fajii is right, the potential is there." An Aquarion female named Yuna spoke from the back of the room.


    Ronnie grinned happily, her theories were never right. "Nix... You dog!"


    Nix felt his face turning red as he shook his head, "I''ve definitely never exchanged pointers with any Aquarion other than Fajii."


    "Yuna is my girlfriend." The words caused everyone to pause. A relatively new Scorched Earth Mage named Tyrant spoke up. He moved beside the Aquarion and squeezed her hand. "That''s the way it is."


    Mina''s pale face was a picture of shock. "Yuna?"


    Yuna nodded in agreement. "We are good together."


    /Inferno: Mina: All females come at once to the Kindled Spirit. I would appreciate if all males would leave now.


    "Huh?" Nix found himself pushed towards the door along with the rest of the men. "Hey! I should be in on this!"


    A few minutes later, Nix was sitting on the docks with Milat and Wind. They talked amongst themselves, mostly about the raid but occasionally their eyes would stray to the Inn. After nearly an hour, the door opened and the females started to leave. Mina, Jun Li, and Semmi walked toward them.


    Semmi patted Nix on the back. "Well... You may have been the historic first, but you definitely aren''t the only."


    Mina sat down next to Nix, her face showing confusion. "Seventeen Aquarion women have human lovers."


    Semmi nudged Mina with her elbow. "Tell them the rest."


    "Three of the couples have agreed to try and conceive." Mina frowned at Nix, somehow this was his fault. "You started this Nix!"


    Colonial System Announcement: The Hoss Guild [Upper Tier] has defeated the Escalade Bridge Master and is departing Colonial forever.


    Colonial System Announcement: The Daybreakers Guild [Upper Tier] has defeated the Escalade Bridge Master and is departing Colonial forever.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s more like it, there should be details in a few days.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''ll check my friends in the Daybreakers and find out what I can.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, everyone take a few days off. We''ll meet up after everyone is rested.


    ***********


    A week went by, Nix spent the time in the Embassy. His main purpose was to increase the combat effectiveness of Fajii, Darsi, and Pinkie. In the interest of advancing floors, they fought continuously. Darsi jumped up to level 25 as a result of the power leveling.


    The group left the Embassy in the morning, they had leveled most of the evening before camping out on level five.


    /Inferno: Chael: Waiting on you Darsi.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Just leaving the Embassy. Give me five minutes.


    "Going hunting again?" Nix had examined Darsi''s stats a few days earlier, her Gladis enhancements were similar to his. A sniper needed high perception and hers was climbing steadily from constant use.


    "Ronnie and Chael are taking me somewhere to hunt." She was sure that Nix had put them up to it, they were both expert range fighters.


    "I''m heading back to the Sea-World." Pinky had her hand on Morti''s shoulder while they walked. Since joining Inferno, she had managed to lock her level at fifty. She stayed in the beach cottage with Mina since she didn''t have the funds to buy a houseboat.


    Fajii slid an arm through his, she had become much more forward after learning that other Aquarion females had also taken human lovers. "I''m going to help Shae with her garden. Would you join us?"


    "Sure." Nix was fairly certain that Shae owned the largest Ghost Pepper garden in Colonial.


    /Inferno: Semmi: A few small tidbits of info coming out of the new World. Want to have a sit-down? Or should I spill it?


    /Inferno:Nix: Go ahead Sem.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The New World is called Oasis. As you can gather from the name, it''s mostly desert. There is a large forest centrally located, but the natives don''t allow exploration. There are also two Polar Ice Caps with settlements.


    /Inferno: Nix: Confirmed races?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Your gonna love this one Nix, they have Elves. No class information yet.


    /Inferno: Chael: Looks like we''re in Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yep. Pointy ears for the win.


    Fajii walked with Nix toward the Fire Palace, they were just entering the courtyard when she stopped. "Could you help me with something Nix? It won''t take long."


    They walked together to her small garden where she stopped. "Please wait a moment."


    Nix watched as she hurried away, a moment later he cringed at the sound of hissing. "When did Fajii become sneaky?" He turned slowly, of course, Sori Dah was standing there.


    The Lamia''s hands glowed for a moment.


    [Second Form: Human]


    Nix took a step backward, her appearance was remarkably similar to Fajii. Sori stood in her bare feet, watching him.


    "I''m sorry that my Lamia form is so repulsive to you Champion." Sori bowed low, her light brown hair spilling off her shoulders.


    "You have a third form also?" Nix couldn''t separate this form from the other in his head. It was irrational, but she was a snake-woman to him.


    Sori nodded, "my snake form."


    Nix maintained his distance, wishing he were someplace else, anywhere else. "Oh, I see. Let''s not show me that one."


    "You are the Temple Champion. Don''t you realize how much we care for you?" Sori closed the distance between them. The short wrap she used in her Lamia form was nothing but a very short skirt while she was human. "With each victory of our Champion, the Acolytes grow stronger."


    Nix sighed heavily. Somehow he was starting to feel guilty. "A stronger Scorched Earth Temple means a stronger Inferno. I thank you for your hard work."


    She reached out and grabbed his arm, she could feel the tension in him, his jaw clenched tightly but he did not pull away. "Would you speak to my sisters?"


    Nix nodded and then followed as she descended a staircase hidden neatly behind a large pillar. He had been in the garden dozens of times and had never realized it existed. "Damn... I need to explore more."


    She moved nimbly on her bare feet and led him to a large practice yard. There were archery targets set up in a line and tables with practice swords and daggers. Although underground, it was quite bright, the walls were adorned with torches every few meters.


    Nix watched the Acolytes as they used the yard. They were expert archers, but he hadn''t seen them use melee weapons. They seemed to favor dual-wielding small daggers. Two fighters were sparring in the center of the yard, their movements blurred while they moved with inhuman speed. Sparks would fly at each encounter until one succeeded in disarming the other.


    Nix clapped in appreciation. "Very nice blade-work." He knelt and picked up the dagger of the one who had been defeated. Both combatants bowed deeply toward him.


    "Again, this time with me." He tossed the dagger back to the Acolyte who had dropped it. He equipped his sword hilt. "You guys are immune to fire right?"

 Chapter 121 Power Vacuum

    "We sure about the numbers?" Nix leaned against the rail of his houseboat. He had invited Semmi over to discuss her findings.


    Semmi nodded. "Nine guilds in the last three days, bringing the total to sixteen." She had been tasked with finding out as much information as she could on the mass exodus to Oasis.


    Nix whistled softly, "how many more are preparing?"


    "Most of them." Semmi glanced up at the three Arch-Winds that were enjoying the sun on the top deck. "Oddly enough Resolute will be staying for at least a year."


    "Sulane said that?" The new world held too many unknowns at this time, Nix was curious but not willing to let it distract them. With the unprecedented growth of Inferno, they could start pushing harder in Mermaid City.


    Semmi nodded, "I spoke with her in person. Perhaps we should consider using one of the tokens and sending an advance team."


    "Maybe... " Nix ducked into his bedroom and changed into his fatigues. It was tradition training garb for the Mariner course.


    "Still at it?" Semmi hid her approval, Nix was training alongside the new recruits in the Mariner course.


    "Yes, six hours every day. Then into the Embassy for blade work with Chiba." He grabbed the rest of his things and waved at Semmi. "Keep gathering intel, and have the guild work on moving up the Embassy tower."


    ************


    "Cadet Jackass, what would you do in this situation?" A small dark-skinned woman with an extremely loud voice yelled at Nix. She gave all the trainee''s nicknames, some of the nicer ones were Idiot, Dum-Dum, Shit-for-Brains, Dickless, Sombitch, and Shithead.


    Nix studied the 3-D image of the battlefield. "I''d fall back. In this cas..."


    "I didn''t ask you why Jackass, I asked you what!" She zeroed in on one of her favorites, a white-haired man she had labeled Brain-Dead. "Care to add something Brain-Dead?"


    "I''d use the tanks to hold the line, then move the rest of the troops west in a flanking maneuver."


    The Mariner Instructor frowned at the student. "At least I know you have the right name." She turned back toward Nix. "Explain your answer now Jackass."


    "Fall back and take the high ground. With that secured, the enemy will break themselves trying to take it back."


    She turned back toward Brain-Dead. "You''d lose your tanks trying to hold a line? Who is going to heal them while the clerics are heading west in your flanking move?"


    Brain-Dead didn''t bother to reply, instead, he stared at his feet and hoped the woman let him off.


    She glanced up at the sky. "Looks like we have the noon sun. Who feels like running?" It was a rhetorical question that she asked every day. Brain-Dead had mistakenly tried to answer it the first time she asked. "Put the backpacks on Pussies. Time for some roadwork."


    She slung on her own backpack and adjusted the weight. "Display your stats for me." She walked by each of the cadets, adding weight based on their strength stat. She stopped at Nix, unlike the other cadets, his stats would rise the more he used them. His strength had been 92 when he started the Mariner course, now it was at 96. She added a bit more weight and moved on to the next person.


    Three hours later a weary Nix exited the Training instance. He lingered for a while, talking with the Knights and sharing mutual complaints about the evil Instructor. Nix compared notes on battle positions with the genius of the class, a strikingly attractive woman with a black mohawk. Her real name was Lolazi, but the instructor had aptly labeled her Dickless.


    Nix headed straight for the heated pools in Shae''s elemental world. Soaking in them after a hard day of training seemed to restore his strength. He entered and was making a bee-line for the hottest pool when he heard Shae''s voice.


    "Try a cooler pool today Nix. I want to talk to you while I tend to my garden."


    He found the Salamander a minute later. She had branched out a bit in recent days and had decided it was okay to wear colors other than red. Today''s color was a very light shade of green. Her version of tending the garden was to eat all the ones that were ripe.


    Nix laughed when he saw her put a handful of them in her mouth. "You are developing a pepper problem Shae."


    The slim redhead smiled sweetly at him. "It''s only a problem if I run out!"


    Nix undressed and waded into the nearby pool. This was one of the cooler ones that Rhy would sometimes use when she visited. "I thought you were going to tend the garden?"


    Shae shrugged while walking toward him. "Change of plans." She let her green dress slide down and puddle on the ground.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Immediately the water in the pool started to heat up. Nix watched her walk into the pool. Slender legs and a narrow waist with just the smallest hint of a sixpack. Her pale skin slowly disappearing as she waded deeper. Finally, she stopped, the round globes of her breasts floated on the water, the pink tips of her nipples barely visible.


    "You''re beautiful Nix. Beyond anything I''ve ever seen." She leaned closer until their chests touched and wrapped her arms around his neck.


    Nix knew of course that she was talking about his Salamander form. She mentioned it regularly and asked to see it nearly every day. "Not today. I have to train with Chiba." For some reason changing forms left him completely wiped out.


    "I''m going with you Nix." She kissed his face a few times, her hands intertwining in his hair.


    Nix gripped her hips and pulled her closer smiling when her ankles wrapped around his waist. "Going to learn sword fighting with Chiba?"


    Shae shook her head. "I mean after you destroy the artifact and decide to travel to the Oasis."


    "You sure? You''ve plenty of time to reconsider, we have a long way to go before we are strong enough to take on the 12th floor."


    She reached between them gripped him gently before guiding him in. Her aura lit up instantly, the combination immediately turning a deep, rich brown. "I''m sure."


    *****************


    The sword circle was perhaps a hundred feet in diameter. It was just a perfect line drawn onto the sands of the arena. At the center of the circle, two identical swords were sticking out of the ground. Around the perimeter, a dozen swordsmen knelt on their knees with their eyes clothes. They were all shirtless and covered in sweat, even the three women among them.


    Nix waited patiently with his eyes closed. He was number nine, which meant his sword skills were only rated ninth in this group of twelve. He wasn''t allowed to use any skills or fire, just the sword, and his natural abilities. The master would call two numbers, they would race to the swords and then fight. In his eight prior battles, Nix had lost six times. Death in the circle resulted in you being rezzed without penalty.


    Chiba paced back and forth within the circle. She had removed her shirt also, but her flat chest bore no signs of sweat. "Ready, four and nine. Fight!"


    Both fighters exploded upward in a cloud of dust, their feet flew over the sand. Nix arrived first, drawing the closest weapon, he slashed at the other sword sending it out of the others grasp just as he reached for it. Nix turned the blade horizontally and slashed at his opponent''s midsection while throwing a foot towards his groin.


    Number four responded by stepping backward away from the kick and the slash. Too late he realized the kick was only the vessel for a scoop of sand that struck him in the face. An instant later a fist struck his jaw knocking him unconscious.


    Chiba frowned at his apprentice. "Damn it Nine! This is a sword fight!"


    "Right..." Nix nodded and stabbed the unconscious man through the chest.


    Chiba''s cackling laugh carried across the arena. "Much better Nine." She waited until the dead swordsman recovered and stood next to Nix.


    Both Four and Nine bowed toward Chiba.


    Chiba stopped and motioned for everyone to stand. "We''ll break off now for some light sparring. This is one-up sparring only, if your too slow in finding a one-up then deal with it as best you can."


    One-up sparring meant your partner had to be either one higher or one lower. Nix quickly found Eight and paired up.


    By the time they were finished, Nix was both hungry and exhausted. He ported directly to the docks as soon as Chiba released him.


    The Kindled Spirit was unusually quiet, even though it was crowded. Nix found a table in the corner and leaned back against the wall.


    "Going to eat or sleep, hun?"


    Hyai''s voice caused his eyes to pop open, "I must have dozed off for a minute."


    The Innkeeper nodded. "A bit longer than that, I''ve walked past you three times in the last half hour."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nix, could you come to Guildhall right away?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure.


    Hyai''s hand on his shoulder stopped him from standing up. "I''ll box your dinner. They can wait a few minutes."


    Nix nodded. "Okay. Thanks, Hyai."

 Chapter 122 Old Friends

    The weeks ticked slowly by as Inferno continued their hard work by advancing upward in the Embassy Tower, solidifying their hold as the top mid-tier guild. During that time, Nix finished both the Mariner course and Chiba''s instructions. Nearly all the Upper-Tier guilds that were capable of beating the Escalade Bridge Master had done so and left Colonial forever. Semmi kept everyone updated with intel from Oasis. As with anything, some were excited about the chance to see the new world, while others wanted nothing to do with it.


    The biggest Inferno news during this time was that three Aquarion females were pregnant.


    Inferno found themselves with two important missions before they could focus solely on Mermaid City. A guild meeting had been called to discuss their options.


    ***************


    Nix sat next to Fajii at the guild table. They had come early for the meeting and took the opportunity to spend some time catching up. She was holding his hand while they spoke, a very common behavior among Aquarions.


    "Will you leave Colonial when the artifact is destroyed?" Fajii was steadily growing into her strength, with her BR and Scorched Earth buffs, she had become an invaluable part of Inferno raids.


    "We''ve built so much here. Honestly, I''m hesitant to leave." Nix wasn''t like traditional VR gamers, once his mission was finished he could see himself enjoying a relaxed life.


    "I think I would like to see this new world." Fajii watched him for any sign of disappointment. "That probably surprises you."


    Nix shrugged, "not completely. Given your independent nature, your curiosity is understandable. You''ve less attachment to Aquarion culture than the others here."


    "I want you to join me." Fajii gave him a slight smile. "But...I will go, even if you decide to stay here."


    "Lots of time to decide. Seems like quite a few of our members share your interest in going."


    The fingertips of her free hand played with the earring Nix had given her. "True, but I do not love them."


    Nix stared at her for a long moment. Any further conversation was halted by the arrival of Ronnie and Semmi.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: You guys weren''t ''exchanging pointers'' were you?


    /Inferno: Fajii: No, I was confessing my feelings.


    "....." Nix.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Nope, unacceptable. We two sisters have already claimed him. Right sis?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Please stop talking Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Fine you''re out then. Fajii can have your half.


    /Inferno: Nix: Very diplomatic Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yep.


    A few minutes later, after the officers had arrived, the meeting started.


    /Inferno: Nix: I want to finish the last layer of the Onion quest before we push on with Mermaid City.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I agree, the reward is likely to be huge. We received the Embassy after the 3rd Onion quest.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Nix! Sorry for the interruption. They''re back!!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Who?


    /Inferno: Dalton: Hey guys.


    /Inferno: Pinwall: Hi!


    /Inferno: Lena: Finally!


    /Inferno: Blitz: Missed this place.


    /Inferno: Sorbie: Heyas!


    /Inferno: Moki: Best for last. Hi guys.


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome back to Colonial guys. Hyai could you gather the party staff?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: We have a party staff?


    /Inferno: Pon: We do like our parties.


    /Inferno: Hyai: I''ll handle it. 1900 at the Wharf.


    /Inferno: Nix: Awesome. Okay... the Second topic, there''s a Guild Raid event on the 69th floor of the Embassy. No one has been able to win it. Resolute has been working hard on it, but can''t quite topple it. We need to be first.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Why? They are an Upper-Tier guild, it''s normal if we lose to them.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The Floor Steward from the 60th floor says that the 70th floor will only be accessible by the first ones to beat the 69th-floor raid.


    /Inferno: Nix: Any guild who defeats the 69th raid after that will just move to the 71st floor. They will never see the 70th.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: YES! That''s for us!


    /Inferno: Sharl: I like the sound of that too.


    /Inferno: Nix: We won''t beat Resolute unless we bring out our big guns.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Shae and Rhylia. And Nix in Salamander form.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I have to see that!


    /Inferno: Mina: Me too.


    /Inferno: Pon: You punk! You better show me!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Which first? 69th floor or Onion final layer?


    /Inferno: Nix: 69th.


    /Inferno: Semmi: 69th


    /Inferno: Pon: 69th.


    /Inferno: Mina: 69th.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: 69... of course!


    /Inferno: Sharl: 69th.


    /Inferno: Milat: 69th.


    /Inferno: Wind: 69th.


    /Inferno: Shae: Sounds fun. I''m in.


    /Inferno: Rhy: I''m also in.


    /Inferno: Nix: That seals it. We take on the 69th floor starting tomorrow. We keep at it until we win or Resolute beats us to it.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We have a few other small items, but nothing pressing. Let''s welcome back our friends properly.


    Nix ported directly to the docks. The shops belonging to the former members of Gladis had been closed for a few weeks, Inferno didn''t have the resources to keep them open, even though they had picked the Hub clean. Predictably by the time he walked to the shop''s area, all of them were busy crafting product. Only Darsi was standing in front.


    "Knew you''d come Trip-7." Darsi smiled at him, "as you can see they are hard at work. Like you, Gladis Crafters keep their crafting supplies on them."


    "That''s good then, they should be set for quite a while." Nix went into each shop individually and personally transferred the credits each had earned before running out of product, Darsi followed him the entire time.


    Nearly half an hour went by before he had finished. "Make sure our friends make it to their own party."


    Darsi nodded, "Inferno parties had reached legendary status. I''ll let them know."


    Nix noticed that Darsi was wearing the rifle he had bought her. "Let Kyla know when it''s time for an upgrade, she''s not Gladis but she''s top of the line."


    Darsi noticed he had activated Deep Blue. "Where are you heading to?"


    Nix shrugged, "personal errand."


    ********************


    Nix appeared on the empty platform a moment later. It had changed a bit since last he had visited. The Lobby had been gutted and turned into a training yard, complete with cushioned mats. A large white throne overlooked the training area. Several Acolytes were sparring with staffs, while others were being carefully instructed.


    The instructor turned when she noticed several of her acolytes smiling. Her pale face also broke into a wide smile. "Nix!"


    The Priestess dropped her staff and ran towards him, it was a bit surprising but Nix accepted a hug from her. "How are things Cyan?"


    "Is that some sort of joke?" A young female spoke from behind them. "You bring us to the heart of the Ice and give us this perfect building. Then you show up a few days later and fill it with Acolytes!"


    Nix bowed deeply. "Shi... I am glad to see you are doing so well."


    The young girl grabbed both of his hands in hers. They were small and cold, but despite that Nix felt warmed by the gesture. "We could not ask for a better friend."


    "I thought I would stop in and check on things." Nix glanced around the large building. "I like the changes."


    "Shi, I need to speak with Nix. If you would excuse me." Cyan bowed deeply.


    "Of course. In the future, I hope you visit more often." Without another word, the young ice spirit walked back to her throne.


    Cyan turned toward the training yard where dozens of Acolytes were waiting. "That''s it for today, you may return to your quarters. Those on dinner detail please report to the kitchen."


    Nix followed her through a small door and up a few flights of stairs. She grabbed his hand and pulled him along until they stopped at a familiar door. "Is this your room?"


    Cyan nodded. "Of course." Several other girls were entering the hallways and walking toward their rooms.


    Nix stared at his picture on the door with 777 written on it. "You can remove that."


    Cyan shook her head. "I wouldn''t dare. The Acolytes love it."


    Nix followed her in and took a seat on the couch. "Never actually spent the night here, but I did throw Dalton through that window."


    Cyan laughed. "You are much wilder than I would have guessed from our first meeting. This is the place you escaped from right?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep, this would have been my permanent home."


    Cyan took a seat next to him, her face serious. "Shi has grown stronger despite being wounded. I believe she intends to become an Ice Lord."


    Nix could see the worry on her pretty face. "What can I do?"


    "Not sure. We need another Lord to walk her through it."


    Nix considered her words for a moment. "How about a Nemesis?"


    Cyan shook her head. "Just being in the presence of a Fire Nemesis could hurt her badly."


    "I was thinking about an Air Nemesis."


    "An Air Nemesis?" Cyan looked surprised by the words. "How many Nemesis do you know?"


    Nix grinned, "just the two. I''m no one important."


    A knock sounded at the door. It opened slowly when Cyan said to come in.


    A lovely blonde haired girl stepped inside, her beautiful face lit up in a smile. "Sorry to interrupt Cyan. I can''t remember if I was on the kitchen duty tonight and the roster seems to have disappeared."


    Cyan shook her head. "Mari... If you want to say hi to Nix. Then do so."


    Mari nodded, not at all embarrassed. "Hi, Nix. Seen Aunty Chiba lately?"


    Nix nodded. "Very recently actually. She''s doing well."


    Cyan waited until after Mari left before turning back toward him. "Tomorrow would be best, but at your convenience of course."


    Nix stood up. "I''ll ask Rhy and let you know. I do have a question."


    Cyan smiled. "You want to know why your presence doesn''t harm Shi?"


    "Yes. I''m the same rank that Shae was when she hid in the ice world."


    Cyan touched a slender finger to the tip of his nose. "Because you carry the Blessing of Ice."


    "I see. Are the Acolytes working out?"


    Cyan hugged him close for a moment and then stepped away. "They are doing very well. Mari seems to know some complex foot movement. She''s nearly impossible to hit."


    Nix narrowed his eyes, he had recently learned a foot movement from Chiba. "I''m not surprised. Anyways, I should get going."


    She watched as he activated Deep Blue. "Hey, where''d you get so many girls anyway?"


    Nix shrugged, "found em."


    **************


    A few minutes later Nix was walking down the wharf. There were several large hogs being barbecued while large barrels of ale were being rolled toward a makeshift bar. He spotted Hyai showing one of her Aquarion friends how to baste the meat. "Need help Hyai?"


    Hyai shook her head. "We got this in hand Nix. Take a seat and relax."

 Chapter 123 Setting up the Raid

    [Flame Throw]


    The crusted pot glowed slightly as green flames licked at the insides. Nix picked up the scraper and continued cleaning. "Can''t leave a pot on the fire all night and expect things are just going to wash off." He rinsed it off and grabbed for the next one.


    The pot cleaner kept working diligently, after finishing off the last one he moved on to the much easier stack of dishes.


    "I do like a man in suds." Hyai''s voice spoke from the entryway. She was dressed in her work uniform, even though it was still very early.


    Nix glanced up from his work at the sink. "Hmm, food for thought."


    Hyai moved beside him, pausing long enough to kiss the back of his neck, a clear exception to her strict rule about public displays of affection. "I''ll rinse hun."


    Between the two of them, they finished the rest of the party clean-up in a relatively short amount of time. Hyai made them both breakfast and they enjoyed some quiet conversation at the small table in the kitchen.


    When Nix left the Kindled Spirit a short while later, the sun was just starting to rise. Hyai sent him off with the promise that there would be some nice ''payback'' coming his way.


    Derva was the only Acolyte present when Nix entered the Palace of Fire and Air. She bowed deeply when she saw him. "Good morning Champion,"


    Nix returned the courtesy, "no need for such formalities Derva."


    The slender woman offered him a smile. "Going to see Shae?"


    Nix shook his head. "I''ve some important business with Rhy."


    As if hearing her name, the Air Nemesis appeared before them an instant later. "Impressive Nix, I thought for sure that last night''s activities would have kept you in bed for a few more hours."


    Nix bowed slightly. He was beginning to understand Rhy. Although her coal-black eyes seemed cold, her personality was much different. She would laugh and frolic with the other air creatures for hours on end. Unexpectedly, she had grown very close to Shae. "I could use your help Rhy, an Ice Spirit friend of mine is seeking to become a Lord of Ice."


    "You seem to have a fairly wide variety of elemental friends." She lay a hand on his shoulder and extended a wing enough to pull him closer.


    "Hmm. I do seem to know my share." He pushed back the feathers that were grazing his ear.


    "I will help. Is this where you received your ''Ice Blessing'' ?"


    Nix had shown Rhy his stats before, so of course, she would have seen it. "Yes, the Ice Spirit from Cyphix. Her name is Shi."


    "A Fire Lord with an Ice Blessing." She nodded her acceptance. "You are definitely a unique person Nix. Let''s do the raid first, then I will assist your friend."


    A short while later, 20 of Inferno''s finest were gathered in the holding area of the 69th floor. The raid had a limit of 20, so Jun Li and Semmi had carefully considered what was needed.


    [Raid Sheet: 69th Floor]


    Healers: Tess, Gypsy, Pinkie, Wylie, Saji


    Tanks: Sharl, Banz, Jun Li


    Crowd Control: Sila, Fajii, Nix, Rhylia


    DPS: Chael, Ronnie, Wind, Semmi, Pon, Shae, Milat, Mina


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi will give us a brief. After the raid starts, and we leave the prep area, I want everyone to summon all of their Spirit Companions. With the Vilas and our Aquarion friends, it should give us enough firepower.


    /Inferno: Semmi: With just our Aquarion Spirit Companions, we''ll gain twelve more fighters. I think we can shock Resolute.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''m sending everyone the Raid brief, I had to pay some serious credits to get one of the members of Resolute to give us the set-up. Please read and then we''ll discuss strategy.


    [Raid Brief]


    The 69th-floor raid takes place in a large valley nestled nicely inside of a dense jungle. It''s about an hour hike through the jungle to arrive at the river basin. We can expect to be attacked several times by random creatures of different strengths. In fact, Resolute was wiped on the hike during their last attempt. This part is no joke.


    There are two very large white primates on separate sides of the valley. These are the two bosses that must be killed for us to win this raid. They will remain docile until we attack either one of them. They are very strong and hit hard enough to kill a tank if our healing rotation is off. The is a straight-up fight until 90 percent. At that time the two apes will start moving toward each other. As they get closer, they will start to regenerate and their power will increase. If it gets to the point where they are within 50 meters, they will be reset to 100 percent and we are best off restarting the raid.


    At 90 percent, if you successfully keep the bosses from advancing, there will be 8 spawns of lesser mobs. From the time of spawn, you have 2 minutes to deal with all of them. Failure to do so will result in 8 more mobs. If you don''t deal with all remaining lesser spawns in the next two minutes, both bosses will rage and the raid will wipe.


    If the lesser spawns are all dealt with inside of the time limit, the raid will be able to work on the bosses again. After ninety percent, the two bosses'' health must stay within two percent of each other. If the difference becomes more than that, the boss with the most health will rage.


    Beat the bosses down to 80 percent health while keeping them within two percent of each other. Once the second boss is down to 80 percent, he will Rage for 1 minute while the other Boss becomes dormant. The dormant boss cannot damage nor be damaged at this time. You must survive this rage. After the Rage is done he will become dormant while the first boss rages. This will be accompanied by another spawn of eight. You don''t have to kill these lesser spawns, they will despawn when the first boss stops his rage.


    Keep attacking the bosses and bring their health down to 70 percent, same rule as before, they must stay within 2 percent. At seventy percent they will once again advance toward each other. You must be able to contain them. If you manage to do so, eight mobs will spawn again. This time you have 1 minute to kill them all if this doesn''t happen both bosses will rage.


    This is all the information we have at this point. Resolute has wiped at this point the last two times they''ve attempted it.


    /inferno: Jun Li: Questions?


    /Inferno: Nix: Pretty sure that Morti can hold one of them. What about the other? I assume CC won''t work on the bosses.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Correct, the bosses are immune to all control effects. We''ll have to hold them physically. Our Aquarion friends and Nix will be tasked with that.


    /Inferno: Mina: The Vila should be able to handle the spawns until their health runs low.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The lesser spawns aren''t particularly strong, but they have a lot of health. I''d recommend using CC on four of them, and assigning the Vila to the other four.


    /Inferno: Pon: What will the rest of us be doing at that time?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We can continue to whittle the boss''s health down, even while they are being held.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''d rather have us get rid of the spawns as soon as possible. There''s no hurry with the bosses as long as they are contained.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We can do that. The hold teams will stay on the bosses, while the rest of the raid helps with the lesser spawns. Do not attack anything that''s being Controlled.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What do you want to do about the healer rotation Tess?


    /Inferno: Tess: Sharl will be the tank on boss one, with Banz backing her up. Wylie and I will be their healers.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Morti will tank boss two. Saji and I will be healing.


    /Inferno: Tess: Pinkie that leaves you as the roving healer. Your priorities if everything is going well is to keep the Vila alive. Fajii will be able to BR any of the dps that get slain. (BR=Battle Rez) If one of the clerics is killed, drop what you are doing and replace them.


    /Inferno: Sajana: I got it.


    /Inferno: Semmi: If one of the Tanks is slain, the back-up will jump in while Fajii hits the primary tank with a BR.


    /Inferno: Fajii: What if I''m killed?


    /Inferno: Semmi: You will stay in the middle with Shae and Rhy. They will ensure that you aren''t harmed. Stay safe unless someone dies, if that happens BR them and then return immediately.


    /Inferno: Shae: What do you want me and Rhy to do?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Stay in the middle and rotate your attacks between the two bosses. Make sure you keep their health within two. Since you are monitoring both, you can keep tabs on them and adjust the raid dps accordingly.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Questions?


    /Inferno: Nix: No one has made it past 70 percent. If we get lower than that we''ll have to play it by ear. We should be able to guess either way.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Correct. If the bosses start moving, then hold them. If we get lesser spawns, kill them immediately.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take 10 minutes and prepare. After that we''ll start the raid.

 Chapter 124 69th Floor Raid: Kill the Apes part one

    /Inferno: Nix: From here on out, let''s use this channel for raid purposes only. Junie will be in charge.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone leave the prep area. Once you are clear, summon all of your Spirit Companions.


    Nix walked out a few meters and stopped. There were about 20 meters of clearing before the zone turned into a fairly dense jungle. He quickly summoned Morti, Fey, and Ducky. Since this zone was water-free, he left Soup in the Sea-World.


    "You should bring your Arch-Winds, they will feel bad if they are left out." Rhy had walked out with Shae and Fajii.


    "Damn... I keep forgetting." He activated his bracelet and summoned Tor, Cal, and Shadai.


    Cal bowed slightly. "Special instructions Nix?"


    "This is a tricky raid. Don''t target the bosses at all. Cal and Tor, I want you to assist the Vila with the lesser spawns. Be sure not to hit anything that is being controlled. Shadai, I want you to support Pinkie as a roving healer. Anyone below half health, feel free to heal them."


    Cal nodded. "We understand Nix."


    Once all of the Spirit companions were in place, Jun Li gave the signal to start. Shae and Rhy moved to the front of the group and joined hands.


    [Balefire Burst]


    A half dozen balls of white flame burst outward, burning everything along its path. The dense foliage had been completely removed in a straight line for several hundred meters. The group moved freely toward the valley, Rhy and Shae would stop every few minutes to repeat their clearing maneuver. Smoke and fire followed them, but nothing dared attack.


    Without the threat of attack, coupled with the removal of the dense undergrowth, the raid was able to step into the valley thirty minutes after they left the prep area.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Well done, the bosses are a bit further down the valley. We''ll divide when we get to the middle.


    Nix walked side-by-side with Mina. Her Vilas had already been summoned and were trailing behind the raid.


    "You are smiling a lot today Nix." Mina watched him from one side, her tone curious.


    "Fighting for an exclusive prize, I''m a bit excited. Feels like my birthday."


    Mina walked with a hand on his elbow. "You aren''t a newborn."


    Nix considered the question. "In our world, your birthday is celebrated every year."


    She stared at him for a moment, trying to decide if he was teasing her. "Is your world filled with very important people?"


    Nix nodded, "they certainly like to think so."


    Inferno moved to the narrowest part of the valley. It was approximately 200 meters wide, huge white apes could be seen sitting peacefully near the north and south walls.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Fajii, please buff the raid.


    Fajii nodded.


    [Deep-Sea Trident]


    She gripped the weapon in her right hand, swiping it once.


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    A weightless Rock Wall is now protecting the Raid.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    The Raid''s weapons now Throb with the power of Scorched Earth.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: From here on, we''ll divide into North and South bosses. Sharl, Banz, Tess and Wylie, head North at this time. Morti, you will be on the South boss with Me, Gypsy and Saji.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Pon and Chael with me on the North boss. Wind, Ronnie, Milat on the South. All CC will stay close to the middle and wait for respawns, you can help with dpsing the bosses down, but pay attention to the percentages. Shae will keep track of that.


    Fey butted him in the back with her snout. "What do you want me to do Nix?"


    Nix rubbed the top of her scaled head. "Stay in the middle and help with spawns. Those will be key to winning this raid. Protect Fajii if she has to move."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Get in position. Tanks only for the first minute, give them time to establish aggro.


    Morti moved toward the White Ape on the Southside. It glanced at him with red eyes but showed no other reaction. The bear stood on his hind legs looking up. "That''s a big boss. What is it?"


    Jun Li patted Morti''s shoulder. The bear had grown recently and was nearly 15 feet tall when on his back legs. The Ape looked to be about two feet taller. "It''s an Ape Morti, kinda like a monkey."


    "Okay... let me know when I should swat the monkey." Morti sat down on his enormous butt and waited patiently.


    /Jun Li: We are ready on the Southside.


    /Inferno: Semmi: North is ready. Your call Junie.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Tanks only. Go!


    Morti advanced on his back legs, he swatted the Ape across its face, knocking it back into the valley wall with ground shaking power. "RAAWWRR"


    [Mortimer has taunted Cedric the White]


    Nix smiled when he heard his bear''s roar. It was echoed by Sharl''s battle cry on the Northside. Since Pon was on the North DPS team, Nix decided to help the Southside. The old fire mages sustained dps was better than one else.


    [Sniper''s Nest]


    Chael has setup a kill point.


    [Summons: Rock Golem]


    Chael has summoned a Scorched Earth Defender.


    [Command: Defend Me]


    [Sniper''s Nest]


    Ronnie has setup a kill point.


    [Summons: Rock Golem]


    Ronnie has summoned a Scorched Earth Defender.


    Ronnie patted her Golem on its stone arm. "Make sure to protect me Rocky."


    Nix targeted the Farah the White and waited for the go-ahead.


    Jun Li watched Morti continue to attack the White Ape, the primate''s primary weapons were its enormous fists. Although they did damage to Morti, he didn''t seem especially bothered by it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, DPS hit them. Shae start monitoring health.


    Nix started spamming Fire Burst. It was his best distance spell and he wouldn''t have to worry about mana.


    Shae watched the health of both primates. After two minutes, the North was at 97 percent and the South 98.


    Shae joined hands with Rhy and targeted the South Boss.


    [Balefire Burst]


    Five bursts of white fire slammed into the Ape, bringing his health down a full percent.


    /Inferno: Shae: Both Apes are at 97 percent.


    Saji has been slain.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Fajii to the Southside!


    Fajii ran toward the south boss. She targeted the slain healer, her hands glowing.


    [Scorched Earth Mother]


    Saji has been resurrected and returns to battle fully buffed.


    Wylie has been slain!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Fajii to the Northside! Healers, what''s going on?


    /Inferno: Tess: It has an AE Stun, that''s followed by a critical hit. All healers move to max heal distance.


    Fajii turned and ran toward the North boss. She spotted Fey overhead, mirroring her movements. Undoubtedly Nix''s idea. Just as she passed Shae and Rhy, they joined hands to hit the South boss again.


    [Scorched Earth Mother]


    Wylie has been resurrected and returns to battle fully buffed.


    /Inferno: Shae: Both Apes are at 91 percent.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Prepare to disengage the boss and kill the spawns. Nix and the hold team prepare to secure the North boss!


    Jun Li watched the health of the South boss carefully. "Morti! Push him against the wall and hold it there!"


    Morti responded by planting both enormous paws on the Ape''s chest and bullying him back to the wall. He clamped his teeth on the Ape''s shoulder and leaned all his mass against him.


    Nix sprinted toward the North boss trailed closely by a half-dozen Aquarion melee fighters. Sharl noticed his arrival and responded by slamming her shield into the Ape''s chest and then stepping to one side.


    Nix raised a hand and 12 Emerald strands wrapped around the boss''s ankles. It tried to take one step and crashed face forward on the ground. Immediately Sharl and all the Aquarions piled onto it.


    "Keep the tension on it Nix" Sharl reverted to her schoolyard days when she use to defend her younger sister. She held the Ape with one hand and punched with the other.


    "Is that a joke?" Nix held onto all 12 strands, he looked like a kite caught up in a whirlwind. He was slammed from one side to the other while the giant Ape tried to stand up.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Respawn in the middle of the valley! Take them down quickly!

 Chapter 125 69th Floor Raid: Kill the Apes part 2

    Eight baboon-like creatures spawned in the middle of the valley. They were as tall as a human and had vicious looking fangs. Their growls sounded like a choking dog, a hoarse cough that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.


    Ronnie targeted four of them and used her hud to place icons over their heads.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: CC these four mobs!


    Chael targeted the remaining four and used his hud to place bullseyes over their heads.


    /Inferno: Chael: Attack my targets!


    Sila used her assist option to target Ronnie''s mobs.


    [Scorched Dust Bowl]


    A viscous Babuka has been blinded.


    Rhy raised a slender hand and targeted the other three.


    [Whirlwind]


    Rhylia''s Windstorm has trapped three Vicious Babukas.


    Mina sent her Vilas after the targets with bullseyes over them. Forty of them tore into the four Babukas while the DPS''ers assisted them.


    Jun Li kept an eye on the respawn time. The first four were killed well before the first minute and twenty seconds later the other four joined them.


    Nix kept his grip on the flame strands despite being repeatedly slammed into the ground. Tess healed him several times when the damage started to stack up. Once the respawns were killed, the Ape stood up effortlessly sending Nix and the Aquarions flying in all directions.


    Sharl managed to roll out of the way and immediately resumed tanking detail. The dark beauty grinned at the misfortune of the ''holding team.''


    [Battle Cry]


    Sharl has taunted Farah the White.


    Min couldn''t hide the smile that lit up her face when he returned to the middle of the valley. His hair was sticking straight up and his face was covered in dirt. "Nice job Nix."


    Nix frowned at her without answering.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, listen close. At 80 percent one of the bosses will rage while the other goes dormant. I want Morti on the raging boss, he''s better equipped to handle that sort of pressure.


    There will be a short warning before they rage, the remaining boss will be dormant so he won''t be an issue.


    Shae watched the percentages carefully, this time the bosses were relatively even. Nix was using his higher-tiered spells this time around, he had a wild look in his eyes like he was angry.


    /Inferno: Shae: 84 percent for both North and South.


    The DPS teams continued to whittle away at the Ape Bosses, when they were at 81 percent the North boss stood up straight and beat his chest with both hands, while the south boss sat docilely on its butt looking confused.


    Sharl has been stunned.


    Tess has been stunned.


    Wylie has been stunned.


    Jun Li cursed loudly, "North now Morti!"


    The big bear had made the claim several times that he was faster than a horse. The ground shook as two tons of muscle, fur and teeth barreled toward the Northside.


    Sharl has been slain.


    Tess has been slain.


    Wylie has been slain.


    An Instant later Morti slammed into the raging Ape pushing it back into the rock wall.


    [Absolute Defense]


    Half of all incoming damage is blocked by Mortimer''s thick hide.


    An out of breath Pinkie appeared a moment later, her casting started while she was still skidding to a halt.


    [Blessing of the Goddess]


    Mortimer has been completely healed.


    Fajii had responded quickly also and targeted Sharl.


    [Scorched Earth Mother]


    Sharl has been resurrected and returns to the battle fully buffed.


    [Scorched Earth Mother]


    Tess has been resurrected and returns to the battle fully buffed.


    [Scorched Earth Mother]


    Wylie has been resurrected and returns to the battle fully buffed.


    Sharl picked up her shield and prepared to take over. "Thanks, Fajii. That BR is the shit!"


    [Blessing of the Air]


    A Priestess of Air has healed Mortimer.


    Jun Li kept a close eye on the dormant boss. "Give it space, the chest pound is an AE stun!"


    Slowly the beast stood up and glanced around. Jun Li waited patiently. The creature''s eyes instantly filled with hate as it beat its chest with both hands. She waited until it stopped then she sprang into action.


    Cedric the White has enraged.


    It leaped at Jun Li, both fists coming down on her. Nearly all of her health disappeared in one hit. A flash of black announced the Titan''s arrival, this time he had reacted faster.


    [Absolute Defense]


    Half of all incoming damage is blocked by Mortimer''s thick hide.


    Jun Li staggered back, waiting on a heal before she moved forward again. Movement in the center of the valley caught her eye.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Respawns! No CC required, they''ll despawn.


    Mina put five Vila on each of the 8 respawns, they were the same baboon creatures from earlier.


    Pinkie and Shadai returned to the center, being careful to keep the Vila healed.


    After a minute had elapsed, both Ape bosses returned to normal and the tanks resumed their missions. The respawns in the middle of the valley disappeared.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''re getting close to the unknown. At 70 percent, they''ll start advancing toward each other again. Hold team be ready!


    Nix scowled and stopped casting. He trotted toward the North boss, his face showing extreme reluctance.


    Shae and Rhy were forced to step in and even the percentages as both teams seemed to surge at different times.


    /Inferno: Shae: 72 percent.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Prepare to disengage and handle the respawns.


    Morti didn''t bother to wait, he slammed both paws into the ape''s chest and then muscled him back to the wall.


    On the Northside, Nix moved closer and waited, unlike Morti he wasn''t equipped to take a full-strength hit from the Ape boss. Sharl slammed her shield into the Ape and then stepped nimbly to one side.


    Nix raised a hand, the flame strands already on their way when the White Ape glanced at him and then dived forward, the ground shook as the ape tucked its head and rolled to his feet. One foot swinging hard at Nix, blasting him toward the middle of the valley.


    Nix has been slain.


    Sharl froze for a second, shock on her face. She recovered and dived at the legs of the Ape. The Aquarion team followed suit as they all piled on. Slowly the Ape started walking toward the center.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Send your Rock Golems to the Northside now! They are going to lose this boss! Respawns in the middle, take them down!


    Ronnie targeted the North boss and sent her golem. Without missing a beat, she changed to four of the respawns and placed markers on them. "


    /Inferno: Ronnie: CC my target now!


    Chael sent his golem north and put bullseyes on the remaining four targets.


    /Inferno: Chael: Attack my targets!


    The Respawns this time were four-armed Apes nearly twice the size of an average man, when the stood upright, their lower set of arms dragged the ground.


    Sila used her assist option to target Ronnie''s mobs.


    [Scorched Dust Bowl]


    A four-armed Primate has been blinded.


    Rhylia stepped to one side as Shae began spamming Balefire in an attempt to reduce the climbing health of the Northside boss.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Bring it down! Two percent difference!


    Rhy quickly targeted the remaining CC targets


    [Whirlwind]


    Rhylia''s Windstorm has trapped three four-armed Primates.


    The two Stone Golems slammed into the Ape, with their help the hold team finally managed to push it back. Fajii quickly rezzed Nix and this time he moved behind the Ape before he put the strands on his legs. By the time the group dragged the boss back to the wall, the spawns had been dealt with.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, tanks on boss only. Slow things down for a moment, let everyone reset. This is one step further than Resolute has made it.


    A disgruntled Nix walked back toward the middle of the valley.


    /Inferno: Pon: Best imitation of a soccer ball I''ve ever seen Nix.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Cut the chatter and get ready.


    No one else spoke, but they could all hear the laughter in Jun Li''s voice.


    Nix scowled at the chuckles around him.


    Min placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did go pretty far."

 Chapter 126 69th Floor Raid: Kill the Apes conclusion

    /Inferno: Jun Li: DPS back on the bosses. Let''s see what happens at 60 percent!


    Shae watched the health on the bosses. The DPS break had given everyone a chance to replenish their mana supply. Slowly but steadily the percentages started to drop again.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Spawns on the North Side! Get over there!


    Nx started to move when 8 respawns popped in the middle. Immediately 12 emerald flame strands shot out of his hands and encircled four of them.


    "I''ll support you Nix!" Rhy cast Whirlwind and sent the remaining four spinning in place.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Take the North spawns! They''re attacking the healers!


    Ronnie placed targets on four of them.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Attack my target!


    Mina Assigned her Vila to protect the Northside healers, she glanced back at Rhy and Nix. They were holding eight more between them.


    Chael placed bullseyes on the remaining Northside spawns.


    /Inferno: Chael: Attack my target!


    The DPS finished off the Northside spawns and then moved toward the middle to take care of the ones that were being controlled by Nix and Rhylia. Mina let her Vila finish off the spawns that Nix was holding. The last four were easily burned down as everyone targeted them.


    /Inferno: Shae: 62 percent on both bosses.


    At 60 percent, neither boss made a move. Slowly their power started increasing and their health began to recover.


    /Inferno: Shae: 61 percent. What''s going on?


    Sharl has been slain.


    Banz jumped in to fill the void, while Fajii sprinted toward Inferno''s best tank.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Ideas? Their health is climbing and they are getting stronger!


    /Inferno: Nix: The opposite! Try pushing them both toward the middle!


    Nix moved behind the Ape and put 12 emerald strands on him. His Aquarion team grabbed the legs of the struggling Ape and started dragging him toward the middle. On the Southside, Morti was using a steady supply of two-handed slaps to drive his boss toward the middle also.


    /Inferno: Shae: Both at 60 percent again.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It''s working! Push them towards each other.


    The dps kept whittling away at the health of the bosses, their health started dropping in huge chunks; by the time they were within 50 meters of touching, both at 40 percent. At that time the two White Apes charged past each other and switched sides.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Tanks and Healers stay on your original boss. Switch sides.


    Both Apes stopped when the reached the walls. They turned and beat their chests, the sound echoing through the valley like thunder.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Double Rage! Pinkie fall back and help support Sharl! Turn up the DPS!


    /Inferno: Shae: 38 percent on both bosses!


    In the middle 8 mobs spawned. All of them were fliers. Nix managed to get strands around four of them. He dug his heels in as they dragged him toward the North healers.


    /Inferno: Nix: Kill theses? Or let them despawn?


    Jun Li studied the current scene. Both bosses raging, eight fliers that were splitting up and moving toward the healers.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Kill them now. Range fighters bring them down!


    Mina sent split up her Vila and sent half to each boss.


    Chael and Ronnie focused their damage on the filers heading North. They were almost to the healers when Fey appeared out of thin air and raked them with fire, instantly finishing off two of them.


    On the Northside, the Ape that Morti had been defending suddenly tossed him to one side and charged toward the middle. His counterpart on the Southside did the same thing to Sharl, both Apes charging at each other in a full run.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Evac the middle now!


    Shae, Fajii, Mina, and Rhy quickly retreated, the Apes seemed to have no intention of slowing down. An instant later they slammed into each other, the impact leveling the entire raid except for Shae, Fajii, Mina, and Rhy. The Air Nemesis had managed to throw up an air barrier around them.


    Nix climbed back to his feet. His health was down past half.


    [Combustion]


    A soft green light settled around Nix, recovering a good portion of his health.


    He turned back toward the middle and stopped, like everyone else in the Raid. The two White Apes had combined to form one giant White Ape.


    Ced''Far the Magnificant. Thirty feet of angry Ape, four long arms, the bottom two were dragging on the ground.


    /Inferno: Shae: His health dropped when he combined. He''s at 15 percent.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All healers cycle your heals on Morti. Range damage only. Healers stay at max range.


    /Inferno: Shae: Now Nix...


    Nix moved closer to Rhy who was already casting.


    [Perfect Barrier]


    Rhy has placed a perfect Air Barrier around Nix.


    Rhy made a second gesture.


    [Wind Tunnel]


    The transparent Orb that Nix was in, suddenly disappeared.


    Nix touched the sides of the orb, watching the ground as it got further away. When it reached its apex he activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    High overhead an explosion of Emerald flames covered the sky. A strong wave of destruction pushed toward the ground. Rhy placed a barrier over the raid, it shattered immediately but was able to absorb nearly all of the power.


    The Emerald Salamander floated slowly down with the effect of feather fall.


    Morti stared at the huge Ape, a rumble sounding deep in his chest.


    [Rage]


    A Titan has appeared on the battlefield. Mortimer''s strength has doubled. Intimidation is in effect, all opposing creatures will be unable to Rage.


    Inferno froze for a moment as the bear doubled in size.


    [Absolute Challenge]


    Ced''Far must attack Mortimer for the next minute.


    [Absolute Defense]


    All incoming damage is reduced by half.


    [Titan Slap]


    Mortimer''s enormous paw slammed into the side of the Ape''s face, driving him back a step.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: This is it. Full DPS! Burn this bitch down!


    All of Inferno targeted Ced''Far with their strongest damage as the valley exploded in a hail storm of fire and blood.


    Nix sent several thick strands of green flame moved toward Ced''Far, stabbing deep into his neck. He retracted them immediately and repeated the movement while he floated downward, red blood gushing out of great gaping holes.


    [Fire and Air Seeker]


    Shae and Rhy joined hands, sending a glowing projectile speeding toward the creature''s face. It howled in agony when the burning missile burned through Ced''Far''s left eye.


    Nix landed and moved swiftly toward Rhy, when he arrived he spun quickly and sent several thick strands of emerald flame into Ced''Far''s stomach.


    Rhy was smiling when she lay a hand on his shoulder.


    [Air Expulsion]


    The barbed ends of the strands exploded outward, bursting his stomach apart as blood and gore splattered in all directions.


    Ced'' Far the Magnificent has been slain.


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for defeating Ced'' Far the Magnificent on the 69th floor. Inferno now advances to the 70th floor. All guilds on the 69th floor are moved to the 71st.


    Nix stared at his guild, with the exception of the few who were standing next to Rhy, they were completely covered with blood and gore. He started laughing when he saw Min, her white hair was red with blood. "Serves you guys right for laughing at me."


    Slowly, the smiles started to come out and then cheers, as the raid celebrated their victory over the 69th level.


    Mina approached him slowly, her feet seemed to be dragging. She knelt down on one knee and placed a hand on Nix''s emerald head. "Beautiful Nix, absolutely beautiful."


    Pon was the next to arrive, his normally fierce demeanor faded in the presence of Nix''s Salamander form. "Amazing Nix. These old eyes have never seen such a thing."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: One and done. Damn guys, you are so awesome I want to cry.


    Nix dropped his Salamander form and approached the fallen boss.


    [Do you wish to skin Ced''Far the Magnificant?]


    "Yep."


    [1Titanic Ape Skin has been added to your inventory.]


    [Do you wish to Process the Ape meat?]


    "Gross, absolutely not. Let''s see what else he has." Nix activated the loot icon.


    You have received the Oasis World Seed.


    You have received the Escalade Guild Token.


    The jungle faded around them and the entire raid was instantly returned to the staging area. Nix unsummoned the sleeping Morti but not before everyone in the raid took the chance to pat his furred head.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shall we go check out the 70th floor?


    /Inferno: Nix: In three days. Morti will sleep till then, he''s earned the right to see it with us.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I agree. Amazing job all around guys.


    /Inferno: Nix: Good job Junie, you are the best around.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Ain''t that the truth. Great job Junie.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll take the whole guild to the 70th floor in three days. Lifestyle players too.

 Chapter 127 Ice Queens Favor

    Most of Inferno returned to the Sea-World to get some rest. Rhy and Nix ported to the docks, he wanted to drop off his Titanic Ape skin before heading to the Gladis Hub. He stopped when he saw the enormous ship anchored in Glory''s Bay.


    /Inferno: Nix: What''s the Fire Storm doing here?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Well.. you did blow off Festa''s wedding. It was nice knowing you.


    /Inferno: Wylie: Want a Knight Escort?


    /Inferno: Nix: I did tell her that I wasn''t going. It''s not my fault she didn''t listen.


    Nix talked with Nova for a few minutes while organizing the day''s product. Rhylia quickly discovered several items on the shelves that she was interested in.


    By the time they left the shop, Festa was walking down the dock with a half dozen of her knights. Nix bowed low when he saw her. "Your Majesty."


    Festa waved her hand at his greeting. "Dispense with the title Nix. We are friends."


    Nix turned toward his companion. "Rhy this is Festa, the Queen of the Central Kingdom. Festa this is the Honorable Air Nemesis Rhylia Thundercloud."


    Rhy wore an amused look on her face. "I am pleased to meet you, Queen Festa."


    Festa nodded cordially, unlike Shae, the Air Nemesis didn''t give off an overwhelming sense of danger. "We are Allies, so please call me Festa."


    It was then that Nix noticed her clothes. Normally when Festa traveled she wore the heavy armor of a Knight. This time she wore a slim-fitting blue dress that exposed her brown shoulders. Objectively Nix rated her in the top five of Colonial beauties. "What brings you to Glory Festa?"


    She handed him a gold-colored envelope. "I meant to give you this before my wedding. It''s an important item, please read it carefully. I trust your judgment in this matter and will await the appointment of a proper Seneschal."


    Nix felt a twinge of guilt, Festa had always treated him well and never asked for anything in return. "I will do my best. I''m sorry that I can''t stay and properly entertain you, I''m in the middle of an important task."


    Festa''s dark lips curved in a smile. "So soon after winning the 69th level in the Embassy?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, I have a good friend in dire need."


    /Inferno: Nix: Donri, are you in Glory?


    /Inferno: Donri: Yes. Something you need boss?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Could you come to the docks?


    /Inferno: Donri: Of course.


    Donri had completed the transition to Fire mage a few weeks earlier. He was the only Necrofire Mage in the Guild. The primary path had come with some interesting changes. His hair had turned jet-black, and his eyes had darkened considerably. The black fire he commanded had a corrosive effect, very similar to the pain effect that Nix''s emerald flames had. Nix had assigned him to accompany Nez and Sila in the Embassy whenever possible, the three managed to climb to the 46th floor without any assistance.


    Donri arrived through the portal a moment later. He was dressed in black armor and had his long hair tied up in a topknot.


    "Festa, this is Donri, a Black Fire Mage. The only one in Inferno."


    Festa offered her hand. "Nice to meet you Donri."


    Nix put a hand on Donri''s shoulder. "Donri has volunteered to show you around the Embassy."


    To his credit, the Fire Mage kept his face expressionless. "Just call me Don, please"


    "That would be nice, I have a few hours before I need to return to the Palace."


    Nix smiled to himself as Donri escorted Festa away.


    "What was that about?" Semmi''s familiar voice caused him to turn around.


    Nix shrugged and handed Semmi the gold envelope he had received. "Look into this when you have the chance, Sem. Festa came all this way to deliver it personally."


    Semmi held it in her hands, "Sure, but I''m going to be disappointed if it''s a love letter."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Me too."


    /Inferno: Nix: Wylie, could you accompany me for an errand?


    /Inferno: Wylie: Sure Nix, you at the dock?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    "Do we need a healer Nix:" Rhy''s eyes showed her curiosity.


    "No, I''ve something else in mind for her."


    The silver-haired Knight-Captain arrived a few minutes later, without speaking further the three of them joined hands and Nix activated Deep Blue.


    "Please don''t share anything you see here Wylie. I want to keep this a secret for as long as possible."


    Wylie nodded, her eyes taking in all the changes to the hub. "This is where the Ice Spirit of Cyphix is now?" She had heard that Nix had a history with the Ice Elemental.


    "Yes. What better place for her than the Polar Icecap."


    All of the Acolytes were sitting on mats while Cyan demonstrated an Ice technique. Shi was carefully observing them from her throne. Cyan noticed his arrival and stopped her demonstration.


    Nix walked towards the Throne, the young girl sitting down stood immediately. "Sorry, I''m a bit later than planned."


    Shi shook her head. "It''s fine Nix, even the Icecap receives Colonial messages. Congratulations on a successful raid."


    "This is Air Nemesis Rhylia Thundercloud and Ice Champion Candidate Knight-Captain Wylie." He felt Wylie staring at him from one side, but he refused to look at her.


    Shi bowed toward the Nemesis. "My honor to meet a Nemesis of Air and you also candidate." The Ice elemental understood immediately, the Knight-Captain was her candidate.


    Rhy smiled at the young elemental. "You are indeed ready to advance. The Ice advancement is usually quite gentle, I will give you the aid you require."


    She nodded. "Thank you. I will bring you into my elemental world if you are ready. Nix, you will have to stay here."


    [Whisper: Shi to Nix] This Knight Captain is your recommendation?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shi] Yes. You will also be doing me a favor. The champions medallion ties her life to the temple. This will safeguard her life.


    [Whisper: Shi to Nix] Since you asked, so it shall be.


    Cyan waited until Shi, Wylie, and Rhy disappeared before she approached Nix. "You have my thanks once again Nix."


    Nix removed several boxes from his inventory and sat them down. "Robes for the Acolytes as well as the swimsuits you asked for. I take it you are making use of the Aquatic Center?" The Gladis hub was a state of the art facility that was meant for long-term inhabitance and recreation.


    Cyan nodded. "I''m in your debt."


    Nix placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a friendly smile. "Since we are friends, we shouldn''t talk about debts."


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s an appointment letter Nix. Festa has asked that you elect a Seneschal to protect her family.


    /Inferno: Nix: Doesn''t she have an army? Why would she ask me?


    /Inferno: Semmi: This is right up there with the attendant request. It''s something that an older brother is usually tasked with.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Awwww. That''s so sweet! Nix is the Queen''s, big bro!


    Nix felt another twinge of guilt for skipping the wedding festivities.


    /Inferno: Nix: What are the requirements for a Seneschal?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Someone strong and trustworthy. They''ll spend a large part of their time investigating family concerns. It''s considered a royal rank, only the King and Queen may give the Seneschal orders.


    /Inferno: Pon: Send me! I''m all those things.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Sounds like a Marshal. It could be interesting.


    Nix laughed when he saw the request. He was fairly sure the old mage had dubious intentions.


    /Inferno: Nix: Forget about it old man. I have someone in mind.


    /Inferno: Mina: Could we have an officer''s meeting Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure, it will have to wait until later in the day. I''m on a personal errand.


    Nix followed Cyan back to his old room. "Seems like I can''t escape this place."


    Cyan offered him a smile. "It is very nice here."


    He watched as she made them tea. There was something oddly warming about the priestess using a modern style kitchen. Was there a real person behind Cyan? Ronnie''s theory on NPCs caused Nix to constantly reexamine his NPC friends. "I''m glad you like it."


    She sat a cup of tea in front of him and then took a seat in the adjacent chair. "How did you make it from here to Cyphix Nix?


    "Almost didn''t. I died just after I was within the cities binding range." Nix shivered slightly, that had been a long cold few days.


    "That''s 200 miles Nix. Using only clothes that you crafted here?" Cyan had been surprised when the man had respawned on the temple platform.


    Nix sipped the hot tea and considered the journey he had made. "Yes... the sins of my past life and the thought of a new one, made me push myself past my limits."


    "You embarked on a pilgrimage. One that tested both your spirit and your strength." Cyan leaned back in her chair. "Through the world of Ice walks the man bathed in flames."


    "I could make the walk now without even worrying about it."


    Cyan stood up and grabbed his hand. "Come with me Nix."


    Nix followed her down the hall to the last door on the right. The scent of flowers traveled in her wake. "You smell nice."


    Cyan stopped at the door and knocked. "Flora? It''s Cyan."


    They entered after a soft voice told them to enter.


    A tall woman with long brown hair stood near the window. She was drawing something on a homemade easel. She smiled at her visitors. "Welcome Cyan, it''s nice to see you again Nix."


    Nix didn''t remember her from Brahmi''s palace. There had been too many of them, and every one of them was beautiful. "Flora? We weren''t properly introduced before. Nice to meet you."


    Flora smiled and Nix became acutely aware of why she was in Brahmi''s harem. "Is there a special reason for your visit?"


    Cyan nodded. "I want to see the ''World of Ice'' painting."


    Flora put down her sketch pencil and walked toward the closet near the front door. "I put it away recently." She rummaged for a moment before pulling out a large color painting. It was titled ''The World of Ice.''


    Nix studied the painting that Flora had propped up on the easel. "Is that me?" The man walking through the Ice was bathed in Emerald flames, he features were indistinct.


    Flora nodded. "After you brought us here, I dreamed of this several nights in a row. I thought if I painted it, the dreams would stop."


    Nix studied the landscape, most of the time he had been too cold and exhausted to worry about the scenery, but there was something very familiar. ''It''s very nice. Did the dreams stop?"


    Flora nodded. "Yes."


    "It''s natural I suppose. The escape from Brahmi had been a traumatic event for everyone." The memories of losing one of the girls made Nix frown. It was a shame Brahmi could only die once.


    Something made Cyan run to the window, her eyes grew excited when they spotted Shi. "They return Nix!"


    The cleric ran out of the door leaving the two of them alone. Flora picked up the painting and handed it to Nix.


    He accepted the painting and stowed it in his inventory. "Thank you." A moment later he was trotting down the hall toward the Ice Throne.


    By the time he arrived in the Courtyard Shi was once again sitting calmly on her throne. Her appearance had changed from that of a young child to that of a girl in her late teens. Her long white hair hung over her shoulders and there was a crown of ice on her head. Wylie was standing next to the Throne, a Champions medallion displayed on her chest.


    "Very easy transition Nix," Rhy spoke quietly when he approached.


    Nix smiled in relief. "Greeting Ice Lord."


    Shi returned his smile. "Let us agree to always be familiar and not use such titles Nix. Once again I find myself in your debt."


    Nix waved off her words. "You can ease that debt by flourishing here and growing stronger."


    A small white box appeared in her hand, she handed it to him. "As you say. Please accept my favor."


    Nix received the box and opened it. Inside was an ice blue ring.


    Ice Sparrow


    Description: This is the Ice Queen''s


    favor. A unique sparrow constructed from ice.


    "It''s nice." Nix slipped it on his thumb. "Thank you, Shi."


    "I will stay here for a while Nix." Wylie looked stronger somehow, but Nix didn''t want to ask about the changes in front of the others.


    "No worries. Take a few days."


    **************


    A short while later Nix and Rhy returned to Glory. The Air Nemesis handed him piece of paper with a list of items carefully written on it. "All this?"


    "You are a tailor after all. " Rhy smiled and disappeared from the portal with a wave of her hands.

 Chapter 128 Parliamen

    Nix stepped onto his houseboat with the intention of grabbing a nap. He muttered under his breath while walking up the steep stairs, he could hear the distinct sound of conversation coming from his bedroom.


    "You dealt that off the bottom Ronnie." Sharl frowned at her turn-over card, she had just lost a King-tie.


    "Oh-ho! Did I?" Ronnie grabbed another card and flipped in on the mattress.


    Nix''s foul mood faded when he saw who his visitors were. "Hey... Playing war?"


    Ronnie nodded, "it''s the only card game you know."


    Sharl handed Ronnie all her cards so she could reshuffle and deal Nix in. "We''ll wait, go get changed."


    Nix nodded and grabbed some clothes before heading into his bathroom. Splashing cold water on his face and changing into comfortable clothes seemed to revive him. He climbed onto the bed and picked the cards he had been dealt. "Did you cheat me?"


    Ronnie shook her head. "Now you''re saying it? Where''s the trust guys?" Ronnie''s dark face had a hint of devilry in it. "I just like playing."


    They were halfway through the first round when Nix fell asleep. Ronnie shrugged at her sister and yawned sleepily.


    ************


    Tess glanced at Semmi, her pale face turning slightly red. "He''s with both of them."


    Semmi pushed her face against the glass trying to get a better look. "What''s with this tinted window?"


    "Nix is sleeping. Changing forms is exhausting." A quiet voice from behind them caused them both to jump. Fajii was sitting comfortably in the hot tub with Wind and Banz. The two peepers had come up the side ladder and had decided the back deck was empty with a quick glance.


    Semmi played with a lock of her short blonde hair. "Oh... We were looking for Nix but we didn''t want to wake him."


    Fajii nodded like the excuse was passable. "Ronnie and Sharl are in there also."


    *********************


    The sound of voices on the back deck caused Nix to slowly wake up. Sharl was lying sideways across the bed while Ronnie had snuggled up next to him. Each of them had their own blankets. There were cards everywhere on the bed. Carefully he extricated himself from the bed and exited the bedroom. There were a half dozen people in his hot tub and another three sitting in his lounge chairs.


    "Don''t you guys have your own places?" Nix scowled at them before taking a seat on the only empty bench.


    Jun Li held a bottle of wine in one hand and had the other around Tess''s shoulders. Her face seemed more flushed than normal. "We are celebrating Nix! Sulane sent me a message congratulating us."


    Nix leaned back in the chair and put his feet up on the rail. "We are f*cking awesome. You in particular Junie."


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] Was there a particular reason you asked me to escort Festa?


    [Whisper: Nix to Donri: Not really. I often avoid my responsibilities by pushing them on other people.


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] I helped her and some of her Knights get a guild card. They tested to the 25th floor.


    [Whisper: Nix to Donri] Good job. I would have done it but I had other things going on.


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] Can I have the Seneschal position?


    [Whisper: Nix to Donri] It''s yours if you want it.


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] I''ll accept then. Thanks, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: All Inferno members now have access to the 70th floor, regardless of what floor you are individually on. Please do not attempt to enter until we are all together.


    /Inferno: Nansu: I heard you are bringing the lifestyle players also?


    /Inferno: Nix: Correct. As soon as Morti wakes up.


    /Inferno: Tess: Damn it. I want that bear.


    /Inferno: Sajana: Me too!


    /Inferno: Pon: Did you see him get all raged up and bitch slap that Ape? Most awesome thing ever.


    /Inferno: Sajana: Why is he only level one?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Huh?


    /Inferno: Semmi: What?


    /Inferno: Tess: You drinking Pinkie?


    /Inferno: Sajana: No. He showed me his stats. Level 1 Cave bear.


    /Inferno: Nix: She''s right. He''s only a cub.


    /Inferno: Tess: Bullshit!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The f*ck?


    /Inferno: Pon: What kind of bear cub slaps Ced'' Far the Magnificant around?


    /Inferno: Nix: The badass kind.


    /Inferno: Mina: We going to have that meeting Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: All the officers are on my houseboat. Come on over.


    Nix shoo''d the non-officers away before gently waking up Ronnie and Sharl. By the time Mina arrived a few minutes later, everyone was ready.


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t really have much. I''ve decided to appoint Donri to the Seneschal position. I''ll bring him and the letter to the Central Kingdom to finalize the position.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Link the items that dropped off the Boss. I''m really curious.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure.


    Oasis World Seed


    Description: A large forest instance,


    designed for the New World.


    Escalade Guild Token [Inferno Only]


    Description: A pass to enter the


    New World and register your guild


    at Parliament.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: A World Seed that we can''t use here? That''s BS.


    /Inferno: Pon: That token means we don''t have to defeat the Escalade boss?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Wow, that''s pretty amazing... Anyone but me been looking at the forums?


    /Inferno: Pon: Nope.


    /Inferno: Wind: That''s your thing Semmi.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The guilds that have crossed are all immediately disbanded. Supposedly there are huge benefits to being in a guild, however, no one can reach the registrar office.


    /Inferno: Pon: That sucks. So they are just roaming around hunting?


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s way more than that. I''ll send a brief out in a few days regarding the details. The Registrar office is rumored to be on the big central continent of Inuit. The natives are very powerful and do not allow visitors.


    /Inferno: Wind: So the New World is hostile?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yes. The guilds that have gone there all say the same thing. "Don''t come to the New World."


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s a safe bet that since the two drops from the 69th-floor boss are directly related to the New World, then the 70th floor is also somehow related.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Are there Aquarions in the New World?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Unknown. The only known race is the Dhassi. The Dhassi or Dhass, have three distinct subraces. They are called Fir''Dhassi, Ain''Dhassi, and Su''Dhassi.


    /Inferno: Wind: These Dhass are hostile?


    /Inferno: Semmi: From all accounts, yes. The Ain''Dhassi inhabit the North and South icecaps. They are referred to as Ice Dhassi. The Fir''Dhassi inhabit Inuit, they are called Forest Dhassi. Lastly, since most of the New World is Desert, the Su''Dhassi are the most common and are called Sand Dhassi.


    /Inferno: Nix: The sub-races look different from each other?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yes. The Su''Dhassi or Sand Dhassi look a lot like Ronnie does now. Dark skinned, pointed ears and very acclimated to their environment.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Awesome, I''ll head over and start my reign as Queen.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The Ain Dhassi or Ice Dhassi has white hair and blue eyes. If you covered an Aquarion''s ears, they may pass for one.


    /Inferno: Mina: There are no Water races?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Unknown. The Fir''Dhassi are the most secretive. Rumors say they are the most varied in appearance. I would expect that they would look much like Chael or Darsi.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s put this on hold for now. Semmi, please prepare a full brief before we enter the 70th floor.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You got it Nix.


    /Inferno: Mina: The reason I asked for this meeting is to share the news. The three Aquarion women who are pregnant, are all saying the same thing.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: SAY IT!!


    /Inferno: Mina: They are all sure that their unborn children are female.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Hell yeah!


    /Inferno: Sharl: How accurate is their feeling?


    /Inferno: Mina: My mother once told me, that she could feel my presence the moment the Cai''Song was used on her.


    Silence settled on the group. It was a reminder that every female Aquarion birth was the result of a human girl being sacrificed.


    /Inferno: Milat: All girls? That means our race won''t die out after we destroy the Artifact!


    /Inferno: Fajii: Regardless, they''ll be sweeping changes once the Cai''Song has been destroyed.


    /Inferno: Nix: We could be looking at all-out war. We''ll have to make sure we are prepared before we take that final step.


    /Inferno: Mina: It''s a chance for survival. It''s good news.


    /Inferno: Nix: Very good news.


    *******************


    Four days passed before Morti woke from his slumber. During that time Nix took Donri to the Central Kingdom where he accepted the Seneschal position. The former crafters of the Gladis hub all decided to become adventurers and follow Darsi on the Path of Scorched Earth. Wylie finally returned from the Gladis Ice Temple. With all Inferno members present, the Embassy elevator attendant gave them access to the 70th floor.


    Nix and Morti stepped out of the elevator together. They were in the middle of a large grassy clearing. At the end of that clearing was a stone wall that seemed to extend to the sky. In the middle of the wall was a large iron portcullis. One person was standing in front of it.


    Inferno walked towards the person, they stopped about 10 meters away, Nix, Semmi, Jun Li, Rhy, and Shae walked the rest of the way.


    A slender blonde-haired man with pointed ears bowed to them. "You have defeated Ced''Far and earned the right to enter Parliament. All of your weapons will automatically be placed in your inventory and locked there until you exit through this Portcullis. All spells and abilities of a combat nature will be disabled. No one is allowed to behave violently in Parliament."


    "I am Nix. The Leader of the Inferno Guild. May I register my guild here?"


    "Well met Nix. I am Bael Strom of the Fir''Dhassi. You may register your guild with the token you have on your person.


    /Inferno: Nix: How does he know that?


    "Anything else I should know?" Nix could see a sleek looking bow hanging across the Dhassi''s back, he was also wearing chainmail armor.


    "You may explore the Parliament building at your leisure. You may also explore the connecting courtyards. A magical barrier will prevent you from entering the forest beyond the Courtyards."


    Nix bowed slightly. "Thank you Bael, we shall enter now."


    The Dhassi stepped to one side and opened the portcullis. "You may exit and return whenever you wish.

 Chapter 129 Guild Registrar

    Nix stopped for a moment before entering. "Morti you keep an eye on Pinki, make sure she makes it back here safely."


    Morti nodded his big head. "Got it Nix."


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m going to the Guild Registrar right away. Expect that guild communication will be temporarily halted until that happens. If we are unable to communicate, meet back here in four hours.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Stay in groups please, let''s not wander until we know more.


    Nix entered the portcullis and a moment later stepped into the Parliament. The floor was covered with a red carpet-like material. The first he had seen in Colonial, or Oasis for that matter. He checked guild chat and received a message that said it was temporarily disabled. Shae had decided to accompany him for the first hour before branching out on her own.


    "Looks like there''s an upstairs, the signs are unreadable to me." The white walls were covered in impressive paintings of landscapes and fantastical creatures. Nix didn''t recognize any of them.


    "Should we ask that person?" Shae pointed to a dark-haired man who was standing next to what looked like a courtyard exit.


    "Yep." Nix grabbed her hand and together they walked toward the door. She leaned against him, enjoying the closeness they shared.


    "Greetings. I''m Nix, and this is my friend Shae." Nix gave the man a slight bow. He was definitely what Semmi had called a Su''Dhassi or Sand Dhassi.


    "A human here?" The dark-haired elf must have missed their arrival, he returned the bow. "Nice to meet you both, I''m Faidal Naibi of the Su''Dhassi.


    Nix noticed that Faidal was unarmed and wore only regular clothing. He could have passed for Ronnie''s older brother. "Could you direct me to the Guild Registrar please?"


    "Guild Registrar? Do you have the registration token?" His face broke into a wide smile when Nix nodded. "Follow me then, I will bring you there directly.


    Shae slid her hand through Nix''s arm, leaning against him while they followed the Dhassi. She noticed the man had a peculiar sweet scent on him. "Do you work in a garden? You have the sweet scent of an unknown fruit."


    Faidal stopped outside an office that was very close to an exit. "You are very perceptive. Whenever I come to Parliament, I find myself spending hours in their orchards."


    Nix glanced at the sign above the glass-paned door. "This is it? Sorry, we can''t read this language."


    Faidal nodded. "Be sure to stop by the library, there is a basic language token there that you may purchase or trade for."


    Nix thanked him and waited until the Dhassi walked away. He had noticed that the Dhassi''s eyes had strayed to his companion fairly often. Shae was wearing a red sundress that came down to her knees. Her long red hair was nearly the same length. "Let''s do this."


    Nix walked in and approached the man behind the counter. Semmi had been right, at first glance Nix would have guessed he was an Aquarion. He had white hair that was cut short and pale blue eyes. He was quite slim and stern-looking. Nix noticed that his ears seemed smaller than the other Dhassi he had met so far. "I''m Nix and this is Shae. We would like to register our guild."


    The white-haired man didn''t return his greeting. "Do you have the Guild Registration token or are you paying the fee?"


    Nix held up his token and placed it on the counter before him.


    The Dhassi picked it up and stepped away for a moment to grab a large piece of parchment. He dipped an antique-looking quill into a black jar of ink before looking up. "Name of the Guild please?"


    "Inferno," Nix replied.


    "Are you the Guild Leader Nix?" The man wrote on the parchment as he spoke, the scratching of the tip against the yellow paper seemed loud in the quiet office.


    "Yes, I am the Guild Leader."


    The Dhassi pushed the parchment in front of him and then handed him the quill. "Sign at the bottom, please. There is no fee since you have the registration token."


    Nix signed the parchment, the Dhassi picked it up and blew on the signature a few times before carefully filing it away.


    "Congratulations Guild Leader Nix, Inferno has now been registered in Oasis." He returned the token to Nix just as the World message was broadcast.


    Oasis System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for becoming the first Registered Guild in Oasis.


    Guild Chat has been restored.


    Personal Messaging has been restored.


    Inferno is promoted to 2 stars for being the first registered guild in Oasis.


    Your Guild Office is located on the 1st floor.


    All Inferno Members received the Pioneer Award.


    A Homestead Token has been deposited in your inventory.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: First.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s going to make some heads spin. I''m in the library which is on the second floor. Lot''s of information up here. First, you''ll have to pick up the basic language token. I traded a pair of archery gloves for it.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The gloves you won from me?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yep.


    /Inferno: Hyai: There is a market in the East Courtyard.


    /Inferno: Darsi: A crafter area too, there are a lot of enhancements I don''t recognize.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pick up any kind of technique you can. We''ll compensate you when we return.


    Nix grabbed Shae''s hand and left the Registrar''s Office, The nearest exit was on the Northside of the building. "Want to take a look outside?"


    Shae nodded and let herself be pulled along. "I want to visit these orchards that Faidal mentioned."


    They stepped outside into a bright sunny day, there were a few roaming white clouds but the day was pleasantly warm. The courtyard was paved with white bricks and lined with perfectly trimmed shrubs. Every so often a garden plot reserved for flowers was visible. There were a few dozen Dhassi of all subraces gathered in the area amongst a scattering of tables and chairs.


    Nix pulled Shae toward the tables, she resisted slightly and pointed upward. Rhy was flying easily high above the courtyard. The Air Nemesis seemed to be enjoying herself while she put on a display of aerial maneuvers. She had the attention of every Dhassi in the courtyard below.


    /Inferno: Shae: We are in the courtyard below Rhy.


    Nix took a seat at one of the small tables nearby, it was then he spotted a familiar-looking drink. It was served in a glass mug and had a large head of foam on it. A well Su''Dhassi wearing all white stopped in front of their table.


    "May I get you something to drink sir? The Sand Dhassi smiled pleasantly, "everything served here is complimentary."


    Nix pointed to the person with the glass mug. "What is that?"


    "That''s a drink made here in Inuit. It''s called Toma."


    "Er... made from grains?" Nix crossed his fingers beneath the table.


    "Yes, sir. Would you like to try some?"


    Nix held up the peace sign. "Two please."


    A slender hand squeezed his forearm. Shae leaned closer and kissed the side of his face. "You seem very excited."


    Nix nodded. "The drinks sold in Inns and taverns are different from what I''m used to. That Toma drink looks like beer to me."


    Shae flashed her white teeth. "Bear?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Beer."


    A moment later the waiter returned with two glass mugs and sat them down on the table. "Let me know if you require anything else."


    Nix picked it up, nodding in approval at its golden brown coloring. He cautiously took a drink. A smile lit up his face. "Oh god... that''s so good."


    Shae took a drink, before sitting it down, her face turning sour. "Teasing me?"


    "Nope. You don''t like it?" Nix grabbed her mug and slid it over next to his. "More for me."


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone in the market area?


    /Inferno: Hyai: I''m here with Kyla and Saji.


    /Inferno: Nix: Could you see if they are selling a drink called Toma?


    /Inferno: Hyai: I''ve already seen it. Large steel barrels of it, there are all kinds of drinks I''ve never heard of. Want a barrel?


    /Inferno: Nix: If they accept credits, I''ll take a dozen.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Is it good?


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s beer.


    /Inferno: Chael What?


    /Inferno: Pon: Bullshit!


    /Inferno: Wind: For real Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. They serve it at the Northside Courtyard. It''s free!


    Nix smiled at Shae. "This won''t take long." Nix took a long drink of his cold Toma while holding tightly to the second one that Shae had given him.


    A few minutes later Wind, Banz, Chael, Pon, Sharl, Ronnie, Tess, and Gypsy could be seen walking quickly toward them. Nix held up his Toma and waved. At the same time, he started to notice that the amount of Dhassi in the area had tripled in the last few minutes.


    *******************


    "I''m never leaving this place Nix. Check me out of Colonial." Pon had quickly drained half of his mug, his old face looked like he had discovered heaven.


    "Damn it." Wind was frowning at his drink. "Colonial is beerless, but this place has it?"


    "And it''s free," Nix added while pushing his empty mug away and gripping the second in his hand.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Is it really beer?


    /Inferno: Pon: Confirmed. It''s beer.


    Rhy chose this moment to bank low around the seating area before landing softly a few meters away. The entire courtyard erupted in applause.


    /Inferno: Chael: When did all the Dhassi show up?


    /Inferno: Pon: Better get in there Nix.


    Nix pushed his way through the crowd of Dhassi, some pushed back but quickly stopped when they realized that the human was quite strong. Three Dhassi had surrounded Rhy, although she did not seem bothered by it.


    "Come be my guest in Fai''Dar. It is only a few hours north of here." A Fir'' Dhassi man dressed in gold silk smiled at the Air Nemesis. He was flanked by two other Dhassi that were both wearing leather armor.


    Rhy shook her head. "I''m afraid that I can''t do that. My mate would find it very inappropriate." The dark beauty spotted Nix moving toward her. "Better make some room."


    Nix bulled his way past the guards, jostling them and their leader. "Pardon me."


    Rhy stepped closer, a black wing resting against Nix''s shoulder. "I was just enjoying the sunny day Nix."


    "Very impressive flying." Nix found himself curious about their location. "Any cities close by?"


    Rhy''s eyesight was several times sharper than humans. "Three large cities, a half dozen smaller villages and a lot of two and three home plots."


    "I''m Ura Dar, This woman will be visiting me at my home in Fai''Dar." The Dhassi in gold spoke quietly, like someone use to getting there way.


    Nix laughed loudly. "Wait... you want my wife to visit you? Are you an idiot? How about this, bring your mother and sister here and let them accompany me to my house. Would that be okay?"


    /Inferno: Pon: Here we go...


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix kept his flames from bursting out like they normally did. "I was told not to behave badly, but I gotta admit, you''re tempting me."


    "What are you doing Clansman?" A soft voice spoke from the edge of the crowd. A tall female dressed in common leather armor, her long blonde hair flowed down her back.


    "Tura!" The Dhassi bowed deeply, as did the two guards he was with. "This man insulted me."


    The Dhassi called Tura glanced at Nix briefly before turning back to Ura. "Do you think its a compliment to proposition someone else mate?" Tura turned her blue eyes on the guards. "Beat your Master without mercy and then return him to Fai'' Dar."


    Both guards bowed low and grabbed their master by the arms.


    "Guardsmen..." Her soft voice lingered in the air. "If you don''t manage to break both of his legs, then I shall visit Fai''Dar personally. The peace of the Parliament is not to be dallied with by the third son of a second rate clan."


    One of the guardsmen slammed his knee into Ura''s stomach, dropping him to his knees. The other guard kicked him in the face knocking him to the ground. A moment later both guards were kicking and stomping on their Master. To his credit, although the Dhassi grimaced in pain, he didn''t cry out nor try to defend himself.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi you still in the library?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yes. Need something?


    /Inferno: Nix: Apparently we have a guild office on the first floor. Meet me there in ten minutes.


    The Dhassi woman left without speaking further. Rhy joined Shae and Nix at their table. The two Dhassi guards beat their master for a few minutes before dragging him away.


    Pon, Wind, Chael, and Sharl had all grabbed a table and were enjoying their Toma.


    /Inferno: Pon: That''s hardcore right there.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ve been told that the Fir''Dhassi are hostile and very strong. Let''s add merciless to that list.

 Chapter 130 Guild Office

    Nix left Shae with Rhy and headed off to find the Guild office, the two Nemesis were more interested in exploring so they decided to stick together. After stopping random Dhassi twice to ask directions, Nix found their office. He would have missed it had he not seen Semmi trying to open the door.


    /Inferno: Nix: Someone call security. A suspicious person is trying to break into our office.


    Semmi glanced up, greeting him with a grimace. "Got a key? Seems to be locked."


    Nix shook his head. "Nope."


    Nix approached the door and grabbed the knob.


    [Guild Leader Nix recognized. Please set entry permissions.]


    1) Guild Leader only.


    2) All Inferno Officers.


    3) All Inferno Members.


    "All Inferno Members." The door opened with a soft metallic click.


    The office was quite large, located on the corner of the building two full walls had floor to ceiling windows. The other walls were covered with light wood paneling and the floors looked like a Spanish-style ceramic tile. There were four separate wood desks and a long conference table. An entire wall was dedicated to creating a library-style bookshelf. Nix smiled at Semmi. "I guess the first guild gets the best stuff."


    "I''ve been reading about the office and our awards." Semmi brought up one of the desk huds. "As a registered guild, we are members of the Oasis governing body, based on our guild size, we have three votes that we can use for all open dockets."


    Nix sat down behind the desk Semmi had used. "Three isn''t many."


    "The Dar clan that you met earlier, only has one. Our arrival here has changed the balance of things." Semmi grabbed a chair from another desk and slid it next to Nix.


    "Maybe that has something to do with why it is so difficult to register guilds." Nix had a good understanding of power struggles. Those who have it, want to keep it.


    Semmi handed him a small token. "I picked this up for you since you were too busy making friends."


    Basic Language Token


    Description: Grants the ability to read Dhassi.


    [Do you wish to activate the Basic Language Token?]


    "Yes." Nix frowned at Semmi. What''s that going to cost me?"


    "Clothes of course!" Semmi''s negotiations were cut short by the desk hud buzzing loudly.


    Nix covered his ears, it was ridiculously loud. He pushed a flashing icon and a moment later a woman''s face showed on his hud. He recognized her immediately as the Dhassi referred to as Tura.


    "Greetings Guild Leader Nix. I am Tura Raine Xai."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Tura is her rank, not her name. She''s the Clan leader of the Xai family.


    Nix nodded. "Greetings Tura Raine."


    "I know you just arrived in Parliament and aren''t use to our ways. Would you consider selling your Parliamentary votes to Clan Xai?"


    Nix smiled pleasantly. "No."


    Semmi stared at him while the silence stretched uncomfortably long. She had expected him to be a bit more diplomatic.


    "Surely you want to understand the culture before taking part in governing? We will offer you a standard World Seed if you assign us your vote for the next 2 years." The Xai Clan Leader seemed to have a face that never smiled.


    "No. My apologies Tura Raine, other problems demand my attention. See you soon." Nix deactivated the desk hud.


    Semmi was trying not to laugh. "See you soon?"


    Nix shrugged, "I don''t speak the political language."


    "Wasn''t bad actually. Seems like our votes are really needed." Semmi moved to the adjacent desk and opened up the hud.


    "Find out what''s going on governing-wise. Must be something important to offer up a world seed." Nix leaned back in his chair and stared at the ring on his thumb.


    [Ice Sparrow]


    Nix activated the Ice Queen''s favor. A moment later a small sparrow appeared on his desk. It was ice blue with thousands of tiny ice feathers that reflected light. It stared at him without moving.


    Semmi''s sudden intake of air told Nix that she had noticed the bird. "Where did you get that? So pretty! Can I have it?"


    "No, it''s bound to me."


    [Please choose user mode.]


    1) Command.


    2) Control.


    "Control." Nix felt his world flip-flop and grow infinitely larger. He glanced around the Guild Office, the colors had grown more vibrant and sharp. He took a short hop on the desk and then stopped. He could see himself sitting in the chair with his eyes closed.


    "Nix?" Semmi leaned closer, she lay a hand on his shoulder. "You okay boss?"


    "Yes. This is a control item. Open the window so I can fly out." Nix stared at himself sitting in the chair. "Do I always talk out of the side of my mouth like that?"


    "Holy crap... You''re controlling the bird? Vision and hearing?"


    "Yes, open the window. Good thing I practiced flying at Air''Voilla." Nix hopped onto Semmi''s extended hand.


    She brought the bird closer and nuzzled it with her face. "Damn it... so cute Nix."


    "Your lips are fricken big." Nix pecked her cheek as a warning.


    "I''m counting that as a kiss." Semmi opened the window and sat Nix on the sill."


    "Whatever... Don''t do weird things to me while I''m gone."


    "No promises." Semmi''s laugh followed him as he flew off.


    Rhy had given him advice on flying, always have a lot of space. Nix flapped his wings hard, steadily climbing until the Parliament building was only the size of a man''s hand.


    Nix learned very quickly that flying in a sparrow''s body was much easier than putting wings on a human. Everything about the small bird was made for flying. He practiced the maneuvers he had attempted in Air''Voilla, this time he was able to complete them seamlessly as he spent the next half hour flying.


    "Can you hear me Nix?" Semmi''s voice sounded far away.


    "Yes. Difficult to hear since I have two sets of ears."


    "Okay just checking. Let me know when you are heading back, I''ll put your clothes back on."


    "Funny..."


    Rhy had told him that there was a magic barrier that kept her from straying too far away. It wouldn''t let her leave the airspace above the Courtyards.


    Nix decided to test that by flying straight west. He kept an eye on the ground, expecting to hit resistance. After a few minutes, he realized that he was already over the forest. "A workaround... I like it."


    "KInda got a creepy look on your face right now boss." Semmi''s voice sounded curious. "What''s going on?"


    "I''ll tell you when I g..." A flash of black and Nix found himself back in the guild office, he jumped up out of his chair. "Holy crap."


    "Where''s the cute birdy Nix?"


    Nix examined his thumb ring. The Ice Sparrow couldn''t be summoned again for 72 hours. He had definitely been eaten. "Let''s talk about this in Glory."


    *********************


    Inferno exited the Parliament building a few hours later. Bael was no longer standing in front of the portcullis, apparently, it was a first-time deal only.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, everyone please listen up. You may now come and go through this exit at your leisure. Common sense says to travel in pairs, but if you want to go solo, no one is going to stop you.


    /Inferno: Semmi: There are a few things that I will put out later today. Primarily this has to do with the Guild Office, the homestead token and the Pioneer award.


    /Inferno: Nix: I want everyone to be aware that our arrival has the potential to tip the current balance of power. Be careful what you say and who you trust.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ll talk tomorrow about the next stage of Mermaid City. No need to drag our heels.


    [Semmi has invited you to a hidden channel. Guild Officers.]


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Thanks Semmi, some of the topics I don''t want the rest of the guild to be aware of.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: You were able to fly through the barrier with the Ice Sparrow?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Yes. Granted I was still stuck in the guild office, but I''d like to scout around some. No one mentions this.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Are we going to sell our votes? A world seed is very tempting.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: How many Colonial guilds are currently in Oasis?


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: 25 now, there probably would have been a dozen more, but the forums are filled with disgruntled guild posts.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: How many of those guilds have mid-tier guilds that remained in Colonial.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: All of them I believe. Resolute is the only Upper Tier that I know of that doesn''t have a mid-tier.


    /Guild Officers: Ronnie: Got something sneaky planned?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Contact the mid-tier leaders of those 25 guilds. I want to see them all tomorrow morning.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Seriously? How will I get them to come?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Tell them we can register all of their Upper Tier guilds in Oasis.


    /Guild Officers: Pon: The f*ck would we do that for?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I''ll give them an offer. In exchange for handing over their votes and paying the registration fee, I''ll register their guilds.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Damn Nix. Can you do that?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Yes. I''ve seen the Parliamentary guild registration contract. All I need is the guild leader''s name, the name of the guild and the fee.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: You got this idea from Tura Raine?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I''ll write it into the Guild Registration contract. Permanently giving us their votes.


    /Guild Officers: Sharl: Will they do that?


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: I think they might. Right now they are struggling to survive in a world where everything and everyone is stronger than them.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Contact Sulane too, since Resolute is our ally they can keep their votes.

 Chapter 131 Officer Brief: Semmi

    "This is very nice." Hyai sat across the small table from him while the two of them enjoyed dinner by candlelight in his room. Apparently they didn''t do things like this in Colonial.


    Nix smiled and took a long drink of his beer. "This reminds me of my childhood."


    "Oh? Did you enjoy candlelight dinner when you were a boy?"


    Nix nodded, the smile on his face growing. "There used to be these terrible storms in Camden during the summer. The lightening would cause us to lose power and my mother would break out the candles. Of course, without power, we''d eat sandwiches or cold leftovers."


    Hyai knew all about his two sisters and parents. He would often talk about them when they were alone. "The older sister. Beverly was it?"


    "Good memory. We called her Bev or Bevvy. Unless she was in trouble, then she was Beverly."


    Hyai laughed softly. "Couldn''t Bev visit you here?"


    Nix stared at his plate, using a piece of bread to sop up the last of the gravy. "I suppose she could."


    *****************


    A gentle shake caused Nix to wake up. Hyai was sitting on the bed next to him, already fully dressed. "You asked me to wake you, hun. Morning meeting right?"


    Nix yawned and sat up in bed. "Yep..." He tilted precariously, his eyes still not opening.


    Hyai leaned closer and kissed him before standing up. "You''re going back to bed aren''t you?"


    "Hmm... maybe." Nix teetered there for a moment before finally opening his eyes as the door closed behind her. "I''m up... I''m up."


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s a full house Nix, report to Guild Hall when you get up.


    /Inferno: Nix: How many showed up?


    Nix started getting dressed, smiling when he saw that Hyai had left him breakfast.


    /Inferno: Semmi: 36, every single person I spoke to is here.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s more than you said yesterday.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I approached the Upper Tier guilds that are still here but were qualified to leave.


    /Inferno: Nix: Smart. Thanks, Sem.


    A half-hour later Nix stood in front of three dozen mid-tier guild leaders. "Semmi already told you our offer. In exchange for registering your Upper-Tier guild. You will pay the cost of registration and sign over your votes."


    "That''s a bit harsh isn''t it?" A woman dressed all in black spoke. She had recently been appointed Guild Leader of the mid-tier Salamander Guild since their previous leader had been executed.


    Nix tried not to scowl, Necromancers put him on edge. "If you think so then leave. This is only a proposal, although I won''t negotiate, no one is forcing you."


    A man sitting toward the back of the room stood up. "How would this work Nix?"


    "I will have a 2-part contract set-up. The Guild Leaders in Oasis will receive a notification asking them to give their votes up in exchange for registration. If they agree, they will receive a second notification asking if they agree to have a Guild registered in their name. If they pay the fee, this will conclude the contract."


    A red-haired cleric who was the first to arrive raised her hand politely, she was the Guild Leader of an Upper-Tier Guild called The Red Hand. "What about the guilds who haven''t left yet?"


    "Same as the others. The only difference is that we''ll take care of it right when you cross the Escalades." Nix smiled pleasantly like he was giving them a good deal. "You''ll arrive without having your Guild communications disrupted. You''ll be able to build a Guildhall and take on Guild raids."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Even when their guilds are registered, they still won''t be able to access Parliament. Unless the Fir''Dhassi opens up the travel lanes for humans.


    /Inferno: Nix: Should we ask for their Guild office too?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s a bit much probably.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I agree.


    Semmi moved to the front of the room and stood next to Nix. "You''ve heard our proposal. This offer expires in a week, so contact the higher-ups within your organizations. We will register all the guilds at the same time."


    Nix didn''t say a word as they slowly filtered out.


    /Inferno: Nix: How many votes are those guilds worth?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Two each. We would have two also, but we received a bonus for being first.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The Upper-Tier guilds aren''t big like the mid-tiers. They streamline, focusing on quality rather than quantity.


    /Inferno: Semmi: If they all agree, we''ll end up with 75 votes, counting the three we already have.


    ******************


    Mai Lee picked up her cereal bowl and walked into the living room. The small Asian woman was dressed in a white tank top with matching underwear and since she lived by herself was unconcerned about offending anyone. She sat back on her couch and put her small feet on the coffee table. "That bastard Nix has us by the balls!"


    Her wristband hud vibrated and she answered it without thinking. A woman dressed in black stared at her through the hud. Mai waved a spoon at her best friend. "Hey, Yams."


    The Necromancer smiled unexpectedly, "I should stream this moment to the entire Upper Tier."


    "Do it." Mai wasn''t worried, Yamica had been her college roommate and they were like sisters. "We''ll take the offer."


    Yamica stared at her friend. Not many people knew that Gideon, the manly Guild Leader of Upper-Tier Salamander, was actually a petite Asian female named Mai Lynn. "Is that smart?"


    "We are stuck Yams. We can''t enter any Guild instances, our only method of communicating is shouting and we can''t build a Guildhall. I don''t give a rat''s ass about some useless f*cking vote."


    Yamica sighed loudly. "It''s only been a few weeks, isn''t this hasty?"


    Mai nodded. "Of course it''s hasty. We were in such a rush to be first that we leaped without looking. Know what you call a tree without roots? Firewood. That''s what Upper-Tier Salamander is right now, f*cking firewood."


    "Fine. You go back into Stasis soon?" Yamica logged off every night, but Mai just finished a 1-year Stasis a few weeks earlier.


    "Yep. I delayed a few weeks to meet with the Board and attend my brother''s wedding. I like the 12-month stay best."


    "You sure about this deal, Mai?"


    Mai finished the rest of her cereal and then sat the bowl down. "Mid-Tier Salamander f*cked up by letting Jun Li and Semmi leave. We should have left Shae alone. Make the deal. Make sure they know that we are dropping the grudge. Clear?"


    Yamica nodded. "I will set it up."


    *************


    [Inferno Officer: Semmi: Oasis and Bonus Brief]


    All individuals from Inferno received 2 important rewards from being the first Guild to register in the New World. As you know, the New World isn''t our focus at the moment but we still have to be aware.


    [Item 1: Homestead Token]


    This is an individual home or house. According to my research, it has at least a half dozen varieties. Everything from vegetable farms to livestock ranches. You can activate this on any free lands or personal World Seeds. This includes World Seeds owned by Inferno.


    [Item 2: Pioneer Award]


    This award is an accompaniment to the Homestead Token but will be applied to any lands you may own. The information is sketchy on this. Look at it as a "blessing" on your Lands. Better crops, livestock, etc.


    [Oasis World Seed]


    I included this on the briefing because it is very important. The World Seed that we currently reside in is actually Nix''s personal one. The Oasis World Seed is vastly larger and offers many interesting opportunities. Every variety of topography can be found inside. Rivers, Lakes, Mountains, deserts, even minor weather fluctuations. This is probably the best place to use your Homestead Token, but the option is yours alone so make your own decision.


    [Oasis Geography]


    Like Colonial, Oasis has seven Continents. The Inuit Continent is where Parliamentary is located. This is also the homeland of the Fir''Dhassi or Forest Dhassi. There are four smaller continents called Maitha, Shogu, Bazra, and Phai. This is where you will find the tribal lands of the Su''Dhassi or the Desert Dhassi. There are two polar continents in the far North and South Regions, Samoi and Esha. The Icecaps are the territory of the Ain''Dhassi or Ice Dhassi. Dhassi and Dhass are interchangeable, the second is a bit less formal.


    [Parliamentary Government]


    Individual Countries govern themselves, however, World governing is shared between the races and the guilds of Oasis, with each getting a certain amount of votes. As many of you know, we have 3 votes. According to my research, the Fir''Dhassi have 90, the Ain''Dhassi have 63 and the Su''Dhassi has 69. This is the total of each race, for example, although the Fir''Dhassi has 90 votes, they often find themselves at odds with each other. The Xai clan owns 32 of those votes, the next highest Fir''Dhassi clan has 18; they don''t always cooperate when it comes to World governing.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks for the info, Sem. We are bringing a 20 person raid team for Mermaid City 5.4, also known as the Prison Raid. The following people, please report to the docks at once.


    Healers: Nezbit, Pinky, Tess, Gypsy, Wylie.


    DPS: Milat, Zhava, Pon, Wind, Chael, Ronnie, Semmi, Mina, Darsi.


    CC: Nix: Sila, Fajii.


    Tanks: Sharl, Jun Li, Banzi


    /Inferno: Nix: If your name is not on the list, enjoy your day off.

 Chapter 132 Prison Raid

    /Inferno: Jun Li: There is nearly no information on the 4th stage of the 5th floor. It''s is supposed to be a prison, so we might find some humans, rebels or even Aquarions.


    /Inferno: Nix: Morti is taking a few well deserved days off, so don''t ask me to summon him.


    /Inferno: Fajii: I saw him with Rhy and Shae. They were heading to the Parliament.


    /Inferno: Nix: That should be fun.


    The group of 20 joined hands and Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the 5th Floor staging area. They crossed the courtyard quickly and stood on the 4th stage platform. An instant later, all 20 of them disappeared.


    They appeared a moment later in the entryway of a large stone building. It was completely empty except for a door made of steel bars. Nix walked to the barred door and peeked through. He slipped on his Wolf mask to heighten his senses.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: An Air Zone, that works to our advantage.


    /Inferno: Nix: Just a creepy, dark stairs leading downward.


    He pulled on the door, "it''s locked."


    Semmi kneeled down and spent a few minutes working the lock before it clicked open.


    /Inferno: Wind: I need to get the lockpick skill too.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared before them, she was already in Siren form. She seemed to be doing that a lot more lately.


    Nix smiled at his companion. "Go with the scouts, I want to know where everyone is."


    Ducky nodded.


    /Inferno: Nix: Wind and Semmi scout out the area.


    The three of them disappeared through the door, leaving the raid at the entrance. Nix watched the mini-map as it slowly filled with red dots. Ducky excelled at finding the enemy even though she didn''t possess any kind of stealth talent. A few minutes later all three of them returned.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Pretty straight forward. There is a prison block that we need to make our way through. The Inmates are in their cells and there are no guards.


    /Inferno: Wind: There are four cells that are open, the inhabitants of these cells look like sub-bosses.


    /Inferno: Nix: Is there an exit?


    /Inferno: Semmi: The exit to this stage is at the end of the cellblock.


    Nix led the way back down the stairs, the door to the cellblock was only a few dozen steps. The door creaked slightly when he pushed it open. The scout team had said that the halls of the prison were empty.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The first open cell isn''t until the end of this long hall. That''s the first sub-boss, they look like standard humans. No way to know what they can do.


    Nix noticed an open empty cell. and walked in.


    /Inferno: Nix This cell looks open... Thought you guys said there were only four open cells.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s empty Nix. There''s no bunk so it''s probably not a cell to start with.


    Nix glanced around the small barred room. He grinned when he saw the levers.


    /Inferno: Nix: How about I put us on the fast track?


    There were dozens of levers, none of them were labeled, however, four of them were up while the rest were pulled down. Nix reached out and grabbed the nearest of the four ''up'' levers.


    /Inferno: Nix: Anything happen?


    /Inferno: Wind: Shit... the first boss cell just closed, with him in it.


    Nix laughed to himself and pulled the next three in rapid succession.


    /Inferno: Nix: This is the control room I think.


    When he pulled the fourth lever, a small panel opened up and exposed a hidden lever.


    /Inferno: Semmi: All the boss cells are closed Nix!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Short cut?


    Nix pulled the hidden lever. The loud clanging of a steel door sounded in the distance.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Damn... The exit door opened. Let''s run for it!


    They had only made it a few meters down the hall before the exit slammed shut and all four sub-boss doors opened up again. The raid members skidded to a halt.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Worth a try I guess. Looks like we are doing this the hard way.


    Ducky stared back at the way they had come. "Nix gone."


    /Inferno: Sharl: Huh?


    The tank walked back toward the entrance and entered the barred room Nix had been in. There were no levers visible.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Nix?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: He''s grayed out in the raid group.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I tried to whisper to him, says he unavailable.


    /Inferno: Pon: Damn it Wind... It was your turn to babysit the noob.


    Wind laughed but then covered it up when Ducky and Wylie frowned at him.


    /Inferno: Wind: It''s Nix guys... If he gets in trouble he''ll just go Salamander and blow this place up.


    **********************


    Nix bounced several times and then skidded to a halt against the steel bars of a cell. He gripped the bars and pulled himself back to his feet. "Who puts a trapdoor in the control room?"


    Guildchat has been disabled.


    Personal Messaging has been disabled.


    It was then he noticed the person sitting on the bottom bunk. A smell like rotten eggs wafted off the creature. It was nearly the size of a man and covered in matted brown fur. Its red eyes watched him cautiously. Nix noticed that it was dressed in rags and the remanents of shoes on its clawed feet. It looked a bit like a ferret.


    The ferret-man didn''t act aggressively, he just watched calmly as Nix gripped the bars on the door and tried to shake it open.


    Nix kicked the door twice before stepping back and sighing heavily. "F*ck me..." He glanced at ferret-man again. "You get the top bunk shorty."


    The creature finally moved, it walked slowly on its hind legs, like someone who hadn''t moved in a long time. It raised a narrow paw and pointed out of the cell. There were four levers on the wall.


    "Damn, more levers. Know which one of those opens our cell?"


    Ferret-man held up four fingers.


    "Hmm." Nix extended a hand through the bars, a moment later an emerald strand of fire wrapped around the far right lever and he pulled and heard the clanking of a metal door opening in the distance.


    Ferret-man shook his narrow head.


    Nix scowled at his cellmate. "You said four! Obviously that means the far right one!"


    Ferret-man gestured to the left with his hand.


    "You arguing with me whiskers? How about we make ferret-kabob?" Another strand of emerald flame shot out and wrapped around the far left lever. When he pulled it down, their cell opened up with a loud bang.


    Nix followed ferret-man out of the cell and immediately tried to open a hud map.


    [Map features have been disabled]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Spirit Companion is unavailable.


    "Serious? How about you blindfold me? Or maybe handcuff my hands behind my back?" Nix was stomping down the dimly lit hall muttering curses when he heard the steel doors banging again.


    Ferret-man was watching him with those red eyes, he had pulled the other two levers. A moment later the sound of footsteps running toward them could be heard.


    Nix stared as two more ferret people appeared. One was fat and the other had stripes like a housecat. "The f*ck could you be eating in a dungeon that would make you fat?"


    The two new ferrets walked over to stand beside the one that had pulled the lever. Then all three sets of red eyes stared at him.


    "They with you? Fine." Nix turned from them and started down the hall again. "No more pulling random levers."


    The hall was lined on both sides with cells, each cell had one or two skeletons in it. Nix noticed the exaggerated teeth of the dead prisoners. More ferret-men?


    As they walked each of the ferret-men managed to pick up a makeshift weapon. Two of them were carrying bars that had been loosened from a cell. The third carried a long sharp bone, courtesy of a random skeleton.


    Eventually, the hall came to a "T". Nix glanced down both halls before looking at his ferret-men companions. "Which way?"


    Fat-ferret immediately pointed to the left, after a moment Cat-ferret did also. His original companion shrugged its narrow shoulders.


    "Nope... I''m going right." Nix broke into a trot and headed down the right passage, it stopped abruptly at a heavy metal door. It opened easily and the group moved forward. They hadn''t gone more than a few meters when it slammed shut behind them and dozens of torches burst into flames all at once.


    The ferret-men chittered their teeth loudly while shielding their eyes. They were in a large round room that was lit every few meters by torches. A gigantic snake statue stood next to an open archway.


    "Hey... That looks like the way ..." He stopped when the statue started slithering toward them. "Of f*cking course." He shrugged apologetically at his companions. "This one is on me."


    Nix stepped away from the group.


    [Aura Ignition]


    A loud rattle caused Nix to freeze in place, a moment later the gigantic head of the snake struck at him. Two hands pushed him to one side causing the snake to miss, both Nix and his helper were still thrown sideways as they were struck a glancing blow.


    Nix quickly rolled to his feet, both hands glowing as he cast.


    [Flame Snare]


    King Fakris has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Flame Root]


    King Fakris has been rooted in place.


    [Flame Throw]


    Emerald Flames erupted like a geyser out of Nix''s raised hand, bathing the snake in a steady stream of fire.


    All three of the ferret-men worked their way around the massive snake and were attacking it from behind with their makeshift weapons.


    The rattling sound from the snake''s tail grew unbearably loud.


    You have been stunned.


    Nix watched helplessly as the King Snake turned and ate Fat-Ferret whole. It then struck at Cat-Ferret but the striped creature managed to jump out of the way.


    You have resisted stun.


    Nix pulled his Scythe from his inventory and pushed his flames into it.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    The space between him and the snake instantly disappeared. Nix struck downward at the back of its head with the weapon. It sunk deep into the flesh with a loud hiss, a moment later the weapon was torn from his grasp. He raised his hands and 12 strands of Emerald Fire wrapped around the Snakes neck just below the head. They clung to each other, Nix gripped it with his legs while the Snake King coiled around him.


    The two ferret-men continued to stab it, although they were small creatures, they struck gaping holes in the Snake-Kings flesh. Nix struggled to breathe, as the snake''s body constricted around him. He pulled his strands with all his strength, they sunk into the flesh of the Snake King with the sound of sizzling bacon.


    Finally, Nix let go of his strands.


    [Balefire]


    White flame burst through the back of the Snake King''s head, once again the combatants were tossed clear, this time the creature fell to the floor. Its eyes quickly glazing over even before it finished twitching. The three remaining combatants lay on the cold stone floor, gasping for air.


    After a moment, Nix jumped to his feet while drawing his hilt, he quickly pushed flames into the blade and stabbed deep into the snake''s neck. Slowly he walked the sword toward the tail, slicing it open. He grimaced at the smell of blood and entrails as they spilled onto the floor. He stopped at a suspiciously large lump and let the sword flame out.


    He stepped back to examine his handiwork, then moved forward and thrust both hands deep into the gash he had cut. The stench of snake entrails was nearly overwhelming, finally, he felt a small arm. With a surge of strength, he pulled it free from the Snake King''s corpse. It splattered on the floor beside him while he rolled over and retched up his breakfast.


    The lump he pulled from the snake slowly moved, it coughed a few times, the bloody arms and legs both moving frantically like it was trying to escape.


    A few minutes later, Fat-Ferret was finally standing, although he leaned heavily on his two friends. Nix advanced forward with a smile on his bloody face. "You guys are pretty fierce."


    ***********************


    Sharl slammed her shield into the chin of the Dread Guard, driving its head up long enough for Semmi to step in neatly and cut his throat.


    Semmi has slain a Dread Guard.


    /Inferno: Pon: Where the f*ck is that punk? Do I have to carry him through an entire stage now?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Good question. That''s the exit, let''s figure it out after.


    The raid force of 19 had killed all four sub-bosses and the Dread Guard that ruled over them. Jun Li opened the exit door and stopped suddenly. Through the doorway was a solid stone wall.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Um... Perhaps we missed something.


    *******************


    Nix held out a hand to the three Ferret-Men. "From now on, you guys are my boon companions."


    All three Ferret-Men grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Of course I''m not sure what a boon companion is, but I really like the sound of it."


    He opened the door and all four of them stepped through the doorway.


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to clear Stage four on the fifth floor of Mermaid City.


    Fat-ferret placed his hands on his belly. "Am I really fat?"


    Cat-ferret shook his head. "Definitely not."


    The other ferret considered it carefully for a moment. "I''m gonna say yes. You''re a fatty."

 Chapter 133 The first Vote

    "Feeling abandoned Nix?" Jun Li gave him a pat on the back.


    The three ferrets stopped at Glory long enough to get cleaned up and eat. Nix made them some clothes to wear and even got Dalton to make them some shoes. After that, they said goodbye and took the portal out. They did tell him their names. The striped one was called Amb, the chubby one was Tofo and the first one Nix had met was called Po.


    Nix shrugged. "Probably have a home somewhere. They were tough little guys, brave as hell too."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Well... It didn''t take long. All 36 guilds have agreed. The guilds here in Colonial who were holding back are all making the move in three days.


    /Inferno: Nix: A mass exodus? Is that a coincidence?


    /Inferno: Semmi: I suggested it would inconvenient if we don''t get them all done at the same time.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Once they leave, Resolute will be the only remaining Upper-Tier Guild that is capable of crossing the bridge. The rest of the Upper-Tiers aren''t very strong.


    ******************


    [3 days later in the Sun-Valley on the Su''Dhassi continent of Phai]


    [Assassinate]


    Gideon has assassinated Gato the Slayer.


    "Drop anything good Gid?" Bellevue, the guild''s primary healer was also a notorious moocher. The words, ''I don''t want it" didn''t exist for her.


    Gideon sighed as he examined the drops. "Just crap Bells, go ahead and salvage what you want." He stepped away from the corpse. One of his scouts had found the mob earlier in the day. There was some hope that Salamander would finally have some luck in the New World.


    [A Contract has been offered. Nix will register the Salamander Guild in Parliament in exchange for the permanent acquisition of your Guild votes. Do you agree?]


    Gideon stared at the message for a moment before replying. "Yes."


    [The Salamander Guild is being registered in Parliament with you as the Guild Leader. Do you accept this appointment? Note: You are responsible for the 100 million Credit fee]


    "Yes."


    [One hundred million credits have been deducted from your account and paid to Parliament.]


    Oasis System Message: Oasis welcomes Salamander to the New World.


    Guild Chat is enabled.


    Personal Messaging is enabled.


    Three mandatory Guild raids are available.


    Guild Raid: Terror of the Dark.


    Guild Raid: Hold the Line.


    Guild: Raid: Building the Guild Hall.


    /Salamander: Soju: What? We are in?


    /Salamander: Miki: THANK You GIDEON!


    /Salamander: Gideon: Back in business folks.


    *********************


    Nix was whistling when he finally left the Registrar''s Office. They had finalized all the contracts at the same time. Oasis had been bombarded with the new guild welcoming messages.


    Shae squeezed his hand. "He didn''t look happy."


    Nix grinned. The Ain''Dhassi who helped him was the same one as before. His stern manner had grown even frostier when presented with 36 registrations.


    Semmi was working at one of the desks when Nix and Shae walked in. She was looking at the votes. "We now have 75 votes Nix. That''s more than 2 out of the 3 races."


    Nix moved to the big desk that was centered on the window. He noticed a plague that said Guild Leader Nix had been added to the desktop. "This your doing Sem."


    The blonde gave him a mischevious smile. "Maybe."


    Soft lips pressed into the back of his neck, reminding him that Shae was still there. "You don''t have to stay Shae. I''m going to read through some of the dockets"


    Shae grabbed a chair from the nearby desk and pulled it close to his. "Don''t mind me, just going to watch for a bit."


    Nix nodded, "we meeting Fajii at the market?"


    "Yep, in two hours." She leaned her head against him and watched as he navigated through the governing menu.


    Nix found the docket menu relatively quickly. The title of the docket was followed by the amount of time left until the voting deadline expired. He selected one that was expiring in a few hours.


    [3 year limit on war prisoners: 2.5 hours: 3rd Time Rule]


    Summary: Taking prisoners during raids, sea battles and times of war is a long-standing tradition. This proposal seeks to limit the time in which these prisoners can be held captive. If approved, all prisoners that have fulfilled the 3-year obligation will be released immediately.


    [Approving Opinion: Serai Del Tali]


    [Dissenting Opinion: Tura Raine Xai]


    Nix activated the Approving Opinion and a moment later the face of an Ain''Dhassi female appeared on his hud. It was obviously a recording.


    [Serai Del Tali]


    "We need to set a limit on the amount of time that prisoners can be held in captivity. Too many of our Oasis citizens have become lifetime slaves because war and greed. The Ain''Dhassi are targeted frequently because of our precious metal mines. Simple miners are taken away in raids and never see their families again. Please help me in my fight to change this tragic and abhorrent practice."


    "Sounds reasonable." He glanced over at Semmi, "know what the 3rd time rule is?"


    Semmi looked over from her desk. "Just like it sounds. It''s the limit on proposing dockets. If a docket is voted down 3 times, it can never be presented again."


    "I see." Nix clicked on the Dissenting Opinion and the image of Tura Raine filled his hud.


    [Tura Raine Xai]


    The taking of prisoners as part of War and Conquest is a long-standing Oasis Tradition. The Ain''Dhassi would have you believe that they are above such things, but the reality is that their warships and raiding parties are just active as the other Oasis races. When you take part in a raid, the results are permanent whether it''s death or captivity. The truth of this matter is that half of all Ain''Dhassi raids end in failure. This is due to their own incompetence as warriors. Vote this proposal down for the 3rd time, so we can finally move on to more important matters.


    Nix leaned back in his chair, soft hair brushing against his shoulder reminded him that Shae was still there. ''What do you think? Taking part in raids and then complaining about the results?"


    Shae shrugged. "Salamanders are too powerful to move about in large groups."


    Nix laughed and clicked on the name of Serai Del Tali. "True. I want to see what she says."


    A pale woman with white hair and crystal blue eyes stared at Nix through his hud. Her pointed ears were adorned with white stones that glittered brightly. "May I help you, sir?"


    "I''m Inferno Guild Leader Nix. I have some questions about your docket." Nix liked her right away, the tone of her voice was respectful, not cold or arrogant like he was expecting.


    "I''m Del Tali. I will answer any question you have Guild Leader Nix."


    "Just call me Nix. I read both opinions on this docket. What answer would you give to the point that your raids aren''t very successful? You seem to be taking part but don''t want to bear the long term consequences."


    "We are taking part and our raids are very ineffectual. Three years ago we lost nearly half of our fighters in the Mere Stone War. Those lost fighters were all elites. This is the reason for our ''ineffectual raids.'' "


    Nix watched her face for any signs of nervousness or duality. "I''m not familiar with Mere Stone."


    "The Mere stone was new at the time. An easily mined stone that can enhance armor and spells. At that time the only known source was the Ain''Dhassi territory. We selfishly decided to keep it for ourselves. The other Dhassi races invaded and for several weeks a horrible war was waged." Del''s voice sounded strained, like someone who was trying to stay composed.


    "I''m assuming the Ain''Dhassi lost this war?"


    Del nodded. "A large island off of our Southern Icecap was taken over by the Fir''Dhassi. The war may have continued, but other deposits of Mere Stone were found in the Fir''Dhassi and Su''Dhassi territories."


    "I see. That''s all the questions I have." Nix cut the communication and leaned back in his seat. He clicked on the docket vote count.


    [Approve: 96 Dissent: 126]


    He stared at the screen for a long time before finally clicking on the vote icon.


    [Cast 75 votes for Approve?]


    "Yes."

 Chapter 134 Assassins in the Woods

    Nix spent a few more minutes looking at dockets before shutting the hud down A glance to his left told him that Semmi was still at it.


    "We''re heading out for a bit Sem."


    The blonde scout barely looked up. "Okay... I''m reviewing all the dockets that are expiring in the next 2 weeks. I''ll present anything pressing at the guild meetings."


    Nix took Shae''s hand and together they left the Guild Office. The sound of running footsteps caused him to turn. The Ain''Dhassi who had helped him write up the contracted skidded to a halt in front of him.


    "Er... Something I can do for you?" Nix noticed the man''s frosty demeanor was gone.


    The Ain''Dhassi dropped to his knees and touched his head to the floor. "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, sir!"


    "Hey... easy there." Nix bent down and grabbed his arm, gently helping him back to his feet. "Going to hurt yourself doing that."


    "I''m Solamane Manu, of Clan Manu. All three of my elder brothers were taken prisoner in the Mere Stone Wars."


    "Solamane? Nice to meet you, I''m Nix and this is Shae." Nix put a hand on the Ice Dhassi''s shoulder. "I hope everything works out for you."


    Shae pulled him down the hall, leaving the Dhassi staring at them. "Sorry, we''re meeting someone."


    Nix bit down a laugh as he was pulled down the hall by Shae. Fajii must have braided the Salamander''s hair earlier, when braided it only hung to her waist. "What''s the rush? Are we late?"


    Shae shook her head and held tightly to his hand.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Who can make me a crown? Darsi? You can make one of those?


    /Inferno: Darsi: I suppose I could. What kind of enchantment do you want?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: None... just has to be pretty.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Give it an intelligence bonus. Maybe that will help.


    They found Fajii looking at rings, there was a wide variety of them. Some with magical enhancements, others just nice to look at. She looked up when they approached her.


    "Nix.. there''s a man behind me. He''s been watching me since I arrived." Fajii held a gold ring up. "Do you like this one Nix?"


    Nix nodded and spotted the man right away. He wasn''t even trying to avert his eyes. "I don''t blame him, you look very nice today."


    Shae smiled in agreement, "he probably thinks you are a dhassi like him."


    Nix looked objectively at Fajii. Although Aquarion on the outside, she no longer could pass for one of them. She was almost as dark as Ronnie, her ears came to perfect points and her brown hair was streaked with red. The verticle iris''s from the Scorched Earth Temple had turned Fajii into an exotic beauty.


    The dhassi finally decided to approach them. He had light-colored hair and green eyes. His pointed ears were definitely longer then Fajii''s. "May I ask what clan you belong to Miss?"


    "I''m from the Inferno Guild." Fajii gave him a pleasant smile while she purchased the gold ring that caught her eye.


    The dhassi seemed to freeze for a moment. "A dhassi has joined a human guild?"


    Fajii''s smile faded. "I''m an Aquarion from Colonial. Do you even know what that means? I can live, eat, breathe and sleep underwater."


    Shae let a small laugh slip out, she quickly covered it with a slender hand. "Watching someone for so long is a bit rude. It makes me curious as to your purpose."


    "Is my Clansman bothering you, Guild Leader Nix?" A young Fir''Dhassi woman spoke from behind them. "I''m Tura Umi Strom and this gentleman is one of my older cousins."


    The Dhassi in question bowed deeply. "Tura Umi, I was only making conversation."


    Nix raised an eyebrow, "Strom? Relation to Bael?"


    Umi smiled slightly. She had the lightest brown eyes Nix had ever seen, her hair was a deep auburn color. "Favorite Uncle..." She stood up straight and deepened her voice in a fair imitation of the Bael that Inferno had met. "I stand outside of the Clan!"


    Fajii and Shae both laughed at the gesture.


    Nix had to bite his lip to keep from joining them. "He seemed very stern."


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi, look up Tura Umi Strom, please.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Daughter of the Clan Strom Leader, second strongest Clan among the Fir''Dhassi. They have 18 votes.


    "He wasn''t bothering us, he mistook me for a Dhassi female." Fajii moved to Nix''s other side and handed him the ring she had purchased. "I bought this for you Nix."


    "Hmm?" Nix slipped the ring over his free thumb. As an Aquarion, Fajii was without guile. She would say the same things in public that she would say in private. He held out his hand and examined it. "Goes with my eyes?"


    Shae nodded. "Pretty."


    "Please accept my invitation to visit the Clan Strom Office in Parliament, we are located on the 3rd floor." Umi slipped a hand through her older cousin''s arm, making it clear that he was leaving with her.


    "I''ll pass but I won''t say no to a cold Toma sometime." Nix let himself get pulled away by the ever impatient Shae.


    Oasis System Message: All War Captives that have been held for three years or longer, must be released immediately.


    ******************


    Nix spent the afternoon wandering the busy Parliament courtyards with Shae and Fajii. The trio had wandered to the orchards and found themselves near the magical barrier.


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you sense anything Shae?


    /Inferno: Shae: Only that I can''t cross. It''s tied into the power of Earth or Nature, I can''t tell which. An Earth Nemesis could probably break out.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s head back, I''m going to do more research at the Guild Office.


    He parted ways with Shae and Fajii when they decided to head back to Colonial. Semmi was still sitting at the same desk, flipping through the different menus.


    "Working kinda hard Sem." Nix smiled at her when he walked in.


    Semmi covered a yawn. "I want to replace the desk by the window with a couch. Sound good?"


    Nix took a seat at his desk and leaned back. "See to it. Let''s keep a warm blanket and soft pillow on it."


    Semmi nodded. "Deal."


    [Ice Sparrow]


    A tiny, ice colored bird landed on the desk.


    Semmi stood and put out a hand for him to hop on. She then opened his desk hud and pointed to an area directly North of Parliament. "This is the place you asked about."


    She placed him on the window sill next to the open window again. "Try not to get eaten."


    Nix cocked his little ice head to one side and pecked at her hand. "Don''t be so clingy."


    Nix stayed lower this time and moved in a circular pattern towards the barrier. He would exit the barrier near the orchards and stay in the trees. He hoped to avoid any flying predators.


    He spent the next hour weaving in and out of trees, his flying skills quickly improving. He was about to cross a fast-moving river when he spotted them. A half dozen stealthed fighters were laying down in the tall ferns that lined the riverbank. He could tell they were stealthed because they were nearly transparent to his enhanced bird vision. Apparently the Ice Sparrow could see through the subterfuge.


    /Inferno: Nix: Spotted an ambush or raiding party of some kind.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Can you tell their race?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, I don''t see their target either. Gonna look around...


    Nix decided to take a risk and fly higher for a few seconds, he spotted them almost immediately. A small covered wagon was camped in a small grove of trees on the other side of the river.


    /Inferno: Nix: What kind of mounts does Oasis have?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Almost exclusively the Dhassi ride horses. Flying mounts are in constant danger from a number of large flying predators.


    Nix flew across the stream and landed on the top of the wagon. It reminded him of the kind that Gypsy fortune tellers would have in the stories he use to read. There were three Ain''Dhassi sitting around a small fire. They wore green armor and all three had arrow quivers strapped to their back. Three bows leaning against the wagon made Nix guess they were a hunting party.


    /Inferno: Nix: Damn... think I found the target.


    /Inferno: Semmi: So close to Parliament?


    /Inferno: Nix: F*ck... they''re barely kids. It looks like a hunting party.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I could send a message to Del Tali.


    /Inferno: Nix: No, then they''d know we can see outside somehow. I''ll handle it.


    Nix flew down and landed on the soft sand next to the fire.


    It was the female who noticed him first. "Hey! Is that a Winter Sparrow?"


    The other two were young males, they could have been brothers by the look of them.


    The female broke off a piece of bread that she was eating and tossed it on the ground. "Think he wants to bond with one of us?"


    /Inferno: Nix: What was the symbol for danger again?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Looks like an upside ''y''.


    Nix hopped onto a clear patch of sand and started doing his best to draw the symbol.


    "He looks hurt." The male larger adolescent with a slighter deeper voice spoke, there was a hint of laughter in his voice.


    "A mating dance maybe? Could be he really wants to bond with you Cora." The smaller male grinned when he spoke.


    Nix hopped over to his feet and pecked them.


    All three of them immediately went quiet, their demeanors turning serious.


    "Hey..." The one called Cora bent lower to look at him closely.


    Nix gave up on his first drawing and made another one closer.


    "Danger?" Cora looked at the two boys she was with. "Doesn''t that look like danger?"


    The large male lowered his voice. "Can you understand us?"


    Nix nodded his head. When he did all three adolescents reached for their bows.


    "We are in danger?" Cora whispered the words softly.


    Nix nodded again. He moved to the stump next to the fire and used his beak to point in the direction.


    The older male moved to the wagon and opened a small hud. "We have reason to believe we are in danger."


    A deep voice spoke from the hud, Nix couldn''t make out the words but suddenly all three Ain''Dhassi moved into the woods and disappeared from sight. Nix flew up to the top of the wagon and waited.


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s actually kind of nice here if you don''t consider the ambush. They haven''t moved yet so they could be waiting for dark.


    Nix spotted three ghosts moving silently through the forest, without a doubt they were using some sort of enhanced movement technique. He had never seen anything move so swiftly and quietly through the forest. They appeared in the bushes a few meters from the fire, all three of them were masked. One of them was definitely looking at him.


    A feminine voice flowed softly from the undergrowth, it was smooth and quiet like silk. "Our ally?"


    Nix nodded his bird head.


    "Where''s the enemy?"


    Nix took to the air again, he flew over the river. The would-be assassins had moved closer to the river but were still hiding in the ferns. Nix dipped a wing and flew directly over them before landing in a nearby tree.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shows about to start...


    Only two of the ghosts bothered to come. The female appeared in the middle of them and two silver swords flashed. The other used arrows and killed two of them with one-shot each.


    Nix whistled from his seat in the Guild officer. He had only seen Chiba move like that. Was that the standard in Oasis?


    /Inferno: Nix: I want to see who the bad guys are here.


    The difference in skill between the two groups was too vast. The archer and the dual-wielding swordmaster made quick work of the enemy. Nix noticed that they were searching the bodies so he glided to the ground and landed nearby.


    The female held out her hand. "Come little bird."


    Nix ignored the request and hopped closer to one of the bodies. It was definitely a Fir''Dhassi corpse. Before he could fly away he felt a hand close around his small body.


    /Inferno: Nix: Oh shit...


    "Hmmm... What shall we do with you little bird?" She held Nix closer to her face, her blue eyes staring. "Interested in a Spirit Bond?"


    Nix pecked her hand as hard as he could in reply.


    The action caused the female to laugh quietly. She pulled down the mask that was covering the lower part of her face. "Very feisty."


    /Inferno: Nix: I did not see that coming...


    /Inferno: Semmi: What?


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s Del Tali.


    She opened up her hand, palm up. Nix stood motionless peering up at her. "The Fir''Dhassi grow bold, attempting such a thing so close to Parliament."


    Nix couldn''t see a reason to stay any longer so he hopped off of her palm and took to the air. He hadn''t been able to do much exploring, but he did learn a few valuable things.

 Chapter 135 Back to Mystery Island

    Nix stretched comfortably on his bed, he had a momentary thought that said it was time to get up but he subdued it and fell back to sleep. A moment later a hand on his foot shook him.


    "You said we were going to explore the last part of the Onion quest today." Mina''s voice pulled him out of his slumber.


    He gathered his blankets around him and tried to ignore her. "Yeah... I didn''t give a specific time." Nix had gone to sleep in his houseboat bedroom and slept soundly, using the Ice Sparrow for an extended amount of time was very tiring.


    He felt a weight next to him on the bed and a moment later and arm moved around him. "I shall wait then Nix."


    "Good..." Nix started to drift off to sleep.


    "You must be very tired." Mina had moved until she was up against his back, close enough for him to feel her breathe on the back of his neck when she spoke.


    "Yes," he agreed sleepily.


    "I should like to have a daughter one day if it is possible," her voice was quiet and soothing.


    Nix sighed heavily and turned his head. "You are talking about an Aquarion/Human coupling?"


    Mina nodded. "Before Inferno leaves Colonial forever."


    "I shall compose a list of suitable candidates if you want my recommendation." He jumped slightly when she pinched his side.


    "No need to pretend you aren''t aware of my choice." Mina leaned over him, making eye contact.


    Nix gave her a smile. "We going to do this now?"


    Mina made a face and shuddered in disgust. "No... It''s something I need to prepare for."


    Nix laughed at the face she made. "Inferno won''t be one of the guilds to leave Colonial forever."


    "What do you mean Nix?"


    "As long as we can find a way to access Parliament once we leave through the Escalades Bridge, then we can definitely reenter Colonial through the Embassy 70th floor entrance at Parliament."


    Mina seemed to consider his words carefully. "Unlike the Escalades Bridge, the entrance on the 70th floor is two-ways."


    Nix nodded, "I could enter Oasis through the Escalades and you could summon me to Parliament with your Ally Ring. We need something better, a way for all Inferno members to travel without assistance."


    The door to his back deck opened up, Fajii smiled at the two of them. "Tasked with waking up Nix?"


    "I can get up on my own." Nix threw off Mina''s arm and sat up. "Damn it... I''m still tired."


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] I have a task for you, highly confidential.


    [Whisper: Semmi: to Nix] I love shit like this, hit me with it, boss.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Figure out how we can continue to access Parliament after we enter Oasis through the Escalades Bridge. I''m not talking about using Spirit Companions or that type of travel, something reliable and independent of outside help.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] There''s no binding point in Parliament, and Cross-World Binding points won''t work. Raine Xai is definitely not going to allow us to enter through Inuit.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] So it''s hopeless?


    [Whisper Semmi to Nix] No. I just wanted you to know the difficulty of the task so you''d be aware of how f*cking awesome I am when I complete it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] I''m already aware Sem.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon, Wind, Chael, Banzi, Milat, Wylie, and Tess, please report to the Phoenix in 30 minutes.


    "Out! I''m up and have to get ready." Nix headed into his bathroom, happy for once that houseboats came with modern amenities. He slid open the glass door to his shower and dialed up the hot water.


    A few minutes later, Nix was basking in the warmth of a hot shower.


    "Are you really going to be ready on time?" Faji smiled at the cloud of steam and leaned back against the door, closing it with a soft click.


    Nix wiped the steamed glass of his shower to peer through. The room was hazy because of steam but the outline of Fajii undressing could be made out. "I only said report to the Phoenix in 30 minutes, not that I''d be there already." He pushed the shower door open and she slid in quickly.


    ***********************


    "Permission to come aboard Sir." Nix stood on the dock and waited. He could see Delphi standing near the helm.


    "Permission granted." Delphi walked to the gangplank and shook Nix''s hand when he came on board. She enjoyed a good relationship with the Inferno Guild Leader, this wasn''t always the case between Captains and the Shipowners.


    "Heading to Mystery Island again. Make sure the crew is prepared, we will definitely be fighting." Nix spotted Pon leaning against the starboard rail and walked towards him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, there''s 10 of us. We won''t be using the Phoenix Assault team unless we get in trouble.


    /Inferno: Pon: Just the 10 of us?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes, we''ll make two groups.


    [Group 1]


    Tess


    Pon


    Fajii


    Banzi


    Chael


    [Group 2]


    Nix


    Mina


    Wind


    Milat


    Wylie


    /Inferno: Tess: Gonna be okay in Group 2 without a Tank?


    /Inferno: Nix: Won''t be an issue unless we are separated. If that happens I''ll summon Morti.


    There was no fog impeding their progress this time, the Phoenix made excellent time as she hoisted full sail and headed to the nav point. A few ships showed their colors during the voyage but quickly retreated when they recognized the unique sails of the Phoenix.


    Half a day later, the Phoenix anchored off of Mystery Island.


    /Inferno: Nix: Mount up, we''re going directly in.


    [Summons: Fey]


    Fey appeared in front of Nix and promptly pushing against his chest with her scaled snout.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Two quick things boss.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Hurry it up, we''re about to get heroic.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Your guild leader hud at the office has been buzzing non-stop since I arrived. Thankfully, I figured out how to mute it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] We did rattle a few cages.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] A half dozen visitors have come by looking for Guild Leader Nix. Among them, Bael Strom, Tura Raine, and Del Tali.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Interesting... None of this seems very pressing Sem. Anything else?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] So impatient. I figured it out boss. I know how to access Parliament after entering through the Escalade Bridge.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Really? Spill it!


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] As I mentioned, there are no binding points and no portals in Parliament. After doing some research, I found out that the rules for World Seeds are also different in Oasis. You can''t anchor them to bracelets like Deep Blue, or Stones like the Doppelganger.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] How''s that help us?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] World Seeds have to be anchored to property like a plot of land or a building.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] We don''t have anything in Oasis.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Oh but we do. Our Guild Office wasn''t borrowed to us, it was given to us. It''s listed under our Guild Assets. We can anchor our World Seed to it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Does the Oasis World Seed have a binding point?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] All Oasis World Seeds have bonding points. We anchor it to the Guild Office and then make sure to use it as a binding point.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Then enter through the Escalade Bridge and use the World Seed binding point to return to Parliament. It''s a good theory.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] That''s it? Where the rest of my praise?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] First we have to test it out. You''ll be coming with me when I use one of the smaller Escalade Tokens that Sogon dropped.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Wait... What?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] After this raid. Pon, Wind, Faji, Me and you. Going to take a little trip to the New World.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Oh god... What if I''m wrong?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] You can shack up with Pon and start a family.

 Chapter 136 The Black Gate

    The raid force flew inland toward the spot where the original portal to the Necromancer Dark Temple had been located. Inferno had long removed the platform and taken it to Inferno.


    /Inferno: Pon: The hell is that?


    The rocky landscape should have been completely barren, but instead, a large Arch had been formed. The entryway shimmered darkly like liquid obsidian.


    "It''s a Chaos Gate Nix," Fey spoke loudly so the entire raid heard her. She glided downward and landed within a few meters of the gate.


    "Born from blood and destruction, to make a Chaos Gate requires two things, the gate maker must be a practitioner of Chaos Magic, and they must be willing to use part of their soul to create the gate. Fey stared at Nix. "For the gate to exist, the Chaos Mage must still be inside."


    /Inferno: Nix: Kill the Chaos Mage and exit... Pretty straightforward. Prey waits.


    Nix drew his sword hilt while running toward the gate, he leaped through just as the emerald flame pushed outward.


    ***********


    Nix spit the brown dirt out of his mouth and coughed out some of the dust from the road. Slowly he sat up. He jumped to his feet but then stared blankly as if forgetting his purpose.


    "Papa!" A small girl with black hair and pigtails waved to him from the road. She wore the white dress he had made for her. She was running toward him at full speed, her arms open.


    Nix smiled and returned her wave before managing to catch her up in his arms. "Nia... that dress was for your birthday."


    Nia smiled and curtsied. "Thank you, Papa, it''s so pretty."


    Nix sighed and picked her up. "My point is, that you shouldn''t be wearing it yet."


    "I know." Nia used the end of her pigtail to tickle his ear while they walked toward the Inn. "Forgives?"


    Nix laughed, "suppose so."


    Hyai looked up from the enormous pot of stew that she was preparing. "Only a sneak comes in the back door."


    Nix kicked the door shut with his heel and walked toward her. "I agree... We should toss her in the pot!" He tilted Nia toward the pot until she squealed, then he sat her down.


    Hyai was watching them both while hiding a smile. "Trying to ruin my stew?"


    Nix nodded, "your customers want it sweeter."


    He walked towards the dining door stopping halfway before turning. "The stitching is wrong."


    Hyai''s smile widened. "What hun?"


    "I said... the stitching on the dress is wrong."


    [Balefire]


    A white-hot flame burned through Hyai, the entire room rippled and then went black.


    ***************


    Nix swam toward shore, the surf giving him a needed boost as his tired feet seemed to drag on the wet sand. An enormous Sea Turtle was sunning itself on the beach while a little girl drew on its shell with chalk.


    "That was quick Dad." The Aquarion girl jumped off of the turtle and walked toward him.


    "Lisa... How many times have I told you not to draw on Soup''s back?"


    Lisa smiled before raising up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. "It''s fine, I only used chalk this time. It will definitely wash off in the water." This young girl wore a blue one-piece swimsuit, her long white hair hung down to her waist.


    Nix glanced at Soup, who seemed content with his life as a sketch pad. "Fine... Mom inside?"


    Lisa nodded and marched back toward the turtle with a big smile on her face.


    He was almost to the door of the beach cottage when it opened up, the Aquarion woman was wearing the black leather outfit that she often used when exploring human cities.


    "You didn''t swim very long Nix." Mina stepped closer and placed a hand on either side of his face. "Tired today hun?"


    Nix shook his head and bent forward for a kiss. He felt her arms wrap around his neck as she leaned against him.


    "Hey!! Kid watching over here!" Lisa was sitting on the back of the turtle, drawing circles on her shell. "Go kissy-face inside."


    Mina laughed and pulled him toward the door. "Come on handsome..."


    Nix stopped at the doorway, his yellow eyes staring at his wife. "I''m handsome now?"


    Min nodded, "I''ve always thought so."


    [Aura Ignition]


    "Burn away..."


    ******************


    "Quickly Nix!" Shae tilted a wing and banked toward the palace. She dived suddenly toward the front gate, the flames coming off her heating Nix''s face. He followed her closely, two archons flying close to the Ice. Each building they passed burst into flames.


    The Archon Queen landed suddenly, the stones of the courtyard splashing like water under her bare feet. "The city of Ice. What took us so long to find it?"


    Nix let his firesword flame out. His eyes strayed to his mate, the highest form of their kind, a flame Archon. Her beautiful red hair was the deepest and hottest of flames, the white fire coming off of her wings created a haze in the air. His own wings still burned with Emerald flames, according to his wife it should have changed long ago but it never did.


    "This is the Ice Palace?" Shae''s cruel laughter shook the gates as she walked toward them.


    Nix glanced around, it was familiar. There were bodies littered all over the landscape, a few adversaries he even knew the names of, Cyan, Mari and the Wylie the White Knight. All of them fell before the flames.


    "Why are we enemies?" A ragged voice born from despair spoke to them from the top of the gate.


    Nix recognized her, Shi the Nemesis of Ice. A strong and valiant enemy who seemed to have countless followers. Now they were all dead... most of them by his own hand.


    Shae''s cruel laugh mocked the Ice Queen. "You are Ice and I am Fire, it is natural that you bend to my will."


    Nix frowned at the Archon Queen. "Shae... you''ve always been beautiful." Nix''s flames changed from green to brown and then to a bright silver. "But... you''ve never been cruel."


    ********************


    Nix convulsed once and then collapsed on the ground retching. Thick, black gunk that reeked of rot flushed out of his body. He coughed a few times and continued retching until only blood came out.


    [Combustion]


    A soft green light surrounded Nix and healed his wounds.


    Nix scowled and spit on the ground. His team was all standing around him, staring into space with empty eyes. Wylie was the nearest, her lips were moving slightly as she whispered to no one.


    He checked on each of them, none of them aware of his presence. The last he checked on was Chael. He seemed to be struggling the most.


    [Aura Ignition]


    "Fool... I didn''t bring Chael." Nix equipped his scythe and pushed emerald flames into it before swinging it at Chael''s head.


    Chael dodged nimbly and started an incantation.


    [Null]


    Mikiail Dunham has been silenced.


    [Vacuum]


    The Chaos Mage appeared in front of Nix, his face a mask of terror. Nix sliced through his neck with one stroke, sending the offending head flying into the air. He grew dizzy suddenly just before the ground rose up and slammed into his face. He staggered back to his feet, managing to stay conscious as the Chaos Gate faded into nothing.


    The sound of crying caused Nix to turn back toward his group. Every one of them had tears running down their faces. One by one, he helped them to their feet. The group huddled together for some time before finally feeling well enough to summon their mounts.


    [Onion Quest: The Final Layer has been completed]


    You have been awarded the Spirit Stone.


    All Inferno Members are awarded an additonal Physical Statisic.


    The Cabal has sent you a letter.

 Chapter 137 Traveling to Oasis

    Delphi set course for Glory and hoisted full-sail. She was surprised that no one had ported back. Each of them found quiet spots at the rail and watched the ocean as the Phoenix headed toward home.


    Pon was the first one to approach him, the old mage didn''t look pissed off for once. "You''re the one who killed the Chaos Mage?"


    Nix nodded, "not before he put a serious mind f*ck on me."


    "Aye... that was just about the shittiest thing ever." Pon lay a hand on his shoulder, "I''d never hurt you boy. You know that, right?"


    "An old geezer like you? Completely harmless."


    Slowly the group reformed. Wylie grabbed Pon and held him close for a long time before releasing him. No one asked questions, but there were quite a few hugs passed around.


    By the time the Phoenix made port, spirits had risen to the point where they started to joke with each other.


    /Inferno: Nix: Meet me at the Guild Office Sem. Pon, Wind, and Fajii, give us 30 minutes and then join us at the Guild Office.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''d rather not...


    /Inferno: Nix: Humor me.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Fine.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: A free Stat? What''s that even mean?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Be very careful with this one. Don''t jump on it too fast and make a regrettable decision.


    ************


    Nix entered the Parliament Guild Office a few minutes later, Semmi was hard at work at her desk. She offered Nix a smile when she saw him. "I heard from Wind that this was a tough quest."


    "It was." Nix had given it some thought on the trip back. What would have happened to them if he hadn''t broken the spell?


    "I''ll probably become a rogue when we start on Oasis content." Semmi brought up the rogue class on her hud.


    Nix leaned closer. "Oasis isn''t open skills like Colonial? There are set classes?"


    "Yes and no."


    Nix pulled a chair closer and took a seat. "Explain."


    Semmi displayed her stats for Nix to read. "For explanation purposes, I''ll say that there are five levels of Classes. Take me for instance, Level 50 and I dual-wield daggers with a stealth support skill. That combination of talents is loosely called Scout in Colonial."


    Nix nodded. "So that''s level 1?"


    "Correct. When I advance to level 100 and continue increasing the effectiveness of my skills I will be considered a Level 2 class."


    Nix watched as she put the Rogue class back on her hud. "How does the Rogue class figure in?"


    "Rogue is a level 3 Special class, upgradeable to level 4. If I went to Oasis and stayed as a Scout, that would be upgraded to level 3, but it would stop there."


    Nix leaned back in his chair, considering the class dilemma. "All of the players that came to Oasis will eventually either have to change classes or be content with a level 3 class."


    Semmi nodded. "Exactly right... Well mostly. These level 3 Special classes have skill requirements. Look at Rogue."


    Rogue Class:


    [Required Skills]


    Stealth


    Dagger


    Lockpick


    [Required Statistics]


    Level 100


    Agility 40 or higher


    Perception 30 or higher


    Nix whistled softly. "Any workarounds?"


    "Thankfully yes, you can wear stat-boosting gear to bring up yourself up. As long as you meet the requirement for initial training, you qualify."


    "Let''s discuss this later Sem. We should anchor the Oasis World Seed." Nix accessed his inventory and removed the seed. It looked exactly like a black marble.


    [Do you wish to anchor the Oasis World Seed?]


    "Yes."


    [Please choose from the list of qualified Anchors.]


    1) Inferno Guild Office: Parliament


    "Not a lot of choices." Nix selected the Inferno Guild Office.


    [The Oasis World Seed is now anchored to the Inferno Guild Office: Parliament]


    [Please set Permission for Oasis World Seed]


    1) Inferno Officers


    2) Inferno Members


    3) Individual Selection


    "Individual Selection." Nix opened the menu and added himself, Semmi, Pon, Wind, and Fajii. A new icon displayed itself on his hud. [Oasis: World Seed]


    Semmi let out a long breath. "Okay, that worked. That icon will only be active while in the Guild Office. The rest of the time it will be grayed out."


    A few minutes later, Pon, Wind, and Fajii arrived at the Guild Office. Nix had already briefed them on the trip to Mystery Island. Each of them understood that it was potentially a one-way ride. Without saying anything further, he activated the icon.


    *******************


    Nix stepped off the large portal and onto the long grass of a small meadow. The area was heavily forested and the time of day was getting close to dusk. He continued walking to avoid being run into by his group.


    [Do you wish to set your binding point to Oasis Seed World: Inferno Guild Office?]


    "Yes."


    Nix waited until the entire group had changed their binding point. "Say what you want, this is one impressive Seed World."


    Semmi was shielding her eyes from the setting sun with one hand while she peered into the distance. "Forest as far as you can see. Amazing right?"


    Wind whistled softly. "How big is this place?"


    "Big enough for all of us to use our homestead tokens." Pon''s face was relaxed and smiling. "Forests are pretty and all, but I need some lands for pasture if I''m going to start a ranch."


    Semmi gave him a surprised look. "Horses or cattle?"


    "Cattle and maybe some sheep."


    "Time to go." Nix stepped back onto the platform and was immediately sent to the Guild Office.


    The group was silent as they exited Parliament through the 70th floor and left the Embassy. They took the dock''s portal to Jhabi and then summoned their mounts. It was nearly an hour ride to the Escalade Bridge, the sun had just dipped below the horizon by the time they arrived.


    The Guardian was a Dhassi. He wore heavy plate armor that glowed with power. A sword was strapped over one shoulder and he held a large kite shield in one hand. "Go back now. No one is allowed to pass."


    His voice was deep and radiated pure strength. His helm covered his hair and ears but Nix guessed from his face that he was probably a Fir''Dhassi. Nix took a moment to admire the craftsmanship of the gear. The Guardian wore white plated armor with intricate gold patterns inlaid, definitely the work of a master.


    Nix held up the Escalade Token. "We have these for passage, Guardian."


    The Guard extended a plated glove and Nix placed the token in his hand. "These will get you across. Let me warn you, once you leave you will not be able to find this bridge again."


    Nix nodded. "We are prepared."


    The Guardian stepped to one side. "You may pass."


    As agreed beforehand, they linked arms and walked together. No wanted to risk being separated from the group.


    *************


    An instant later they stepped into soft sands of a rapidly cooling desert. Before them was the gated entrance to a city. Impressive stone walls made from adobe brick extended 20 feet into the night air. The entire gate area was lit with numerous torches.


    "You stand before the Su''Dhassi City of Phai. Enter or go away." The voice of a guardsman caused the group to look upward. Three Dhassi were standing over the wall and another two were on either side of the entrance.


    "Thank you, Guardsman." Nix led the group into the city.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The map I studied says this street runs directly into the market. That''s where the Phai City Portal is.


    /Inferno: Nix: No need to dally. We''ll go directly to the portal and take that to the Oasis World Seed. I''ll go last.


    It was only two blocks to the market area. Unlike the paved stone of Colonial cities, the streets of Phai were packed sand. Market Square was easily five times bigger than the one Nix has seen in Jenzi. All the vendor booths were closed for the night and the square was empty.


    Nix waited while his group members stepped onto the portal and disappeared, then he pulled out Deep Blue. He deleted the Cyphix City nav-point.


    [Save Phai City to Slot 4?]


    ''Yes." Nix stepped onto the platform a moment later and selected his binding point.


    /Inferno: Pon: Why you dragging your feet boy?


    They were standing together just off the platform when Nix arrived. "We won''t see that city again for at least a year, maybe two. I wanted to take it all in."


    Since Nix was already standing on the Platform he activated it again, one choice came up, Inferno Guild Office: Parliament. Nix waved at his friends and selected the Guild Office.


    ******************


    An hour later, the Officers held a meeting on the back of Nix''s houseboat in the Sea-World.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It worked? So we can come back.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It was scary not knowing. It''s confirmed, we can return.


    /Inferno: Pon: Can we use our homestead tokens now?


    /Inferno: Nix: Can anyone think of a reason to wait? The Oasis World is ours and it''s anchored to our Guild Office.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I can''t think of anything. The sooner we let people explore it, the sooner it will be mapped out.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: How about we restrict the usage of homestead tokens but encourage exploration.


    /Inferno: Nix: Good idea. After we have a working map, we can open up it up to settlement.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s only a superficial change, but I vote for a name change. Oasis Seed World doesn''t sound like home.


    /Inferno: Nix: Fine with me. Suggestions?


    After a few minutes of discussion, the name of the Oasis Seed World was changed to Haven, a name that Ronnie suggested.


    /Inferno: Nix: We have anything else?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our Lifestyle players aren''t represented at these meetings. I would like to make Nansu an Officer.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nansu would make a good officer.


    ***************


    A few minutes later, Nix was walking through Shae''s world. He found her sitting next to her garden, watching the birds chase each other through the trees.


    "When did you add birds Shae?" Nix took a seat on the soft ground next to her.


    She was wearing a green dress that stopped at her knees. Her hands played with the end of her long red braid. "Rhy helped me bring them in. I like her."


    Nix smiled. "Hmm... I like you." He sat down next to her, his smile fading a bit as he thought about the Onion Quest.


    Shae smiled happily. "I like you too Nix." She slid an arm through his and waited. She was good at reading people.


    Eventually, Nix broke the silence and told her the details of the Onion''s last layer; How''d he''d been forced to destroy his family over and over.


    "You''re very strong Nix. None of the others were able to break out of the illusion." Shae pulled him toward her until his head rested on her chest. "That must have been very hard for you."


    "The first two were bad... but the last one felt like my soul was ripping apart." He closed his eyes, trying to shut out the memory.


    Soft lips kissed his eyelids and warm hands caressed his face. They stayed like that for several minutes.


    Nix pulled out the object he''d received from the Quest and placed it in her hands.


    Spirit Stone


    Archon: Class V


    Description: Changes the class


    of the user to Archon.


    [Racial Requirement: Salamander]


    Uses: 2/2

 Chapter 138 Archon

    Shae studied the stone, her expression unreadable. "Archon is the highest class of Salamander. It''s after Nemesis, there are none of those in Colonial."


    Nix nodded, "I figured as much. Is it directly after Nemesis?"


    Shae nodded her head. "The Salamander ranks are Elemental, Spirit, Lord, Nemesis, and Archon."


    He had seen what Archons looked like in the illusion. "There aren''t any Archons in Colonial." Nix stared at the stone, "somehow it feels wrong."


    "I agree... It should be destroyed." Shae''s voice was firm, "it goes against the order of things. A Class V reward for a mid-tier quest?"


    Nix placed it on a flat rock next to where they were sitting. Shae picked up a larger round rock and together they held it for a moment. "This is the right thing."


    "This is the right thing," Shae agreed.


    Together they slammed the rock down on the spirit stone and everything went black.


    *****************


    Nix woke sometime later. Instinct told him he was no longer in Colonial. He tried to sit up but discovered he couldn''t, he was in Salamander form. Every fiber of his body burned in agony, his emerald flames engulfed his body as he struggled to stand. Shae was unconscious a few meters away, she was also in Salamander form. He turned toward her and starting crawling, his body didn''t seem to want to move and his thoughts were clouded.


    "What have we here?" A clear male voice spoke from behind him, Nix lacked the strength to turn and face the newcomer.


    A wide-jawed face covered in scars bent over him. "Not dead I see." When the voice moved to check on Shae, Nix got a good look at him. His blood ran cold when the man bent down and touched Shae''s forehead with one hand.


    "Don''t touch her!" Nix staggered up, three strands of Emerald flame shot at the stranger.


    A white wing that burned with silver flames blocked the strands easily. The man laughed. "Fire strands? That''s really interesting. "I came here to investigate an Archon burst on the lower plane. As you can see, I am an Archon myself."


    He turned away from Shae and approached Nix. "Stop struggling, the fact that you can even survive here is a testament to your strength. Let me sum it up quickly, before you and your mate perish. You attained a spirit stone. The Archon class was, of course, a trap. Had you used it, eventually one or both of you would have gone insane with power. I''m impressed that the two of you sought to destroy it."


    Nix tried to speak but only managed a low groan. The entire world seemed to be pressing down upon him.


    "If I leave her like this, she will certainly die. You''ll die also, but unlike yours, hers will be permanent." He moved back to Shae and knelt down.


    "Don''t let her die." Nix managed to push out the sentence, his vision starting to fade.


    The Archon nodded. "Take heart and grow stronger. You''ve plenty of time, Salamanders mate for life." He picked Shae up and spared one last glance at the emerald salamander. "Rise to the top of this world, and then the next. It is there you will find the right path."


    Nix watched as the Archon disappeared with a flap of burning wings. Next world? Oasis?


    You have discovered a hidden class.


    You have died.


    *******************


    "Champion?" The voice of the Fire Palace''s High Priestess rang in Nix''s ears, he felt warm hands healing him. Derva helped Nix to his feet, her pale face full of concern. "What has happened?"


    Nix moved away from the altar, he knew without looking that it was no longer a place he could enter. "Shae has taken the next step in rank, it will take several months to complete."


    A few minutes later Nix entered his houseboat, for once there wasn''t anyone else present.


    He brought up his stats, staring at the display.


    Nix [Race: Human/Salamander Hybrid]


    Inactive Hidden Class: [Stats may not be displayed at this time.]


    "Okay then..."


    ***********************


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Anyone seen Nix? He must have privacy mode turned on.


    /Inferno: Mina: I stopped by his houseboat, he isn''t there.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s get started... Welcome, Nansu.


    /Inferno: Nansu: Thank you.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It''s only been a few hours, but the exploration of Haven is going well. How far would you say we are Sem?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Maybe 20 percent explored, if we didn''t have flying mounts, we wouldn''t even be close to that.


    /Inferno: Pon: Hey, Fajii isn''t here either?


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to advance to the 6th Floor of Mermaid City.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What?


    Mina stood up and then moved quickly toward the door. All of the officers followed her as she ran for the dock portal, she stopped when she saw Nix exit the platform with Fajii, Sora and a squad of Lamia. "Nix?"


    Nix smiled at Mina. "Five minutes, get your team ready. We''re going back in."


    Fajii sent her Acolytes back to the temple with a wave of her hand. "I''m coming too."


    ********************


    A few hours later Pon lay flat on his back on the wharf next to his houseboat. The old Fire Mage was exhausted. "The f*ck has got into Nix?"


    Wind was sitting on a nearby crate. "Really? Three stages in one day?"


    Nix had taken the Scorched Earth Temple Acolytes and advanced to the sixth floor. Then he had come back long enough to get reinforcements. Pon, Wind, and Semmi were on the third raid that cleared 6.1.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll make two runs tomorrow at Mermaid City. All combat members who are still too low or undergeared, I want you grinding the Embassy. I''ll send Morti with the Embassy teams.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll go with the morning team.


    /Inferno: Nix: Officer Meeting in the Parliament, 30 minutes.


    *********************


    Nix sat back in his chair, staring at the dockets that would be closing soon. He had 17 unanswered messages, every few minutes his desk hud would buzz again. Noticing a small change, he glanced toward the window, true to her word Semmi had replaced one of the desks with a couch. A true professional, she had also placed a neatly folded blanket with a soft-looking pillow.


    Nix walked toward the couch. "That''s a great idea."


    A half-hour later the Inferno Officers filed into the Guild Office together, Nix was sound asleep, curled up under the blanket.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Damn it. Nix got firsties on the couch.


    Nix turned and slowly sat up when he heard his guildmates arrive. The short nap seemed to revive his thought process.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Thanks for coming. The first order of business. Shae will be out of commission for the foreseeable future. Through happenstance, she was forced to embark on advancement early. Her only choices were moving forward or perish.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Going to share anything else?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Not at this time. Let''s treat it as need to know only. The knowledge of it is a dangerous thing.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Good enough for me.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Many of you are wondering why the sudden push. I witnessed and help foil an ambush of three Ain''Dhassi youths. The trio they sent in had skills substantially higher than any of the Colonial Upper-Tier fighters.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: If Nix is saying that, then we need to work hard.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: In a few hours I will be putting out the requirements for all known Class 3 specials in Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Class 3 Specials are the Classes that can be upgraded to Class 4?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Yes.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: There''s a docket that I want everyone to look at.


    Nix moved from the couch to his desk and quickly brought up his hud.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Read it and give your opinions.

 Chapter 139 Hero Bird

    [Return of Isla Fra''sa to the Ain''Dhassi]


    Summary: During the Mere Stone Conflict, the territory of Isla Fra''sa was conquered by the Su'' Dhassi and the Fir'' Dhassi forces. The Fir'' Dhassi has maintained possession of the Island long after peace was declared. The Mere Stone Mine that lay at the heart of the conflict is no longer producing any Mere Stone.


    [Approving Opinion: Serai Del Tali]


    [Dissenting Opinion: Tura Raine Xai]


    /Guild Officer: Nix: These two butt heads fairly often on dockets. The Ain''Dhassi and the Fur'' Dhassi have never gotten along. The Su'' Dhassi will on occasion form temporary alliances if it suits them.


    Nix selected the Approving Opinion.


    [Serai Del Tali]


    The territories of our three races have long been established. Never before has the conquest for land be allowed in Oasis. The mine on this island no longer is active and the land is used as a staging area for raids. This unbalances the power between the races.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: Wow... Is this what you guys do? I never thought Officer meetings might be interesting.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: We all seen what Tura Raine is capable of, perhaps it would be wise not to piss her off too much right away.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Sounds like the Mere Stone war was actually beneficial to her. The Fir'' Dhassi gained some land and thousands of captives. If checks and balances aren''t applied, this world could very quickly fall under one races rule.


    "Maybe so." Nix clicked on the Dissenting Opinion and the image of Tura Raine filled his hud.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Let''s see what Tura Raine has to say.


    [Tura Raine Xai]


    There''s been a long-standing agreement between the races that precious resources must be shared. Both the Fir'' Dhassi and the Su'' Dhassi approached the Ain''Dhassi with trade offers for reasonable quantities of Mere Stone. The Ain'' Dhassi saw the Mere Stone as a way to expand their power and refused both races. The Fir'' Dhassi expended vast resources in the Mere Stone war. The acquisition of the mine and Isla Fra''sa is our just compensation.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Small movements like this are often part of carefully laid out plans. If the Fir''Dhassi gains power to the point where they don''t have to worry about the reactions from the other two races...


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Then they will rule Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Logical.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: Bad for us if they manage it.


    [Approve:76 Dissent:146]


    Nix selected the vote icon.


    [Cast 75 votes for Approve?]


    "Yes."


    /Guild Officer: Nix: That''s about it. You can stay for this last part if you like.


    Nix walked back to the couch and lay down with his head on the pillow.


    [Ice Sparrow]


    The small bird appeared on the couch cushion and then quickly hopped onto Nix''s elbow.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Pretty.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: Woah... That''s really nice.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I''ll open the window and wait. The Ain''Dhassi camp is NW of where you scouted earlier.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Hopefully they won''t shoot me.


    Nix flew out the window and this time headed toward the orchards. He perched comfortably in a tree for sometime before moving to another tree.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: What you seeing Nix?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Nothing yet, doing the bird thing in the orchard.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: What''s the bird thing.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: You know, flying from branch to branch and pecking things.


    Nix hopped off the branch and took to the air, keeping low he passed through the barrier and headed North.


    Within a few minutes, he passed over the ambush site, according to Semmi all the Dhassi races maintained a camp outside of Parliament. The Parliament was supposedly surrounded by a large neutral area where conflict isn''t allowed. The assassination attempt of the Ain''Dhassi youths was a clear violation of that agreement.


    Nix gained as much elevation as he dared, making sure to use the upper branches of the forest trees as cover. The sounds of blades clashing caused him to pull up and land quickly on a branch.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Fighting...


    It only took a moment to zero in on the combatants. Two figures chased a third through the woods. Nix took to the air and closed in, it was a running battle that showed just how fast and agile the Dhassi are. From the sounds of their grunts and curses, all three were male. The pursuit managed to catch their prey twice but each time he fought them off.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: All three fighters are masked, perhaps that''s normal for Dhassi.


    Finally, the fleeing warrior made a mistake and took a deep cut to his chest. He backed up to the river that Nix had flown over a few days earlier.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Jump in idiot...


    The assailants spread out, backing him up to the river. The more aggressive one leaped out and slashed at the wounded Dhassi. "We''ll see if Raine keeps leadership without your backing old fool."


    The wounded man leaped backward into the water, submerging himself while his enemies cursed loudly and pursued. Nix left the branch and climbed quickly.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Hopefully I have some clout with the Ain''Dhassi camp.


    It only took Nix a few minutes to find the camp, he had been forced to go above the trees for a few moments to spot it. Once he knew the direction he flew straight for the camp. The Ain''Dhassi camp was set up where the river curved, forcing the current to slow quite a bit. There were dozens of white tents.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Their tent city is nicer than ours. Where would the big wigs be?


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: The biggest tent, probably in the middle for protection.


    The biggest tent was easy to spot from the air, there was a large table set up outside of it with several people sitting down eating. Since Nix didn''t have time to waste he landed right in the middle of the table.


    Nix cursed silently, he was hoping to find Del Tali but she wasn''t there. The men at the table stared for a moment.


    "Hey! It''s the Winter Sparrow!"


    Nix turned his bird head to look at the speaker. It was the larger youth from the assassination attempt.


    The Dhassi beside him stared at Nix, his face looked young but Nix had the feeling he was definitely one of the Elders. His eyes were so pale they were nearly white, his snow-colored hair was cut short. "You said it understands?"


    "Yes. Del said the same thing."


    Nix flew back in the air, hovering over the table for a moment before flying toward the river. He did this a few times.


    /Guild Officer Nix: F*ck guys... Figure it out already.


    The older Dhassi stood up. "You want us to follow you?"


    A minute later Nix was flying downstream over the river while the Dhassi kept pace on the far side. They had sprung into action unbelievably fast.


    Less than two miles downstream they found them. The wounded man was standing in knee-deep water with his back to the steep riverbank. The two attackers turned at the sound of horses, Nix was too far away to hear anything but they fled quickly into the forest.


    The Ice Dhassi brought their horses into the water, stopping a few meters away from the wounded man. The elder seemed to recognize the wounded man. "I''m Morai Sai Tali, you are hurt but I will not ask my healer to help a masked dhassi."


    The wounded man pulled his mask down. "Tura Delyn Xai well met Grand Elder Morai Sai."


    The elder made a gesture and one of the dhassi dismounted and approached Delyn. Nix watched from his perch on the bank as the dhassi healed the wounded man.


    "Thank you for rendering aid. I would most certainly have perished if not for your timely arrival." Delyn finished the statement with a deep bow, oddly the elder wasn''t looking at him but at the riverbank.


    "This Winter Sparrow seems to have a knack for saving dhassi. He came to our camp and then led us here." The elder held out his hand, palm up. "Come."


    /Guild Officer Nix: Fine... I''ll peck your old eyes out if you try and nab me.


    Nix hopped on the hand of the elder, up close the pale eyes looked even older.


    "You''re saying the bird brought you?"


    The sound of more horses stopped any further conversation. A half dozen Fir'' Dhassi exited the woods, their mounts sent water in all directions as they splashed toward the Ain''Dhassi.


    Delyn held up his hand when they were close enough to see his face. "There is no conflict here. Be at peace."


    The masked leader of the group nodded and dismounted before pulling down her mask. "Master Delyn... Are you well?"


    Delyn nodded. "Manners first apprentice, you stand in the presence of Grand Elder Morai Sai Tali."


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Morai, Tura, and Serai are all titles right?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Correct: Morai, Serai, and Tsai are all Ain''Dhassi ranks. Bera, Tura, and Ura are Fir'' Dhassi ranks.


    Nix didn''t realize the newcomer''s identity until she bowed.


    "Greetings Honored Elder, I''m Raine Xai." She wore the plain brown leather armor that Nix had seen in the courtyard, there was a black recurve bow slung across her back.


    Nix decided he had stayed long enough and hopped off the elder''s hand before flying downstream. After several minutes he turned back toward Parliament.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: On my way back. I didn''t get to explore much. I''m like a hero-bird or something. I''ll brief you when I get back.


    **************


    A half an hour later, Nix was recovering on the couch with a cold beer in his hand. While he was out Pon and Wind made a quick run to the courtyard. "This is speculation, but I''m guessing that there are factions within Clan Xai that are battling for control. This Delyn character is obviously one of Raine''s supporters."


    Semmi nodded. "He''s also a Master Ranger. Raine is his apprentice."


    "I didn''t see him with a bow, only swords."


    "This is part of the brief that I will be sending out in the next few hours. The Ranger class has two paths, the sword, and the bow." Semmi closed her hud and leaned back in her chair. "You look tired Nix."


    "Everyone get some rest, we are going to hit Mermaid City hard tomorrow." Nix grabbed the pillow, clearly intent on using the couch.


    /Guild Officer Jun Li: Sounds good Nix. I''ll be on the morning raid.


    Nix waited until they all file out, only Mina had remained. "You seemed troubled Min."


    Mina nodded and sat down. "The Chaos Gate, I failed miserably."


    Nix shook his head. "No one was expecting that Min, next time you will be ready."


    Mina grabbed his hand, squeezing it slightly. "We were married and living in the beach cottage."


    Nix smiled. "A cute daughter named Lisa who liked to draw on Soup''s shell?"


    Unexpectedly Mina started crying. "Yes... She was beautiful and sweet. We shared the same illusion?"


    "I suspect that all of us shared things to some extent. The strength of the illusion was that it presented something nice. In your case, a daughter." Nix hugged her close for a moment while stroking her hair.


    After several minutes Mina stopped crying and sat up straight. "How did you break the illusion?"


    Nix shrugged, not wanting to say that he had to kill the illusions of Hyai, Mina and Shae to break free. "Head back to the Sea-World Min, I''m going to rest here a bit."

 Chapter 140 Camo Overlay

    Nix held the small white cube in his hand. "All that power in this little thing?"


    Semmi nodded. "Apparently so. Use your thumb to activate it and then select the stat you want to add.


    [Do you wish to add Agility to your list of Physical Statistics?]


    "Yes," Nix added agility, even though he couldn''t currently display his stats. Semmi recommended that all the former Gladis Hub players do so. As lifestyle players that had been given dexterity rather than agility. Dexterity was extremely important to crafters.


    "In your case, dexterity replaced agility in determining damage output. There''s a substantial dps penalty involved in not having the agility statistic." Semmi watched him for a moment. "You shouldn''t notice a difference in how you feel. This reward will set your agility to 15. Thankfully, you can use gear to boost it up."


    "Thanks, Sem." Nix waited until she left his houseboat before turning back toward his other guest.


    The blonde-haired Scorched Earth Sniper had her hair up in a neat bun and was dressed in a blue tank top and shorts. "Are you moving slow on purpose because I''m underdressed?"


    Nix laughed, "of course." He had been working on her armor when Semmi stopped by. Darsi had received a set of ''evolving armor'' from her hard work at the Embassy. The only problem was the leather armor had a metallic coating that was easy to spot.


    "Didn''t realize you could make Camouflage Nix." Darsi watched him work, she remembered how calm he had been when she opened his stasis capsule at the Gladis Corp facility.


    "It''s just a combination of greens, browns, and reds." True to his word, Nix had pushed Inferno and cleared 6.2 and 6.3 in Mermaid City. He had the idea of cloth overlays when Darsi complained that her awesome new armor looked like a "mirror."


    Nix held it up and showed her the finished product. "This is only for the upper piece if it works out I''ll do the same with the lower."


    Camouflage Overlay


    Unknown Effect


    Description: A mix of colors


    specifically suited to blending in.


    Darsi clapped excitedly. As a crafter, she knew that making the ''recipe'' was the hardest part. After the prototype was completed, he could make them very quickly.


    Nix held her armor in his hands, "you''re right. This is some bright shit."


    Silver Mountain Armor [Evolving Set]


    Medium Amor: Unique


    Description: Lightweight armor that improves speed,


    agility, and perception.


    +10 Agility


    +10 Perception


    +10 Speed.


    Nix took a few minutes to carefully fit the overlay. He smiled at the finished product and handed it back to Darsi. "What do you think?"


    Camouflaged Armor [Evolving Set]


    Medium Amor: Unique


    Description: Lightweight armor that improves speed,


    agility, and perception.


    +10 Agility


    +10 Perception


    +10 Speed.


    [Additional Effects]


    Avoid Detection: Remain motionless


    and completely blend in with your surroundings.


    Blurry Target: Range damage is mitigated by 40


    percent due to your outline being heavily obscured.


    Darsi stared at the changes the overlay had made. "This is really something Nix. The overlay fused with the armor."


    "I didn''t see that part coming, but I''m still pleased with the results." Nix took a few minutes to complete the set and then handed her the finished product.


    /Inferno: Nix: Where you at Sem?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Jun Li and I are about to check out Haven.


    /Inferno: Nix: Want some company?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sure!


    Nix entered the Embassy and walked through the 70th-floor entry to the Parliament. A white-haired Ain''Dhassi was waiting outside the Inferno Guild Office.


    "You''re a difficult man to get in touch with Guild Leader Nix." Del Tali offered him a polite smile. She was wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and brown leggings.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Most people just give up and leave me alone after a few days."


    Del seemed to find his statement amusing, her smile widening. "The key to finding you is perseverance."


    "That''s one word for it." He opened the door and gestured her in. "Just call me Nix."


    Nix took a seat on the couch after moving the folded blanket and pillow to a nearby chair.


    /Inferno: Nix: Del Tali is in the Guild Office, do not exit or enter Haven until she leaves.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay Nix, take your time.


    Del joined him on the couch, her blue eyes looking around the office. "Someone sleeps on this couch?"


    Nix shrugged, "maybe. What can I do for you, Del?"


    "I wanted to thank you for backing me on my last two dockets." Del''s voice had a silky smooth quality to it that made it pleasant to listen to.


    "No need for thanks. I vote according to Inferno''s Agenda."


    "That may be true, but Ain''Dhassi all over Oasis now know your name. I daresay you could make a home for yourself among us."


    "I''d stick out too much. That''s not really my thing." Nix found it difficult to relax in the Ice Dhassi''s presences. The memory of flashing swords kept reminding him of how deadly she was.


    "I just want to get to know the Guild Leader of Inferno a bit better. Want to play a small game?"


    "Cards? I only know one."


    "What are cards?"


    Nix shrugged, "never mind. What do you have in mind?"


    "I''ll make a few guesses about you. If I''m right you tell me a bit more. If I"m wrong, then you correct me to close the topic."


    Nix smiled pleasantly. "I''ll play, but only as long as you follow the same rules."


    Del nodded. "It''s a deal. May I start?"


    Nix nodded. "Please do."


    "You started with nothing but because of a talent for Fire you were able to quickly rise to power." Del had obviously heard about the courtyard incident where he had ignited his aura.


    Nix cursed himself for showing his flames. "Wrong. I started as a Tailor and became wealthy as a result of those skills." The statement was accurate enough that he felt like he was within the rules.


    Del raised one white eyebrow. "A Tailor?" Her tone showed that she was doubtful.


    "Fraid so. My turn. " Nix focused on the Ain Dhassi. "You''re a swordmaster."


    Absolute shock flashed in her blue eyes, before quickly being covered. "Swordmaster? Assuredly not, I follow the path of the bow."


    Nix considered the answer for a moment, she hadn''t even carried a bow on her night excursion. "Get the f*ck out."


    Del''s face registered surprise when Nix stood and gestured toward the door. "I apologize if I''ve offended you Nix."


    Nix took a seat as his desk and pointed toward the door. "I''m not offended. I just don''t have time for lies. I did say I''d only play if you followed the same rules."


    The Ain''Dhassi wanted to appear indignant but she wasn''t able to manage it. "Really? A Tailor? You weren''t following the rules either!"


    "No? Have any armor on you? Doesn''t have to be anything fancy."


    Del paused at the request but then handed him some basic ranger armor. Was there something about her that suggested the sword instead of the bow? Her sword abilities were her trump card.


    Nix sent her a friend request and then picked up the armor to examine it.


    Basic Armor [Ranger Only]


    Leather Armor: Common


    Armor Class: 200


    + 50 to all Ranger Skills


    +30 to Agility


    +30 to Perception


    +30 to Speed


    Nix kept a straight face while he looked at the armor. He quickly linked it in guild chat.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s basic armor?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We need to get our crafters some Oasis recipes.


    /Inferno: Sharl: + 200 AC? That''s tank armor!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I want it!


    /Inferno: Pon: If that''s basic gear, what''s their high-end gear look like?


    He quickly set up a queue to make a custom overlay for the armor.


    [Camaflage Overlay] [Basic Armor Ranger] [Forest Camouflage Clothe] [Fish Line Thread]


    Nix was tempted to experiment by adding Legendary leather to the queue but decided this should be enough to impress her. He crafted the custom overlay and started putting it in place. After a few minutes, he finished and handed it back to her. "See? Tailor."


    Forest Armor [Ranger Only]


    Leather Armor: Unique


    Armor Class: 200


    + 50 to all Ranger Skills


    +30 to Agility


    +30 to Perception


    +30 to Speed


    [Additional Effects]


    Avoid Detection: Remain motionless


    and completely blend in with your surroundings.


    Blurry Target: Range damage is mitigated by 40


    percent due to your outline being heavily obscured.


    "Nix..." Del''s pale featured were flushed as she turned the armor over in her hands. The overlay had fused with the armor. "This was just basic amor."


    "Yeah. As I said, I''m a Tailor. Now get the f*ck out. You''ve wasted enough of my time."

 Chapter 141 Upgrading Armor

    "Now stand still and don''t move Cora." Del stood next to her grandfather and his personal guard. Cora was standing in plain view, in front of a Shunberry bush. She was wearing the armor that Nix had modified. After a few seconds, she started to fade until she was completely invisible.


    "No skill or magic is being used." Sai Tali''s old eyes stared at the spot where the young dhassi was standing. "My ability to see through stealth is completely useless.


    Cora scratched her cheek, causing her camo to break. Her pale face blushed furiously. "Sorry..."


    "Where did you get this Del?" Morai Sai Tali was considering the field applications of the armor. If a party was willing to remain completely still, then no amount of detection would find them.


    Del dropped her eyes. In the end, Nix had exercised the Guild Office Expelling options to remove her from the room. He was uncommonly difficult. "Inferno Guild Leader Nix is a Tailor. He used some sort of cloth overlay to add the enhancement."


    "Guild Leader Nix?" The Grand Elder nodded in satisfaction. The human had been the reason for the Ain''Dhassi captives returning. "Perhaps you could arrange a meeting? He deserves my thanks."


    Del gave her grandfather a slight nod. It definitely wasn''t the best time to mention that her relationship with the Inferno leader was a bit rocky. "I will try Grandfather. He resides in the other world, and spends most of his time there."


    Sai Tali had been surprised to learn that the Guild to enter through the Ced''Far entrance was filled with Level 1 classes. This had caused the dhassi to dismiss them as unimportant. In a turn that no one predicted, Inferno had been able to register all the guilds that entered Oasis and at the same time acquire their Governing votes. Now those registered guilds would begin to rise in power while Inferno could sit back and control things from their Guild Office. "Just stay on his good side Del."


    ***********


    Nix easily kept pace with the Mantas of Jun Li and Semmi. Fey would occasionally mess with the water creature mounts by breathing flames into the air. Nix would pretend to scold her but was secretly patting her shoulder. He enjoyed a bit of fun.


    Semmi pointed at the herd of animals below. Unlike Colonial World seeds, Oasis Seed''s teemed with natural wildlife. "Where are you taking us to Nix?


    After exploring with Junie and Sem for a few hours, he had found a nice spot on the map that he wanted to see. A few minutes later Fey landed on a large plateau.


    [Disclaimer: local area maps are available, the full Seed map requires exploration to reach 80 percent]


    Jun Li whistled, "kinda secluded Nix, but really pretty."


    Semmi nodded in agreement. "Definitely a lot of grass."


    Nix pointed to the low mountain peaks that butted up to the plateau. "This would make great grazing for livestock, there are several acres of woods right before the high peaks. I''d put a place back there, at the base of the mountains."


    The trio walked through the woods on foot, it was nearly half a mile until they ran into the base of the mountain. A river could be heard running nearby, it took them a few minutes to find it because of the thick foliage.


    Nix knelt on the bank to cup some of the water in his hands. "Not too cold, next time I''m going swimming."


    Semmi took a seat on the grassy bank. "What''s the plan Nix? Keep pounding Mermaid City?" Her short blonde hair was sticking up from the ride in.


    "Yes, but there''s also the Embassy." Nix picked up a blade of grass and twisted it while he spoke. "It has to be important right?"


    Jun Li had taken her boots off and was soaking her feet in the water. "Sulane told me that the Onion Quest was the highest-rated Guild quest that she''s ever seen completed. Even their Earth Stone quest wasn''t rated as high."


    "I see the problem." Semmi picked up a handful of pebbles and started tossing them in the water while she spoke. "Guilds get so caught up in gear and raiding, they forget about quests. The quests we''ve completed have been incredibly lucrative if you think about it."


    The group sat in silence for a while, each lost in their own thoughts.


    "I should take up fishing," Jun Li gave Nix a tentative smile. "It''s dumb right?"


    Nix shook his head. "Not at all. I''ll do it too, We''ll be fishing buddies."


    Semmi stared at the two of them, not sure if they were serious. "Okay, count me in! Where can you even train fishing?"


    Jun Li shrugged. "Hey... What do you mean when you say the Embassy has to be important?"


    "On a pure content level, how important would you say the 69th floor was?" Nix brought up his hud and accessed the quest interface.


    Semmi considered the question and shared a glance with Jun Li. "If you think about it, you''d have to say it''s the most significant result in Colonial so far."


    Jun Li nodded in agreement. "Certainly true, but what''s your point?"


    "We can agree that having access to Parliament is something that every Upper-Tier guild would like." Nix paused for a moment, "that''s just the 69th floor. We need to find the next big payoff in the Embassy before someone else does."


    Semmi whistled. "Resolute had been planning to stay in Colonial for at least another year, but that changed with our ability to register their guild."


    Jun Li pulled her feet out of the water and sat them on the small rocks at the water''s edge. "When Resolute leaves, all the strong Upper-Tier guilds will be gone. That means we''ll have the edge as we continue going up the tower."


    Nix stood up slowly, "I''m going to make overlays for everyone''s armor. There are a few experiments I can try to change the improvements."


    The trio summoned their mounts and headed back toward the exit platform. "I''ll catch up with you guys later, Fey wants to explore a bit more." Nix waved to his companions and then Fey banked hard and headed toward the mountains.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Don''t forget about fishing.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The guild is making a lot of exploration progress, my hud says that Haven is at 35 percent. We''ll be able to access the map when it passes 80.


    Fey extended her wings fully and glided with little effort. "I don''t care about exploring Nix. What do you have planned?


    "I''m going to Phai City. First I need to have some proper armor. There''s a canyon up ahead. Land wherever a massive explosion would do the least amount of damage."


    Fey found the canyon and then turned north, it ended a few miles later in a large area that reminded Nix of a large granite bowl. "Good enough Nix?"


    "Yes. Land here and put some space between you and me."


    [New Crafting methods are available in Oasis. Would you like to convert your Colonial Tailoring to the Oasis methods?]


    Nix considered the options for a moment and then decided to do it. "Yes."


    [Congratulations on becoming an Oasis Tailor]


    Hunting: 100/500


    Leather Making 100/500


    Tailor 100/500


    [Use the menu to select your option]


    Nix selected Tailoring and then scrolled through the lists. There wasn''t an option for what he wanted, but in the end, he found a choice labeled ''Create.''


    The face of an Ain''Dhassi male popped up on his Nix''s hud. It was obviously completely automated.


    [State your creation clearly.]


    "I wish to make cloth overlays for armor." Nix had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. What if that wasn''t possible with the new system?


    [Select the Overlay Material]


    Nix chose the camouflage cloth that he had made earlier.


    [Overlay: Camoflauge]


    [Select the item being enhanced]


    Nix chose the evolving Fire Palace Armor that Shae had made for him.


    [Overlay: Camoflauge] [Champion''s Fire Palace Armor]


    [You can add up to four Bonus Enhancements for this overlay.]


    Nix chose the three legendary types of leather he had in his inventory, after thinking about it he added the Ced''Far leather also.


    [Overlay: Camoflauge] [Champion''s Fire Palace Armor] [Bonus Enhancement: Kraken Leather]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Leviathan Leather] [Bonus Enhancement: Lamia Leather] [Bonus Enhancement: Ced'' Far Leather]


    [The technique you are creating is considered a New creation, all New creation fees are waived.]


    [Warning: Some of the Enhancement items carry bonuses that are unavailable in Oasis. In exchange they will be converted to the calculated equivalent.]


    "Damn... So what. I do like free shit." Nix selected the craft icon.


    From reflex Nix had closed his eyes and braced himself, however, there was no massive explosion or release of power from using so many high-quality items. A smile played on his face when he picked up the armor. "Now we are talking."


    [The Overlay method has been created and saved in your Crafting Menu.]


    Nix closed the hud and the Dhassi face faded away.


    Emerald Chameleon [Evolving]


    Medium Armor: Tyrant V


    Armor Class: 1200


    + 50 to all Statistics


    [Immunities]


    Fire


    Ice


    Critical Hits


    Description: Seamlessly blends into the surroundings.


    Camouflage only breaks when attacking.


    [Limiter: Because of your Inactive Class, no further enhancements are available until activation]


    "Okay... that might be a bit OP for Colonial, but I''m betting Del and Raine have better stuff." Nix put the armor on.


    Nix activated Deep Blue and then selected Phai City.

 Chapter 142 Phai City

    Nix slipped on his wolf mask and stepped off the platform in Phai City, stopping for a moment to take in all the differences from his last visit. The smells, noises, and general chaos was an impressive and welcome change. The market square was filled with vendors aggressively hawking all sorts of goods. Class trainers were lined up against the South wall at the edge of the market. Without anything pressing, he decided to first check them out.


    Next to the Class trainers were skill trainers and a few scroll vendors that sold common skills. It was here that Nix purchased three fishing scrolls. After reading the scroll description, he was pleasantly surprised to find that no other purchase would be required. It contained the basic fishing starter kit.


    With the exception of the vendors, nearly everyone kept their faces covered. There was an auction going on in the northeast corner. He had hoped to observe the interactions but it ended just as he walked up. Three Fir''Dhassi men were examining the horses they had purchased.


    The seller was quite animated, he kept mentioning their pedigree and how they were getting the fastest horses in Oasis. Nix studied the mounts, one stallion, and three mares. All three mares were brown, and the stallion was black as coal with a single splash of white on his forehead.


    Nix liked the white mark, it looked like lightning to him. "Hmm... I could call you Flash."


    "Stand aside!" A tall Fir''Dhassi was bulling his way through the crowd, Nix couldn''t see who he was escorting. Several of the other customers voiced loud complaints.


    Nix had to adjust his course so that he would accidentally be in the dhassi''s way. A hand gripped his shoulder and spun him around, Nix used the momentum to strike the inside of the dhassi''s elbow with his fist. The dhassi grimaced and clutched his elbow.


    Nix smiled apologetically. "You okay friend?


    "Did you strike my clansman?" A familiar voice spoke from behind the Fir''Dhassi. A moment later Raine Xai stepped out from behind the tall dhassi.


    Nix was suddenly thankful he had put on the wolfmask. "Are you blind? The dhassi grabbed me when I wasn''t looking. Wait a moment, you look familiar. Are you talking about the Assholio Clan?"


    Several snickers and laughs could be heard in the surrounding crowd. The sound of weapons being drawn turned the crowd silent.


    Nix noticed that Raine didn''t draw a weapon. "Don''t do any fighting Princess?"


    Raine pulled a singular long blade from a scabbard that was strapped to her back. "I do some fighting."


    "Oh, I see." Nix cleared his throat, "got a spare blade? I seem to have left mine at the Inn." He shrugged and showed the crowd his empty hands, a moment later 12 emerald flame strands wrapped around the sword-arm of Raine Xai, the sound of sizzling of flesh could be heard as the blade dropped to the ground. Nix dug his toe into the sand and kicked a large cloud of dust at her.


    Raine pulled a hideout dagger from her belt and slashed at the cloud. The dust settled a moment later showing that no one was there.


    [Detection]


    Raine Xai''s eyes glow with the blessing of True Sight.


    Nix walked softly passed the Fir''Dhassi who had been admiring their horses but had now stepped away to lend their assistance. Not worried about being detected he grabbed the horses leads one at a time.


    "Where is he?" Raine glanced around the auction area while rubbing her burnt arm. "Find him, he couldn''t have gone far." She bent down to pick up her blade, only to discover that it was gone.


    Nix waited until the Fir''Dhassi spread out and Raine looked away, then he activated Deep Blue and chose his binding point. It was a few seconds before anyone noticed his appearance, by then it was too late.


    A shout alerted Raine who turned a moment before the sword/horse thief disappeared. Nix waved her blade in the air. "Thanks, Princess."


    Nix stepped off the Haven platform a moment later with four horses and a sword. Fortunately, no one was around when he arrived. He placed the sword in his inventory and then placed his hand on the stallion''s head.


    [Do you wish to unsummon this mount?]


    "Yes." Nix unsummoned each of the mares after that and then summoned Fey. A half-hour later, Fey landed on the plateau they had visited earlier. Nix summoned all four horses and then turned them loose.


    "Nice looking horses." Fey watched them with an interested eye.


    "Don''t eat my horses." Nix watched them charge away, there was plenty of grass and water in the area, they should be fine. He stowed their bridles away and activated the Guild Office Icon.


    The Guild Office was empty. Nix took a seat on the couch and opened the crafting menu. The Wolfmask that he liked to wear was too recognizable. He brought up the tailor menu and chose the alterations option. The Ain''Dhassi face from before appeared in his hud once again.


    [Which item would you like to alter?]


    [Enhanced Wolfman Mask]


    It was here that Nix discovered it was possible to change the appearance of any item without altering the statistics.


    [Warning: Some of the Enhancement on this item are unavailable in Oasis. In exchange they will be converted to the calculated equivalent.]


    He chose black for the color change and was about to select the crafting icon when he noticed the Enhance option was blinking.


    [There are two enhancement slots available for this item]


    Nix chose to add Lamia and Kraken leather.


    [Enhanced Wolfman Mask]


    [Lamia Leather] [Kraken Leather]


    [Please select items new appearance]


    Nix considered the options, one type hid the eyes and upper part of the face while the other masked part of the nose and the lower part of the face. "With my eyes, I better hide the upper part."


    [Appearance Change: Enhanced Wolfman Mask] [Black] [Mask: Lower Face] [Enhancements: Lamia Leather, Kraken Leather]


    Nix frowned at the 20 million credit crafting charge. "F*ck!! What about my free shit?" He selected the crafting icon.


    Snake Eyes


    Mask: Tyrant I


    True Sight: Enhanced vision that enables the wearer to


    see through illusions and stealth


    Night Eyes: Sharpens'' vision to see in darkness.


    Charmed Vision: Immune to charm.


    Your Tailoring skill has improved to 104.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] There''s a fight brewing in the Northside courtyard.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Anyone from Inferno?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] No... Raine Xai and Del Tali.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] My money is on Del.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] You aren''t going to step in?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] All weapons are locked in Inventories. At the very most, they''ll beat each other up.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] There''s always a workaround Nix.


    Nix stared out the window for a moment.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Fine, I"ll put on my diplomacy hat.


    Nix found Semmi and Pon sitting at the cafe, the old mage was nursing a cold beer while enjoying the show. The voices of the two dhassi were quite loud but no one had resorted to violence yet.


    "The armor had a distinct coloring, just like the one your clansman is wearing!" Raine pointed at Cora who was standing behind a group of Ain''Dhassi. She was wearing the basic armor that Nix had put the overlay on.


    Del''s blue eyes showed their anger. "Cora hasn''t left Parliament today. We aren''t responsible for your inability to retain your belongings."


    Nix bit his lip to keep from smiling. Del was being reasonable while making sure to twist the dagger a bit. He winked at Semmi and approached the arguing dhassi.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Oh shit...


    /Inferno: Pon: And the Diplomacy master steps in.


    "I made the armor. As you can see, I wear a similar set." Nix didn''t bother to hide the amusement in his voice, both dhassi turned to face him.


    Raine frowned. "Guild Leader Nix."


    Del offered him a smile. "Nix."


    Nix deliberately stealthed and moved to the other side of them before reappearing. "Don''t the dhassi constantly raid and steal from each other? Why are you disturbing the peace of Parliament over a personal dispute?"


    Del bowed her head slightly. "I have no part in this feud, she is accusing us without evidence. I will step away without further conflict."


    Raine''s eyes had glowed when he stealthed, she had definitely used magical detection on him. "Raids for resources are part of our culture. This does not extend to the stealing of personal treasures."


    "That''s a bit self-centered, right? Who gets to decide what''s too valuable to acquire? Aren''t you being a bit ungrateful? Didn''t the Ain''Dhassi recently protect the life of someone important to you?"


    "Guild Leader Nix has a point Apprentice." A male voice spoke from the crowd, they parted willingly as he walked slowly toward the arguing dhassi. He wore dark brown leather armor and his light brown hair was tied up in a ponytail. His face had the healthy tan of a person who spent their life outdoors.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] There are two paths in the Ranger tree right, sword, and bow?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Yes, bow and dual-wielding swords.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] What Oasis Class would be heavy into woodlore and wield a single long blade?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Nature''s Wrath or Wrath for short.


    Nix bowed slightly to the newcomer. "Master Delyn, well met."


    Delyn returned the bow. "You know my name, yet we have never met. That''s very curious."


    Nix kept his face expressionless while they stared at each other. "I could say the same, Sir."


    A smile creased Delyn''s face. "Fair enough." He turned slightly to face Raine. "Drop this matter Apprentice, if the blade is truly yours, then it will find its way back to you."


    /Inferno: Nix: What a load of shit.


    /Inferno: Pon: Too mumbo jumbo for me. We should have let them fight, my money was on Raine.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Special mission, you and me. Are you available?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Yes. Be there in a few minutes.

 Chapter 143 The Seventh Floor

    Mina was waiting for Nix when he boarded his houseboat a few minutes later. He decided he would upgrade her Kraken Armor while she gave him the mission details.


    Nix brought up the crafting menu and chose the Overlay method that had been saved earlier. He began navigating through the menu to find the correct option. There was no Ain''Dhassi help screen this time.


    "Let me see your amor Min." Nix held out his hand and waited while she unequipped the Kraken set he had given her.


    "Was there a problem in Parliament?" Mina hadn''t been spending as much time in the governing building as the rest of Inferno.


    Kraken Armor [Water Mage only]


    Description: This thick but surprising light


    armor grants its wearer the boon of the sea.


    +100 to Water abilities. Immunity to range damage.


    All damage is reduced by thirty percent.


    "A small misunderstanding. My intervention wasn''t really needed." Nix placed the Kraken Armor in the targeting slot.


    [Overlay: Camoflauge] [Kraken Armor]


    [You can add up to four Bonus Enhancements for this overlay.]


    Nix added the four legendary types of leather from his inventory.


    [Overlay: Camoflauge] [Kraken Armor] [Bonus Enhancement: Kraken Leather]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Leviathan Leather] [Bonus Enhancement: Lamia Leather] [Bonus Enhancement: Ced'' Far Leather]


    [Warning: Some of the Enhancement items carry bonuses that are unavailable in Oasis. In exchange they will be converted to the calculated equivalent.]


    [Crafting Cost: 600 million Credits]


    Nix stared at the crafting cost but didn''t say anything to Min. Taking out a few of the enhancements would definitely bring it down. He had a feeling that it was the Ced ''Far leather that was driving the price up so high.


    "Problem Nix?" Mina noticed his hesitation.


    Nix shook his head. Since he regularly transferred credits into a real-world account, 600 million was nearly everything he left in Colonial assets. Nix glanced up, Mina was watching him. The image of a small Aquarion girl who liked to draw on Soup''s shell flashed into his head. "No, it''s fine."


    Nix activated the craft icon.


    Ocean Queen [Filamina Only]


    Medium Armor: Tyrant IV


    Armor Class: 1000


    + 30 to all Statistics


    Damage Reduction 40 percent.


    All Sea Abilities have increased by 50 percent.


    [Special Ability: Minion]


    Summon a Sea Devil to fight by your side.


    [Immunities]


    Range Damage


    Critical Hits


    Description: Seamlessly blends into the surroundings.


    Camouflage only breaks when attacking.


    Nix handed the armor back to her. He grinned at her when she put it on. The color had changed to ocean blue camouflage and a silver crown was perched on top of her white hair.


    "Nix? What is this armor?" Min was looking at the statistics, it didn''t match up with anything she had ever seen.


    Nix gestured to his bedroom. "Better check out the rest in the mirror."


    The Ocean Queen armor hugged Mina''s contours perfectly. The faintest image of scales could be seen on the blue armor. Mina''s hair which had been hanging down was automatically placed in a single braid that flowed down her back. The silver crown had a blue sapphire set in the middle.


    "The amount of Vila in my stable dropped from 40 to 30." MIna frowned at the number, they had worked hard to get the Vilas.


    "Maybe the Sea Devil will make up for it?" Nix stood up and headed for the side ladder. "Brief me on the way Min."


    Min followed closely behind him, "our spies have discovered that the Matriarchs are seeding the God''s path. Our recent progress may have alerted them."


    "Seeding it with more Vila?"


    "Doesn''t matter. They are placing them on the 7th floor. In order to do that, they access a hidden entrance on the second stage of the 6th floor."


    "We''ve already cleared 6.2." Nix grabbed Min''s hand and chose the 6th-floor staging area in Mermaid City.


    They stepped onto the 6th-floor platform. It was completely empty, none of the mid-tier guilds were even close to Inferno.


    "Yes. We follow them through and then clear the stage. That jumps us to the 7th floor."


    Nix nodded. "They both stealthed and then stepped onto the 6.2 platform, a few minutes later they were swimming down a long hall.


    /Inferno: Nix: Where''s the door located?


    /Inferno: Mina: Turn left at the next intersection then it''s halfway down the hall. A small discoloration on the stones marks the entrance.


    /Inferno: Fajii: What are you doing in Mermaid City Nix?


    /Inferno: Mina: Special Mission Fajii, please clear the channel.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll talk when we get back Fajii.


    They arrived at the discoloration a few minutes later. They moved closer to the ceiling and maintained their stealth.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] I keep thinking about the Chaos Gate. Why do you suppose we were married in the illusion?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] You want a daughter, seems like they should be a package deal.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Makes sense I suppose.


    ******************


    Nix and Mina waited nearly two hours before moving down the hall could be seen. Two Matriarchs moved swiftly toward them, they stopped near a mark on the floor and one of them pointed a device at the wall. A moment later a small portion of the wall slid open.


    Nix and Mina flashed through the opening before they had time to close it.


    Nix raised both hands and shot six flame strands toward each Matriarch, the emerald flames wrapped around their torso, pinning their arms. Mina summoned her Vilas and turned them on the Matriarchs. A few months earlier this would have been an even battle, but not any longer.


    With the Matriarchs easily disposed of, Nix picked up the device that had opened the wall while Mina salvaged the Ricoli Devices.


    Nix paused while she retrieved the second one. "Doesn''t this seem like a rather menial task for a Matriarch?"


    Mina nodded in agreement, "it does. There should be a round chamber up ahead. We will need to start clearing mobs from then on. "


    Nix nodded and they both stealthed before continuing down the hall. Tentatively they entered through the archway that led to the round chamber. The room was completely empty. "This right Min?"


    Min shook her head. "It shouldn''t be empty." A second archway on the far side of the room was the only other exit from the chamber.


    Nix and Min started toward it when they heard the grating sound of stone on stone, a moment later two large doors slammed shut over the archways.


    "Filamina... So nice of you to visit us again." A female voice sounded near where the entrance had been. A tall Aquarion woman, dressed in light armor and carrying a staff, walked toward them.


    /Inferno: Mina: NIX! Gate out now!


    Nix grabbed Min''s hand and activated Deep Blue.


    [You may not gate out of this location at this time]


    Two other Aquarion''s appeared near the first. "They moved forward slightly, flanking Nix and Mina.


    /Inferno: Nix: Three Matriarchs, we''ve handled harder.


    /Inferno: Mina: No Nix... These are Elder Matriarchs, the strongest of our kind.


    "Filamina... You seem a bit distraught." The Elder Matriarch continued to walk toward them. All three of them summoned their creatures at the same time.


    Mina had her 30 Vila move in front of them. "Three Elders, to deal with me?"


    "You?" The Elder Matriarch laughed loudly, a sound that mimicked ''nails on a chalkboard.'' "Why would I need help dealing with my own Grand Daughter? We''ve come to deal with the Archon before his strength grows beyond us."

 Chapter 144 A New Age

    [Summons: Soup]


    "Archon? I''m not really sure what that is but I assure you I''m only a Fire Mage. " Nix guessed there were roughly 50 beasts, which meant the three Elder Matriarchs could summon more.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] We have trust, right? Unsummon your Vilas.


    "I''m Guild Leader Nix of Inferno." Nix placed his hands outward with the palms up. "Mina, this isn''t a fight we can win. Please put your Vilas away."


    /Inferno: Mina: 6.2, North Hall, halfway down there''s a mark on the stone floor.


    Mina unsummoned her Vila. "Nix, you have the honor of addressing Elder Matriarch Cai''Song."


    "That''s a familiar name." Nix smiled pleasantly, "the Artifact on the 12th floor is called Cai''Song."


    Nix could see the resemblance in the facial features. However, unlike Mina''s warm beauty he found Cai''Song to be hideously cold.


    "My Grandmother was one of the Elder Matriarchs that worked together to construct it." Mina''s voice was soft, her secret shame was exposed to him.


    Nix grabbed her hand as if to comfort her but secretly placed the wall opening device in her hand.


    "The sins of one generation die with them. Are you aware that three of the Aquarion women from the Souza Accord are pregnant with female babies?" Nix understood that Inferno was fast and that no one was better at deploying then Jun Li and Semmi.


    Cai''Song scoffed at him. "Useless lies, we''ve given no access to the females from Mina''s faction. "


    "The offspring of Aquarion women and human men are inherently female." Nix wasn''t sure if that was accurate, but the Elder Matriarchs didn''t know that.


    Cai''Song didn''t react at all. "Half cast offspring, it would be better if they were never born."


    "I see... you already knew." Nix heard Mina''s sudden gasp. "How is using a human girl to change the gender of an unborn Aquarion baby any different? The Artifact does the combining, so therefore it is acceptable?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Grab onto Soup when he goes by you.


    "Grandmother! Is this true? The Elder Matriarchs have hidden this from us? We could have taken a path of peace! Our races could have lived together." Mina''s voice grew louder as she spoke, there was an element of anguish that made Nix want to comfort her.


    Nix used his companion commands to have Soup target the closed door behind them.


    Cai''Song laughed loudly, the sound of it made Nix''s blood boil. "What kind of Colonial woul..."


    Nix didn''t let her finish.


    [Battering Ram: Target]


    Soup exploded toward the door, Mina managed to latch on as he flashed past her. Nix stepped forward to cover their retreat.


    [Aura Ignition]


    He focused on pushing his flames outward, the result was a wave of Emerald flames being sent out in all directions. The room shook with an impact an instant later as Soup crashed through the stone door.


    [Command: Retreat]


    Nix moved forward toward Cai''Song


    [Nullified]


    A blast of Wind has silenced Cai''Song.


    The sea beasts all moved toward him at once. He pushed a dozen flame strands outward and gave Soup his last order.


    [Command: Shield Ally: Filamina]


    [Vacuum]


    A look of panic crossed the Elder Matriarch''s face as an irresistible force pulled her toward Nix.


    An instant later Nix was overrun by dozens of sea-beasts. He grabbed Cai''Song and dodged to one side, teeth tearing at both his legs just before a strong pair of jaws latched onto his shoulder forcing him to the ground.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    A wave of power blasted outward in all directions. The entire area shook for a few seconds and then stopped, leaving only destruction in its wake. The walls of the room were completely blown out, the charred remains of the beasts were littered across the crumbled walls and ceilings.


    Nix found Cai''Song a few meters away. Oddly enough she was the only Matriarch to survive Nix''s transition to Salamander. Blood was leaking out of her mouth, her face was badly burned and the look in her eyes was that of sheer terror. The chamber they had trapped Nix in, was nothing but a big oven where his enemies had been cooked.


    "Release me... Filamina will never forgive you if you kill me."


    "Even if that''s true, I don''t require forgiveness." A dozen barbed flame strands stabbed into her at once. She opened her mouth wide in terror to scream but was dead before any sound escaped.


    Nix felt the room spinning, the emerald salamander collapsed onto the corpse of Cai''Song.


    "Nix!" Mina''s seemed to come from far away. A few seconds later she was kneeling next to him, stroking the smooth emerald skin of his head. She didn''t even look at the corpses of the Elder Matriarchs. "Help is coming Nix."


    "Grab the ricoli artifacts from the Elder Matriarchs." Nix struggled to talk, his mouth kept filling up with blood.


    Mina nodded but didn''t leave his side. "I can''t bear this Nix, heal yourself."


    The sound of running feet caused her to turn. Jun Li and Tess were the first through the door, Inferno had arrived.


    Tess took one look at him and shook her head. His left arm and leg were missing, they both looked like they had been bitten off. There was a ragged wound on his shoulder that was deep enough to put her hand in. "I can heal you Nix, but you know the deal with that."


    Nix understood, which is why he didn''t heal himself. "Junie, that hall leads to the 7th floor. Clear it before we leave."


    [Disclaimer: In Colonial, the non-fatal loss of limbs cannot be healed by normal means. You can be fully healed, but the missing limb won''t be returned unless you are rezzed or restored by game events.]


    Mina looked up from her seat on the rubble. "We couldn''t gate out, the rooms been altered somehow."


    Tess frowned, "my rezz is grayed out too Nix. Looks like you''ll have to be revived at the Fire palace."


    "No worries. Thanks for coming so quickly."


    You have died.


    Nix rolled over on the flat stone of the Fire Palace''s Altar.


    [Your gear is in need of repair]


    [Your locked level of 100 had decreased by one level]


    [You are suffering from resurrection sickness. All Statistics are decreased by half: Duration 3 hours]


    "The f*ck is that about?" Nix shifted slightly until his feet were hanging over the altar. "Is that because I crossed the Escalades Bridge?"


    Nix walked toward the exit, checking his companion menu. Soup had been unsummoned during the blast.


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to advance to the 7th floor.


    /Inferno: Nix: Good job everyone.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Want to hear the good news Nix? Haven is at 80 percent exploration so we can utilize the map options and start reserving homestead locations.


    /Inferno: NIx: If you want to reserve a specific location, get the coordinates and give them to Semmi.


    ******************


    A few hours later Nix was sitting on the banks of the river that ran through the area he wanted to claim. He had tried to check on Mina, but Fajii had asked him to wait. She would find him when she was ready to talk.


    [Activate Fishing Scroll?]


    ''Yes."


    A basic fishing pole has been sent to your inventory.


    A basic tackle box has been added to your inventory.


    A container of live bait has been sent to your inventory.


    [You have learned the fishing skill. 1/500]


    Nix set up the line with a leader and bobber. Once he was happy with the result he baited the hook. He cast the line and leaned back on the grassy bank. "And so the great fishing saga begins."


    [You''ve been invited to a secret chat channel: GoFish. Do you accept?]


    "Yep."


    /GoFish: Jun Li: You got our stuff?


    /GoFish: Nix: Yep, all set. I''m at the spot already.


    /GoFish: Semmi: Wait for us Nix!


    /GoFish: Nix: Too late.


    Nix waved when he spotted two mantas heading toward him. He handed them their fishing scrolls and then went back to his seat on the grass and then cast his line.


    [Your fishing skill has improved: 2/500]

 Chapter 145 Settling Haven

    Fey sat near the three fishermen, waiting impatiently. It was getting to the point where she started giving fishing advice. "Junie... you should have set the hook. Now your worm is definitely gone."


    In three hours of fishing, they''d only managed to catch five fish between them. Jun Li caught three while Nix and Semmi each caught one. The fish they had caught were quite pathetic, so Nix had summoned Fey and offered them to her. Now she was laying a few meters away grumbling about how slow they were.


    "Fey... Gonna send you away and ban you from the fishing club." Nix checked his skill level, it had risen to 17.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: You read that letter from the Cabal yet?


    /Go Fish: Nix: No. I will take a look today. A lot going on with dockets and daily raids.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: You said you suffered a death penalty from your death in 6.2?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Yep. Loss of banked xp, equipment damage, and rezz sickness.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Morti and the Embassy team are on level 79. We should find out what the special floor on 80 is pretty soon.


    The sudden pounding of hooves caused all three of them to turn. Flash and the Mares that Nix had acquired in Phai City had arrived.


    Jun Li glanced at Semmi before looking back at him. "Nix.." Jun Li was trying to keep a straight face. "What are those?"


    Nix turned his attention back to his fishing and cast the line out again. "Looks like horses."


    Semmi was staring at the black stallion. "Three mares and a stallion. Just like the four that were taken from the auction house in Phai City."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Freakish coincidence. Haven has its own wildlife you know."


    Jun Li slowly reeled in some line. "So... you''re saying those are wild horses?"


    "Definitely wild." A huff on the back of Nix''s hair caused him to turn around, the smooth black muzzle of one of the mares pushed against him. He reached up and patted her head.


    "Nix..." Semmi smiled and held out her hand, the mare walked toward her and investigated. "Where''s the sword?"


    Nix accessed his inventory and held out a rather long-bladed sword. It''s bound of course so I can''t equip it. Might use it to chop wood, or maybe dig for worms."


    Avenger [Class Specific: Nature''s Wrath]


    Tyrant: V


    [Bound: Statistics Unavailable]


    "Holy shit Nix." Jun Li held out her hand and waited while he passed it to her. "Stats can''t be seen if the blade isn''t yours? Tyrant V? What kind of rating is that?"


    She sat her pole down and took a few practice swipes in the air. Jun Li was the best swordsman in the Guild. Nix had seen her in action more than a few times, she was fast, tricky and ruthless. "If this wasn''t bound, I''d be begging you to give it to me."


    "No need for that, I would have given it to you already in that case."


    Semmi watched as the sword flashed from side to side. "You better not use that to chop wood Nix."


    Nix smiled. "Too late," he admitted and pointed to a pile of wood he had cut up and stacked against a large tree.


    "...." Jun Li.


    ''...." Semmi.


    The thundering sound of hooves made all of them look up again. The horses galloped away, several Mantas were heading toward them.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Damn it. We''ve been found.


    Jun Li handed the sword back to Nix and he quickly stowed it away.


    Nix had been expecting Pon and Wind, they were also accompanied by Nansu and Chael.


    The Alchemist pointed out the small herd in the distance. "Whose horses are those?"


    "They''re wild," Nix said quietly.


    "Nix''s," Jun Li admitted.


    "Nix''s," Semmi Agreed.


    "It''s pretty up here Nix." Nansu brought up the area map. "Grasslands, a river, some forest, and a view of the mountains; this place has it all."


    Nix nodded, "That''s why I chose it. Morti will like it also."


    "He''s been working hard on the Embassy levels." Nansu pointed to Nix''s bobber that had just been pulled down. "Set that Nix."


    "Huh?" Nix set the hook, he felt the momentary weight on the line before he lost the bite. "Damn¡­ too slow." He slowly reeled the line in, the hook was bare. "Bastard took my worm again."


    He sighed heavily and stowed his fishing gear away. "My fishing skill is stuck at 17."


    Semmi put her gear away also. "With better poles and bait, who knows what you''ll catch here when your skill gets higher."


    /Inferno: Semmi: I promised to send everyone a small brief on some of the classes So please read it at your leisure. I''ll continue to release new information and upgrade the old stuff.


    Tier 3 Classes: Upgradeable to 4.


    [Ranger] This class is a hybrid of the druid/warrior classes. They are capable of burst dps and are masters of combat once they are outdoors. They can specialize in Desert, Ice or Forest environments. Traditionally these categories align with their race. Ain''Dhassi: Ice, Fir''Dhassi" Forest, Su''Dhassi: Desert. Within the ranger class are two combat specialties, Dual Swords and Bow.


    [Nature''s Wrath] At first glance the Wraths may be hard to distinguish from Rangers. Wraths can use the bow but specialize in the long blade. They lack the druid spells that the rangers have but make up for it with advanced stealth capabilities and useful crowd control techniques. Their dps is easier to sustain than the rangers. Like rangers, they are masters of the outdoors.


    [Druid] The class can do a little of everything. They have healing abilities and crowd control spells like group snare and root. The druid can shapeshift into any of nature''s creatures that they''ve managed to tame. The pet is then labeled [Bonded] and placed in the druid''s inventory. The bonded pet must be turned loose before the druid tames another pet.


    [Berzerker] The Berzerker is the master of burst dps. The lower the health of the Berzerker the higher the damage output. Additionally, their dps output increases as the opponent''s health decreases. With these two modifiers, the ''Zerks'' damage can reach crazy high damage.


    Rogue: The rogue class is a dual-wielding dagger class. They are masters of stealth and dps. There are two subclasses of rogues. The Rogue class is a prerequisite for two special classes: Burglar and Assassin.


    Burglar: A master of stealth and thievery. Lockpicking, pickpocketing and persuade are their main skills. This class can summon one shadow companion from the netherworld to permanently join them on their journey. The selection is random and irreversible.


    Assassin: The assassin''s are masters of disguise and stealth. They are experts in the use of poisons and enjoy complete immunity to this craft.


    Iron Fist: A melee class that relies solely on their hands and feet for damage. They can master a multitude of martial art techniques. Supposedly they have an effective CC technique, but there is no information on this in the Parliament library.


    Shadow Fiend: The Shadow Fiend spends the first part of their existence grinding levels in the Netherworld. Once they leave, they can assume the form of any Nether creature they were able to defeat in single combat. This trip to Nether is called ''the Culling'', and they can repeat it every 10 levels.


    Doppelganger: This class is one of the crazier ones. They can assume the identity and abilities of any creature or person that is willing to switch. The change lasts until the doppelganger breaks it. The target of the switch becomes a normal person/creature without any special abilities.


    Warrior: Exactly as it sounds. This is the tank. Their dps is generally crap, but they can hold aggro and absorb massive amounts of damage. Their skill line is dedicated to both single and multiple targets.


    Gladiator: The Gladiator is considered an Off-Tank. They can take a lot of damage and their dps is slightly better. This class can use most of the melee weapons and ranged weapons in the game.


    Night Walker: Become a vampire, creature of the night and all of that. I''m not sure what it entails, but there are some very powerful Vampire Lords among the dhassi.


    Sun Devil: As far as I can tell, these have the same abilities as the Nightwalker class. They have the opposite weaknesses and strengths pertaining to sunlight and night time. They have to find cover before nightfall, moonlight is deadly to them. They thrive in the sunlight, and yes they do feed on blood.


    [Magical Paths]


    Chaos: Deadly path of magic that uses souls for power. This is primarily a damage class but they also have some very scary illusion abilities.


    Nature: Natures path is pretty self-explanatory.


    Ice: Utilizes Ice to damage and control their enemy.


    Fire: Like Nix and Pon, they burn shit up.


    Death: Straight up Necromancer path.


    Ordained: Holy Magic, the best heals and rezzes in Oasis.


    Hidden Classes; Supposedly there are many hidden classes. They can be found as drops or even purchased if you have enough credits. Some are pretty mundane, like Innkeeper or Caravan Master.


    The group read the information that Semmi put out and waited while the rest of the Officer''s joined them at the river. Fajii and Mina were the last two officers to arrive.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: When we destroy the artifact on the 12th floor of Mermaid City, I intend to unbank my experience points.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I agree. That seems like the best way to transition our members. I think a group between 5 and 10 should unbank and start on Oasis content.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: There are already five of us who have crossed the Escalade Bridge. We don''t have any healers though.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: For those unaware, Pon, Wind, Fajii, Semmi and myself have crossed. We need a healer and a tank to join us.


    /Guild Officer: Wylie: I will come and so will Banzi.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: I will come too.


    /Guild Officer: Milat: You are needed more in Colonial Mina.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: I wouldn''t volunteer if there wasn''t a way for us to go back. Thank you guys for testing that.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We''ll take 10 total then. That will open up some 10 person raids in Oasis. We are still far away from beating Mermaid City.


    /Guild Officer: Fajii: We can fill out the last two with Acolytes from the Scorched Earth Temple or perhaps the Mariner Knights.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We could use the range damage, either will work fine.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: There is one more thing we should be clear about. Coming to Oasis through the Escalade bridge and choosing a higher tier path can change you.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Even your crafting skills will be altered if you convert it to the Oasis system. Many of the enhances that are normal in Colonial don''t exist in Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: Is that why my armor is so different? Because you made it under the Oasis skill set?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Kinda, I made the camouflage overlay under the new skill set. This enabled me to add four enhancements to the overlay. The effect was substantial.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Can you show us?


    /Guild Officer: Mina: Yes.


    Ocean Queen [Filamina Only]


    Medium Armor: Tyrant IV


    Armor Class: 1000


    + 30 to all Statistics


    Damage Reduction 40 percent.


    All Sea Abilities have increased by 50 percent.


    [Special Ability: Minion]


    Summon a Sea Devil to fight by your side.


    [Immunities]


    Range Damage


    Critical Hits


    Description: Seamlessly blends into the surroundings.


    Camouflage only breaks when attacking.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Damn...


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: That AC is the highest I''ve ever seen in armor. It''s not even heavy armor.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Yeah, that''s pretty nice.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: How difficult to make?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I can''t make any more for the foreseeable future.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: We should go over the dockets today Nix. There are a few items.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Sure, I''ll meet you there in a bit.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: Give him an hour Semmi, I have something I want to discuss.

 Chapter 146 Avenger Returns part one

    Mina took a seat next to Nix on the grassy riverbank and waited until the rest of the officers had left. She held up three Ricoli artifacts. "We can use all three of these."


    Nix whistled softly. "They should have some beasts still in them, right? Three Elder Matriarchs should have a stable of a hundred and twenty between all of them."


    Mina nodded. "There were less than half that numbered deployed to deal with us. I guess they figured we''d be easy prey."


    "Elder Matriarchs... Why kind of beasts are we talking about?" Nix watched her pale eyes closely, they weren''t sad but there was a feeling of loneliness or perhaps isolationism.


    "My grandmother didn''t deploy any of hers. They have been combined and altered to the point where I can''t even guess what they are." Mina scooted closer and slid her hand through his arm. "She was the last of my family Nix, the very last."


    Nix felt the loss suddenly, he understood the emptiness it could bring. "She had to die Min. Either right then or when we got to the 12th floor."


    Her white hair tickled his ear as she leaned against his shoulder. Her voice was scarcely more than a whisper. "I wish it wouldn''t have been you that did it."


    Nix felt the weight of those words, it was a while before he trusted himself to speak. "If it hadn''t been me, then ..."


    Mina started crying softly against his shoulder, her body shaking slightly while Nix embraced her. "I know Nix, but I would have done it if it meant protecting you. Even that, I would have done it."


    "After we destroy the artifact, do you think the Souza Accord will be able to reunite with their people?"


    "I don''t know Nix. There was a time when that question was so far away I couldn''t consider it. We''re on the 7th floor and now we have the stables of three powerful Elder Matriarchs." Mina sat up and kissed the side of his face.


    "Even if they don''t accept you back, the Souza Accord has a home in the Sea-World and here in Haven."


    Mina smiled. "The name Lisa, it was your sister''s name right?"


    "Yep, she was crazy funny and a talented artist." Nix stood and helped Mina to her feet.


    *******************


    Nix waved at Mina who circled once on her Manta before flying away. After she left he brought up his hud and accessed the special menu that the Vasai Virtual Deep-Stay package came equipped with. His older sister had used the same email since she was a teenager, she might not know who Henry Jones was but she would certainly understand.


    Froglegs,


    There''s a place in the VR Colonial game that sells Camden apples. I believe it''s a small town called Glory. Ask for the Innkeeper of the Kindled Spirit.


    Stixx,


    He considered deleting the message, but in the end, he decided to send it.


    A few minutes later Nix entered the Guild Office in Parliament. Semmi was working behind one of the desks, she had changed out of her armor and was wearing comfortable clothes.


    "Nice clothes Sem. Casual day at the office?" Nix took a seat on the couch, the talk with Mina had sapped his motivation.


    Semmi offered him a bright smile. "I have a personal Tailor that makes whatever I ask for."


    Nix laughed at her expression. "You wish. Hey Sem, explain how the Fur''Dhassi is managing to keep the guilds out of Parliament."


    Semmi spun the chair around, she had put on a green headband that kept her blonde bangs out of her eyes. "Right... Let''s start with magical barrier that surrounds Parliament first."


    "Why start there?"


    "Because I''m fairly certain the five of us who traveled through the Escalade bridge may now pass through it." Semmi zoomed in on the desk hud. "We are part of the Parliament Government now and as such are entitled to access just about everything that has to do with World Government."


    Nix stared at the image she had brought up. It was the Parliament building and the surrounding courtyards. An opaque barrier surrounded the entire complex.


    "The 70th floor of the Embassy gave us access to Parliament. The barrier was in place to stop us from further exploration."


    Nix stared at the image, he''d been able to pass through with the Ice Sparrow when it was in puppet mode. "Now that the five of us had crossed the Escalade bridge the barrier will no longer restrict our access?"


    Semmi nodded. "Exactly right, There is a secondary zone set in a large circle around the barrier. This is a neutral zone of sorts, where the Fir''Dhassi has given up their rights to govern."


    Nix felt the sudden urge to take a quick trip. "Neutral zone my ass. I''ve been there twice and both times there were assassination attempts."


    "Go beyond the neutral zone and you will be immediately discovered. From what I''ve been able to gather, there are layers and layers of detection spell specifically set up for intruders."


    Nix frowned at the image. "If we pass through the barrier, they''ll realize we''ve crossed the bridge and figured out a way to return to the Parliament."


    "We are pretty smart, but eventually they''ll put the pieces together and figure it out."


    "Damn... No binding point in Parliament, the math would say we found a way to access one." Nix punched the pillow sitting next to him on the couch.


    "Unless..." Semmi looked like she was a bit nervous.


    "Hmm? Unless?"


    "We have an artificer. We can say that she made a Parliament bracer that is bound to a specific area rather than a binding point."


    Nix crossed his arms. "Two things, first is that we don''t have something like that. It doesn''t exist. Secondly, that wouldn''t cause you to look so nervous."


    Semmi squeezed out a slight smile. "They don''t have a bracer like that here. They have no idea what Colonial has."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "That''s true, they would be clueless to our artifacts."


    "Our votes give us respect here in Parliament, however, once we are outside in Oasis we would be like baby ducks. We need allies Nix, strong ones that won''t upset the balance of the Dhassi races."


    "Your talking about Human Guilds." Nix didn''t hate the idea, he already had the votes which gave Inferno Political clout.


    "Let''s put it aside for now. We can talk about becoming allies with the Guilds after we destroy the artifact. Please take me outside the barrier to the neutral zone." Semmi turned up her smile, she was well aware that her charm was nearly irresistible.


    "No."


    But only nearly. "Nix, as part of the governing body we can ask for Parliament escorts within the Neutral zone. It''s within our rights. Guess who heads up the Parliament guard force?"


    "It''s Bael Strom, the guy we met when we first arrived on the 70th floor."


    "Damn Nix, you''re a good guesser."


    "Makes sense that the Parliament security would greet the unknown newcomers." Nix considered her words. "Fine, get us an escort."


    Semmi jumped to her feet and clapped her hands. "You the man Nix." She quickly equipped her armor while walking toward the door.


    Nix hadn''t moved from his spot on the couch. "Don''t you have to set up the escort?"


    Semmi grinned at him and bolted out the door. "Already did!"


    NIx laughed at the blondes antics. "You''re like a little kid Sem."


    /Inferno: Nix: Is Morty available? I don''t want to summon him if you guys are grinding levels.


    /Inferno: Sajana: It''s fine Nix, he''s just keeping me company while I shop.


    By the time Nix and Semmi made their way down to the northside Courtyard, Bael Strom and three other Fir''Dhassi were waiting.


    Bael watched them as they approached, his face was completely neutral. Inferno must have come through the Escalade bridge and somehow returned to Parliament. "You already know about the barrier. Does this mean you can cross now?"


    Nix nodded. "We have an artifact that can bind to any neutral area. Since the Parliament is neutral, we were able to return."


    Semmi watched Nix for any sign that he was being untruthful. The man was a block of ice. "We want to see the Ain''Dhassi camp if that''s okay."


    Bael nodded. "I can take you to the entrance of their camp. Whether or not they allow you passage is up to them."


    The three Fir''Dhassi mounted up. Bael gave him a questioning look. "It''s a long trip if you are walking."


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Mortimer appeared an instant later, for some reason he was always on his hind legs when he arrived. He was nearly 14 feet tall and growing every day.


    "Nix!" Morti pushed his huge head into Nix''s chest.


    Nix scratched Morti''s ears roughly before looking up at Bael. "Our rides here."


    Nix gave Semmi a boost up and then climbed up behind her. Mort''s back was so wide they just sat crosslegged. His thick fur made for perfect handgrips.


    "Hey... those are horses right?" Morti stared at Bael''s mount. "Do they taste good?"


    Bael bowed his head. "Greetings Titan, I am pleased to escort one of your kind."


    "Just call me Morti... You have really good manners."


    Morti waddled after the horses, as predicted Semmi and Nix were able to pass through the barrier without any issues. Since Morti was his spirit companion, so was he."


    The Bear had no problems keeping up with cantering horses. Although his big body waddled from side to side, his companions enjoyed a rather comfortable ride.


    *****************


    The Ain''Dhassi must have had scouts posted around there camp, by the time Bael had escorted them to the entrance, Del Tali was waiting.


    Bael bowed his head slightly. "Greetings Serai Del Tali."


    Del offered him a genuine smile. "Greetings Sentinel Strom."


    Bael stayed on his horse but gestured to Nix and Semmi. "These two asked me to escort them to your camp."


    Del''s blue eyes stared at the trio for a moment. "I will guarantee their safety Sentinel Strom. You may return to your post."


    Bael nodded. "As you say Serai. I leave them in your care.''


    /Inferno: Semmi: Kinda feel like I just got dumped.


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.

 Chapter 147 Avenger Returns part two

    "Impressive." Nix sat comfortably at a round table set up outside of the Grand Elders tent. Within a few minutes of their arrival, the Ain''Dhassi presented an impressive feast with platters of meats, vegetables, and fruits.


    Semmi could only nod her head. The blonde officer had immediately been swept away by a group of young Ain''Dhassi women. She returned a few minutes later with a wreath of flowers in her hair and a white dress. Semmi''s pretty face was bright red with embarrassment.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] It looks like they are planning to marry you off.


    [Whisper Semmi to Nix] Right. You aren''t allowed to mention this ever again.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] No promises... You look nice though.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Thanks.


    Semmi was seated next to Del, directly across from Nix. It was hard not to notice the scout, even among the attractive Ain''Dhassi.


    Morti was wadding through camp with a dozen or so Ain''Dhassi youths on his back. The bear would stop every few minutes to take on more passengers.


    "Thank you for accepting my invitation Nix." The Grand Elder watched the Inferno Guild Leader with a discerning eye. He had seen the human''s impressive tailoring skills but there was something else that seemed out of place.


    Nix paused while considering the statement. He definitely hadn''t been invited. "It''s a welcome opportunity to meet one of the Grand Elders of the Ain''Dhassi."


    Unlike the other Ain''Dhassi, Sai Teli kept his hair cut short. There was a ragged scar at his hairline that Nix hadn''t noticed while in sparrow form. His pale blue eyes seemed ancient however his face was ageless. "Since we''ve gathered here as friends, please call me Sai."


    Nix spotted Cora bringing a plate of fruit to the next table, she was wearing the armor that he had modified. "Is that your armor Cora?"


    The young dhassi froze in place when she heard their visitor speak her name. Her white hair hung down her back in a single braid, Nix had only noticed her because of the camouflage armor. "How do you know my name?"


    "I heard Del Tali mention it in the Courtyard when she was speaking with Raine Xai."


    "Oh I see. This armor was gifted to me by Serai Del because I passed the qualifications to begin training." Cora''s face was flushed while she spoke, but she kept eye contact.


    "Ranger training?" Nix remembered from the assassination attempt that there had been three bows stacked together at the youth camp.


    Cora nodded. "I really like the way it looks."


    Nix smiled warmly, she seemed like a teenager. "Could I see your bow? Or is it improper for me to ask?"


    Cora shook her head, "I don''t mind." She glanced at Del who nodded in agreement A moment later she presented her bow.


    Basic Bow [Ranger Only]


    +200 to Armor Class


    +50 to Range


    +50 to Accuracy


    Nix turned on the bench and held the bow in his hands. It seemed to be made of a hardwood, something like Black Ash. It was shorter than he would have thought, perhaps a hybrid of the longbow and short bow. "Makes sense, a longbow would be cumbersome while hunting in deep foliage," he muttered to himself. He brought up his crafting menu and chose the Overlay.


    [Camoflauge Overlay] [Basic Bow] [Camoflauge Clothe] [Fish Line Thread]


    The Grand Elder watched as he worked, he had never seen the human crafting methods displayed before. They seemed vastly different than the Dhassi techniques. "That clothe naturally blends into the surroundings?"


    Nix nodded. "It''s called Camouflage, it''s my own invention. I only thought to apply it to objects recently."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Did you just claim to have invented Camouflage?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.


    Sai didn''t bother to hide the interest in his eyes."Amazing Guild Leader Nix. You can apply this to weapons also?"


    Nix waved his hand. "Just call me Nix, as you said, we are gathered here as friends. I haven''t tried any weapons before, the only experimenting I''ve done is with different enhancements."


    The Grand Elder glanced at Del, who seemed content to chat idly with Semmi while Nix crafted. "Del... perhaps as Cora''s sponsor, you have a small enhancement that could be added. I''m very curious about the possibility of Tailor enhanced weapons."


    Nix looked up at Del when she stood. "Sponsor?"


    Del nodded and handed him a small stone. "I sponsor Cora. That means her initial Ranger training will be done by me until she is ready to study under one of our Master Trainers."


    "I see." Nix held the small stone in his hand and checked its enhancements.


    True-Strike


    Description: A mysterious


    stone that increases the chance of


    scoring a critical hit.


    The Camo-Overlay for the bow could have up to two enhancements. Nix added stone and considered his options. Just one legendary leather wouldn''t drive up the cost too much, the Lamia should add a poison element.


    [Camoflauge Overlay] [Basic Bow] [Forest Camouflage Clothe] [Fish Line Thread] [Bonus Enhancement: Lamia Leather]


    "Since this is your training bow Cora, I shall gift you an enhancement on behalf of the Inferno Guild." Nix checked the setup and then selected the Craft option.


    Forest Viper [Ranger Only]


    Bow: Tyrant I


    +800 to Armor Class


    +75 to Range


    +75 to Accuracy


    20 percent chance to score a Critical hit.


    [Additional Effects]


    Lamia''s Poison: A poison counter


    is added to your target for each successful hit.


    Avoid Detection: Remain motionless


    and completely blend in with your surroundings.


    Blurry Target: Incoming Range damage is mitigated by 40


    percent due to your outline is heavily obscured.


    When he was done, he did a quick inspection and then handed the bow back to Cora.


    Cora''s pale features flushed noticeably. "A Tyrant bow?" She looked at Del, "Is it okay for me to have something like this?"


    Del inspected the bow and nodded her head. "In Oasis, sometimes events or special encounters can lead us to good fortune. Think of this as yours."


    There was an awkward silence that extended over the tables while the AIn''Dhassi stared at Nix. It lasted only a few seconds before the sounds of music playing distracted everyone. A dozen youths dressed in bright colors started dancing in a small circle.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] I can''t take you anywhere.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Word will spread. Human crafters are skilled and our methods are creative and effective. You''re right Sem, we need to unite the Guilds under one Alliance. Soon as we finish Mermaid City.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Now you''re talking.


    They enjoyed a pleasant meal with their Ain''Dhassi hosts. There was no talk of politics but several Ain''Dhassi approached the Inferno members during the meal to thank them for the return of their family members. The music and the dancing were a pleasant distraction. Wine and conversation had started to make Nix tired. He covered a yawn and finished the rest of his drink.


    A tall Ain''Dhassi approached their table just as Nix was finishing. "Morai Sai, Delyn Xai from the Fir''Dhassi has come."


    Nix took that as his cue. "We should be going Grand Elder Sai. Semmi and I both have important business in Colonial that requires our attention."


    Del stood bowed low. "Thank you for gifting my sponsor such a nice weapon. I shall gather an escort to bring you back."


    Semmi shook her head. "We''ll just gate out."


    Elder Sai''s pale eyes stared as Nix and Semmi joined hands and then gated from their camp. The old dhassi sighed heavily. "It''s true. They have an artifact that binds to an area."

 Chapter 148 Avenger Returns Conclusion

    Semmi and Nix appeared in Haven an instant later. The blonde officer gave Nix a questioning look. "Why the rush to leave?"


    "I want to return something." Nix exited Haven and entered the Guild Office.


    An hour later, a stealthed Nix was trotting back toward the Fir''Dhassi camp. Nightfall had come, but it didn''t affect Nix who had slipped his Snake eyes mask on. The bright colors of the Fir''Dhassi forest seemed to jump out at him as he increased his pace.


    During his conversation with Del, she had told him the location of both the Su''Dhassi and Fir''Dhassi camps. There were two guards at the entrance to the Fir''Dhassi camp, neither moved nor noticed anything when Nix walked directly between them.


    The Fir''Dhassi camp was smaller than he would have thought. Maybe they didn''t bother with a large presence since Parliament was in their territory. It took Nix nearly another hour to check all the tents.


    Finally, he spotted her. The tall Fir''Dhassi was heading toward the largest tent in the compound. Nix frowned, he hadn''t bothered to check that one, it was obviously the Dhassi version of the mess tent. A moment after Raine entered, a handful of Fir''Dhassi exited. Was Raine the cause? The Fir''Dhassi leader did seem a bit too serious for her own good.


    A wave of heat struck Nix in the face the moment he entered the large tent. He moved quickly to one side to avoid two dhassi males that were exiting. It was then that he stopped dead in his tracks. ''A f*cking bath tent? What kind of Elf bathes in a barrel when there''s a river outside? What about nature and spring water?''


    A form moved gracefully through the steam-filled air. Her dark blonde hair hung down just passed her waist. Nix didn''t bother to turn away when she stepped into the water. He circled the inside of the tent to keep an eye on the only entrance. Raine was just easing into the hot water. The water stopped just below the curve of her breast, she cupped water in her hands splashed her face.


    A pile of clothes on a nearby benchmarked Nix''s target. He''d place her sword on her things, and no one would be the wiser. They entered a moment later when she submerged her head and slicked her hair back. Two figures in dark clothes approached Raine slowly.


    Nix cursed his shitty luck. The two intruders had a slight glow around them. Did that mean they were stealthed? He had never used the true sight option of the Snake Eye mask.


    /Inferno: Mina: Nix? Where are you?


    /Inferno: Nix: Can''t talk now.


    They moved suddenly and faster than Nix expected. One-shot an object from some sort of wrist weapon while the other started to open a gate. Raine''s unconscious body was dragged out of the hot water and through the gate. Nix dived at them before they could escape, slamming into the person holding Raine an instant before all four of them disappeared.


    A moment later Nix crashed into the ground. He rolled to one side and immediately stealthed. The two assailants were both on the ground, Raine was nearby where they dropped her.


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] Your apprentice has been taken.


    The two figures drew their weapons, the eyes of one glowing softly.


    Neyma Xai has cast True Sight.


    Nix froze in place as the two dhassi studied their surroundings.


    "It''s fine, whoever it was is still at the camp." Neyma sighed and then glanced at the unconscious body of Raine. "Let''s just kill her now and be done with it."


    "We''ve gone through the trouble of setting up a the site, it''s no good unless the Ain''Dhassi are blamed." The second voice was a woman, but a mask hid her features.


    [Whisper: Delyn to Nix] Taken? Where?


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] Not exactly sure yet. Do you have a way to track her?


    Nix considered his options. He could feel that the two dhassi were much stronger than him. Attacking them would be useless, he might hold one for a few moments.


    Neyma wrapped Raine in a cloth and tossed her over one shoulder. The two dhassi started moving east at a trot. The weight of the dhassi didn''t seem to bother him at all.


    [Whisper: Delyn to Nix] If she had her old sword equipped, I could find her.


    "....." Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] They dropped a rather nice looking long-blade when they gated in.


    Nix sat the sword in the long grass and continued after the dhassi.


    [Whisper: Delyn to Nix] What?


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] They dropped something when I escaped them, it was a long-bladed sword.


    [Whisper: Delyn to Nix] I''m on my way. Don''t engage them Nix, they are both my level.


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] I''ll just follow them unless they try to hurt her.


    After 15 minutes of running, the duo stopped. Nix sighed heavily when he saw the horses that were tied behind some trees.


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] They have horses... We''re boned.


    [Whisper: Delyn to Nix] I''m at the sword! East?


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn] Yes... Just follow the sound of a Fire Mage getting his ass kicked.


    [Fire Root]


    Emerald flames have rooted Neyma in place.


    [Fire Root]


    Emerald flames have rooted Tyai in place.


    Nix managed to root both fighters before they discovered him. Both dhassi pulled out bows causing him to dive for cover.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Tor, Cal, Shadai]


    "Sick em Morti we only need a few moments!"


    [Absolute Challenge]


    All Enemies are forced to attack Mortimer.


    "Shadai, focus your heals on Morti only! Our first kill is Neyma!"


    Ducky has charmed Tyai.


    Tyai turned away from the Titan and slashed at the back of Neyma causing him to spin to one side. A huge paw bypassed his defense and sent the wounded Dhassi to the ground.


    Tyai has resisted charm. An angry dhassi looked around in confusion for a moment before noticing the Siren. Instantly she flashed toward her.


    [Aura Ignition]


    12 strands of Emerald flames wrapped around the arms of Neyma. She screamed in agony as she pulled backward in an attempt to free herself.


    Nix was jerked forward, He held on desperately while getting slammed repeated from side to side.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Neyma has been stunned.


    Tyai has been stunned.


    Nix dropped the flame strands and targetted Neyma.


    [Fire Burst]


    Five balls of superheated flame struck Neyma.


    Neyma is critically wounded and has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    Ducky has charmed Neyma.


    The wounded Neyma charged at Tyai slashing with his blade.


    Tyai cursed loudly and defended herself.


    Tyai has slain Neyma.


    "Bastards!" Tyai screamed in anger, her blade moving before Nix could react.


    Ducky has been slain.


    [Absolute Defense]


    Half of all incoming damage is blocked by Mortimer''s thick hide.


    The surprisingly fast Titan intercepted the dhassi fighter that was suddenly charging Nix.


    Meri Xai has cast entangled.


    Roots have sprung from the earth and wrapped around Tyai''s legs.


    "STOP!" A voice shouted from behind them. Delyn and three Fir''Dhassi had arrived. The Master swordsman placed himself between Tyai and Nix. "It''s over Tyai"


    Tyai''s eyes showed her anguish, she glanced back at the comrade she was forced to slay. "In the next life then." Without another word, she collapsed face-first on the ground.


    The Fir''Dhassi cleric moved to Tyai''s side and knelt down for a moment before looking up, her eyes were grim. "She took Cheizel Root, she''s dead."


    Nix turned toward his Arch Wings that were still flying above him. "Great job, you guys can head back."


    Cal nodded and a moment later all three vanished.


    The dhassi cleric started working on the unconscious Raine. Delyn approached Nix who was covered in dirt and grass, but otherwise unharmed.


    "It seems I owe you a great debt of gratitude Nix." The dhassi placed a hand on Nix''s shoulder, his eyes showing sincerity. "How did you get caught up in this?"


    "I was exploring near the platform the two assassins arrived at. What''s a platform doing out here in the middle of nowhere?" Nix unsummoned Mort while he talked.


    "There''s an abandoned Temple nearby, the platform was made for their acolytes." Delyn bowed his head deeply. "Thank you for your efforts. What happened after that?"


    "I stealthed and followed them. When they arrived at their horses I was forced to intervene." Nix breathed a sigh of relief when Raine finally stood up. She seemed a bit disoriented, but at least she was alive.


    "How did you track her through a sword?" Nix could see that the dressed Raine had already equipped the sword in question.


    "I forged the sword myself, as long as it isn''t stowed away or in a hidden world, I can find it." Delyn turned back toward his people. "Gather everything together, we have to leave."


    "Hey..." Nix stared at the horses that the assassin''s were planning to ride. "I don''t have a horse myself, could I have those two?"


    Delyn nodded, "their gear and horses all belong to you."


    Nix noted that they were both mares. "Thank you."

 Chapter 149 A Clear Path

    A week passed quietly, the Inferno Guild marched steadily forward in the tower and Mermaid City but were suspiciously quiet on the Oasis front.


    [Officer Meeting: Guildhall on Glory Island]


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We have two tough challenges to finish the week. The 79th floor and 7.9 in Mermaid City. Preferences?


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: I prefer to head up the Mermaid City team.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Same here.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Those who want to take on the Mermaid Tower raise your hand.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: That means Pon, Wind, Banzi, Nix, and Chael will take floor 79.


    /Guild Officer: Tess: With no heals? There''s a five-person limit, so if you want me to go someone will have to swap out.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: Let Banzi come with the Mermaid City group, Morti can tank that floor.


    /Guild Officer: Tess: Yes! I''m in!


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Okay, I''m sending everyone a short letter from a group called the Cabal. Please read and then we''ll discuss.


    Nix,


    We would like to congratulate you and the members of Inferno for your incomparable work in Colonial, the Embassy and Oasis. We''ve been observing the progress you have made these past few months, we feel that Inferno has all the parts necessary to become an Ascendant Guild. You''re only a mid-tier Guild now, yet you wield more power than any of the Upper-Tier Guilds. Oasis is an important part of that journey, however, the Embassy is an equally vital piece. The Embassy was built to put the pieces in place for an Upper-Tier Guild to advance to the next level. We did not foresee that it would be Inferno that took the prize.


    Continue to advance and weigh your options carefully. At this time we can''t offer you anything other than encouragement.


    Regards, TC


    /Guild Officer: Pon: That''s some vague shit right there.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: The 70th floor is key in progressing passed the Upper-Tier level?


    /Guild Officer: Wind: That would mean that the strongest Upper-Tier Guilds should have been battling to finish the 69th raid rather than the Escalades Bridge?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I''ve been studying this a few days. Beating the 69th floor gives us the ability to cross the Escalade and come back through the Parliament. That must be the key to this higher tier.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I get it. There must be something on the Embassy Upper levels. Something really big.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Resolute was trying desperately to beat the 69th floor, Caza told me that Sulane was pushing them every day, wipe after wipe.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: We made choices that no one else thought of. The Aquarion Spirit companions and the Nemesis Allies, we were able to step pass Resolute and take their prize.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Look at the chain reaction of some of our steps. The battle of Espana Bay, the Faction Event, even Nix uncovering the Cai''Song Artifact conspiracy. All of these together brought us to a key place.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Nope... you lost me, Sem.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Same here.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: What would you say was the biggest single factor in beating the 69th floor.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: There were several factors, but when it comes down to it... I''d have to say, Mortimer.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: The key place was Shangri?


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: A bear cub, that can stand off a Salamander Nemesis and Ced'' Far... None of the tanks could have done it. At least not at the mid-tier level.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: That''s why it should have been an Upper-Tier Guild that grabbed the prize. We are strong, but we aren''t there yet.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Shangri was where Nix found him.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I wonder if Sulane received a letter like this one. Perhaps that''s why Resolute remained behind while the other Upper-Tier pushed forward into Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: That''s a good theory Nix! I''m so jealous.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Something to think about anyway. Next item...Have all the members of Inferno reserved homestead plots?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Yes, thankfully there aren''t any disputes over land.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Let''s go ahead and let everyone use their Homestead Tokens on the plots they''ve reserved.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Sounds good. I''m going with a nice farm. Golden fields of Wheat.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Going to build a Vineyard.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: Cattle ranch.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Horse Ranch.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Water Park.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: Oh god...


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Nice Ronnie, I''m backing you up.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: A Toma Brewery.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: F*ck... That''s a good one.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: I should have thought of that.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Oi... Is that why you set up so close to Semmi? You two are going into business?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Yes.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Yep.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Let''s take the day off from raiding so everyone can start their builds.


    *****************


    /Go Fish/ Jun Li: Start the build and then hit the spot?


    /Go Fish/ Semmi: I''m in.


    /Go Fish/ Nix: Me too.


    Nix whistled as he walked through the woods. He had found the place a few days earlier, a small clearing right at the base of a two hundred foot cliff. Nix placed his hand on the smooth granite wall. When Shae eventually returned, she could make as many caves as she liked.


    The Homestead Token pulsed with power when Nix activated it. A large menu of different types of buildings became available and he scrolled down the list until he arrived at Horse Ranch. The main house would be a traditional ranch style. He chose a sprawling two-story ranch house with a large kitchen and dining area. There were six bedrooms and a balcony that wrapped around the front of the home. There were three other buildings that accompanied the ranch. A large barn with a corral. A horse stable for a dozen horses and a bunkhouse for ranch hands to stay in. Nix envisioned a place teeming with workers and horses.


    Nix adjusted the locations of the bunkhouse, he wanted it closer to the grazing area and he moved the barn a bit further away from the Main house. He definitely didn''t want to smell fresh manure when he was eating or sleeping. When he was satisfied he activated the build Icon and walked away. His countdown said 14 hours.


    Flash came down to visit him as Nix walked toward the fishing spot. There were five mares following him. "Must be nice to be King. I expect some production from you guys sooner or later." He took out an apple from his inventory and fed it to the black stallion. It was a habit he had started and it made Flash more approachable. He gave one to each of the Mares as well, no need to play favorites.


    Semmi and Jun Li were already waiting when he arrived at the river. Their fishing hole had evolved a bit in recent days. Each of them had their own chair and their rods had been upgraded. Nix''s fishing skill stood at 52 while both Semmi and Jun Li were at 46. Even though Jun Li''s skill was lower than his, she seemed to have the best luck fishing.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Welcome Nix, we were waiting for you.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: What''s the cook time on your ranch?


    /Go Fish: Nix: 14 hours. You guys?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: 8 hours.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: 10 hours.


    /Go Fish: Nix: How does it work with production type builds?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: With grain fields, it clears the area I chose for fields and then auto-plants the first-year crop. I''ll have to do the harvesting and planting after this.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: It''s the same for my vineyard. I''ll probably have to find some hands to help with the harvest.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Got a label name for your wine?


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Junie.


    /Go Fish: Nix: I like it.


    Nix baited his hook and cast his line into the river. The space they had chosen was sheltered from the wind, he leaned back and let the mid-morning sun shine on his face. "Either of you been to the Guild Office in Parliament lately?"


    "Nope," Jun Li replied.


    Semmi smiled at her two fishing buddies. Jun Li didn''t like politics and Nix had been spending his Oasis time in Haven.


    "I go every morning for a few hours," Semmi admitted. She loved paging through the dockets and reading the different arguments. "There are two important votes coming up, make sure you read them Nix."


    "I will."


    The trio sat quietly most of the time, fishing was steady enough to keep Nix from falling asleep in the sun. A few hours passed by, the sound of Nix''s horses approached caused all three of them to turn around.


    Semmi liked the look of the black stallion. "Is he as fast as he looks?"


    Nix nodded. "I''ve ridden him a few times, he''s like the wind."


    /Inferno: Hyai: You around Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure. Need something?


    /Inferno: Hyai: Can you come to the Inn?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure. On my way.


    Nix reeled his line in and then stowed his fishing gear. "Sorry, gotta cut it short."


    Semmi smiled, "I like Hyai."


    Jun Li nodded, "if you need help with anything just ask."


    *******************


    A few minutes later Nix walked into the Kindled Spirit. He waved at Hyai from the door, but then stopped short when he noticed her companions. A slender woman with dark hair and serious face stood motionless while staring at him. There was a man with her, he was about the same age and had the same black hair.


    "Stixx?" The dark-haired woman ran toward him and hugged him tightly. "It''s really you."


    "Hey Frog legs." Nix smiled at his older sister. She would call him Stixx whenever she was mad at him when they were kids. He would respond with the dreaded ''frog legs'' nickname.


    "Nicky." The young man spoke his name quietly, his eyes were shining with emotion.


    Nix cocked his head to one side. "The hell... Why are you so young?" He embraced his father, squeezing him tightly for a moment before letting him go.


    His dad shrugged slightly. "Why not?"


    Nix nodded in agreement, suddenly curious as to why Pon had chosen to make his character old as f*ck. "Welcome to Glory Island." He turned toward his sister. "What are your names? I want to introduce you to someone special."


    "Bev, of course. I thought there would be less confusion that way."


    "I''m Ry," his dad introduced himself. His dad''s actual name was Ryan.


    "Right... Now I know where my creativity comes from." Nix stepped away from them for a moment and grabbed Hyai''s hand. "This is Hyai, she''s Innkeeper here and someone I care about."


    Hyai understood that the people who came to Colonial from other worlds lived vastly different lives then what they experienced here. She wasn''t the least bit surprised that Nix''s father looked the same age as him. "Nice to meet both of you."


    "This is Bev of course, my older sister. The young-looking guy there is my dad. Seriously... Were you that good looking at my age."


    His dad nodded. "Yes."


    Bev grabbed his hand. "We can''t stay Nicky, we bought a couple of six-hour passes, most of that was spent trying to navigate our way through Jenzi."


    "Follow me. Back in a bit Hyai." Nix led them upstairs to his room and motioned for them to have a seat on the couch. "So a day pass? Would you like to stay longer?"


    Bev nodded, "I''d like to, but I just can''t afford it, Nicky."


    "I can set both of you up Bev." Nix opened up the Vasai Virtual menu on his hud. "I''m what they call a Deep-Stay. That means I''m in stasis for an extended period, in my case, it''s ten years."


    His dad listened quietly. He had sold his tailor shop and moved out west with his daughter. He did some alterations on the side too keep busy, he was living an old man''s life and he was not even fifty. "I know nothing about VR gaming Nicky. What would I even do here?"


    "There''s about a million things for you to do every day." Nix accessed his sister''s hud. "Fresno Virtual Center? You are both logged in there?"


    "Yes. I took two weeks off from work and planned to visit longer, we didn''t realize how expensive it is." Bev squeezed his hand tightly.


    "I got this Frog Legs. I''ll set up a 10-day stay for both of you at Vasai Virtual in Canada. If you can manage to get your things in order in a few days."


    "Nicky?" His father stared at him, "can you afford that?"


    "I can. This time I''ll have a lifestyle player meet you and everything will be smooth sailing." Nix leaned back slightly and smiled at both of them. "All you have to do is say yes and then show up."


    Bev nodded. "Okay, Nicky."


    The Phire family sat on the couch and talked right up until the day-pass expired, his father and sister logged off with the promise that they''d make the trip to Vasai. Nix used the hud menu to access Vasai Virtual and took a few minutes to set up a 10-day in each of their names, he paid the charges directly so they wouldn''t be bothered.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nansu] Going to need you to do me a special favor. My RL family will be coming to Colonial for a 10-day stay in 3 days. Neither one of them has any VR experience."


    [Whisper: Nansu to Nix] I will take care of everything. Will they be staying in Glory or Haven?


    [Whisper: Nix to Nansu] Haven, I''ll be taking 10 days off from raiding when they arrive.


    [Whisper: Nansu to Nix] I''ll meet them and then escort them personally.


    Nansu was an expert lifestyle player and extremely knowledgeable about Colonial in general.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nasu] Thanks, that''s a load off my mind.


    Nix leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes, perhaps there was a chance for the broken Phire family. A soft knock at the door caused him to open his eyes. "Come in"


    Hyai opened the door slightly and looked in. "Everything okay?"


    Nix nodded, "I think so. They''ll be back in a few days."


    Hyai walked in a closed the door before taking a seat next to him. "So... Nicky? That''s really cute."

 Chapter 150 The Snake Pi

    Nix sat quietly in the Parliament Guild Office, reading two dockets that Semmi had marked for him. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. He sighed heavily when he recognized the dark blonde hair. "Of all the days to visit..."


    "Tura Raine Xai," Nix stated her name calmly but didn''t attach a greeting to it.


    "Greetings Guild Leader Nix, you''re an awfully difficult person to track down."


    "That''s by design mostly, no offense but I find the dhassi to be a bit ass-ish..."


    Unexpectedly she laughed at his words, it was only for a moment but the bit of mirth completely collapsed Nix''s opinion that she was a stone-cold ass. "That is certainly true. If you aren''t busy I''d like to speak with you."


    "I''m busy..." Nix widened the door a bit and stepped to one side. "I can spare five minutes."


    Nix took a seat at his desk but turned the chair around so that it was facing the couch. "Have a seat."


    Raine sat down, noticing the pillow and blanket neatly folded. Her sharp blue eyes also noted the open docket on the desk hud. "I can tell you about that docket if you like."


    Nix leaned back in his chair, "you sure you want to? I''m already leaning toward your side."


    "For once," she muttered under her breath. "First I wish to thank you. Had you not been ''illegally exploring'' on Fir''Dhassi lands, I may have been killed."


    Raine was dressed in the same brown leather armor that she always wore. Her blonde hair was tied back in a top pony that emphasized her pointed ears and blue eyes.


    Nix ignored the illegal comment. "There''s no ''may have.'' You must have found the site that Tyai mentioned. Even someone like me who only has part of the information can put the pieces together."


    "Is that right?" Raine''s face showed her skepticism.


    "You''re an unpopular leader, I don''t care why. Factions within your own clan have been working to unseat you. First with the attempted assassination of Delyn and then with your abduction. Your death would be blamed on the Ain''Dhassi, either to start a conflict with them or more likely to shift blame away from the real killers."


    Raine''s face grew visibly pale as she listened. "You aren''t wrong. There isn''t an easy fix."


    "Sure there is. Unless your opposing faction somehow decides to stop plotting against you, there are only three options and they''re all easy."


    "You''re talking about killing them." Raine''s pale face seemed too calm to speak so easily of death.


    "That''s the option I''d go with," Nix admitted.


    "And option two?"


    "Give them what they want. Step down, hand over the power." Nix smiled at the anger that flashed across the dhassi''s face.


    Raine was regretting her idea to thank the human guild leader. She had heard the rumor that he was uncommonly blunt and was often difficult to converse with. "Option three?"


    "Divide. Make an offer, you have 32 votes, hand over enough to satisfy them and then kick them out of the clan."


    "Guild Leader Nix... I can''t just make an offer. That would weaken the Xai Clan."


    "Offer 12 votes and some land away from your power base. That would still leave you with 20 votes, that''s two more than the Strom Clan."


    Raine held her face in her hands for a moment, the stress of constant conflict seemed to weigh heavily on her. "They''ll never accept it."


    Nix shrugged, "which brings us back to option one. See? All three are easy."


    The Xai Clan leader''s face showed a grim smile when she looked back at him. "None of my advisors have suggested option two or three."


    "I do charge an advisor fee, 10 million credits, payable when you leave."


    Raine sighed, "that''s very reasonable."


    "Is it? Make it 30 million then."


    "Thank you for coming to my aide Guild Leader Nix. Delyn said that you held the assassins off for several minutes"


    "A few minutes. Time''s up Tura Raine, I have pressing business elsewhere." Nix was hoping she would dally, the Guild Office ''Expel'' option was incredibly fun to use. It had literally tossed Del Tali into the hallway.


    Raine nodded and stood up. She offered her hand and they shook cordially. "Come visit the Fir''Dhassi Camp and we''ll entertain you properly. I haven''t shown you my best side."


    "I''ve seen you naked... Pretty sure that''s your best side." Nix laughed when the Fir''Dhassi''s face turned red, her mouth opened and shut a few times before she walked quickly out of the office without speaking further.


    Nix finished reading both dockets and then voted accordingly.


    *******************


    [79th Floor Staging Area: The Snake Pit]


    Nix glanced over the group sheet.


    Tank: Mortimer


    DPS: Pon, Win, Chael,


    CC: Nix


    Heals: Tess


    /Inferno: Nix: Take 2 minutes, we''ll go then.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Tor, Cal, Shadai]


    The there Arch Winds landed next to him and bowed their heads slightly.


    "Shadai I want you to assist our healer. Tor and Cal will attack whatever Morti is hitting."


    /Inferno: Pon: Just the stone stage and that''s it?


    /Inferno: Tess: It''s limited to a five-person group, so it''s more likely to require finesse.


    Nix stared at the round stone stage. "Of course... it has to be snakes."


    In the middle of the gray stones stood an impressive looking snake-man. It bore a remarkable resemblance to the body of a Lamia however it''s head was completely snake. Two muscular arms pushed out from the snake body approximately where the shoulders should have been, each scaled hand held wickedly curved daggers. The fanged face was about ten feet off the ground but there was another 20 feet of snake body coiled on the stone.


    /Inferno: Chael: Where are its minions?


    /Inferno: Pon: It doesn''t have any...


    /Inferno: Nix: They always have minions.


    /Inferno: Tess: I''m ready Nix. Keep in mind, my main focus is on keeping Morti alive. He has priority on heals and cleanses.


    /Inferno: Pon: Hope you brought plenty of cleanse, there''s going to be poison. Lots of it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s get this done.


    The Inferno Group stepped out of the staging area and were immediately met with a Floor message.


    [From the 70th Floor and above, all Special floors will be owned by the first guild that manages to clear the prior floor. All other guilds will skip to the next available floor.]


    /Inferno: Tess: Woah... that''s interesting. How many floors?


    /Inferno: Pon: A hundred.


    /Inferno: Nix: Actually they elevator attendant said that he doesn''t know and that there''s at least a hundred.


    /Inferno: Pon: That''s what I said noob.


    /Inferno: Wind: Nope, that''s not what you said.


    /Inferno: Chael: I''m with Wind on this one.


    The stage stood about ten feet off the ground and was kept in the air by massive stone pillars. A single set of stairs led from the grassy area to the top of the stage.


    Morti and Nix stepped on the first stair together. Immediately the loud sound of hissing reverberated through the air.


    /Inferno: Nix: Was kinda hoping there''d be no hissing.


    They stood at the top of the stairs together for a moment, then charged in.


    Nix has been cursed.


    Morti has resisted Snakepit Curse. [Immunity]


    Pon has been cursed.


    Tess has been cursed.


    Chael has been cursed.


    Ducky has resisted Snakepit Curse. [Immunity]


    Tess has been cursed.


    Wind has been cursed.


    Nix stumbled to the ground, he pushed off and tried to roll back to his feet but instead fell face first on the ground again.


    /Inferno: Tess: Oh shit...


    /Inferno: Pon: F*ck this is awesome!


    /Inferno: Wind: Can''t use any skills.


    Nix managed to stand, for some reason he was swaying back and forth. That''s when he noticed that he was surrounded by Snake-men. He grabbed the nearest one by the arm and slammed his fist into its chest. It flew off the stage like it had been shot from a cannon.


    Chael has been stunned.


    "RAAAWWR" Morti''s roar echoed on the stage.


    Morti has taunted Snakepit.


    /Inferno: Tess: Nix! Quit attacking us! That was Chael you just hit.


    "Huh?" Nix froze in place, none of the Snakemen were trying to attack him, then he looked down at his own body.


    /Inferno: Nix: Oh god...


    Nix raised a hand.


    You may not use any skills or weapons.


    /Inferno: Tess: I can''t heal Nix. Shit, I can''t do anything but hiss.


    /Inferno: Wind: Retreat and reset?


    Nix glanced at Morti, his health was decreasing at an alarming rate. A quick look in the air told him that his Arch Winds had not been affected.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shadai can still heal. I don''t think she will be able to keep up. Cal and Tor are hitting the boss.


    Nix charged Snakepit and slammed a fist into Snakepit''s back.


    You have damaged Snakepit for 1 health point.


    /Inferno: Pon: Really? Your punching it?


    /Inferno: Tess: It''s a reset Nix. We can''t win this.


    Nix studied the scene for a moment while he slammed punch after punch into the back of Snakepit. Morti''s health was dropping at a much faster rate than Snakepits. Cal and Tor weren''t a match for the giant snake''s dps.


    "Morti! Stun him!"


    The giant bear slammed both paws into the chest of Snakepit, then rammed him with the full weight of his body.


    Snakepit has been stunned.


    The giant snake-man hunched over for a moment, giving Nix time to jump on his back. He looped his legs around one of the powerful arms and held on tight to the back of its neck.


    /Inferno: Wind: Right... Jump on!


    The Snake-men of Inferno piled onto the back of Snakepit, clinging to it out of desperation. A second later Snakepit straightened out easily and resumed attacking Morti.


    /Inferno: Tess: It stood up anyways, jump off?


    Nix struggled to restrain the arm of Snakepit, he couldn''t manage it but he did slow it down quite a bit. The other four saw what he was doing and immediately began assisted. With Snakepit being slowed, Shadai was able to catch back up and slowly restore Morti to full health.


    Slowly Snakepit''s health began dropping. When it was at 52 percent it became obvious that the members of Inferno were not going to be able to keep holding the snake.


    /Inferno: Pon: We can''t keep it up Nix, not enough stamina.


    Pon was the first one to lose his grip and be thrown from Snakepit''s back, he bounced twice on the stone stage and rolled off the edge onto the grass below. A moment later Chael joined him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Help me with this arm, ignore the other one. He''s starting to overtake Morti again!


    Nix gripped the powerful arm in a full body lock, he was slammed against Morti countless times but was in no danger of tiring and he wasn''t losing health.


    When Snakepit hit 50 percent, he dropped to the ground and the entire stage began vibrating.


    [Snakepit is invulnerable]


    Nix''s Curse has been lifted.


    Tess''s Curse has been lifted.


    Wind''s Curse has been lifted.


    [Blessing of the Goddess]


    Tess has cast healing magic on Mortimer.


    /Inferno: Tess: Awesome!


    Without warning Snakepit''s body split into three smaller Snakepits.


    /Inferno: Wind: Putting markers on all three bosses. Bullseye is the Main target, CC star, and moon!


    Wind used his hud to put a bullseye over the middle Snakepit before putting a star and moon on the other two.


    Nix targeted the moon-marked Snakepit and instantly a dozen strands of Emerald flame wrapped around its body.


    Ducky has charmed Snakepit.


    The star-marked Snakepit flashed toward the Main target and began attacking.


    With star-marked Snakepit''s help, Bullseye was quickly slain and the group turned its focus onto Nix''s Snakepit.


    Five minutes later the last Snakepit died and the stage faded away.


    Embassy System Message: Congratulations to the Inferno Guild for Clearing the 79th floor.


    /Inferno: Tess: That wasn''t too bad.


    /Inferno: Wind: We''d been boned without our flying friends and Morti''s immunity.


    /Inferno: Nix: Where''s Pon and Chael?


    Pon and Chael slithered up the steps a moment later. They were both still in the cursed Snakepit form.


    /Inferno: Tess: Curse didn''t drop?


    /Inferno: Pon: We weren''t on the stage when it was wiped clean apparently.


    /Inferno: Chael: Wind... hook a buddy up and kill me, please.


    The sound of Tess''s laughter caused them all to turn toward her. The pretty redhead was struggling to speak. "Read the curse guys. 72 hours... Persistent."


    /Inferno: Chael: No way...


    /Inferno: Pon: Who cares... it''s only for three days.


    /Inferno: Nix: Oh I know who cares. Nansu.


    /Inferno: Tess: Yep, you think she freaked out when your ears became pointy. She''s going to love this Chael.


    /Inferno: Nansu: Did something happen to Chael?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nice job Embassy team!


    /Inferno: Nix: You guys win?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yep, Inferno is now on the 8th floor of Mermaid City


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, whoever wants to see the 80th floor, come to the 79th level and we''ll all go up together.


    A half-hour later, most of the members of Inferno had arrived. A red-faced Nansu refused to look at Snakepit Chael. Together they moved to the 80th floor.


    Nix walked beside Snakepit Pon and stepped onto the rocky slope. A short but exceptionally wide man wearing a helmet immediately approached them.


    /Inferno: Nix: Please say it''s a dwarf.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nope, just a very stout human.


    "Greetings, you must be the Guild Leader of Inferno? I''m Duncan Craft, the foreman of this mine."


    "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. What sort of mine is this?"


    Duncan took off his helmet and wiped his sweaty brow with the back of his sleeve. "It''s a Mere Mine Guild Leader Nix. An Enhanced Mere Mine to be exact."

 Chapter 151 Loki

    Nix studied the expired docket. It had already been up before Parliament twice. It would fall under the 3-time rule if it was submitted again. The only issue was that it had never been resubmitted. Initially, all submissions are required to pass through a screening process before they became dockets.


    "Hey, guys!" Semmi walked into the Parliament Guild Office, unexpectedly Nix was hard at work at his desk and Fajii was sitting on the couch.


    Semmi took a seat at her own desk before wheeling her chair over to Nix. "What ya reading?"


    "All about the 3-time rule." Nix studied the hud before pointing out the items he was interested in.


    Semmi leaned forward and read the screen. "This is about amending a docket?"


    Nix nodded, "yes."


    "Dockets can be amended, however, it requires a vote of at least 25 percent and the submission rule doesn''t reset." Semmi considered it for a moment. "You want to amend a submission?"


    "Yes, guess who has enough votes to amend a submission?"


    The blonde smirked at him. "You don''t think I know? All of them use to, however with the addition of 75 new votes, only the Fir''Dhassi and Inferno does."


    "This morning, Del Tali tried to amend a submission, when she found out that she didn''t have enough votes, she borrowed 12 of ours." Nix brought up the contract he had signed with Del.


    Semmi read it quickly. "This is really strict. In return for our votes, she is giving us 12 to use. It''s a one time use, and limited to this week."


    "Yep." Nix brought up a second contract he had signed with Tura Raine Xai. "Now read this one."


    "Geez Nix..." Semmi read the Fir''Dhassi contract. "Pretty similar, you gave them a slightly better deal. You borrowed them 10 votes to be used on the "free trade docket'' and promised to back them on the "Exchange" docket, in return they gave you 10 one-time votes that must be used this week and can''t be used on any of the dockets mentioned above."


    "Now I''ve got 22 extra votes that I can use one time on any docket this week."


    "I don''t get it Nix, you don''t need the votes to amend the docket. Our 75 is enough."


    "The amending vote and the docket itself are separate votes. I can use our votes to amend the docket. Then I can use our votes and the 22 votes we acquired to make things go our way."


    Semmi nodded, "this is something tricky right? What''s the plan?"


    Nix brought up the docket he planned on amending.


    [Rightful Ownership of Belai]


    Summary: The Island of Belai is directly south of the Continent of Inuit. It is North of the closest Ain''Dhassi territory and West of the closest Su''Dhassi settlement. All three nations have laid claim to this island over the years. Originally this was part of Inuit, however it has been disputed and fought over for generations. This has not been considered part of Inuit since Parliament was formed. Therefore does not fall under the Protected Territory Act.


    [Return Belai to the Fir''Dhassi.]


    [Aprroving Opinion: Tura Raine Xai]


    [Dissenting Opinion: Serai Del Tali]


    [Dissenting Opinion: Deja Ern Kurza]]


    [Approve: 90 Dissent:132]


    Nix brought up the Island of Belai on the hud map. "As you can see, it''s kinda big. Like the size of Safarza."


    Semmi zoomed in on the map. "It''s nice, but what''s the play here."


    "The topic of this docket can''t be amended. For instance, we can''t change it to the ''Rightful Ownership of Inuit.''" Nix brought up the amended version he spent the morning working on.


    [Rightful Ownership of Belai]


    Summary: The Island of Belai is directly south of the Continent of Inuit. It is North of the closest Ain''Dhassi territory and West of the closest Su''Dhassi settlement. All three nations have laid claim to this island over the years. Originally this was part of Inuit, however, it has been disputed and fought over for generations. This has not been considered part of Inuit since Parliament was formed. Therefore does not fall under the Protected Territory Act. In the interest of fairness, the Island of Belai should be given to the Inferno Guild as their legal territory.


    [Give Belai to the Inferno Guild.]


    [Aprroving Opinion: Tura Raine Xai]


    [Dissenting Opinion: Serai Del Tali]


    [Dissenting Opinion: Deja Ern Kurza]]


    [Approve: Dissent: ]


    Semmi shook her head. "I applaud the effort Nix, but this will never pass."


    Nix leaned forward and reopened both contracts. "Read the competition clause."


    "Holy shit Nix..." Semmi switched to her desk and downloaded the contracts. She didn''t speak again for several minutes. "As I understand this, once you use their votes on a docket, their votes on that docket are locked down and can''t be used or traded to anyone else."


    "That''s right... I don''t give a shit about their 22 votes. What I want is to shut them out of the voting altogether."


    Semmi ran her fingers through her short blonde hair and let out a long breath. "It''s just us and the Su''Dhassi."


    Nix grinned at her. "Since we are amending the docket, we''ll get the first vote. That will lock out the Ain''Dhass and the Fir''Dhassi."


    Semmi spun her chair around slowly, she continued for a few rotations before stopping. "Why do we want Belai? We don''t even have a real presence on Oasis yet. We aren''t strong enough to settle it properly.


    "True...I don''t read the Oasis forums much, but I have being doing it daily since we registered the Guilds." Nix brought up the forums, his name and Inferno was mentioned everywhere. "A while ago the Oasis Guilds were happy with us. But now..."


    "Now we suck again," Semmi completed the sentence for him.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Guild and personal messaging were restored. Guild Building Quests and Guild instances all were made available."


    Semmi started to nod but then stopped. "They finished the Guild Building Quests, but the rules are different in Oasis. You need permission from the individual government that presides over the territory."


    "Yep, which they can''t get."


    Nix started the submission process on the amended docket.


    [Vote on Amended docket: Rightful Ownership of Belai?]


    "Yes." Nix used Inferno''s 75 votes and then brought up the 22 votes he had acquired.


    [You are using contracted votes on: Rightful Ownership of Belai?]


    "Yes."


    [In accordance with contractual records, the votes of the Fir''Dhassi and the Ain''Dhassi are locked for this docket. A message has been sent to both parties regarding this matter.]


    Semmi watched the process, her high-powered brain going through the different scenarios. "You''re going to let the Upper-Tier Guilds build their Guildhalls on Belai?"


    "Perhaps." Nix stood up and stretched. "That guild alliance you mentioned? Now we have a bargaining chip."


    **************


    An hour later, Nix, Semmi, Wind, Pon, and Fajii walked through the protective barrier surrounding the Parliament. Nix had applied the camouflage overlay to each of their armors and had charged each of them the cost of adding one enhancement. This was the team that had crossed the Escalades Bridge. Designation: Alpha Team.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Hey... how come we didn''t get the big upgrade like Mina.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Cost. Come up with half a billion credits and I''ll do it.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Too Spendy.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Where we headed?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I liked Snakepit Pon better.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I would have loved to keep it if I could have spells with it.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I hear Chael is still in the doghouse.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It''s only been a few days, give her some time.


    Nix led the stealthed team deeper in the woods and then activated Deep Blue. When he had returned from rescuing Raine, he took the time to save the platform binding point into Deep Blue.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll go through and immediately re-stealth. Delyn Xai mentioned an abandoned Temple near the platform. I thought it would make a good excursion for our first outing.


    The Amended Docket [Rightful Ownership of Belai] Has been Approved. [Approve: 97 Dissent: 69]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Our docket passed... It''s only been an hour.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Dockets don''t have to follow the deadline. They are recorded as soon as all the eligible votes are in.


    [Territory within Oasis has been ceded to the Inferno Guild. Do you wish to rename Belai?]


    "Yes. Change the name to Loki."


    Oasis System Message: The Territory of Loki has come under the control of the Inferno Guild. This ceded territory falls under the Protected Territory Act.


    New Guild Options are available.


    New Governing Options are available.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: The Trickster God of Norse mythology? I love it!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Um... Do we have our own territory?


    /Inferno: Nix: We do now. Officer Brief in Haven at 1600 hours. I''ll explain then.


    Alpha Team landed on the platform and immediately stealthed.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: The temple is north of here. Follow me and stay close.

 Chapter 152 Alliance

    After a few hours, Alpha team took a break just inside the entrance of the Gemini Temple. They had learned several value bits of knowledge. The first was that they weren''t ready for Oasis, even the garbage mobs in the temple managed to wipe them out will little effort. Nix''s multiple deaths had resulted in him dropping 3 locked levels and left his armor at 50 percent.


    Fajii was sitting next to him while they leaned back on the Gemini statue. She passed him her canteen, her tan face never seemed to lose its smile. "You did well Nix."


    "Compared to Pon who died six times, I''d have to agree." Nix looked at the three items he had picked up. Although they couldn''t beat anything in the temple, they did manage to open and steal just about every chest. There were a half dozen minor treasures and the three major ones.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Link the two thief stones again Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sure, but there''s nothing to them.


    [Gemini Thief: 4th Tier]


    Requirements: Possession of Gemini Stone.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: It''s already Tier 4. What''s that mean?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It could mean that it can be upgraded to Tier 5.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: The lack of requirements is puzzling.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I believe that it would normally take a full raid of Tier 4s to get these stones. We did it with five Tier 1s.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s the camo-overlay. It''s not a detectable skill or spell. We walked right in the middle of a dozen mobs that had true sight activated.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I agree. No more making overlays for anyone outside of Inferno.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We have two scouts in this group. The stones are yours if you want them.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Serious? Shit Nix... I don''t know what to do.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I do, let me have it.


    Nix handed the stone to Wind and he stepped away to activate it. A moment later he swore loudly.


    /Alpha Team:Wind: No requirements, but you need to be level 100. Isn''t that a f*cking requirement?


    Nix handed the other to Semmi. "If you choose to use them, then do it after we unbank our levels. If you don''t want it we''ll sell them and split it between the five of us. "


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I''m gonna use it for sure. Thanks, guys.


    /Alpha team: Semmi: Me too. Thanks.


    /Inferno: Nansu: Nix, the two people you were expecting a few days ago have arrived. I''m showing them around Glory and briefing them on everything I can think of.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks Nan, could you bring them to the Officer meeting in Haven?


    /Inferno: Nansu: I''ll have to invite them into Inferno then. That''s okay?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Take them to my ranch in Haven after you finish showing them around.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: What about the other item? The Djinn?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s a Fire-based pet, I don''t need it. Roll if you want.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Same here, I got enough flames.


    "Filthy creature that smells like sulfur, we don''t want it." A cultured voice spoke from Fajii''s shoulder. The small black fox stepped nimbly onto Nix and sat their quietly.


    "You did a great job healing today Eron." Nix had gotten used to the finicky fox, there were only a handful of people it tolerated.


    Eron''s black tail swished against the side of Nix''s face. "Very astute of you to notice, you''re position in Inferno is well earned."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I was worried since we don''t have a healer, but Shadai and Eron will work well once we level up.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Wind and I were already given something, that only leaves Fajii.


    Fajii shook her head. "I don''t want it."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Damn guys, it''s a Fire Djinn! No one?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''ll toss it in the Guild Treasury.


    Nix stood up and the group joined hands. "I have a few things to do in the office. Don''t forget the meeting at Haven." Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the Haven binding point.


    **********************


    Nix walked into the Parliament Guild Office a few minutes later.


    /Create Private Channel [Alliance]


    [Alliance Channel has been created]


    Nix spend the next ten minutes inviting all the Upper-Tier Guild Leaders that were currently in Oasis.


    /Alliance: Nix: Thanks for your patience while I invited everyone.


    /Alliance: Gideon: Hey Nix.


    /Alliance: Sinn: Nix, you bastard!


    /Alliance: Benoi: I''m busy, make it fast.


    /Alliance: Nix: I can do fast. You must have all seen the recent message concerning the territory of Loki.


    /Alliance: Sinn: Bastard, that should have been our land!


    /Alliance: Nix: Really? Even if you all had the two votes back, would you really have cooperated to give one of you the territory?


    /Alliance: Sinn: F*ck you Nix, you tricked us!


    [Sinn has been removed from the Alliance Channel]


    /Alliance: Nix: Okay, my patience is thin also. Here''s my proposal. The Guilds in Oasis will form an equal alliance. You guys draw it up, as long as it''s fair, Inferno will go along with it. Two things you can forget about. First: You''re never getting the votes back. Second: Loki will remain Inferno''s Sovereign territory.


    /Alliance: Benoi: What would be the advantage to joining then?


    /Alliance: Gideon: I don''t see an upside either. I''m interested in your angle.


    /Alliance: Nix: Don''t make us out to be the bad guys, we''ve been helping you all along.


    /Alliance: Cyrus: And helping yourselves even more.


    /Alliance: Nix: Right... When''s the last time you did something for Inferno?


    /Alliance: Gideon: Let''s hear the pitch Nix.


    /Alliance: Nix: Form an Alliance and we will let you build your Guildhall on Loki. The officers in Inferno feel that the one glaring weakness humans have in Oasis is our lack of cooperation. I''m giving you the chance to establish a Guildhall, with all the benefits that come with it.


    ***************


    Half an hour later, Nix gated into Haven. Immediately he summoned Fey and started flying toward his ranch.


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] You tricked me Guild Leader Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Did I? Wasn''t it you that approached me for 12 votes? Where did I trick you?


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] Fine... I''m not against you having... Loki was it?


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Yes. Was there some purpose for contacting me? Perhaps you can stop by the office.


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] You are hardly ever there. I want to hire your Tailor services. Our own people have been attempting to duplicate the overlay with mixed success.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] By mixed, you mean none. I won''t be doing any more overlays. I''ve contracted with Tura Rain to make 1000 of them for her elite troops. I signed a non-competition clause.


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] Tura Raine? Why would you do that?


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] I didn''t. That was a joke. Gotta run.


    Fey looked over her should at the laughing Nix. "Something funny?"


    "Just messing with the dhassi, they are such easy targets." Nix inspected the leather armor he had made Fey weeks earlier. "Going up make a few changes to your gear Fey."


    "Like what?" Fey already knew that Oasis was an extremely dangerous place for flying mounts.


    "Give me a few days, we''ll shore it up to the Tyrant level and give you a stealth that the sky predators won''t be able to see."


    Fey banked hard and breathed fire into the sky. "As it should be Nix, I''m too valuable to be relaxing in Haven."


    Nix spotted several people sitting on the 2nd-floor balcony of his ranch house. He waved to them and had Fey land in front of the house. The balcony extended the entire front of the house, giving all the bedrooms on the 2nd-floor access to it. He went up the stairs two at a time and stepped out onto the balcony.


    Nansu, Hyai and his family were sitting together at a round table. The officers of Inferno were all standing at the rail.


    Nansu stood up, "please welcome Rhy and Bev to Inferno."


    Nix accepted a hug for his sister, she squeezed him tight for several seconds before releasing him. "You should have gone with Frog Legs, Bev."


    His dad waited patiently until Bev stepped away before hugging his son. "This is quite the place."


    "Got a room for both of you. Mine is the big one with the double-doors, right next to the kitchen. Take any room but that one."


    Hyai stood up, "hungry Nix?"


    Nix nodded, "I could eat. I was going to stop by the Kindled Spirit after the meeting. You off today?"


    "I took the week off since your family is visiting. I''ll get started on supper." Hyai smiled and held the door for Bev and Rhy. "We feeding everyone hun?"


    Nix frowned at the Inferno Officers. "I guess we''ll feed the freeloaders. Thanks, Hyai." [Pronounced Hi-ya]


    /Guild Officer: Wind: Your family seems very nice... What happened to you?


    /Guild Officer: Pon: I was thinking the same thing.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Hilarious. Let''s get started. First on the agenda is the Mere Mine. Duncan Craft and his workers come with the mine, so we don''t have to look for help but they do get a portion of the profits.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: From my understanding, the stone quality of our mine is higher than the Oasis Mines. We have no idea how to apply Mere stones.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We''ll have to experiment a bit.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I was going to research Mere stones in the library but we were busy dying horribly over and over.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I''m thinking we''ll stick to thieving in our next raid and try to avoid fighting.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: So we aren''t going to try to attack mobs fifty levels higher than us? Smart play.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We''re on the 8th floor in Mermaid City. What do you know about it Min?


    /Guild Officer: Mina: The 8th, 9th, and 10th floors only have three stages each. There are no shortcuts here. These three won''t be hard, it''s the ones after that. The 11th and 12th.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: The Cai''Song artifact on the 12th floor ends this mission. We should still continue our pursuit of mid-tier content however, I want five more volunteers to unbank their levels at that time. They will be crossing the Escalades Bridge and joining Alpha team.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: I''ll unbank, that will give you a tank.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: After the artifact is destroyed, I''m not sure what we''ll do so I can''t commit to anything yet.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: I''ll stay awhile longer in Colonial.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: We''ll take Tess and leave Rose, Nez, Pinky, and Wylie. That should be more than enough heals for the mid-tier content.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: We don''t have enough yet, I''d say wait for the Scorched Earth Snipers to catch up and then take three of them.


    Darsi''s group from the Gladis hub all enjoyed the same enhanced stats that Nix possessed. They were improving quickly under the tutelage of Chael and Ronnie.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I''ll talk with Darsi and see who the best options are.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Next item. Crafting in Oasis, there are some similarities but also some differences. We should convert immediately. I''ve already done so. It''s easy, if you attempt a crafting in Oasis, it will give you the option of switching.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: Our crafters are ready to convert to the Oasis system, just say the word.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I agree, we should go ahead and convert.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Last item. Inferno has acquired the island of Loki. This is our territory, unlike Glory, we won''t be isolating ourselves from the other guilds.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: There''s actually a pretty complicated menu interface that came with the territory. We''re going to need someone to manage it full-time.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I presented the Alliance idea to the Upper-Tiers, we should know in a few days what they think.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Gideon already contacted me and agreed to take part. Also, Guild Leader Sinn offered an apology and asked if she could take part also.


    /Guild Officer Fajii: I have an idea concerning the Guilds.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Oh? Let''s hear it.


    /Guild Officer: Fajii: Three dozen guilds is too much, force them to combine.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Why?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I get it. It''s easier for a dozen guilds to work together than it is for 30 something.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: It isn''t a bad idea. Salamander has 25 members, even the small dhassi clans have more than that.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I''m going to come up with something. We''ll save it for the next meeting. I''m going to take a week off to spend it with my family.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Let''s all do it. We''ve been working hard, time for a break.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: That works too. Let''s eat.

 Chapter 153 The 12 Pillars

    "Catch something suitable this time Nicky..." His older sister smiled sweetly from the back of the brown mare she had taken for an afternoon ride with Kyla, Nansu, and Hyai. Bev was wearing a riding outfit that Nix had made for her. Her black hair was pushed up under a riding cap.


    The four women spent a lot of time riding during Nix''s week off. He hadn''t even known Bev could ride. "I am feeling a bit lucky Frog Legs. Seen Dad this morning?"


    Bev sighed in frustration."Yeah, for a second. Why did you introduce him to Oasis Tailoring?"


    Oasis crafting could be learned by either converting from Colonial Crafting or purchasing a crafting token at one of the skill vendors. Unlike Colonial Tailoring, Oasis didn''t require prerequisites like hunting and leathermaking.


    "He''s my dad, so of course if he asks me, I''m going to do it." Nix had already set up a crafting area on the second floor of the ranch house. He bought his dad a Crafting book and left enough inventory for him to work steadily at improving. Nix planned on asking them both to stay. It was nice being together again.


    Semmi waited until the group rode away before letting her smile show. "You''re tempting them both." She cast her line and settled back to watch the bobber.


    Nix nodded, not bothering to deny the obvious.


    Jun Li had already caught a nice fish and was re-baiting her line. "Did you know that Ronnie used her Homestead Token on a Library?"


    "...." Nix.


    Semmi laughed at his expression. "Apparently not?"


    Nix couldn''t keep the smile off his face, Ronnie was definitely unpredictable. "So... no waterpark then?"


    Semmi shook her head. "The library is really big too, so it''s mostly empty. All regular libraries come with only general knowledge collections. She''s been roaming all over Colonial trying to fill up the other shelves."


    Nix zoned out for a moment, picturing the dark beauty dressed as a conservative librarian. "Damn... She could totally pull that off."


    Semmi gave him a questioning look. "Pull what off?"


    "Nothing... Put the word out in the guild to be on the lookout for books. Having a readily available resource can only help us." Nix made a careful mental note to make a few appropriate outfits for Ronnie to wear around her library.


    "We sure about the choices for the Guilds?" Jun Li put down her bait bucket and cast her line again.


    Semmi nodded, "those are the strongest." She had sent notice to the selected guilds. "After the Alliance is formed and the Guildhalls built, they have been directed to let the other Guilds stew for a while before opening up recruitment." She let her line sit in the water and pulled up her hud.


    [Alliance: 12 Pillars]


    The following 12 Guilds will become the 12 Pillars of Oasis. Inferno, Resolute, Salamander, Hoss, Daybreakers, Stilleto, Nighthawk, King X, Tsunami, Guardian, Taiga Su, and Vesuvius. All members may build Guildhalls and personal residences on the Island of Loki. The 12 pillars agree to share in the defense of Loki, pay the agreed 4% Tax rate and elect one member to become part of the Alliance Council.


    Jun Li leaned over and looked at the list again. "Those guild leaders are smart, they know how to recruit. With any luck, the 36 guilds of Oasis will become 12 in a relatively short amount of time."


    "Resolute will be crossing the bridge in two days." Nix was glad that their ally from Colonial was finally making the trip.


    ***************


    [Sky Kingdom: Solomon City: Great Library]


    Peri''s shoes made a clicking sound that echoed on the white marble floors. She removed a spot of dust from one of the dark wooden shelves that extended all the to the vaulted ceiling. Long tables and chairs were lined up in a perfectly orderly fashion in the center of the library. She caught a glimpse of red and walked around the nearest shelf to investigate. Despite the early hour, there was already someone seated.


    "You can access books from the other Great Libraries from that table hud. However, you can''t make copies or hold the books physically." Peri smiled at the beautiful red-haired Archon. The normally stern librarian always kept a smile ready for her.


    The Archon nodded and then tried to sit, her wings knocked the chair to one side causing her to frown. She dismissed the wings with a casual wave of her hand. "Thank you Peri, please let visitors know that I don''t wish to be disturbed."


    Peri nodded and glanced at the handful of admirers that were already intent on approaching her. "I like that dress Shae."


    Shae''s lips curved in a smile. "They have given me lots of other ones, however the ones that he made are my favorites."


    Peri didn''t have to ask who ''he'' was. Shae had scorched a dozen would-be suitors that refused to listen to her words. She already had someone. "I will try to keep them away."


    Shae used the hud to open the Parliamentary Great Library Selection. The Parliament library regularly updated the book on ''Oasis Parliament Politics.'' Shae stared at the amended docket for several minutes. "He''s already making moves, you won''t be able to stop him," she whispered softly.


    ***********************


    A few hours later Nix walked down the hall toward the Parliament Guild Office. A familiar Ain''Dhassi bowed low. Solomane Manu would greet him politely every time they passed each other in the hall.


    For once Nix stopped before walking by. "What''s going on? The entire place seems on edge." He had stopped at the Northside Courtyard for a cold beer before heading toward the office. There was a very tense atmosphere in Parliament.


    "Inter-Clan fighting again at Clan Xai. I think this will finally settle it once and for all." The white-haired Ain''Dhassi was surprised that Nix stopped to greet him, usually, he was rushing from one place to another.


    /Inferno: Nix: Alpha Team, report to Parliament Guild Office.


    "What can you tell me about it?"


    "Saigon Xai is making a move on Tura Raine, he''s her older cousin and in his eyes, the rightful Leader of the Xai Clan."


    "Where''s her compound?" Nix brought up the map of Inuit.


    Solomane glanced at the map and pointed. "Hers is here, about five miles south of Saigon''s compound. You planning on trying to help?"


    Nix smiled but didn''t answer. "I''m just a level one class. I really couldn''t do much even if I wanted to."


    *****************


    An hour later Pon, Wind, Fajii, Semmi, and Nix stepped into Saigon''s Compound. The gate was still heavily fortified, but there were only a few people inside. The stealthed Alpha Team had easily walked through the entrance without raising the alarms.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: What''s the mission here Nix?


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: If we are going to help Raine, shouldn''t we be at her compound?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We aren''t helping Raine, we are helping ourselves.... to all of Saigon''s stuff.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: So... we are here to steal his valuables?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Correct... Semmi you find the vault and see if you can get it opened. Pon and Wind grab whatever looks like it will sell.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: What are you going to do?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Going to take Fajii and raid the stables.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Bastard... Are we here to grab horses for you?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sounds kinda bad when you say it. There''s no hurry, Saigon is bound to have a lot of things here that each of us can use.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Nix smiled at the Siren. "Stealth mission, don''t let anyone raise the alarm."


    Ducky nodded. "I understand."


    /Alpha Team: NIx: Okay, head out. Let''s finish this place in an hour. Call out if you get in trouble.

 Chapter 154 Raid on Saigon

    Duckie walked nonchalantly toward the stables, two guards looked directly at her but didn''t comment, Sirens have an amazing non-threat talent that works on everything. Nix and Fajii snuck in quietly behind her, the three of them entered the large stables.


    The Siren held up two fingers indicating there were two others close by. Nix nodded and then advanced further in. The floor was packed dirt that has been loosely covered with straw. The Stables was long and narrow with a dozen stalls lining one wall. A good portion of them were empty but the first four was occupied.


    Nix carefully took the bridles of all four horses and then unsummoned them.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Those horses looked fat...


    /Alpha Team: Nix: They must keep the pregnant mares stalled up for safety.


    Along one wall hung a multitude of saddles and other tack. [Authors Note: Take is riding equipment.]


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Found the vault, there''s a guard. I can''t take him.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Retreat, for now, we''ll come back with Ducky.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: F*ck Nix... We found something, three Ain''Dhassi prisoners.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Leave them, we aren''t here for that.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: They''ve been tortured Nix, and there''s a piece of armor here that you''ve obviously upgraded. It has camo-overlay. The female is not going to last much longer.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Camo-overlay? A young Ain''Dhassi female?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Yes.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: On our way, what''s your location?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Go through the front door, the first hall has a door leading down to a large basement, it''s a prison of sorts.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Is Cora missing?


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] How do you know that? Three of our recruits haven''t returned from a training mission.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Found her. Saigon Xai is keeping her prisoner at his compound. Gotta run.


    Nix and Fajii ran across the compound, the main house was towards the back. The pair slipped in the front door that Wind had left slightly opened and then took the first hall to the stairs leading down.


    The stench of burnt flesh and human waste hit Nix when he stepped into the room. Two younger Ain''Dhassi males were bound hand and foot, both had been beaten beyond recognition. They weren''t the same as Cora''s last companions.


    Nix''s face was expressionless as he approached the female that was strung up by her wrists. Cora had been stripped to the waists and tortured. There were burn marks and cuts all over her torso.


    Her body glowed softly as Eron healed her, the black fox had done so without asking. "Her spirit is broken Nix, without a doubt she will die."


    Nix nodded and placed an arm around her while removing her bindings. "Tend to the other two Eron."


    "Nix... I didn''t tell them." Cora''s voice was softer than a whisper, she clung weakly to him while picked her up.


    "Tell them what?" Nix pushed the Ain''Dhassi''s white hair out of the dim blue eyes.


    "The secret to the Camo-overlays... They think we are shielding a Master Armorer." Cora lay her head against Nix''s shoulder. "I didn''t say a word, not even one."


    "Eron... You''re the Spirit snatcher, there''s nothing you can do?" Nix remembered how bright and vibrant the Ain''Dhassi''s eye normally was.


    "Here? No. I could be attempt a Spirit mend, but I would need a few days to complete it." The black fox had leaped up to Nix shoulder and perched there comfortably while observing Cora.


    The sounds of fighting drew Nix''s attention.


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] Where are you? There were only a few guards outside.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Through the front door, take the first hall then the stairs down.


    A masked Del came through the door a moment later she was accompanied by two others. "Check them."


    One of the Dhassi healed the two males and then approached Nix. "May I?" A male voice spoke quietly before his hands glowed over the Ain''Dhassi that Nix was holding.


    Del was searching the room for gear and helping the other two youths equip themselves. "Why are you here Nix?"


    Nix shrugged and continued to hold Cora. "Visiting." He was interested in hearing what the Ain''Dhassi healer would say.


    A moment later the healer swore softly. "Spirit break Del."


    Del stared at the healer for a moment before approaching Cora. "I''m sorry Cora, a Spirit break means there are only two paths for you. I leave the choice in your hands." The Ain''Dhassi''s voice was low and wavered slightly with emotion.


    Cora shook her head weakly. "I will not become a fosterling."


    Del lay a hand on Nix''s arm. "I will take her Nix."


    "What is fosterling?" Nix hadn''t heard the term in Oasis, but Cora hadn''t even considered it.


    "It means she would swear fealty to Morana and become one of her blood acolytes." Del pulled her mask down since everyone present already knew who she was.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Morana is most certainly a vampire Nix.


    "We have a healer that can heal the spirit, but she would need to come with us for a while." Nix had already decided, he would do what was necessary." He brought up the guild menu and created special access for Cora in Haven.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Opinions?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It''s dangerous Nix. Do we want to let the Ain''Dhassi know about Haven?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: We can gate directly and then have Nix take her to Phai City when she''s healed. I think the risk is acceptable.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: She won''t know Haven is anchored to our Parliament Guild Office. Let''s take her.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Restrict her Gate access once we get inside. I think we should take her in.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Sheesh... I was only mentioning the dangers. I''m not against it either.


    Eron sat quietly on Nix''s shoulder, his dark eyes staring into Del Tali''s face. "I can mend her, it will take a few days. I must start soon or the breaking will become permanent."


    Del looked from the fox back to Nix and then to her Healer. "Spirit healing?"


    The masked healer was looking carefully at Eron. "He''s definitely a spiritual creature, I''ve no way of knowing what his capabilities are."


    Eron seemed content to let them stare, his black tail swishing from side to side.


    Del bowed low toward Nix and Eron. "I leave my apprentice in your capable hands."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Fajii, take her directly to my ranch in Haven.


    Nix handed Fajii Deep Blue and then waited while She left with Eron and the Ain''Dhassi girl.


    Nix glanced at the Ain''Dhassi team that looked like they were getting ready to leave. "The guards on the second floor?''


    Del slipped her mask back on. "Dead. Please keep me updated on Cora''s condition. I''ll leave you to... whatever you were doing."


    Nix nodded and waited until they exited the room.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Back to the vault, no need to be quiet now, take everything.


    Ten minutes later Alpha Team had finished looting the vault and were ready to leave.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Damn... lots of skill scrolls.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We''ve taken most of the valuables Nix, we can''t carry anymore.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Stealth and head back the way we came. I''m going to look around for a bit.


    Nix walked through the vault, all of Inferno could have shown up and they still wouldn''t have been able to take it all. Saigon was a rich bastard.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] Are you safe?


    [Whisper: Raine to Nix] Yes... I should have listened to you. I''ve lost so many clansmen, but in the end, nothing was resolved. We are both weaker because of it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] Saigon still lives?


    [Whisper: Raine to Saigon] Unfortunately, yes.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] Is there any hidden treasures in Saigon''s vault that you might know about?


    [Whisper: Raine to Nix] You''re in his vault? Leave now Nix! He''s on his way back.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] That''s good. I''m actually waiting for him.


    [Whisper: Raine to Nix] There are two things, one is the Clan tapestry that hangs on the wall. The other is my father''s seal that he carries around his neck. If your there, take the tapestry and run now!


    Nix found the tapestry that Raine had mentioned and then stealthed and took a seat in the middle of the floor.


    **************


    Ten minutes later Saigon and his followed arrived back at their compound. Voices and shouts of rage could be heard throughout the household. Nix only had to wait a moment before a handful of Fir''Dhassi charged into the vault.


    Nix dropped stealth, the tapestry was slung over one shoulder. One hand glowed with emerald fire. "It never fails... There are always people like you." Nix spoke quietly, his flaming hand held precariously close to the tapestry.


    Saigon was nothing like Nix had imagined, he was slight, even for a dhassi. "Put down the tapestry, and we can talk."


    The Fir''Dhassi''s voice was smooth and deep with a strong element of command mixed in. He walked over to an empty mannequin and took his armor off. "Your armor has a unique look. You are the armor master that makes it?"


    Nix nodded. "Indeed."


    Saigon hung his weapon next to the armored mannequin. and turned to face Nix. He wore tan-colored under armor. "I will give the human''s unfettered access to Parliament in exchange for the armor and its secrets."


    Nix stood up and spoke to the Siren who was watching silently from the corner. "How many in the house Ducky?''


    Ducky glanced at the surprised Saigon, he hadn''t even seen her standing there. "House full Nix."


    "Thank you."


    [Ducky has been unsummoned.]


    Nix stashed the tapestry in his inventory. "I will tell you all my secrets."


    Saigon raised a hand to stop him. "I require the tapestry also Nix."


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    A massive explosion of green fire ripped through the compound, leveling everything in sight. Nix moved quickly before the blast could toss Saigon out of his reach. A handful of barbed emerald strands impaled him, anchoring him in place while the wave of power pushed outward in all directions.


    [Burning Aura]


    Nix saw a holo image on his hud. He imitated the motion and an instant later a thick strand of razor-sharp flames removed the Fir''Dhassi''s head.


    [You have learned Execution]


    Nix released his flame strands and the FIr''Dhassi corpse dropped limply to the floor. He took a moment to check the body, Saigon carried a ring and a medallion that looked like it might be the seal that Raine had mentioned.


    Unhurried, the emerald Salamander walked through the rubble and searched for the armored mannequin. After a few minutes, he found it and the sword several hundred feet away. Nix quickly dropped the Salamander form and stowed the items away before stealthing.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] Meet me halfway, I''m tired.

 Chapter 155 Spirit Sister

    [Spiritual Healing: Day 4]


    Nix stood at his balcony railing enjoying the view. The four mares from the Saigon Compound had been placed in his stable. Bev had taken it upon herself to take care of them and make sure they were able to get daily exercise. His dad had already agreed to stay in Colonial, it had been a simple thing to extend him into a one-year Stay. In the interest of avoiding confusion, his father had taken his recommendation and changed his name from Rhy to Rico.


    From his viewpoint, nestled neatly into the base of the cliff, most of the large plateau was obstructed by the dense forest that hid the large ranch house. Had he been back home he would classify the forest giants as some sort of fir tree, perhaps Redwood or even Sequoia.


    "I think all of Inferno might be in your house Nix." A familiar voice caused him to smile. Mina hadn''t been spending too much time in Haven lately.


    "You may be right." Any other time the idea would have annoyed Nix, but a few days earlier Eron had asked for a Spirit host. The Ain''Dhassi girl was fading too fast, she would need the help of someone with a compatible spirit. Unexpectedly when the word went out, everyone had shown up for the testing. In the end, only one compatible person was found, Rhylia Thundercloud, the Air Nemesis.


    The test had been as easy as entering her room and touching her hand. Eron was overseeing the healing and he could instantly tell the compatibility level. There had been a handful of good matches but when the Air Nemesis entered the room Eron had declared that a perfect match had been found. No one who had seen the frail girl could bring themselves to leave.


    Mina slid a hand through Nix''s arm and leaned against him. "What do you think of the dhassi ?"


    Nix shrugged, "That''s a hard question. I''ve really only met a few of them. I haven''t lived among them or seen their normal day to day interactions."


    "When I go to Parliament, many of them stare at me." Mina thought that after a while the staring would stop but it only became worse.


    "They''ve never seen Aquarions, they don''t exist in Oasis." Nix studied the maps of Oasis regularly. It was predominantly water. If Aquarions were to find a way through the Gate, they would certainly be able to thrive.


    The leader of the Souza Accord almost always wore the same black-masked gear when walking around Parliament. Occasionally she would remove the hood to eat or drink, the striking change of snow-white hair and pale blue eyes caught many by surprise. Then they''d notice the Seashell shaped ears, webbed hands, and slightly pointed fangs. She was clearly alien among the other inhabitants of Oasis.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Am I disturbing you Nix?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Not really.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] We are really looking forward to building on Loki.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Good to hear, are you getting flak from the Guilds who weren''t invited into the Alliance?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Quite a bit, it''s fine though. I instructed my members to post on the forums about how excited they are to finally be able to build in Oasis.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Wait a week or two and open up recruiting.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Sounds good. What are we going to do about the existing town?


    There was one large port town in Loki. Nix knew from his territory manager menu that the Fir''Dhassi were still there. He also knew he could expel them whenever he liked.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Eviction. I don''t care who built it, it belongs to Inferno now.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Want some company? I''d like to get a good look at our new home.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Yes. Bring a group of five. I''ll do the same, there no telling what kind of things we''ll find. I''ll give you 2 days'' notice when I''m going.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Sounds good. Cya Nix.


    "Sorry Min, the Salamander Guild Leader sent me a personal message." Nix nudged the Aquarion leader who had been leaning against him without talking.


    "It''s okay, you are an important person among the humans and the Aquarions." Mina stepped away from him and bowed unexpectedly. "Your growth is sometimes frightening to watch."


    Nix offered her a slight smile. "You have grown also Filamina. You have surpassed the strength of the Matriarchs, our road to the Cai''Song artifact grows shorter every day."


    Mina stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "I promised to help prepare dinner, it isn''t fair to let Hyai do everything." She turned toward the door and stopped with her hand on the handle. "Nix... Do you still think about her? Our child from the Black Gate?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, but it isn''t good to become fixated on her. You should wait patiently for the day when you have a real daughter."


    ******************


    "Super nice place Nix." Wind squeezed in beside him on the long bench that lined his dining room table. "Could be a bit larger though."


    Pon nodded his head in agreement and thanked Mina when she sat a platter full of meat on the table in front of them. "Eron said that Cora is out of danger now."


    Some time since she arrived at Haven, their Ain''Dhassi guest went from being the ''dhassi girl'' to Cora. The entire guild waited while she recovered. Eron had mentioned that she would definitely receive some positive benefits from her association with the Air Nemesis.


    Because of the number of guests, meals were eaten in shifts. The ones who ate first were then expected to serve the ones who had served them. It was confusing and chaotic, but the atmosphere was light and joyful, the news that Cora was out of danger seemed to put everyone''s heart at ease. Rhylia had finally left the ranger''s side and when she appeared in the dining room, the entire guild erupted in applause. No one had seen much of her in the last few weeks, the Air Nemesis had been staying close to the Palace on most days. With Shae gone, she felt an obligation to ensure it was properly defended.


    Rhy took a seat at the table, the dark Air Elemental seemed unusually vibrant. "Cora Tali has asked that I thank the members of Inferno for their kindness and the gifts."


    *****************


    Cora rubbed her nose and rolled over in bed, the bushy black tail swished across her face one more time before she finally woke up.


    "Hmmm... I must compliment you little dhassi, you''re spirit is pure and beautiful." Eron sat next to her on the bed, one small paw set gently on her shoulder.


    The white-haired dhass sat up slowly. She pushed her slender hands into the soft mattress, it was by far the softest bed she had ever slept on. "Thank you, Eron." She smiled at the stacks of gifts and flowers that littered the room. She had never received so much attention before.


    The black fox''s eyes glowed for a moment before he nodded in satisfaction. "Completely healed, we were fortunate to find someone so compatible with you."


    Cora knew that the Air Nemesis was close, she could feel her presence. "I fell like getting up and walking around."


    Eron leaped nimbly to the table next to the bed. "Feel free to eat and move around, I''ll check on you later."


    "You are looking good today Cora." Fajii stood in the doorway for a moment before entering. "I bet you want to get dressed and move around."


    Cora struggled not to stare at the Scorched Earth Mage. She was one of the most beautiful women the young dhassi had ever seen, her verticle irises were mesmerizing. "Yes... I feel like I''ve been in bed for weeks."


    Fajii stepped over the stacks of gifts and picked up a white box. "This is the box Nix left, so you''d have something to wear." She peeked in the box before nodded in satisfaction. "Follow me please."


    Cora followed Fajii into a large bathroom. "This is Guild Leader Nix''s place?"


    Fajii nodded and shut the door. "Let me show you how everything works. Then I''ll leave you in peace so you can enjoy the bath."


    "I don''t mind if you stay, you''re hair is pretty. Will you show me how to do that?" Cora had noticed that several of the Inferno women wore the same braid.


    "I call it Nansu''s braid because she''s the one who taught everyone how to do it."


    The two women talked quietly while Cora washed and then soaked in the hot bath. The young dhassi was very curious about Inferno and its members.


    "My Master Del Tali has a very good impression of Nix." Cora sat in front of Fajii while the Aquarion carefully braided her hair.


    "Nix is good at making impressions, but they aren''t always good."


    Cora peeked over one shoulder, "your voice changes when you say his name."


    "I never noticed, but it doesn''t surprise me. Nix is someone that I love." Fajii finished the braid and then tied off the end. "Do you like someone?"


    Cora''s pale face blushed. "One of the rangers that work with my master. I don''t think he even sees me."


    "I understand the feeling. I grew up feeling invisible." Fajii moved around to the front of Cora and helped her to her feet. "I''m an Aquarion like Mina, the way I look now is completely different from what I was before."


    "Like Mina?" Cora had talked to the Aquarion leader a few times, if her ears were covered she''d easily pass of an Ain''Dhassi. "She''s beautiful."


    Fajii laughed good-naturedly. "I was not. At least that''s how I felt."


    Cora returned her smile. "Nix must have thought you were."


    "Yes. He saw me through different eyes than the others."


    *********************


    A short while later all of Inferno was standing on the balcony. Cora was walking through the crowd, making sure to thank everyone. The young dhassi''s face was flushed slightly from all the attention. She stopped in front of Pon and Wind. They were the two men who had found her. She hugged both of them tightly. Inferno had gone there to rob Saigon, if they hadn''t checked the stairs going down to the basement, she would have died in that place. Nix and Rhylia were the last two people she thanked.


    "You seem strong Cora." Rhylia''s dark eyes watched the young dhassi.


    "I feel good. Thank you everything Nemesis Rhylia." Cora bowed low only to have Rhy grab her arm and gently pull her up.


    "We are spirit sisters now Cora, there is no need for such formalities." Rhy smiled and placed a slender hand on her head. "Because of the sharing, I can feel Air Coursing through you. I must, of course, give you a proper send-off."


    Cora''s smile widened, "spirit sisters? Thank you, it is my honor."


    "Receive the Blessing of Air little sister." Rhylia''s hand glowed for a moment and a swirling breeze enveloped Cora.


    [Cora has received the Blessing of Air]


    Cora has learned Null


    Cora has learned Air Burst


    Cora has learned Whirl Wind.


    Cora has learned Air Throw


    Cora has learned True Shot.


    Nix finally managed to drag Cora away, they walked together through the woods. "We will gate to Phai City, Del Tali is waiting for us."


    Cora nodded, she sniffed loudly and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I didn''t expect that."


    "The Air Blessing? Rhy told me that with the Spirit mend, those abilities would have developed in a few years. She knows you are in training and wanted you to be able to incorporate it properly."


    Nix held out his hand and grabbed Cora''s. "Time to bring you back." He activated Deep Blue and then chose Phai City.


    **********************


    Nix smiled at the waving Cora, Del Tali had arrived on time and was bringing her back to the Ain''Dhassi Camp in the Neutral Zone. Master and apprentice enjoyed an emotional reunion, the normally cold Del seemed to care about her student quite a bit.


    Nix was walking toward the market square, the warm sun on his face causing him to slow his step slightly.


    [You have been summoned by Shae Balefire. Do you accept?]


    Nix stared at the message in shock for a moment before replying. "Yes!"


    [You have arrived at Solomon City]

 Chapter 156 Phoenix

    [Guild chat has been disabled]


    [Personal Messaging has been disabled]


    Nix appeared in a sand-covered training area. The immediate pressure weighing down upon him nearly drove him to his knees.


    A flash of red and he was enveloped in the strong arms of Shae, her soft lips kissing his face while her tears ran freely down her face. "I''m sorry Nix, I wanted to see you!"


    She wore light training armor and her long red hair had been cut to her waist and then braided. Nix should have been surprised to see that she had wings, but for some reason, he wasn''t.


    "You gave me your word Shae, you can visit him for as long as he can stand on this plane." Nix recognized the face and the voice but didn''t know the name.


    Nix could already feel his legs shaking. Was the gravity different here? Or perhaps there was some trial necessary? He cupped Shae''s face in his hands, she seemed thinner and her cheekbones a bit more pronounced. "Archon training?"


    Shae nodded and kissed him again. "You remember this bad person? He is Pheno Myrick."


    "She is uncommonly difficult. I do her this favor so she would consent for the second phase of her training." Pheno''s scarred face wore a smile when he spoke, he tossed Nix a small disc. "If the pressure of this world is too much, break this disc and you will return to your binding point."


    Nix looked at the disk and then nodded. "I understand."


    The lovers held each other and talked in hushed tones. Nix did his best to bring her up to speed on the latest happenings in Colonial and Oasis. Shae mentioned that she was able to read the Parliament docket updates in the Great Library of Solomon City.


    Nix ignored the mounting pressure on his body, every breathe was a struggle. "Is there a gate nearby?"


    Shae kissed his ear, "this is the training hall. Take a left down the long hall, there is a gate there."


    Nix caressed her face. "I''m going to let myself collapse in a minute, leave immediately after that."


    Pheno clapped loudly. "Impressive Nix, you must be strong. Don''t be stubborn, say goodbye to your mate and then crush the stone. You are not yet ready for this plane."


    Nix focused on Pheno. He wore plate armor that was obviously only for training. It was covered in all sorts of dents, gouges and scorch marks. His wings burned with a silver flame, on his shoulder was a crest, crossed swords that were holding up a sun.


    [Your strength has improved]


    [Your stamina has improved]


    Nix''s whole body shook with the effort, although he was acting some, he was pushing himself hard to remain upright. "You''re a trainer? Show me something then, I''ve come all this way."


    "Hmm? Want to learn, do you?" Pheno''s square jaw clenched slightly, the muscles running up the side of his face. He pointed to a table on by the far wall. "Pick up a sword from that table and bring it back to me. If you can make it there and back, I will teach you one thing."


    Nix turned and started walking toward the table, standing had been hard enough.


    [Your strength has improved]


    [Your stamina has improved]


    [Your strength has improved]


    [Your stamina has improved]


    Nix focused on the table, sweat beaded on his head and ran down his face into his eyes. He ignored the stinging, raising his arm to wipe it away would have cost him too much effort. By the time he reached the table, his entire body was cramping with effort, blood ran freely down his chin where he had bitten through his lip.


    [Your strength has improved]


    [Your stamina has improved]


    [Your strength has improved]


    [Your stamina has improved]


    He gripped the sword on the table and started back, the tip of the blade dragging in the sand as he slowly made his way back to Pheno. The surprise on Pheno''s face was evident when Nix once again stood in front of him.


    Pheno sighed heavily. "This I did not expect." He opened a hud and operated a few menus. "I can''t teach you without first registering you as a recruit and giving you a proper name."


    [You have been given the name Phoenix]


    [You have been registered as a recruit under Captain Pheno Myrick of the Solomon City Archon Knights.]


    Pheno placed a hand on Nix''s head, it glowed brightly for a moment causing Nix to wince with pain.


    [You have learned Flashblade]


    Pheno pointed to a training dummy against the wall 20 meters away. "Observe."


    [Flashblade]


    Pheno''s body blurred and instantly appeared next to the training dummy, the glowing blade cut the mannequin in half.


    He pointed to the dummy right next to the one he had hit. "Manage to hit it and I won''t erase your name from the list of recruits."


    Nix grimaced and raised the blade, it shook in his grasp, the hilt of it was slick with his sweat.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix flashed toward the target and used his remaining strength to strike at the training dummy before collapsing to his knees. A moment later the dummies head landed on the sand next to him with a thump.


    Nix used the blade to brace himself and stagger back to his feet.


    [Your strength has improved]


    [Your stamina has improved]


    Shae ran towards him, hugging him tight for a moment. She kissed him and then stepped away. "You did very well Nix, time for you to return."


    Nix shook his head. "I''m not leaving here without you."


    Pheno shook his head. "Damn it...You are as stubborn as she is. Break the disc I gave you."


    "No... I like it here. Know where I can find a good inn?" Nix''s legs were shaking visibly while he spoke through clenched teeth.


    Pheno laughed loudly, a booming laugh that echoed on the training grounds. "If you pass out, the disc will break immediately and send you back."


    Shae leaned toward him and kissed his face and then walked toward the exit. "Say hello to my friends Nix. I can''t watch any longer."


    Nix fell to his knees, his breath coming in great gasps. "Yep... I''ll tell them."


    "Not bad recruit... not bad. I''ll leave you to it Phoenix, a man must learn his limits." Pheno left him there and followed Shae. She needed to be escorted nearly everywhere she went, the beautiful elemental was a magnet for trouble.


    Nix waited until they both left before struggling back to his feet, it took him three attempts before he made it. As soon as he staggered into the hall he started muttering curses under his breath. Shae wasn''t exaggerating when she said it was a long way.


    By the time Nix made it to the platform, his vision was cloudy and every breath felt like a dagger being stabbed into him. The image of his stat increases scrolled crazily the longer he walked. Finally, after several minutes, he stepped onto the gate platform. He saved the gate in Deep Blue''s last open slot and then crushed the disc he had been given.


    ****************


    "Nix?"


    He heard Pon''s voice a moment before he collapsed to his knees.


    [Guild chat has been enabled]


    [Personal Messaging has been enabled]


    [You have been tempered]


    Pon helped him to his feet. "Damn boy, you''re oozing blood from everywhere."


    [Combustion]


    A soft green light enveloped Nix, healing his injuries.


    Nix shook his head to clear it, it only succeeded in making him dizzy. "A bit of training."


    Pon shook his head in disgust. "What kind of training leaves you soaked in blood?"


    Nix smiled and gripped the Archon blade he still carried in his hand. "The best kind."

 Chapter 157 Archon Blade

    [Embassy Arena: training Yard]


    Nix stared at the longsword in his hands. It was thin and light and felt nothing like the blade he had wielded in Solomon City. A surge of strength coursed through his body when he gave it a practice swing.


    Archon Long Blade


    Basic: blade [Archon Class Only]


    (Statistics Unavailable)


    Nix studied the blade, it looked nearly the same as any other blade he''d held. "I equipped it. Does this mean my hidden class is Archon? Or perhaps a sub-class of Archon?"


    "Talking to yourself is a bad sign." Nix jumped at the sound of his master''s voice.


    "Master Chiba." Nix bowed politely, "I wanted to show you this blade."


    Chiba touched it once and immediately handed it back. "An Archon blade... Where did you get that?"


    "Solomon City, in the Sky Kingdom," Nix admitted. Chiba was someone he trusted, so he didn''t consider making something up.


    "You''ve been there boy?" Chiba smiled crookedly at him. "You must have been brought in, I see no sign of the Planar trial on you."


    Nix nodded, "I was brought in. The world felt like it was crushing me."


    Chiba was wearing brown leather pants and a white shirt. She pulled up her shirt and showed Nix a ragged scar that started at her side and extended around her abdomen to her spine. "There was a time apprentice when I was a step away from moving to the Upper Planes."


    Nix frowned at the wound. "That must have killed you. Why do you still bear the scar?"


    Chiba shook her head, greasy gray hair flopping from one side to the other. "The scars of the trial remain forever."


    "How did you even get to the trial?" As Nix understood, Oasis would be the realm between Colonial and the Sky Kingdom.


    "There are many paths to the Upper planes, all of them are difficult." Chiba lowered her shirt, wincing slightly.


    "Are you okay Master Chiba?" Nix couldn''t imagine someone skilled enough to wound her so grievously.


    The old woman''s face showed vulnerability for the first time. "I... Did you face one of the Masters?"


    Nix shook his head. "No, but one of them taught me a skill called Flashblade."


    Chiba drew her own sword and walked out to the middle of the training area. "One of the trainers taught you something? You''re registered then? What was his name?"


    Nix grinned at the questions the old woman spouted. "I believe his name was Baiter. Perhaps you know him?"


    Chiba lowered her sword for an instant before her face twisted into an ugly version of a smile. Her chortling laugh cackled through the training yard. "NIX! I do know Master Baiter, very well!"


    Nix tried to keep a straight face, but it was difficult. "Want to see Flashblade?"


    Immediately Chiba nodded and pointed to the training dummy. "Strike it Nix, but first..."


    Nix moved toward the training dummy, stopping 20 meters away. "First?"


    "Try pushing flames into that blade, the same way you do with that hilt I gifted you."


    Nix nodded and focused on the blade, instantly flames encircled the blade, licking at it with a crackling noise. The flames that enveloped the blade weren''t green like his, but rather silver instead.


    Chiba whistled... "you flamed an Archon blade. Which branch are you?"


    "No idea," Nix muttered with a shrug. "It''s hidden, my level isn''t high enough to open it up."


    [Flashblade]


    A blur of motion and Nix appeared beside the training dummy. An effortless swing cut the target completely in half, leaving a deep cut on the stone wall behind it.


    "Shit Nix... That kind of power makes me wet. Chiba licked her lips and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Let''s take a break and go at it."


    "Um... No." Nix shook his head vehemently.


    Chiba grabbed her side where the scar was now hidden. "Maybe you can you rub some liniment on my scar? It helps with the pain. Then I''ll coat you with it too. Real good for training."


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the Glory Docks. He waved at Chiba, but not before she started rubbing her crotch suggestively.


    A nauseous feeling Nix appeared on the docks a moment later. "God... I can''t unsee that."


    An hour later Nix, Mina, Pon, Wind, and Chael had gathered at the 8th-floor staging area. They were prepping to enter 8.1 while 10 members were waiting patiently to try 8.2.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: As soon as you finish and exit, we''re going to hit it.


    /Inferno: Nix: 8.3 is a 20 person instance, so I''ll grab the rest of our people and take it on when you guys finish.


    /Inferno: Pon: All three parts of 8 in one day. It''s ballsy...


    Fajii stepped away from the second group and approached them. She smiled sweetly at Nix. "Ready Nix?"


    /Inferno: Pon: Yeah... there''s five of us going. Not just the punk.


    "Of course." Fajii patted the old Fire Mages shoulder.


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    Everyone in the raid felt strengthened as a rock barrier instantly became part of their armament.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    The weapons of the raid seem more dangerous as their weapons are instantly modified to do Scorched Earth Damage.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s move in and then we divide up and explore the zone before attempting it.


    The group of five appeared over the platform, a hallway curved away in opposite directions. They stealthed and then started swimming. Two heading one way while the other three went the other.


    The hallway curved in a long circle, blue stones set into the tiles illuminated their way. The walls were coated with a thick green sea-moss, chunks of it would flake off when you swam too close.


    Nix an Pon swam easily a few feet off the floor. After about a few minutes they ran into a Matriarch, she was surrounded by a dozen man-sized fish. The hall branched off behind her with a right turn or you could continue curving around.


    /Inferno: Pon: Think those fish are friendly? You have the fishing skill right?


    /Inferno: Nix: No and Yes. I''ll take the right turn here, you continue straight.


    Nix swam straight for another few minutes before he ran into another Aquarion, this one was an Elder Matriarch with 20 sea-beasts circling her. He spotted Mina coming in from the other direction and motioned for her to return.


    They regrouped at the start a few minutes later.


    /Inferno: Pon: It''s a circle, I ran into Wind at the top. There''s a Matriarch there.


    /Inferno: Nix: Think of it as a compass, with Matriarchs at the North, East and West position.


    /Inferno: Mina: Don''t forget the Elder Matriarch in the middle.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll take Wind and head toward the western Matriarch.


    /Inferno: Pon: I''ll head toward the eastern Matriarch with Mina and Chael.


    [Summons: Soup]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Nix and Wind stealthed and headed towards their target.


    The scout grabbed lazily onto Soup''s back fin to keep up. "How are we playing this Nix? We can''t let them beat us to the North target."


    "I''ll have Soup block for us and we''ll double team the Matriarch. Hopefully, we can survive her beasts long enough." Nix waited until they were close and was about to give the order when Ducky swam towards the Matriarch.


    Ducky has charmed Matriarch Lera.


    "...." Nix.


    A moment later Ducky, the Matriarch and all of her beasts moved North. Wind gave Nix a questioning look.


    /Inferno: Nix: Go.


    As a Siren, Ducky was fast in the water. She directed the charmed Matriarch to attack their North target. Beasts from Matriarchs tore into each other, turning the water red with clouds of blood.


    Nix targeted the North Matriarch.


    [Burning Aura]


    He pulled the Archon sword and pushed flames into the blade. The silver light brightened hall like a torch.


    [Flashbade]


    Nix sliced deep into the Matriarch''s side, she screeched loudly and retreated, her left arm dangling by the smallest bit of skin.


    [Backstab]


    Critical Hit, Wind has slain Matriarch Rul.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit... You guys already killed North?


    The group of Chael, Mina, and Pon swam up just as the North Matriarch died.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ducky charmed the west Matriarch.


    Nix caught Ducky smiling at him. "Can you keep holding her?"


    Ducky was in Siren form, her blue hair floating around her head.. "When Nix gets stronger, so do I."


    Mina nodded in satisfaction at the remnants of the West Matriarch''s beasts, she still had half of them left. Behind Mina was a creature right out of a nightmare. It was a man-sized beast with black scales and bulging red eyes. Its hands and feet were webbed and it carried a trident that seemed to be bleeding, a red cloud followed in its wake.


    Nix couldn''t help but stare at the creature. "That''s the Sea-Devil?"


    Mina nodded and thanked him with a nod. "His name is Bezel, beautiful right?"


    "Really? I''m ugly but that thing is beautiful?" Nix shook his head and headed south toward the Elder Matriarch.


    /Inferno: Nix: Kill the Elder and then Ducky will drop the charm so we can take down the last one. Let the Matriarchs beasts go in first, might as well kill them off now.


    Nix stealthed and swam near the ceiling while moving forward slowly. The Matriarchs beasts darted in and attacked.


    [Flashblade]


    Critical Hit. Elder Matriarch has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    Nix raised a hand and then one sharply edged flame strand the width of an arm sliced through the air and struck the Elder Matriarch on the neck.


    [Execution]


    The white-haired head floated down to the floor in a cloud of red.


    Elder Matriarch Venik has been slain.


    /Inferno: Wind: Serious?


    /Inferno: Pon: The f*ck was that?


    /Inferno: Mina: Nix...


    The Sea Devil impaled the western Matriarch as soon as Ducky released the charm. Mina sent her sea-beasts in and they finished the job in a few seconds. No one spoke while Mina gathered up the Ricoli artifact.


    The water around Nix shimmered and flashed for several seconds, the emerald flames gradually growing brighter until they turned silver.


    [Awakened: Silver Flame]


    Nix glanced down at his aura, it was much too bright for his taste. Slowly he willed it back to the more pleasant emerald color before letting it flame out.


    /Inferno: Pon: Silver flames? Damn you punk! Where did you get Silver flames?


    ********************


    An hour later Nix was laying on the soft grass of the Air Palace. Inferno had beaten 8.1 easily, and Jun Li''s group had taken down 8.2. Nix felt that something was wrong, so he had Sharl replace him for 8.3.


    "Not good Nix." Rhy knelt beside him, one hand placed over his chest. "I''m afraid the Lord Class can no longer contain your strength. We must advance you to Nemesis."


    Nix gasped for air, droplets of sweat beaded on his forehead. "What''s the not good part?"


    "Something is wrong. I don''t know Nix, I''m not a Salamander." Rhy''s dark eyes stared at him. "What should I do?"


    "Severance... Bring Severance to me."

 Chapter 158 Gemini Temple

    "Greetings Nix. This old Fire Lord has missed you." A young version of the original Severance smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder, immediately her face became serious. "Your strength is growing fast, and you''ve been tempered."


    Nix nodded. "Doesn''t seem like you should call yourself old with that form." Ever since Nix, Shae, and Severance restarted the dormant volcano at the Lapu Crater, Severance regained her lost youth. Her dark blue hair flowed midway down her back, and light blue armor completed the picture of youth and vitality.


    "I''m old on the inside Nix." Severance smiled and placed a hand on his head before closing her eyes. She stayed like that for nearly a minute before releasing him.


    "Rhylia is correct, your flames are erupting with power. I''m not sure what can be done."


    Nix waited patiently for an explanation. His closest friends were gathered close by and listening to Severance every word.


    Severance''s face turned grim. "We have to release the excess energy, Silver flames are above even brown flames. A Lord Class Salamander like me would be killed in a few seconds."


    "Let''s come back to that. How do we release the energy." The normally quiet Fajii spoke from Nix''s side, none of her normal cheerfulness was evident in her manner.


    "If it were any flames other than silver, we could take him into a dormant crater and let him light it up. Even then it would be dangerous."


    Fajii moved closer to Nix and gripped his hand in hers. "Dangerous how?"


    "Silver flames can''t be discharged recklessly, there''s no estimating the amount of destruction we are talking about." Severance pursed her lips while she considered the problem. Lapu Crater might have worked if they talking about Nix''s emerald flames. "No place in Colonial."


    "The Gemini Temple." Semmi''s voice was quiet but it carried to everyone in the group.


    Pon''s old face cracked in a smile."Oasis is different than Colonial, the world is meant for higher-tiered powers."


    "A conduit is necessary for releasing the flames as he becomes a Nemesis." Severance had never heard of the Gemini Temple, but she was certain that if a Salamander didn''t accompany Nix, he would be burned up and his flame lost forever. "I cannot go to Oasis, nor would I wish to at my current rank."


    "I will do it." Fajii voice held the certainty of complete confidence. "As a Scorched Earth Mage, I have the same immunity to flames that a Lord Salamander has."


    "I''m in." Wind said quietly. "Been wanting to check out the Temple again anyway."


    "Settled then." Pon clapped his hands together, he could feel the hairs on the back of his neck standing up. Being close to Silver flames was amazing and horrifying at the same time.


    Within a few minutes, Alpha Team was formed and they were heading toward the Embassy. Most of the officers from Inferno had decided to go as far as the Guild Office in Parliament. After saying goodbye, Alpha Team stealthed and left the protection of Parliament. They traveled single file through the neutral zone and into Fir''Dhass territory.


    Nix was struggling to keep walking and maintain his stealth, his flames felt like they were overflowing. He activated Deep Blue and chose the Gemini Temple platform. The Temple was a bit north of the platform, they had to circle around a few predators but they arrived safe and sound at the entrance after a few minutes.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This structure seems like it should stand up to pretty much anything.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: At the center where we saw the Gemini Altar, that should be our best bet.


    Slowly they made their way toward the center of the temple. The wide corridors were regularly patrolled by 100 lvl + garbage mobs, but they weren''t something Alpha Team could handle. The gray stone walls had torches mounted every ten meters, the damps musty smell of a dungeon permeated the air.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This temple must have really been something at one time. Why''s it so rundown.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: The Temple Lord was probably slain by the Fir''Dhassi.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Makes sense, they wouldn''t allow an outside power to thrive in their territory.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: It must have taken a big effort, the named mobs here are beyond any boss I''ve ever seen.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''ll check the Parliament Library, I should have thought about that earlier.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: We''re a good team, Sem.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''ll agree if you let me call our beer ''Semmi Beer''.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: ''Pon Beer'' has a better ring.


    The group finally arrived at the Gemini Altar. It had previously been uninhabited but now there was a single Acolyte praying at the Altar.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: We''re f*cked... What''s option two?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: 115 lvl, Gemini Priestess... Looks like we have to find someplace else.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sorry for the wild goose chase. Let''s gate out of here.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: No... I can feel your flame fluctuating Nix, any longer and you may not be able to rank up. I will deal with this Acolyte.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: She''ll wipe us all Faji, just give it up. There''s nothing...


    [Fajii has unbanked her levels]


    The Scorched Earth Mage glowed with power as a vortex of Earth enveloped her. The energy around her increased for several seconds before exploding outward in a cloud of dust and dirt.


    Fajii: Scorched Earth Elemental [4th Tier]


    Level 100


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Fajii...


    The dark-skinned Aquarion smiled at Nix. "The Mermaid Tower is Mina''s quest, not mine. Inferno will be able to finish it without me."


    [Wind has unbanked his levels]


    Wind glowed with power as his strength spiraled upward, after a minute it stopped. He nodded in satisfaction and then pulled out a stone from his inventory.


    [Wind has activated The Gemini Stone: Thief Class]


    Wind''s feet raised off the ground as he was enveloped in a swirling mist of green and blue smoke. Flashes of light illuminated the cloud before a final surge of power burned the cloud away. Wind''s feet touched the ground a moment later.


    Wind: Gemini Thief [4th Tier]


    Level 100


    /Inferno: Pon: F*ck it... Mermaid City can be done without a few of us babysitting them.


    [Pon has unbanked his levels]


    A swirling firestorm enveloped the old Fire Mage. The heat made both Semmi and Wind step back. The old mage may not have posses a high tiered flamed, but he had spent years refining it.


    Pon: Fire Mage [3rd Tier]


    Level 100


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What''s going on over there Sem?


    /Inferno: Semmi: There''s a mob here that wasn''t here before. Wind, Pon, and Fajii have unbanked to kill it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Can the three of them handle it?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Not sure. I think so.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Semmi] You know how important Nix is to Inferno. Mermaid City is doomed to fall if we have him with us. Do it...


    [Semmi has unbanked her levels]


    Semmi smiled widely as she felt her strength spiral upward. It had been a long time since she leveled up. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of power surging through her. After a few minutes, it was complete and she opened her eyes.


    She glanced at Wind. "There''s no way I''m letting you get ahead of me." She pulled out her Gemini stone and activated it.


    [Semmi has activated The Gemini Stone: Thief Class]


    The same cloud of green and blue smoke enveloped Semmi as her feet left the air. The blonde scout closed her eyes when the flashes of light started. She spun dizzily inside the cloud, a feeling of nausea nearly overwhelmed her before it finally subsided and sat her gently on the floor.


    Semmi: Gemini Thief [4th Tier]


    Level 100


    [A second Gemini Thief has been located in your vicinity. Wind:Semmi Gemini bond has been enabled.]

 Chapter 159 Gemini Nemesis part one

    Wind stared at his stats, he now possessed lockpick? "Holy ... we''re sharing skills Sem.."


    Semmi quickly read through the abilities of the Gemini Thief. "Let''s focus on three attacks Wind, First Strike, Critical Chain, and Unbalance. Study them for a moment."


    First Strike


    The Gemini Thief''s


    first attack is always a critical hit.


    Cool Down: 5 minutes


    Critical Chain [Thief Bond Ability]


    When one of your bonded companions


    perform a critical attack, you immediately


    swap places and make a critical attack


    of your own. Stacks up to 5x


    Unbalance Chain [Thief Bond Ability]


    When one of your bonded companions


    manage to stun an opponent, you immediately


    swap places and stun the target.


    Stacks up to 5x.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Open up with First strike and then we''ll try and extend it.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We''ll have to keep an eye out for random crits or stuns and try to chain them.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Understood I usually crit a few times a fight, depending on positioning and luck.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Same here. Don''t miss the dance when the music starts.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Huh?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I am trying for a cool catchphrase.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Right... Keep at it, Sem.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Fajii, Pon? Need any reviewing?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: No, it''s only one mob.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Ready.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I can''t fight guys, if we get in a bind I''ll use CC, but I prefer not to.


    "Do not worry, I will ensure our success." Eron''s smooth voice flowed with strength and confidence, he radiated more power than anyone. The black fox spoke quietly from Fajii''s shoulder. "I am ready also."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: On me.


    The scout moved closer to the alter, Wind shadowed her movement while Fajii and Pon stayed back with Nix.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    Wind waited until his ability lit up then he activated it.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: That''s five!


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [First Strike]


    Wind has scored a critical hit on Priestess Elune.


    [Bale Fire]


    Pon has critically wounded Priestess Elune, she has admitted her defeat and surrendered.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Stop...attacking.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck were you two doing? That Critical chain is complete bullshit.


    Wind high fived Semmi, both of the thieves were grinning.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: That Gemini chain effect is bad-ass.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I''ve never crit so many times in one fight before.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Notice how Pon jumped in there for the kill shot? Lame...


    Nix approached the Priestess who was kneeling on the altar. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. I intend to use this temple to rank up. I mean no disrespect."


    The woman turned slowly toward them, there was a collective gasp of astonishment. Elune wore a common blue Priestess robe, nothing else about her was normal. The right side of her face appeared to be Ain''Dhassi, while the left side of her face was darker like the Su''Dhassi. This oddity extended to her entire body as was evidenced by one dark hand and one pale hand carefully clasped in front of her.


    She extended a hand toward Nix, only to be intercepted by Fajii. Elune stared at her with two different color eyes, one dark and the other pale blue. "I mean him no harm. I can ease his discomfort a bit."


    Fajii shook her head and helped Nix onto the altar.


    Elune watched them with a curious expression. "If you plan on ranking up here, this temple will be torn apart despite how strong it looks."


    Nix grimaced slightly and lay back on the hard stone. "I''ll take that chance."


    Elune moved toward the altar only to be intercepted by Fajii again. The Aquarion had summoned her trident and pointed it at the Gemini Priestess. "You will step back, or I will deal with you." Her words were quiet like always, but her intent chilled the air.


    Semmi glanced at Wind and Pon, both of them were staring with their mouths hanging open. The normally sweet Fajii was picking a fight?


    Elune bowed deeply, "activate the altar and the temple will be strengthened by the power that resides in it. The Lord of this Temple used this very room to rank up when she was still alive."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: What do you want us to do during this Nix? Is this something we can even survive?


    The altar was set in a large circular room about 30 meters in diameter. There were four archways that were accompanied by long hallways that led up toward the surface. The outside of the room was bordered by a hallway that extended completely around. The roaming mobs would patrol and sometimes enter rooms randomly.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Releasing so much power, will definitely attract attention.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: If what the Priestess says is true, then the structure can be strengthened from the altar. We can duck behind the walls for cover and help with any mobs that try to enter.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: There are four entrances and only three of you. Fajii will be assisting me.


    Nix met the eyes of Elune, he wasn''t bothered by the different colors. "Are there one of these halls less likely to have patrols?"


    Elune nodded and pointed to the North entrance. "That leads directly to the sanctuary, only I reside there."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Opinions?


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Let''s activate the altar, if she isn''t telling the truth I will find her after.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Let''s do it.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I''m not inclined to trust someone who we were just fighting. It''s like Fajii said, we can always deal with her.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Do it then. I want to scorch shit.


    Fajii stared at the Priestess. "You cannot stay. You will wait in your sanctuary. If we see you during the fight, we''ll kill you without asking why you are here."


    Nix waited while Elune exited the room through the North archway.


    Semmi exited through the southern arch and immediately stepped to one side.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''ll take the south exit, we''ll play it by ear and make adjustments as we go.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I''ve got the west exit.


    /Alpha Team Wind: That leaves east for me. Call out if you need help.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Okay. Let''s go.


    The moment Nix lay on the altar, a blinking icon appeared on his hud. He had been ignoring it during the conversation, but now activated it.


    [Gemini Altar: Unattached]


    1) Sacrifice


    2) Drain Power


    3) Enhanced Temple Structure


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Damn... That''s some scary shit.


    Nix selected the 3rd choice and closed his eyes. A cool hand rested on his forehead causing him to open them. Fajii''s dark face hovered over him, her eyes showing concern. She bent slightly and pressed her lips lightly against his.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I''m here.


    [Burning Aura]

 Chapter 160 Gemini Nemesis part two

    Nix''s aura fluctuated from silver to emerald flames. The silver flames announced their arrival like a flashbulb, they would linger for a half minute before darkening to emerald again.


    "Silver is the higher flame Nix. according to Severance, you need to choose one to dispell." Fajii stood next to him, holding his hand while watching the colors change back and forth.


    Nix nodded while gritting his teeth, "I''m going to focus on pushing the emerald flames away."


    An instant later, a wave of emerald flames exploded outwards from the altar. The flames surrounding Nix turned lighter. Fajii placed both hands on his chest, ignoring the flames that licked at her arms, she used Scorched Earth to push the Emerald flames away from the silver. The flames started out mostly mixed together, but as pockets of the same flames flowed together when the accumulation had reached a certain point, the effect would be a massive wave of flames.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Any chance you can warn us about those flame waves?


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Maybe, no more than a moment or two warning.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Good enough.


    Wind stared down the tunnel, an image could be seen running towards the altar room.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Incoming, one mob, east hall.


    Wind stood flat against the wall and waited patiently. A tall thin mage with the same Gemini heritage as Elune approached. He carried a long wooden staff with a large dual-colored stone mounted on top.


    [First Strike]


    Wind has scored a critical hit on Li Deux.


    Semmi noticed her chain skill lit up and promptly activated it.


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Li Deux


    [Critcal Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Li Deux


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Li Deux


    [Critcal Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Li Deux


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Flame!


    Wind jumped back toward his hiding places just as emerald flame roared down all four halls.


    Li Deux has been slain.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: What a crock of shit... What''s the range of Gemini skills?


    Wind smiled happily to himself while looting Li Deux.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: At least 50 meters I guess. We''ll have to test it later.


    /Oasis System Message: Ownership of the Gemini Temple in Inuit is being challenged by Inferno.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Hey... We aren''t challenging ownership!


    Pon stared down his hall, shadows formed at the far end and started moving toward them quickly.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Westside, three mobs.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''m clear on the south. Need help?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Yes.


    Semmi checked her hall one last time and then sprinted towards the west hall.


    Pon targeted the group and let his favorite spell fly.


    [Fire-Nado]


    Sigi Fenal has been caught up in a whirlwind of fire


    Myogi Boon has been caught up in a whirlwind of fire.


    Weylan Berai has been caught up in a whirlwind of fire.


    Semmi targeted the archer who was spinning in Pon''s flames.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a critical hit on Myogi Boon


    [Critcal Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Myogi Boon


    [Critcal Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Myogi Boon


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Flames!


    Semmi and Pon dived for cover, as emerald flames roared down the halls.


    Sigi Fenal has been slain.


    Myogi Boon has been slain.


    Weylan Berai has been slain.


    Pon whistled softly and started looting the corpses. Semmi gave Pon a quick wave and then started back to her station at a trot.


    /Team Alpha: Pon: There''s some really nice loot dropping.


    /Team Alpha Semmi: Everything attacking us is named. There hasn''t been a single garbage mob.


    ********************


    Delyn stared at the notification in Parliament. He was sitting with Raine Xai when it was posted. "You going to send a troop to investigate?"


    Raine shook her head. Her dark blonde hair was worn up in a ponytail, she was wearing her signature brown leather armor. "I have no interest in making an enemy out of Nix."


    Delyn raised an eyebrow, his apprentice seemed to have been affected by the human''s influence. "Our territory has been invaded and one of our assets is being challenged."


    Raine looked up from the docket she was working on. "Nix and his group are all 50 level first tiers. Most likely they are exploring and ended up activating it by accident. Besides, an abandoned Temple that once was the cause of an entire clan disappearing isn''t really an asset, at least not one I''m willing to fight with him over."


    Delyn didn''t comment. Saigon and his cohorts had been wiped out by something devastating, somehow it was related to Nix. The Xai Clan had lost a lot of good people, but the loss had been accompanied by unity and peace. Something the Xai Clan hadn''t had since Raine''s father had passed.


    [Whisper: Umi Strom to Raine Xai] Is the Xai Clan investigating the infraction into our territory?


    [Whisper: Raine Xai to Umi Strom] We are not. The temple is long abandoned and not worth the trouble of facing off against 75 votes whenever we want to push a docket through.


    [Whisper: Umi Strom to Raine Xai] You make a good point. We will hold our forces as well.


    Raine finished working on the docket and then submitted it. She sent Nix a message asking for his support. "Clan Strom is not investigating either."


    "Clan Dar is investigating. Tura Dar probably blames Inferno for his son''s broken legs." Delyn knew Tura Zen Dar very well. He was an arrogant fool who was incapable of teaching his son''s proper manners. Clan Dar was small, but they could put together an elite group of a dozen or so fighters.


    **********************


    "Where would you be going Serai Del Tali?" Sai Tali happened to catch Del putting her gear on, the exact gear she would use for special missions.


    "Just for a ride Grand Father." Del Tali bowed her head in greeting.


    "I see." Sai walked around to the front of her horse and grabbed its bridle, Del rode an ugly, shaggy horse from the Ice mountains near their home. What it lacked in looks, it made up for in speed and ferocity. "Do not trespass into Fir''Dhassi lands, Del."


    Del froze in place, her pale face blushing. "I... Grand Elder, the Inferno Guild has helped us on many occasions since their arrival. The release of the war prisoners. The return of Isla Fra''sa and they saved our apprentices from Saigon Xai."


    Sai glanced across the camp to where one of the former captives was sitting. Cora Tali had returned from the Inferno Guild stronger than ever. Her spirit break had been healed to the extent that it was stronger than it had been originally. Cora had also received an Air inheritance. Sai was the person responsible for vetting their recruits. He had personally examined Cora on a few occasions while she was approaching training age. There had never been even the slightest hint of Air talent in her. She returned from Inferno overflowing with Air ability. Sai shook his head slightly, a ranger with Air ability, she would stand above the others of her generation.


    He glanced back at his grandaughter. "Fine... you and I will both go. However, we will not attack the Fir''Dhassi. I cannot let ourselves be caught up in conflict because Inferno wants to explore Inuit."

 Chapter 161 Gemini Nemesis part three

    The two masked Ain''Dhassi picked their path carefully through the forest. The smaller, shaggy horse led the procession, they would stop every few minutes to change directions.


    Del Tali has activated Tracking.


    [Track]


    Zen Dar: 443 meters SW


    Vik Dar: 442 meters SW


    Buso Dar 440 meters SW


    Eina Dar 442 meters SW


    Nina Dar 460 meters SW


    Aari Dar 461 meters SW


    Mika Dar 460 meters SW


    Weri Dar 462 meters SW


    Mirko Dar 462 meters SW


    Havi Dar 463 meters SW


    "It''s the Dar Clan, they must be waiting outside of the temple." Del dismounted and led their horses into the dense under-foliage of the forest. Del and her escort stealthed and proceeded closer to get a better look.


    ******************


    Fajii painstakingly gathered small bits of emerald flames together and would duck down behind the altar each time the flames burst outward. Eron sat on the floor, shielded by the altar, healing her injuries as they occurred. The Scorched Earth Mage wasn''t bothered by the green flames, but the silver flames managed to burn through her natural defenses.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Flames!


    Pon, Wind, and Semmi were fighting in three separate hallways. The Fire Mage had no problem holding his own, but the two Gemini Thieves had been in trouble. Eron noticed their health deteriorating and had moved into position long enough to heal them. A moment later flames roared down the hallway, incinerating everything in its path.


    Uutha Gerit has been slain.


    Tier Aable has been slain.


    Penzi Burillium has been slain.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: That was a bad one. How much longer Fajii?


    Alpha Team had been fighting for nearly two hours already. Only the breaks between mobs kept them from being overrun. Fajii studied Nix carefully, she had removed his armor in order to find the emerald flames.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Should be soon, nearly all the emerald flames have been vented.


    A sudden stabbing pain in her hand made her pull it back. The last bit of emerald flame was pooled on Nix''s abdomen. It seemed to condense for a moment and then formed a flower-like bloom that bought a smile to Fajii''s face. "Beautiful."


    The emerald flower grew darker and slightly larger, Fajii waited patiently for Nix to vent it. Without warning, the blooming flower started expanding. It moved into the silver flames and started intermixing.


    "Nix! They are mixing again!" Fajii tried to put her hands on Nix''s stomach again but they were immediately scorched black, if Eron hadn''t been there to heal her she would have died on the spot.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Take cover in the halls with the others. The flames won''t separate.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I''ll stay with you Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Go now Fajii!


    Pon peeked into the altar room, he could feel the power growing toward its pinnacle. The old man moved before anyone could react, he grabbed the protesting Fajii and dragged her back to his hiding spot. "You can''t survive this Fajii! He''s holding back because he''s worried you''ll die!"


    Nix felt the skin on his body start to bubble, he clenched his teeth to keep from screaming in pain. "I can''t separate them!"


    A burst of silver and emerald flames roared down the corridor. Time slowed for Nix in his head, in the past when he was in imminent danger everything seemed to slow down drastically. I''m going to lose both flames and burnout. I''ll be a crippled Fire Mage without any fire. An image of Shae popped into his head, she was waiting for him to ascend to the upper planes. A separate image of Mina appeared in front of him, her personal quest to destroy the Cai''Song artifact needed his participation. Finally, Fajii''s face floated in front of him. He was straining to concentrate over the din of blood-curdling screams, not realizing that he was the one screaming. He focused on her dark face, the earring he had given her and finally her brown hair with red highlights. She always wore the braid that Nansu had taught her. It was really pretty actually... Fajii''s braided hair...


    Nix''s eyes widened for a moment. "Braids! Of course, this is the Gemini Temple." He focused all of his will, and sent dozens of flaming tentacles out at once. He kept pushing them out until the pressure on him lessened. Regathering his focus, he concentrated on two separate strands, one silver, and one emerald, then he twisted them together. The braided strand crackled as the heat rolled off the two colors that seemed bent on combating each other. He pushed the flames together and held them, for a moment it seemed like he would fail but the two flames finally stopped their frantic waving and pointed straight outward, vibrating with a steady hum.


    The effort left his gasping for breath, but with one success as motivation, he focused on the next two strands.


    Pon watched from the corridor in wide-eyed shock as Nix progressed through all of the tentacles. Twice he had approached the end only to push more flame strands out. Nix resembled a silver and green pincushion. "Braided flames... the ultimate refinement."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Move away from the entrance!


    Nix held dozens of braided emerald and silver fire strands together. He waited until the last of his strength ran out.


    The sounds of running feet echoed in the halls. Semmi moved close enough to investigate.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Dozens coming down the South hall Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Just as many from the West, the increase in power is drawing everything in the Temple.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Same here, options?


    "STAY HIDDEN," Nix shouted hoarsely.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    [Awakened: Gemini Flame]


    Semmi and Wind had both run to the west hall to join Fajii and Pon.


    Pon felt the sudden escalation of power and grabbed them both before pushing them to the floor near Fajii. His old eyes reflected the grimness of his thoughts.


    [Fire Shield]


    Pon used his own flames to shield the corridor on either side of them.


    A moment later a torrential river of Gemini flames rushed down the four corridors. The floors and the walls trembled while Pon held the overflow at bay. The members of Alpha Team covered their ears against the deafening roar of Nix''s flames.


    *****************


    Del and Sai Tali watched the Temple and the Fir''Dhassi with caution. Hours passed, the Fir Dhassi waited on the outside to confront Inferno.


    Del frowned at the Dar Clan. "What are they waiting for?"


    Sai shook his head, not knowing for sure. "Most likely they are remembering the Sike Clan and can''t find the courage to enter."


    Del remembered stories of the Sike Clan, they were at the pinnacle of 2nd rate Clans. Sike were fierce fighters and could mount a force of nearly fifty Elite fighters. They had entered the Gemini Temple in search of the Temple Lord, it was said that her treasures were impressive. In the end, the entire Elite force had beaten the Gemini Queen, but none of their fighters remained alive. "Maybe Nix has left the Temple."


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] The Fir''Dhassi are waiting outside the Gemini Temple to ambush you when you exit.


    [You may not communicate with Nix at this time.]


    Del muttered a curse under her breath. An instant later the ground beneath them started to tremble. She knelt quickly to keep her balance, the entire area shook and the air rumbled around them.


    Sai grabbed her arm and pulled her. "We are returning to the horses."


    Del let herself be led away. "What about the Dar Clan?"


    Sai picked up his pace and quickly mounted his horse. "If they''re smart, they''ll run."

 Chapter 162 Gemini Nemesis conclusion

    The storm of Gemini flames subside, and a peaceful calm followed in its wake. Nix groaned loudly and rolled off the Altar, back in human form, the exhausted Fire Mage leaned heavily on the stone slab.


    NIx [Race: Human/Salamander Hybrid]


    Rank: Nemesis


    Level 50 [Locked: Actual Level 100]


    [Hidden Class: Statistics Unavailable]


    You have learned Lance [Elemental: Fire, Air, Ice]


    You have learned Gemini Bond [Gemini]


    You have learned Critical Chain [Gemini]


    You have learned Tides of Flame [Nemesis]


    You have learned Incinerate [Nemesis]


    You have learned Balefire Burst [Nemesis]


    You have learned Archon''s Armor [Nemesis]


    You have learned Advanced Execution [Nemesis]


    "Nix!" Fajii spoke from the archway, she ran toward him and hugged him tightly. The rest of Alpha Team started to follow before spinning around to face the opposite direction.


    /Alpha Team: Put some clothes on Punk!


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Or not, pays to be flexible


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Please... my eyes can''t handle it.


    Nix laughed and let Fajii go long enough to put his clothes and armor back on.


    /Alpha Team: Sorry, guys, didn''t realize my clothes had burned off.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Everything okay, Nix?


    /Alpha Team Nix: Yes. Thank you all for your help. I will make sure that your efforts today are paid back in full.


    The loud scraping of stone caused them all to turn their heads. The two large stone tiles behind the altar moved to one side, and a throne of black and white rose slowly. The left side of the throne was a beautiful veined white marble, while the right side was black obsidian, smooth enough to reflect the entire room.


    "It''s the Gemini Throne." A voice from the north archway caused them all to turn suddenly. Elune made her way to the center of the room and knelt before Nix. "Please take the throne."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I think you should take a seat, Nix. More stuff for us, I bet.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Do it. I want to laugh my ass off when half of your face becomes Su''Dhassi.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: If it was me... I''d sit down.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I think it''s a good idea, Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''ll consider it. In the meantime, collect the loot from the last stampede of mobs. Bound to be some nice stuff in there.


    Nix waited until his team wandered off in search of loot and then turned toward the Priestess. "We are new to this world, some of the rules we know don''t apply here. Explain to me about Temples."


    Elune stood up slowly while nodding her head. "Temples in Oasis must have a Lord Class Elemental to be active. If the Temple Lord is slain, the throne disappears until a new one takes over."


    Nix studied her expressions, her Ain''Dhassi side seemed cold and distant, while the Su''Dhassi side gave off a feeling of warmth and friendship. "How does the new Elemental take over?"


    "The Acolytes of the Temple and the Temple Lord were slain by the Fir''Dhassi. Shortly after that, Gemini minions took their place. If an Elemental Lord wishes to take over the Temple, they must defeat all the Gemini minions and assume the throne. Which you have done."


    Nix nodded slowly, "are you one of those Gemini minions?"


    If it was possible to smile and frown at the same time, Elune could definitely pull it off. "I am the Priestess of the Gemini Temple. I serve at the Lord''s leisure."


    "What kind of elemental was the last Lord?" Nix had read that Oasis contained a wider variety of Elementals than the stringent Colonial.


    "She was a Storm Elemental, and she was extraordinarily powerful."


    "Storm? Isn''t that Air, Water, and Lightening?" Nix thought of the different possibilities. A storm lord would be a dangerous opponent.


    Elune nodded. "You carry the blessings of Ice, Air, Fire, and you''ve awakened the Gemini Flames. That is also very impressive."


    "This Temple is on Fir''Dhassi territory; it would be difficult to keep it. Eventually, they would come for us."


    Elune moved to the side of the Throne and lay a hand on the armrest. "After you become the Temple Lord, you may move the Gemini Temple one time."


    Nix frowned at the Priestess''s words. "The last Lord moved it here?"


    "Yes, it had been far to the south, in the Ain''Dhassi lands." Elune sighed heavily, "if you don''t assume the throne, the Gemini minions will respawn, and I will be confined to this altar room and the Temple sanctuary."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: There''s a lot of loot Nix. Most of it Tryant I, but quite a bit of Tyrant II gear and three Tyrant IV pieces.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Gear up then. Since you''re level 100, we are going to start hitting Upper Tier Content in Colonial and the occasional target in Oasis.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Correction... I was level 100 before you so nicely power-leveled me. Now I''m 102.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Heh... Punk, me too!


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Same.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Thanks... I wish it were more.


    "Show us this sanctuary Elune. Then we will decide." Nix motioned for her to lead the way.


    Alpha Team followed the Priestess down the North Corridor to the Sanctuary; a heavy wooden door protected the entrance.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yeah... I''d live here.


    /Alpha Team : Wind: Not bad...


    The Sanctuary was about a hundred meters across; one large section contained an enormous garden with a wide variety of vegetables, a small orchard bordered a pond, and a small hut. They stopped when the platform behind the orchard became visible.


    Nix stared at the portal before stepping onto it.


    [Portal Inactive]


    "The portal lost all its connections to the outside worlds with the death of the Temple Lord." Elune volunteered the information before they asked.


    Semmi pursed her lips in thought. "You said worlds..."


    Elune nodded. "Colonial, Oasis and..." The Priestess stopped, her eyes filled with uncertainty.


    "The Sky Kingdom?" Nix finished the sentence for her.


    Surprise showed in both of Elune''s different colored eyes. "You know of the Sky Kingdom?"


    Nix nodded. "I''ve made my decision. Let''s go back to the altar room."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: What''s the Sky Kingdom?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s the next world, one tier up from this one. For explanation purposes, let''s call it a higher plane.


    /Alpha Team:Wind: They are stronger than the fighters here?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes, it would be like comparing Colonial with Oasis.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Let''s pop in an see the place!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: There''s some sort of trial required to get there. If you attempt it before the trial, then you wouldn''t enjoy the experience.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Have you been there? Why not?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes, I could only handle it for a brief amount of time. Think of it as standard gravity x5.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Gravity?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It''s the weight that pushes down on all things. Like how you can float in the water, but not on land.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I see. This Sky Kingdom is like carrying five friends on your back?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Exactly. It was hard to move or even breath.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I wouldn''t even be able to move.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This is a second method of moving back and forth between Colonial and Oasis, we can''t afford to pass this up.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: But where do we place it? Are we going to place it in Loki? That would give the alliance the ability to travel anywhere; we''d lose our advantage in the embassy as soon as the Upper-Tiers came back.


    Nix walked side-by-side with Elune as they made their way back to the Altar room. "Are there any benefits from having a Gemini Temple in your territory?"


    Elune shook her head. "You don''t receive any advantages or buffs if that''s what you''re asking. However, you do receive two Gemini Stones every month."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: She is talking about the thief stones that Wind and I used.


    Nix understood that the Gemini stones were tier 4, and upgradeable to tier 5. If Inferno were going to continue to climb and become an Ascendant Guild, the Gemini Temple would be a crucial part of their development. "What other classes of stones are available?"


    Elune walked through the archway and entered the Altar room; she moved to a spot next to the throne. "There are six Gemini Classes. Thief, Defender, Gladiator, Trickster, Mage, and Ranged."


    Semmi was listening in on the conversation. "Is the Defender a tank? What about the last three? It says Ranged, not Ranger?"


    "Yes, the Defender is a Tank. The Trickster is a Crowd Control class, while the Mage class adds a long list of Gemini traits to a Mage. You wouldn''t change elements or anything, so it''s more of an enhancement than a class change. The Ranged class is similar in that respect; it adds Gemini traits to the existing Ranged class."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I''m in.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: So am I.


    Nix placed a hand on the throne and glanced up at Elune. "We could place the Temple in an Oasis Seed World?"


    Elune nodded. "You could place it in Colonial or the Sky Kingdom even."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Wouldn''t hurt to have two portals in Haven. It''s certainly big enough.


    Nix stepped in front of the throne and then eased himself down.


    [Nix: Elemental, Nemesis Rank Recognized. Do you wish to claim Lordship of the Gemini Temple?]


    "Yes."


    [Granting Lord access to Nix.]


    [Sanctuary Portal is now active.]


    [Gemini Altar is now active]


    [Do you wish to move the Gemini Temple?]


    "Yes."


    [When you exit the Gemini Temple, it will deconstruct. Place the Temple Stake in the ground of the new site]


    [Access Gemini Temple Lord Menu?]


    "Yes."


    [Gemini Temple Menu]


    1. Class Stones


    2. Staffing


    3. Library


    4. Training Grounds


    5. Alert


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Your name has a title in front of it now, Lord Nix.


    Nix selected the first menu, Class Stones.


    [Gemini Class Stones: Two per month: 2/2]


    1. Ranged Fighter.


    2. Defender.


    3. Gladiator


    4. Trickster.


    5. Thief


    6. Mage.


    Nix chose the 6th option.


    [How many Gemini Mage Stones do you wish to create? Options: 1 or 2]


    "Two."


    The altar in front of them glowed for a moment, Elune scooped up the two stones that appeared the on the flat stone and handed them to Nix.


    Nix held the warm stones in his hands, before looking up at Pon and Fajii.


    [Gemini Mage: 4th Tier]


    Requirements: Possession of Gemini Stone.


    "Lord Nix. There are intruders in the outer Courtyard. You should see an Alert option."


    "Just Nix is fine, Elune." The Alert option in the menu had started blinking. He selected it, and immediately a hud was pulled up over the altar. The display showed a force of Fir''Dhassi waiting near the entrance.


    Semmi frowned at the display. "I know that person. He''s the father of that moron who wanted to take Rhylia home. Zen Dar came by the Parliament requesting an audience a few days after the incident."


    "Let''s give him an audience then." Nix stood up, handed the Gemini Stones to Fajii and Pon. "Use them now or wait until after."


    Pon''s old face wrinkled up in a smile when he stowed the stone away. "I''ll wait, wanna have time to learn the new stuff before I fight with it."


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "I also will wait."


    Nix directed Elune to stay; apparently, it wouldn''t harm her to be in the temple when it deconstructed; Alpha Team headed to the entrance to deal with Clan Dar.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Holy...


    The entire group stared at Mortimer. He had grown a few feet in height, and muscles could be seen rippling beneath his baby fat. His claws were much larger and curved wickedly.


    Morti pushed his enormous head into Nix''s chest. "I''ve grown stronger!"


    Nix scratched the bear''s ears. Morti''s rank had been lowered to match his, so when he ranked up to Nemesis, so did the Cave Bear. "You look good, Morti."


    "I''ve grown stronger too!" Ducky moved closer, smiling widely when Nix patted her head.


    "Morti, there''s a Fir''Dhassi outside named Zen Dar. He''s going to start a fight with us, although we will leave peacefully if possible."


    Morti''s big head nodded. "Want me to swat him if he does bad things?"


    "Yep." Nix opened the Temple Doors and exited with his companions and the rest of Alpha Team.

 Chapter 163 Clan Dars Folly

    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Don''t use the strands unless you need to Nix... We don''t know who is watching and it might get back to Raine.


    Nix chuckled at the memory of swiping Raine''s horses and sword. "No promises."


    Morti walked out first, the door was too small for anyone to walk beside the huge Titan. The rest of Alpha Team followed behind him. Nix patted Morti''s side and walked to the front.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Zen is the tall dhassi in front, with the single sword. Not sure of his class, but my guess would be Nature''s Wrath.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Looks like that mage has set gear... I like it.


    Semmi hid a smile, the old man was shameless. "Tura Zen Dar, you requested an audience with Guild Leader Nix. I''m pleased to say I''ve been able to arrange his schedule to make that happen."


    "Tura Dar, nice to finally meet you." Nix smiled pleasantly.


    Zen''s face showed the frustration of someone who had waited several hours. "That was when we were both in Parliament territory. Unfortunately, since you are trespassing in Fir''Dhassi lands and trying to steal one of our valuable assets, my role today is somewhat different than politician."


    "Steal the temple? Is this Clan Dar''s Temple? Are you acting on behalf of Clan Strom and Clan Zai?" Nix motioned Ducky to stand off to one side.


    "All Fir''Dhassi Clan Leaders have an obligation to defend Inuit. It''s my good luck that we are here first." Zen gestured for his men to spread out.


    Nix held up his hand to stop Morti from moving forward. "There''s only seven of us... and ten of you. In the interest of fairness, we will surrender without a fight, if the best among you can face my swordmaster."


    Zen finally smiled, the Fir''Dhass had a narrow face and short brown hair. "I agree. Nina, would you come forward?"


    A lean Fir''Dhass female with jet black hair and pale skin walked forward. Her armor hugged her muscled body and she moved with otherworldly grace. Her hair was cut short and slicked back, dark eyes stared at Nix. "Will I be facing you Guild Leader Nix?"


    Nix shook his head. "No, this is my swordsman."


    Ducky walked forward, she possessed a similar grace, her all blue eyes watching Nina carefully. "I''m ready."


    Nina stared at the Siren, then back at Nix. "Is this a joke?"


    "Are you giving up already?" Nix stepped away from the two combatants.


    The ring of metal being pulled from a scabbard sounded loud in the suddenly quiet courtyard. Nina swiped her sword to one side. "Aren''t you going to draw your weapon?"


    Ducky shook her head. "You aren''t good enough. Although you are very pretty."


    Nina has been charmed.


    "I win." Ducky smiled gently as the dark-haired dhassi walked to her side and then turned to face her clansmen, weapon still drawn.


    Zen Dar''s face slowly turned red. "Explain yourself, Human!"


    "Prey waits."


    [Archon''s Armor]


    Silver Fire Engulfs Nix''s armor enhances all stats and skills.


    "Attack!" Zen Dar leaped toward Nix, drawing his weapon in one smooth motion, only to be knocked to the ground by an enormous paw.


    Morti has stunned Zen Dar.


    Ducky has cast [Living Paradise]


    Havi Dar is lost in an illusion


    Mirko Dar is lost in an illusion


    Weri Dar is lost in an illusion


    Ducky pointed to the Clan leader and sent Nina after the stunned Zen Dar.


    Pon has cast [Fire-Nado]


    Aina Dar has been caught up in a whirlwind of fire.


    Aari Dar has been caught up in a whirlwind of fire.


    Mika Dar has been caught up in a whirlwind of fire.


    [Balefire Burst: Gemini]


    Vik has been critically hit by a three-round burst of enhanced Balefire.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Nix''s strike with a critical hit on Vik.


    [First Strike]


    Wind had scored a critical hit on Buso.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Buso.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Nix''s strike with a critical hit on Buso.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit on Vik.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix has slain Buso.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Nix''s critical strike with a critical hit on Vik.


    [Execution]


    Nix has slain Vik.


    "Stop!" A badly wounded Zen Dar was trying to fend off Nina while being swatted to the ground repeatedly. "Surrender! Clan Dar surrenders!"


    Nix has cast [Fire: Lance]


    A long spear bathed in the twisted emerald and silver flames appeared in Nix''s hand.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Hold.


    Ducky called Nina back to her side and Morti slowly backed away from Zen Dar.


    The Dar Clan leader''s face was ashen, six of his people were instantly controlled, one charmed, two slain within seconds while he was forced to face a monstrous bear and the Dar Clan''s greatest sword. "We acted rashly Guild Leader Nix and will retreat in peace."


    Nix gave Alpha Team a slight smile. "Peace?"


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Here we go...


    "Leave your armor and weapons, then you may retreat." Nix was guessing that Zen Dar had a full set of Tyrant III or better.


    Pon finally let Fire-Nado drop, the three clansmen fell to the ground before immediately jumping up. The old Mage looked at them with happy eyes. "Want more?"


    "Guild Leader Nix, your request is unreasonable." Zen Dar limped away from Morti and stood in front of his people.


    Nix''s yellow eyes stared at him without expression. "Then we shall finish this fight and take them anyway."


    Zen Dar stumbled back a step... to die here on Fir''Dhassi lands because his 3rd son picked a fight with a foreigner. The Clan leader dropped his sword on the ground and then tossed his armor next to it. He glanced back at his fighters. "Do it."


    Ducky released the illusion on Havi, Mirko, and Weri. She left the charmed Nina by her side.


    Semmi watched as the Dar Clan dropped their armor and weapons in the pile and then approached their dead clansmen. "Their weapons and armor too."


    The charmed Nina was the last to drop her weapons and armor, she walked towards here people with empty eyes.


    "Release her please." Zen Dar has recovered some of his health, but his pride had been thoroughly trampled on. He felt that the slightest misstep would result in the Dar Clan fighters being buried without a second thought.


    Alpha Team watched as the Dar Clansmen walked toward the woodline, unarmed and wearing under armor, they were a sad looking lot.


    "Wait." Nix stopped them before they walked more than a few meters. "Did you guys come here on horses?"


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Oh god...


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Heh... Punk Bastard.


    The Temple deconstruction started almost immediately after the Dar Clan were out of sight. Nix had his people gather up the weapons, armor, and horses while he waited patiently. The process took less than fifteen minutes. When it was finished, one large black and white stake stood upright in the ground.


    Nix picked up the stake and walked back to his group.


    **************************


    An hour later, Alpha Team returned to Haven, Semmi called an Officer Meeting to discuss recent events.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Thanks for coming on short notice. Our mission to help Nix rank up was a success.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Thank you, everyone.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: As you can see, four of us were forced to unbank in order to complete our mission.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Who cares? As long as Nix is okay.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Thanks, Ronnie.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: We came back with the Temple stake, that''s the Oasis version of the Temple deed.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: You have the Temple? What sorts of benefits does it have?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: The Gemini Temple has six 4th-Tier Classes and a bonding ability that enables you to share skills and chain together attacks.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: Critical Chain only has a cooldown for the specific target. If Nix crits on one mob and Semmi on the other, I can follow up on both.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: The three of us were able to chain crits on multiple targets without missing a beat. I can''t even imagine how awesome a group of snipers would be with the same ability.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: You said it has Classes? How do we learn them?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Once a month, I can forge two class stones from Gladiator, Thief, Defender, Mage, Trickster, and Ranged.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Wind and I are both Gemini Thieves, Pon and Fajii have the Gemini Mage stones. The only requirement is the possession of the stone and level 100.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Once we finish Mermaid City and start on Upper Tier Colonial content, everyone who wants a Gemini Class will have one.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Also we were able to obtain a lot of high-end gear with the Temple mission and the altercation with Clan Dar afterwords.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Reserve a Gladiator Stone for me. Anything else from the Gemini Temple?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Yes. It has a library. Now sure what''s in it, but Ronnie is welcome to it all. It doesn''t make sense to have two libraries in Haven.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Really? I can upgrade my Library if I get enough books! Have you seen it? What kinds of subjects do they cover?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: We haven''t seen the library yet. The last item, it has a inter-world portal. The portal can send you to any gate in Colonial or Oasis.


    Semmi glanced at Nix, he had instructed them and Elune to keep quiet about the Sky Kingdom. Access to the Upper Plane would be hidden until Inferno was ready for it.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: If you are up for it Nix, we can send a 10 person team into the 9th floor of Mermaid City tomorrow.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I''m going to place the Temple at the edge of the plateau on my lands. That will give us easier access to the Sea-World and Glory Island.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: Holy crap. We can port from here, right to Glory?


    /Guild Officer: Pon: And, placing the Temple in Haven protects it against our enemies.


    A half-hour later, Nix and the other officers took their mounts out to the edge of the plateau. Nix drove the stake in the ground and then walked away.


    [Gemini Palace: 16 hours]


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Palace? That''s right, Nix is a Nemesis now.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: You guys storm Mermaid City, and we''ll start building up the Alliance and strengthening our position.


    ********************


    A few hours later Nix was sitting as his dining room table, finishing a family dinner with Bev. His dad was too busy crafting to join them. Nix managed to talk Bev into extending into a one-year stay like his dad. She would need a few days to make lease adjustments with her apartment and put in for an extended leave-of-absence from work.


    "So... Hyai is super nice." Bev smiled slyly when she said it.


    "Yep." Nix didn''t go for the obvious tease.


    "I''ve heard a lot of stories about my little brother. Hard to believe you haven''t had a girlfriend since Veronica Blaisdel dumped you senior year."


    "Why are you even talking frog legs? You''re the poster child for old maids."


    "Don''t be mean Stixx... I''m still looking."


    Nix laughed and patted his sister on the back. "I know just the guy."


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Did you get that Temple from the Fir''Dhassi?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] No, we got our asses kicked and then the Dar Clan ran us off.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] The Dar Clan is filled with idiots. Any plans for Loki?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] We''ll go in two days, that will give me a chance to wrap up some loose ends here.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Sounds good. We''ll meet at Phai City in two days at 1000 hrs.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Perfect. Cya.

 Chapter 164 Training Yard

    [Training Grounds, Gemini Palace, Haven]


    Nix dug the tip of his boot into the sand floor of the training grounds. He gripped the Archon blade he had taken from Solomon City in his hand. Slowly he concentrated on pushing silver flames into it. A moment later, the air crackled as the pale flames licked at the metal. He held it in front of him for a moment and focused again. Slowly emerald flames weaved into the silver, the air around the blade seemed distorted.


    [Flashblade}


    NIx form blurred toward a training dummy 20 meters away. With no effort, he cut it completely in half.


    By the time he walked back to his original spot, the training dummy respawned.


    "Let''s see what else..."


    Lance: [Fire, Air, Ice]


    Summons a lance to be hurled at your enemy.


    The first throw is always a critical hit. Damage done is


    dependent on the ESA. [Element+Strength+Agility]


    No Cool Down: Instant Cast


    "Why is Ice on there? Won''t it melt if my aura is on?"


    Nix used his hud to change the training dummy to invincible, points rating only. He closed the interface and looked back at the dummy. "Let''s see what Lance has."


    [Burning Aura]


    [Fire: Lance]


    Nix targeted the dummy and threw as hard as he could.


    "77 points out of 100... That was a generic flame."


    Nix focused on emerald flames and tried it again.


    [Emerald Fire: Lance]


    Nix hefted the spear in one hand and then threw it at the dummy.


    "88 points this time... Let''s try silver."


    Nix targeted the dummy and then summoned his silver flames.


    [Silver Fire: Lance]


    He could feel the heat radiating off the spear when he threw it at the target. It seemed to fly faster than the others.


    Nix looked at the readout on his hud. "92 out of 100. It hits pretty hard."


    Nix took a deep breath and tried to summon a Gemini Lance. The first three efforts were emerald lances, the next five after that was silver. There were another handful of failed attempts before he managed it.


    [Gemini Fire: Lance]


    Nix glanced at the lance in his hand. It vibrated with a pleasant hum, but unlike the silver spear, it didn''t give off a tremendous amount of heat. He threw it at the target and then brought up his hud. Nix whistled softly, "95 out of 100. I need to practice summoning the Gemini Flame."


    "You can change the elements of the training dummies." Elune''s voice came from the entrance to the training grounds, she was giving Pon and Fajii a tour.


    "Hmm?" Nix brought up the hud again and clicked on the training dummy, under type he found the Element menu. With a few selections, he brought up four fire dummies. "Thanks, Elune."


    Nix had seen that the options in Lance included both Air and Ice, but he had never summoned either one before. "Air should be easier. We''ll try that one first."


    [Air: Lance]


    Nix stared at the lance in fascination. It had been easy to summon, it was transparent and very generic looking. He threw it at one of the fire dummies, immediately if flared up. "God... 55 out of 100, going to put you on the shelf to collect dust."


    He moved back into place and tried to think of Ice. The trip to Cyphix city from the Gladis hub, the impenetrable black ice that Morti broke through in Shangri.


    [Ice: Lance]


    "Damn...," the ice lance wasn''t cold in his hand, nor did it start to melt when exposed to his aura. "The other Salamanders are going to laugh at me," he muttered under his breath.


    He threw it the flaming training dummy, the impact caused the flames to sputter out for a moment. "98 out of 100... against fire."


    Nix spent a few more minutes testing out the different resistances. Both his Air and Fire lances struggled against Fire creatures, while the Ice was King. However, with every other resistance available the Gemini Spear far outperformed the other lances.


    Pon and Fajii had both used their Gemini stones and were doing the same as Nix, experimenting in different parts of the yard. Within a few minutes, Wind and Semmi also arrived, there were quite a few skills they didn''t use since they focused on the First Strike and Critical Chain abilities.


    Gemini Bond


    You can share stuns, critical hits


    and some skills while in range of other


    Gemini classes.


    "Hmm... " Nix glanced at the blonde-haired thief. "Picking locks would be nice."


    Tides of Flame: Area Effect


    A 25-meter square is bathed in


    three waves of your flames.


    Cool Down: 2 minutes


    Nix used the TrainingYard interface to bring up a squad of 12 elite training dummies.


    [Tides of Flame]


    A wave of emerald flames washed over the dummies, lighting them all on fire, a moment later a tide of silver flames scorched them, the final wave was the Gemini flame. Nix pursed his lips as he considered the melted dummies.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck was that spell?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Tides of Flame.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: It used three types of flames?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Guess so. Weakest to strongest maybe?


    Nix read the rest of his new spells. "Balefire burst and Archon''s Armor I''ve already used. That only leaves Incinerate."


    Incinerate: Single Target


    Traps your target in a flaming


    cage for 3 seconds. Adds


    a poison fire counter to the target.


    This effect cannot be resisted.


    Cool Down: 20 seconds.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] You are the best Nix! Thanks.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie: Nope, you''re the best. I''m going to repurpose that library for our lifestyle crafters so make sure you clear it out.


    Nix had eaten breakfast with Hyai at the Kindled Spirit, as he was leaving he ran into Ronnie and the two of them entered the Gemini Temple together. He has shown her where the library was and told her to take everything. The library was nearly the size of the training yard and would give the lifestyle players a central area to work in. It had the added benefit of being close to the portal.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Can you come to visit me in the Sea-World before today''s raid?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] I''m finishing up at the Gemini Temple now, I was thinking about relaxing with Soup. You''re welcome to join us.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Okay.


    Nix took the Gemini portal directly to the Sea-World. He took a moment to change into his blue aquatic swimwear and then walked down the wharf looking for Soup.


    "Nix!" An impossibly light female jumped on his back, he spun her around a few times and sat her down. In a flash, Ducky dived off the dock and rejoined the water nymphs she had been playing with.


    "Thanks for meeting me Nix." Mina walked up behind him, she was wearing a one-piece blue swimsuit that Nix had made. "If you''re looking for Soup, she''s straight ahead about 100 meters."


    Nix turned his eyes toward the water, using his hand to shield the sun, he finally spotted her. A few minutes later, Nix pulled himself up on the Sea-Turtle. Like his other companions, Soup''s size and strength increased with his. He helped Mina up next to him and then reclined lazily.


    They were planning to hit 9.1 at 1300 hours, so they had a few hours to relax.


    "Have I ever mentioned Matriarch Ishna?" Mina turned sideways so she could look at Nix.


    Nix felt her shift and reluctantly did the same. Aquarions almost always required eye contact when they talked. She''d end up climbing on top of him if he didn''t turn to look at her. "No. I''ve never heard the name."


    "I was good friends with her daughters while growing up. Although we have lost touch, I would still consider her a friend." Mina''s pale eyes watched him for a reaction. Her wet white hair was pulled straight back emphasizing her beautiful face.


    Nix knew that Mina maintained contacts among the Aquarion race, she may even have left spies. "Why bring her up now Min?"


    "Matriarch Ishna has a small following of about thirty people. Recently she has made clear her opinion regarding the Cai''Song Artifact."


    Nix considered her words carefully before speaking. "Let me guess, this opinion has placed her in a bad situation and she now seeks to join you."


    Mina smiled at his words. "Yes, Nix! Isn''t that amazing? She''s actually very strong, and her followers are very good fighters."


    Nix held his hand out. "May I see your Deep Blue Mina?"


    Mina nodded and placed it in his hand. She didn''t say anything when he stowed it away.


    "After we destroy the Cai''Song Artifact, I''ll give it back to you. You really don''t need Deep Blue to travel around the human worlds."


    Mina frowned at him. "What is wrong Nix?"


    "The timing is wrong. If you were watching us from the outside, what would you say regarding our recent raids in Mermaid City?" Nix understood, that Mina was trusting, but old allies surfacing only raised his suspicions.


    "I''d say that we''ve been unstoppable. Beyond doubt we will destroy the Artifact."


    "Ishna contacts you now? Why not a few months ago when we were struggling? Or a year ago when the Souza Accord was on the run? You can trust her. I trust you, but that doesn''t mean that I have to trust her."


    "Nix, I know this person. She''s not like the other Matriarchs."


    Nix smiled and shrugged. "I look forward to meeting her, after we destroy the Artifact."


    She stared at him for several seconds without speaking. "No matter what, I will not bring her or anyone else here without first clearing it with you."


    Nix sighed and handed her back Deep Blue. "We have a leak Min. The Elder Matriarchs that were waiting for us had prior knowledge of our actions. With the death of Cai''Song, they now fear us. I would advise against any more scouting or contacting your sources."


    Mina nodded. "We should make security adjustments."


    Nix turned on his back and closed his eyes. "No more talking, time to enjoy the sun a bit before we have to go."


    "Okay, Nix."

 Chapter 165 Back Again

    Mina studied the Guild hud for a moment and then closed it. She leaned closer to Nix and lowered her voice. "Isn''t this group a bit inexperienced to be Raiding 9.1?"


    Banzi Tank


    Wylie Heals


    Pinky Heals


    Moki DPS


    Dalton DPS


    Chael DPS


    Darsi DPS


    Ronnie DPS


    Mina DPS


    Nix CC


    "Six veterans and four rookies. I''d say that was a good ratio." Nix smiled at his Raid Sheet and then closed the hud."


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome to 9.1 guys. You''ve all been working hard on leveling up, today is where you get to try out the skills you''ve been working on.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: It will all be fine. Moki and Dalton will team with me. Darsi will be with Chael. Wylie will be with Pinky.


    /Inferno: Nix: If you are unsure what to do in a certain situation, ask your teammate, they will give you proper advice. Just relax and follow our lead, 9.1 isn''t going to slow us down.


    ********************


    The 10 person raid arrived at the Staging area shortly before 1300 hours. Nix summoned Ducky and Soup right away.


    /Inferno: Nix: We are going to move into 9.1 now. The raid will stay on the platform for the next few minutes while I scout out the floor. Fajii already buffed us before we left, so while I''m scouting, take care of any last-minute preparations you need to do. Stay in place, follow directions and we''ll win.


    Inferno took the 9th-floor platform to the 1st stage area. Nine members stayed on the platform while Nix stealthed. The platform had two curved hallways leading away from it in opposite directions. He chose the northwest corridor and took off swimming. He hadn''t gone more than fifty meters before he ran into three Aquarion Water Mages. Carefully he moved upward towards the ceiling and swam slowly past them.


    The corridor continued to curve until he came to a large rectangular room, there were three Matriarchs and a half dozen melee fighters. Progressing past them he continued down another curved hall that ran in a complete circle until it came back to the rectangular room.


    /Inferno: Nix: Stage 1 is a figure 8 design. In the middle are 3 Matriarchs and a half dozen melee fighters. Additionally, there are 4 groups of Water Mages, each group has three and they are in the curved halls before and after the center room. Two of those groups are located on the upper part and the other two groups are on the lower part.


    /Inferno: Mina: That makes 3 Matriarchs, 6 melees, and 12 Water Mages. Scorched Earth Snipers should be able to finish the Water Mages fairly easily.


    /Inferno: Nix: I didn''t see any sort of exit, perhaps it is hidden until the room is clear.


    /Inferno: Mina: Are we dividing up? Or staying together? I''m assuming the Matriarchs haven''t summoned their beasts yet?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, if possible I''d like to prevent them from doing so. Normally I''d say do the Water Mages first, but instead, let''s stealth past them to take on the 3 Matriarchs and the melees.


    /Inferno: Ronnie Dessert is first today. I like it.


    /Inferno: Mina: Tactics?


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll take one of the Matriarchs and try to get rid of her quickly. Ducky will charm the 2nd and that leaves the third for Mina.


    /Inferno: Mina: Can Ducky charm a Matriarch?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Stealth and stay near the ceiling, single file, follow me.


    Inferno moved slowly into position with Nix stopping within Range of the first Matriarch. He waited while Banzi and Ronnie marked their targets.


    /Inferno: Banzi: I''m going to use an AE taunt, but leave my target for last.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I placed a bullseye on the first melee, just burn him down quickly.


    /Inferno: Chael: Only one nest can be set up per five, so Ronnie and I will do the nests.


    [Ronnie has set up a Sniper''s nest]


    [Chael has set up a Sniper''s nest]


    [Darsi as assumed a prone firing position]


    [Moki has assumed a prone firing position]


    [Dalton has assumed a prone firing position]


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Fireteam, I am the MA (Maint Assist), stay on my target.


    /Inferno: Nix: The Matriarch on the right is mine, Mina will take the middle and Ducky will CC (Crowd Control) the left. Do not use any AE skills, it will break the charm.


    [Disclaimer: Some Crowd Control skills use a Charm or Mesmerize type skill, in Colonial charmed creatures may be injured by ''friendly fire.'' Unless specifically noted for an event, this friendly fire will immediately break Charm. The Controlled Target may take damage from other sources; this will not break the control.]


    /Inferno: Nix: Set?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Fireteam ready.


    /Inferno: Wylie: Heals ready.


    /Inferno: Banzi: Tank ready.


    /Inferno: Mina: All Ready Nix.


    Nix focused on Right Matriarch. She wore dark blue armor and had a trident in one hand.


    [Flashblade: Gemini]


    Nix has critically wounded Matriarch Asiana


    The arm with Asiana''s Ricoli artifact floated to the floor in a cloud of blood. Nix slammed his fist into her armored chest, sending her to fly back into the wall behind her.


    Matriarch Asiana has been stunned.


    Ducky has charmed Matriarch Bel


    Nix raised his left arm and six strands of Gemini flame wrapped around Mina''s target. He held them in place and turned back towards his target.


    [Gemini Fire: Lance]


    Nix could feel the steady humming vibration of the Gemini flames as he threw it at his target. The lance struck the Matriarch in the abdomen and pinned her to the wall. Her screams of pain drowned out the steady shooting of the Fireteam.


    Matriarch Asiana has been mortally wounded.


    [Execution]


    Nix''s blade disappeared to his inventory, one wrist-thick Gemini strand sliced towards Asiana''s neck.


    Matriarch Asiana has been slain.


    Nix held the strands on Mina''s target until her Sea-Beasts tore the Matriarch apart. Ducky''s target moved off to one side while the Fireteam easily brought down the six Melee.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ducky will keep the Matriarch here with Soup, while we take care of the Water Mages.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] How''d they do?


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] Not bad, they do a lot of damage because they have good gear. Their timing and teamwork needs to improve.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Keep on them.


    Nix frowned as he led the raid toward the first set of Water Mages. He needed the fire team from the Gladis hub to step up. They had already noticed that their stats were enhanced. That advantage should have accelerated their growth.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll take this group of three.


    /Inferno: Wylie: By yourself?


    /Inferno: Nix: They''re only Water Mages.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Pay attention Fireteam. We had six targets in the last fight yet three of you decided to use Snipe on the first target. Communicate with each other, know what your cooldowns are. Your dps on the last three targets were crap.


    Snipe: Ranged


    Description: Score a critical hit


    on your target at twice


    the normal damage.


    Cooldown: 3 minutes.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix''s Aura vibrated with the braided silver and emerald flames, the air around him seemed to distort with the steady pulsing of the Gemini flames.


    Nix targeted the group of three Water Mages and pushed Gemini flames into his Archon blade.


    [Tides of Flame]


    [Flashblade]


    Nix has slain Rafidi


    The first wave on emerald flames arrived an instant later, Nix smiled at two remaining Water Mages. He sent six strands of Gemini flames around both of them and held them in place as the next wave of Silver flames washed over them. The last wave of Gemini flames told Nix what he wanted to know. Tides of Flame was at least a 4th tier spell.


    Wyker has been slain.


    Egenal has been slain.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take the fireteam and finish off the other three groups of Water Mages. Then take them back to Guild Hall and wait for me. We need to discuss whether or not to keep them or find someone with more ability.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Okay Nix.


    /Infernal: Nix: The rest of us will head back to the middle and deal with Ducky''s target.


    Nix led Banzi, Mina, Pinky, and Wylie back to the center where Ducky and Soup were waiting. By the time they arrived the Fireteam had already started on the next trio of Water Mages.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] That seemed a bit harsh Nix. Normally you show more patience with the inexperienced members.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] We are heading toward the 12th floor at a full sprint. They don''t have time to take the scenic route.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] This was their first raid Nix, we don''t have Jun Li, Sharl, Milat, Zhava or most of our top healers.


    Nix stopped in front of Matriarch Bel and removed the Ricolo Artifact from her arm. He turned away and swam leisurely toward the wall.


    /Inferno: Nix: Finish her.


    Mina had only summoned 10 of her Sea-beasts for this raid. Nix stared at them with a great amount of interest while he tried to figure out the different beasts mixed in. The long thin bodies were definitely eel-like, the rows of razor-sharp teeth looked like they might be from a barracuda type predator. They had front and back legs that were extremely short but tipped with wicked-looking claws. The surface of their sleek bodies resembled alligator skin. They were definitely a step up from the Vilas, at least in an all-water environment. The once tamed Vilas were now part of the Sea-World habitat. If Mina followed him to Oasis, he would definitely recommend re-taming the Vilas.


    Nix watched as the Matriarch disappeared in a cloud of blood and sea-beasts.


    Matriarch Bel has been slain.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s call them Eel-gators from now on.


    /Inferno: Banzi: Should we help the Fireteam finish off the rest of the Water Mages?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, they can handle it.


    They waited in the middle for a few minutes, until a chest slid up from the floor where the Matriarchs had been.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Fireteam is done, we''ll be waiting for you at the Guildhall.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, Ronnie.


    Nix opened the chest and paused for a moment before pulling out the only object inside.


    12th Floor Jade Key [Bound to Inferno Guild]


    Description: Opens the Jade door


    on the 12th floor.


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to the Inferno Guild for being the first guild to advance to the 2nd stage of the 9th floor.


    Nix led the group back to the platform where they took the gate back to the 9th-floor staging area. A large group of armored fighters was waiting.


    /Inferno: Wylie: Should we gate out?


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s see what they want.


    The members of Inferno stopped a few meters from the group. It was then one of them stepped forward and removed their mask.


    "Matriarch Ishna!" Mina''s face showed both surprise and joy as she moved forward to greet her friend.


    Matriarch Ishna looked young, perhaps even younger than Mina. Her eyes were dark blue and piercing. She smiled at the Inferno leader. "You must be Nix?"


    Nix glanced at Mina, she was obviously surprised by her friend''s arrival. "Yes, I''m Nix."


    "Nix, this is my good friend Matriarch Ishna, the one I mentioned to you."


    "Ishna... Why are you here?" Nix didn''t bother to add her title, he could feel the eyes of several of her followers staring at him.


    "We have parted ways with the council and their outdated beliefs." Ishna bowed her head slightly. "Please grant us asylum, so that we may live in peace."


    "Of course, right after we destroy the Cai''Song Artifact." Nix returned her bow before taking out Deep Blue, "let''s head back now."


    Nix felt a hand on his arm, right before a cold chill traveled down his back. He looked down at the small black disk attached to his armor.


    Black Hand: Artifact


    Description: You feel a terrifying hand


    grip your neck and hold you in place.


    You may not gate or resurrect without the


    permission of the person who used it.


    "What is the meaning of this?" Mina''s pale face showed her disbelief.


    Ishna smiled apologetically at Mina. "He''s as difficult as I''ve heard. We''ll be taking him back with us. You can forget about changing forms, the Black Hand prevents that too."


    "You won''t be taking him anywhere." A voice spoke from behind Ishna''s group. Jun Li, Sharl, Milat, Zhava, Tess, Gypsy, Sori Dah, six Scorched Earth Temple Acolytes and a dozen Mariner Knights dropped their stealth. Jun Li smiled at the shock on the Matriarch''s face. "Prey Waits."

 Chapter 166 Olive Branch

    /Inferno: Nix: Fireteam... let her have it.


    Five shots rang out at the same time from the far end of the staging area.


    [Snipe]


    Darsi has scored a critical hit on Matriarch Ishna.


    [Snipe]


    Moka has scored a critical hit on Matriarch Ishna.


    [Snipe]


    Dalton has scored a critical hot on Matriarch Ishna.


    [Snipe]


    Chael has scored a critical hit on Matriarch Ishna.


    [Snipe]


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Matriarch Ishna.


    Ronnie has slain Matriarch Ishna.


    Ishna''s riddled corpse floated slowly to the ground, her fighters froze for a moment, unsure how to react to her sudden death.


    Nix targeted the Aquarion fighters, who had been nice enough to crowd together.


    [Tides of Flame]


    By the time the first wave of flames hit them, Nix had jumped into the melee and was swinging the Gemini Infused Archon blade. The archers from the Scorched Earth Temple and the Mariners from the Colonial Knights opened fire as the rest of Inferno waded into the fight. From start to finish it was over in less than a few minutes. The healers from Inferno all spammed their AE heals since the groups were so tightly packed.


    An eerie silence followed the end of the fight, the only sound was the muffled crying of Mina. She had dropped to her knees and not taken part in the fight. When it was over, she looked up at Nix. "The Fireteam never went back to the Guildhall."


    "No," Nix admitted as he bent down and slid off the Matriarch''s Ricoli artifact. He also pulled the Black Hand disc off. Because of the death of the one who applied it, the small disc slipped off easily. "I gave you only one of these Mina. Who did you give it to?"


    Mina looked up at him, her face a mask of pain. "One of our artifact scholars thought it might be possible to make copies. His name is Yalta."


    Milat lay a hand on Nix''s shoulder, unlike Mina his face showed anger. "Zhava and I will have Yalta waiting for you at the Guildhall."


    Jun Li walked up behind them. Nix had told her that they might be ambushed today, he had deliberately said the time of the raid in guildchat the day before. "We can''t assume it''s Yalta, even if the evidence points to him."


    Nix nodded and began to check Ishna''s body for clues. He didn''t find anything, but he did notice that she had on a very odd-looking bracelet.


    Paragon Bracelet


    Description: Unavailable.


    "What''s a Paragon Bracer?" Nix turned to Mina who leaped at him suddenly, grabbing his arm before he could remove it from her corpse.


    "Don''t remove it Nix!" Mina quickly released him but moved closer to look at the bracer. "They actually made one."


    "What is it, Mina?" Nix was suddenly very curious, the pain in her eyes had turned to hope.


    "The Aquarion''s biggest disadvantage when facing human guilds is our mortality. Inferno found a way around it with the introduction of human/Aquarion spirit companions."


    Nix examined the bracelet closer without taking it off her. "I''m guessing this is some sort of fix?"


    Mina nodded. "Check the other fighters, some of them should have a similar bracelet."


    [Whisper Milat to Nix] We have Yalta and will hold him at the Guildhall.


    [Whisper Nix to Milat] Thanks. We''ll be there in a bit.


    Nix moved to the nearest Aquarion fighter and checked her wrist, she had a plain-looking bracelet around her wrist.


    Reliant Bracelet


    Description: Paired with


    the Paragon.


    Mina nodded, "that must be it. Check the rest of them. Please don''t remove them."


    "Correct me if I''m wrong. These bracelets enable them to be resurrected?" Nix considered the possibilities.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] What are we going to do Nix?


    /Guild Officer Nix: Opinions?


    /Guild Officer Semmi: We''ve been monitoring communications Nix. I''d recommend taking the bracelets and leaving the bodies here.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Same here. They came for Nix, you can bet they weren''t going to invite him for dinner.


    /Guild Officer: Milat: Take the bracelets and leave them.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: I agree.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: I have no problems with looting them and walking away. They are already


    taken care of.


    /Guild Officer: Fajii: It makes no sense to release them and fight them again another day.


    /Guild Officer: Zhava: It seems like the smart move is to remove their bracelets and walk away.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: I''m not okay with this Nix. You can figure out something better, right?


    /Guild Officer: Mina: I don''t feel qualified to vote on this, she is a good friend and my feelings have clouded my judgment.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Come look at this bracelet, I want to know if you can reproduce it.


    ******************


    [4 hours later, Su''Dhassi Territory, 5 miles east of Phai City]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Your BR can work outside of battle?


    /Alpha Team Fajii: Yes. There is no restriction in that regard. Now?


    Nix pulled the large duffle bag from the back of his horse and let it slide to the ground. He carefully pulled out the body of Matriarch Ishna.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Damn, you''re a smart one Semmi.


    Semmi had come up with the option of bringing the corpses to Oasis. They had left Ishna''s under armor on, but she was stripped of everything else except the bracelet.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Go ahead Fajii.


    Nix waited while Fajii resurrected Ishna. The Aquarion sat up slowly and looked around. "This is mercy you''ve been given because Mina is someone important to us."


    Ishna glanced around, she obviously didn''t recognize the landmarks. "My people?"


    "That depends on you." Nix offered her a hand up, which she accepted after a short pause.


    "I cannot betray my race." Ishna''s pale face was expressionless, but her voice carried the hint of despair.


    "You''re in Oasis now, the corpses of your followers are still in Colonial with their bracelets. You can hear my offer or face your death." Nix watched as Ishna looked around again, she could sense the water close by, her features finally showed her fear.


    "Not in Colonial?" Ishna clenched her jaw to keep her teeth from chattering, for the first time in her life she was completely alone. There were no Aquarions in Oasis. Her people knew about Oasis, a scant few of the Elder Matriarchs even knew about the Upper Planes.


    "No." Nix waited patiently, he understood it was a lot to take in.


    Ishna studied each of her captors, her eyes briefly looked at Fajii but didn''t realize the dark Scorched Earth Mage was an Aquarion. "What''s your offer?"


    "We''ll bring all of your people here and leave your gear nearby so that you may defend yourself." Nix paused for a moment before continuing. "Colonial is lost to you, if you and your followers have a future, it will be here."


    Ishna blinked away tears, her long white hair was hanging loose for once. "In return for what?"


    "You will name the spies you have within the Souza Accord. If you refuse or try to blame innocent people, you and your followers will perish forever." Nix turned toward Semmi and nodded.


    Semmi took out his old Phelinomia bracer and pointed it at Ishna. "I will know if you lie, one misspoken word and everything ends for you."


    "My choices are... death for me and my people or permanent banishment from Colonial for me and my followers?" Ishna didn''t have to fake the shaking of her knees, she couldn''t remember a single moment in her life when she had been so scared.


    Semmi continued to point the bracer at her. "You are looking at it all wrong. You are dead, and your followers are dead."


    "What does that mean?" Ishna''s voice shook slightly and when she spoke it was barely a whisper. The blond human gave off a tremendous sense of danger, the entire group of them did.


    "You know me Ishna, I''m Fajii the Alchemist. I healed one of your daughters once." Fajii was steadily growing impatient with the Matriarch. She had been one of the ones who had voted for no mercy.


    "You''re Fajii?" Ishna stared at the Aquarion Alchemist, there was no sign of her bloodline on the outside. Her ears, face, and eyes were completely alien.


    "Yes. What my friend means is, you and your followers are dead," she said the words slowly so they sunk in. "You have the chance to start over here in Oasis. You should be thankful for the chance to save your followers."


    "You have 10 minutes to decide" Nix summoned Mortimer and Ducky and had them watch her while Alpha Team gave her a bit of space.


    Alpha Team gave her 10 minutes and then returned. She watched them advance toward her, it had taken a few minutes but she regained a small portion of her composure. "One favor first."


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix shook his head. "No."


    Ishna held up both hands in front of her. "Please, I only wish to touch the water here. Can Aquarions even survive here?"


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Not an unreasonable request Nix.


    Fajii motioned for Ishna to get up and follow her. "We will test it together Ishna."


    After a few minutes of walking, Alpha Team watched as Fajii and Ishna walked into the surf of the sandy beach. Ducky skipped around them, enjoying the water.


    Ishna walked slowly into the surf, stopping and kneeling when it came to her waist. She placed her hands in the water, it felt warm and inviting. She slowly submerged herself, letting her body take in this New World''s sea. She couldn''t stop the smile from coming, it felt pristine and pure. Could she start over here?


    After a few minutes, she walked back toward Nix and his companions. "I agree. Return my followers to me, with our equipment and I will tell you everything."


    Nix waited with Morty and Ducky while the rest of the group started moving back and forth from Haven. After the raid, Inferno had brought all the corpses to the Gemini Temple. The longest part of the journey was the ride from Phai City.


    "We will all die out in a few hundred years. Without the Cai''Song artifact, none of the women in my group will have daughters."


    Nix stared at her from where he sat comfortably on the sand. She spoke quietly and he was unsure if she was talking to herself or him. "So... They didn''t tell you?"


    Ishna made eye contact for the first time in several minutes. "Tell me what."


    "Why do you think the Cai''Song Artifact can change the gender of an unborn male Aquarion into a female?"


    Ishna shrugged, she knew in her heart that she should find the whole thing disgusting and abhorrent. All Aquarion women were born from blood and violence. "I don''t know."


    "It''s because humans are the missing piece in the process of Aquarions having daughters."


    Ishna nodded, even though it felt like she was confessing to a horrible crime. "I know this Nix, the Cai''Song makes it possible."


    "Three Aquarion females from the Souza Accord are pregnant with daughters." Nix was certain that Ishna wasn''t playing dumb. "Humans are the missing piece, but we didn''t need to kill an innocent human girl to make it happen."


    "What? Have you discovered another way? What is it?"


    "Human fathers. It seems like the alternate method requires humans and Aquarions to mate. Apparently your Elders found that less acceptable than war and the killing of innocents."


    Ishna jumped to her feet. "LIES! Why would you say something like that? Haven''t I already agreed to your terms?


    Morti rumbled a warning at her from a few feet away. The giant bear was covered in sand but it didn''t seem to bother him at all.


    "What reason have I to lie? We are the missing piece and the Elder Matriarchs know that."


    It took nearly two hours for all the members of Ishna''s group to be carried to the beach. At Nix''s request, Fajii rezzed both of Ishna''s daughters so that they could discuss what Nix had told them. The rest of the Aquarions were laid gently on the beach, of the thirty followers, 19 of them were female.


    Nix gave Ishna and her daughters enough space to talk. He wasn''t worried about them escaping. They were weaponless and without armor. He had already summoned Soup, if they tried to escape he''d catch them.


    Ishna gave Semmi all the names of the spies hidden in the Souza Accord and then Nix let Fajii Rezz the dead Aquarions. Each of them wore their under armor and the bracelet. Ishna and her daughters quickly made them sit quietly on the beach while they explained their situation. A few minutes later Ishna approached with a young Aquarion woman.


    Nix nodded politely at the two of them. "Time for us to go."


    "Wait, please. Our weapons and armor?" Ishna biggest concern was their immediate survival.


    Nix pointed to the north. "We left them down the beach about one minute. You can collect them after we''re gone."


    Ishna nodded. "Could you give us a map? I only wish to make a good decision when choosing a place to settle."


    [Ishna has sent you a friend request]


    Nix nodded and accepted the request. He sent an updated map directly to her hud. "Anything else?"


    Ishna nodded. "This is Panyu. We wish to test your words."


    /Alpha Team: Wind: What words boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I told them about our theory regarding female Aquarion babies.


    Nix didn''t bother to hide the smile that crept onto his face. "Say it plainly."


    "One of you will mate with Panyu." Ishna crossed her arms in front of her but she didn''t seem at all embarrassed.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''m out. Up to you two.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: She''s pretty, but I require a bit more bonding.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Gotta be me then. Back in a bit.


    The old mage bowed toward the two Aquarion women. "The group has chosen me to help you out."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Hey Pon...


    Nix shook his head as Pon and the Aquarion female walked into the sand dunes. He glanced at Ishna, the Aquarion female didn''t seem bothered in the least.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] That old bastard!


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Hey... You said no.


    The awkwardness lasted until Pon returned. The Aquarion female parted ways with him at the top of the dune with a quick wave. The old fire mage had a smile plastered on his face when he came back.


    Ishna gathered her people and had them start walking. "Nix, would you tell Filamina that I''m sorry."


    Nix nodded. "Sure."


    Alpha Team moved to the top of a nearby dune so they could watch the Aquarions reclaim their gear.


    Nix turned at the sound of someone getting hit. Semmi punched Pon in the arm, her face red with anger.


    "Pon, you old bastard!" Semmi punched him again. "Why''d you do that? Why? Why?"


    "Why are you hitting me?" Pon''s wrinkled face showed his surprise, he hadn''t expected the blond officer to assault him.


    "Y-You bastard!" Semmi kicked him in the knee and then abruptly burst into tears before stomping off. She stopped at the bottom of the dune and turned to face him. "Don''t think I want to go into business with a bastard like you!"


    The shocked group watched as Semmi mounted her horse and headed toward Phai City. Fajii gave Pon an expressionless look before following her.


    "The hell was that?" Pon was rubbing his knee, his face red with anger.


    Wind smacked the old mage on the back of the head. "You made Semmi cry!"


    Nix nodded. "Old bastard, she should kick your ass properly."


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Super hot Semmi likes Pon?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Look like it.

 Chapter 167 Tempes

    [Glory Bay: 5 miles North of Glory]


    Milat led the small procession away from Glory, they stayed close to the ocean floor and used the Seaweeds for cover. They swam quickly until he was directed to stop.


    Mina stared at the traitors, Yalta, Benin, Fidai, and Bursk. "This is far enough."


    Zhava, Fajii, Milat, and Mina moved away from them, all of the Aquarion leader''s Eel-gators were hovering behind her. The left wrist of each captive was bound to the prisoner in front of them.


    "You are traitors," Milat said with hatred in his voice. He had lost good friends escaping from the Elder Matriarchs and Nix had saved many of his friends. "The spirit companion bonds that each of you made have been cast off by our human friends."


    Yalta bowed his head toward Mina. "We don''t deserve your mercy Filamina. Thank you."


    Mina''s pale eyes showed no emotion. "Mercy? Is that what you think you are getting?" She made a gesture with her hand and two dozen Sea-Beasts swarmed in. Unarmed and without armor, the four traitors fought for a few seconds before disappearing in a cloud of red blood.


    Milat shook his head in disgust. "Traitors... After everything, we''ve been through together. They would try to take Nix."


    It had taken a while, but Mina was past the initial shock and now anger was bubbling up inside her. "My judgment is also to blame. I trusted Ishna."


    They swam quietly back to Glory Island. Fajii extended a hand and held Mina''s. "Take a few days to think of what you could have done differently and then put this behind you."


    Mina stared at her for a moment before replying. "You''ve changed so much Fajii. I don''t mean on the outside." Mina squeezed the alchemist''s hand. She had grown stronger and flourished since they joined Inferno.


    Fajii favored her with a slight smile. "It''s obvious that you wish to talk to him. He''s currently in the Gemini Training Yard."


    ******************


    [Solomon City: Training Yard, The Fire Maze]


    Pheno stared at his team in disgust. "That''s it? One Fire Creature is stopping you from completing this level. Figure out how to work around it.


    Pheno''s silver flamed wings flapped gently, keeping him at a hover over the Archon Training Maze. The creature his team was facing was an infamous block for Archon recruits. A blob of molten rock that would retreat back to his lava lair every few minutes. When that happened dozens of its fire minions would rush out and attack. He used his hud to pull up their scores.


    Cutter: Fireworm: 85


    Shae: Salamander: 77


    Faidyn: Drake: 86


    Borda: Flame Knight: 91


    The human Knight was definitely outperforming the fire creatures in his training group. "Come on!" Pheno shouted at his people who seemed to be unable to proceed further. "You have my permission to use all your skills."


    Faidyn cursed the annoying Pheno under her breath. "We are using are skills idiot." The drake was in human form, her shoulder-length hair was the same color as her flame and eyes, a really pale orange that Shae considered beautiful.


    Shae stared at her companions. Unlike them, she wasn''t overly concerned with the score. She had passed the same trial that they had to enter the Upper Plains, but this was not her home. She stole a quick glance at her trainer before giving them a sly smile. "My spirit companion can deal with this thing, however, Pheno said I couldn''t use him unless he gave me permission."


    Borda scowled at the mention of Pheno. "I think he just gave you permission. If you have a creature that can deal with this, please summon it!"


    Cutter nodded in agreement. "He did say to use all our skills."


    Shae hid her smile. "Right..."


    [Summons: Nix]


    A moment later, the fully armored Nix appeared in front of them. If the sudden increase in gravity affected him, he didn''t let it show. He quickly glanced at his surroundings and Shae''s group. "How may I assist?"


    It took all of her will not to leap at him. Instead, she pointed at the ugly blob of molten rock. "That thing retreats into his lair and then an endless amount of fire minions are released every few seconds. We need to retrieve something from inside."


    "Your companion is a 1st tier human?" Faidyn understood immediately, this was the reason why Shae refused to consider suitors. This was her mate. "How can you even stand up?"


    Shae felt Pheno staring at her but she refused to look. "This is Nix everyone. Can you handle that thing?"


    [Burning Aura: Gemini Flame]


    Nix turned away from the group and walked toward the lava blob. The pressure was pushing down on him but he felt like it was manageable for a few minutes. Unlike previous encounters, the fire creature didn''t flee when someone approached it.


    "How come the blob thing isn''t running?" Faidyn had stared at the two colored flames like everyone else in the group, she had never seen anything like it.


    Borda drew his sword and moved to one side. "He''s only a 50 level. It doesn''t consider him a threat. Be ready!"


    Nix raised both hands and a dozen Gemini Flame strands shot out and wrapped around the mass of molten rock. The molten rock seemed to freeze in place for a moment before filling the training maze with a deafening roar, the panicking creature turned back toward its lair.


    Nix dug his heels in and pulled back as hard as he could. "Better hurry!"


    The group ran past him, Shae''s smiling face flashed toward the entrance, the rest of her group following close behind. Nix released six of the strands on the fire creature so he could free up one hand. It was still dragging him toward the entrance.


    Nix targetted the creature and focused on ice.


    [Ice: Lance]


    As soon as he summoned the lance he threw it into the center of the blob as hard as he could. Flames burst from it in all directions and it roared in pain.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    After spamming three straight Ice Lances at it, Nix was forced to retreat when the enrage blob turned toward him.


    [Fire Snare: Gemini Flame]


    A Molten Lava Creature has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Your Strength has improved]


    [Your Stamina has improved]


    [Fire Root: Gemini Flame]


    A Molten Lava Creature has been rooted in place.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    [Ice: Lance]


    The Molten Lava Creature has been Mortally wounded and has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    [Your Strength has improved]


    [Your Stamina has improved]


    [Ice: Lance]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Molten Lava Creature.


    The Molten Lava Creature has been slain.


    Pheno stared at the dead Lava Creature, he could count the number of times anyone had managed to damage it on one hand. He glanced up to see the other three trainers flying toward him.


    "Captain Pheno! Your team was able to slay the Fire Creature?" Vooni was one of the strongest trainers, as a direct dragon descendant, she was arrogant like the purebloods of her kind. Her black eyes quickly found Nix. "A fifty level here?"


    Pheno nodded and abruptly cut her off from asking more questions by flying down to the yard. Other trainers weren''t allowed to trespass. "Recruit Phoenix... That was well done!"


    Nix turned at the sound of Pheno''s voice. "Thank you." He kept the strain out of his voice, but he already felt like he had stayed too long. The edges of his vision were starting to darken.


    Shae and her friends exited the lair a minute later, they took one look at Pheno who motioned for them to continue. The Archon training group ran for the finish and within a few moments, the exercise had ended.


    Pheno eyed his recruit. "You okay Phoenix?"


    Nix nodded, he could feel sweat running into his eyes, he blinked it away. Raising his arm was too big of an effort.


    Pheno nodded and started adjusting the scores. He was finished by the time Shae and her group returned.


    "Okay... not bad for a day''s work. Here are your scores."


    Cutter: Fireworm: 85


    Shae: Salamander: 100


    Faidyn: Drake: 86


    Borda: Flame Knight: 91


    "Since your spirit companion managed to slay the Fire Creature, you get a perfect score. As a reward, I''m giving you a 24-hour pass, don''t be late returning." Pheno dismissed the group with a wave and then used his hud to release the gating restrictions on Shae.


    Shae put an arm around Nix''s waist, she could feel his muscles straining. "Let''s go Nix!"


    [Your Strength has improved]


    [Your Stamina has improved]


    Nix nodded and activated Deep Blue, he pulled her closer and chose the Gemini Temple.

 Chapter 168 A Short Reunion

    Nix sighed with relief as the weight of Solomon City was taken away. The sweet scent of the Gemini orchard greeted them as they stepped off the platform. "This is the sanctuary within the Gemini Temple."


    Shae leaned against him and inhaled deeply. "I''ve missed you Nix."


    Nix squeezed her hand and pulled her closer before kissing the top of her head while she hugged him tightly. "Hmm... Same here. The Gemini Temple is in Haven, which we''ve anchored to the Guild Office in Parliament. Everyone in Inferno used their Homestead tokens." He pulled his armor off and stowed it away before helping Shae with hers.


    She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him, letting it linger while she pressed her body against him. After a minute she sighed happily and pulled away. "I haven''t used mine. Show me what you built!"


    The Gemini Temple exited into the plateau that Nix used as grazing lands. The couple walked hand in hand through the tall grass, with Nix pointing out the herd of horses that were lingering about.


    "Those are your horses Nix?" Shae looked at the small herd, "the shiny black one in front is beautiful."


    Nix nodded, "That''s Flash, he.."


    Shae interrupted him by pushing him down in the tall grass. She straddled his hips, both of her hand pressed against his chest. "You''re a Nemesis now. That''s really amazing."


    Nix gripped her hips with his hands, "don''t flame up Shae, I don''t want to lose the entire plateau to a fire."


    "Okay... First a proper greeting, then we''ll head to my Elemental world and pick all my peppers." She pulled her shirt over her head, her lips curved in a smile.


    "A bit in the open isn''t it?" Nix estimated the grass length at two feet or so, once they laid down it would be difficult to see them.


    Shae nodded and cupped his cheeks with both hands. "Put up with it for a bit." Her lips brushed against his before parting slightly and deepening the kiss.


    ****************


    An hour later Nix and Shae walked hand in hand to his Ranch House. He showed her the bunkhouse, stables and the Ranch House itself. The redhaired Archon leaned against the kitchen island while Nix cooked them a meal.


    "Your family is here?" Shae hadn''t seen either of them since she arrived.


    "Bev will be back in a few days, she is taking care of a few important things. Dad is crafting at the Gemini Temple."


    After eating they gated directly to Shae''s elemental world. "Nix... You''re the temple lord of the Gemini Temple?"


    Nix nodded and returned her smile. Shae''s world hadn''t changed at all. "It''s the Gemini Palace actually, however it sounds a bit weird to say it, so we just call it a temple."


    Shae clapped excitedly when she saw the rows and rows of fresh ghost peppers. "Let''s pick them all Nix!"


    "That''s why I brought the bags." He handed her one and stepped over to the next row. "We''ll work slow, that way we can catch up."


    "You met my squad. What did you think?" Shae knelt in the first row and started picking pepper.


    "The one who wore the dark armor seems very strong." Nix''s hands moved fast, carefully picking and putting them in the bag.


    Shae nodded and popped a handful of peppers in her mouth. "That''s Borda, he''s a flame knight, not really sure what that means."


    "The other male, I can''t identify at all. Is he a fire creature?" Nix couldn''t keep the smile off his face, Shae was doing more eating than picking.


    "Fireworm, they live deep underground, he actually possesses a lot of Earth abilities." She stared at him for a moment before standing up and sitting the bag down. "Break time Nix."


    Nix looked at the two rows they worked on. "We barely started." He followed her anyway, speeding up when she began to run.


    The redhead tossed her clothes in the air as she ran, she skidded to a stop in front of her favorite hot-pool. She turned to face him, silver flames erupting around her. "Show me the flames you''ve learned Nix."


    [Aura Ignition]


    Nix couldn''t help but stare in silence at her. Her red hair hung over her shoulders, Shae''s perfect skin was detailed by the illumination of her silver flames. He changed his flames from emerald to silver and then to the Gemini flame. "Do you like?"


    Shae nodded and reached out slowly. "It vibrates Nix. How did you do that?"


    "I''ll show you in a bit." His aura turned back to the silver flames as he pulled her close and picked her up.


    An hour later Nix''s was sitting in the hot pool, a few feet away from him Shae was bathed in beautiful silver flames. Her hair was slicked back and her brown eyes seemed to radiate happiness. "I missed you so badly Nix."


    ''Focus Shae." He moved closer, his emerald flames immediately started to get overwhelmed by her silver ones. "Try to make your flames more pliable." He moved closer and slowly his emerald flames were pushed back at him.


    Shae gave him a sly smile. "Perhaps more contact is necessary." She waded slowly toward him until her breasts pushed against his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck and then leaned against him.


    "Damn... You''re so distracting." Nix released his emerald flames and summoned his silver flames again.


    "Yep..." Shae wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him deeply. She reached between them and gripped him in her hand, moaning softly as she guided him in.


    ***************


    "I want to see Fajii. I really miss her." Shae leaned against him, her wet hair scattered across his chest.


    "Have her come here then." Nix closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth of Shae.


    Shae popped one elbow up and looked at his face. "You don''t mind?"


    Nix shook his head. "She asks about you often."


    Shae smiled as if she was pleased. "Fajii could become an Archon eventually, all elementals have the ability. There are plenty of Earth Archons, they are very strong."


    "She unbanked her levels to help my transition to Nemesis." Nix had been thankful at the time, although he hadn''t successfully separated his flames, her help had enabled him to last long enough to come up with an alternative.


    "Of course she did, Fajii loves you." Shae watched his eyes for reaction, she traced his cheek with one finger. "Why does that make you look nervous?"


    "It doesn''t, somehow you saying it is unsettling."


    "Aquarions speak their feelings, it''s a beautiful trait." She paused for a moment, then eased off him long enough to pull him deeper into the pool. "She said the same thing to me."


    Nix felt her smooth legs entwining with his. "Fajii? What did she say?"


    "Hmm... That she loves me." Shae studied his reaction without comment.


    "No, she didn''t."


    "Sure did." Shae''s hand caressed his arm. "Is it so unbelievable?"


    Nix nodded, "yes."


    Shae laughed at the look on his face. "Ask her yourself, she''s on her way."


    "Should I give you some time alone with her?"


    Shae shook her head. "Can''t I enjoy the company of my sister and my mate?"


    Nix didn''t reply, the conversation seemed bent on taking wild tangents. "You make it sound reasonable."


    Shae nodded. "I''m very reasonable."


    Fajii arrived a few minutes later, her face lighting up with happiness when she saw Shae. "Where have you been?" Fajii quickly removed her clothes and joined them in the hot pool.


    Aquarions have no sense of space, she moved next to Shae, stroking her red hair while they talked. Nix started to nod off while Shae told Fajii her story. He slept soundly for a while and woke up while Fajii was telling Shae about Ishna.


    Nix waded out of the pool and got dressed while they continued to talk. He sat on the banks listening to them. "Don''t forget to see Rhy before you leave, she has been asking about you."


    Shae nodded. "Why did you get dressed again?"


    "Being undressed in front of the two of you at the same time is unsettling."


    Fajii''s dark eyes stared at him. "What about Sharl and Ronnie?"


    "....." NIx.


    "Good point." Shae didn''t hide the amusement in her voice. "They are sisters, right? Fajii and I are sisters also."


    Fajii nodded in agreement."He always takes Ronnie''s side in guildchat. No matter what she says."


    Nix frowned at the dark-skinned Aquarion. "Hey, leave Ronnie alone."


    Fajii smiled sweetly. "See?"


    Another hour passed and Nix found himself back in the pepper rows talking amiably with Shae and Fajii.


    "You should declare a champion for your Temple and gather Acolytes." Shae had pulled ahead in the next row since she was eating everything.


    Nix nodded, "I will consider my choices." For some reason, he felt there was only one possibility for that title.


    ******************


    Too soon the time for Shae to depart arrived. She managed to spend some time with Rhylia and her close friends from Inferno before she reluctantly made her way back to the Gemini Temple.


    "Having a portal that can access three worlds is truly amazing, you could sneak in to see me." Shae squeezed his hand and leaned against him as they entered the Gemini Sanctuary.


    She tilted her head and kissed him. "I love you Nix."


    "Did Fajii tell you to say that?"


    "Yep," she admitted.


    "I love you too Shae."


    She stepped up on the platform, her face glowing with happiness. "They saw what you did on the training grounds Nix. Pheno and the rest of the Archon trainers, rumors of your strength will spread quickly."


    Nix shrugged, "I''ve a lot of things left to do in Colonial and I haven''t even skimmed the surface in Oasis."


    Shae gave him a sly look as she activated the gate to Solomon City and tossed him a neatly folded piece of paper. "Sneak in and see me sometime, I even drew you a map."

 Chapter 169 Palace Champion

    "Damn, this thing is uncomfortable." Nix shifted slightly on the Gemini throne and brought up the Champion menu; as the Palace Nemesis, Nix could bestow the blessings of the Gemini Temple on his champion.


    "It makes me happy to see someone sitting on the Gemini Throne once again." Elune''s voice carried from the northern archway.


    "Have you had a chance to explore the Palace? I''m assuming that it has changed a bit." Nix was starting to understand the Gemini High Priestess, her entire being was consumed by what she considered her calling.


    Elune''s duo-colored face nodded. "My sanctuary is my larger, the lower levels didn''t exist, I''m afraid you must explore those, most likely they are dangerous. In general, everything is much larger. The Acolyte rooms on the upper level are much more numerous."


    Nix watched as she approached and handed him a large cylindrical object. It had the same black and white coloring as the throne. He had already noticed the round indention on the smooth surface where he rested his arm. "I''m assuming this goes here?"


    Elune shrugged. "I do not know. This is part of the upgrade I believe. It appeared on the altar this morning while you were entertaining your Archon friend."


    Nix knew that his high priestess had a vast knowledge of Oasis and dhassi cultures. "You know about Archons too?"


    "Only enough to know that she is one."


    "You have my permission to leave the Temple whenever you like if that is your wish."


    Elune stared at him for a moment before bowing her head slightly. "Thank you, Nix."


    Nix kept his face expressionless, it had taken him a long time to convince her to drop the title when addressing him, sometimes she would forget and call him Lord. He inserted the cylinder into the arm of the throne, immediately a large hud (heads up display) popped up in front of him.


    Elune moved beside him, staring at the menu. "Acolyte menus, equipment, quests, and skills that can be given to them."


    Nix whistled, "not given, earned. It looks like a point system."


    "You must choose Acolytes carefully Nix, I believe choosing from Oasis could prove problematic." Elune reached around him and brought up the Head Acolyte Menu.


    "What''s the difference between the Head Acolyte and the High Priestess?"


    "You get to decide that. In the past, I worked closely with the Head Acolyte. He was always out on missions while I''ll take care of the Gemini Temple."


    "I see no problem with keeping your duties as they were before."


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai, Cali, Torrent]


    Elune gasped at their sudden appearance. "Arch Winds?"


    Nix nodded. "What were the results of the task I asked you to complete."


    Cal stepped forward, he was the strongest of the three and their spokesperson. "You only need to say the amount Nix, there are hundreds willing to answer your call."


    Nix studied the screen in front of him. "The limit for Acolytes is two hundred for this Palace. We don''t need that many. Let''s start with Fifty."


    Cal nodded his white-feathered head. "Do you wish to pick them?"


    "I will trust my Arch Wind companions in this matter. Please see to it."


    Nix watched as Ea''Shadai formed a wind-tunnel and all three entered quickly.


    "Wind tunnel to Air''Voilla?" Elune''s face was lit up in a smile. "I''ve read about it, I would love to go there once."


    "Arch Winds will make good Acolytes. Will you manage their training until I find a proper Head Acolyte?"


    Elune nodded. "I can manage."


    *********************


    "Morning Sunshine." Nix greeted Semmi when he arrived at the Guild Office a few minutes later. She was busy looking at the week''s dockets.


    She favored him with a sly smile. "Lord Nix."


    He hadn''t spoken to her since they released Ishna and her followers. "Still angry with Pon?"


    Her smiling face quickly turned into a frown, she nodded slightly and stared at her hud.


    "It''s none of my business Sem, personally I think you can do better. But."


    Semmi glanced up at him. "But?"


    "It''s easier to meet someone''s expectations if you tell them ahead of time."


    Semmi started muttering to herself, her face looking angry.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] We''re heading to Loki today. If you''re not a complete idiot, try to make amends with Semmi.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Me? She hit me and then stomped off like I did something wrong.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] It''s probably the first time a female has liked you without money changing hands, figure it out, old man.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Semmi likes me?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Maybe she''ll come to her senses and find someone who''s not an old bastard.


    /Inferno: Nix: You busy Junie?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No. Need something?


    /Inferno: Nix: Could you meet me at the Gemini Temple after the raid today?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Will you be back from Loki by then?


    /Inferno: Nix: Should be.


    Semmi gave up on being mad, her pretty face showing curiosity. "Why do you want to see Junie?"


    "Um... Well, I''m going to seduce her. Any advice?"


    Semmi''s laughter echoed in the office. Her wide smile showed all her teeth. "Bring lots of booze, and maybe a large toolbag."


    "To remove the giant stick she has shoved up her ass?"


    Semmi laughed again, her blonde head nodding. "I love Juni, she has her odd quirks."


    "With any luck, they''ll be able to finish 9.2 and 9.3 today while we are at Loki." Nix brought up his hud and started looking at his messages.


    Semmi leaned back in her chair and ran her fingers through her short blonde hair. "You talk to Mina yet?"


    Nix shook his head. "Not lately, with Shae visiting, I didn''t really have the time."


    "What kind of relationship do you have with her Nix?"


    "A very good one, based on mutual trust and like." Nix glanced up from his hud. "Why?"


    Semmi shrugged. "You''re important to the Aquarions, much more so than the rest of us."


    *****************


    [0945 hours, Phai City]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Do we have the signatures?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yes, I''ve already submitted the 12 Pillar contract to Parliament.


    Instead of an Alliance based on handshakes, Inferno offered the other human guilds a written contract that clearly spelled out everyone''s duties.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: There''s an entire city of dhassi there right? They aren''t going to like us coming in and taking over.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: No worries, I know a thing or two about diplomacy.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: This I gotta see.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: The large city there is located on the coast, there''s a dock, but no shipyard.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Don''t they have naval battles on Oasis?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: No, not really. They dhassi don''t even have a real navy. Just a loose conglomerate of merchant and cargo ships.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That''s what I like to hear.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Are we going to become Pirate Kings?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes. Look into shipbuilding in Oasis Sem.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I can already tell you they don''t have ships in bottles that you can purchase.


    [Your Team has been invited to join the ''Alliance Channel.'' Do you wish to join?]


    "Yes."


    /Alliance: Gideon: Hey guys, we''re almost there. Introduce yourselves to our Inferno friends.


    /Alliance: Paco: I''m Paco, an officer in Salamander.


    /Alliance: Nebula: Call me Nebs and sing out if you need heals.


    /Alliance: Roto: I''m Roto, another Ranger wannabee.


    /Alliance: Jiggs: I''m Jiggs, the best Fire Mage in Oasis.


    /Alliance: Pon: The hell you say...


    /Alliance: Gideon: He''s actually a scout, he loves to f*ck with people.


    /Alliance: Jiggs: The best scout in Oasis!


    /Alliance: Wind: I''m Wind, nice to meet you.


    /Alliance: Semmi: Sem here, future Guild Leader of Inferno.


    /Alliance: Pon: Pon, I live to burn shit...


    /Alliance: Fajii: I''m Fajii, Lord of the Scorched Earth Temple.


    /Alliance: Gideon: How we playing this Nix?


    /Alliance: Nix: We''ll take the portal directly to Loki and then start Diplomatic relations with the dhassi who reside there.


    Nix stepped onto the Phai City platform and chose Loki.


    The Portal to the freshly minted Loki was located on a small peninsula outside of town. From the small rocky outcropping, you could see the entire city. The city walls were made from yellow stones. The buildings they could see from their vantage point were from the same material.


    /Alliance: Semmi: Nice view.


    A small path from the portal led down a short hill to the front gate of the city. Nix brought up the territory menu and pulled up the port city menu.


    [Loki territory]


    [As a new territory, you have several city options that are only available one time. ]


    [City Menu]


    1) Rename City


    2) Edit Buildings [One time]


    3) Expel Occupants [One time]


    Nix chose option one.


    [Please choose a new name.]


    "Loki City."


    /Alliance: Pon: Wow boss, put a lot of thought into that one.


    /Alliance: Semmi: Easy to remember.


    The healer called Nebs moved closer to Nix and peeked at the hud. "There''s an edit option? Awesome, this city is built bassackwards."


    /Alliance: Gideon: Nebs is a city planner irl. I had her look at maps of this city since it''s going to be our new home.


    /Alliance: Nix: I''ll have to rely on your advice then Nebs.


    The group walked down the hill, stopping at the front gate which was closed.


    /Alliance: Nix: Why would the gate be closed?


    /Alliance: Gideon: Typical dhassi hospitality.


    A few moments later, three Fir''Dhassi appeared on top of the wall. They peered down at them with weapons drawn. "State your business humans."


    Nix nodded. "By Parliament decree, this is now a human territory. I''m Nix, the temporary Governor of Loki. Open the gates at once.


    Two of the Fir''Dhassi drew back their bows and prepared to fire, the third smirked at the group below. "Leave now humans, and don''t come back."

 Chapter 170 Loki City

    /Alliance: Pon: Good job boss.


    /Alliance: Nix: I guess they don''t know about my territory options.


    /Alliance: Gideon: What options?


    Nix brought up the Territory menu again.


    [City Menu]


    1) Rename City


    2) Edit Buildings [One time]


    3) Expel Occupants [One time]


    He chose option three.


    [Expel all occupants of Loki?]


    "Yes."


    [Please designate one-time expulsion destination]


    "Phai City."


    Nix then used the portal menu to only allow access to members of the 12 Pillar Alliance.


    /Alliance: Nix: This is set to restrict everyone but our alliance from entering.


    /Alliance: Gideon: No unwelcomed visitors. Nice.


    /Alliance: Pon: Where''d the guards go?


    /Alliance: Nix: Expelled them to Phai City, along with the rest of the dhassi on Loki.


    /Alliance: Wind: Your diplomatic skills haven''t slipped a bit boss.


    Nix drew his Archon blade and pushed Gemini Flames into it. Two quick slices and he stepped through the smoldering door.


    Loki City had nice cobblestone streets that were wider than normal, the buildings were all made from a yellowish brick, there were wagons lined up on the streets and several horses tied up on wooden rails.


    /Alliance: Nix: Dibs on all the horses.


    /Alliance: Semmi: There should be a drafting interface somewhere closeby since this counts as our initial entry into the city.


    They walked for several minutes until they found Market Square. It looked exactly like hundreds of people had just disappeared.


    /Alliance: Nix: No need for politeness. Since our dhassi friends no longer work here, I want all the armor, weapons, and combat accessories brought here to the square and laid out nicely.


    /Alliance: Gideon: You heard him. That means no pocketing anything. Get a move on.


    /Alliance: Semmi: Let''s raid the shops first, then come back and hit all the vendor stalls.


    Nebula climbed up on a nearby wagon that had a workhorse hitched up to it. "I''m driving!"


    Nix watched the cleric interact with the others. She was a tiny woman with short black hair and a big smile. Her personality reminded him of Ronnie.


    While their guilds were out gathering equipment, Nix and Gideon had found the weapon stalls in the Market Square and started organizing by quality.


    Gideon observed Nix throughout the afternoon while they worked together. Unlike other Fire Mages, he didn''t seem fragile at all, in fact, it was just the opposite. He tossed around boxes filled with armor like they weighed nothing. They talked easily and as the day passed developed a good relationship.


    *******************


    By 1700 the work was done. The square had been cleared and was now covered in carefully organized stacks of equipment.


    /Alliance: Nix: Since we''ve gone through all this trouble, everyone may pick themselves out a complete set of gear.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Most of my stuff is better already Nix. The Gemini drops were amazing.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Pick out a complete set of armor, weapons, and accessories. We''ll put it in the treasury.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Right! I''ll pick out stuff for Junie. That way she''ll be set when she unbanks.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I''ll get Banzi some gear.


    Gideon stared at Nix, unsure if he was being serious. "We''re just going to help ourselves?"


    Nix nodded and started getting gear for Ronnie and Sharl. He broke his own rule by taking two of everything, but no one bothered to mention it.


    When they finished, Nix sent notifications to the other guilds in the Alliance to come to Loki with a five-person group.


    /Alliance: Gideon: All the Alliance Guilds will be able to gear up one group?


    /Alliance: Nix: That''s the plan.


    /Alliance: Gideon: Anything else you need from us?


    /Alliance: Nix: You guys can head out. Leave Nebs, so she can help us out with City planning.


    /Alliance: Gideon: When will Loki be opened for business?


    /Alliance: Nix: A few days. The person I''m appointing as Governor is currently away on business. She will manage commerce and trade here in Loki.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: There''s going to be a lot of stuff leftover, even after the rest of the Alliance takes their part.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Right, we''ll be keeping the rest. Cycle the guilds through as quick as you can. I''m taking Nebs to finalize the town settings.


    The Drafting Table was located near the 2nd gate. Nebula studied the town layout while Nix started removing personal residences. A small 3-D layout of the entire town was displayed over the table.


    "Got it figured out Nebs?" Nix liked the healer from Salamander, she was very easy to work with.


    Nebs leaned over the table, she whisked all the buildings to the edge of the map, then started rerouting roads. When she finished the roads, she carefully started placing business. She moved Market Square closer to the dock. The residential areas were placed against the far wall of the city, away from the noise of commerce. She removed one of the gates so that Loki City would only have two entrances, a dock gate, and the main gate.


    Nix noticed that several businesses didn''t make it back to the city map. "Going to get rid of these?"


    Nebs nodded and finished up the area around Market Square. "This is what I''d do Nix. You can make changes if you like, or revert back to what it was. Up to you."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: The guilds done?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yep, they finished half an hour ago. We''re just waiting for you.


    Nix went with the changes she chose and then closed the table hud. The Drafting Table disappeared immediately after. "Thanks for the help Nebs, it said the rebuild time is 24 hours."


    /Oasis System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for establishing Loki City, the first Human settlement in Oasis.


    Inferno has advanced to a three-star Guild.


    New Guild options are available.


    Three new Guild Quests are available.


    ****************


    Nix gated directly to the Gemini platform, it was quickly becoming the main hub for Inferno since it could be connected to any gate on Oasis and Colonial. He waited until the rest of his team left before taking out the map that Shae gave him.


    "Looks fairly easy." He was about to head out when he noticed the writing on the back.


    Nix,


    Changing form will make a lot of the pressure from Solomon City go away. There is no explosion when transitioning on the Upper Planes.


    Shae


    Nix activated Deep Blue and selected Solomon City.


    He arrived on the platform an instant later. The pressure of the Upper Plane pushed down heavily upon him. "Might as well try it."


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    A small whoosh of air and an Emerald Salamander appeared where Nix had been standing. There was barely any disturbance at all. Nix felt none of the pressure he normally felt. Quickly, he scurried down the corridor.


    *************


    Vooni boxed up the last few items that Rexo possessed, her strong hands shaking slightly with anger. The Phoenix had been the weakest of her recruits, not because of his strength but rather his will. Every day he had fallen a bit further behind the rest of his squad when she could no longer fake his scores he opted out.


    The group had started out so strong, but because of her bad judgment were now in danger of washing out completely. The group scores were averaged based on four members, so even if the rest of the team overachieved, they''d be in danger of falling below the progression line. Her only choice was to wash them out and restart them in a year with a new member. "F*CK!l" Her fist slammed against the stone wall, "This is my fault."


    Vooni briefed her team on their status, she sincerely apologized to them, something none of them would have expected. It was several hours later when she noticed the Emerald Salamander leaving the recruit quarters. Unlike other creatures, Dragon descendants could see thermal signatures. Nix stood out like a bonfire at night.


    Nix stopped suddenly when a winged Archon landed between him and the gate. Her red eyes were staring right at him, even though he was stealthed. She wore black scaled armor and an open-faced helm that had short horns protruding from them. She wasn''t a beautiful woman by any means, but rather one that was quite striking.


    "A little Salamander wandering at night." Her voice was deep for a woman, but not enough to call it masculine.


    "Just on my way home."


    The red eyes stared at Nix as if trying to see through him. "You aren''t a thief are you?"


    "Definitely not."


    She considered her need for a fire creature on short notice and a smile pulled at her full lips. "Our meeting seems destined. What is your name little Salamander?"


    "Destined? Have you fallen for me?"


    Her laugh was light and attractive, nothing like the terrifying image she projected. "What is your name?"


    "I am Pon the Magnificent."


    "Pon?" She said the name as if testing how it sounded coming from her mouth.


    "The Magnificent," he corrected.


    "Well, Pon the Magnificent, I am Captain Vooni and you are coming with me." Her voice had a slight ring of steel to it, like someone with absolute confidence.


    "Please step aside, Pon the Magnificent does not wish to embarrass you." Nix was suddenly glad that he was in Salamander''s form, otherwise, his grinning face would have given him away.


    "Do you think you can get past me, Pon?" The smile that had threatened to break free finally did.


    "How did you see me Captain Vooni? Your eyes are red... Thermal vision maybe?"


    Vooni nodded, "the gift of my dragon blood. Want to make a deal?"


    "I hope this isn''t a marriage proposal. I have eleven wives already." Nix cursed himself for not using Deep Blue to leave from Shae''s room. He had decided to drop by the Archon training yard since they so nicely left everything out on tables.


    "I like you Pon, so let''s have a wager." She took out a small flat stone and then used her sharp-looking teeth to bite through the skin on her thumb. She rubbed a drop of blood on the stone and then chanted something softly. The stone glowed red for a moment and then stopped.


    Nix watched her carefully, dragon blood was exceedingly strong. "What sort of wager?"


    She tossed the stone on the platform. "If you get past me, the stone is yours."


    "I accept." Nix eyed the stone, dragons were the strongest of all the fire creatures.


    "I haven''t said what the penalty for failure is." Vooni didn''t normally smile very often, but the Salamander''s manner was comical.


    "Fine. Tell me."


    "You''ll join my team for our last three missions. You only need to stay alive. That will guarantee you 30 points, with that averaged in, we will manage to stay above the progression line."


    "What happens after three missions?"


    "Phase II ends, I''ll have time to find a better replacement before the next round of tests." Vooni cocked her head to one side. "Do we have a deal, Pon the Magnificent?"


    [Aura Ignition]


    Silver flames erupted out of Nix, causing the dim corridor to light up considerably.


    "Pretty flames." Vooni nodded in approval. "You wouldn''t actually try to attack a dragon descendant with flames."


    "I would," Nix admitted. There was the smallest bit of exposed skin between her knee and upper thigh. Nix leaned back and six strands of silver flame wrapped around each leg.


    Vooni raised an eyebrow in surprise. "A CC class? Oh my... These silver strands aren''t enough to stop me."


    "Yep. I know." Nix focused and pushed emerald flames down the strands, he let the silver die out and pulsed the green as hard as he could.


    "Hey!" Vooni''s pale face blushed furiously, her strong legs shaking slightly. "What is..."


    Nix flared his emerald flames, concentrating on making them hotter and brighter. He heard a soft moan and watched Vooni fall to her knees, her breathing was labored as she gasped with pleasure.


    "Bastard... Where did you..." Vooni arched her back, her hands landing on the floor in a loud moan.


    Not daring to let up, he poured all of his will into creating the hottest Emerald Flames he could. Nix strained to hold them while her moans grew louder. Vooni''s shadow reflected on the wall, presenting an erotic view of her hips gyrating suggestively.


    Nix walked casually by her, he held the strands a moment longer and then dropped them. A instant later he disappeared from the platform, along with the stone she had tossed.


    Captain Vooni didn''t move at all for nearly a minute. She waited until her breathing leveled off before standing up. She couldn''t remember the last time someone had beaten her so easily. Her face didn''t resemble someone who had been defeated. Her skin was flush and her full lips wore a slight smile. "You win, Pon the Magnificent."

 Chapter 171 Pon the Magnificen

    Nix couldn''t keep the smile off his face as he stepped off the platform in the Gemini Palace.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix! You asked me to meet you!


    /Inferno: Nix: Damn. I''m sorry Junie, lost track of time while out on a mission.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''m still awake, want to meet up now?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure, if it isn''t inconvenient.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Meet you in the Altar room.


    Nix finally took a look at the stone while he was walking. Vooni had drawn a complicated rune with her own blood.


    Dragon Eyes: Elemental


    Description: The body heat of


    your enemies will glow like fire.


    Caution: This is Descended Dragonblood, use at


    your own risk.


    [Do you wish to learn Dragon Eyes?]


    "Yes."


    Nix felt his body heat up suddenly, by instinct his aura flamed on, the emerald flames fluttered for a moment before turning to silver and finally combining into the Gemini Flame. Nix''s vision clouded slightly and then turned red. The effects lasted a few seconds before fading away completely. He braced a hand against the rough stone of the hall and rested briefly, the learning left him completely exhausted.


    The walk to the altar room was much more difficult than it should have been, an exhausted Nix plopped down on the throne and waited.


    Jun Li walked in a few minutes later, her expression told him that she was mildly irritated at being stood up. "You look tired Nix."


    "I am." Nix sat up a bit straighter. "I would like you to be my Temple Champion Junie."


    "What?" Jun Li''s pale face blushed slightly. "Am I good enough for something like that?"


    Nix nodded. "You''re a smart and creative fighter. Please accept my offer."


    A smile crept out on Jun Li''s face. "I was going to be mad at you for a bit longer Nix, you''ve ruined it. Fine, I accept your offer."


    Nix motioned her forward. "Please take a knee and accept the blessings of the Gemini Palace."


    [Do you wish to appoint Jun Li as the Gemini Palace Champion?]


    "Yes."


    Jun Li has received the Blessings of the Gemini.


    Jun Li has learned Gemini Bond.


    Jun Li has learned Ghost Step.


    Jun Li has learned Unbalanced Chain.


    Jun Li has learned Critical Chain.


    Jun Li has learned Swapped Out.


    Jun Li has received the Gemini Champion''s Medal.


    Jun Li has received the Gemini Sword.


    Jun Li held the beautifully crafted sword in her hand, she caressed the flat blade with a fingertip before turning it over. One side of the blade reflected everything it touched while the other was the darkest black that seemed to absorb the light around it. "Nix... This is a peerless blade."


    "Make sure you work hard Champion." Nix wanted to stay and examine her new abilities but the haze at the corners of his vision told him that he was overtaxed. It was an effort to get to his feet. "I have to go, Junie, make sure to learn your new abilities well."


    Surprisingly Jun Li bowed low. "I will not disappoint you."


    The trip back to the Ranch House was a haze. Fey dropped him off near the front door and he walked slowly to his room. As he undressed, he dimly realized that Fajii was sleeping soundly in his bed. The comfortable warmth of an occupied bed greeted him when he slid under the blankets and fell into a deep sleep.


    ***********************


    Nix woke up slowly the next morning, the light from the mid-afternoon sun was shining in his face. The room was empty except for him, only the fragrant scent of flowers lingered in the air. He stretched in place and slowly rolled out of bed. It was only then that he checked the time.


    /Inferno: Nix: How was the raid?


    /Inferno: Semmi: They cleared it with no issues. The Crimson Key dropped from 10.3.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction while slowly getting dressed. There were three doors that needed to be unlocked on the 12th floor. Only the Ivory Key was left, this would allow them to finish 12.1 and move directly to 12.5. If Inferno didn''t find the Ivory key on the 11th floor, they''d have to do all seven stages on the 12th floor.


    /Inferno: Nix: Awesome, hopefully, we can find the Ivory Key. You guys start yet?


    Before he had left, Nix had tasked Alpha Team with a special mission. He was planning on joining them but instead had slept the morning away.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ve managed to catch and release a half dozen different small groups.


    /Inferno: Nix: Damn, you guys move fast.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Not everyone sleeps until 1300 hours.


    Nix smiled to himself, Semmi seemed to back to normal.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] You make peace with Semmi?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Of course I did!


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] She didn''t run you through the wringer first?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] I had to agree to call our product Semmi Beer.


    Nix laughed aloud as he made he way into the kitchen. There was a boxed lunch from the day before that he didn''t get a chance to eat.


    He ate by himself in the peace of his dining room.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Thank you Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] What for?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Making Junie your Champion, that means more to her than anything she''s accomplished in the game.


    Nix would have stayed with Junie to test out her skills, but the evening in the Sky Kingdom had taken its toll on him.


    He finished his brunch and headed toward the stables, he wanted to check on the pregnant mares he had penned up. Nix was halfway there when he stopped. "It''s not like it has anything to do with me!"


    Nix continued on his way and was nearly there before he stopped and started cussing loudly. He kicked up a cloud of dirt in anger before finally pulling out Deep Blue.


    *********************


    Captain Vooni waited near the start of the exercise. Pheno and Wagner''s teams had already finished the training course. Her group almost always went last. She wore her normal black scaled armor, her red eyes stared at each member of her team. "After today, we will no longer be able to stay ahead of the progression line, I won''t let that happen to this team."


    The progression line was the minimal score a team had to maintain to stay in training. If they fell below it, the team would be broken up and washed out. They would have to start from scratch after they separated. If a team is pulled by their trainer before they fall below the line, then the group will be able to stay together when they washed out. It was a small consolation, but learning to work together often took months.


    "Pon the Magnificent, reporting for duty!" The Emerald Salamander walked past Vooni and stood next to the group she had been talking to.


    Vooni stared at him for a moment, her face slowly turning red before she hid it behind her hud. "I''ll have to give you a proper name to add you to my recruits."


    "What''s wrong with Pon the Magnificent?"


    "Fine, since this is temporary, I''ll deal with the jokes," Vooni added his name and then displayed her team.


    Aja: Fire Wyvern


    Nunzo: Flame Knight


    Omak: Fire Drake


    Pon the Magnificent: Salamander


    Nix was the only member of the team that wasn''t in human form. Vooni didn''t have to ask, it was likely Pon wouldn''t be able to move if he took his human form.


    The Fire Wyvern was the only female in the group, she kept looking from Nix to Vooni, unsure if this was a joke. "You''re a 50 level Salamander, Pon?"


    Nix eyed the Wyvern, her hair and eyes were dark gold, she had a long scar that went from her hairline to her chin. The thin white line progressed through her eye and lips. The affected eye had turned completely white and the beautiful lips tilted downward slightly, making them crooked. "Pon the Magnificent! My job here is only to stay alive, outside of that there is not much I can do."


    Omak nodded, his face showing his determination. "Good enough! That will land you enough points to keep us above the progression."


    Nunzo pulled out his shield and produced a beautiful red sword made from flames. "Stay close to me, let''s do this!"

 Chapter 172 Three Points

    [You''ve joined the Fire group]


    /Fire: Nunzo: Welcome Pon. Stay close to me.


    /Fire: Aja: Thanks for the help, Pon.


    /Fire: Omak: Stay alive little Salamander!


    Nix waited outside of the entrance, it was opaqued to the point where they couldn''t see through it, so there was no guessing what they might face on the other side. He was standing squarely behind Nunzo while Aja and Omak stood closest to the door. From what he could tell, Aja was a thief type class and Omak some sort of ranger. They took their orders from Nunzo, who was a hybrid tank/dps combination. All three of them looked impressive.


    All of their huds buzzed at the same time, a briefing for the instance popped up.


    [Vooni''s Recruits]


    This zone had three hidden items. They are guarded by Archon level creatures. Find and bring back two of the items without any deaths. Your individual score will be based on contribution.


    Mission Time: 3 minutes.


    /Fire: Aja: Not much time.


    /Fire: Omak: How do we play this?


    /Fire: Nunzo: We''ll split up. We''ll find the first target together, if you can solo it call out! Time starts when we enter. Ready?


    /Fire: Aja: Ready!


    /FIre: Omak: Ready!


    /Fire: Nix: Ready!


    The group entered into a heavily forested area, there was only one path, so Aja sprinted down it with Omak and Nunzo close behind. Nix brought up the rear since he was unable to run at top speed.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    The images of his teammates became brilliant red blobs, their natural flames drowning out the outlines. Nix scanned through the woods, immediately finding all three targets.


    /Fire: Nix: The first target is 50 meters directly west of Aja. The second target is Northwest of that one by 100 meters.


    /Fire: Aja: West?


    The group skidded to a half, giving Nix enough time to catch up.


    /Fire: Nunzo: You two head west, I''ll take Pon with me!


    Aja and Omak increased their speed, apparently, they had been holding back so they wouldn''t lose the slower Nix. Nunzo waited for Nix to catch up.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Lead the way, Pon!


    /Fire: Aja: Found the first target!


    The ''way'' ended up being a small meadow with a large pond in it. A vicious-looking trio of Ice wolves sat quietly on the bank.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Three Ice wolves, if you finish early we might need help.


    Nix stood back, not sure how much he should do, the wolves gave him a sense of extreme danger.


    [Flashblade: Advanced]


    Nunzo appeared in the center of the wolves and landed a slash that sent two of them flying.


    Without meaning to, Nix leaned back and six strands of emerald flames shot from each hand, encircling the two wolves that were tossed away.


    Angry howls of the captured Wolves filled the air, the sizzling of their flesh sent giant clouds of steam billowing upward. They turned and charged at Nix.


    [Deadly Strike]


    Nunzo has landed a mortal blow on an Ice Wolf Fury.


    Nix cursed loudly and activated his bond ability, disappearing right before the wolves caught him.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up Nunzo''s strike with a critical hit.


    An Ice Wolf Fury has been slain. A mission essential item has been added to your inventory.


    /Fire: Aja: Our target is down! Heading your way!


    Even though the swap took Nunzo by surprise, he didn''t miss a beat.


    [Knight''s Challenge]


    Nunzo has called out a challenge. All opponents must answer the call!


    Nix chose the closer Fury and sent 12 Emerald strands at it. These were sharp strands with barbed tips that sunk deep into the Fury''s flesh. With both wolves attacking Nunzo, he wouldn''t last long. Nix slowly dragged his target away from the Flame Knight.


    Aja and Omak arrived in the meadow just as Nunzo finished off the second wolf. The three members of the Fire team all turned their attention to the Fury Nix was holding. It died under a barrage of critical hits.


    Nix turned and headed east, the timer for the instance only hand 40 seconds left.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Third target Pon?


    /Fire: Nix: This direction, 75 meters.


    His three teammates quickly overtook him raced away. Nix was struggling to breathe, even in Salamander''s form. The third target was a pair of Rock Spiders by the time Nix arrived, one was dead and the other nearly there.


    [Emerald Flame: Lance]


    Nix managed to hit it once before Aja finished it off with a few seconds left on the timer.


    /Fire: Aja: Yes! That''s the bonus!


    /Fire: Nunzo: Well done. Three Mission Essentials.


    /Fire: Omak: When''s the last time we got the bonus?


    They walked back to the entrance together and exited as a group. Nix flopped down immediately on the ground with a tired groan. Captain Vooni, their trainer was already waiting.


    [Your Strength has improved]


    [Your Stamina has improved]


    /Fire: Aja: What the f*ck is that on Vooni''s face?


    /Fire: Omak: It''s weird right? If I didn''t know better, I''d say it was a smile.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Impossible.


    Instead of reading their scores, Vooni knelt and patted Nix''s emerald head. "You okay there little Salamander?"


    "No. Can I go home now?" Nix turned over on his back.


    Vooni nodded and rubbed his stomach, "just take deep breathes Pon."


    "Pon the Magnificent," Nix corrected.


    "Of course, Pon the Magnificent." Vooni stood up and posted their scores.


    Nunzo: Flame Knight: 92


    Aja: Fire Wyvern: 89


    Omak: Fire Drake: 88


    Pon the Magnificent: 71


    /Fire: Nunzo: That''s what I like to see!


    /Fire: Aja: Hold on... Did Vooni just give him belly rubs?


    Nix finally turned over and stood back up. His team seemed to be having a laughing fit at his expense.


    Nunzo had to bite his lip to stop smiling when he turned toward his trainer. "I feel like this instance score doesn''t properly reflect Pon''s contribution. I request a three-point correction.


    Aja didn''t bother to hide her mirth from the Captain, her white teeth flashing. "Same here, three-point correction."


    Omak nodded in agreement. "Three points."


    Vooni considered their request before reopening her hud and adjusting the scores. "Three points it is, well done, everyone.


    Nunzo: Flame Knight: 89


    Aja: Fire Wyvern: 86


    Omak: Fire Drake: 85


    Pon the Magnificent: 80


    Vooni dismissed her recruits, waiting with Nix while they walked away. "I will definitely remember this. Thank you."


    Nix smiled and activated Deep Blue. "Three days until the next one right? See ya then."


    *****************************


    An hour later Nix exited the elevator on the 50th floor of the Embassy. He waited patiently as the transparent Stormsinger glided toward him. The last time they had spoken, Nix had threatened to dismantle the Embassy if a restriction wasn''t placed on the Embassy portals. "Greetings Esta Helisstuiride."


    Esta gave him a mischievous smile. "Guild Leader Nix. Did you bring Arch Winds?"


    "No. I have some questions." Nix returned her smile. When he asked Elune about ships and shipyards in Oasis, she had recommended he talk to a Storm Elemental. Sinking ships at sea was one of their favorite pastimes.


    "Hmmm... I can answer questions regarding the Embassy and this floor. Outside of that, I''m afraid my knowledge is limited." Esta circled him once, her corporeal body swaying and bobbing as she moved.


    "You''re a Stormsinger, right? What''s the difference between that and a Storm Elemental." Nix thought he''d start off with an easy question since he already knew the answer.


    Esta lowered herself until she was gazing into Nix''s yellow eyes. "You asked me something I want to answer so I''ll make an exception. There is no difference, I''m a Storm Elemental." Her smooth voice reminded him of flute music.


    "Is it true that Stormsingers love to play with ships?" Nix was suddenly glad he hadn''t invited her to the Sea-World. Someone like her could wreck the entire wharf without trying.


    Esta covered her clear mouth with both hands, refusing to speak. Her watery eyes were filled with mirth.


    "You don''t want to say?" Nix had reasoned that Esta must be from Oasis since no one seemed to have encountered them in Colonial. "Come on, with the crappy ships in Oasis, you must have sunk entire fleets."


    Esta let her hands drop. "Their ships are pretty bad, one little gust and they... Hey! Trickster! I''m not saying anything else." She shook her transparent finger at him and started floating away.


    "I''ve taken the Gemini Temple," Nix spoke quietly, even though they were the only ones there. Elune had told him that if Esta was from Oasis, then she certainly knew the prior Lord of the Gemini Temple."


    Esta stopped and slowly turned around, her clear face had lost all semblance of humor. "Tessa Beryngare''s Temple?" She moved closer and locked her opaque eyes on him. "I sense the Gemini..." Her voice dropped to the softest of whispers.


    "Can we speak now?" Nix kept his voice polite, it was obvious from her reaction to the name that they had not been enemies.


    Esta nodded slowly. "Yes."


    ************************


    Nix sighed in frustration. "Why does your face always itch the moment you can''t scratch it?"


    Hyai''s laughter filled the kitchen. She had accepted his help to finish the Supper dishes at the Kindled Spirit. Both of his hands were covered in suds. "Where''s the itch hun?"


    Nix grinned at the Innkeeper. "Left cheek, beneath my eye."


    Hyai dried her hands and scratch the spot he mentioned. "Good?"


    Nix nodded and went back to scrubbing pans. "Like I was saying, it seems we are going to take a trip to the far south of Oasis, into Ain''Dhassi territory."


    They had been discussing his conversation with Esta. When she finally opened up, she told him about a lost shipyard far to the south.


    Hyai wrinkled her nose slightly. "Polar Icecaps? No thanks, Cyphix was cold enough."


    "Fraid so. Semmi is getting permission from Morai Sai Teli for us to enter their lands."


    She glanced at that door and then leaned against him. "Just make sure you come back safe!"


    "We''ll leave tomorrow. I''m thinking two days tops."

 Chapter 173 Frayaselene

    Nix smiled drowsily, this bed was quite possibly the most comfortable bed in all of Colonial. Mina had stopped by the Kindled Spirit while he was finishing up the dishes with Hyai. She said she wanted to talk, so Nix had followed her to the beach cottage in the Sea-World. Oddly enough, they had started drinking instead and never really got around to a serious conversation. "I need to bring this bed to the Ranch."


    Mina peeked into the room when she heard his voice. "Isn''t this early for you?"


    Nix nodded and pulled himself into a sitting position. "I suppose. Seems like I''m constantly on the run nowadays."


    She gave him a smile and took a seat on the bet. She was wearing a pair of blue pajamas that Nix had made for her and her hair was hanging down. "I wanted to talk last night but instead I put it off."


    "This is about Ishna?" Nix leaned back on the bed, he was starting to get good at reading Aquarion facial expressions. Mina felt guilty. "You''re not the first person to want to trust their friends."


    Mina''s pale blue eyes instantly began to tear up. "With that Black Hand artifact, they could have imprisoned you indefinitely. It was my judgment that put you at risk."


    Nix reached for her hand and pulled until she fell across him, instead of resisting, she hugged his waist while she rested her head on his chest. "If I''m being honest, as I am now. They couldn''t have taken me, even if I had been alone."


    Mina nodded, her soft hair tickling his neck. "Your strength has grown faster than the Elder Matriarchs could have imagined."


    "Ishna asked me to tell you that she''s sorry."


    "She did? Do you think the Aquarions can survive in Oasis?" Mina looked up at him, her eyes were red with emotion.


    "Ishna is smart, the Oceans of Oasis are unknown at this time. There may be a water race already there."


    Mina eased herself up and kissed his cheek before scooting beside him. "If it was me, I''d pick someplace close to Loki."


    Nix glanced at her to see if she was serious. "You think Ishna will settle close to us?"


    Mina nodded. "If she hasn''t, then she definitely will if Panyu becomes pregnant with a female child."


    "You know her better than I do."


    "I''m sorry Nix. There won''t be any more mistakes on my part." Mina leaned her head on his shoulder. "I''ve decided that I want to see Oasis one day."


    "Once we destroy the Cai''Song Artifact and face the Elders, I will take you there."


    ********************


    Two hours later, Nix had showered and enjoyed a hot breakfast with Hyai. They walked together to the Parliament Courtyards until Hyai parted for the market area. Pon and Wind were waiting for him when he arrived at the North Courtyard, they had already ordered him a beer.


    "All the lifestyle players in Inferno have switched over to Oasis crafting?" Wind shook his head in amazement, they''d been busy in recent weeks and had made quite a few gains as a guild.


    "That''s all part of the Master plan that I came up with Semmi and Jun Li," Nix smirked at his two friends, he could tell they were curious.


    Pon ignored the obvious bait. "And how much of this master plan did you come up with?"


    Nix considered his question for a few moments. "A solid 4 percent."


    "That much?" Wind''s smile said he doubted the number.


    /Inferno: Rico: Nicky, when you combine cloth to make Camo, why didn''t you add an enhancement?


    /Inferno: Nix: You mean during the combining? There was an enhancement slot, but I couldn''t find a single item that worked.


    /Inferno: Rico: Found one. Enhanced Camouflage.


    Enhanced Camouflage


    Description: A unique set


    of colors specifically designed to


    make you blend in.


    Additional Effect: This cloth is


    made with Enhanced Mere stone.


    /Inferno: Nix: Enhanced Mere Stone? Good job! I''ve been meaning to craft some new gear for Fey, send me some and I''ll let you know the effects.


    /Inferno: Rico: Going to make an enhanced material line, blending different colors and adding the enhancements, should increase the effectiveness of everything you make with it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Try making some Under Armor gear so we can compare them, with ones I''ve already made.


    /Inferno: Rico: Okay Nicky.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Looks like the old man is showing you up.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Well... He is an actual Tailor in real life.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: You guys in the North Courtyard?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We''re almost there.


    A few minutes later, Fajii and Semmi arrived and took a seat with the group. The blond officer spent most of the morning in the Ain''Dhassi Clan Office. In the end, they had agreed to let Alpha Team explore the area North of the capital city of Fraya''Selene, or as the natives called it, Fraya.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: When are you going to hit the 11th floor?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Not for a few days. The Power leveling teams will be cycling through the Embassy floors of 60-70.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Why do our crafters need to be power leveled?


    Traditionally Crafters could maintain low levels while still maxing out their crafting skills. However, crafters in Oasis were sent on missions at different times to gather rare materials. They didn''t need to be combat specialists but they did need to have decent gear and levels.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Is that why Chael volunteered to head up one of the teams?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I am fairly sure Nansu made him do it.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Ready to hit it? I expect to see some serious Gemini slaughter since everyone has had some time with their new skills.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yes. We''ll take the Phai City Portal to Fraya where we will be met by Binam Manu.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: How many groups did you catch and release yesterday?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: At least a dozen.


    Nix had tasked his team of Gemini Elites to finding wandering groups of Aquarions and capture them without fatalities. After telling them how mating with human males resulted in female Aquarion babies, they were released.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: That was smart Nix. If a high ranking Matriarch like Ishna doesn''t know, then it''s a safe bet that only a few of the Elders do.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: The rumors will start, well-played boss.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s make it an ongoing mission whenever we have some downtime.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Sooner or later, Aquarions from outside the Souza Accord are going to test the theory. Once that happens...


    After stopping in Phai City to pick up a few last-minute items, Alpha Team stepped onto the gating platform and chose Fraya''Selene.


    Nix and his group arrived in Fraya shortly after lunchtime. As expected from a polar cap city, the roads and buildings were covered in ice and snow. The market square was filled with Ain''Dhassi wearing all different colors of furs. Heavy boots and knee-length coat seemed to be the fashion, Alpha team were clearly foreigners with their Camo gear and lack of winter attire.


    An Ain''Dhassi man wearing a long white coat approached them. He stopped in front of them and pulled down his mask. "You must be the group from Inferno?"


    Nix pulled down his own mask and extended his hand. "I''m Nix, this is my team. Semmi, Pon, Fajii, and Wind."


    The Ice Dhassi shook his hand and bowed low. "It is my pleasure to greet you. I am Binam Manu."


    Nix returned the bow. "Manu? There''s a Manu that works in Parliament."


    Binam nodded, "My younger brother. I understand that you are in a hurry? Follow me and I will start you on your way."

 Chapter 174 The Lost Shipyard part one

    /Alpha Team: Nix: Gonna say it, this is impressive.


    Binam brought them to an iceblock building outside of the city walls and opened the door to a small contraption that closely resembled a small skiff. It was enclosed and had three rows of seats. Yellow tinted glass-enclosed the ceiling giving the passengers a 360-degree view of the landscape. There were two long metal blades mounted to the bottom that elevated the undercarriage just enough to keep it off the hardened ice. Their guide deployed a small sail causing the Ice Skiff to jerk slightly before slowly starting to move.


    Within a few minutes, the crosswind was pushing the transport steadily toward their destination. Binam had pulled his hood back exposing short white hair and bright blue eyes. "Not much to see at the moment. We are crossing the largest freshwater lake in all of Oasis, of course, its been frozen-over for centuries. At our current speed, it will take about 2 hours."


    Fajii seemed fascinated by the ice and snow, her brown hand was pressed flat against the windshield while her eyes stared. "This must be two or three times faster than a horse can run."


    Binam looked back from the pilot seat. "You guys going to be okay with the temperatures? It will get well below freezing in a few hours."


    "We''re fine." Nix had made under armor for Wind and Semmi with high cold resistance. Since the other three members of the Alpha Team were fire oriented, they could keep themselves warm.


    After two hours on the Ice Skiff, the terrain started to change, they entered a small canyon that was several hundred feet straight up, the trail ahead of them narrowed until there was scarcely 20 meters between the walls. At this point, Binam took down the large sail in favor of a much smaller one causing their speed to drop by a half.


    After another hour, the Ice Skiff stopped and dropped them off near the entrance to a large tunnel.


    "This tunnel leads to Fury Pass, the other side of the pass is where you want to start your search." Binam shook their hands and wished them well. Alpha Team helped him turned the Ice Skiff around by hand and then waited until he was one his way.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: He was really friendly for a dhassi.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: He should be, our vote on the "captives" docket released him from years of slavery.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: So we travel on foot through Fury Pass, then be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary.


    Pon was in the lead while Nix was bringing up the rear. They entered the tunnel and walked single file.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Bright Silver Flames enveloped Nix, lighting up the path that was steadily getting harder to see.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Just so you guys are aware, Fury pass most likely means there are Ice Wolves there.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Why?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Ice Wolves are also known as Furies.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: They are?


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Should I buff us?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Couldn''t hurt.


    [Flaming Rock Wall: Advanced]


    The strength of Rock and Fire now protects your group.


    [Charred Rock Blade: Advanced]


    A powerful Scorched Earth modifier has been added to your weapon damage.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Who wants the Shield?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Better give it to the old bastard.


    [Scorched Earth Shield: Advanced]


    Pon is shielded by the might of Scorched Earth.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Should have done this earlier, your buffs are so warm Fajii.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I agree.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Have you faced Furies before Nix?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes, their bite does Ice Damage, but they should be really susceptible to Scorched Earth.


    Nix turned his flame off when they exited the tunnel twenty minutes later. The path widened and they spread out a bit.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Hold.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s yellow eyes slowly turned to orange and the landscape of white faded in his vision.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck is that? A dragon spell?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Shit! RUN!


    Without questioning Alpha Team broke into a sprint, moving down the pass as fast as they could run. A moment later, the eerie sound of a dozen howls filled the air.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Both sides Nix!


    Nix could see White Ice Furies moving on either side of them, trying to head them off.


    [Flame Snare]


    Nix has slowed an Ice Fury Wolf by 40 percent.


    [Flame Snare]


    Nix has slowed an Ice Fury Wolf by 40 percent.


    The two wolves closing on them slowed down drastically. Semmi, who was leading the group took a hard left and entered a small crack in the closest wall. The crack was barely wide enough for one person to run through at a time.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Through here, we''ll be able to fight them without being surrounded.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''ll guard the entrance, find us an exit.


    [Gemini Flame: Lance]


    Nix gripped the spear in his hand and flung it toward the entrance.


    Nix has landed a critical blow on an Ice Fury Wolf.


    A howl of agony sounded as the ice creature tried to retreat. Unfortunately, the push of its packmates trying to get in carried it forward instead.


    Nix spammed three straight Fire Lances before targeting the entrance.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Emerald flames washed over the Furies that had wedged themselves while forcing their way in. The howls echoed in the small cavern to a near-deafening level as handfuls of ice creatures were roasted alive.


    /Alpha Semmi: Nix! Stop Attacking!


    Nix wrinkled his nose at the smell of burnt hair and roasted wolf meat. These furies were not as strong as the ones he had faced in Solomon City.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: A bit late for that, they''re all dead.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Well shit...


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Better come see boss.


    There was only one path that led deeper into the ice, after a minute of walking Nix found his team, he cursed loudly when he saw them.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: No way of knowing Nix. What could we do?


    Nix cursed again and picked up one of the braver fury pups that pounced on his feet. The creature was as white as snow and was completed indiscernible from a rather large puppy.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s a Den. No wonder they were willing to run through flames to get in here.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I count six of them Nix.


    Pon tried to pick one up, but the puppy squealed loudly and bit his hand with pin-sharp teeth.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: You''re a Fire Mage Pon, even the pups can sense the danger.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: How come they aren''t afraid of Nix?


    Three of them had decided to attack Nix''s feet while he held their sibling.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I carry the Blessings of Ice. Give me some options.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I don''t see how we can continue our mission without somehow dealing with them.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: If we leave them, they''ll probably be dead by the time we get back.


    If they had been spiders or snakes, Nix would have flamed them without a second thought. Deep in his heart, he recognized the hypocrisy of that fact.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: One of us could stay and take care of them.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That would weaken us too much.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    An instant later, the big bear appeared in front of them. He sniffed the air a few times before spotting the pups.


    "Nice cave. What are the pups for?" Morty plopped down on his large butt, staring at the pups who were all looking at him.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: They are scared shitless.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Their instincts are telling them to run.


    "Can you take care of these until we get back? It''s going to be a day or so." Nix sat the pup on the ground near Morti and stepped away.


    "Sure Nix." Morti pawed gently at the one nearest him, the pup squealed and retreated further into the den.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    The Siren''s appearance had the exact opposite effect on the wolves. Ice creatures naturally have a high affinity with water creatures, they mobbed her legs all at once. Crawling all over each other to get to Ducky.


    Ducky giggled and extended a hand.


    [Calm]


    Instantly they started yawning and crowding together, a sure sign that they meant to sleep.


    "Can you and Morti handle these pups?"


    "Of course Nix. We''ll take good care of them." Ducky picked up the first one that fell asleep and placed it on the thick furred back of Morti. "Hold still Morti, they''ll be safer on you."


    Morti nodded and flopped down on his fat belly. "You might have to get them something to eat."


    Ducky turned back and started moving all the pups. Within a minute they had all fallen asleep. "I''ll hunt up something if I need to Nix. Don''t worry about it."


    "Okay, I''ll leave them in your hands." Nix led the way back toward the entrance, he cast Tides of Flame one more time to remove the Fury corpses on the path.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s continue through the pass.


    No one spoke for a few minutes, the group made good time as they trotted through the pass.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: What are you going to do with those Furies?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I know an Ice Elemental that will welcome them.


    Although the Gladis Hub was far from the nearest city, a half dozen Furies could be handy once they grew up.


    Their route narrowed gradually until it was less than five meters wide. A large archway marked the end of the pass. Alpha Team stealthed and exited quickly.


    Semmi was the first one through, she stopped suddenly, her mouth open in surprise.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Wow.


    Nix was the last one through, he stepped around his team and let out a soft whistle. "Don''t see that every day."


    Perfectly straight and measured rows of trees went on as far as you could see. Every one of them frozen and coated with ice. The ice leaves tinkled softly in the cold breeze.


    Nix walked to the nearest tree and pulled down a round object that looked like fruit. He tossed it to Semmi before placing a hand on the trunk of the tree.


    "It''s still alive, beneath the layer of ice, it''s somehow thriving." Nix could sense the warmth hiding at the core of the three.


    Semmi looked down at the fruit in her hand. "This is some sort of Orchard."


    Nix nodded and caught the fruit when she threw it back. "Let''s see what it is."


    Nix ignited his aura and held the fruit in his hands, the moment he sensed the ice was gone he flamed out.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: You''re not gonna eat that right?


    "Wrong." Nix took a bite out of the fruit, surprisingly sweet juices ran down his chin, A burst of flavor in his mouth caused him to grin. "Yeah... That''s really good."


    "Me!" Semmi stepped forward with her hand out. After taking a small bite her eyes lit up. "Crap Nix, this is great!"


    "I said that, didn''t I? Dibs on the Orchard." Nix laughed at the frown on Semmi''s face. His mirth was interrupted by something slamming into the side of his head.


    [Nix has been stunned]


    [Semmi has been stunned]


    [Wind has been stunned]


    [Pon has been stunned]


    Nix struggled to sit up, he felt powerful arms grab him as he was spun quickly around and around.


    An Ice Terror has bound Nix.


    An Ice Terror has bound Semmi


    An Ice Terror has bound Wind.


    An Ice Terror has bound Fajii.


    Something stabbed into his stomach, forcing a loud groan from his mouth. It repeated a few times, stabbing deep into his abdomen and chest.


    Nix has been slain


    Pon''s hands burst into flames, melting the ice webbing that held him, a moment later Fajii also broke free. He targeted the large creature that held Nix.


    [Balefire: Advanced]


    White-hot flame burned a hole the carapace of the creature, forcing it to drop Nix and retreat.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Fajii burn those webs off Nix and put him between us while I hold them off!


    Nix accepted the Battle Rez that Fajii offered a few moments later. He climbed slowly to his feet, shaking his head to clear it. The scorched bodies of a half dozen spiders lay on the ground.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Thanks. Anyone else hurt?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: They took Semmi and Wind, neither one of them are responding. Their group status says unconscious.


    Nix cursed himself for letting his guard down.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes slowly changed to orange as he scanned the immediate area. The smallest splatter of blood stood out on white snow. It was cooling down quickly.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Stealth up, follow me.


    Nix followed the trail east, into the jagged ice croppings of the foothills. He stopped suddenly when he saw the entrance. Cut into the side of an ice wall was a large archway.


    Fajii pulled Nix''s arm and pointed. "Look!"


    Fifty meters away, a thick pole jutted a few feet out of the ice, it was perfectly round, nearly a foot in diameter.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: That looks like the mast of a ship.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sure does.

 Chapter 175 The Lost Shipyard part two

    Two unmoving bundles lay on the pile of bones; the clicking sounds made by dozens of mandibles was the only sound in the darkness. Fresh meat, warm and tender, they could smell it, taste it even. The bigger spiders held the smaller ones at bay; they too were consumed by the need to feed. However, they had been told to wait.


    A small movement on one of the bundles, just a bump really, something barely noticeable. Slowly the ice webbing parted; it was such a tiny area that none of the waiting predators noticed. A smooth nose poked through the opening, it pushed and prodded before becoming an entire head. A moment later, a tiny six-inch gecko-like creature crawled out.


    The smell of a new morsel, even such a tiny one, was enough to ignite the hunger of the smaller spiders in the rear, and they surged forward.


    The gecko stood on his hind legs, taking in his surroundings and chittering loudly in the darkness. He ignored the creatures closing in.


    [Fear the King]


    **********************************


    "No food brought in yet, Captain." First mate Tully stood just out of arm''s reach. Often the bearer of bad news received their leader''s disdain. "The men are out scouting."


    Captain Yor huddled next to the fire, rubbing his hands over the flames. "Those f*cking spiders are so unreliable, time to kill a few more of them, Tully. Next time they show up, trim their numbers down a bit more."


    Yor''s dark eye stared into the fire, a faded bandanna protected his bald head, and an eyepatch covered the empty socket that had been gouged out in his youth. He wore a leather shirt that left his pale chest bare. A silver spider amulet hung around his neck, he sidestepped quickly and grabbed his first mate by the arm.


    Tully didn''t need to fake his fear; the captain had been cursed like the rest of the crew. From the waist down they had the bodies of sand crabs, Six-legs with armored carapaces covered their lower half. The captain had changed the most; his manner had become volatile and dangerous. "C..Captain!" Tully closed his eyes, waiting for the face smack that usually accompanied Yor''s mood swings.


    Instead of hitting him, Yor let him go. "This is my fault, Tully... I was the one seduced by her." Captain Yor refused to say her name as if invoking it would bring certain doom upon him.


    ******************


    Handsome Rollie and Shipwright Vy walked in single file down the icy path. Their sand crab feet moved with surety on the slick rock floor. Rollie was a striking man with piercing blue eyes and a wide jaw. His curly brown hair hung down to his waist since it had been years since he last cut it.


    Shipwright Vy was perhaps the most important person on the crew outside of the captain. She repaired the ship, made adjustments to the sails and rudders. Rumor said she could even build a boat if she were provided with the tools to do so. Usually, the quiet shipwright would stay close to camp, but today she had begged Handsome Rollie to let her accompany him. She was a pretty woman with brown hair and eyes. Her skin had once been tanned by the sun, but now was a pasty white color.


    Rollie held up a hand for her to stop; something was wrong. Terror hung in the air like a heavy mist. Had a dangerous predator entered their domain? "Stay close, Vy, at the first sign of trouble; I want you to run back to camp." Handsome Rollie knew that if something were to happen to Vy, he might as well feed himself to the spiders.


    Vy nodded and drew a wicked-looking dagger.


    The clicking noise that had accompanied their steps faded away as they both went into stealth mode. The Spiders were not at the tribute area, not even the pesky small ones that never listened. Rollie stopped when he saw the bundles, immediately he recognized them as humanoid. "F*cking Spiders!" He broke stealth and cursed loudly.


    Vy dropped stealth also and stared at the two bundles. "Ice Dhassi?"


    "What else?" Rollie felt his blood run cold and couldn''t suppress the shiver that ran down his back. The Ice Dhassi were a vengeful and protective race; if one of their people were killed or injured, a blood price would have to be paid. He noticed a tiny movement on one of the bundles.


    "Not dead?" Vy had also noticed the movement; it wasn''t until they moved closer that she saw the tiny creature.


    Rollie advanced closer but suddenly stopped when the gecko looked at him. He felt an underlying sense of danger radiating from the tiny lizard. "Hey... We don''t want to hurt anyone."


    Vy looked at her companion. Was he seriously being cautious? "Looks like a little lizard Rollie."


    "I can help. Would you mind if I checked them?" Rollie used the same tone when he talked to the Captain, respectful, and nonaggressive.


    He walked slowly toward the gecko; it watched as he drew a knife and cut through the Ice webbing to expose Semmi''s blonde head. He gasped in surprise. "Not a Dhassi?"


    When he moved toward the other body, the gecko chittered loudly at him. "I won''t hurt them; you have my word."


    Vy continued to remove the webbing from the blond female while Rollie cut loose the other. "She''s still warm and breathing. The Shipwright couldn''t help but stare; the unconscious woman was beautiful. She picked her up quickly and slung her over one shoulder. Rollie took a bit longer since he was purposefully moving slowly so as not to startle the tiny black eyes that watched him.


    "I don''t recognize the race. Definitely not Dhassi." Rollie picked up the male; his tiny protector scurried up to ride along.


    The walk back to camp only took a few minutes. When they entered the well-lit center of camp, Captain Yor immediately stood up.


    "F*ck... Don''t tell me they''re Ice Dhassi." Yor grimaced, if one of the Ain''Dhassi had been hurt, his crew would have to flee into the depths of the ice; into her territory.


    "Not Dhassi Captain." Rollie set the man down next to the fire and stood to one side as Vy did the same thing.


    Yor''s face relaxed slightly. "Not Dhassi, that''s good." He took a step closer, only stopping when he heard a loud, chittering sound. Fearless black eyes stared at him from its seat on the unconscious man''s chest. "Move off lizard, before you get eaten."


    [Fear the King]


    *******************


    Nix''s eyes glowed in the darkness of the ice cavern. The dragon spell turned his yellow eyes to deep orange. The trail stopped on a large pile of bones. He knelt down and picked one of them up. It had been thoroughly stripped of any flesh; hundreds of small scores on the surface indicated that little spiders had been feeding.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: They were here.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Any trail left?


    Nix scanned the area; the overwhelming presence of ice made his thermal vision much more acute. Any source of body heat glowed like a raging fire.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That way.


    Nix took off at a run, the rest of his team following closely. A minute later, he skidded to a halt and drew his Archon blade. Screams of terror erupted through the cavern and echoes off the walls.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Incoming!


    Nix turned in the direction Fajii was looking, a creature was fleeing toward them at a high rate of speed. Her eyes were wild with terror. He raised one hand, and a flame strand shot out, encircling her crab-like legs, making her stumble to the ground. He dropped a knee to her back and pinned her before releasing the strand. "I see you''ve met the King."

 Chapter 176 The Lost Shipyard part three

    Nix disarmed her and stowed the dagger she carried in his inventory. She was still squirming on the ground in fear so he removed his knee and stepped away.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Follow me, they must be in this direction if they''ve met the King.


    The trio ran in the direction the crab-woman had come from. Almost immediately Nix picked up the thermal signatures of two people lying on the ground. The fire next to them nearly cloaked their image.


    Eron leaped off of Fajii''s shoulders and landed nimbly next to the Gemini Thieves. "Spider Toxin, no damage besides that."


    [Detoxification]


    All toxins have been removed from Wind.


    [Detoxification]


    All toxins have been removed from Semmi.


    Nix helped Semmi sit up, the blond coughed up a greenish looking fluid before spitting it out in disgust. Wind didn''t manage that, he rolled onto his stomach and then vomited into the fire.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Welcome back. And thanks for the burnt vomit smell.


    Wind climbed to his feet and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "What the hell happened?"


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Ambush at the orchard, we were stunned and bound. I was killed and you two were carried off by spiders. We tracked you to this cavern. The King has been watching your back, we arrived just as the inhabitants of this place overstepped and he sent them packing.


    King Lubo jumped nimbly to Nix''s shoulder, a small webbed hand patted his cheek while chittering softly, after a moment he returned to Wind and disappeared.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: They should return shortly.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Get ready to fight. No matter what, we need to ensure that Fajii survives.


    Nix continued to scan the surroundings, within a few moments he could see the thermal images of their opponents returning.


    A man wearing an eyepatch was the first to return, if he was surprised that there were five armed guests waiting for him, he didn''t show it. "Looks like dinner has armed itself."


    Nix pushed Gemini Flames into the Archon blade he gripped in one hand. "Come and get it then."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I sense Ice in him.


    "Forgive my poor attempt at humor. I am Yor, Captain of the Moon Goddess." Yor bowed slightly, he could see no sign of the gecko that had ''Feared'' them. "There''s been a mix-up, I don''t wish to fight."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Maybe just kill this guy now boss, save us the trouble of doing it later.


    "If you can properly explain why we were ambushed, and why my people were brought here, then we can have peace." Nix watched as the Captain''s three companions quietly flanked them behind the ice walls.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Two behind on the left, the other is directly right of my position.


    Yor gestured to the spider amulet around his neck. "This gives me domain over the spiders. I use them to bring us food, sadly they don''t know the difference between dhassi and furies."


    Nix didn''t comment, he was fairly certain the man knew they weren''t dhassi.


    "My people brought your friends here. We were in the process of investigating their identity when a harmless looking lizard used some sort of ''mass fear'' on us." Yor cringed at the words he spoke, it was nearly laughable unless you felt the mind-numbing terror.


    Nix nodded, "you met the King. He does leave an impression."


    Yor let himself relax a little, the foreigners didn''t seem bent on fighting. "Come out, I''m sure they already realize you are there."


    Two men and a woman stepped out from the darkness, all three of them had similar crab afflictions as the Captain. The female Nix had pinned to the ground stepped forward. "I''m Shipwright Vy, the guy to my right is our First Mate Tully and the other gentlemen is Handsome Rollie."


    Nix''s thermal vision didn''t pick up anyone else. "Seem like a bit of a small crew Captain."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: We could use a Shipwright.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s make her our number one priority.


    Yor came closer and sat down on a rock near the fire. "The Winter Witch has the rest of them, frozen like blocks of Ice, far beneath us."


    Nix pulled out a half dozen cans of Kraken meet and sat them on the floor next to the fire. "I''m Nix, The Guild Leader of Inferno. Let''s share a proper meal so that you can tell us the story."


    Yor stared at the cans. "What''s in those?"


    Nix walked a few steps into the darkness, where a large rock lay propped up against the ice. He picked it up without showing the strain he felt and then placed it near the fire with a ground jarring impact.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Damn boss.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Show off.


    "It''s Kraken Meat." Nix sat down on the rock and motioned for his people to join him.


    *******************


    A few minutes later a large pot of Kraken was cooking over the fire. The entire group was huddled around the fire listening as Yor started to speak.


    "We''re from Tysta, you must have come through it when you traveled here. I came here on a fool''s errand." Yor pulled a small item out of his inventory and held it up. "I had heard that there was a Dying Stormsinger here, I sought to capture her spirit to craft a new figurehead for the Moon Goddess."


    Sea Rune: Artifact


    Description: Temporarily store the


    spirit of an elemental if it is slain


    in your vicinity.


    Nix glanced at the artifact. "I take it she wasn''t dying."


    "Correct. She has managed to capture hundreds of Ice Sprites and absorb their power. I don''t believe anything on this plane can kill her."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: He said this plane... Could she be from this Sky Kingdom that you mentioned?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: If she is then that''s very bad.


    Nix turned back to the conversation. "So we are looking at a very powerful Ice Elemental. What happened then?"


    "She cursed us and then encased us in ice, the Moon Godden and her entire crew." Yor gritted his teeth at the memory, her beauty had been intoxicating to him and when she offered a deal...


    "You don''t look like you''re encased in ice." Nix felt like he was missing something key.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: What am I missing?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Not sure.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: No idea.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Their ears aren''t pointed. They are not dhassi.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Some sort of dhassi sub-class?


    "The four of us were encased also, only a few years ago did we finally break free. At first, we tried to escape back to Tysta, but if we get more than a few miles from this cavern these cursed legs seize up and refuse to go any further."


    Semmi bent slightly to take a better look at the Captain''s legs. "There is a small layer of ice on them. What did you call your city Tysta? I''ve studied lots of maps of this area at Parliament and never came across the name."


    Yor nodded without really listening. "The ice is melded with my legs and can''t be removed. "What is this Parliament you mentioned?"


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Uh oh.


    Semmi went straight into lecture mode. "Parliament is the world governing body. It is made up of Ain''Dhassi, Su''Dhassi, FIr''Dhassi, and humans."


    "Excuse me, Captain, one question please." Nix pulled up his hud and zoomed in on the area map of Fraya''Selene. "This frozen lake North of us, would that be Tysta Lake?"


    Yor stumbled while trying to spring to his feet. "W-What is that? An artifact?"


    Nix shook his head. "You''ve never seen a hud? All the Oasis races have them."


    Vy moved closer, staring at the hud. "The land points are the same, why is Tysta bound in Ice? Where is Feski, Spiro, and Cyli?"


    Semmi leaned toward Nix and zoomed in on the hud. "If those are cities, I''ve never heard of them."


    Vy pointed to a point North of them. "This is a city?"


    Semmi nodded, "that''s Fraya''Selene, the largest Ain''Dhassi city in Oasis."


    Vy''s voice shook when she spoke, "Fraya'' Selene? That''s nothing but a dhassi village, a stable and a few huts."


    Nix glanced at Semmi. "What''s the Oasis year Sem?"


    Semmi pointed to the bottom right corner of the hud. "Oasis calendar year is here! It''s 4409, the month of Ticondera."


    "4409?" Yor''s voice was barely a whisper. "Two hundred years?"

 Chapter 177 The Lost Shipyard part four

    /Alpha Team: Wind: Damn Boss, where''d you get the sleeping bag?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I am a Tailor, I made it. You have one.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Yeah, but ours is store-bought crap.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Oh I see, so not a custom made, feather down, extra large with added heat enhancement and water resistance?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Heat enhancement? For real? Is there room in there for three?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Punk bastard.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We could squeeze you in.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: No...


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Fajii!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Get some rest, we''ll take the first shift.


    The group from Inferno settled down for the evening after making plans to join hands with the crew of the Moon Goddess the next day. They decided that four 2-hour watches would enable them to get enough sleep while keeping an eye on things. Since there were five people in Alpha Team, Nix and Fajii did their watch together.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Fajii watched with interest as his eyes turned from their normal yellow to deep orange. They sat together propped up against a large boulder, both nestled comfortably in the warm sleeping bag. "Thanks for sharing Nix."


    "It''s warmer with two, but I''m going to make you one in case I''m not here." Nix scanned the area, he could see everything that was warm-blooded. Wind, Pon, and Semmi were close to the fire about ten meters away. The four crewmembers from the Moon Goddess slept against the far wall, apparently, the fire was more of a moral comfort than a physical need for them.


    The two talked quietly while keeping an eye on things when the two hours had ended, Nix woke up Pon and then settled down to sleep.


    *************************


    A cold hand on Nix''s cheek woke him up. He opened his eyes to see the brightly smiling face of Semmi, she must have deliberately cooled her hand with ice before waking him.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Rise and shine boss.


    Nix rolled out of the bag and stowed it away. "Did you wake Fajii like that?"


    The blond officer shook her head. "She got up earlier and kept me company on the last watch."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Eat something if you want, let''s wrap this up


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Bev returned this morning, she''s in the Embassy with one of the power-level teams.


    Nix couldn''t keep the smile off his face. He was able to talk Bev into a one-year stay. She needed to level up, so her management skills could be properly utilized by Inferno.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Thanks.


    Fajii rebuffed the group while they went over the plans.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll kill this Ice Elemental if we can, Plan B is to find out what''s binding the crew of the Moon Goddess to this area.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It has to be an artifact of some sort. She couldn''t maintain that sort of spell for two hundred years.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll search for that first, destroy it if we can.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: They''re coming boss.


    Yor approached with his three companions. Vy was the only one who wasn''t wearing armor. "The three of us will accompany you, it''s time we end this." The Moon Goddess Captain took off the Spider amulet and handed it to Vy.


    The Shipwright took the amulet and place it around her neck. "I''m just holding it for you, Captain. Make sure the three of you come back safe."


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Why isn''t she coming? Not a fighter maybe?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Too valuable to risk.


    Nix eyed the three additions to their team. Yor had two short sabers equipped along with heavy armor. Rollie held a mace in one hand and a short hand-weapon in the other.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: That''s a sawed-off shotgun boss, never even seen one in Colonial.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Two melee and a ranged fighter. We should be fine.


    Tully carried a long rifle with an impressive piece of optics attached, he was the only one of the group that was wearing medium armor.


    The Captain bowed slightly, "Would you bring up that hud thing you showed us yesterday?"


    Semmi nodded and opened up her hud, she zoomed in and selected the local map so that the cavern trails would be displayed. She pointed to their position on the map. "This is us."


    Yor looked at the different routes that were displayed, his stubby fingers pointed to a specific trail. "This is our route in if we are sneaking in. There is an alternative."


    Nix studied the map, trying to commit it memory. "What''s the alternative?"


    "She knows the four of us have escaped her ice. I''m under orders to report anything having to do with dhassi." Yor gave the impression that he dreaded seeing her again.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: With our masks and helms on, we could pass for dhassi.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: If we go sneaking around, she might be alerted. But if someone distracted her.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''ll take Pon, you three look for the source of the prison.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Why me?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Because you''re a badass Fire Mage.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: True.


    "That route looks much shorter." Nix glanced at the rest of the group. "Stealth in but be fast. Who knows how long it might be before we have to take action."


    Yor nodded in agreement. "My men will accompany them while I take you directly to her. They are experts at infiltration."


    After a few last-minute checks, the group departed the cavern a few minutes later and started down a path that descended into the icy darkness. They walked in groups of two with Nix and Yor leading the way. The second team had already stealthed and were maintaining tight noise discipline. Yor, Nix, and Pon talked loudly, occasionally kicking stones or purposefully slamming their weapons.


    They descended for nearly two hours before Yor stopped and motioned for the other group to keep going. The entrance before them was a wide hole cut into the wall with a long curved ramp leading downward. "This is our route?"


    Nix peeked in, the path was glazed over with ice and very steep. "Looks a bit precarious."


    "We slide in." Yor arranged his weapons and sat down in the entrance to the tunnel.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Looks like we''re sliding in, old man.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Shit...


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I want to slide!


    Nix took a seat on the ice next to Yor, waiting patiently while Pon did the same. "Lead the way Captain, we''ll follow as best we can."


    Yor used his knuckles to push off and a moment later shot into the darkness. Nix did the same and immediately leaned back when he started to slide.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    There were no off-passages or turns that Nix had to make. They slid down the same path that seemed to curve and spiral randomly. As slides go, it was far better than any Nix had experienced as a kid growing up in Camden. He could see the thermal image of Yor ahead of him by about twenty meters, the occasional glance back showed that Pon was maintaining the same distance.


    Finally, the slide ended in a long room, the trio found themselves skidding across a rock floor before bouncing off the far wall.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Landing was a bit rough, but we are here. What''s your status Sem?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We are running, but still a few minutes out.


    Nix stood up and brushed off the accumulated ice. They were in a long room that was occupied by a rather large throne made of ice. Yor stepped toward the throne and instantly a dozen torches lit up on either side of the room.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck is that?


    Nix stared at the torches, they were blue, but not like the blue flames that he knew of. These were a deep ice blue that chilled the room with their presence.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Ice Flame maybe?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Bullshit, there''s no such thing.


    "Yor''... The name was whispered from the throne, a person could be seen in the distance sitting casually.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Contact.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: She wasn''t there a moment ago Nix.


    Yor swallowed his fear and turned towards the throne. "I found these two exploring in your domain, you asked me to report anything out of the ordinary."


    "So I did. Bring them closer so I may have a proper look at them."


    Nix listened to the voice, it didn''t sound old or weak. There was a familiar tone to it, something he heard before.


    Pon and Nix followed on either side of Yor as he walked slowly. The torches cast an eerie glow on the throne, the figure sitting there stood and advanced to meet them.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Woah...


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Didn''t see that coming.


    A young woman approached them, stopping about five meters away. She wore white leather armor that clung to her supple frame. Twin daggers tucked into her belt, each of them was caressed by slender white hands. Her white hair was cut short and spiked on the top, piercing blue eyes completed the picture of youth. She was stunningly beautiful.


    [You have resisted Charm]


    [Pon has resisted Charm]


    [Yor has been Charmed]


    Nix slammed his fist into Yor''s temple as hard as he could, the crabby captain flew across the room where he impacted the rock wall and slid to the floor unconscious.


    She glanced at Yor''s unconscious body and sighed unhappily. "You''ve hit my minion." Her voice purred forth, smooth and silky like the most comfortable sheets imaginable. The urge to lay down and sleep was nearly overwhelming.


    [You have resisted Sleep]


    [Pon has resisted Sleep]


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Enough of the bullshit. May I?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Be my guest.


    Pon lifted his hands, both of them burst into flames.


    [Balefire: Advanced]


    A bolt of white flames slammed into the female, her feet skidding backward on the floor.


    Nix didn''t follow up Pon''s attack, it was merely an answer to her aggression.


    A small bit of blood appeared on one corner of her mouth, she tasted it with closed eyes as she licked her lips. "I do like playing with Fire. What is the purpose of you coming here? There aren''t many dhassi fire mages."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We''re here. Keep her busy.


    "Exploring, of course, we dhassi do like to explore." Nix casually raised a hand, a single emerald flame strand shot out and encircled her waist.


    The white-haired woman hissed, her face showing surprise as she experienced the emerald flames. "So painful, I like your style." She pulled a dagger from her belt and swiped it away. "I am Nefi, a very lonely Stormsinger." She approached them slowly, her hips swaying gently while one hand casually caressed her stomach.


    [You''ve resisted Advanced Seduction]


    [Pon has resisted Advanced Seduction]


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Why does a Stormsinger know so may charm skills?


    Nix drew his Archon blade and pushed his Gemini Flames into it. "Lonely? You look young and beautiful, I wonder what keeps you here all by yourself."


    [Archon''s Armor]


    Pon moved to one side, flanking her. "You haven''t absorbed Ice Sprites, there''s no way you''d remain this way if you were truly at the end of your life cycle."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: There''s not enough Ice Sprites around to account for her.


    "Aren''t you the smart ones? Exploring my territory without asking for my permission? You are after my secrets?" Nefi laughed loudly, an evil sound that gave Nix the urge to run.


    [You''ve resisted Fear]


    [Pon has resisted Fear]


    [Flashblade]


    Nix''s form blurred and appeared beside Nefi an instant later.


    [Nix has scored a critical hit on Nefi]


    [Critical Chain]


    Pon has used Balefire to follow up on Nix''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has used a melee weapon to follow up Pon''s attack with a critical hit.


    "ENOUGH!!" A wave of pure power blasted outward from Nefi, instantly canceling the critical chain. Blood ran freely into her eyes as she staggered backward.


    [Incinerate: Gemini Flames]


    Nix has placed Nefi in a prison of fire.


    The screams of Nefi echoed in the room, both Nix and Pon took a step back.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s a short spell, hit her when she breaks out.


    Nefi has activated her bloodline.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: RUN PON!


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Ice Dragon]


    [Second Form: Salamander]

 Chapter 178 The Lost Shipyard Conclusion

    Pon heard Nix''s warning and immediately started running. A powerful blast slammed into his back, knocking him to the floor. The crushing power made the old fire mage scream in agony until an equally strong power erupted in front of him and canceled it out. Pon lay flat on his back in the eye of the storm; the elemental releases destroyed the area around him. Ray''s of sunlight from nearly a half a mile up shone through.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: The hell was that?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: That was a dragon and a salamander facing off. No worries.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: We found the artifact, should we take it or break it.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Do it the Inferno way.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Okay, so we break it. Good thing we were far away from that blast. Why do I see daylight?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Heading toward the other team boss, the only thing I can do here is die miserably.


    The Emerald Salamander''s aura erupted, pushing Gemini flames outward in all directions.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Go, I''m just a speed bump now.


    Nix stepped carefully through the rubble; the Ice Dragon was nowhere near as big as it should have been. "You must have found something interesting all those years ago, an ancient corpse perhaps? You''re not a real dragon."


    Nefi reared back on her hind legs. She was nearly fifty feet long, and her enormous wings touched the crater on both sides when she extended them. "A Salamander?" The Ice dragon laughed loudly, her booming voice shaking the ruins around them.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: She''s a hybrid like me.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: So you can handle her?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: No, she''s still a dragon.


    "You are a good guesser. Anything else you want to add before I let you experience my lovely Ice Flames?" Dragon Nefi''s crystal blue eyes stared at Nix.


    "Why haven''t you left this area? I can''t imagine hanging out in this Icecap is very exciting." Nix was starting to figure it out; she was either anchored here or couldn''t bring herself to leave such a huge source of power.


    "I have my reasons." She flapped her wings once, pushing Nix back several feet.


    "There''s more power to be drained, isn''t there?" Nix extended their conversation, knowing that his team needed every second. "Where''s the corpse? Why don''t you share it with me?"


    "WHAT?" Nefi shouted angrily, the blast knocking the emerald Salamander end over end through the rubble. "You want my power? Do I need to share with an insignificant lizard?"


    [Balefire Burst: Gemini Flame]


    Green and Silver flame erupted from Nix''s extend hand, Nefi raised her wings to block the attack, not expecting that the Gemini flame would slice through both her wings and slam into her chest.


    [Incinerate: Gemini Flames]


    Nix has placed Nefi in a prison of fire.


    The Ice Dragon reared back, trying to break free of the flames; they seemed infinitely more powerful when cast from the salamander form. She roared in anger, the Gemini Flames scorching her peerless dragon body. After a few seconds, the spell ended.


    [Dragon Bolt: Ice Flame]


    [Gemini Flame: Lance]


    The two attacks crossed each other as they sped toward their respective targets.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    Nix used his jump attack to evade, his agonizing scream hurt his ears when the Ice Flames grazed him slightly.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on Nefi.


    **************************


    "What kind of strike was that?" Captain Vooni shouted at her squad. They were all standing in front of a reinforced Training Dummy while she taught them a new attack.


    /Fire: Nunzo: So much for happy and smiling Vooni.


    /Fire: Omak: We need Pon here to put her in a better mood.


    /Fire: Aja: You mean Pon the Magnificent.


    The small group laughed amongst themselves, the mood quickly turning lighter.


    "Watch one more time!" Vooni focused on the Dummy and then drew her sword.


    [Severed Life]


    The Dragon Descendant appeared next to the dummy and sliced through it like air. The top end stayed in place for a moment and then slid off with a soft thump.


    "If you don''t get it right this time..." Vooni seemed like she was about to curse them when her hud blinked on. A dark-haired man with horns jutting from his head appeared on her screen. Immediately her mood changed to respectful. "Commander!"


    The man nodded pleasantly. "Power spike on the lower plane, sending you the coordinates. Take your team and investigate. This is an optional bonus mission."


    Vooni saluted crisply. "My team is on it." The hud closed promptly after her acceptance. Silver fire wings appeared immediately on her back. She canceled the training dummy and turned toward her group. "Wing up, special bonus mission on the lower plane."


    /Fire: Nunzo: We could use more points.


    ****************


    A few minutes later, four Archons flew over Fraya''Selene. They didn''t bother to mask their arrival; the bright silver flames surrounding each of them were easily visible from the ground. Vooni turned directly south, even from miles away, the utter devastation was apparent.


    [Vooni has joined the Fire group Chat]


    /Fire: Vooni: Listen up, exercise caution. There is no guessing what powers are at play here, and dying during a bonus mission carries a considerable penalty.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Understood, Captain.


    The group rocketed toward the massive crater in the ice, a multitude of different flames impacted repeatedly as an all-out elemental battle was being waged.


    Aja was the first in range; immediately, she dived for the crater. The Fire Drake used all the speed at her disposal to close on the battlefield.


    /Fire: Vooni: I said to use caution!


    /Fire: Aja: It''s Pon!


    /Fire: Vooni: What? GO! GO! GO!


    **************************


    "You won''t last much longer, little salamander." Nefi exhaled loudly; her exhaustion was apparent by her slow movements. She noticed him bent over the corpse of Yor. "Looting my minion? Join him in death!"


    [Fire Bolt: Ice Flame]


    Nix managed to leap to one side as the ice blue flames struck Yor''s corpse. It crackled loudly and turned blue before rupturing in thousands of ice shards.


    [Advanced Execution: Gemini Flame]


    A thick strand of razor-sharp flame sliced toward Nefi.


    The Ice Dragon attempted to block with a tail-whip, she screamed in mortal agony when half of her tail was sliced cleanly off.


    "ENOUGH! FACE MY DRAGON FLAMES!" Nefi reared back on her hind legs and expanded her chest, a funnel of Ice Blue fire erupted from her mouth and roared towards Nix.


    Nix slipped slightly in his own blood and pushed all of his Gemini Flames into the Archon Armor. He winced reflexively while awaiting the strike, but it never came.


    A loud crash sounded in front of him. A figure, bathed in fire, landed and sliced through the attack with a quick strike of her sword. The Fire Drake''s feet dug deep gouges into the rock as the power pushed her back, three more Archons appeared by her side a moment later.


    [You have joined the Fire Team Chat]


    /Fire: Nix: You guys come to visit me? That''s very sweet.


    Vooni''s pale face was red with anger. The Emerald Salamander was missing a hind leg, and most of his tail, he was riddled with wounds. She turned to face the Ice Dragon, who suddenly looked terrified. Pon, the Magnificent had wounded her severely despite the massive difference in levels. The Fire Captain''s straight nose sniffed the air, immediately discovering the dragon corpse.


    /Fire: Vooni: There''s an Earth Dragon corpse nearby, collect what you can and then destroy the body. Bring all the bones with us.


    "Who are you?" Nefi already realized she couldn''t match the new arrivals. "Why are you interfering with a fight on the lower planes?"


    Vooni''s lip curled in a snarl, the soft sound of her weapon being drawn filled the crater. "Let me guess. You came here to die and found the Earth Dragon near his death. You bound your blood to his and then feasted for a hundred years."


    "Two hundred." Nix''s voice carried from behind her. "This area was the seat of an entire civilization. Her Ice buried a half dozen cities."


    Nefi dropped her dragon form and fell to her knees, coughing up blood. Her ice-blue eyes stared at Nix in hatred. "This is your fault! You brought them here."


    "Sure... and now Captain Vooni is going to f*ck you up."


    Vooni nodded in agreement, her eyes blazing with anger. "Putting your hands on a member of my team. It''s my deep regret that you can only die once."


    Nefi''s eyes took on a maniacal look. "You will beg for death!"


    [Death Curse: Eternal Prison]


    Vooni raised her sword, her snarl turning into a roar of anger. A flash of blue from behind her caused her to turn around just as Nix disappeared in a cube of Ice Flames. "You Bitch!" The dragon descendant blurred towards the Ice Dragon only to find that Nefi was already dead.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Earth-Dragon destroyed, we have the bones.


    /Fire: Vooni: Come at once.


    When the three members of the training group returned to the crater, they found Vooni staring at a large cube of flames that hovered in the air.


    /Fire: Aja: What is that, Captain?


    /Fire: Nunzo: Where''s Pon?


    /Fire: Vooni: It''s Ice Flame. The result of an Ice Elemental leeching the power from a dragon. It''s not something fire elementals can withstand. I want each of you to touch it carefully.


    Aja advanced slowly and placed a hand out. Immediately she yanked it back with a loud howl.


    /Fire: Aja: It burns!


    Vooni watched as each of her students touched the cube. "It''s ice so cold that it burns Fire Elementals."


    /Fire: Vooni: I''m afraid that Pon is trapped inside.


    /Fire: Aja: What? He is inside this?


    /Fire: Omak: So we wait until it kills him and use revive on him.


    /Fire: Vooni: It''s a cursed prison, powered by the demise and will of dragon blood. If he dies in the cube, he will most likely respawn in there also. This is called an Infinity Curse.


    /Fire: Nunzo: His status says unavailable. No communication allowed.

 Chapter 179 Ice Flames

    Group and Guild Chat has been disabled.


    Personal Messaging has been disabled.


    All Gating and summoning skills have been disabled.


    All personal skills and artifacts have been disabled.


    Your binding point has been temporarily changed to your current location.


    Nix found himself floating in the air, the temperature around him was beyond cold. He read the system messages that scrolled in front of him. "That sounds really bad."


    Slowly he looked around, he was surrounded on all sides by Nefi''s Ice Flame. "I''m trapped inside some sort of cube. It''s hard to think clearly with these injuries."


    He glanced down at his badly damaged body. "Guess there''s no choice." He found himself able to move with just his will. Bracing against the pain, he moved toward the walls of the Ice Flame prison. A searing cold caused his body to blister, the cube echoed with the sound screaming.


    You have died.


    No death penalty is allowed.


    No equipment damage is allowed.


    A moment later Nix respawned in the center of the Cube, still in salamander form but his body was uninjured. "That''s a good start."


    *********************


    Semmi looked upward, a large portion of the Ice Cavern ceiling had been blown away. The sudden change in the structure caused delayed collapses in many of the passageways. "How are we doing?"


    Tully pulled out another of his crewmates from their ice prison. "That''s eleven Semmi. There should be nine more."


    The mood had turned somber a few minutes earlier when Pon had joined them and reported the death of Captain Yor. The passageway that the Fire Mage used to find them collapsed shortly after his arrival.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Nix''s info is grayed out and his status says unavailable.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Let''s stay on mission. Recover the crew of the Moon Goddess, then find a way out of these tunnels.


    Eron healed the sailors as they were uncovered, the black fox seemingly unaffected by the missing Guild Leader. He stood quietly on Fajii''s shoulder, his soothing voice reassuring everyone. "This is Nix we are talking about. He is worthy."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "How about me? Am I worthy?"


    Eron looked away from the old mage. "No."


    Wind laughed at the look on Pon''s face and continued digging through the ice. "How about me?"


    "No."


    Semmi smiled sweetly at the black fox, her own companion was part of his race.


    Eron glanced at her before she could ask. "Not worthy."


    The blond officer didn''t let his words bother her, Eron was the primary reason they were able to pinpoint the sailors buried deep in the ice. She continued to chip away at the ice. "I feel like this Worthy and not Worthy scale is biased. How about you give us a fair benchmark so we know when we are getting close."


    Eron stared at her for a moment, his black tail swishing from side to side. "Single-handedly fight off a dragon that''s fifty levels higher than you and I will admit you are worthy."


    "....." Pon.


    "....." Wind.


    "....." Semmi.


    *************************


    Nix''s laughter echoed within the cube. It was not a laugh full of mirth or joy, but one born of anger and crazed will. He looked down at his salamander body, both of his arms were burned off by the frigid Ice Flames.


    He rammed it again, using his head and shoulder. An agonizing scream marked his passing.


    You have died.


    The Salamander respawned at the center of the cube and sighed in frustration. How many times had he died? Fifty? Or even a hundred?


    "Maybe I should take a break. Or wait for help." Nix stared at his Ice Flame prison. "Prey waits."


    He slammed into the walls again, this time not backing away he put all his strength into moving forward. One arm crystallized and shattered with the effort. He roared in anger, desperately trying to push his way through.


    You have died.


    [Your Resistance to Ice Flame has improved to 1]


    ********************


    /Fire: Nunzo: Captain?


    Vooni and her recruits continued to watch the Ice Flame Cube. It had been more than three hours, no one had spoken in nearly half that time.


    /Fire: Vooni: Nunzo, take the team back.


    /Fire: Omak: We don''t want to leave either Captain. You said it yourself, it''s an infinity curse. Pon''s just a 50 level Salamander.


    "I know... perhaps in a bit, I will leave. I can''t bring myself to go back at the moment." Vooni''s voice was thick with emotion, "he didn''t have a single reason to help us. Pon the Magnificent beat me fair and square."


    Aja moved beside her trainer and took a seat on the frozen ground. "I don''t mind waiting a bit longer. There''s no time limit on thi..." Her voice trailed off, a portion of the cube seemed to be bulging outward.


    The smallest bulge formed on the side of the cube, A moment later, emerald fingers pushed through the Ice Flame wall. An accompanying roar of anger resulted in the appearance of two hands gripping the flames and tearing them apart. The air vibrated with power as the wall warped out of shape.


    /Fire: Vooni: SHIELDS UP!


    An instant later the prison cube ruptured sending the power of a dragon death curse outward in all directions. The wave swept up the Archons and tossed them into the air like leaves. A small jagged crater was blasted into the ground where the cube had been, slowly a weary Emerald Salamander climbed up the side.


    The fire team returned quickly on silver flamed wings. A myriad of different emotions crossed their faces when they spotted the Emerald Salamander, bathed in an aura of Ice Flames, Pon the Magnificent collapsed on his stomach with a loud groan.


    [Awakened: Ice Flame]


    [You have slain a Legendary Creature]


    [Beast Slayer Title has been Updated: 4/6]


    [You have been given the title of Dragon Slayer]


    [Your Skills have been restored]


    [Group, Guild and personal messaging have been restored]


    [Your hidden class has been upgraded]


    [New Guild Quest Options are available]


    Guild Quest: Lift the Curse


    Guild Quest: The Forgotten Race


    Guild Quest: The Moon Goddess


    Nix let the flames drop and he lay there panting on the ground. A moment later he felt himself picked up and hugged tightly. He resisted the urge to lick Captain Vooni''s face when she pressed against him. "We here on a bonus mission? Can I have points for this?"


    Vooni stroked his head a few times before sitting him down gently, she didn''t trust herself to speak coherently so she just nodded.


    Aja knelt and patted his head. "You awakened another flame?"


    The Flame Knight stared at him, Nunzo''s usually stoic face showed surprise. "You broke an Infinity Curse."


    /Fire: Nix: Sure... Took a while though.


    A half-hour later, Vooni and her group reluctantly left. Nix had told them that he had a personal mission deep in the caverns and that outside help would result in his failure. He waited until they were out sight before he dropped his Salamander form.


    He walked slowly toward the corpse of Nefi.


    [Do you wish to skin the Ice Dragon?]


    Nix considered the question for a moment. "Yes."


    [1 Large Ice Dragon Skin has been added to your inventory]


    He breathed a sigh of relief and looted her corpse. "I''m just glad it was a dragon and not human skin."


    You have received [Proof of Death]


    You have received Ice Fang


    You have received the Ice Dragon Robe.


    You have received the Ice Crown.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: You okay there boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sure, the dragon used some sort of binding spell on me when she died. It took me a while to break it.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: She''s dead?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yep. Where you guys at?


    Nix pulled out the item he removed from Yor''s corpse during his fight with Nefi, it had changed with her death.


    Sea Rune: Artifact


    Elemental Storage 1/1


    Contents: Ice Dragon Spirit


    He quickly stowed it away. "What''s with all the Ice loot?" His thoughts immediately drifted to Knight Commander Wylie, the Ice Temple Champion that he recommended. She took the position even though she was slightly undergeared. "Can''t keep everything for myself, especially this Ice crap."


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: We are near the entrance to the cavern. We have all the crew members of the Moon Goddess.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: On my way.


    Nix decided to risk a short flight and summoned Fey. She glided effortlessly over the frozen destruction, keeping low and stealthed.


    "It''s pretty here Nix, but too cold for us fire creatures."


    "I agree." Nix patted her shoulder, "I''ll make you some new gear that will enable us to ignore the Sky predators."


    Fey banked towards the entrance and leveled off. "That would be nice, I want to fly here."


    "Hey... Could you have a human form one day? Don''t Drakes have that capacity?"


    "Some Drakes do Nix. Sadly I do not."


    Nix frowned. "Why?"


    "Drakes are related distantly to Dragons. I do not have enough Dragon in me for that, even if I managed to advance to Nemesis."


    "I see." Nix''s thoughts slipped to Aja, the Drake Archon. Could Fey advance that far with a little help?


    Fey landed neatly in front of the group and then dropped stealth. She nuzzled Nix with her snout when he dismounted. "Be careful Nix, I smell Dragons."


    Nix kept his face expressionless. "Right. I''ll see you back at Haven."


    He quickly unsummoned Fey and turned just as Fajii wrapped him up in a hug. She kissed him a few times before releasing him. Eron took the opportunity to transfer to his shoulder.


    Vy, Tully and Rollie walked toward him, they had hung back initially because of the Drake even though Semmi told them to expect it.


    Nix eyed Vy''s crab-like legs. "The curse wasn''t lifted?"


    Vy looked down at her legs, her face showing satisfaction. "What are you talking about? The melded Ice is gone, they are good as new Nix!"


    Vy has given you [Heart Felt Thanks]


    Vy has given you [Hand Drawn Blueprint]


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: The curse wasn''t the crab legs Nix, it was the Ice encasing them. This is how they are. Their race is called the Izzin. [Pronounced: Eye-Zin]


    Nix bowed his head slightly. "Excuse my bad vision Vy, the fight with the Ice Dragon has me a bit disoriented.


    Vy''s eyes showed the relief she felt. "You killed her?"


    "Yes."


    Eron swished his tail at the group. "The conditions for being Worthy, have just been Upgraded."


    ********************


    An hour later they reunited with Morti and Ducky. Together they traveled to the entrance of the tunnel where the Ice Skiff had dropped them off the day before.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: What are we going to do with the crew?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll bring them to Loki. Then we''ll discuss what they want to do.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Take as many as you can and we''ll start moving across the Lake. I don''t want to leave them alone.


    Nix nodded and took a few minutes and adjusted the Loki Command menu to change the portal permissions to allow the Izzin in. He picked out the max number that he could take and activated Deep Blue.


    Tully decided to come with the first group, Nix pointed him to the front gate of Loki City.


    "We''ll be back with the rest of your people in a few hours. The town is empty for two more days, so make yourselves at home." Nix started to activated Deep Blue, but then stopped. "Gear yourselves up in the stores. Even though it been picked through, help yourselves to whatever you need."


    Tully bowed deeply. "We are in your debt, Guild Leader Nix."


    Nix waved him off and activated Deep Blue. "Just Nix is fine Tully."


    Nix stepped onto the Fraya''Selene platform an instant later. He started towards the gate at a trot.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Back at Fraya. How are the Izzin holding up?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Really good, they are surprisingly hardy for a group that''s been frozen in Ice.


    Nix decided to summon Fey again as soon as he cleared the gate. They kept low to the ground with Nix using his Thermal vision to scan the skies. In less than an hour, Nix rendezvoused with Semmi and her group.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''ll take Semmi, the Izzin, and our wolf pups with me.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Vy wants to come back here in a few weeks once they''ve recovered. She said there is too much of their culture buried beneath the ice.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We can make that happen. The rest of you can gate directly back to Haven, we''ll discuss the events of the last few days at the morning Officer meeting.


    Nix thanked Morti and Ducky before unsummoning them. Then waited until Fajii, Pon and Wind gated out before activating Deep Blue.


    A few minutes of walking saw the Izzin group reunited. They had gathered some tents and supplies from the empty shops and settled into the Market Square area.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Settle them in and see to their needs Sem.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''m going to hang out here. They are bound to have questions.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: You are the best Sem.


    ******************


    Nix stepped onto the Gladis Hub Platform a short while later, the sounds of sparring carried across the courtyard. He was struggling to hold all six puppies in the small box, so instead, he set it down and turned them loose. "Incoming!"


    The women in the square seemed to freeze in place. The wolves were divided into which way they wanted to run. Two raced toward Cyan, one happily found Wylie and the other three mauled Shi on her throne.


    Nix laughed at the Ice Lord''s expression when they climbed over each other to get on her lap.


    Shi seemed to struggle for a moment until two of her Acolytes ran forward and nabbed the pups. The Ice Lord kept one in her grip, her young face smiling widely. "Nix! Where did you get these?"


    He bowed slightly, "think of them as an advancement present." He didn''t have to be told, these were Oasis Ice Wolf Furies, their potential as protectors were limitless in Colonial.


    The Ice Lord stroked the wolf''s soft fur while she studied it carefully. "Ice creatures, like nothing I''ve ever seen."


    Nix nodded, "they were orphaned by me accidentally during a mission. Please take the responsibility of raising them for me."


    Shi stared at him for a moment. They were priceless creatures but he made it sound like he would be in their debt. "I will accept this task Nix."


    "Wylie, could you step forward please?" Nix watched as his Knight Commander made her way from the training mats. She held a wolf pup gently in her arms.


    "How did the mission go Nix?" Wylie''s beautiful face was blushed red, either from exertion or puppy happiness.


    "A few items dropped that I would like to give you. Keep in mind that I am your commanding officer and that I order you to accept them."


    Wylie looked like she wanted to flee. "Yes, sir!"


    Nix handed her a box that contained Ice Fang and the Ice Dragon Robe. "You aren''t to open these until after I''ve left."


    Wylie nodded. "Yes, sir."


    He handed the small box containing the ice crown to the surprised Shi. "I found something on my travels that I can''t equip. Please make proper use of it."


    She looked at the small box in her hands. "May I open it?"


    Nix shook his head and turned back toward the platform. "I am expected elsewhere so I can''t stay."


    Shi followed him to the platform, still holding the small box and the wolf pup. "How should I thank you Nix?"


    Nix stared at her, his manner turning serious. "Grow stronger, Ice Lord. The destruction of the Cai''Song artifact is coming and war might follow."


    *****************


    The redhead sat impatiently on the edge of her bed, her sharp ears listening for a step outside her door. Shae sighed heavily. "Where is he?"


    A light knock interrupted her thoughts. She flung the door open and ushered the Emerald Salamander inside, she waited until he changed into human form before throwing herself at him. ''


    "Nix!" Shae gripped his face and rained kisses on him while kicking the door shut. She stopped after a moment, pushing him down on her bed. "You''ve changed again Nix."


    Nix nodded and used one of her pillows to prop his head up. Shae''s senses were incredibly acute.


    "How come you don''t seem to be straining much?" Shae placed a hand over his chest, his strength had spiked upward.


    Nix shrugged and pulled her closer. "It''s not bad at all, just a bit of general heaviness."


    She placed her chin against his chest, staring into his yellow eyes. "How was your mission to Fraya''Selene?"


    "It had a few bumps. Want to hear about it?"


    Shae leaned over him and brushed her soft lips against his, her silky red hair tickling his neck. "Yes, but first things first."

 Chapter 180 Archon Armor

    Breach Commander Mtui stared at the Mission Report from the Fraya''Selene region. The name caught his eye because of its nature, Pon the Magnificent. The dark-haired commander leaned back in his chair.


    Beta stood respectfully in front of her C.O. Her job was to report facts, not give her opinion. "It''s that name again. Captain Vooni recruited a 50 level Salamander to replace her dropped Trainee. Then this same name shows up in their investigation team."


    The dark-haired man had two small horns jutting out of the sides of his forehead. "Without passing the trial, this Pon person should barely be able to move." Mtui had viewed the records; although he hadn''t outperformed his teammates, he did manage to make a difference.


    Beta''s pink eyes stared at the Breech Commander. "Word has trickled down through Solomon City, recruit Pon the Magnificent at all costs."


    Mtui pursed his lips as he considered her words. "The source?"


    "Nunzo, the Flame Knight, he sent the message to the Commander of his Order." Beta opened up her hud and showed him her record of the Ice Fire Cube.


    Mtui instantly recognized it for what it was, an infinity curse. "He cracked it open like a Dragonspawn would. Did they see you?"


    The Albino female shook her head. "No."


    "He''s just a 50 level," Mtui closed his hud, " but I don''t want to lose him one to the Great Houses. Let''s help him out, get him some better gear."


    Beta nodded, "I''ll see to it, Sir."


    *****************


    "Why up so early, Nix?" Fey was sunning herself on the banks of their fishing spot. The Drake lay flat on her stomach with her long wings stretched out on the grass.


    "I''m looking for you." He took a seat on the grass near her head, one hand patting her gently.


    Fey closed her eyes, "I''m getting a lot of special attention Nix. Are you up to something?"


    "Yes, I''ve brought you a present." He showed her a small red stone. "Know what this is?"


    Fey''s snout raised slightly. "I sense Shae on that, but I''m not sure what it is."


    "This will give you access to her Elemental world while she is gone." Nix had asked Shae for it, and she complied willingly.


    The raised her head and stared into his eyes. "What''s driving this, Nix?"


    Nix held up a second object. "This is."


    Sea Rune: Artifact


    Elemental Storage 1/1


    Contents: Ice Dragon Spirit


    Fey''s eyes showed confusion. "Are you going to fuse with an Ice Dragon Spirit?"


    "No, you are." Nix stood up and activated Deep Blue. "I''ll be summoning you in a few minutes, so prepare yourself."


    "Fuse with an Ice Dragon?" Fey watched as Nix disappeared in front of him. "Don''t you know how valuable that is?"


    *****************


    Nix walked past Derva on his way to the Fire Palace altar, Shae''s Head Acolyte bowed politely when he greeted her. A moment later, he entered Shae''s world and disappeared from the Fire Palace.


    He felt odd walking to Shae''s garden without her present. The beautiful Salamander had made a deal with him. Pick her some ghost peppers, and Fey could make use of the Elemental world while she attempted to fuse with the Ice Dragon Spirit. Nix pulled out his bag and started picking.


    After two hours of harvesting, Nix took a few minutes to soak in Shae''s favorite hot-pool. Nix held the artifact in one hand and then summoned Fey. According to Shae, the drake would have to swallow the artifact whole and then attempt a merger. Nix summoned her and spent a few minutes giving her encouragement.


    Fey pushed her snout against Nix''s chest. "To give me such a treasure, Nix, I am speechless."


    Nix stroked her head lightly. "Do you best, and I will craft you a harness that will give you the skies of Oasis."


    Fey nodded and opened her mouth. Nix placed it inside gently. "Prepare yourself and take your time. I will come to check on you in a day."


    ******************


    An hour later, Nix walked into the Parliament Guild Office. All the officers were gathered, Nix took his seat and spun the chair around to face his guildmates.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: First item, we have three Guild Quests on our Queue. I believe that I already possess the items necessary to complete them. However, we need to build a Guild Hall in Oasis first.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: Why do we need to build the hall first?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: These quests are Legendary Class Guild Quests, we need a proper Guild Hall to reap the benefits.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Where do we build the Guild Hall? The Haven maybe?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: That''s one option.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I was thinking Loki. We don''t have to use the building in order for us to receive the bonuses.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: What''s your reasoning?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: The Izzin can use it as their HQ while they plan their next move.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I like it.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Me too.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: The Izzin could use a hand, it''s great that we''ve been able to help them.


    /Guild Officer: Fajii: I have no objection.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I''m going to head to Loki and start with building the Guild Hall. We''ll get the first choice on location.


    /Guild Officer: Fajii: I''m going to send 100 of my Scorched Earth Acolytes to maintain security for Loki City.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: It''s a good idea; although we are allies, there are bound to be moments of aggression.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: I''ll research the Quests. With the addition of the Gemini books to my library, I need some credits to upgrade to a Great Library.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: How many credits?


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: 600 million credits.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I''ll make sure you get it. Upgrade right away and give us the background on these Quests.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Thanks, Nix.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Tomorrow, we''ll be wrapping up the 11th floor. We''ll hit all three of them in a row and hope for the Ivory Key.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: Thank you, everyone. To be so close to my lifetime goal, I can''t tell you what it means to the members of the Souza Accord.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We''ll see it through Min.


    ***************


    The Emerald Salamander stepped off the platform in Solomon City, right away he spotted her, an Albino female in black scaled armor.


    "Greetings. You are Pon the Magnificent?" The pale woman approached him and waited for his answer.


    Nix looked up at her; she was slender and athletic. He guessed her to be a stealth-type class. "Yes."


    "I''m Beta, a special envoy of the Breach Commander." She returned his bow politely.


    "Well met Envoy Beta. Please excuse me; I''m on my way to the training yard."


    Beta produced a large box from her inventory and sat it on the stone tile in front of him. "Since you are working hard to aid Captain Vooni''s team, you are being awarded a full set of Basic Archon Armor."


    "For me?" Nix stared at the box she set down and then promptly changed to human form. He examined the armor for a moment before putting it on.


    Archon Armor: Tyrant X [Recruits Only]


    Armor Class: 3000


    +100 to all Stats.


    All incoming damage is decreased by 50 percent.


    Fire Based Abilities are increased by 40 percent.


    Nix slipped on his mask so he would have a usable camouflage. "Thank you. Rest assured, I will put it to good use."


    Beta nodded in satisfaction. "Why the mask? Are you an outlaw?"


    Nix nodded. "Undoubtedly."


    The Albino stayed near the platform until he walked out of sight. He didn''t seem to be struggling at all. Could the bonus stats from the set armor make that big of a difference?"


    ******************


    Nix smiled behind his mask as he entered the training yard. The boost in stats had to put his strength close to 300, for the first time in Solomon City, he felt strong. He spotted Vooni and her Fire Team near the entrance to the training Instance.


    [You have joined the Fire Group Chat.]


    He nodded cordially to his group. "Am I late? I was wiped out yesterday after that damn prison cube."


    Vooni''s face showed her surprise. "Going to fight with your human form today?"


    Nix nodded, "I received some armor from Envoy Beta. The stat increase is enough for me to fight comfortably."

 Chapter 181 Izzin Quests

    Nix waited with the rest of the Fire Team while Captain Vooni briefed them.


    "Listen up, this is a simple training mission." A slight smile lingered on her lips while she spoke. "Defend the Fire Nymph from three waves of attacks. Set up your defense however you like. Take a minute to figure things out and then jump in."


    /Fire: Nix: A Fire Nymph? Is that the flame version of a Water Nymph?


    /Fire: Aja: Yes. The same playful elementals, not really worth much.


    The golden-haired drake handed him a small envelope. "The lord of my house seeks to make your acquaintance, please read this invitation."


    "Hmm?" Nix looked at the invitation he had been given, the outside read ''Pon the Magnificent.''"


    "I have one too Pon." Omak handed him a similar letter. "This is from the lord of my house."


    Nix stowed both letters. "Thank you both, I shall read them after we finish up."


    Vooni watched the interactions of her group with interest, the Great Houses were already closing in on Pon. "Get moving!"


    ***************************


    The click of heels on white marble floors echoed in the quiet halls of the Great Library. A brown tweed skirt with a white collared accompaniment completed the picture of Haven''s Librarian. Ronnie could pass for a Su''Dhassi with her dark skin and pointed ears. She smiled to herself and opened the Great Librarian hud, something only the caretakers of Great Libraries could do.


    [Whisper: Dalton to Ronnie] How are the shoes, Ronnie? It was my first attempt at heels.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Dalton] Very nice, now that I know what a cobbler does, let''s be good friends.


    [Whisper: Dalton to Ronnie] Sounds good.


    Dalton and Nix had teamed up to make her proper work clothes. She completed the look by putting her red-streaked hair up in a neat bun. "Now if I could only find some glasses."


    Ronnie entered a search for the Lift the Curse Quest. Immediately she started reading.


    [Lift the Curse: Legendary Quest]


    A long-forgotten race was cursed centuries ago by a powerful Ice Dragon. Somewhere in the Southern Icecaps, a lost civilization remains frozen in time. Slay the Dragon and unbury their remnants that lay closest to the dragon''s lair.


    Conditions:


    1) Must find all the crew members of the Moon Goddess.


    2) Two of the three officers must survive. (Captain Yor, First Mate Tully, Shipwright Vy)


    3) Kill the Ice Dragon and obtain Proof of Death.


    Reward: Gain a powerful Alliance in the Kingdom of Izzin.


    POC [Bael Strom]


    /Inferno: Ronni: Semmi could you come to the Haven library, please?


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''m a bit busy at Loki. Can it wait?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Just take my portal here.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The Great Library has a portal?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yes, I''ve restricted the access temporarily but I''ll add your name.


    /Inferno: Semmi: This is the sort of thing you should announce to the Guild.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Guild Announcement: The Great Haven Library has a portal, it can access all the Capital cities in Oasis.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Loki is on the list?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yep.


    A few minutes later an annoyed-looking Semmi entered the Great Haven Library. She came to an abrupt stop when she saw Ronnie. "Okay... What''s with the sexy Librarian look?"


    Ronnie smiled at the blond officer. "Like it?"


    Semmi nodded. "Let me guess, Nix made that outfit for you."


    Ronnie nodded, "yep. And Dalton made the shoes."


    Semmi couldn''t stop the smile from jumping onto her face. "I hope you have an actual reason for asking me to visit."


    Ronnie pointed to a nearby chair. "Pull up a seat."


    Semmi pulled a chair closer to the desk and started reading the screen that Ronnie had pulled up. Immediately her face took on a look of confusion. "A powerful Alliance? What does that even mean? There''s only a few dozen of them."


    Ronnie leaned forward her dark eyes staring intently. "I have a theory."


    Semmi looked like a deer caught in headlights, she could smell the light fragrance of flowers. Sharl had once told her that Ronnie was capable of anything. "S-Sure, let''s hear it."


    The dark-haired beauty cocked her head to one side. "You okay?"


    Semmi cleared her throat and nodded. "Yep, just tired."


    "My theory is that the rest of the Izzin population aren''t dead either, they''re frozen like the crew of the Moon Goddess."


    "And now we have to dig them all up?" Semmi reread the Quest and rewards again.


    Ronnie shook her head. "The Curse of Ice will be lifted once the quest is turned in to our Point-of-Contact, Bael Strom."


    "Bring up the other two Quests." Semmi watched as she keyed them up on her hud.


    [The Forgotten Race]


    The oldest humanoid race in Oasis is not the dhassi, but rather the Izzin. Their culture predates the Dhassi civilization by hundreds of years. Remind the Dhassi races of their existence.


    Conditions:


    1) Find one surviving member of the Izzin government.


    2) Receive [Heartfelt Thanks]


    3) Bring the Izzin Government Official to Parliament and register them as an Independent Nation of


    Oasis.


    Reward: Major Cultural Enhancement, Restoration of the Izzin Nation.


    POC: Parliament Registration Office.


    "Holy crap Ronnie." Semmi reread the conditions, "Shipwright Vy gave Nix Heartfelt Thanks."


    Ronnie brought up a second hud on her desk, this one was a map of Oasis. "Doesn''t the Ain''Dhassi stand to lose a large chunk of their lands if a new nation is formed?"


    Semmi reached over and zoomed in on the map, she used her finger to outline the Tysta Lake. "This lake was the seat of their nation, all the cities were coastal settlements."


    "Let''s see the last one then." Ronnie keyed in the search, she could feel the blond officers'' eyes staring at her, "there we go, Sem."


    [The Moon Goddess]


    A great War Ship from the early days of Oasis disappeared while on a diplomatic mission. The knowledge of shipbuilding died with the great Izzin country. Rebuild her to the best of your abilities.


    Conditions:


    1) Moon Goddess Blueprints.


    2) An Izzin Shipwright.


    3) Allied Status with the Izzin Nation.


    POC: Minister of Naval Defense, Vyona Seabreeze.


    Semmi pursed her lips as she read the last quest. "Vyona Seabreeze could be Shipwright Vy."


    Ronnie nodded, "I was thinking the same thing."


    Semmi stood and favored Haven''s new librarian with a smile. "One way to find out. Thanks, Ronnie."


    Ronnie waved from her desk. "Don''t be a stranger."


    ***********************


    The four members of Fire Team huddled close to the Fire Nymph while they tried to recover. Nix leaned heavily on his knees, his breath coming in gasps. The first two waves were straight-up melee contests. He hadn''t managed to kill anything, but staying alive was his main goal. He thanked Beta under his breath for the new armor, he probably would have been cut in half without it.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Don''t let the lack of kills bother you, surviving the assault waves at your level is completely amazing.


    /Fire: Omak: The planar suppression affects all your stats, seriously just stay alive and we win.


    /Fire: Aja: We got this, the last wave coming up!


    Nix felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see the smiling Fire Nymph. Her nude feminine figure could barely be made out under the inferno of flames that engulfed her. During the battles, she had called out encouragement to the team protecting her.


    "I am Tadera and you have very pretty eyes." The Fire Nymph circled him once, her light laughter surrounding him.


    Nix was glad the mask hid his goofy grin. She reminded him of Ducky, although his Siren seemed much stronger. "Thanks."


    Nunzo moved in front of him and hefted his shield.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Incoming!


    Three Fiery Hellhounds charged into their defense.


    /Fire: Aja: Shit, fire creatures.


    [Knight''s Challenge]


    Nunzo has called out a Challenge. All opponents must answer the call.


    [Aura Ignition: Ice Flame]


    Nix raised a hand and three strands of Ice Flame shot toward the nearest Hellhound, the barbed ends impaled deep into its flesh. Gritting his teeth, he dragged one of the beasts away from the Flame Knight.


    The snagged Hellhound howled in agony and charged at Nix.


    [Flame Snare: Ice Flames]


    A Fiery Hellhound has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Fire Root: Ice Flames]


    A Fiery Hellhound has been rooted in place.


    Nix was barely managing to hold the hellhound, with his mana not recovering he opted for a straight CC role as other members of the Fire Team fought aggressively.


    /Fire: Nunzo: The kills are taking too long, we should have mobs had more already!


    Nix pulled his hellhound further away from Nunzo before recasting root and snare.


    /Fire: Aja: Pon use Dragon Eyes and scout!


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes changed from yellow to deep orange. Immediately he spotted a stealthed creature sneaking in.


    /Fire: Nix: Aja, strike to your left.


    The Fire Drake blurred and slashed out with her dagger.


    [Critical Hit]


    A Demon Assassin has been exposed and is highly vulnerable.


    Nix caught a movement in the air and ducked as a silver blade slashed where his head had been. Quickly he raised his hand and sent an Ice Flame strand at the winged assassin that was closing on Tadera.


    His target dodged easily and dived at the Fire Nymph.


    Nix cursed loudly and raised his hand again but this time he targeted Tadera, two emerald strands wrapped around her waist just before the assassin arrived. He pulled with all his strength yanking the Fire Nymph from under the assassin''s blade. The ringing of a sword stuck deep into the stone caused Omak to turn and attack.


    [Stun Shot]


    Omak has stunned a Fiery Winged Assassin.


    "Get behind me Tadera!"


    Nix raised his hand again and a half dozen barbed strands of Ice Flame impaled the chest of the creature.


    [Flame Snare: Ice Flames]


    A Fiery Winged Assassin has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Fire Root: Ice Flames]


    A Fiery Winged Assassin has been rooted in place.


    Nix strained while holding a creature with each hand. The Fire Nymph took shelter behind him, loudly applauding his efforts.


    Aja scored several critical hits in a row and the Demon Assassin dropped to the ground.


    A Demon Assassin has been slain.


    Immediately she switched back to Nunzo''s target and together they killed the 1st Hellhound.


    A Fiery Hellhound has been slain.


    Omak''s bow landed several hard hits on the weakened Winged Assassin that Nix had his strands on, it died without landing a strike on anything other than the rocks.


    A Winged Assassin has been slain.


    Omak then turned his bow on the Hellhound that Nix was holding, its howls of agony nearly drowned out the rest of the battle. Most of its life was already drained by the Ice Flame and it died after one shot.


    A Fiery Hellhound has been slain.


    Nix retreated with Tadera back to the center of their defense while the rest of the Fire Team finished off the last Hellhound.


    You have learned Dual Wielding Flames.


    Dual Wielding Flames


    Description: Your expertise as a flame wielder


    as advanced to the point where you can use


    two separate flames at the same time.


    You have learned Pulsar.


    Pulsar


    Description: Your Flame strands have


    advanced to the point where you can send


    pulses of flame through the barbed tips.


    The Instance faded around them and Tadera disappeared with a happy wave. The exhausted Fire Group made their way back to the entrance where Captain Vooni could be seen waiting.


    /Fire: Nunzo: It was ugly, but I''ll take it.


    /Fire: Aja: Hard to kill Fire Creatures when most of our damage is fire-based.


    /Fire: Omak: Nice job Pon!


    Omak slapped his back hard, once again the 50 level Salamander had survived their trial.


    Captain Vooni has joined Fire Team Chat.


    /Fire: Vooni: I can see from your faces that you aren''t satisfied. This is always one of the most difficult trials even though there aren''t many mobs.


    /Fire: Aja: How did Wagner and Pheno''s groups do?


    /Fire: Vooni: You outscored them, Pheno''s group passed, but their Nymph was wounded badly. Wagner''s team lost one person but managed to keep their Nymph safe.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Our Scores?


    Nunzo: Flame Knight: 94


    Aja: Fire Wyvern: 92


    Omak: Fire Drake: 92


    Pon the Magnificent: Salamander: 88


    /Fire: Vooni: Not all battles are quick and effortless, this one was drawn out and required several elements.


    /Fire: Aja: We''d been in trouble without CC on this one.


    /Fire: Vooni: I agree. Could I ask you a few personal questions, Pon?


    /Fire: Nix: Sure.


    /Fire: Vooni: Is there something stopping you from leveling up and taking on the planar trial challenge?


    /Fire: Nix: I am near the end of an incredibly important mission on my homeworld of Colonial. It requires my level to be at fifty. I have enough banked experience to instantly shoot up to level 100.


    /Fire: Vooni: I would like you to take the planar trial and join this Fire Team unless they have objections?


    /Fire: Nunzo: None here, I would look forward to it.


    /Fire: Aja: Pon the Magnificent is welcome here!


    /Fire: Omak: I agree, he works well with us.


    /Fire: Nix: I have many pressing tasks, at this point, I can only commit to helping you finish this phase of training.


    /Fire: Vooni: I have the authority to be flexible with schedules, perhaps you could complete your tasks and join this team.


    /Fire: Nix: When is the last trial?


    /Fire: Vooni: In two weeks. I''d like your answer sometime before then.


    /Fire: Nix: I will consider the options carefully. Thank you everyone.

 Chapter 182 Master Crafter

    "Well done today, Pon the Magnificent." Beta appeared out of thin air, directly in front of him.


    Nix greeted her with a smile. "Nice trick... Do you have some Ice talent? Or is that an artifact that keeps your body temperature low."


    "A small bit of ice ability," she admitted. "How did you know?"


    NIx shrugged, "I still have Dragon Eyes active so I should be able to see your body heat."


    "Captain Vooni has a very high impression of you." Beta handed him a small gold-colored envelope.


    "I hope this isn''t a marriage proposal." Nix stowed the letter in his inventory and moved to go around her.


    Beta shrugged, "not really sure since I didn''t read it. This comes from Breach Commander Mtui''s office, not Captain Vooni."


    "What''s a Breach Commander? Do you work for him?"


    Beta nodded in reply. "I do. Breach Commander''s are attuned with Colonial, Oasis and the Sky Kingdom. When power is wielded in a place where it doesn''t belong they are able to sense it and send someone to investigate."


    "Sounds important. Are there many Breach Commanders?"


    Beta shook her head and held up three fingers. "They are very important and quite rare. All three of the current Commanders are Dragonspawn."


    Nix frowned at the word. "What''s the difference between dragon descended and dragonspawn?"


    "Dragon descended means they have a dragon somewhere in their line. Dragonspawn means that one of their parents was a dragon."


    "Interesting. Thanks for answering my questions." Nix waved at her and stepped onto the platform.


    "Welcome." Beta watched him port out and then she also disappeared.


    *******************


    Nix stepped off the platform in the Gemini sanctuary and headed for the area he had changed from a library to a crafting Bazaar. Nix was surprised that his dad wasn''t hard at work for once. He took a seat at one of the crafting stations and removed the archon armor.


    Archon Armor: Tyrant X [Recruits Only]


    Armor Class: 3000


    +100 to all Stats.


    All incoming damage is decreased by 50 percent.


    Fire Based Abilities are increased by 40 percent.


    "First things first I guess." He took out the Large Ice Dragon Skin that dropped off Nefi.


    [Do you wish to process the Large Ice Dragon Skin?]


    "Yes."


    311 Ice Dragon Leathers have been added to your inventory.


    Ice Dragon Leather: Mythic


    + 1000 AC


    + 200 to Ice Abilities


    + 100 to Flight


    + 100 to Charm


    Nix stared at the stats for the leather. "Serious... I could make a pair of socks and they would be awesome." He pushed the leather to one side and opened up the crafting menu.


    [Select the Overlay Material]


    Nix inspected the camouflage that his dad crafted with the Merestone.


    Enhanced Camouflage Overlay


    Effect: Fabric Infused with Enhanced


    Merestone greatly increases the potential


    of items made from it.


    Description: A mix of colors specifically


    suited to blending in.


    [Overlay: Enhanced Camoflauge]


    [Select the item being enhanced]


    Nix chose the Archon Armor that Beta had given him.


    [Overlay: Enhanced Camoflauge] [Archon Armor]


    [You can add up to four Bonus Enhancements for this overlay.]


    Nix looked at the possible add-ons. Kraken, Leviathan, and Lamia were all legendary creatures. Ced''Far Leather was a primal material, just a small step up. He had no idea what effect Dragon leather would have with its Mythic rating.


    Nix talked to himself while he worked. "The Lamia needs to stay, that should give a poison element. Ced''Far is just a stronger version of Kraken so I''ll throw that in."


    [Overlay: Enhanced Camoflauge] [Archon Armor] [Bonus Enhancement: Lamia Leather]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Ced''Far Leather] [Bonus Enhancement: Leviathan Leather]


    Nix frowned at the 400 million credit price tag. "Damn... I''m almost scared to add the dragon leather. I''ll just take a peek."


    [Overlay: Enhanced Camoflauge] [Archon Armor] [Bonus Enhancement: Lamia Leather]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Ced''Far Leather] [Bonus Enhancement: Leviathan Leather] [Ice Dragon Leather]


    Instead of going up, the cost decreased all the way to 185 million credits.


    The Dhassi crafting avatar popped onto his hud and started talking to him. "Using Mythic material during crafting decreases overall price, depending on the quality."


    "Hmm, it seems like Oasis is encouraging the use of Mythic material. I wonder why." Nix selected the craft Item icon and leaned back to inspect his work.


    Stealthed Avenger Armor: Tyrant XX [Absolute Stealth]


    Armor Class: 5500


    +150 to all Stats.


    All incoming damage is decreased by 60 percent.


    Fire Based Abilities are increased by 60 percent.


    Ice Based Abilities are increased by 40 percent.


    Immunity [Poison]


    + 100 to Charm


    + 100 to Flight Skills


    Nix reequipped the armor, it instantly changed color to match his surroundings.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    The big bear pushed his enormous head into Nix''s back. "This the Gemini Palace?"


    Nix wrapped an arm around Morti''s thick neck and hugged him. "I want to make you something nice, a Battle Harness that will give you a bigger edge."


    "Really?" Morti flopped down on the marble floor with a loud thud. "Can it have a mask?"


    "No mask." Nix scruffed his ears roughly and then opened up the New creation crafting menu.


    [State your creation clearly]


    "I wish to make a Battle harness, that a Spirit Companion: Bear Type, can use to fight in."


    [Select The Battle Harness material.]


    "Base material needs to be cloth since I''m a Tailor. Let''s go with something super light."


    [Battle Harness: Enhanced Camouflage]


    [Specify the name of the recipient for Tailored Battle Harness.]


    "Mortimer."


    [Mortimer][Battle Harness][Enhanced Camouflage]


    [There are two enhancement slots available for this creation. Please choose your enhancement items.]


    "Let''s go with the Big Guns, Ced''Far and the Ice Dragon."


    [Mortimer][Battle Harness][Enhanced Camouflage][Bonus Enhancement: Ced''Far Leather][Ice Dragon Leather]


    [The technique you are creating is considered a New Creation, all New Creation fees are waived.]


    "Love it, free shit."


    Nix selected the Craft Item Icon and then held the item up for Morti to look at. It had the feel of strong leather, it slipped easily through Morti''s front legs and buckled over his shoulder. It had a fair amount of protection on the chest and back. "What do you think?"


    Stealthed Battle Harness: Tyrant X [Absolute Stealth]


    + 2000 AC


    Ice Shield Defense


    +100 to All Stats.


    +100 to Flight Skills


    All Incoming Damage is decreased by half.


    Morti stood on his hind legs. "This is really comfortable Nix. It has flight skills. Will I be able to fly?"


    Nix shook his head. "You''re too fat to fly Morti."


    "No, I''m not. And it says Flight Skills, I''m going to try it."


    "Right, looks good Morti."


    "Thanks, cya later Nix." Morti waddled toward the sanctuary gate.


    "I need to shore up my Arch Winds, they are too fragile for Oasis." Nix summoned all three of his Arch Wind companions. "Let''s see if the crafting menu will let me cheat a bit."


    Tor, Cal, and Shadai looked around the Crafting Area, their sharp vision taking in every detail. Cal stepped forward and bowed. "Greetings Nix. How may we be of service?"


    "Going to make you a Flight Harness." Nix cursed under his breath, he''d already made one for Fey so it wouldn''t be a new creation.


    [Cal][Tor][Ea''Shadai] [Flight Harness][Enhanced Camouflage][Bonus Enhancement: Ice Dragon Leather][Bonus Enhancement: Ced''Far Leather]


    Nix nodded in satisfaction at the price, only 20 million credits for all three. He selected the Craft Icon and the motioned his Arch Winds forward.


    Stealthed Flight Harness: [Absolute Stealth]


    +2000 AC


    +100 to all Stats


    +100 to all Flight skills


    Incoming Damage decreased by 40 percent


    High Chance for Critical Hit or Critical Heals.


    He helped each of them with the harness. "Test it out, I''m interested to see the result."


    Cal flexed his wings and tried out a few movements. "We''ll try it out against our brethren in Air''Voilla. Thank you, Nix."


    Nix waved when they summoned a small air tunnel. "Let me know how it goes."


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Oi... You coming Nix? We planned some fishing before the Officer meeting.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Yep, just wrapping up some crafting. On my way.


    Nix stowed away the enhancements but left the rest of his things at the crafting station. "I''ll gear up Ducky and Soup before the raid."


    *********************


    Jun Li and Semmi were both sitting comfortably at their fishing spot when Nix arrived a few minutes later.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Sorry, I''m late. Catch anything yet?"


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Just a few bites. Were you crafting?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Yes, gearing up my Spirit Companions.


    Nix baited his hook and managed to put a line in the water while the fishing trio made small talk.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: I want to brief you on the Quests before the Officer meeting starts. Surprisingly Ronnie has dug up a lot of information.


    /Go Fish: Nix: What do you think of her outfit?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: I may request the sexy librarian look for my collection.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Noted.

 Chapter 183 Eleventh Floor: Stage 1 part one

    /Guild Officer: Nix: Welcome everyone. We have a few items before we get to the big finale. The first one is Three Legendary Quests that the Alpha Team was able to finish.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: To sum up, the three quests lead up to the discovery of a lost civilization and helping them return to power.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: If we utilize the proper order when turning these in. We''ll be able to register the Izzin Nation and cement ourselves as their allies before anyone has a chance to protest.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Given what I know about the Ain''Dhassi, I don''t expect them to make a big deal of such a small area. It''s literally frozen in Ice and nearly unusable for anything.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: We verified that Shipwright Vy is indeed the Minister of Naval Defense, Vyona Seabreeze.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I''ve spoken at great length with Vy, she is completely on board with this. As we speak she is having her people build a Shipyard on Loki.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: We''ll have to get Vy to Parliament. I will turn in the first quest to Bael Strom. Then I will proceed to the Register''s Office and help Vy Register the Izzin Nation as part of the Oasis World Government.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: After either the 1st or 2nd Quest, the giant glacier covering Izzin is going to disappear.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: The Shipyard will be finished in a few days, it will be our responsibility to build a replica of the Moon Goddess from the blueprint Vy gave me.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Expect this part of the quest to take a few weeks, most likely our Izzin friends will return to Lake Tysta at this time to help their nation acclimate to the changes in Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: How are we going to get Vy to Parliament? The easiest way seems to bring her into Inferno.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: That''s exactly what we''ll do. One of the rewards is a major Cultural Enhancement, once we learn what it is, we can decide where to put it.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Now on to Mermaid City and 11.1. Each stage of the 11th floor requires a 20 person raid. So this is the team we are bringing. We''ve had to make some adjustments because of Alpha Team unbanking their levels.


    [Raid Sheet: 11th Floor]


    Healers: Tess, Pinkie, Gypsie, Nez, Saji


    Tanks: Sharl, Banzi, Jun Li


    Crowd Control: Sila, Nix, Rhylia


    DPS: Chael, Ronnie, Milat, Mina, Darsi, Moki, Dalton, Wylie, Zhava


    /Guild Officer: Nix Questions?


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: Isn''t Wylie a healer? Why is she on the DPS list?


    /Guild Officer: Wylie: Recently I''ve procured a number of very strong offensive items that have greatly increased my ability to do damage.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: And she can still heal in a pinch. Win, win.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: If we find the Ivory Key somewhere on the 11th floor, we''ll be able to jump from 12.1 all the way to 12.5.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: On behalf of all the members of the Souza Accord, thank you for your efforts. I know many of you wish to move forward to Oasis, this means more to me than I could possibly say.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We started this together and we''ll end it the same way.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: At 0900 hrs tomorrow we''ll meet a the dock. Our plan is to finish all three stages of the 11th floor.


    ***********************


    Nix opened one eye when a work-hardened hand touched his cheek. Hyai smiled at him from a few inches away. Nix groaned at the early hour. "Time already?"


    Hyai moved closer, her full breasts pushing against his chest. "Going to get up?"


    Nix smiled sleepily. "You sleeping in today?"


    Hyai nodded, "I hired some extra help so I could take the occasional day off. This is my day."


    Nix rolled out of bed and started getting dressed. "This seems backward somehow, you sleeping while I''m getting up."


    The Inn Keeper leaned back on her pillow and let out a contented sigh. "I could get used to it."


    Nix started getting his armor on while they chatted. "Plans for the day?"


    "Fajii and I are going to be cooking and organizing for the afterparty."


    He nodded without saying anything. Hyai was a very friendly person, recently he noticed that she had been spending a lot of time with her Aquarion friends, specifically Mina and Fajii. "Seems a bit premature."


    "You have to realize how big a step you are taking today Nix. The 12th floor is the culmination of Mina''s entire life''s work.


    "Winning all three raids today isn''t a given. We could wipe."


    Hyai grabbed his hand and pulled him down for a quick kiss. "The Aquarions believe that as long as you are there, they will definitely succeed."


    Nix put his hands up in defeat. "Fine, I hope you are buying a lot of beer."


    "Fajii and I are going to buy every barrel in the Courtyards." She watched him as he walked to the door. "Good luck hun."


    Nix nodded. "You''re right, we got this."


    ********************


    [0905: 11th Floor Staging Area]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let''s move in.


    The 20-person Raid group stealthed and moved into the 1st stage of the 11th floor. Instead of the normal hallway, the platform was centered in a large Colosseum. Various groups of Aquarions were littered around the arena. Four Elder Matriarchs and a dozen Aquarion soldiers were the closest groups.


    /Inferno: Mina: There will be at least 80 pets if they deploy.


    Nix studied the layout. In addition to the 4 Elders, there were also two small groups of Water Mages nearby.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: If we hit this front group, we''ll definitely aggro the Aquarion soldiers.


    Inferno: Nix: Mina and I will take the four Elders, that leaves the soldiers to you guys.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Can you the two of you handle four Elders?


    /Inferno: Nix: I think so, even if they manage to deploy their pets. They''ll die when their Matriarchs are killed.


    [Summons: Soup]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] There are four of them. Will we be okay?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Yes. Pick a target after I hit them.


    Nix flashed toward the four Elder Matriarchs. He stopped within five meters of them and raised both hands. A dozen Gemini Flame strands shot outward impaling the chests of the Matriarchs. The braided flame shards pushed completely through the torso of their targets, wrapped around them and then sunk deep into their backs. Four simultaneous screams echoed in the arena, The four Aquarions waved their arms and legs in agony, trying to pull away from the flames. Nix held them easily while Mina deployed her Eel-gators.


    [Pulsar]


    Gemini flames pushed outward from the barbed tips of Nix''s strands, two of the Elder Matriarchs died outright when the flames devasted their insides.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix''s form blurred, his Gemini Infused Archon blade cut the third Elder Matriarch nearly in half.


    A large grinding sound accompanied the death of the third Matriarch, Nix turned to see an entire section of the Colosseum slide open. A single form walked out.


    Mina and her sea-beasts quickly killed the remaining Elder.


    /Inferno: Mina: Nix, that''s Grand Elder Manis''tae. She''s a Lord Class Water Mage, I have no idea what sort of pets she can deploy.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Need help with her?


    /Inferno: Nix: Clean up the rest of the arena, I don''t believe she is part of this instance. Let''s make sure we win the stage first.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ll wrap things up quickly and then join you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure, don''t be too long.


    Nix grabbed Soup''s shell and advanced on Manis''tae. She was dressed in red armor that glowed with enchantments, her long white hair floated around the silver crown she wore on her head. A blue staff was the only weapon she carried.


    /Inferno: Nix: She''s a Water Nemesis, everyone be careful, this just got interesting.

 Chapter 184 Eleventh Floor: Stage 1 Conclusion

    Manis''tae moved slowly toward him, her staff held out before her, they both stopped when they were within five meters. "Greetings Filamina. Perhaps you would introduce me to your friend."


    /Inferno: Nix: If she summons her creatures, use yours to defend us.


    /Inferno: Mina: Kill her Nix! She''s a viper that poisons everything with words!


    [Flashblade]


    Nix struck with all of his strength, the impact of his sword on her armor pushed them both back.


    /Inferno: Nix: High fire immunity... try this one on for size.


    [Aura Ignition: Ice Flames]


    Nix raised a hand and a half dozen Ice Flame strands encircled Manis''tae''s waist. Her eyes went wide in shock and then she shrieked in pain.


    You have been stunned


    Mina has been stunned.


    Manis''tae flashed toward Mina, the end of her staff coming off to expose a deadly looking blade. Before she could make contact, Soup slammed into her, sending Manis''tae flying backward.


    Manis''tae has been stunned.


    [Swapped Out]


    Jun Li has changed places with you and scored a critical hit on Manis''tae.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Jun Li has followed up Nix''s attack with a Critical hit.


    "ENOUGH!"


    Manis''tae has cast [Ice Maw]


    [Ghost Step]


    Jun Li has evaded.


    Nix felt several ice spears impact his armor.


    You are immune to Ice Damage.


    [Balefire Burst: Ice Flame]


    Several balls of bluish flame slammed into Manis''tae driving her into the arena floor.


    Nix raised a hand and a half dozen strands of Ice Flame wrapped around the ricoli artifact on her right arm. Manis''tae swung her bladed staff at the strands only to have her left arm wrapped up by a half dozen more Ice Flame Strands.


    Five shots rang out simultaneously.


    [Snipe]


    Ronnie has landed a critical hit on Manis''tae


    [Snipe]


    Chael has landed a critical hit on Manis''tae


    [Snipe]


    Dalton has landed a critical hit on Manis''tae


    [Snipe]


    Darsi has landed a critical hit on Manis''tae


    [Snipe]


    Moki has landed a critical hit on Manis''tae


    [Execution: Advanced]


    Nix''s swung a wrist-thick strand of razor-sharp Ice Flame at Manis''tae''s neck, at the last moment she managed to throw up an arm and block the killing blow. The flame blade sliced through her arm and deep into her side. Nix kicked the floating limb away from the Water Nemesis.


    [Manis''tae has activated her bloodline]


    [Battering Ram]


    Soup slammed into the changing Water Nemesis, knocking her backward.


    Manis''tae has been stunned.


    [Unbalanced Chain]


    Nix has followed up Soup''s strike with a powerful attack.


    Manis''tae has been stunned.


    [Three Round Burst]


    Chael has scored a critical hit on Manis''tae


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Pour it on her!


    [Unbalanced Chain]


    Jun Li has followed up Nix''s strike with a powerful attack.


    Manis''tae is stunned.


    [Three Round Burst]


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Manis''tae.


    Manis''tae has been slain.


    The Water Nemesis floated slowly to the arena floor, the lower half of her body had been replaced with long tentacles. Nix examined the corpse and then looted her remains.


    An Ivory Key has been added to your inventory.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The hell was she changing into?


    /Inferno: Milat: Looks like a Cranksai Demon.


    /Inferno: Mina: The key dropped?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep, it dropped.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Why would she have it if she wasn''t part of the stage?


    /Inferno: Mina: My guess is she came here to take it and saw an opportunity to take us out.


    /Inferno: Chael: What was that Unbalanced Chain skill?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Similar to Critical chain, Unbalanced Chain lets Gemini classes stack stuns together.


    /Inferno: Milat: She was stunned for nearly 10 seconds.


    Nix picked Manis''tae''s severed arm and pulled the Ricoli artifact off it. He let the arm drift to the floor before handing the bracer to Mina. "Train another Sea-Beast master."


    Mina nodded, she already had three Aquarion Sea-Beast Masters training, not counting her. This bracer would bring their total to five and Manis''tae was bound to have great beasts.


    "You asked me to strike her even though she wanted to talk," Nix said it as a statement, he wasn''t concerned about Mina''s motives.


    "She is a powerful charmer Nix, you''ll see when we pull out her beasts. I''ve seen her CC dozens of attackers at once." Mina watched him for a moment, "those Ice Flames, what are they?"


    "Just something I picked up. Her armor had a high fire resistance. Too bad the Ice Flame isn''t really fire." Nix checked on Soup who was floating nearby, normally her ''battering ram'' was a one and done skill. She was badly hurt, but nothing critical." Nix rubbed her head fondly and unsummoned her. "Go get some rest.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s head to 11.2.


    A black chest sat on their exit platform, Nix looted it while the rest of Inferno scavenged the remaining corpses.


    [Shield of Flames]


    [Fire Bolt Ring]


    [Inferno Cloak]


    /Inferno: Nix: Looks like three fire items, I''ll link them in Guild Chat.


    Shield of Flames


    +2000 AC


    Perfect Reflection: Any attack blocked is partially


    reflected back in Fire-based damage.


    Chin Strike: Slam your shield into your enemy


    to stun them for 3 seconds.


    /Inferno: Nix: Tank shield, send me a whisper if you want it.


    FIre Bolt Ring


    Jewelry: Unique


    A Fire Bolt spell strikes your


    enemy. Damage is based on your


    agility rating.


    10/10 Charges.


    Cool Down=5 seconds.


    /Inferno: Nix: Damage is agility based, so anyone with high agility can bid. Let me know.


    Inferno Cloak


    Fire Immunity.


    Surrounds the wearer


    in an aura of flames. Anyone striking


    the aura receives flame damage.


    /Inferno: Nix: Basically a flame shield, melee types only. Send me a whisper if you want it.


    ********************


    [1000 hrs. 11th Floor Staging Area]


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to clear Stage 1 on the 11th floor. All Inferno members receive the Poseidon Badge.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: A permanent badge that you don''t have to wear. Gives a nice 10 percent reduction in all Water-based damage.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Good job guys! I wish I was there too.


    /Inferno: Pon: Me too, keep it up! Thanks for the free badge!


    Nix lead the group to the next platform and immediately stepped in. The entrance was in the middle of a curved corridor that went off in both directions.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Milat scout east, Zhava scout west. We''ll wait here.


    Nix stealthed and moved off the platform, he felt Mina''s familiar presence beside him. "What''s a Cranksai Demon?"


    "It''s like an octopus and humanoid hybrid. Their upper half is housed in a very strong shell-like armor. They are capable of both Ice and Water magic. We are lucky we were able to stop her from changing."


    /Inferno: Milat: First room in the east hall, completely empty. Continuing eastward.


    /Inferno: Zhava: The first room in the west hall is also empty, moving forward.


    /Inferno: Milat: Second room in east hall, there''s no one here.


    /Inferno: Zhava: Another empty room in the west hall. Where is everyone?


    /Inferno: Nix: Could they be stealthed and waiting?


    /Inferno: Mina: Doubtful, Aquarions have very limited stealth capabilities.


    /Inferno: Milat: This stage is empty guys, come to our location, take either hall, it''s a complete circle.


    Nix swam west down the hall, he passed the first two empty rooms then another hallway that took a sharp left into the circle and opened up in a large round room. The exit platform was sitting against the far wall.


    /Inferno: Nix: Suggestions?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Just caution.


    Nix swam toward the platform, as soon as he was within a few meters a chest rose up from the floor.


    /Inferno: Mina: They''re gone? Why would they be gone?


    Nix opened the chest and quickly looted it.


    [Water Stone] x3


    [Crown of Perception]


    /Inferno: Nix: Same as before, I''ll link them and you can tell me if you want it.


    Water Stone [Water Alignment Only]


    Description: A small stone


    that carries an abundant amount


    of banked experience.


    Nix handed the stone to Mina, "I''ll let you distribute them among your people since they are the only water alignments we have.


    Crown of Perception


    Silver Tiara: Unique


    +10 Perception.


    + 20 percent chance of critical


    hit.


    Description: A fashionable


    silver crown that may be worn over


    headgear.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Mine!! Can I have that Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Female Ranged damage, please roll if you want it.


    /Random 100: Ronnie has rolled a 79


    /Random 100: Darsi has rolled a 33


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Mine! Bad luck Darsi...


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let''s get out of here. What if this instance can''t be finished?


    Nix exited through the platform and a moment later was back in the staging area.


    Colonial System Message: Congratulations to Inferno for being the first guild to clear Stage 2 on the 11th floor.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s go, right into the 3rd stage, I want to see what''s going on.


    *********************


    [1010 hours:11th floor, stage 3]


    Nix stood on the platform, immediately felt his weight pushing on the stone floor.


    /Inferno: Nix: No water?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Holy shit, stay on the platform.


    Nix looked down and saw a vast expanse of air, a few hundred feet below them was a nasty looking pit filled with a green liquid. Dozens of large metallic discs zipped through the air on random paths, each of these discs carried a number of Aquarions.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: There must be a hundred of them, did they empty out the last zone to fill up this one?


    /Inferno: Mina: The Elder Matriarchs are capable of interfering in the stages of Mermaid City, but now without limitation.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The discs are too small for more than a few of us. Teams of three. Ranged damage can set up here and pick-off whoever comes close enough. Give me a moment and I''ll bring up a second raid sheet.


    [Raid Sheet: Adjusted]


    Team 1: Banz, Sila, Gypsy.


    Team 2: Sharl, Nix, Tess


    Team 3: Jun Lie, Rhy, Pinky


    Team 4: Milat, Wylie, Nez.


    /Infernal: Jun Li: Questions? Take the discs and knock them off. Those not on a team, protect the ranged fighters that are staying here.


    /Inferno: Rhylia: Sub me out of group three.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everything okay Rhy?


    Rhylia laughed loudly and took to the air. "I don''t need discs!"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Right, Zhava, please take Rhy''s spot on my team.


    /Inferno: Nix: Team 2, on me.


    Nix peeked over over the side of the platform and spotted a disc that was moving about 20 feet beneath them, it had five Aquarion''s on it.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s our ride!


    /Inferno: Tess: Let''s wait for a closer one.


    Nix shared a smile with Sharl and they both jumped for it. "Prey Waits!"

 Chapter 185 11th Floor: Stage 3

    Nix landed in a crowd of Aquarions and immediately flamed up. Sharl landed beside him and managed to grab a stumbling Tess before she slid off the edge.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flames]


    Nix punched the closest Aquarion square in the chest, launching him over the side. He pushed Gemini flames into his Archon blade and used it to block a spear attack.


    [Spear Slam]


    Sharl slammed the butt of her spear on the platform, the entire disc trembled as her stun skill completely immobilized the remaining opponents. She followed up by bulling two more Aquarions over the side with her shield.


    [Incinerate: Gemini Flame]


    Nix locked an Aquarion in a flame prison and then kicked her off the edge.


    Nix and Sharl looked at each other, they were the only two left on the disc.


    Sharl looked over the edge, "f*ck... Did I lose my cleric?"


    A moment later a black-winged Air Nemesis hovered above them. Rhy''s beautiful face was smiling when she dropped the red-headed cleric on the platform. "You guys lose something?"


    Tess frowned at her teammates, "Oi... Take better care of me!"


    /Inferno: Tess: Thanks Rhy!


    "That one!" Nix pointed to a disc that was moving fast but was a close match for their trajectory. He raised both hands and a dozen strands shot out encircling four separate Aquarions. He yanked backward and then jumped at the same time. "Time to go!"


    Nix dropped his strands when all four Aquarions went over the edge.


    [Flashblade: Gemini Flame]


    Nix sliced through the neck of an Aquarion who was going after Tess.


    [Swapped Out]


    "Huh?" Nix suddenly found himself on a different disc with four more Aquarions.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Oops! Sorry Nix, wrong skill. :P


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix dodged and brought up his sword to block just as the flames washed around him. All four Aquarions jumped off the platform in an effort to flee the inferno.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Dammit Junie, now I lost my Nix!


    Nix scanned the area for another disc to jump on, between Rhylia and the ranged damage, most of them had been cleaned off. He used his strands to pull two Aquarions off of a disc that was too high for him to reach. After realizing his advantage Nix started jumping from one empty disc to another, pulling Aquarions off in small groups of twos and threes.


    Finally, the disc he was on came to an abrupt stop, causing Nix to skid precariously close to the edge. A quick glance around told him that the rest of the platforms had also stopped.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s all of them. Now what?


    A moment later all of the discs started moving, slowly they lined up and created a long bridge to a platform that raised up out of the green pit below.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: There''s the chest. How many did we lose?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Teams 1 & 4.


    /Inferno: Nix: Damn... So many?


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Not everyone has flaming ropes that they can toss people around with!


    Nix walked toward the black chest, he was joined very quickly by those who were still alive. He felt a hand grab his arm and discovered Mina had caught up with him. "Ready to go to the 12th floor?"


    Mina nodded, her pale face smiling widely. "It''s been a long road here Nix."


    "I remember the day you showed up in the Sea-World, seems like forever ago." He stopped next to the chest and opened it up.


    The Whirlwind Trident has been added to your inventory.


    The Map of the 12th Floor has been added to your inventory.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Map of the 12th floor? The actual map?


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t ask me. We''re higher than anyone has ever gone.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It''s tempting to peek at 12.1.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s head out, there''s a party waiting for us.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Where?


    /Inferno: Nix: Guess I don''t know.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Nix''s Ranch.


    /Colonial System Message: Congratulations to the Inferno Guild for advancing to the 12th floor. All members of Inferno are awarded the Blaze Armor.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: An entire set?


    /Inferno: Mina: You don''t understand how far you''ve come. Inferno is on the Brink of destroying the Cai''Song Artifact, there won''t be a Mermaid City after that.


    ******************


    [Parliament Guild Office: 1300 hrs]


    Nix looked up when Semmi and Vy gated in. "Anyone see you?"


    Semmi shook her head. "Like the disguise?"


    Vy was wearing a blue dress that Nix had designed to cover her crab-legs. They needed to remain incognito just until the quests were turned in. "We do wear dresses in Izzin, it''s not like this is something new."


    Nix stood up from his desk and headed toward the door. "Let''s find Bael Strom for the first turn-in."


    Semmi led the way out the door and to the exit leading to the 70th floor. She had found out that Bael still monitored traffic through the gate but only during the afternoon hours. The rest of the time he was busy with Parliament security operations.


    The slender blond-haired Fir''Dhassi was standing in front of the gate. He looked over his shoulder when they exited. "Guild Leader Nix, nice to see you again."


    Nix bowed his head slightly. "Bael we are here to turn in a quest."


    [Proof of Death] has been removed from your inventory.


    Bael looked at the dragon heart and then back at Nix. "You''re a Dragon Slayer? I am impressed, Sir! This dragon was responsible for the extinction of an entire civilization! It makes me feel good that they will now rest in peace thanks to the efforts of Inferno."


    [The Inferno Guild has achieved Allied Status with the Izzin Empire]


    /Oasis System Message: The Inferno Guild has slain the Mighty Dragon that has ruled over the Lake Tysta Region. All Inferno members are awarded the Dragon Heart badge.


    Dragon Heart


    + 500 AC


    2 percent of Total health will


    regenerate every 30 seconds.


    Immunity: [Fear]


    /Inferno: Sharl: That''s really nice! Thank you Alpha Team!


    /Inferno: Pon: Welcome.


    The trio quickly reentered Parliament and headed directly to the Registrars Office. The Ain''Dhassi who handled Inferno''s Guild registration wasn''t there, instead, it was a Su''Dhassi female that they didn''t know.


    "Good Afternoon. I''m Nix the Guild Leader of Inferno. I am here to help Vyona Seabreeze register her Nation with Parliament."


    "Nation Register? That sort of thing is impossible." The Su''Dhassi had short black hair that was cut close to her scalp, her flashing white teeth stood out from her dark skin. The Su''Dhassi brought up her hud and started doing a search. "Sorry Guild Leader Nix, there''s nothing here that references registering an Independent Nation."


    "Perhaps this will help." Vy removed a large signet ring from her finger and handed it to the Su''Dhassi clerk.


    The clerk used her hud to scan the ring, immediately a large screen flashed in front of her. "Oh! Oh my, it says that you''re from the lost Nation of Izzin, all I need is proof."


    "Proof?" Semmi gave the clerk a blank stare. "Isn''t the ring proof?"


    The clerk shook her head and brought up a picture of an Izzin native, complete with crab-legs. "You could have found the ring anywhere."


    Vy pulled up her dress high enough for the clerk to see her crab legs, then she held out her arm to scanned.


    [Identification verified: Vyona Seabreeze, Minister of Naval Defense, Izzin Empire.]


    "Minister Seabreeze, I''m Hali Upei. It''s my honor to register the Izzin Empire in Parliament. Please sign here."


    Vy nodded and signed the registration form that Hali pushed toward her. "Anything else?"


    "25 million Credit Registration fee." Hali smiled apologetically.


    "Inferno will cover the fee." Nix brought up his hud and paid the fee.


    "Great then, we''re all set!" Hali filed the form happily and favored them with a smile before turning back to her work.


    /Oasis System Message: The lost Empire of Izzin has been rediscovered by the Inferno Guild. Tysta Lake and the surrounding territories are once again returned to the Izzin. The Izzin Empire is awarded 55 Parliament votes. The Inferno Guild and the Izzin Empire have entered into an Alliance. Until further notice, only Izzin citizens and their allies are allowed within their borders.


    Vy hugged them both, her brown eyes bright with emotion. "Thank you both so much! Please visit me in a few weeks, I look forward to seeing the new Moon Goddess."


    The Izzin Shipwright waved at them and then ported away.


    /Inferno: Nix: Guess she had some sort of portal artifact?


    /Inferno: Semmi: The Shipyard and Guildhall are complete on Loki. The rest of the guilds arrive tomorrow.


    /Inferno: Nix: What about Resolute?


    /Inferno: Semmi: They crossed the Escalade bridge yesterday, we just need to help them register. I''ll take care of it Nix.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Party at Nix''s Ranch, let''s get it started!

 Chapter 186 After Party

    The events of the past few days seemed to catch up with Nix all at once, he put his head down on his pillow for an instant and 3 hours disappeared. When he woke up his hud was buzzing with messages. He glanced through them quickly.


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] I need to talk to you. Could you meet me sometime very soon?


    "No... maybe in a week or two."


    [Whisper: Raine Xai to Nix] Could I schedule a meeting with you? I would like to know more about this Izzin Empire.


    "Er... I''m tempted to arrange to meet both of you at the same place and then not show up. Could be entertaining."


    [Whisper: Bula Feren to Nix] You bastard! Come to Phai City and meet me if you have any balls left!


    "The hell is Bula?"


    [Whisper: Kedric Red to Nix] Perhaps the death of someone you care about will get your attention.


    Nix scowled at the message "A threat? This I will answer."


    [Whisper: Nix to Kedric] Let''s be clear, f*ck with me and I''ll turn you, along with everyone you know into ash.


    [Whisper: Kedric to Nix] Isla''Fairbal at 1300 tomorrow.


    "Sweet... Now I know who to send the package to."


    Nix opened his bedroom door to the din of a party already in full swing. The first person he saw was Bev, so he greeted her with a hug. "I didn''t know you liked parties frog legs."


    Bev poured him a mug of beer and offered him a smile. "Quit picking on me Stixx, one of us finished college and the other..."


    Nix didn''t answer, she definitely had a point. "Going to appoint you as Territorial Governor of Loki Bev, you''ll have to figure out and organize a local government. Can you handle that?"


    Bev nodded, "I''d like something challenging that I can sink my teeth into. Do we have a security force? Rules are hard to enforce when everyone can kick your ass."


    "Fajii is sending a hundred of her Lamia Acolytes as security."


    "Do I need to cross the Escalade Bridge for that?" Bev had been briefed on everything concerning Inferno, Colonial, and Oasis.


    "Yes. What''s your level at? You''re a priority for the power level teams."


    "Currently level 33. Nansu is already at 52!" At first, the power leveling was exciting to watch, but after hours in the Embassay it was starting to get tiresome. "Maybe I should get a rifle."


    "I''ll get you one." Nix downed his beer and refilled his mug. "My place normally looks a lot bigger, when there aren''t 60 something people wandering around."


    "Oh, Shae is here by the way." Bev tried to keep a straight face. "I saw her grab Hyai and Fajii before heading out the door."


    "Oh? I didn''t realize Shae would be able to show up." Nix waved and headed towards the door.


    Semmi peeked in just as he left. "You tell him the three women are together?"


    Bev nodded. "I did."


    Semmi''s pretty face broke into a wide grin. "Bet he looked nervous."


    Bev shook her head. "Not a bit actually."


    ********************


    Nix found them 10 minutes later, a small table had been set up next to his fishing spot. A few plates of meat and fruit had been carefully laid out. The three of them were sitting on the riverbank watching Ducky and Soup play in the river.


    Shae was wearing her favorite dress, her red tresses were braided and tied up nicely. "Nix!" She popped up and jumped into his arms, kissing him several times before letting go."


    Nix couldn''t keep the stupid grin off his face, he hadn''t been able to spend enough time with her lately. "How did you manage to come here?"


    "We finished our training ahead of time, so Pheno cut us all loose." Shae gripped his hand and pulled him toward the bank.


    "Phase two is done? Vooni''s team is lagging behind you guys?"


    Shae nodded and pushed him into his fishing chair. "There''s no time constraint, Vooni likes to train at a slower pace. She''s actually much stronger than the other trainers."


    Nix leaned back in his chair, all three women were watching him. "You guys having fun?"


    Fajii nodded, the Aquarion female was the easiest to read. "I am."


    Shae took a seat on the ground beside him. "We''ve been talking a bit Nix."


    Hyai''s lips were curved in a slight smile. "We''ve decided that this works nicely for each of us."


    Shae''s slender fingers pinched his arm. "However... three is enough."


    Nix didn''t bother to ask what ''this'' was, instead he took a long drink of his beer. "I see... So Del Tali is out?"


    Shae nodded, "definitely."


    "Hmm, Raine Xai too?"


    Hyai''s rich laugh was contagious." Now, you''re just being cheeky."


    "Maybe so. How''d they rope you into this?"


    The Inn Keeper was silent for a moment. "Since my husband died, I haven''t really let myself care for anyone. I wake up smiling every day now, been a while since that happened."


    Nix returned her smile. Hyai was the first person he really connected with in Colonial, her warmth reminded him of family. "Sharl and Ronnie?"


    "No." Shae.


    "Nope." Fajii.


    "Absolutely not." Hyai seemed to give it some thought, "although I might give them a try."


    Nix finished off his beer. "I guess there''s no getting around it then."


    Fajii and Hyai left quietly after a quick goodbye, their sudden departure left Nix confused. "Where are they going?"


    Shae slid onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I haven''t been able to see you everyday Nix, those two are very thoughtful."


    Nix gripped her hips and pulled her against him, their lips touching in a lingering kiss. "How long do you have?"


    Shae smiled against his mouth. "Two weeks."


    *********************


    The pale Ain''Dhassi sat in silence on her Ice Throne. Glowing red eyes took in every detail of her reception hall. "Kedric, did you send the message?"


    Kedric spoke from his knees. "I did Mistress. It seems to have made him angry rather than fearful." The bald Ain''Dhassi shivered in terror, the stare of the Northern Ice Mistress tested his will. He was scrawny and shriveled up like an old man, his red eyes were set deep in a narrow and sunken face.


    "You''ll need your strength if you are to carry out my wishes. I will allow you to feed." Morana gestured with one hand.


    A Su''Dhassi man clad in shackles walked away from the wall. His darks eyes seemed distant and unfocused. He stopped in front of Kedric and tilted his head to one side. There were dozens of puncture wounds on both sides of his neck. He groaned slightly in pain but didn''t make any other sound.


    Kedric stepped away from the Su''Dhassi a few minutes later, his shriveled body had changed completely. He rippled with muscle and vitality, his red eyes seemed sharper when he resumed his kneeling position. "Command me, Mistress."


    "I lost hundreds of blood slaves because Inferno backed the southern Ain''Dhassi bitch. You will ensure that from now on, Inferno follows my wishes."


    Kedric stood slowly but kept his head bowed low. "And the parameters of this mission?"


    "Do whatever you need to do." The pale woman stood slowly, the red cloth she had draped around her shoulders slipped down her perfect skin to puddle beneath her feet. She walked forward slowly, "I will send you on your way with proper motivation."

 Chapter 187 IslasFairbal

    Nix opened his eyes, squinting slightly in the dark room. Somehow it seemed wrong to leave a warm bed and a beautiful woman in the dimness of predawn, but he had important things to take care of. Shae looked up from her pillow just as he was putting his armor on.


    Her long red hair was spread out on the white sheets beneath her. "I''ll check on Fey this morning." Shae watched him get ready. Nix never got out of bed early unless it was important. "You''ll be back today?"


    Nix nodded, "going to send someone a message. I''ll be in Isla''Fairbal if you need to find me suddenly. I may summon you if things go badly."


    "Okay. Will you upgrade my armor like you did yours?" Shae sat up, the white sheets slid down her torso.


    Nix stared for a moment. "I already did... Did you get more beautiful while I was sleeping?"


    Shae laughed and nodded when he bent over for a kiss. "I did."


    Nix walked toward the Gemini temple, the sky was turning orange just as the Gemini Temple came into view.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del Tali] I don''t really have time this week for a meeting. Inferno hopes to wrap up an important mission this week. However, I will put aside some time tomorrow if you are available."


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] You will? That would be great! Just let me know the time.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del Tali] Someone named Kedric Red from Isla''Fairbal contacted me. Do you know this person?


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] Yes, he works for Morana. You should avoid him at all cost Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del Tali] He threatened me into a meeting, so of course I''m going.


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] I''ll come with you Nix! I''ll bring some help and we''ll send them a message.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del Tali] That''s very generous, but I prefer to deal with these things myself. Can you describe this Kenric?


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] You can''t miss him, he''s bald and white as snow. Also, his eyes are red, a sign of the blood bond he shares with Morana.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del Tali] So we''re clear, that means he''s a vampire right?


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] Yes. Very strong and very fast.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del Tali] Weaknesses?


    [Whisper: Del Tali to Nix] Fire, of course, their kind are scared to death of flames.


    Nix laughed as he approached the Gemini portal. "Man did you f*ck with the wrong person. I suppose that''s the benefit of not being well known in Oasis."


    He took the Gemini portal directly to Isla''Fairbal and then immediately stealthed. A few meters from the platform was a large fountain, Nix took a seat and waited.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    "Holy crap," Nix muttered under his breath at the large number of people wandering around in stealth so early in the morning. Instantly he thought of Beta, the envoy for Breach Commander Mtui. She used a bit of ice ability to mask her heat signature. He quietly wondered if he could do the same.


    **********************


    Isla''Fairbal should have been called a peninsula rather than an island, a scant five meters of rock connected it to the mainland of North Ain''Dhassi. It didn''t take Nix long to see there was massive discord between the Ain''Dhassi of the North continent and those of the south. The conversations between the locals referred to it in some detail. With his curiosity piqued, Nix decided to ask the only Ain''Dhassi he trusted completely.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] Good morning Cora!


    [Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] Guild Leader Nix? Good morning!


    [Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] If you''re not too busy, I''d like to ask you a few questions regarding Ain''Dhassi culture.


    [Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] I will answer any question that doesn''t interfere with my loyalty vows.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] I''m on a mission in Isla''Fairbal. I can''t help notice that that the locals bear some disdain for the Ain''Dhassi from the south.


    [Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] Yes, they certainly do. The Ain''Dhassi from the Northern Continent have been pulling away from us for several years. Eventually, we could part ways and become two entirely different people.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] I see. Are there any real physical differences?


    [Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] There are some. Northern Ain''Dhassi tend to have shorter ears and stockier builds. They also are drawn to a political culture of Isolationism.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] Thanks Cora, that clears things up nicely.


    [Whisper: Cora Tali to Nix] Anytime Nix. I miss you guys.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cora Tali] Same here, let''s talk again later.


    Nix continued to observe the platform and surrounding market square from his perch on the fountain. The city itself was completely different than Fraya''Selene. The Northern City was much warmer and most of the buildings were sleeker and higher. There were several three and four-story shops surrounding the market. The buildings were all built with redwood, left untreated in the elements, the city had an attractive reddish-brown coloring.


    Three hours later Nix spotted a bald Ain''Dhassi leaving the platform. His thermal signature was much brighter than it should have been. He summoned a mount and immediately started riding, leaving Nix scurrying to keep up.


    Kedric took a direct route towards the North Gate, Nix cursed silently at his lack of forethought. "Why didn''t I bring Flash?"


    Nix followed on foot as his target headed east. The bald Ain''Dhassi held his mount to a canter, which enabled his pursuit to stay in visual range. He stopped a few miles outside of town, at a small fish farm. Several ponds teeming with fish could be seen from a few meters away.


    Nix''s thermal vision told him that three people, including Kedric''s too-bright image, were the only occupants of the house. Since they were in a separate room, Nix tested the door for noise and then stepped in quickly. He walked quietly toward the next room.


    Three Ain''Dhassi men were sitting around a small table. Kedric seemed to trust both of the men. "There can''t be any mistake Roz. Can you do a seamless switch?"


    He spoke to a man that was completely swathed in bandages, not a single part of his skin was exposed except for his eyes. The man called Roz nodded his head slowly. "Understand that they''ll be nothing left of her except a dried empty husk. Her memories, abilities, skills and looks will all be mine."


    Kedric''s red eyes bored into the man."And Nix won''t be able to tell the difference?"


    Ros shook his head. "No one will be able to differentiate me from the prior person."


    Nix felt the bubbling of anger start to well up, he controlled his breathing and waited for more.


    Kedric brought up a small hud and showed them an image of an attractive middle-aged woman with light red hair. "She often shops in the Parliament Courtyard. So the switch will need to be done in public."


    Ros leaned closer and stared at the image. "She looks like she''ll taste good. A beautiful foreign woman with lots of memories to feast on. I can''t wait."


    Kedric rubbed his hands together greedily. "Mistress Morana will be pleased. How long will you be able to maintain the disguise?"


    Ros shrugged, "it differs from person to person. At least a month, maybe two. More than enough time."


    "She''s very close with Guild Leader Nix, they might even be lovers."


    Ros nodded, "that won''t be a problem for me. My inclinations sway to whichever gender I''m assuming."


    Nix bit his lip to keep the sudden wave of nausea at bay. He felt a cold killing intent overcoming his rational thoughts.


    ******************


    Beta sat quietly, perched on the roof of the home while she listened to the conversation. The albino had found the remains of an Ain''Dhassi family stashed behind the house. Whatever they were, she could add ruthless to list. She followed Nix as soon as he appeared in Isla''Fairbal. She had planted a drop of her own blood on the armor she gifted him, it gave her the ability to keep tabs on him.


    She ignored the men and watched Nix through the roof and ceiling of the house. His stealth was the best she''d ever heard of. Completely undetectable, if not for her own brand of thermal vision, he would have been impossible to track closely. Her curiosity was piqued, she wondered what he would do now that he discovered the plot against someone he cared about. Would he call the talented and mysterious Alpha Team? Perhaps he would follow them and take them when they parted ways.


    Beta smiled and eased her daggers out. Strictly speaking, she wasn''t supposed to interfere with Nix''s life. That wasn''t her assignment. Her pink eyes grew pensive, her assignment... The Great Houses all wanted the talented Salamander, but what was her Commander''s interest? Mtui usually ignored even the other dragonspawn that came through Solomon City. She felt like she might be missing something important.

 Chapter 188 Vampire Slayers

    Nix flicked a small black disc at Kedric, the three men at the table immediately looked up.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    The house and everything close to it exploded outwards in a massive release of power. Two barbed strands of emerald flames impaled Roz and Kedric, holding them in place while they were buffeted by a chaotic storm of power and debris.


    It only took a few seconds for the inferno of destruction to settle. Nix flicked a second disc at Roz since he managed to survive the explosion.


    [Pulsar]


    Nix pumped Gemini flames into the strand holding Roz. The bandaged man instantly convulsed and started screaming.


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai]


    Shadai appeared before him, bowing low. Her new flight harness made her brim with newfound confidence. "How may I serve Nix?"


    Nix sent three more strands of Emerald flames into each of the men, the barbed tips pushed completely through their torsos and wrapped around them. "Heal them for me, please. I need them to stay alive a bit longer."


    "You okay Beta?" Nix had noticed her when the roof blew apart with her on top of it.


    Beta dropped her stealth a few meters away. "I can''t remember the last time I made such a stupid mistake."


    "Am I in trouble? Is this about training under two different names?" He understood that someone like Beta would already know about ''Pon the Magnificent'' and Nix being the same person.


    [Pulsar: Emerald Flames]


    Nix pulsed his flames into the strands that he held his captives with.


    "No. Training names are almost always made up, besides, there''s no rule against training under two separate names." Beta wore a frown on her face, each passing second found her getting angrier with herself.


    "I''ll overlook the fact that you are spying on me. The armor right? I should have known." Nix kept his eyes on Kedric while he spoke. "Time for you to go, there''s nothing more to report on here."


    Beta nodded without saying anything further and gated out. Nix waited for a minute before dropping his Salamander form.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix appeared beside Roz, one stroke of his archon blade removed his head cleanly. Since he hadn''t pushed any flames into the blade, a good portion of the blood splashed onto Kedric.


    "Release me at once!" Kedric''s voice trembled slightly while he pretended outrage.


    Nix pushed Ice Flames into the Archon blade, without warning the blade darted out and removed one of Kedric''s arms. The wound instantly cauterized. "You might not recognize the black disc I placed on you since it''s from my world.


    Black Hand: Artifact


    Description: You feel a terrifying


    hand grip your neck and hold you in


    place. You may not gate or resurrect without


    the permission of the person who used it.


    "I''ve done nothing to you." Kedric was no longer hiding the fear he felt. Had he been slain, he would have respawned in the Blood Temple.


    "Thanks for coming Shadai, I''ll take it from here." Nix smiled when she bowed and summoned a wind tunnel. He waited a few moments before letting his blade remove Kedric''s remaining arm.


    The Ain''Dhassi still had enough strength left to summon a blood-curdling scream, it went on for several seconds before tapering off to blubbering. "I-I was only under orders! Morana sent me here, I''m just a messenger."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Sure, I know that." His yellow eyes stared into the red ones for several seconds. "That being said, going after Hyai... you''ve forfeited your right to exist in this world."


    "I can tell you things! Very important things about the Blood Temple and Morana." Kedric spoke fast, like someone trying to make a deal before time ran out.


    Nix let his archon blade flame out and pursed his lips as if considering. "Let me tell you my plans first, then you can decide how cooperative you wish to be."


    Kedric turned his head to one side and vomited blood into the wreckage. He coughed a few times, terror slowly creeping upon him. "Show me mercy and I will give you all my secrets."


    Nix smiled and knelt down on one knee. "After I remove your limbs, I''m going to bury you and that artifact deep in the ground. Vampires don''t die very easily right? I expect you''ll linger for quite some time. Between the two of us, I don''t give a shit about your secrets."


    Kedric started screaming, no longer did he bother to hold out for mercy. He had been caught by a demon, escape had become futile.


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] None of my business, but I thought I would mention that Vampire hearts make great enhancements for crafting especially fresh ones. I''ll give you something nice if you give me Morana''s heart.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] Why don''t you take it yourself?


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] That would get me in a lot of trouble.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] Fair enough, no promises.


    Nix took a moment to pilfer all the items Kedric was carrying. "Truthfully I''m too lazy to dig a hole to bury you in."


    A noise from behind him caused him to glance over his shoulder. The horse Kedric had been riding apparently survived the house exploding. Nix approached the animal, immediately he sensed a difference in the mare. Her hooves were cloven like a goat, and scales advanced upward to her knees before turning into black fur. She had a few minor cuts on her chest and back, but nothing life-threatening.


    "This some sort of mutation? Crossbreed maybe?" Nix looked closer and noticed her eyes were blood red. "Oh... hey I like this horse."


    Nix dragged Kedric toward the property''s only well. "As I was saying, I don''t like digging. However, I''ll just dump you in the well and collapse it.


    After removing Kedric''s legs, he picked up the screaming vampire and dumped him down the well, after searching carefully, Nix recovered the parts he chopped off and tossed them in also. After some careful thought, he added Roz and his severed head to the well.


    [Balefire: Burst: Gemini Flame]


    Nix targeted the well and turned into a pile of melted rubble.


    [Tides of Flame]


    [Tides of Flame]


    After the second Tide, the entire area over the well was smooth like glass. He unsummoned the Kedric''s demon horse and headed back toward town.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: All hands report immediately to Isla''Fairbal.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Special mission?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: On my way.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Understood.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: You got it, boss.


    *******************


    When Shae entered her Elemental World she immediately sensed the chaos and ran towards it. She found Fey on the bank next to her favorite hot-pool, half of her body was still in the water. "Not good little lizard."


    Originally Fey''s dark body was sleekly scaled with wings about five meters from tip to tip. The mass of silver and brown blob was barely recognizable as a drake. "What''s wrong Fey? The Ice Dragon Spirit shouldn''t have caused something like this!"


    Shae''s voice was calm, Fey had only been slightly larger than a warhorse. The shapeless mass of scales was easily four or five times bigger. She gripped Fey by one foreleg and pulled her completely from the pool.


    "Silver flame is combating my natural flame Shae, I must have absorbed it from Nix."


    The red-haired Salamander lay a hand on Fey, companions would often rise in strength when their Spirit bonds did. Just as Nix benefitted from the spiritual bond he shared with Shae, Fey also benefitted from his strength. The difference was that Fey had been a fairly ordinary Lord Class Drake.


    Fey''s breathing was labored. "The Ice Dragon Spirit isn''t compatible with Nix''s Silver flames, nor my form. I just wanted to be stronger for him."


    Shae nodded, she understood the sentiment. "There is something I can try, I wouldn''t dare do it, but I''ve seen Nix accomplish it once."


    "I will try anything." Fey already knew that this failure would lead to her death, not a combat death from which she would be revived, permanent death.


    Shae removed her clothes and let warm red flames engulf her. "First, I''m going to pull out your natural flames, that will ease some of the chaos." Once touch had told her everything. The drake was too weak for the silver flame. The Ice Dragon spirit was only compatible with the Ice Flame. "After I remove the red flames, you will have to focus all of your strength on the silver absorption."


    "I''m too weak for that Shae."


    "This battle you will have to win, if you can manage that, then I will be able to weaken the Ice Dragon Spirit enough for you to meld with it."


    "I will make the attempt." Fey slowly regained her focus, Drakes didn''t rely on fire seeds like salamanders. They possessed a core that burned with the flames they were born too. Fey had never heard of a Drake switching flames. She gathered her courage, her will to fly the skies with him pushed her forward.


    Shae nodded to herself when Fey''s red flames pulsed outward, the Salamander pulled them in like a sponge in water. As an Archon level Salamander, her flame tolerance was years ahead of Feys. When her senses told her that the Drake had pushed away everything she could, Shae focuses on the Drake''s core and stole the rest, leaving an empty whirlpool where the red flame had housed.


    Fey''s weak body convulsed when her flame left her, but she was expecting it and instead of panicking, she managed to pull the smallest bit of Silver flames into her core. Immediately she felt the Ice Flame follow.


    Shae was deeply focused on the flames raging within Fey when the Ice Flames moved, she pulled at them with all of her strength. Silver flamed wings appeared on her back, the instant mind-numbing pain of Ice Flames made the red-haired Archon grit her teeth. She had acquired the small bit of Ice Flame compatibility from her spiritual bond with Nix, it would have to be enough for her to pull it away from the Drake. "Fey! The Ice Flame feeds the Ice Dragon Spirit, try to meld with just the spirit!"


    The Ice Dragon Spirit was something that scared Fey to her core, although she wasn''t weak, she was aware that her blood held only the slightest trace amount of Dragon. She had bonded with Nix originally to protect herself, but as their bond grew, so did her desire to protect him. "I..I will pull it all in, even if it kills me!" The weakened Drake encountered an Ice Dragon spirit that was fighting on two fronts. A powerful Archon was pulling away its life fire, while a pitiful drake was pulling at its spirit. Mistakenly, it chose to take on the stronger Archon first.


    Fey felt the Ice Dragon Spirit weaken slightly, and dived in with all her strength. She had decided that she would not be able to survive, at all cost she must protect her companion''s mate. She released her own Drake identity and focused on become part of the stronger Ice Dragon Spirit.


    "Fey? What are you doing?" Shae felt a moment of panic, she used her own flames to completely cut loose the Ice Flames and then yanked them out completely. An explosion of Ice flames shook her elemental world, tossing Shae into the air like a dried leaf.


    Shae woke a few minutes later, oddly enough she landed in her ghost pepper garden. She frowned at the half-dozen plants that were wrecked. She limped slowly back to her hot-pool while checking her injuries. There were only a few minor cold burns, nothing serious. "How does he hold the Ice Flames?"


    She stopped when the silver form rose from the ground, her pretty brown eyes showed her surprise. Thirty feet of beautiful scaled silver, her furled wings must be nearly twice that. Shae advanced and lay a hand on Fey''s smooth shoulder. "Your flames?"


    Fey''s silver eyes showed some confusion, she inhaled and shot flames into the air. Shae clapped excitedly when she saw them, they were pure silver. "My flames..."


    Shae nodded and stroked her neck. "That''s not all. Examine yourself."


    Fey [Silver Drakon: Hybrid]

 Chapter 189 Vampire Slayers part two

    Nix waited patiently on his fountain seat in Isla''Fairbal while his team assembled in the Gemini Temple. This time he wasn''t stealthed and took a few minutes to enjoy the relative peace of the market square. The weather reminded him of late fall, nowhere near as cold as Fraya''Selene but rather nice for exploring.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] There''s a chance that members of Inferno could be targeted while in the Parliament Courtyards. Could I get you to take Morti with you whenever you are wandering around?


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] Sure hun, but you''re paying for all the food he asks for.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] Deal. Be safe.


    All four members of Alpha Team appeared on the platform at the same time. Fajii spotted him right away and hugged him close.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It''s pretty here, and not freezing cold.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: What are we doing here boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Remember when Cora suffered a spirit break? One of her options was to become a blood sister.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I remember, apparently she thought that choice was worse than death.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I uncovered a conspiracy by that faction to kill Hyai and replace her with an identical doppelganger.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Someone wants to hurt Hyai?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck you say?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: No way...


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I see... We go in and burn everything to the ground and kill anything that moves.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I like that plan. Where''s their HQ?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: North of here a bit, in a place called the Blood Temple.


    Semmi brought up her hud map and had to zoom out quite a bit before finding it.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: That''s pretty far to the North Nix. We''ll have to procure some means of travel.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: There''s a private portal that requires an entrance token, lucky for us one of their high ranking members gave me one.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: This person still alive?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Somewhat.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Going to buff everyone.


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    A weightless rock wall is now protecting the group.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    The group''s weapons now pulse with the power of Scorched Earth.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: A few notable things about Oasis vampires. They''re fast and agile, but very susceptible to fire. They are stronger after dusk but aren''t afraid of daylight. Questions?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: It''s a temple right? Are we gonna take it afterward?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Unsure yet. Let''s play it by ear. We could jump right into a fight, so be ready!


    The group gathered hands and used the token to access the Blood Temple. An instant later they appeared next to a blood crusted altar, the coppery smell of blood hung in the air. A pale Ain''Dhassi sat on the throne a few meters away, her red eyes wide with shock.


    Nix raised both hands and a dozen barbed emerald strands plunged into her torso, they exited her back splattering her throne with blood, before wrapping around her body. She screamed in agony when he yanked her off the throne.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a critical hit on Morana.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit On Morana.


    [Balefire: Advanced]


    White-hot flame erupted from Pon''s hands and slammed into the Blood Queen, she struggled to get loose but was completely bound by Nix.


    [Critical Chain: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit on Morana.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Fajii''s strike with a critical hit on Morana. Morana has entered a state of extreme vulnerability.


    [Execution: Advanced]


    Nix dropped half of the flame strands and struck with a singular razor-sharp strand.


    Morana has been slain.


    Nix stepped back, her dead body hovered in the air for a moment and then turned into three different clouds of red mist.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: That seems unfair...


    [Tide of Flames]


    Nix targeted all three clouds of blood mist, instantly causing them to flee in separate directions.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes changed from yellow to deep orange.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Divide up! I''ll take the middle one.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''ll go with Pon after the right cloud.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Come on Fajii, we''ll take left.


    Nix sprinted after the blood cloud, he chose the middle one because its thermal signature was much brighter than the other two. He followed it closely, easily keeping track of it even when walls separated them. He slowed when he noticed it had stopped.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai, Cal, Tor]


    "Stay close, we are in the enemies lair." Nix pushed Ice Flame into his Archon blade and stepped into the large circular room that Morana had fled to.


    There were no torches in the room, but the darkness didn''t bother Nix at all. Looking closely, he could see the slight outline of an Ain''Dhassi in the cloud.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flame]


    The round room looked to be a dead-end, there was only one hallway leading into it, the floor was wet and sticky beneath Nix''s feet, a casual glance told him that it was blood.


    "You will die here, Mortal." A cold voice spoke from the cloud, "this is my blooding chamber."


    Three square pools were cut into the floor, they were filled to the brink with blood. Nix felt a shiver run down his spine.


    [Summons: Blood Walkers]


    Some of those slain in the blooding chamber has answered Morana''s call.


    Nix cursed when the nearest pool started bubbling and three blood-covered walkers started lumbering toward him. "Stay in the Air, Ducky delay them while I get rid of the other pools"


    [Peaceful Dreams]


    Ducky has lulled a Blood Walker to sleep.


    Ducky has lulled a Blood Walker to sleep.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix targeted the far pool. Immediately the stench of burnt blood filled the air. Morana screamed angrily when one of her pools was instantly vaporized.


    Tor has scored a critical hit on a Blood Walker.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Our cloud has been killed. On our way back to the central chamber.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up Tor''s strike with a critical hit on a Blood Walker.


    A Blood Walker has been slain.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix quickly targeted the second pool. While it burned beneath the tides of flame, he spammed the remaining pool with his hardest-hitting skill.


    [Balefire Burst: Advanced: Gemini Flame]


    [Balefire Burst: Advanced: Gemini Flame]


    [Balefire Burst: Advanced: Gemini Flame]


    Morana solidified when the third pool was destroyed, a long-bladed black sword sliced at Nix, he managed to block most of it but took a small amount of damage.


    You have resisted Cursed.


    You have resisted Bloodbath.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Ours is down also, we''re coming back.


    "BASTARD! WHY HAVE YOU ATTACKED ME?" Morana screamed when a dozen barbed Gemini Flame strands stabbed through her.


    Nix stared at her, not scared of her anger or the blood-red eyes. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. It was you who sent Kedric after me. Did I break the rules by not playing along?"


    [Incinerate: Gemini Flame]


    Nix has placed Morana in a prison of flames.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix targeted her while holding her in place with his strands.


    [Blood Shield]


    Morana has called a blood fiend to shield her.


    A blood fiend has been slain.


    Her image faded again as a scraping sound made the floor rumble. She fled into one of the destroyed pools.


    The blood walkers returned to their original forms, splashing on the floor the moment she left.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Join me, she has fled again.


    Nix stared at the stairs that appeared in the evaporated pool. The stench of rotting flesh was unbelievably bad.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: You guys are going to love this.

 Chapter 190 Vampire Slayer Conclusion

    /Alpha Team: Semmi: So... That''s a dark creepy staircase that descends into some seriously bad stench.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sure, what could possibly go wrong?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: We could get turned into vampires.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: We could get eaten.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Or step into whatever that smell is.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Maybe all of those things.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That was a rhetorical question guys, we are totally going in.


    Nix paused and addressed his spirit companions. Stay stealthed and trail behind us, once the fighting starts you may join in."


    Tor nodded, "understood Nix."


    Ducky smiled pleasantly. "I will wait behind you."


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flame]


    Nix''s led the group down the stone staircase into the darkness. The emerald flames of his aura lit the way for the entire group as they followed in a single file. He scanned the surrounding areas as he walked, there were no signs of thermal signatures. Alpha Team walked for nearly a minute before coming to a set of double doors.


    Semmy studied the doors, "this is a copper door. See the green patina? The jade-colored oxide corrosion is exclusive to copper."


    The large doors were covered in intricate engravings, the damp conditions of the underground staircase caused many of the marks to become unrecognizable. There was the slightest bit of dampness around the door handles. Nix grabbed Semmi''s wrist when she grabbed for them.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s a trap, probably ice spikes or something worse. It''s set on the other side, so impossible to disarm without opening the door.


    When Nix originally became a Tailor for the Gladis Hub, they used their influence to max out hunting and leather making, both prerequisites for his craft. Trap making in Colonial fell under two different disciplines, Hunting and Thievery. During the weeks when he''d been harassing Mid-tier Salamander, Nix had utilized and developed his trapping skills.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: How do we get in then?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Our Gemini Thief class has a trap disarm skill, but nothing on this side of the door is activating it.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Move away, I''m going to blast it down.


    Nix moved up the stairs a few steps and then waited until his group retreated out of sight.


    Nix targeted the door.


    [Balefire Burst: Advanced: Gemini Flame]


    The entire middle part of the door melted onto the floor like water, a moment later a hundreds of ice shards blasted through the hole and impaled the wall behind it. Nix advanced slowly, running a finger over one of the shards. "Black ice, hard as steel and immune to just about everything."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This trap had to have been set up a while ago, there''s no way Morana did it while fleeing.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Notice the brackets bolted into the stone around the door? This door was barred from the outside.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Right to lock out intruders.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Positioning of the brackets indicate ''locked in'' not ''locked out.''


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We won''t figure it out by standing around. Let''s go.


    Nix stepped through the ruined door into a long hallway. His green aura threw their shadows on the smooth marble walls.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This is way too nice for a prison Nix, there has to be a story here.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Anyone notice that the temperature is getting colder, the further down the hall we go?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: There''s light up ahead, am flaming out so everyone stealth up.


    Nix dropped his emerald aura and stealthed. He walked down the hallway and stepped into the dimly lit room.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Spread out.


    Nix walked directly down the middle of the room, while the rest of the team paired up to take the opposite wall routes.


    "Welcome, my friends." A cold voice spoke from the shadows, the speaker took his time moving into the light. "Permit me to illuminate things for you." A clapping sound was heard and dozens of torches from the walls lit the room up.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Sweet mother...


    Two sarcophagi lay open in front of them. On the left was the beautiful Ain''Dhassi vampire they had been chasing. She was completely nude and appeared to be sleeping. The other housed a muscular reptilian creature with large horns. His entire body was scaled with natural armor, his chest cavity had been cut open. There was nothing inside but emptiness.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: F*ck... Those are demons, right? Fiends of some sort?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Maybe. Look at the empty chest compartment. It seems to be missing a heart.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Take a close look at Morana''s chest.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Right... very interesting.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Old bastard, you''re just ogling her.


    Nix had already noticed the long vertical scar that ran the length of Morana''s chest. Suddenly he had an inkling he knew where the demon heart was. The voice stepped fully into the light. He was half the size of the first demon and although he didn''t have horns, he did have wings. He was flanked by two companions nearly identical to him. Nix frowned at the trio. "The light helps. You don''t seem like Oasis creatures."


    "Correct, but then neither are you." The small demons moved within a few meters of Nix, the rest of Alpha team were still paired up on opposite walls. Up close they resembled gargoyles, they were nearly the height of a human with lean but well-defined muscles.


    "I''ve come for the Ain''Dhassi, you can step aside or be stepped on." Nix pushed Ice Flames into his Archon blade.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: According to Kedric, Morana is an origin vampire, basically that means she has the ability to make other vamps. The ones that she makes don''t have that ability.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Makes sense, otherwise Oasis would be overrun very quickly. Is the demon heart in her chest?


    /Alpha team: Nix: My guess is yes.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] The heart that you want is actually a demon heart, correct?


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] Yes, after a demon heart has been tasked as a vampire, it undergoes a significant change. Normal demon hearts are nearly worthless.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] This vampire making process, voluntary or involuntary?


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] Does it matter?


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] Yes.


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] Involuntary.


    The demon stared at him with cold black eyes, nearly the same color as Rhylia''s, but hers were warm and friendly. "We''ve put a lot of time and resources into Morana, perhaps we can come to an arrangement."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Let''s take em.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yeah, no deals with demons.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Whatever you think Nix.


    Nix shrugged at the three demons watching him. "Let''s hear it, I''ve already been here too long."


    The center demon held out a red heart that was completely encased in crystal. "This heart holds a powerful Ice Enchantment, even planar creatures would pay any amount for it. I will give it to you, providing you leave in peace."


    [You have been offered a deal by a creature of the underworld, choose your words carefully.]


    Nix could feel the cold emanating from the crystallized heart. "Give me the heart and we will leave in peace unless forced to defend ourselves."


    "Deal!" The demon spoke quickly, his voice turning dark and twisted. He tossed the Nix the heart.


    [You have received the Crystallized Heart]


    [New Quest Available: Restore the Queen of the North]


    "Thanks, " Nix walked toward the two sarcophagi while keeping a close eye on the three demons.


    "Where are you going human? You cannot break our deal!" The demon laughed loudly, his voice echoing in the large hall.


    "Right... I only said I would leave in peace. I didn''t specify when, nor under what circumstances." Nix''s yellow eyes stared at the three demons, "I''ll be taking the Ain''Dhassi with me."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Don''t attack them first.


    The center demon roared in anger when Nix moved beside the Ain''Dhassi vampire. "Cheater! Liar! Feces eating human scum!"


    Pon''s laughter could be heard from the right wall. "You are really bad at insults, it''s coming out all garbled. Perhaps if your demon buddy beside you pulled his %*^% out of your #$^%, you could come up with something that didn''t sound like you were gargling someone elses *&%"


    Semmi''s face turned beet red, quickly she covered her ears with both hands.


    [Raikri has cast hellfire]


    Pon smiled when the fire missle came at him, he threw up a flame shield in front of himself and Semmi.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Game on.


    A half dozen strands of Ice Flame punched through Raikri''s chest before completely wrapping him up. Nix held him in place


    Ducky has charmed Beliz


    The remaining demon charged at Nix.


    [Rock Slam: Advanced]


    Fajii has scored a critical hit on Squint.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''ll hold Raikri, concentrate on Squint!


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Fajii''s strike with a critical hit.


    [Pulsar]


    Nix surged his Ice Flames directly into Raikri''s demon body, the fire creature howled in agony while it struggled to break free.


    Beliz pulled a dagger from his belt and plunged it deep into Squint''s back.


    Beliz has scored a critical hit on Squint.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit.


    Squint has been mortally wounded and has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    [Rock Slam: Advanced]


    Fajii has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit.


    Squint has been slain.


    Beliz leaped at Raikri and backstabbed him.


    Beliz has scored a critical hit.


    [First Strike]


    Wind has scored a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire Burst]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Advanced Execution]


    Nix''s slice through Raikri''s neck with a razor-sharp strand of Ice Flame, its head bouncing on the floor with a loud thump.


    Nix ignored the rest of the fight with the last demon and walked toward the Ain''Dhassi woman. The demon was slain before he even arrived.


    [You stand before Morana the Queen of the North]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Borrow me a dagger, Sem.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Sure.


    Nix traced the exact route of the scar on Morana''s chest; after cutting through he gently spread the chest cavity. A pair of brown hands gripped the ribs next to his.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I''ll hold it open Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Thanks, Fajii.


    There was no surgical or gentle way to remove the black heart that lay within Morana''s chest so Nix gripped it with both hands and used brutal strength to tear it out.


    [You hold the heart of a Greater Demon in your hand. There are three lesser demons in close proximity to you. Transferring the heart to their bodies will make them your minion.]


    Nix ignored the message and placed the crystal encased heart next to the gaping hole.


    [Remove the heart from the crystal and restore it to Morana?]


    "Yes."


    The Crystal opened and Nix removed the heart; he placed it gently in the empty chest cavity. He picked up the black heart and sat it in the small crystal case, it immediately closed up.


    Demon Heart: Nether Artifact [Crystal Encased]


    May be used to make demon minions


    or powerful enhancements.


    A moment later Morana''s eyes blinked open, they were deep blue like the Oasis skies, she sat up slowly, confusion written in those beautiful eyes.


    [You have restored the Queen of the North]


    [New Quest Available: Cure the Discord]


    Nix pulled a cloak out of his inventory and draped it around the nude Ain''Dhassi while Semmi helped her out of the Sarcophagus. "Are you okay?"


    Morana shook her head at him, there was a deep pain in her eyes. "The horrible things I''ve done, the people that I hurt... Please, sir, cut out this heart of mine and leave me here."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Damn... options?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Let''s take her to Parliament, this is a task for the Ain''Dhassi leadership.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: We could bring her to Del Tali.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Good idea, I was thinking about the Grand Elder instead.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sai Tali] I have an Ain''Dhassi with me that is in dire need of your help.


    [Whisper: Sai Tali to Nix] My help? I''ll have Bael Strom escort you from Parliament.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sai Tali] On my way.


    *****************


    An hour later, Alpha Team was riding toward the Ain''Dhassi compound on mounts provided by Bael. He held the weakened Ain''Dhassi in his arms while leading the group.


    Fajii moved her horse closer to Nix''s and lowered her voice. "What does %*^% mean?''


    Nix gave her a deadpan look and whispered the answer in her ear.


    Fajii nodded as if she understood. "I see... What does #$^% mean?"


    Again Nix answered with a whisper.


    Fajii pursed her lips as if considering a complicated puzzle. "Then how about *&%?"


    Nix told her, a smile starting to seep out.


    "Oh... Then..." Fajii''s dark lips curved in a smile. "Pon is very good at insulting people."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Yes, he has found his calling."

 Chapter 191 Rising Inferno

    /Inferno: Jun Li: We need to have an Officer meeting ASAP Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Did something come up? We are on our way to the Ain''Dhassi compound to speak with their Grand Elder.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes, our Cultural Enhancement is available to build.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m busy, just tell me.


    /Inferno: Jun Lie: Okay, going to link the name and description.


    Vocational Technical Institute.


    Description: The Vocational Institute, or VoTech, is a four-month course that has the potential to teach any tier 4 or tier 5 Classes. There are 30 slots available every 120 days. Additionally, the VoTech is a place to learn skills. The Skill courses are one week in length, with 12 slots being available for any given skill. Only one skill may be taught at a time.


    Additional Notes: Any Class or Skill may be taught at the VoTech. This is entirely contingent upon the abilities of the Instructors hired to teach.


    /Inferno: Semmi: So we can hire experts to come in and teach?


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s call an officer meeting for 1600, we''ll discuss it then. Ronnie, can you research two quests for me? ''Restore the Queen of the North'' and ''Cure the Discord.''


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m on it!


    Ronnie smiled pleasantly at Jun Li. "I''m glad you stopped by Junie."


    Jun Li took the seat next to her. "Semmi said you can find anything with your Great Library search."


    Ronnie nodded and brought up the first quest.


    [Restore the Queen of the North]


    Description: Morana has ruled the Blood temple for decades. During that time her power and influence have grown substantially. It wasn''t always like this. There was a time when Mora ruled with compassion. Find the cause of her change and do your best to restore her.


    Requirement [Option One]: Slay the Blood Queen and destroy her demon heart.


    Award: Crystalized Heart: Queen of the North.


    Requirement [Option Two]: Remove the Demon heart of Morana and replace it with her original. Keep the Demon Heart in your possession.


    Award: Your Guild receives the permanent Blessing of Ice.


    POC: Grand Elder Sai Tali.


    Jun Li stared at the two different awards. "Do you think Nix has the Demon heart?"


    Ronnie nodded while she searched for the second quest. "I''d bet he does. Here''s the second quest."


    [Cure the Discord]


    A rift has formed between the Ain''Dhassi of the North and their Southern brethren. The heart of this matter starts with Morana. Find a way to ease the tension and reunite the Ain''Dhassi. There are several different routes you may take to finish this quest.


    Requirement [Option One:] Bring the head of Morana to Parliament and petition the Ain''Dhassi for a meeting.


    Award: Sword of Justice


    Requirement [Option Two: Evil Faction] Restore Morana as your personal minion. Declare the Independence of the Northern Ain''Dhassi and convince the Ain''Dhassi council to go along with your wishes.


    Award: Control of the Northern Ice Cap.


    Requirement [Option Three: Ain''Dhassi Ally: Faction] Bring the restored Queen to Parliament and let the Ain''Dhassi restore mutual goodwill.


    Award: 300 Loyal Ain''Dhassi Rangers.


    Ronnie whistled softly. "Option two is like being a King right? Holy crap."


    Jun Li leaned back in her chair while she studied the screen. "I would guess that if that option were chosen, there would be lots of obstacles put in the way of your continued success. Invasions, natural disasters, rebellions and so forth."


    Ronnie leaned forward, her finger tracing a line on Jun Li''s arm. "Still... a demon minion might be fun right? Do you like to have fun? Everyone says you''re a bit of a prude."


    Jun Li felt her face turning red, but she didn''t back away. "I have my own way of doing things. Your sister says that you like to start trouble."


    "Hmm... I have my own way of doing things too." Ronnie turned back toward the hud and sent Nix a message. "We should let him know what his options are."


    *******************


    "That''s enough!" Nix raised his voice slightly, letting the Elder Council of the Ain''Dhassi know that he was tired of their shenanigans. Sai Tali had called for a meeting of the council, immediately whisking Nix and Morana to the Council''s Chambers. Since then the Elders took turns deriding Morana.


    Nix stood and held out an object. Demon Heart: Nether Artifact [Cyrstal Encased]


    The council stared at the black heart in his hand, Sai Tali moved toward him to examine it closer.


    "This was inside Morana?" Sai Tali was careful not to touch it, but he nodded in satisfaction. "I often wondered what happened to change her. It didn''t occur to me that she was being controlled."


    [You''ve successfully completed Restoration of the Northern Queen.]


    Inferno Members have all received the Permanent Blessings of Ice.


    Your Ice Blessing has advanced to Tier II.


    "If I cut open the chest of anyone here and placed this black heart inside; do you think you''d be the same person? You''d be nothing but a puppet, you would dance at my will without any regard for anything else." Nix helped Morana to her feet and gripped her hand tightly. "You have a chance here to restore the unity of the Ain''Dhassi, but instead you are throwing blame where it doesn''t belong. Inferno will offer Immunity to Morana for the actions taken since she was converted."


    Nix''s words seem to freeze the council in place. Was he inciting rebellion? Did he mean to stand against the Southern Ain''Dhassi?


    "My human friend makes a valid point." Del Tali spoke from the rear of the chambers. "Let our healers take care of Morana, she was once a good friend and valued ally to many of us."


    "Your friend..." The male Ain''Dhassi sitting next to Sai Tali finally spoke. He seemed much younger than the Grand Elder, but his strength was obvious. "He saved your apprentice, you have reason to take him at his word."


    "Not just her apprentice." Nix smiled pleasantly at the speaker. Tali had taken a few minutes at the start of the meeting to brief him on the identities of the council members.


    [Ice Sparrow]


    A beautiful white bird appeared in the air in front of Nix, it took a perch on his shoulder and turned to face the council.


    "Your son was one of the ranger apprentices on the river bank. How do you think he would have fared against the assassins that waited for them?"


    Nix flew to the table in front of the members, the small white bird peered at each of them.


    Del Tali''s mouth opened and shut a few times, she found herself unable to speak. Nix was the Winter Sparrow. The Ain''Dhassi believed that great fortune follows the sacred bird, to have one looking over their children was a good omen.


    The winter sparrow flew back to Morana''s shoulder. The Ain''Dhassi female showed the first semblance of a smile when Nix pecked at her shoulder before facing the council. "Heal the rift or face the consequence of alienating the entire North."


    Sai Tali nodded slowly. "I understand... we''ve been shown the proper path. Thank you, Nix. Go in peace so that the members of the council may deliberate."


    Del Tali walked from the rear of the chamber and placed a hand on Nix''s shoulder. "Come with me." She activated a stone that she held in her hand and disappeared with both Nix and Morana.


    ********************


    [You''ve successfully completed Cure the Discord.]


    [Ranger Captain Locas and his company will report to the Inferno Guild Office tomorrow for permanent assignment to the Inferno Guild]


    Nix watched as the healers brought Morana away. He felt like he should say something, but the reality was that they didn''t know each other.


    "Nix... Thank you, I am in your debt." Del Tali bowed low and kept her head down for several seconds.


    "Is there such a thing as debts between friends?" Nix waved off her words and pulled her upright.


    Unexpectedly she hugged him before turning and walking away. His team had stayed in camp while he was summoned to the chambers with Morana. They gathered around him when he returned.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We good to go, boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yep, we have a few hours still before the meeting. Everyone is on their own until then.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Resolute is in Loki and have chosen a site for their Guild Hall. I''ve already taken care of their Parliament registration.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Going to need you guys to help me escort Bev and a bunch of Lifestyle players across the Escalade bridge. Shouldn''t be a big deal since we have one more group token.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Pays to be prepared. Cya later boss.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] I have the heart you asked for. Demon Heart: Nether Artifact [Cyrstal Encased]


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] Meet in Phai City market?


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] Sure.


    Nix didn''t see the Envoy when he gated into Phai city, but he knew that she was probably already there. He took a seat on an empty bench and waited. She appeared a few moments later.


    "Here." Beta handed him a long black case. "Don''t open it here, you have to bond with the blade, find someplace private to do so."


    Nix nodded and handed her the Nether Artifact. "If your interested, there are three lesser demon corpses in the Blood temple."


    Beta''s pink eyes studied him without emotion. Had he guessed she wanted a demon minion? "You do good work Nix, perhaps we could do business again sometime."


    Nix shrugged. "Maybe." He waited until she left before he activated Deep Blue.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] You finished yet?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Sure, want to meet at Haven?


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Nope, come to my Elemental world.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] On my way.

 Chapter 192 Fey the Silver

    Nix gated to the Gemini Temple, Elune was speaking with a half dozen or so Arch Wind Acolytes. "How are they doing Elune?"


    The Gemini dhassi gave him a pleased smile. "They are ideal Gemini, the ability to work well in teams has always been the cornerstone of our strength."


    "I haven''t forgotten the search for a Chief Acolyte yet, there is someone I favor, but she needs a bit more time."


    Nix gated to the Glory docks so he could walk through town. As the Golden City of Colonial, Glory had become a bustling town with crowds of shoppers and travelers.


    [Whisper Gideon to Nix] I''m going to post on the official forums tomorrow. It may seem like I''m making you out to be the bad guy, my intent is to bring the stray guilds into the fold.


    Nix nodded while he walked. He didn''t mind being the bad guy, some of his actions benefitted the other guilds, but they conveniently forgot that when Inferno was able to wiggle around roadblocks that had stopped other guilds in their tracks.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] It''s fine. Tell me the gist of your post.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Going to call for the disbanding of all guilds that aren''t part of the 12 pillars. Additionally, I''ve contacted the other Pillar guilds and together we are going to offer Officer positions to the Guild Leaders who comply. With the exception of Resolute and Inferno, all the Pillar Guilds will be having open recruiting for the next week.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] I know it''s an ass-pain, but in the long run, we can do a lot more with 12 teams than we can with 36. Just make sure that they don''t divide your guilds.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] We will handle it. Salamander plans on doubling its numbers, but no more than two new recruits from the same guild. This will keep their numbers down.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Great idea. I look forward to your post.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I might refer to you as Nix the Bastard.


    Nix laughed aloud, causing several of the Fire Acolytes to notice him. He waved at them and continued toward the Altar. The Elemental World hadn''t changed much since his last visit, he figured Shae would either be in her favorite hot-pool or the Ghost Pepper garden. He froze in place when he saw her, thirty feet of Silver Drakon. Her sleek head was intricated scaled with heavy ridges over her eyes for protection. There were large talons at the midpoint of her wings, she stretched them out to nearly sixty feet. At the end of her tail were three large spikes.


    The Silver drakon furled her wings and approached him, gently pushing her snout into Nix''s chest. "Are you pleased with my advancement?"


    Nix nodded, his mind seemed to fill with random thoughts. He hadn''t expected evolution. He hugged her head, rubbing the sides of her jaws. "Absolutely stunning Fey. I will craft something incredible for you and we will own the Oasis Sky."


    Shae stepped in and put an arm around the muscular neck of the drakon. "She did good right? Fey should be able to assume human form once she studies a bit more about human nature."


    Nix nodded, his thoughts still soaring. "Is that how it works? You have to fully understand the form before attempting a transformation?"


    Shae nodded and moved closer, her free arm pulling Nix closer for a quick kiss. "Exactly right. It might take her a while, but the capability is there."


    Nix stepped away a few meters and turned back toward them. "Hit me with it, I want to taste your flames, Fey."


    The silver drakon raised up on her back legs and a moment later Nix was bathed in a baptism of pure silver flame. He held his arms out as if embracing the warmth.


    "Silver flames! Fantastic!" Nix clapped his hands excitedly. "From now on, we are going to soar the skies!" Nix studied Fey''s new dimensions. "Let''s see... perhaps we need to enlist the help of an armorer, that way the stats will really soar when I add an overlay.


    /Inferno: Nix: Moki... can you come to the Fire Palace?


    /Inferno: Moki: Can it wait? I''m finishing up an item.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure... if you don''t want 10 of these:


    Ice Dragon Leather: Mythic


    +1000 AC


    + 200 to Ice Abilities


    + 100 to Flight Abilities


    + 100 to Charm


    /Inferno: Moki: I''m on my way! Don''t leave!


    /Inferno: Dalton: Damn... that''s god-like.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll give you 10 also after you make Alpha Team new boots with it.


    /Inferno: Dalton: Done!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Can I have Dragon boots too?


    /Inferno: Nix: Ronnie too. I plan on using the rest for our Mermaid City and Embassy Raid forces.


    "Back in a bit Nix, I''ll bring Moki in." Shae vanished from their side, leaving man and drakon alone.


    Nix patted Fey''s silver head. "It''ll take a while to get used to, but I''m very happy with the result."


    Fey lay her head on Nix''s shoulder. "I wouldn''t have made it if not for Shae. You should get her something nice."


    Nix nodded. "That goes without saying."


    Moki arrived a few moments later, he was remarkably composed for someone new to elemental worlds. "I''ve recently converted to the Oasis Armoring system, it''s a bit new for me."


    Nix waved it off, "not a problem. I''ve been using the Tailor crafting interface, it''s the exact same thing. Since you''ve never made a fighting harness before, it might be free."


    The two crafters sat down together, using Fey as a backrest they started the procedure.


    Nix handed him the old clothe harness he had made. "No scales or inserts, just use the dragon leather. I''ll enhance it with Merestone first, then you can use it as the base for the harness. Do you have any flying enhancements?"


    Moki nodded, "I'' do have a few Epic rated feathers, nothing incredible but it will add to flight performance."


    Nix used the Merestone to enhance the leather, the stats didn''t jump much but the real improvement would be shown in the finished harness. "It was my dad that actually figured how to use the Merestone. It works best in the material portion of crafting."


    Enhanced Ice Dragon Leather: Mythic


    +1200 AC


    + 220 to Ice Abilities


    + 110 to Flight Abilities


    + 110 to Charm


    Nix watched and guided Moki while he set up the crafting queue for a leather fighting harness. Since the product was considered armor, he could use four separate enhancements.


    [Fighting Harness: Flight Type] [Fey] [Enhanced Ice Dragon Leather][Bonus Enhancement: Split-Tail Swallow Feather][ Bonus Enhancement: Ced''Far Leather][Bonus Enhancement: Kraken Leather][Bonus Enhancement: Leviathan Leather]


    Moki studied the queue. "Weren''t you going to use these enhancements on the Overlay? You won''t be able to use them if I add them into the armor."


    Nix nodded. "I will find other enhancements for the Overlay. I''m curious as to the result a real armorer will have."


    "Me too." Moki selected the ''Craft Item'' icon. "Damn..."


    Dragon Wing Harness: Tyrant XV [Drakon]


    +15,000 AC


    +500 to All Stats.


    [Immunity: Fire, Poison, Charm]


    +500 to Flight. [Advanced Turn Ratio, Advanced Climb, Advanced Dive]


    Incoming Damage is decreased by 60 percent.


    Fire Based Abilities improved by 70 percent.


    Ice Based Abilities improved by 60 percent.


    Nix clapped his hands. "That has to be the best armor I''ve ever seen."


    Fey laid down while they put it on her. It would protect her chest and sit high on her shoulders so that her wings wouldn''t be bothered. There was a seat and footholds so Nix could ride comfortably. "I haven''t tried flying yet Nix."


    "I''ll just add an enhanced camo overlay now. Later when I find suitable enhancements I will switch it out." Nix removed the harness and started working. After a few minutes, he came up with the finished product.


    Stealthed Silver Wing: Tyrant XV [Drakon: Absolute Stealth]


    +17,000 AC


    +550 to All Stats.


    [Immunity: Fire, Poison, Charm]


    +550 to Flight. [Advanced Turn Ratio, Advanced Climb, Advanced Dive]


    Incoming Damage is decreased by 62 percent.


    Fire Based Abilities improved by 73 percent.


    Ice Based Abilities improved by 62 percent.


    "I''m heading to Oasis, wait for my summons." Nix left the Elemental world with Moki and Shae. They dropped the armorer off at his shop on the docks and then gated to the Gemini Temple.


    Nix and Shae walked hand in hand. "You going to fly with us?"


    Shae nodded, "I want to show off a bit too."


    They took the portal to Phai City. Nix was watching Shae. "Hey... Can you transition without destroying everything?


    Shae nodded. "After the planar trial, the transition becomes gentle."


    Nix muttered a curse under his breath. "I kinda like blowing shit up that way."


    They walked out of Phai City, towards the beach where they dropped off Ishna. Once they were out of sight they stopped.


    "Will you get in trouble using the Archon form here?" Nix now knew that Breach Commanders monitored energy signatures from the lower planes.


    Shae shook her head and instantly transformed, the tips of her silver wings touched the ground. "Ready? Don''t worry about predators either, they won''t bother us while I''m here."


    Nix laughed, "going to protect me? That''s kinda nice."


    [Summons: Fey]


    Nix grinned widely when the Silver Drakon appeared. He still wasn''t used to her new form.


    Nix was thankful for the improved seating a moment later when Fey shot into the air, she climbed quickly for several hundred feet before leveling off. Shae trailed behind by a few meters, keeping an eye on the skies.


    Nix let Fey fly for nearly an hour, she chased Shae all over the skies and into the clouds. Her powerful wings gave her more speed and lift then the beautiful Archon, but Shael could easily outmaneuver her.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s meet at the Guild Office today, I want to use the hud while we talk.


    Shae moved closer to Fey so that Nix could hear her. "I''m going to take the portal to the Guild Office, I don''t want the dhassi to see this form."


    "Right... It would scare the crap out of them to learn there was an Archon in Inferno."


    Shae smiled and waved. "Don''t be too long, see you at the meeting."


    "Cya there." Nix had Fey stealth and she banked hard toward Inuit.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    "I''ll watch the skies, Fey."


    Whenever Nix flew as the Ice Sparrow he would keep to the trees. This time he stayed in the clouds, staring in wonder at the heavily forested continent below. From his vantage point on Fey''s back, he spotted several large predators and made a mental note to have Ronnie research the sky predators in Oasis.


    Fey dropped him off right outside of the Parliament barrier, Nix had been tempted to buzz the Courtyard with Fey but managed to hold himself back.


    All the officers were present when Nix arrived at the Guild office, he took a seat at his desk.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Let''s start with the easy stuff before progressing to the more complicated things.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Alpha Team has managed to defeat the 89th floor.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: What? When did we do that?


    /Guild Officer: Wind: Sorry boss, we did it this morning when you were tracking down vampires. It was a five-person raid but we managed with four.


    Nix nodded, four 100-level Gemini classes were incredibly powerful, secretly he longed to join them.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Is the 90th floor an ''Inferno only'' floor now?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Yes, the problem is that we can''t access it.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Why?


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: We get a message saying we aren''t allowed to enter.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Let''s sneak a peek at it after the meeting then.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Next item then. We have a shipyard but no one knows how to build ships. Vy is back in Izzin.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I''m bringing a group of lifestyle players across the Escalade bridge today. Our Guild carpenter Lena will have to figure it out.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: I didn''t think of that, good idea.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Next item then, tomorrow we have 300 Ain''Dhassi Rangers reporting for duty.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: What are we going to do with them?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: I want them to explore Loki. A large part of our new land is heavily forested, they are rangers, after all, let''s have them scout it out.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: 300 Ain''Dhassi rangers with levels in the 100s? It''s a good show of force as well. The Guilds won''t get froggy thinking we are just a bunch of 50 levels from Colonial.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: What about their access privileges?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: They''ve taken blood oaths to join our cause. Let''s treat them as recruits and put them on probation. If they work out, I don''t see why they can''t be regular members.


    /Guild Officer: Fajii: I agree.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Okay let''s talk about the big one. The Vocational Institute. Where do we want to build it?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Loki. I think that''s the best choice.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: You intend to give the other guilds access?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Our strength rises with theirs. We have the Gemini Temple to ourselves.


    /Guild Officer: Sharl: What''s your reasoning?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Let''s use a Ranger for example. Say we hire a ranger to teach the first four-month course. Each guild would be allotted two slots, which they could use or sell. We would have six slots.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: And the remaining two slots?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: The guilds could bid on the last two.


    /Guild Officer: Wind: Two 4th-tier slots upgradeable to 5th-tier, that should keep the Guilds happy and steadily growing.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: What about the 12 skill slots?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: We have to make money, we can keep two and have the guilds bid on the rest.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: I volunteer to research teachers, there''s a lot of class data in the Great Library.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Do we have any dissent on any of these items? Speak up if you have other ideas.


    Inferno closed up the meeting and headed to the Embassy entrance on Parliament''s first floor. The group took the elevator all the way to the 89th floor. There was no guide on the floor, just the hazy entrance to some sort of giant buildings.


    /Guild Officer: Pon: We can just barely see the outlines of buildings. Any ideas?


    Nix walked toward the entrance, just before he reached it an invisible force pushed at him.


    [You are not yet qualified to initiate this instance.]


    Semmi stared at the message Nix received. "That''s different than ours. Everyone try to enter."


    Nix stood off to one side while the other officers tried to enter, Shae was the last one.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Does anyone have a message different then, "You are not allowed to enter this instance."?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: So it''s just me then.


    /Guild Officer: Jun Li: Maybe it''s something only you can start, as the Guild Leader of Inferno.


    /Guild Officer: Shae: The outlines of the buildings look very familiar.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: You''ve seen them before? Do you remember where?


    /Guild Officer: Shae: Yes. The Planar Trials in Solomon City.

 Chapter 193 Gemini Temples Chief Acolyte

    /Guild Officer : Nix: Makes sense I suppose. For those that don''t know, the Planar trials are usually required to gain access to the Sky Kingdom, think of it as a step up from Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Shae: I''ve recently begun my training in Solomon City. Nix is also there, although he hasn''t taken the trials and is still a 50 level.


    /Guild Officer: Mina: Are you holding back because of Mermaid City?


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Yes. I would have already unbanked if not for our mission, I''m focused on destroying the Cai''Song Artifact.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Shae are you obligated to join anyone''s forces in Solomon City?


    /Guild Officer: Shae: No, when I complete my training I will return and help build Inferno in Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Let''s worry about finishing Mermaid City, I want all our raid forces to be able to unbank and enter Oasis.


    /Guild Officer: Ronnie: Meeting over? I have some things to do.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: Yes. Alpha Team is escorting some lifestyle players across the Escalade bridge right after this. It shouldn''t take long. I want to hit Mermaid City tomorrow.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: That''s all then, thanks, everyone.


    /Inferno: Nix: Those who are crossing the Escalades bridge, meet at the docks in an hour.


    Nix waited until the rest of the officers left, only Fajii and Shae remained. "I''m going down to the 50th floor to speak with the Floor Steward."


    Shae smiled and nodded. "We''re going also."


    The trio exited the elevator a few moments later. Esta Helisstuiride watched as Nix approached, the normally playful and flamboyant Stormsinger seemed reserved for once.


    "Greeting Guild Leader Nix." Esta bowed low, her transparent face was somber.


    "You were once asked to be the Chief Acolyte in the Gemini Temple, but you said no." Nix had spoken with Elune regarding the prior Lord of the Temple, Tessa Beryngare. According to her, Tessa had asked a Stormsinger friend of hers to assume the position but that person refused.


    Esta nodded, "how did you know?"


    Nix didn''t reply, it had been a shot in the dark. "There are a unexplored levels under the Temple, my Arch Wind Acolytes are hoping to explore them while they are training."


    "Arch Wind Acolytes?" Esta nodded, "it''s a good choice for the Gemini Temple."


    Nix waited, the Floor Steward seemed to want to say more.


    "Had I taken the position, the Temple would never have fallen and Tessa Beryngare would still be alive." The Stormsinger spoke quietly, her voice was thick with emotion. "She was my friend... my very best friend."


    "Join the Gemini Temple as my Chief Acolyte and assume the mantle that Tessa offered you." Nix''s words were accompanied by silence, the Stormsinger''s face showed the surprise she felt.


    [Esta Helisstuiride has joined the Inferno Guild]


    [You have appointed Esta Helisstuiride as the Chief Acolyte of the Gemini Temple]


    /Inferno: Semmi: Welcome Esta...


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Welcome Esta...


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Who is Esta?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] She''s my new Chief Acolyte and also the Floor Steward from the 50th floor.


    In truth, Nix hadn''t expected her to join so readily, perhaps the regret from her past pushed her into the decision. "Welcome Esta."


    "Thank you, Lord Nix." Esta bowed low, "I need a few days to wrap things up with the Embassy."


    Nix nodded, "take your time. I''ll bring you to the Temple tomorrow if you want to see it beforehand.


    "Yes, I''d like that."


    **********************


    All of Alpha Team was on the docks when Nix arrived an hour later. He was expecting five lifestyle players, but he seemed to be one short.


    The 12 Pillar Guilds were already at Loki, they were busy with establishing their Guildhalls and finishing Quests. Nix had locked down all the other buildings in town. A few of Inferno''s lifestyle players approached Nix about taking over shops there. "Who are we missing?"


    "Pin was offered a position as Head Chef for Queen Festa in the Central Kingdom, he sends his apologies." Dalton, the Guild Cobbler, and former Gladis Hub leader, offered an explanation.


    "I see." Nix looked at the others, Lena the Carpenter, Blitz the Blade Maker, Moki the Armorer and Dalton the Cobbler. "Do we have a replacement?"


    "Right here!" A familiar voice spoke from behind Nix.


    Nix turned to see his favorite Innkeeper. "You want to cross the bridge?"


    Hyai nodded, "I''ve heard there was an Inn there also, it''s about time I expand my business a bit."


    Nix stole a glance at Fajii and Shae, it was obvious from their expressions that they had already known. "Fine by me. You five can choose the buildings you want. There''s no charge, but the standard 10 percent will be donated to the Guild."


    They took the dock portal to Jhabi and then summoned their mounts. Nix enjoyed the shocked looks when Fey appeared in front of him.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Did that dragon eat Fey?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This hardly seems fair.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: This is Fey, thanks to Nefi the Ice Dragon, my Drake has evolved into a Drakon.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: So pretty.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Mount up, it''s an hour to the bridge.


    An hour later, they arrived at the bridge. The Escalade Bridge Guardian was standing guard. Nix handed the Escalade token to Hyai. "Give him the token and say that you are prepared. The bridge exits just outside of Phai City, Wind is already there to receive you."


    Hyai didn''t look nervous, her slightly freckled face seemed excited. "Where will you be?"


    "We''re gating to Gemini and then Phai City. We will rendezvous at the platform in Phai City." Nix waited as the group approached the Guardian and then handed him the token. A moment later they disappeared from view.


    *******************


    Within a few minutes, the group reunited and gated to Loki. The took a moment to view the city from their hilltop vantage point. Thanks to the City Planner from Salamander, Loki looked organized and sleek. The Inn was located close to the docks, much like the Kindled Spirit in Glory. There were more people walking around than Nix would have guessed. They were a mix from the 12 Pillars with a few Lamia Acolytes thrown in.


    Two Lamia Guards were standing in front of the main gate when the group arrived. They noticed Fajii and Nix right away.


    "Please enter Mistress," the Lamia who spoke was in her human form. Fajii had told them to use it exclusively while in Loki.


    Fajii stopped next to the guards. "I am going to speak with my Acolytes if you don''t need anything."


    "Me too, Nix." Shae joined Fajii, her lips showing amusement.


    "Right..." Nix headed inside with the rest of the group. Hyai slipped a hand through his arm while they walked.


    The group walked directly down Mainstreet, as they progressed, each crafter would point out the shop they were interested in and Nix would unlock it with his hud. By the time they arrived at the Inn, only Hyai and Alpha Team were left.


    The Inn was much larger than the one in Glory, from the outside it looked nearly double the size. It was made from wood and had been stained a deep brown. The roof was topped with red ceramic shingles. The entrance was two glass-paned white doors and the first step inside showcased the Inn''s best feature; a sleek wood bar that ran the entire length of the building.


    "That''s what I call a bar!" Pon took a seat in a comfortable looking swivel seat. "I want an exclusive contract Hyai, Semmi beer only!"


    The tall redhead nodded. "Semmi and I already made arrangements."


    ***********************


    [0900 12th Floor Staging Area: Mermaid City]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Looks like 12.1 is only a 10 person raid, give me a moment to adjust the Raid sheet.


    There had been no information available about 12.1 so Inferno had brought a 20 person raid force. When they stepped onto the platform they were notified that only 10 people could enter.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Good Luck guys!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay here''s the Raid Sheet. Please stay here until we complete it, in the event of a wipe the 2nd group will attempt it also.


    [Raid Sheet]


    Group 1


    Jun Li: Tank


    Tess: Heals


    Nix: CC


    Chael: DPS


    Mina: DPs


    Group 2


    Sharl: Tank


    Gypsy: Heals


    Rhylia: CC


    Ronnie: DPS


    Milat: DPS


    Nix stepped onto the platform and waited until the other nine joined him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s go.

 Chapter 194 Mermaid City: 12th Floor, Stage 1

    The setting for Stage one of the 12th floor was a desert. A large sand-colored pyramid structure loomed in front. There were two arched entrances with long stairs leading to each one. There was no water, nor were any Aquarions present.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: So... the first stage of the 12th floor seems to be a desert.


    There was a wolf-masked individual in front of each door. Nix muttered a curse under his breath.


    /Inferno: Nix: Darsi, how many of the Beast-Man bracers were unaccounted for?


    /Inferno: Darsi: Eight. Did you find them?


    /Inferno: Nix: Maybe.


    /Inferno: Darsi: I am actually close to repurposing the recycled ones you gave me, just need a better base enhancement.


    /Inferno: Nix: Try Enhanced Merestone. Do you have any tips, Mina?


    /Inferno: Mina: The entire 12th floor is controlled by the Grand Elders. They are able to make adjustments and changes but they still have to follow the set guidelines.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They''ll be testing us, to find our weaknesses.


    /Inferno: Sharl: So they can hire mercs? Suddenly I''m glad that the Upper-Tiers left Colonial.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Sorry to butt in, I''m monitoring from Parliament. It doesn''t add up, why would they bother?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: It''s obvious isn''t it? To attack our weakness later.


    /Inferno: Nix: No. Semmi is right. We are missing a vital piece of information.


    Nix turned toward Mina, his yellow eyes staring intently. She was hiding something, he could sense it now. "They know we can change personnel and tactics. We can regear for any occasion. Unless of course... We can''t."


    /Inferno: Semmi: What? Do you know something Nix?


    Inferno: Mina: I''ve been hiding something about the last stage of the 12th floor. There is no second chance. If we wipe on the first attempt, we won''t be able to challenge it again.


    /Inferno: Milat: Mina! That''s vital information. Why keep it to yourself?


    /Inferno: Mina: At first it was so far away, I didn''t think it was important. In the last few raids, I''ve been scared. Because... because.


    Nix placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed gently. He wanted to be mad, but her image faded in his mind and was replaced with a small Aquarion girl whose hands were covered in chalk. "I''ve earned more trust than that. So have the rest of us."


    Mina stared at the ground, her pale eyes looked impossibly sad. "I''m sorry," she whispered softly.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Well... That''s good enough for me! Let''s knock this out.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yeah... Come on Min, no harm done. You''re allowed a mistake or two.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Don''t be mad Nix. She carries tremendous weight on her shoulders.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] I''m not angry. I just wonder what she will do when her life''s work has been accomplished.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I expect she''ll stay with the person she cares about most.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No worries Mina but we need complete transparency from here on out.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Right! You guys have to change tactics, and not wipe everything out so easily. Nix you need to Throttle the OP way back.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I have a question before we start.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Not another theory.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: When the raid limit says 10, how come we can bring in Spirit Companions? Shouldn''t that violate the number requirement?


    /Inferno: Semmi: You only have to meet the requirement at the entrance. Once inside, you can bring in your companions if you have that capability.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I see. Since we have only one chance at the last stage, our mission will be over no matter what the outcome. Right?


    /Inferno: Sharl: This going somewhere?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m only saying, we could enter the last stage and then unbank our levels.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Damn...


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nice Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s worry about that later. Let''s head in.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Group One will take the left door, scout it out for us Nix.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    "Follow me Ducky, don''t be seen."


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix stealthed and headed up the stairs, a glance to his right told him Milat was doing the same thing for the other group.


    Qez Tilac has been charmed.


    Nix slipped the Beast-Master Bracer off of Qez''s arm and then Ducky ordered him back to the group.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Want us to keep this guy?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nope.


    Nix walked through the doorway and stepped into a dome-shaped room, there were a have dozen air creatures circling the room near the high ceilings. He guessed the distance at about fifteen meters. They were shaped like snakes and were completely transparent, Nix could feel the static electricity building up in the room.


    /Inferno: Nix: Air creatures in here, they might have a lightening element also.


    /Inferno: Rhylia: What do they look like?


    /Inferno: Nix: Twenty feet long and thick as a person''s waist. They resemble transparent snakes.


    /Inferno: Rhylia: Storm Breakers, they have air and water attacks. You''ll get a minor shock when you touch them.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Switch to group channel so we can focus on our room.


    [You have joined Group Chat]


    /Group: Jun Li: They are all grouped up. Suggestions?


    /Group: Nix: I can hold two. Ducky can Charm one to fight another.


    /Group: Jun Li: Good enough, that leaves two for me to tank.


    "Now Ducky." Nix raised both hands and targeted two Storm Breakers that were flying together. A half dozen Ice Flame strands encircled each one. Immediately Nix felt the jolt of a shock run up both arms.


    Ducky has charmed an Alpha Storm Breaker.


    [Gemini''s Challenge]


    The Gemini Temple''s Champion has issued a challenge, all hostile creatures within range must answer.


    Nix''s entire body shook as electricity coursed through him, he gritted his teeth and cursed Rhy''s ''minor shock'' description.


    [First Strike]


    Jun Li has scored a critical hit on a Storm Breaker.


    Mina summoned four of her eel-gators and set them loose on the two air creatures. The eel-gators weren''t particularly maneuverable on land, but they had a natural affinity for electricity and made short work of the two Storm Breakers.


    By the time the group finished with the third Storm Breaker, both of Nix''s arms had turned numb. When Jun Li finally attacked one of his creatures, Nix dropped all the strands and attacked the other.


    [Advanced Balefire Burst: Gemini Flame]


    Green and Silver fire tore through the body of Nix''s target.


    Nix has scored a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Jun Li has followed up on Nix''s attack and scored a critical hit.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix appeared next to the air creature and cut through its body, right behind the head.


    A Storm Breaker has been slain.


    [Snipe]


    Chael has mortally wounded a Storm Breaker.


    A Storm Breaker has been slain.


    /Group: Jun Li: Let''s keep Ducky''s pet with us until the end. That thing is awesome.


    /Group: Nix: I''m not using strands on these anymore, my teeth are numb.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our first room is down, half dozen Storm Breakers.


    /Inferno: Sharl: We just finished two smaller rooms. All earth type creatures.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You''re being tested.


    Nix restealthed and exited the room by the far hallway. The next room was square and had five glowing circles on the ground.


    /Group: Nix: Follow, please.


    Jun Li and the rest of the group entered a moment later, as soon as the last person entered a stone door slammed shut behind them.


    /Jun Li: F*ck...


    /Inferno: Sharl: Don''t enter the room with the glowing circles on the floor.


    /Inferno: Nix: Too late.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Trouble?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The door is sealed, the circles are the only object in the room that you can interact with.


    /Inferno: Nix: You guys wait, we''ll step on the circles here.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Okay.


    Nix stepped onto one of the small circles, there was no change. He turned and watched the rest of his group do the same thing.


    /Group: Jun Li: Nothing. Stay in place while the other group does it also.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re on the circles. No change, we''ll wait while you do it.


    Nix took a moment to study the rest of the room, without any warning it vanished completely. A quick glance around told him he was alone.


    [Messaging has been temporarily disabled]


    Nix was standing in a small square room with stone walls. A loud grating sound was accompanied by the room rumbling. Shortly after that, he noticed that two of the side walls were closing in on him.


    He moved to the nearer wall and pushed back against it, his feet slid across the floor while he tried to find something sturdy to brace himself on. After a few minutes, the walls were close enough so that he could brace his feet properly. Sweat ran down his face, his muscles burning while he struggled to stop the walls from closing in. Nix was near his limit when it finally stopped. A small entrance opened up and he slid through it before collapsing on the floor. His breath coming in great gasps.


    He knelt on the floor for a few moments, he was in a short hallway with only one direction open to him. He was about to continue when he pulled up short. "Damn. Now they know my strength, I''m being measured."


    Nix slipped his armor off and stowed it away. Better to die a few times then let them know his strengths. He walked slowly toward the doorway, just before he arrived the floor tilted and he plummeted straight down.


    A few seconds of darkness and Nix landed with a loud splash that took his breath away. He was in the water and the current was pushing him down the corridor. He drifted for a few minutes, gradually the water-filled hall started to light up. A loud chomping sound caused him to freeze for a moment. The end of the hall had arrived, a contraption that resembled a large pair of steel jaws blocked the corridor. The teeth slammed down with a loud bang that echoed in the water.


    Nix turned easily and started swimming the other way, he sensed it right away, the current increased when he started moving against it. "Makes sense, the final fight will definitely be in the water. They want to know my aquatic abilities. F*ck..."


    He slowed down and let the currently gradually push him back to the steel jaws. As he got closer, he sped up a few times like someone who was panicking. Then he gave up and was sucked in.


    Instead of being cut in half, the jaws stopped and he slid through easily. The water on the other side of the jaws wasn''t all the way to the ceiling, a tunnel with a ladder leading upward was the only exit.


    Nix pulled himself out of the water and started climbing the ladder, he could see a dim light in the distance. He willed himself to move slower. His every moment in this instance might be recorded, climbing a ladder requires strength and agility, no need to go too fast.


    He hadn''t moved more than 10 meters when the tunnel filled with flames. It lasted for several seconds, allowing Nix to bask in the comfort of fire. Nix continued to climb and a few rungs later the tunnel was filled with super-cooled air. With a 2nd Tier Ice Blessing, he wasn''t bothered by the cold, but he increased his speed. What would they used as an indicator if they couldn''t monitor his body? How fast he started climbing once he was exposed? He had definitely slowed down and enjoyed the flames.


    The distance to the light decreased and he was tested repeatedly. By the third test, he figured it out. It lasted exactly 10 rungs of the ladder. Wind, Ice, Electricity, Fire, Water and Earth, each element was thrown at him a few times. He forced himself to linger in the element he was weakest against, electricity.


    When he crawled out of the tunnel a few minutes later, the rest of the raid was waiting.


    [Messaging has been restored]


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Where''s your amor Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Took it off. This was a test of our strengths, weakness, and resistance. They know more about us now, but not everything.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Smart boss.


    There were two halls leading out, but they didn''t need to go any further. A large ivory door loomed against the closest wall.


    /Inferno: Nix: We scout out the other halls?


    /Inferno: Milat: Yes, more Beast-Masters. Are we going to take them?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, this is our shortcut to the 5th floor. We''ve given them enough info for one day.


    /Inferno: Mina: They are going to prepare for us.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re going to counter that.


    /Inferno: Mina: How?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I know! Let me say it!


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Prey waits!


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Meaning?


    /Inferno: Nix: This door leads to 12.5. Let''s knock it out and run the tables. The Cai''Song Artifact gets destroyed today!

 Chapter 195 The Caisong Artifact part one

    Nix led Inferno back to the 12th-floor staging area.


    /Inferno: Nix: I want all hands on deck, Alpha Team, and our Aquarion members. I want everyone prepared to enter the last stage even if they don''t meet the requirements. If you''re a fighting member of Inferno, then report to the 12-floor staging area.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Understood boss, we''re on our way.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Can we get Alpha Team into the last stage?


    /Inferno: Nix: Just about everyone in the guild shares a spiritual bond with one of our Aquarion allies. Perhaps we can summon them in, doesn''t hurt to try.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Are we going to unbank?


    /Inferno: Nix: If the last stage is ''one and done,'' then I''m going to have someone attempt it. If they don''t get booted out, I''ll give the green light. It won''t be mandatory, though.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Who is doing 12.5?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: 12.5 is a ten-person instance. Here''s the raid sheet.


    Banzi: Tank


    Sharl: Tank


    Nezbit: Heals


    Sajana (Pinkie): Heals


    Sila: CC


    Rhylia: CC


    Zhava: DPS


    Dalton: DPS


    Darsi: DPS


    Chael: DPS


    /Inferno: Nix: If you aren''t in this raid, stay here and prep for 12.6. Lunch will be here in about an hour. It''s going to be a long day, but a good one.


    [1100 hours: 12th Floor Staging Area]


    /Inferno: Sharl: We''re going in, keep my lunch warm.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Good luck, sis.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] The sixth stage is a 5 person group instance. Are you going in?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Yes. How big is the last stage?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] It says, 20 people. I''m trying not to freak out Nix...


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] No worries, Inferno doesn''t know how to fail.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Who should I put on the next group?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] We need a fast and strong group. You, me, Ronnie, Milat, and Tess on heals.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Here''s the group that''s doing the 6th stage.


    [Raid Sheet for 12.6]


    Jun Li: Tank


    Tess: Heals


    Nix: CC


    Mina: DPS


    Ronnie: DPS


    Nix sat patiently on the floor next to Mina and Milat. He could tell that Milat was angry with her, but he wasn''t voicing it. Lot''s of familiar faces continued to arrive via the 12th-floor staging platform. Hyai, Shae, and Fajii came through together, their hands filled with boxes.


    "Lunch is here. Come on, Min." Nix pulled her up and walked toward the three women carrying boxed lunches.


    Hyai was already passing them out when he arrived; she smiled when she saw him. "The bottom one is for you, Nix."


    "Let me help." Nix grabbed the remaining boxes and started handing them out; the last one had his name on it. "This one different than the rest?"


    Hyai nodded. "Of course, I made it just for you."


    "Thanks, that''s sweet." Nix handed her a small stone from his inventory. "I want you to have this. It''s a Djinn that dropped from the Gemini Temple."


    Djinn: Fire Lord


    Description: A powerful Fire Ally


    from the Gemini Temple.


    Hyai examined the stone, her lips curved in a smile. "For my protection?"


    Nix nodded. "I know you''ll be safe, but it pays to be prepared."


    "Thanks." Hyai stowed it away and then started equipping her gear.


    "What are you doing?" Nix watched as she put on some worn Red leather gear, an open-faced helm with horns completed the picture. He had never seen her wear armor; it made her legs look longer.


    Hyai pulled out a long red staff with a ruby set into the end. "All hands on deck, Level 47 Fire Mage reporting for duty."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Your mouth is open Boss.


    Nix closed his mouth and blinked a few times. "Thank you for your support."


    "I will fight for you and my friends." Hyai gave him a sexy smile.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Damn... Was she that hot yesterday?


    Nix nodded, "if I need your help, I won''t hesitate."


    She broke her own rule and leaned in for a quick kiss. "We have a nice vacation planned once we get through this."


    Nix opened his boxed lunch, the smell of roasted venison distracting him. "We do?"


    "Yes." Hyai waved and moved toward the next group.


    Sharl and her team finished the 12.5 in just over an hour. Nix and his team took a moment to congratulate them and then moved into the sixth stage.


    **************


    [1215 hours: 6th Stage]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Scout around Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m on it.


    Nix stealthed and swam off of the platform. There was only one hall, so he kept near the ceiling as he moved down it. The corridor opened into a large rectangular room that had two exits on opposite walls. There was a large control panel with a half dozen levers. Both doors had bars across the doorways.


    [You''ve changed to group chat]


    /Group: Nix: Follow the hall; there''s a control room and two exits.


    The rest of the group entered the control room a few moments later.


    /Group: Jun Li: Who is going to operate the levers?


    [Summons: Ducky]


    /Group: Nix: Mina will do it.


    The Aquarion leader looked a bit surprised at the nomination but nodded in agreement. Her and Nix already discussed Mina''s Sea-Beast stable; she absolutely couldn''t afford to lose any beasts in this instance.


    /Group: Mina: I''m on it.


    /Group: Nix: Open the west gate, and I''ll scout it out.


    Nix moved to the door and waited while Mina started activating levers, it opened almost immediately, and Nix flashed through with Ducky following behind.


    The next room was filled with a dozen Sea-Beasts and one Matriarch. There was one barred exit on the far side of the room.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix ignored the shark-like beasts and attacked the Matriarch directly.


    [Flashblade]


    His sword stabbed deeply into the Aquarion''s side. He slashed her a half dozen times while her beasts went into a fire-induced frenzy. A minute later, he pulled the Ricoli artifact off the corpse''s wrist; nothing was left alive in the room.


    /Group: Jun Li: You fighting stuff, Nix?


    /Group: Nix: Just a Matriarch and a handful of sea-beasts. Nothing to worry about.


    /Group: Jun Li: The east side door is open, we''ll leave Mina here and go through.


    /Group: Nix: I''m at a barred gate, go slow Min, I''ll call out when it opens.


    Nix waited several seconds, the sounds of gates opening and slamming shut could be heard in the distance, finally, his door opened also.


    /Group: Nix: That''s it!


    Nix entered the next room, there was a stairway going up. It opened out onto a huge balcony, on the far end he saw Jun Li and her group enter.


    /Group: Jun Li: Three Water Lords on the platform below.


    /Group: Nix: Awesome, I love those things.


    There were two open gates behind the Water Lords, two separate groups of Aquarions were randomly walking in and out of the room.


    /Group: Jun Li: Try moving two levers at a time now, I''ll tell you when to start and stop.


    /Group: Mina: Okay. I''m ready.


    The first group of roaming Aquarions exited through the open gate.


    /Group: Jun Li: Now Mina!


    Nix didn''t hear any doors moving, after about five seconds the door they were watching slammed shut.


    /Group: Jun Li: Stop! Now wait a moment, don''t touch those two levers again."


    The second group came into the room and then tried to exit through the closed gate when they couldn''t get out they turned and exited the room through the door they entered through.


    /Group: Jun Li: Now!


    Immediately the gate slammed shut, completely isolating the three Water Mages in the room below.


    /Group: Jun Li: Stop! That''s perfect.


    /Group: Nix: Can you join us? Or are you stuck?


    /Group: Mina: Stuck.


    [Sniper''s Nest]


    Ronnie has settled down into a stable firing position.


    Nix swam down from the balcony, having no fear of three Water Lords. "Ducky, charm the far left one."


    /Group: Jun Li: We''ll take the far right, make your move Nix!


    Nix raised one had and six emerald flame strands shot out to encircle the middle Lord''s waist, pinning his arms to his sides.


    Ducky has charmed Feli Rov


    [First Strike]


    Jun Li has landed a critical strike on Inuk Woha.


    [Gemini Flame: Lance]


    Nix held the middle mage and stabbed at Jun Li''s target instead of throwing it. He pushed forward and pinned the Mage against the wall.


    [Snipe]


    Ronnie has landed a critical hit on Inuk Woha.


    Inuk Woha has been mortally wounded.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up Ronnie''s strike with a critical hit.


    Inuk Woha has been slain.


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Stu Bilic.


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Stu Bilic.


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Stu Bilic.


    [Critical Chain]


    Jun Li has followed up Ronnie''s strike with a critical hit.


    Stu Bilic has been slain.


    With his target down, Nix targeted the charmed Water Lord.


    It dropped to the ground a minute later, leaving the four members on the platform by themselves.


    /Group: Mina: There''s a chest here, don''t worry about any of the other mobs.


    /Group: Nix: On our way back.


    Nix led the group back up to the balcony and waited while Mina reopened the doors leading back.


    Nix quickly looted the chest, glancing at his hud to check out the time.


    A Flame Whip has been added to your inventory.


    An Inferno Bow has been added to your inventory.


    A Volcanic Robe has been added to your inventory.


    /Group: Nix: Doesn''t 12.6 seem a bit easy for the next to last stage?


    /Group: Mina: Yes.


    ********************


    [1400 hours: 12th Floor Staging Area]


    /Jun Li: This is a 20 person raid. Basically we are utilizing just about everyone and some of our Aquarion friends. I''m delegating a Command Group, and I''ll put a healer in every group after that. Our last group doesn''t have a tank, but it has two healers so you should be fine.


    [Command Group]


    Jun Li: Tank


    Tess: Healer


    Nix CC


    Ronnie: DPS


    Mina: DPS


    Group 2


    Sharl: Tank


    Gypsy: Healer


    Rhylia: CC


    Moki: DPS


    Dalton: DPS


    Group 3


    Banzi: Tank


    Nezbit: Heals


    Wylie: DPS


    Darsi: DPS


    Sila: CC


    Group 4


    Tyrant: DPS


    Sanjana: Pinkie: Heals


    Milat: DPS


    Zhava: DPS


    Saji: Back-up Heals


    /Inferno: Nix: We are heading in. Everyone stay close. If we need to unbank, we will let one person try it to see what happens. Also, we''ll be summoning all our spirit companions once we''re in.


    Nix grabbed Mina''s hand. "Don''t worry. I''d never let you down."


    Inferno ported into the last stage of the 12th floor together. Unexpectedly, it was an air zone.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Why would the last stage of Mermaid City be an air zone? Good heavens...


    /Inferno: Sharl: We''re f*cked.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What? What is it?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Now we know why the last three stages seemed too easy.


    Nix stared at the battlefield. There were thousands of armed Aquarions and humans between them and a large platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Thousands... There are thousands of them.


    Mina stared at the distant platform in shock. There was no way to win against these kinds of numbers. "Nix... All this time and we fail here?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: Thousands of Aquarions? How is that fair?


    Nix scowled at the three blue-winged Aquarions circling the distant artifact. The army between them and the Cai''Song Artifact was bad enough, he felt their chances of victory slipping away.


    /Inferno: Nix: Three Archon class Aquarions... That''s why it''s an air zone, so they can fly.


    /Inferno: Shae: Archons? Nix are you sure?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: If we leave now we lose the chance forever


    /Inferno: Nix: Call in all your Spirit Companions. I''m not going anywhere without killing shit first.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    /Inferno: Shae: Call me in Nix! If they have Archons, then I''ll fight too!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m unbanking!


    A light formed around Ronnie for several seconds while her levels shot up. The dark beauty howled when it was done. The rest of the force waited for a minute to see if she''d be kicked out, but she wasn''t. A moment later the entire platform lit up with the effects of everyone unbanking.


    Nix watched the group and then studied the battlefield. He placed a hand over his chest and concentrated on Shae. A moment later she appeared next to him.


    "I shouldn''t be allowed in this instance, perhaps there is a special circumstance." Two flaming swords appeared in her hands. "Nix?"


    "Hmm?" He glanced at her, then noticed that everyone was staring at him. "What?"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: You''re the only one who hasn''t unbanked.


    /Inferno: Nix: Oh... Right, sorry I forgot.


    Nix felt the power gathering around him the moment he released the lock on his bank. Rhylia threw up an Air Shield to protect those nearby. His feet left the ground and waves of power surged from him in all directions. It lasted for nearly a minute before he landed once again on the platform.


    Nix: Archon


    [Hidden Class Detected.]


    [Archon Subclass: Breach Commander]


    A giant hud popped up with a holographic view of the battlefield. Nix stared at it in shock.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    Available Allies


    1) Alpha Team


    2) Colonial Knights of Glory


    3) Souza Accord


    4) Fire Palace Acolytes


    5) Earth Temple Acolytes


    6) Air Palace Acolytes


    7) Gemini Palace Acolytes


    8) Central Kingdom: 1st Regiment Archers


    9) Ain''Dhassi: Inferno Ranger Company


    10) Broyan Alliance: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Regiments


    11) Captain Vooni''s Fire Team


    12) 12 Pillar Alliance


    13) Miscellaneous Friends


    Nix''s smile took them all by surprise.


    /Inferno: Nix: Stand by for some back-up.

 Chapter 196 The Caisong Artifact part two

    Nix stared at the Holo, for a moment. He felt Shae''s arm on his. "What do you think Shae?"


    "I stand ready for orders, Breach Commander." Shae''s brown eyes glowed with warmth, "I am so pleased right now, I can hardly stand it.


    Three huds popped up on his Battle Holo at the same time. All three of them were armored men with small horns that jutted out of their foreheads. Nix realized right away, they were Dragonspawn.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: A Breach Commander from the lower planes, this is amazing.


    /Breach Commander Renz: Welcome Commander Nix.


    /Breach Commander Polai: We are standing by if you need it, Commander Nix, we won''t let you be defeated in your first battle.


    /Breach Commander Nix: I appreciate the support. I will keep you apprised.


    All three Commander huds blinked off at the same time. He turned his attention back to the Deployment Menu, everything was still grayed out except for the ''Prepare for Battle'' Icon. Nix selected it.


    [Prepare a statement for your Allies: Nix considered it for a moment and then spoke honestly: My forces stand at the threshold of a great battle and are in need of support. I call upon all my allies to prepare for battle!]


    /Breach Commander Nix: My forces stand at the threshold of a great battle and are in need of support. I call upon all my allies to prepare for battle!


    Nix glanced at Shae''s hud, she had received the message. She gave him the thumbs up. Almost immediately the Ally Icons on his Deployment hud started lighting up. He pulled up the Miscellaneous tab and read down the list of occupants. On the Battle Holo, he selected an empty spot right next to the 12th stage platform and made a selection.


    [Breach Deployment: Miscellaneous]


    Chiba


    Hyai


    Shi


    Severance


    The air over the spot he selected seemed to pull apart and four individuals stepped through the Breach. All four of them joined Inferno on the platform.


    /Breach Commander Nix: I want you four to stay close to me.


    All the Allied tabs were lit up, Nix selected Ranged Fighters from the pull-down menu.


    [Available Ranged Fighters]


    2) Knights of Colonial: Glory (100)


    5) Earth Temple Acolytes (200)


    6) Air Palace Acolytes (3000)


    7) Gemini Palace Acolytes (52)


    8) Central Kingdom 1st Regiment (2000)


    9) Ain''Dhassi Inferno Rangers: Captain Locas (300)


    Nix placed the ranged fighters three across and two deep at the rear of the Battlefield map. He pursed his lips for a moment and then selected the Deploy Icon. An Instant later they stepped through a Breach on the battlefield and took their positions.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m so excited right now, I just hope I don''t piss myself.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Please shut up Ronnie.


    There were only two other types of fighters on the pull-down tab, Mounted and Melee/Magic. Nix selected the Mounted first.


    10) Broyan Alliance: Heavy Cavalry 1st, 2nd & 3rd Regiments. (3500)


    Nix placed them on the front line dead center from the 12th-floor platform. When they stepped through the Breach he moved to the last menu.


    The last selection on the pull-down menu was Melee/Magic.


    1) Alpha Team (4)


    3) Souza Accord (250)


    4) Fire Palace Acolytes (30)


    11) Captain Vooni''s Fire Team (4)


    12) 12 Pillar Alliance (330)


    *******************


    Vooni was drilling with her team when she saw the Breach notice, immediately she readied her team.


    /Fire: Vooni: Two minutes and we have to be ready.


    /Fire: Omak: Who is Breach Commander Nix?


    /Fire: Aja: Yeah, check out the notification.


    /Fire: Nunzo: Could it be a mistake?


    An instant later Breach Commander Mtui appeared on their huds. "A new Breach Commander has appeared on the Lower plane of Colonial, he is involved in a difficult battle and has called upon his allies. You have my permission to respond."


    Vooni''s dark eyes showed her surprise. "A Breach Commander? Why are we listed as allies?"


    "Breach Command Nix is Pon the Magnificent." Commander Mtui stared at them through the hud, "Special Bonus Mission, complete it successfully and this team will immediately pass into the next phase of training." His image disappeared a moment later without saying anything else.


    /Fire: Vooni: You heard him! We can''t fail!


    /Fire: Aja: Damn... Pon the Magnificent, I thought the name was a joke.


    /Fire: Omak: Guess again.


    ******************


    Nix placed the Melee/Magic group directly in front of Inferno, between them and the Mounted fighters.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Sulane and Gideon, split the 12 Pillar Forces between the two of you and assume the position of Sub-Commanders.


    Nix waved at his friends from the Fire Team. Vooni led them toward the platform and saluted crisply.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Captain Vooni, there are at least three Aquarion Archons on their side. Your task is to neutralize them.


    /Inferno: Nix: Alpha Team, please join us on the Platform.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Thank you, everyone, for responding. Inferno''s mission here is the destruction of an Artifact that is located across the Battlefied on the raised platform. With your help that will happen. Three minutes and we will start.


    /Inferno: Nix: Junie, I''ll leave Inferno in your hands. We could fly in, but the potential to be shot down is too high.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay Nix, what''s the plan then?


    /Inferno: Nix: Soften them up with our Ranged fighters. Then the mounted fighters will punch a hole right through the middle.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The 12 Pillars will follow them?


    /Inferno: Nix: Exactly right, they''ll hold the crease our cavalry created long enough for us to get to the Steps on the far side of the Battlefield.


    Nix found Hyai standing next to Fajii and Shae. "You up for this Hyai?"


    The tall Innkeeper nodded. "I am. Just take care of yourself."


    Fajii placed a hand on Hyai''s shoulder. "Don''t worry Nix, we sisters will watch each other''s back."


    Hyai nodded in agreement. "And we will fight."


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] When I saw their numbers I thought the day was lost.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] I did make a promise, right?


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] What do you want me to do?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Stay close to me, use the Eel-Gators to defend the two of us.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Anything else?


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Yes. When I clear the top of that platform, destroy the Cai''Song Artifact.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] I will.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Fajii, please buff our Forces.


    Fajii nodded and moved forward on the Staging Platform.


    [Deep-Sea Trident]


    Her weapon appeared in her hand, she held it over her head as she cast.


    [Flaming Rock Wall]


    A Weightless Rock Wall is now protecting the Breach Commanders Forces.


    [Charred Rock Blade]


    The Weapons of your forces throb with the power of Scorched Earth.


    Finally, Nix turned toward his Spirit Companions, he stopped and stared when he saw them. Morti radiated pure power, he looked like he gained a few hundred pounds of muscle and would probably stand close to 20 feet tall on his back legs. Nix scratched his enormous head when the bear flopped on the his belly with a ground-shaking thud. "You and I are going to reach that platform Morti."


    Morti nodded in agreement. "Look how big my paws are now. I''m gonna swat my way there."


    "I don''t doubt it." Nix turned toward Ducky, she seemed to have shrunk a bit. Her long blue hair had turned into a short spiked Pixie cut. Her blue eyes were still the same color, but they looked more human. "You ready Ducky?"


    Ducky nodded, "what should I do?"


    "Stay out of sight and make a difference whenever you can." He patted her head gently and lowered his voice. "Protect Mina if they attack her directly."


    *********************


    [1430 Mermaid City: Cai''Song Battlefield]


    /Breach Commander Nix: Ranged Fighters, Ready your weapons!


    /Breach Commander Nix: FIRE!

 Chapter 197 Caisong Artifact Conclusion

    /Breach Commander Nix: Captain Locas, assume command of the Ranged Fighters.


    Captain Locas read the message when it flashed across his hud.


    [Captain Locas has been appointed Sub-Commander of the Ranged Fighters]


    The Mohawked Captain nodded in satisfaction. Like the rest of the Ain''Dhassi, he''d been hearing about the Inferno Guild for weeks. The 1st tiered Human Guild seemed to nimbly sidestep all obstructions put in place to slow human progress.


    /Ranged Fighters: Sub-Commander: Six volleys of suppression fire and then you may pick your targets at will.


    "Captain, are we following the Knights forward?" A pale woman with bright blue eyes spoke from her white horse.


    Locas considered the question carefully, the Ain''Dhassi Rangers were the only Ranged fighters in his command group that were mounted.


    /Ranged Fighters: Sub-Commander: The Rangers will move slowly forward and provide close support for the mounted cavalry.


    Locas aimed his bow into the air over the center of the opposing force.


    /Ranged Fighters: Sub-Commander: Take Aim! FIRE!


    The Ranger Captain released his arrow, losing sight of it when it blended into the thousands of others ones shot at the same time. The soft twangs of thousands of bows were echoed by the loud booming gunfire from the Colonial Knights.


    Screams of agony filled the battlefield, hundreds of fighters from the opposing force dropped to the ground.


    /Ranged Fighters: Sub-Commander: Reload!


    Locas notched another arrow and drew his bowstring back in one smooth motion.


    /Ranged Fighter: Sub-Commander: Aim... FIRE


    *********************


    /Breach Commander Nix: Seneschal Donri, assume command of the Mounted Cavalry.


    A dark-haired man dressed entirely in black, moved his horse forward a few steps. He was the only person in the Mounted Cavalry that wasn''t wearing heavy armor.


    [Seneschal Donri has been appointed Sub-Commander of the Mounted Cavalry.]


    Donri raised one hand over his head, immediately it burst into black flames. The silver emblem on his chest reflected the crest of the Central Kingdom''s Royal family. He watched carefully as the arrows blackened the sky, at the sixth volley he heeled his horse and shot forward.


    /Mounted Cavalry: Sub-Commander: CHARGE!!


    Donri''s horse surged forward, he put the reins in his mouth and pulled a long black staff from behind his saddle and aimed at the crumbling front line.


    [Pillar of Death]


    A pillar of black flames appeared in front of his charging horse, it moved forward with him, the smell of burnt flesh and screams of misery filled the air. A hole appeared in the line and the Seneschal slammed through it with a half dozen of his heavily armored Knights.


    Locas waited until the first clash of the two sides, his bow fired rapidly, bringing down Aquarions and their human mercenaries.


    /Ranged Fighters: Sub-Commander: Rangers on me! Move forward and protect the Cavalry. Everyone else, switch your focus to the right side of the enemy formation!


    /Alliance: Sub-Commander: Sulane: My company will hold the left side!


    /Alliance: Sub-Commander: Gideon: Understood, we have the right!


    The Mounted Cavalry formed a wedge and forced their way into the weakened lines, waves of black flame soared high into the sky as it continued to burn deep into the enemy forces. Locas''s Rangers kept the sides from closing in, slowly advancing forward.


    /Alliance: Sub-Commander: Sulane: Move forward and hold the left side!


    /Alliance: Sub-Commander: Gideon: Right side, forward and hold the line!


    Gideon surged forward, twin blades flashing as he ruthlessly stepped into the melee. His guildmates on either side backed him up, together they locked the forces in place and started cutting through them.


    /Ranged Fighters: Sub-Commander: Rangers, hold this position! Everyone switch their focus to the left side of the formation!


    Nix kept his eye on the Battle holo. The Mounted Cavalry were holding their position about 20 meters from the Artifact Stairs. The Alliance was holding open the seam that they created.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Time to move forward! We can''t let everyone else do our fighting!


    Across the battlefield, the Aquarion Archons finally moved. The Water Archons had wings bathed in a blue liquid that constantly swirled around them. Aquarion Archon Zyen dived at the horseman wielding the black flames, he was largely responsible for the forward progress of the Cavalry.


    Donri saw the diving Archon in his peripheral vision and threw up a fire shield. The trident swinging Aquarion covered the distance faster than he would have thought possible, he pulled back slightly just before a Silver winged ally blocked the move.


    Aja followed up her block with a fury of attacks before she disappeared completely.


    [Backstab]


    Aja appeared behind her opponent and scored a critical hit with her dagger.


    [Trueshot]


    Omak has landed a critical hit, Zyen has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    The wounded Aquarion Archon retreated into the air, her two allies moved forward to block pursuit.


    [Advanced Execution]


    Shae has slain Zyen.


    The Red-haired Archon banked away from the fight, her laughter carrying on the wind. "Don''t forget about me!"


    Two Aquarion Archon''s started to chase her but were forced to retreat when they ran into the silver flames of a Drakon that suddenly appeared out of thin air. The water creatures screamed in agony while they banked desperately in an attempt to escape.


    /Fire: Aja: Nice shot Omak. Who is that Salamander?


    /Fire: Nunzo: I''m heading left, after the one that the Drakon is chasing.


    /Fire: Vooni: That''s Shae, one of Pheno''s new recruits. Let''s neutralize the remaining two, push them away from the platform.


    ***************


    Inferno followed the Giant Cave bear, every swing of his huge paws sent bodies flying into the air. There was no stopping Morti, the Titan Cub.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Not so fast Morti! They will encircle you.


    A small gap appeared between, Morti, Nix, Mina and the rest of Inferno. Dozens of wolf hybrids launched themselves at Morti, clamping onto his back legs with their sharp teeth, making him roar with anger.


    "HEY! Don''t pick on him!" Ronnie appeared behind the wolves, her arrows laying down fire support for the rest of Inferno. The Dark archer stood on the shoulders of her Rock Golem and fearlessly moved forward.


    A silver blade flashed and suddenly the wolves had been removed from Morti''s flank. A wolf-masked fighter with a long spear charged the lone swordmaster.


    "Oh... Want to dance with a beautiful woman?" The old woman''s face creased in a smile, she licked her lips and easily blocked the spear thrust at her. "That mask is sexy. Can I have it?"


    Chiba seemed to vanish under the next thrust, she appeared beside her opponent and removed his head with a wide smile. "Follow me Nix, I will lead you to the stairs!"


    The old swordmaster sliced her way through the remaining Aquarions, her blade finding throats whenever she moved, nimbly she danced through the attacks coming at her. Two Elder Matriarchs appeared on the steps to block her path.


    Morti roared behind her. "I''m Coming!"


    [Rage]


    A Titan Cave bear has become upset... run for your life.


    Morti''s size shot up to 30 feet, his giant paws came down on the two Elder Matriarchs blocking the steps. Their remains squished out from his paws like paste as the enraged bear rumbled up the steps. Nix stopped Mina from following, they were flanked by her Eel-Gators, who were protecting their backs. There were at least a dozen Elder Matriarchs blocking the bear when he waddled onto the platform, they attacked him as a group but soon learned that no sane creature attacks an enraged Titan. The nearest Elder was swatted into a blood mist, after the third death, they scattered like ants before him. Morti the Cave Bear was running amok.


    "Now Min!" Nix ran toward the Cai''Song Artifact, there were three Grand Elders guarding it. The moment Nix started toward them, a wave of Beasts started charged toward him.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Morti''s big paws slammed onto the platform, stunning every enemy in range.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix aimed for the center of the wave and charged forward when the flames started washing them away.


    Pon moved up the steps and targeted all three of the Grand Elders.


    [Fire-Nado]


    The Three Grand Elders were caught up in a whirlwind of flames. Nix raised his hands and a dozen flame strands shot out, two of the Elders were impaled by the barbed ends and were wrapped up tight. Nix pulled the strands up and then slammed both Elders onto the platform. It shook with the impact of their bodies. He repeated the process twice more before tossing their broken bodies away.


    "Above you Nix!" Chiba yelled a warning, the last surviving Aquarion Archon dived at Nix in an attempt to kill him. The old swordmaster blocked the thrust easily.


    [Swapped Out]


    Jun Li replaced Nix and slashed at the Archon with her Gemini blade, the winged Aquarion managed to block the attack but was then was kicked in the stomach by the Gemini Champion.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a critical hit on Archon Tyn.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit.


    A spear-wielding tank slammed her shield into the reeling Archon.


    Sharl has stunned Archon Tyn.


    [Unbalanced Chain]


    Nix has followed up Sharl''s attack with a hard strike.


    Archon Tyn has been stunned.


    Across the platform, Mina raised the Scepter she carried and struck at the Cai''Song Artifact with all of her strength. One last remaining Grand Elder appeared out of nowhere.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix stepped in front of Mina and sliced through the Matriarchs'' neck.


    Grand Elder Elevi has been slain.


    Archon Tyn screamed in anger when Mina struck the artifact a second time. She slammed a mailed fist into Sharl, knocking the tank back a step before slashing at her throat.


    [Snipe]


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Archon Tyn.


    Archon Tyn has been slain.


    Ronnie stood on the shoulders of her Rock Golem scowling at the dead Archon. "Don''t touch my sister bitch!"


    Across the platform, Nix pushed Gemini flame into his Archon blade and struck at the Cai''Song. A moment later, the rest of Inferno opened up on the Artifact. The device exploded suddenly, a wave of power blasting outwards, Nix threw himself in front of Mina, shielding her. Everyone on the platform was thrown into the air, with the exception of one very large cave bear, who was already fast asleep.


    Nix sat up dizzily, he waited for a moment and then climbed to his feet.


    /Colonial System Message: Congratulations to the Inferno Guild for destroying the Cai''Song Artifact on the 12th floor of Mermaid City. All members of Inferno will receive a 5 level bonus and the Defender Badge.


    Defender Badge


    +2000 AC


    Last Blood: When your health is below


    25 percent, no critical hits will land on you.


    [Combustion]


    An Aura of Emerald flames formed around Nix, healing his injuries.


    Nix found Mina on the ground a few feet away and helped her up. She hugged him tightly, sobbing with emotion.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We did it!


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s how you kick ass baby!


    Cheers reverberated throughout the 12th floor, the opposing forces vanished from the battlefield. Nix handed Mina off to Fajii who hugged them both. He brought up the Battle Holo and noticed his allies were still in place. There were two blinking Icons on the screen. He selected the Victory Proclamation.


    /Breach Commander Nix: I thank everyone for your efforts in helping us destroy the Cai''Song Artifact.


    Nix selected the Reward icon and chose levels.


    /Breach Commander Nix: We have been Victorious in our battle. All participants will receive a minimum of five levels. Based on contribution, you may earn up to ten levels.


    [All participants are awarded the House of Inferno Armor.]


    House of Inferno: Tyrant V [Set Armor]


    +2000 to AC


    +100 to All Stats.


    40 percent reduction to Incoming Damage.


    /Sub-Commander: Gideon: Good Job, thanks, Commander.


    /Sub-Commander: Seneschal Donri: Thanks Nix.


    /Sub-Commander: Sulane: Great job Nix!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: House of Inferno? What''s that?


    /Inferno: Nix: No idea, but it has a nice sound.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] No need to help us in the next exercise, this mission completes our training.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] Thank you, Captain.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] Are you starting your own House?


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] I really don''t have enough information to answer that question.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] Okay. Keep in mind that I am not currently affiliated with any house.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] Thanks. I''ll stop by in a few weeks.


    Nix closed the Breach Commander Holo and dismissed the Alliance. Within a few seconds, only Inferno members were left on the 12th floor.


    He spotted Shae who was holding up a very ragged looking Hyai. "You guys okay?"


    Shae nodded. "Fey and I teamed up to kill two Archons!"


    Nix smiled at the two of them. "Head back to my place in Haven and get some rest. I''ll join you in a bit." He glanced at the time on his hud, 1600 hours, the battle had lasted 90 minutes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nice job guys. I know everyone is tired. Let''s meet up at 1800 hours for the After Party!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Your place Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure. Cya then!

 Chapter 198 After Party

    /Inferno: Semmi: Where you at Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Running an errand, will be there in a bit.


    Nix exited the elevator on the 90th floor. He walked to the edge of the instance; the buildings inside were somewhat blurry. He took a half-step forward and stopped.


    [Do you wish to initiate the House Planar Trial?]


    "No." Nix stepped back and activated Deep Blue; he chose the Gemini Temple and entered Sanctuary. Instead of heading directly home, he walked to the Training Yard. It was filled with Acolytes. Esta was there, giving directions to the Arch Winds. Everyone was wearing the House of Inferno Armor that they had recently earned. He watched them for a few minutes and then left without commenting.


    Nix exited the tunnel and headed toward his home. He opened the letters he received from the Houses and skimmed them while he walked. Aja was from the Drake House, and Omak was from the House of Earth. The House Lords of both houses were interested in recruiting Nix. The letter from Breach Commander Mtui was much more helpful. He was from the House of Dragons. His message wasn''t a recruitment letter but instead introduced the Houses to him. There were currently 11 Great Houses in the Sky Kingdom. Nix noted that the first house on the list was the House of Aquarion.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Come to the fishing spot first.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Sure.


    A black horse cantered easily toward him; Nix stopped for a moment to say hello to Flash. The demon mare he had taken from Kedric was following the stallion closely. She didn''t come when Nix called, but she didn''t run away either. He tossed her an apple from his inventory and then continued on his way.


    Nix was smiling when the river came into view. His fishing spot had temporarily turned into a swimming spot. "Haven''t seen my stats in weeks, let''s take a look."


    Nix [Race: Human/Salamander Hybrid]


    Level 110


    Archon: [SubClass: Breach Commander]


    [Class Skill]


    Direct Communication


    Detect Disturbance


    Summon Allies


    Create Breach


    Dual Wield


    Tactician


    Inspire


    Last Stand


    Strength 265


    Endurance 277


    Intelligence 65


    Dexterity 87


    Perception 89


    Agility 55


    Mana 34,500/34,500


    Cold Resistance 250 [Ice Blessing Tier II]


    Fire Immunity


    Emerald Flame Strands 100 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Josori''s Stealth [Champion''s Ability]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of the Fire Lord [Salamander]


    Secondary: Spellsword


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills [Advanced]


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm [Fire]


    Combustion [Fire]


    Comet Strike [Fire]


    Lance [Elemental: Fire, Air, Ice]


    Gemini Bond [Gemini]


    Critical Chain [Gemini]


    Tides of Flame [Nemesis]


    Incinerate [Nemesis]


    Balefire Burst [Nemesis]


    Archon''s Armor [Nemesis]


    Flashblade [Archon]


    Execution [Nemesis]


    Fire Burst [Fire, Air]


    Flame Throw [Fire, Air]


    Vacuum [Air]


    Gusting Flames [Fire, Air]


    Null [Air]


    Secondary Path Skills


    Flame Blade


    Flight of the Gryphon


    [Spirit Animal 4/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Witch]


    3: Fey [Drakon]


    4: Mortimer [Titan Cave Bear]


    Skills:


    Hunter 100


    Leather Making 100


    Tailor 240/500


    Fishing 79/500


    Nix whistled softly. "I don''t know what any of those do. Let''s try the first one.


    [Direct Communication]


    You must choose a target.


    [Direct Communication: Breach Commander Mtui]


    A life-size holo of Mtui appeared in front of him. The horned Breach Commander smiled when he saw him.


    "Good battle today Nix. Next time you are in Solomon City, please come and see me."


    Nix nodded. "I definitely will. I have a lot of questions."


    "I expected that. The four of us are now, instead of three. It''s been a long time since a new Breach Commander was born."


    "Cya soon, Commander Mtui."


    [End Communication]


    "That''s kinda cool, a life-sized holo for me to talk to." Nix smiled when he saw the preparations. Large barrels of Toma (beer), a half dozen tables of food, and every Aquarion and human member of Inferno. A huge black Cave Bear was sleeping soundly next to a Silver Drakon; the picture was completed nicely by Soup, who was lying near the riverbank, quietly sunning herself.


    Most of Inferno was sitting on the ground in small groups of four or five people. Nix grabbed a plate and started stacking it with meat.


    "Breach Commander Nix!" Semmi''s face was split in a wide smile when she motioned him over. She was sitting with Milat, Mina and Shae. "Saved ya a spot!"


    "On my own property, very nice Sem." He sat down next to Shae who immediately scooted closer.


    Shae''s brown eyes were studying him closely as if she could see all the changes. "Did you know you were a BC?"


    "No. My class has been hidden from me since that day you left. It''s been weeks since I could even see my stats."


    Shae leaned against him and swiped a piece of meat from his plate. "I''m not surprised."


    "Thank you Nix," Mina spoke from across their small circle of friends. "When I saw how many people were blocking our path, I lost all hope."


    Semmi''s pretty face still wore a smile. "Do you see Pon slap Fire-Nado on those three Grand Elders? He''s so proud of himself."


    Milat nudged Nix with his foot and pointed to the food table. Ducky had a plate in her hand and was filling it with fruit. "Ducky seems very different."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "My Class Advancement caused size changes in Soup, Fey, and Morti. Ducky evolved completely."


    Milat continued to watch Ducky until she joined them. "May I sit here?"


    Milat moved over and made some room for her. "Sure, have a seat."


    Nix had already seen her class change on his Stats, but he was curious about the details. "Could I see your new stats Ducky?"


    Ducky nodded and displayed them.


    Ducky: Water Witch [Lord Class]


    Strength 35


    Endurance 40


    Intelligence 44


    Agility 55


    Charm 351


    Primary Skills: None


    Secondary Skills: None


    Support Skills: None


    Mana 44,000/44,000


    [Class Skills]


    Whirlpool


    Sleep


    Deep Water


    Sanctuary


    Charm


    Bewitch


    Hiding in Plain Sight


    Spirit Companions 0/4


    Semmi leaned close to read the skills. "You''re a very strong CC class. Did you always have Primary and Secondary skills listed?"


    Ducky shook her head. "No. Many things have changed. I feel much stronger and more connected."


    Nix studied her skills carefully. "Let''s try and get you trained for a primary skill. We''ll look around and see what you like best."


    /Inferno: Pon: Where is everyone? I''ve three barrels of [Semmi''s Golden]!!


    /Inferno: NIx: How is that possible? Semmi''s fields are just now sprouting.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ve been working on different recipes using grains that we purchased.


    /Inferno: Nix: We are by the river.


    [Whisper: Locas to Nix] It was a great battle, today Commander.


    [Whisper: Nix to Locas] Thanks for the support Captain. Your bows were a big part of our success. I''ll bring you into Inferno tomorrow and give you your next mission.


    [Whisper: Locas to Nix] I look forward to it.


    Nix spied Fajii and Hyai carrying more food for the tables. The small group expanded slightly to make room for them when they returned.


    Hyai sat on the other side of Nix, she looked well-rested considering her obvious fatigue after the battle.


    Nix had been worried about her during the fight, but apparently she held her own."You did great today Hyai. You gained six levels?"


    Hyai nodded, her full lips curved in a smile. "Been a while since I lit things up."


    Shae leaned over Nix and grabbed her hand. "I saw your flames today, they are very refined. I''ve never seen such red flames."


    The Innkeeper squeezed her hand. "I really like the House armor we were given. It''s way better than my old gear."


    Nix was tempted to say something but decided not to. He wanted to discuss the houses in private with Shae since she already knew about them. He also decided to see Commander Mtui, there were lots of blanks that Nix needed filling in.


    Shae was watching him with her warm brown eyes. "Are you going to join one of the Great Houses?"


    Nix shook his head. "We''ll start our own ''House of Inferno'' and become an ascended Guild."


    The red-haired Salamander looked very pleased. "I''ll finish the third phase of my training and then join you."


    "I noticed the House of Aquarion was on the list of Great Houses. Were those Archon Aquarions from there?"


    Shae nodded. "I would think so."


    Mina didn''t comment. Everything about her seemed different. The weight that she had been carrying for months was finally gone. "A Breach Commander seems like a very powerful occupation."


    Shae nodded. "Today you''ve seen one in action. Being able to summon or send groups anywhere is only a small part of their abilities.


    Mina laughed unexpectedly. "they must have thought their force on the Cai''Song stage was unstoppable."


    Nix finished off his plate and leaned back on his elbows. "What will the Aquarions do now?"


    Milat held up his pioneer token, he had yet to build in Haven. "I"m going to stay with Inferno and build here with them, somewhere close to the water."


    Mina seemed to consider it a while longer. "I"ve spoken to my people and they agree, we would like to explore Haven a bit and find someplace nice to settle."


    Nix let his surprise show for once. "What about the Sea-World? I told you it would be yours after the Cai''Song Artifact was destroyed."


    "The Souza Accord wants it to stay with you." Mina''s pale eyes showed her amusement. "I know Soup likes it best."


    Semmi put an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. "We are one big family, I''m glad you will remain close to us."


    Haven was many times larger than the Sea-World. There were several freshwater lakes that Aquarions could settle by or in.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] She can''t bring herself to leave you.


    Nix didn''t comment but changed the topic instead. "Want to see something cool?"


    [Direct Communication: Delyn Xai]


    A full-sized holo of the Fir''Dhassi Wrath popped up in front of Nix a moment later.


    Nix smiled at the surprised look on the Dhassi''s face. "Greetings Tura Xai. I want to ask a favor of you."


    Delyn''s tanned face quickly recovered. "What do you need?"


    "I would like you to teach a 4-month Nature''s Wrath course at our VoTech in Loki." Nix had saved his apprentice and the Fir''Dhassi definitely owed him. He had also removed Sogon from the picture, a move that had stabilized Raine''s authority.


    Delyn sighed heavily. "I owe you a great debt. I will teach the course."


    Raine stepped into the picture. "What sort of communication is this Master?"


    "No idea, when do I report?"


    Nix considered it for a moment. "Five days, that will give us time to get classes ready. Thank you."


    [End Communication]

 Chapter 199 Infernos Rangers

    The rising sun shone directly on Nix''s face, he turned his head and sunk his face into his soft pillow, a moment later his pillow stroked his head. He opened one eye and realized he was leaning against Hyai''s generous bosom. Shae was laying across his lap and Fajii had an arm around his waist with her head on his shoulder. Nix grimaced slightly when he tried to move, there was an empty barrel of [Semmi''s Golden] nearby and Pon was fast asleep across his ankles.


    There was no easy way to extricate himself from the entanglement so he decided to stand up quickly and jump out of the way. Four different people moved when he did so, but they resumed their sleeping a moment later. Nix stretched his arms, noticing that his dad was sleeping against Morti, one of the Aquarion women was leaning against him. He didn''t see his sister anywhere.


    "Nix!" Mina''s voice whispered quietly from Morti''s back, she had been sleeping there with Pinky and Jun Li. "Going to Parliament?"


    Nix nodded and waved for her to join him.


    They arrived at the Parliament North Courtyard a few minutes later. Nix had arranged to meet Captain Locas and his company of Knights here.


    "Think we found them." Mina''s voice held a hit of amusement. Three hundred Ain''Dhassi Rangers were standing at attention on the white stone Courtyard of the Parliament. Captain Locas was standing in front of them waiting patiently. All of them were wearing the green House of Inferno Armor.


    Nix walked toward them, he noticed Rain and Del Tali sitting at nearby tables but was careful not to make eye contact. He stood in front of the Captain and saluted. "Captain Locas, are you ready to accept your post in Inferno?"


    The Mohawked Captain returned his salute. "Sir! On behalf of my company, I accept our position as Rangers in the Inferno Guild."


    Nix used his Guild Leader menu and brought all three hundred of them into Inferno. He placed them all on probation and restricted their travel to only Loki. "You coming Min?"


    Min gave him a confused look. "Portals won''t allow me to access the Oasis world until I cross the Escalade bridge."


    Nix grabbed her hand. "I don''t need a portal. Rangers follow me."


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    A large seam appeared in front of Nix, he stepped into and pulled Mina with him. He kept walking until all the rangers exited.


    [End Breach]


    He smiled when it vanished. Immediately Nix noticed his hud buzzing, but he ignored it. They were just outside the city gates of Loki near the beach.


    Mina stared at the city and then toward the ocean behind her. "This is Oasis?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes."


    Nix walked down the beach away from the City, the beach ran into a small inland cove; it was here he turned and followed a small river that led toward the heavily wooded area. He walked a bit further until he found a large square-shaped rock. He climbed up it and turned to face the rangers. "Anyone been to Loki before?"


    Captain Locas shook his head. "Although the Ain''Dhassi have contested this land, none of us have been here."


    "This is your mission. You''re rangers, I want to know everything that you can find out." Nix accessed his Breach Commander hud and brought up a large holo of the wooded area behind him. "I want to know what wildlife is on the island and what kind of dangers are lurking. Don''t miss anything."


    The Mohawked Captain nodded, "should we eliminate the dangers?"


    Nix shook his head. "Use your judgment, I just want to know what''s here, unless it represents a clear danger to our settlement, leave it in peace."


    "He''s not scary you know." Mina climbed up next to Nix. "If you have questions to ask, or want to say something, feel free to do so."


    A white-haired Ranger gave Locas a questioning look when he nodded she spoke. "I want to thank you, Commander Nix. One of the rangers you saved is my nephew."


    "You''re welcome. What is your name?"


    "I''m Bali Zenda." The Ain''Dhassi was much smaller than the Rangers around her. "Are you really the Winter Sparrow?"


    [Ice Sparrow]


    A white sparrow appeared and hopped on Nix''s shoulder, its Ice feathers reflected the morning sun. "You could say that I see and hear through its eyes and ears."


    He canceled the spell right away and the bird vanished.


    "Do you really ride a Dragon?" The one who asked was a tall Ain''Dhassi male with a long braid down his back.


    "Technically it''s a Drakon, you''ll see her sometimes when I visit." Nix nodded at Locas and then jumped down. "I want to make one thing perfectly clear. You are members of Inferno now, nothing you say or learn is to be shared without authorization."


    Locas saluted crisply. "We are Inferno''s Rangers now, Commander."


    Nix and Mina walked back toward the beach, the Aquarion slipped a hand through his arm and deliberately slowed him down.


    "I would like to talk to you Nix, but I''m having trouble putting together the words I want to say."


    "I have the same issue sometimes Min, take your time and speak your thoughts when they are clear."


    [Create Breach: Haven]


    Nix pulled Mina through the Breach and stepped onto the long grass of the plateau near his ranch. "I''m getting the hang of this, it helps if I can visualize the place."


    [ALERT: ARCHON FLASH ON INUIT]


    Three Holos popped up in front of Nix, it was the three Breach Commanders.


    Mtui greeted Nix with a nod. "There is an Archon Flash 100 miles North of Parliament. Are you going to investigate?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, my team will is on it, I''ll send you my findings."


    The three holos blinked off, leaving Min and Nix there alone.


    /Alpha Team: Assemble immediately at the Gemini Temple.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Pon and I are on our way.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Same.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I''m already at the Temple.


    Mina looked like she wanted to say something, but instead, she gave him a quick hug and moved away. "Good Luck Nix, we''ll talk later!"


    [Whisper Shae to Nix] Summon me if you run into trouble. Be careful.


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] Of course.


    /Inferno: Nix: We will be expanding Alpha Team to 10, contact Semmi if interested.


    Nix met up with the rest of the Alpha Team in Sanctuary.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: What''s up boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We are investigating an Archon Flash in Inuit.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: If the Aquarions have Archons, then the dhassi on Oasis are sure to have some also.


    [Detect Disturbance]


    Nix''s Breach Commander Holo showed a large image of Inuit, there was a flashing dot North of Parliament.


    [Create Breach]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: In we go.


    Nix stepped in, a moment later the rest of the team followed.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Gotta say boss... this is completely awesome.


    The team arrived at the base of a large tree. It was at least 100 feet in diameter and had a doorway carved into it.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared a moment later, her short, blue spiked hair made her seem more human. "We on a special mission Nix?"


    "Yes. Scout out the immediate area, tell me if anyone is close by." Nix waited until she moved away before turning back toward the entrance.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: So... Tree Dhassi?


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: It seems like we should go in.


    Ducky came back a few minutes later. "There''s no one close by but eight Fir''Dhassi are riding toward us."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s go in.


    Nix stepped through the doorway, immediately he understood that a rather large World Seed had been attached to the tree.


    /Alpha Team: Stealth up, we need to move away from the entrance.


    Nix led the team away from the doorway, it was thickly wooded like most of Inuit. After a minute of running, it gave way to a large clearing. All of them stopped abruptly.


    Several large buildings carved from wood hovered in the sky. Ribbons of gold flowed from the bottom of the dwellings and anchored in the ground below.


    Eron jumped from Fajii''s shoulder to Nix''s. "Those ribbons are siphoning power directly from the ground Nix. We are sitting on a ley line."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Get down.


    The entire team lay prone in the tall grass. The Fir''Dhassi dismounted from their horses and walked toward the buildings. They stopped only a few meters away from Alpha Team. Nix frowned when he recognized one of them, Tura Umi Strom.


    A flash of light announced the arrival of a silver winged Fir''Dhassi, he landed in front of the group that had just arrived. The Archon radiated power, he wore a long blade across his back and his armor seemed to absorb the light around it. He had light brown hair that he wore in a topknot and a very youthful face.


    Umi Strom bowed low before him. "Archon Zar, the Foundation Stone wasn''t in the Vale."


    A loud slap sounded and Umi flew into the distance like she had been shot out of a cannon. Nix started to get up but was pulled down by Wind.


    [New Guild Quest discovered: The Fallen House]


    Umi limped back a few minutes later, one of her beautiful light brown eyes were completely closed. Nix felt anger bubbling in him, but he forced it down. A trickle of blood ran down her forehead from her dark auburn hair. She bowed once again but didn''t speak.


    "Find the foundation stone, I can sense that it''s in the Vale." Zar scowled at the group and then disappeared into the buildings above with a flash of silver wings.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Can we take that guy?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Maybe... Let''s follow Umi instead. I want to report this to Commander Mtui also, he might understand what''s going on.

 Chapter 200 Fallen House

    Nix led Alpha Team to the exit and paused. "Ducky, follow them without being seen."


    Ducky nodded and then vanished through the doorway, a few moments later, Alpha Team followed.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Need some research done. We have a new Guild Quest called ''The Fallen House.'' Also, I want you to find what you can regarding the ''House Planar Trial.''


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] I''m on it.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s follow at a distance, Ducky is better equipped for surveillance than we are.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Who was the jackass that hit the Strom girl?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Umi is the Clan leader''s daughter, whoever Archon Zar is, he must be a big deal.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Stands to reason that there would be Archons among the dhassi.


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] Do you know of any Archon among the dhassi?


    [Whisper Shae to Nix] There are a few mixed in with the Great Houses, I feel that Bael Strom is probably one. Not all Archons serve the Sky Kingdom.


    Alpha Team traveled for nearly an hour; Ducky was sitting on a rock at the crest of a hill when they caught up with her. The dense canopy of the heavily wooded area completely blocked out the afternoon sun.


    "Is there anything else you can tell me, Rithi?" Ducky leaned closer to the Fir''Dhassi, placing a slender hand on his knee. "What about this Zar person? He doesn''t seem very nice."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: What skill is that?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Bewitched I think, it''s new.


    Rithi didn''t take his eyes off her when they walked up. "He''s not nice; he''s from the House of Oasis, the only Great House to ever fall."


    "I see." Ducky pulled him toward her until his head rested on her lap. "Why don''t you sleep for a while." The Water Witch stroked his forehead soothingly until his eyes closed a few seconds later.


    Ducky led them away from the sleeping man to the entrance of a small valley. "This is called the Vale. It''s sacred to the Fir''Dhassi, stepping foot in this place is punishable by death."


    "What is the Foundation Stone?" Nix tried not to stare at his Spirit Companion; she was like a different person altogether.


    "Rithi wasn''t completely sure. He feels it''s a vital part of what they are trying to do."


    Nix patted her spiked hair, it was still soft beneath his touch, even though it didn''t look like it. "Very well done."


    [Detect Disturbance]


    A large holo of the surrounding area popped up in front of Nix. The entire valley was represented; at the Northern end, there was a group of dots showing the location of the Strom Clan. A blinking icon located at the base of the Eastern edge drew his attention.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: They are searching in the wrong area. Follow me.


    Nix ran eastward toward the mark he had seen on the holo; within a few minutes, Alpha Team was staring at the steep granite wall.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This is where the disturbance was?


    Semmi had her hands pressed up against the wall; it was smooth. Her pretty blond face was etched with focus, "it should be here."


    Pon frowned at granite wall, he scuffed his feet on the sand, the noise of it drawing his attention.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Try going down Nix. See the sand beneath us? I''ve never seen sand so fine.


    Nix moved away from the wall and caught Ducky''s eye, "can you keep people from finding us?"


    Ducky nodded and moved away from them a few feet. "I''ll keep watch Nix."


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flame]


    Nix pulsed his flames downward, the sand quickly melting into a liquid as if it were wax. A moment later, he disappeared from sight.


    You have entered [The Vale] instance.


    Nix dropped several feet before landing hard on the rocks. He dropped his flames and immediately stealthed; nimbly jumping to one side when the rest of his team came crashing down.


    Semmi stood up, rubbing her bottom with both hands. "Someone is going to notice the huge hole in the ceiling here. We should move fast."


    They were on the steps of a stone mausoleum, light from mounted torches showed a tall set of doors.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Rope bridge Nix.


    Nix turned away from the door, back to the path leading up to it. A rope bridge crossed a chasm several hundred feet across.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: The entrance is probably where the Strom Clan is searching if they find it; they will have to cross the bridge. Burn it.


    Pon nodded, both his hands were glowing with white flames.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    The middle part of the bridge that Pon targeted disappeared in a flash of flames.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The Fallen House would be called The House of Oasis. It was made almost entirely of Dhassi. It only existed for a handful of years before conflicts within the House tore it apart.


    /Inferno: Nix: That matches up with what we''ve learned so far.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The Foundation stone is a unique artifact that enables the formation of a new House. When the House of Oasis fell into conflict, one of the founders stole the stone and hid it away. Without the Foundation Stone, the House cannot remain.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: So... They stashed the stone here, Zar must know of its existence, but he can''t expose himself long enough to find it personally.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Oh, I almost forget. House of Oasis has many enemies within Solomon City; I''m not sure what they did. I don''t have the quest specifics yet, but I''m still working on it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, let me know what you find out.


    Nix pushed open the door to the mausoleum and stepped inside, when the last member of Alpha Team stepped in, it slammed shut with a loud crash.


    Alpha Team stood just inside the entrance. Bright painted murals adorned the ceiling, the white marble floors reflected them almost perfectly. There were long wooden pews meant for seating; a large altar stood alone at the far side of the room.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck is this place?


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Nix!


    The Aquarion pointed at the altar, a darkly armored body had appeared there.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Was that there before?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: No.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: uh-huh.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Split up. Pon and Semmi take the right side, Fajii, and Wind the left.


    Nix walked down the center aisle; the entire place seemed like it should be filled with worshippers. It was as if they had all stepped out suddenly.


    The grinding of metal on stone announced the movement of the Armored body. It slid off the altar and took a step forward; a black sword made a loud rasping sound when he pulled it from the scabbard.


    It faced Nix, dark eyes staring. It had two horns jutting from its forehead. "Why have you come here to the Vale?"


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Dragonspawn, prepare to fight.


    The man''s chest had been sliced open and was plainly visible. With his insides exposed, Nix could see a gold-colored stone where his heart should have been.


    "Someone seeks to raise the fallen House of Oasis, I am investigating the matter," Nix spoke quietly while drawing his Archon blade.


    "Of course, they come for the stone." The Dragonspawn moved toward Nix, his voice slowly rising from a whisper. "It doesn''t matter who takes it now; the cost of doing so remains the same!"


    /Alpha Team: Nix: He''s an Archon, so don''t hold back.

 Chapter 201 Juri Mtui

    [Direct Communication: Mtui]


    Nix pushed Gemini flame into his Archon blade just as the Dragonspawn stepped down from the altar, the full-sized holo of Commander Mtui appeared in front of him.


    Nix raised his blade, "there''s a Dragonspawn here with a Foundation Stone embedded in his chest where his heart should be."


    "JURI?" The Dragonspawn stopped when Mtui said his name.


    The recognition only lasted for an instant before he charged Nix with his blade raised.


    [Flame Snare: Ice Flames]


    Nix has slowed Juri Mtui by 40 percent.


    [Fire Root: Ice Flames]


    Yuri Mtui has been rooted in place.


    "Commander Nix, if possible bring this person to me with the Foundation Stone still in place."


    Nix nodded. "We''ll do our best." He closed the holo and raised both hands. A moment later a dozen strands of Ice Flames sealed Juri in place.


    [Balefire: Advanced]


    Pon has landed a critical strike on Juri Mtui!


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Pon''s strike with a critical hit!


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s strike with a critical hit!


    [Critical Chain]


    Pon has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit.


    Nix hauled back on all 12 strands, yanking Juri into the air and then he slammed him onto the floor, the perfect marble floor cracked with the impact.


    Juri Mtui has been stunned.


    Nix repeated the move again and then a third time.


    Yuri Mtui has been mortally wounded and has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    "Commander Mtui! Bring us in." Nix saw the breach appear a moment later, he flung Juri into it and followed behind. The rest of his team leap dived for breach, just making it before it faded away.


    Nix still held the strands on Juri, the flames lit several papers on fire when he slammed Juri on a desk that appeared before him.


    "Release the strands and help me hold him!" Commander Mtui pinned the black-armored Dragonspawn on his desk. Nix moved quickly and secured his feet. A familiar Albino moved beside him, lending her strength while leaning across Juri''s torso. The three of them managed to hold him in place while Mtui poured something down his throat, immediately he stopped struggling and closed his eyes.


    Nix stepped back and noticed his team was on the floor, gasping for air. Only Fajii managed to stagger to her feet. "Sorry guys, I''ll open a breach and send you back."


    Pon shook his head. "We aren''t leaving you here boy. Hurry up and finish your business."


    Commander Mtui stepped away from the unconscious Dragonspawn and pulled a platinum covered box out of his desk, Nix caught a glimpse of the still-beating heart just before it was placed in Juri''s chest in place of the Foundation Stone.


    Mtui lay a hand on the man''s head, his dark eyes unreadable. "Thank you Nix, I am in your debt."


    He handed the Foundation Stone to Nix who quickly stowed it away.


    Beta walked over to Alpha Team and helped Wind move slightly so he could lean against the wall. "You''re a handsome one. What''s your name?"


    Wind struggled to breathe properly, his respect for Nix climbing with each passing second. How could he even function here? "I am Wind, an Officer in the Inferno Guild."


    Beta smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "I''m Beta, Special Envoy to Breach Commander Mtui, well met."


    Nix glanced around the office, several small fires were still burning thanks to his flame strands. "We are heading back, I''ll stop by tomorrow afternoon if that works."


    Mtui nodded. "See you then."


    Beta favored Nix with a smile, "this group is strong, all of them will easily pass the Planar Trial."


    [Create Breach: Inuit]


    Nix dragged Wind and Pon through the breach, while Fajii helped Semmi.


    "Hey, Nix! Equip that blade I traded you. Why are you using that basic crap for?" Beta''s voice followed them through before being abruptly cut off.


    Nix let his team rest in place, all of them looked exhausted. "Take a minute, the effect fades fast."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: You have fought under that pressure? You''re a complete Beast Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: You''re not normal.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I heard you made a few bootie calls in that hell. You are definitely the man.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: What''s a bootie call?


    Nix helped Fajii to her feet suddenly very curious about her strength. Aquarions were much stronger than humans, somehow he hadn''t connected that with the Alchemist. He whispered the answer in her ear before stepping away.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Why are we back here Nix?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: The chest of course.


    When they were fighting Juri earlier, Nix had noticed a small chest under the altar. "Damn... it''s really light." He slid it from under the altar and sat it on top while the rest of Alpha Team gathered close.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Let''s bet on what it is. I''m saying jewelry.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Hmm... daggers. One for me and one for Sem.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Shoes.


    Nix laughed at Fajii''s guess and opened the lid. The five of them stared into the chest for a few seconds. "So... Did anyone guess acorns?"


    Semmi picked one up and examined it, her eyes lighting up. "That''s not a normal acorn Nix."


    One-Tree Acorn: Unique [Treehouse]


    Description: Three-level treehouse, please


    ensure that tree dimensions exceed 15 meters


    in diameter and 50 meters in height.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: This I gotta see.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yep... Loki?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: What about Umi Strom? That Archon F*ck-nut is bound to hurt her when she returns empty-handed.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: They are probably still searching, let''s grab some back-up.


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    Alpha Team stepped into the Breach and disappeared a moment later.


    *******************


    "Looks like Commander Nix is back." Bali Zend was skinning a small animal that closely resembled a rabbit, the rangers had set up camp and had the cookfires going


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: How many of those acorns are in that chest?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Didn''t count, lots though.


    Nix waved to Locas when he saw the Ranger Captain walking toward him. "We''re going to pick a fight in about an hour, so enjoy your lunch until then."


    The rangers watched as Alpha Team stopped at a very large tree that marked the edge of their campsite.


    Semmi put her hand out, it was obvious that she wanted to do the honors. "Come on boss, share the wealth a bit."


    Nix nodded and handed her an acorn. Watching carefully as she walked up to the tree with it held in her hand.


    Semmi touched it against the rough, brown bark of the tree. A moment later a large door formed where she had touched. "Okay... we have a door."


    "Look up," Fajii pointed to where two round windows had formed. One about fifteen feet off the ground and the other around twenty-five.


    Bali was the nearest ranger, the small woman seemed the most curious. "Can I go in?"


    Semmi grabbed the doorknob and pulled, it swung open easily without a sound. She led the way inside with Bali and Alpha Team following. The blond officer clapped excitedly when she walked inside. "This is a kitchen!" A small galley kitchen with a large island for prepping meals took up most of the first level.


    Bali didn''t wait for the others, instead, she trotted up the stairs that were neatly hidden in one corner. The second floor had a dining and sitting area.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction when he arrived at the third level, it had three comfortable-looking bedrooms and a small common area. He handed the ranger Captain a dozen acorns from his inventory. "Have your people try these out for a few days, if you find them adequate then you can set up anywhere you like. Loki is going to remain your base of operation."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Those are probably worth a lot to the Fir''Dhassi, we could try selling a few or using them as gifts.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Can they be traced to the Vale?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Good question, we don''t want to broadcast our exploration of their Sacred lands. Let''s just keep them within Inferno for now.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''ll take a look around the vendor area in Parliament, they sell just about everything there.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shae, Ronnie, Tess, Sharl, and Jun Li, gather together at the Gemini Temple, I''m going to bring all of you into Oasis.


    /Inferno: Mina: Can I come too?


    /Inferno: Rhylia: Me too Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Perfect, prepare for a fight and meet at the Temple.


    Nix pulled out the long black box that Beta had given him for the demon heart. "I''m going to activate this blade down on the beach, might want to stay here since there''s a likelihood of things blowing up."


    He felt a hand grip his when he turned toward the beach, a smiling Fajii fell in step beside him. "I don''t mind if you come, but be sure to take cover."


    "Of course." Fajii squeezed his hand, her verticle irises staring at him while they walked. "The pink-eyes woman gave you that blade?"


    Nix nodded. "I traded for it.


    When they arrived at the beach, Nix placed the black box on the sand and knelt down beside it. "You should take cover behind the rocks."


    Fajii didn''t seem to hear his words, she was staring into the sea. "I sense something familiar. Go ahead with your blade and I''ll catch up in a bit."


    Nix glanced toward the water, "Want me to come with you?"


    Fajii shook her head. "I''ll be fine." She bent down and kissed him suddenly, a smile playing on her lips when she stepped back.


    "Okay, stay in contact and let me know if you run into trouble."

 Chapter 202 Burning Down the House part one

    [Use your own blood to bond the blade]


    "Huh?" Nix stared at the scimitar in his hand. It was unlike any blade he''d ever wielded. It was curved slightly and had a spiked handguard that was obviously meant to strike opponents with. It resembled white silver, his own reflection stared back at him when he held it. The edge looked sharp enough to cut through stone.


    He touched his thumb lightly on the keen edge, it took only the slightest bit of pressure to make his blood down the blade. Nix held tight to the blade, a sudden sandstorm kicked up around him. It slowly extended until a small tempest about 20 feet in diameter swirled slowly in a mass around him. The sand disappeared and was replaced by green flames, the flames faded to silver, then to Gemini flames and finally Ice flames. The sudden build-up in power took Nix by surprise, he blacked out when the blast tossed him into the air.


    **************


    Captain Locas shared some of his lunch with the blond human, he found her to be incredibly smart and quite charming. "Who is the old man watching us? Your father perhaps?"


    Pon heard the remark and stood. "I''m your father you pointed eared..." He trailed off when he felt the massive release of power, out of habit he tossed up a fire shield, everything around them was instantly snap-frozen into ice. He shared a glance with Semmi. "Nix..."


    "Watch your step!" Semmi walked carefully on the rocky path leading to the beach, the several inches of ice that covered it was already melting in the afternoon sun.


    Wind nodded and stepped onto the beach, the sea was frozen solid for nearly a hundred meters. The massive waves were already breaking up the ice and tossing it onto the shore. "Shit... it''s Nix"


    Wind found a block of ice lodged against the rocks. An unconscious Nix could be seen clearly inside.


    "Stand back, I''ve got this." Pon placed his hands on the block and they glowed orange with fire. Slowly it melted away, the ice was bluish in color, the old mage recognized it immediately as the aftereffect of Ice Flames.


    Nix woke up slowly, his back soaked from the rapidly melting ice.


    [Combustion]


    He healed his own wounds, although they weren''t bad.


    Bali Zend was watching him with a confused look. "You''re a fire mage, right? How come you are covered in ice?" She extended a small hand and helped him to his feet.


    Nix shrugged at the Ain''Dhassi ranger. He looked around, glancing at the ground. "Seen my sword?"


    Bali pointed to his forearm, "it''s a Soul Blade right?"


    Nix held up his arm and examined the Blood-red Tattoo. It was a perfect replica of the sword he had been given by Beta. "Guess I got inked... Any idea how to draw the weapon?"


    Bali nodded, "Snap your fingers and say Ni''Elisio Anji."


    Nix snapped his fingers, "Ni''Elisio Anji"


    A moment later Locas slapped the small ranger on the back of her head. She wore a big smile and backed away with her hands raised in surrender. "Sorry Commander, just try to picture the blade and it will appear."


    "I see... What did I say then?"


    "You professed your love for farm animals," Locas said it with a straight face, although he scowled at Bali.


    Pon cackled loudly. "Love it!"


    /Alpha: Semmi: Can I keep her?


    /Alpha: Wind: No way, I call dibs on the ranger.


    "Hmmm..." Nix watched the tiny ranger, she was giving him an innocent smile. He pictured the blade in his head and instantly it appeared in his hand. "It made a loud humming noise when he swiped it on the air, most of the blade was red with the exception of the edge which was black.


    Hell''s Vengeance [Soul Blade]


    Scimitar: Breach Commander''s Weapon


    Description: This blade doubles the effectiveness


    of all fire abilities.


    +100 to All Stats


    20 percent chance of a critical hit


    [Damage is based on Strength X Agility rating.]


    [Fire Shadow]: Become immune to all damage for 10 seconds.


    [Sudden Death]: Instantly slay someone who is mortally wounded.


    A movement from the iced over sea caught Nix''s attention, Fajii was returning to the beach. A familiar face was following her.


    "Lord Nix." Ishna bowed slightly, "I did not expect to see you again so soon."


    "No? An odd statement since you settled right next to our territory." Nix noticed she was accompanied by a younger female. "Panyu right? How are you feeling?"


    "She is with child, although it is still too soon to tell the gender." Ishna paused for a moment, "I wanted to tell you Nix, do not attempt to destroy the Cai''Song Artifact."


    /Inferno: Nix: Ishna is visiting us on Loki. Shall I bring you in Min?


    /Inferno: Mina: No. I''m still too angry to speak with her.


    "Too late Ishna. We already destroyed the Cai''Song artifact. The three Archons and the dozen Grand Elders guarding it are all dead." Nix let a lazy smile across his face, he knew he was being petty but she could have mentioned the Archons.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Papa Pon... I like the sound of that!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Kinda catchy.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: No it isn''t.


    "Destroyed? Then it''s truly over." Ishna looked more relieved than sad. "Nix, I wish to set up a trade agreement with Loki. Would that be possible?"


    "I think so, you''ll have to contact the territorial Governor, she should assume her duties in a few days." Nix decided not to mention that the governor was his very protective older sister.


    "Also, if it turns out that Panyu is having a girl, we''d like to make arrangements for that also." Ishna''s voice was steady but inside she was controlling her fear. All of them gave off a feeling of extreme strength. Even Fajii, who had only been an Alchemist seemed to have a dangerous edge to her.


    Nix shrugged. "This settlement will be the home of 12 Guilds. I''m sure you will be able to make proper arrangments."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We are waiting in the Gemini Temple Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: On my way.


    Nix stowed his weapon with a simple thought and then activated Deep Blue.


    ********************


    A few minutes later, Nix opened a breach to the Ranger camp and brought the rest of the raid in.


    [Raid Sheet]


    Jun Li: Tank


    Sharl: Tank


    Tess: Healer


    Rhylia: CC


    Nix: CC


    DPS: Semmi


    DPS: Wind


    DPS: Pon


    DPS: Ronnie


    DPS: Shae


    DPS: Mina


    Buffs: Fajii


    300 Ain''Dhassi Rangers


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We bringing all the Rangers?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. We don''t know what''s in those buildings.


    /Inferno: Shae: To build a House in Solomon City, requires the foundation stone and 5 really strong fighters. Those fighters are also called the foundation.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: My research into it says that the next step after that is the 12 pillars.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s the name of our Alliance.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: It''s also the second step, The 12 pillars are also individuals of extraordinary strength. If all the pieces are in play, we could be looking at 17 Archons.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] You''ve been considering our own Foundations?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Yes. We''ll talk about it after we speak with Commander Mtui tomorrow.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Sounds good.


    [Whisper: Nix to Bael] I believe Zar is about to kill Umi. I''m going to try and stop him.


    [Whisper: Bael to Nix] What? Why would he do that?


    [Whisper: Nix to Bael] He sent her into the Vale after the Foundation Stone, she wasn''t able to find it.


    [Create Breach: Inuit]

 Chapter 203 Burning Down the House part two

    The entire group stepped into the Inuit subcontinent, a few dozen meters from the tree instance they had visited earlier in the day. There was no one around, Nix couldn''t help but wonder what Raine or Del would say if they knew he could bring an army to their doorsteps.


    /Inferno: Nix: These are going to be strong fighters, I want our arches to stay at range and pick your targets.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Stay in groups of two or three, we''ve all seen what Archons can do, fight smart.


    /Inferno: Locas: I''ve assigned 25 rangers to each of you. Whatever target you choose, you''ll have fire support immediately.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Tor, Cal, Shadai]


    Ducky appeared next to Nix, she smiled pleasantly her eyes instantly taking in everything. She was wearing the leather House Armor from the Cai''Song Raid.


    His three Arch Winds hovered near him, ready to fight. Nix motioned for Cal to come closer. "I''m bringing in the Gemini Acolytes, you can take up a position with them and Esta.


    Cal saluted crisply. "Of course sir."


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s move in.


    Nix led them down the winding path to the clearing. There were a half dozen horses tied up nearby, but no one was in sight.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    Available Allies


    1) Alpha Team


    2) Colonial Knights of Glory


    3) Souza Accord


    4) Fire Palace Acolytes


    5) Earth Temple Acolytes


    6) Air Palace Acolytes


    7) Gemini Palace Acolytes


    8) Central Kingdom: 1st Regiment Archers


    9) Ain''Dhassi: Inferno Ranger Company


    10) Broyan Alliance: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Regiments


    11) Captain Vooni''s Fire Team


    12) 12 Pillar Alliance


    13) Miscellaneous Friends


    A Large holo of the area popped up in front of Nix. Seventeen Archons could feasibly be a larger threat than the force they challenged in Mermaid City. He smiled pleasantly and activated the 12 Pillar Alliance and the Gemini Temple Acolytes; what''s the use in having allies if they were just going to sit on the bench? After noticing that Vooni and Beta were added to his Friends option, he activated both of them along with Chiba.


    He placed his Acolytes to the rear of the formation, even though they were armored up, they were still one-hit kills for an Archon. He placed the Alliance right in front of them.


    /Breach Commander Nix: We are deep in the Inuit subcontinent. There is probably a large Archon force inside the buildings. No Sub-Commanders today, each Guild takes one Archon, treat them like a badass boss.


    "Chiba?" Beta''s voice showed her surprise, the albino Envoy rushed the old woman and hugged her tight. "CHIBA!"


    Chiba''s old face cracked into a smile. "Master Beta!" The old woman returned the hug.


    Beta''s face turned pink to match her eyes. "Still using that old joke?"


    Chiba didn''t answer but instead turned toward Nix. "How did you meet Beta?"


    "Because he''s strong enough to fight on the upper planes without passing through the trial." Beta answered without giving Nix a chance. "How do you know Nix?


    Chiba licked her lips suggestivelly. "He''s my lover of course, and my apprentice."


    Nix scowled at the old woman and immediately considered sending her someplace unpleasant. "Master Chiba has a vivid imagination. Get ready please."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Pair up and take two Archons between the four of you. I''m going to take Zar.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shae you can pick whatever target you like.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Rangers, there are 8 Ley ribbons connecting the buildings to the ground. Please eliminate them, pick your targets after that.


    /Sub-Commander Locas: Target all Ley ribbons and fire on my command¡­ Aim!


    The highly organzied rangers divided their aim without having to be assigned, thirty-five to thirty-seven aimed at each target.


    /Sub-Commander Locas: If the ribbons aren''t destroyed with the first volley, reload and prepare to fire again. Once they are severed, assist your Inferno Member.


    /Sub-Commander Locas: FIRE!


    [Breach Command: Inspire]


    All Damage from your forces is doubled for 90 seconds.


    All eight ribbons were destroyed at the same time, the explosions rocked the buildings and they plummeted to the ground with an earth jarring crash.


    Conveniently, Zar was the first person out. He exploded through the wall of the fallen building with one glowing sword in hand.


    Nix targeted his sword hand with a half dozen strands of Ice Flames and jerked him forward with all his strength.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    Nix slashed his blade toward Zar''s neck. The Archon was grimacing in pain and started to slash the strands when he was forced to counter the strike with his own blade. Surprisingly the blade was pulled back before he could block, a moment later the spiked handguard slammed into his forehead driving him back toward the wall he had burst through.


    Zar has been stunned.


    [Group Shot: Critical Hit]


    The arrows from 25 bows struck the stunned target at the same time.


    Zar has been slain.


    Nix froze for a moment¡­ Zar''s body had immediately disappeared, a sure sign that he was anchored safely somewhere else. Several other Archons were already down, the disadvanage of facing melee pairs backed up by scores of archers was decimating their ranks.


    Glancing around for someone to assist, he noticed that Alpha Team had already brought down two Archons and were moving to their next target, with the fight in hand Nix moved toward the building.


    "Ducky! Find Umi Strom!" Nix followed the Water Witch into the building. The first two rooms were empty, in the last room was the corpse of Umi Strom.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Faji! Come into the building now!


    Nix turned to face Ducky, "Bring Fajii here!"


    He knelt on the ground next to Umi, her blood matted hair showed a horrifc wound to her skull. She had been beaten badly before finally being killed.


    "UMI!" A shout filled with grief and anger filled the room, Bael Strom had arrived.


    Before Nix could say anything, the Archon appeared next to him, Nix managed to raised his blade up to block the strike but the power of blasted him through the ceiling and into the air above.


    You have been stunned.


    Nix muttered a curse as he watched Bael close on him. A pair of arms caught him gently and a flash of red announced the arrival of his allies. Twin blades burning with fire slashed at the Fir''Dhassi, forcing him to retreat. Shae attacked without mercy, pushing her advantage to land several strikes.


    [Group Shot; Critical Hit]


    25 arrows struck the unprepared Archon.


    Bael Strom has been mortally wounded.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Do not attack Bael Strom!


    A smiling Vooni looked down at him. "Where should I drop you Pon?"


    Nix grinned at the name. "Back in the building!"


    She set him down carefully inside, her sword pointing at the Fir''Dhass Archon. "Attack Pon the Magnificent again, and you will certainly die.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Say again?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Woah¡­ Pon the Magnificent? I love it!


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: She know you Pon?


    Nix waved at his team who had accompanied Fajii inside, the Aquarion was able to ressurect the fallen Umi, and the rest of her group that were killed in nearby rooms.


    Within minutes all the Archons were down, counting Zar, five of them recovered elsewhere.


    A crestfallen Bael stared at Nix. "I''m sorry Nix, I lost my head when I saw you standing over her."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Theres an armory back here.


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s ours now.


    "Nix, the equipment in this building should stay with the Fir''Dhassi." Bael spoke quietly, he was being watched by both Shae and Vooni.


    Fajii frowned at the Fir''Dhassi. "Who are you to speak here? You repaid his actions by attacking him, count yourself lucky that you are still alive."


    Nix shrugged apologetically, "spoils of battle Bael."


    [Breach Commander:Reward: 1 level for participation]


    /Breach Commander: Nix: If your guild managed to down an Archon, then the loot is yours to distribute however you wish. Everyone gets a level, thanks for the assistance.


    Nix temporarily invited Chiba, Vooni, Rhylia and Shae to Alpha Team.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''d like to invite the four of you to become The Foundation for the House of Inferno.


    /Alpha Team: Shae: Will you be the 5th?


    /Alpha Team: Yes.


    /Alpha Team: Shae: I''m in.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: I already failed the planar trial Nix, they won''t allow me to try again.


    /Alpha Team:Nix: There are many routes to the Sky Kingdom, I believe I can get you in.


    /Rhylia: I will follow you and Shae.


    Vooni studied the other four candidates. Air, Fire, Sword and a Breach Commander, the group had staggering potential. As Dragon-descended she could pick from any of the Great Houses, but she never had.


    /Alpha Team:Vooni: I accept.

 Chapter 204 Burning Down the House Conclusion

    [You have been Victorious in a Greater House Battle. You have 24 hours to declare your intent.]


    "Thank you, Nix." Umi bowed her head low. "I''ve made a dreadful mistake that nearly cost me everything."


    Bael watched his niece apologize, "I too am sorry Breach Commander." As an Archon, he understood that Nix could join any of the Greater Houses. The ability to call armies to battle was an overwhelming advantage. "Thank you for saving Umi. We will depart now."


    /Breach Commander: Nix: I''m sending everyone to Parliament.


    [Create Breach: Parliament]


    Nix sent the 12 Pillar Alliance to the Parliament. Beta left on her own after hugging Chiba one more time. Captain Locas and his company gated directly back to Loki.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All of Oasis will know now Nix. We have a Breach Commander, their borders and walls are useless.


    /Inferno: Nix: Our Guild Allies have yet to step into Parliament. This is an opportunity for them to visit the shops and open up their Guild Offices there.


    /Inferno: Pon: What use is that without votes?


    /Inferno: Nix: Well... it''s more like a gesture of goodwill.


    Captain Vooni stood next to Shae, talking in quiet tones. The dragon-descended smiled when Nix approached them. "This is the actual house that the Fir''Dhassi ascended with. It must be completely destroyed."


    Nix nodded. Ronnie had briefed him. The Foundation Stone must be taken and the House Destroyed. "Then what?"


    Vooni continued with her lecture. "The Greater Houses titles are linear. With the Foundation Stone and the five chosen, you can declare your intent. It''s a long process and all five must pass the planar trial."


    Shae reached out and grabbed his hand, pulling him closer. "We have the advantage now. What''s our plan?"


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Burn it now, leave nothing but ashes.


    Nix, Pon, Vooni, and Shae made short work of the wooden building. Even enhanced wood was still wood, and within a few minutes, it was burned into nothing but glowing cinders.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Even though this House had Fallen, it was hidden here so that it wouldn''t be challenged by the lesser houses.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: How strong are the Lesser Houses? Will we be attacked?


    /Alpha Team: Vooni: There are some strong ones, however, none of them have Breach Commanders. You must hide the house well until it ascends.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: Where? Haven maybe?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: No, the Embassy. Come with me.


    [Create Breach: Glory]


    They stepped onto the docks a few moments later.


    Vooni stared in wonder at the City. "This is owned by your guild? It''s a fine-looking city.


    Nix nodded, "the battle you fought with us against the Aquarion Archons was the culmination of months of hard work. During that time we were able to acquire this Island and form our own City-State.


    Vooni has joined the Inferno Guild.


    Chiba has joined the Inferno Guild.


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome guys, let''s head to the Embassy and I''ll show you our trial.


    Vooni went through the Registration office on the 1st floor and took the trial challenge. On agreement she stopped after a dozen floors, no one doubted that could probably run the tables in the Embassy.


    /Inferno: Nix: Follow me.


    Nix chose the 90th floor and walked into the staging area.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Here''s the Info you had me gather regarding the Quest.


    [The Fallen House: Guild Quest]


    The Oasis House was once one of the Greater Houses of Solomon City. Infighting among their 12 Pillars caused the house to fall into chaos. You have located the hiding place of the Fallen House.


    Option 1: Help rebuild and revitalize the fallen house.


    Option 2: Destroy the House of Oasis.


    Conditions: Find the Fallen House''s Foundation Stone. Defeat the Foundation and Pillar members of the house. Burn the Fallen House and declare your Intent.


    Reward: Land Deed: Solomon City


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I guess Option one is off the table. Most of the conditions for Option two have been completed.


    /Inferno: Vooni: The reward is the Land Deed for the Greater House. The House of Oasis was a bit shabby, but the Lot was very good and quite spacious.


    Nix walked slowly toward the entrance to the Instance. "Yeah well... we have a saying here in Inferno."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Prey waits.


    /Inferno: Vooni: I like that.


    [Do you wish to Initiate the House Planar Trial]


    "Yes."


    The veil that blurred the instance fell away when Nix and his companions stepped through it. A large stone platform was the only thing visible.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Where did the building go?


    Jun Li nudged Nix and pointed to the edge of the platform, one of the stones was missing.


    Nix held up a hand to signal that everyone else should wait and walked toward the missing piece. When he approached it the empty square glowed.


    [Place the Foundation Stone?]


    "Yes."


    The Foundation Stone has been removed from your Inventory, this item can not be retrieved at this time.


    Five Squares set in a circle lit up in the middle of the Stone Platform.


    [Are you ready to choose your Foundation?]


    /Inferno: Nix: Chiba, Rhylia, Shae, and Vooni please step onto the lit squares.


    Vooni stepped onto the nearest square, immediately the glowing surface of the stone was replaced with the image of a black dragon.


    [Foundation Stone accepted: 1/5]


    Shae was next, she confidently stepped onto the next stone, the glowing was instantly replaced with the image of a multi-colored Salamander.


    Vooni gasped when she saw it, her face lighting up in a smile. "You''re an Iridescent Salamander?


    Shae nodded. "Yep."


    [Foundation Stone accepted: 2/5]


    Chiba''s old face wore a look of determination. "Thank you, Nix, for giving me a chance to face my greatest failure."


    Chiba stepped onto the next stone and disappeared.


    Rhylia looked more curious than scared. "I too wish to thank you Nix. I would still be hiding in Pinnacle without your intervention. I definitely won''t fail you."


    Nix waited until she stepped onto the next stone and disappeared.


    /Inferno: Nix: Not sure how long this usually takes, do you want me to send you back, Vooni?


    /Inferno: Vooni: No. Thanks to the Cai''Song Battle, I have no obligations for two weeks.


    /Inferno: Shae: Fight hard Nix.


    /Inferno: Fajii: You can do it.


    "Right." Nix stepped onto the last glowing square and disappeared from sight.


    ******************


    An hour later Vooni was sitting at Nix''s dining room table. Inferno was once again making themselves at home in Nix''s house. The dragon-descendant had been studying each member carefully.


    /Inferno: Vooni: Okay, I''ve been trying to figure out who are Pon the Magnificents Eleven wives. I''m only coming up with Shae for sure, but I think I can guess the rest.


    /Inferno: Shae: Eleven? That''s quite the number, let''s play a game then.


    /Inferno: Pon: I don''t have eleven wives.


    /Inferno: Wind: Yeah, that''s because you are just Pon. Nix is Pon the Magnificent.


    /Inferno: Pon: What kind of bullshit is that? He can''t steal my name!


    Hyai walked in from the kitchen and placed a half-dozen mugs of [Semmi''s Golden] in front of Vooni.


    /Inferno: Vooni: That''s a bit much, even for me.


    Vooni had taken off her armor and wore a sleeveless shirt that showed off her defined muscles. The small horns protruding out of her forehead made her look like a Demon Queen. She ran a hand through her short black hair and grabbed one of the mugs.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Let''s make it a game. You guess the names of the ''wives.'' Incorrect answers mean you drink.


    /Inferno: Pon: The rest of us drink when you get them right.


    /Inferno: Shae: I''m in.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] Nix doesn''t have any wives.


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] We three have decided.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] Really? Tell me how to do that... Maybe the person I like is too dense.


    Shae smiled sweetly at the Archon Trainer and grabbed a mug. "Let''s start..."


    *******************


    [Planar Trial: Breach Commander Nix]


    You stand at the cusp of a long and bloody campaign. Before you is one last mission, destroy Fassa Rogan, the enemy Archon. All your supplies, personnel and equipment will be delegated by you. You have been given the necessary funds. Your enemy will choose after you and react according to your choices. No charges will be incurred by using your personal gear, skills or companions.


    Battle Sight: Frozen Lake


    Available Funds: 500,000 credits


    Armor and Weapon Shop [Pull Down Menu]


    Alliance Force [Pull Down Menu]


    Nix activated the Alliance Force menu and studied the different troops he could use. "Shit... I should have waited until Morti woke up."


    [Available Troops]


    1) Mages: Water, Fire, Air: 100cr.


    2) Healers: 500 cr.


    3) Dragon Mounts 5000 cr.


    4) Snow Leopard Mount 1000 cr.


    4) Infantry 25 cr.


    5) Mounted Knight 200cr.


    6) Swordmaster 1000cr.


    6) Archer 100cr.


    7) Horses 10 cr.


    8) Assassin 100k cr.

 Chapter 205 Planar Trial: Breach Commander Nix

    10 Mages [8 Water, 2 Air] 1000 cr.


    1 Snow Leopard Mount 1000 cr.


    4 Assassin''s 400K cr.


    500 Archers 50K cr.


    1000 Horses 10k cr.


    500 Infantry [Melee Only] 12.5K cr.


    "Hmm..." Nix studied the options he had chosen, he expected his planar fight to involve more fighting and less planning, but since he already had a sub-class there was no way around it. "Sure... I don''t really have a use for the Snow Leopard, but it''s awesome so I want one."


    All personnel came with basic gear, upgrading could be done in the Armor/Weapons menu, but it would add up quickly. He decided to upgrade the armor on his Infantry and Archers.


    Improved Leather Armor 25cr. [X 1000] 25K cr.


    Nix hit the total button and came up with 499,500. He eyed the send button. Once he selected it, his opponent would be notified of his choices.


    [SEND]


    Do you wish to lock in your choices?


    "Yes."


    Your opponent is now aware of your choices. The Fog of War will now be implemented so that you may set up your forces. Be advised, since opponents are often familiar with each other abilities, your character sheet has been sent to the enemy.


    "The f*ck you say?" Nix muttered every cussword he could remember while he studied the sheet of his opponent.


    Fassa Rogan


    Archon: Breach Commander


    [Class Skill]


    Direct Communication


    Detect Disturbance


    Summon Allies


    Create Breach


    Strength 75


    Endurance 110


    Intelligence 50


    Perception 39


    Agility 49


    Mana 19,500/19,500


    Cold Resistance 100


    Fire Resistance 110


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Sword


    Secondary: Sword


    Support Skills:


    Dual Wield


    Absolute Shield


    Spirit Companions:


    Spirit Wraith: Healer Class


    Right away Nix noticed that Fassa only had half the amount of Sub-Class Skills that he had. Dual Wield, Tactician. Inspire, and Last Stand was missing. Although Dual Wield was listed as a support skill.


    "Normal skills, one healer class pet. Damn... they''ll know about Fey now." Nix considered different possibilities. "They''ll have to prepare for Morti and Fey, my class sheet won''t say that Morti is unavailable."


    Nix looked at his layout and then started equipping his forces. He mounted his archers and infantry right away and issued them armor. He opted for a quick-hitting mounted force that could retreat and attack repeatedly. He divided them up into 10 groups of 100, each group containing 50 Archers and 50 Infantry. After assigning a leader from each group, he gave them very specific orders and numbered them QRF1 through QRF10. (QRF=Quick Reactionary Force)


    [You have scouted the Enemy Forces and have 15 minutes to finalize your strategy.]


    Nix studied his Opponent''s forces, it was what Nix would have chosen in his place.


    Arch Mages 10


    Gladiators 6


    Anti-Dragon Batteries 2


    Royal Mounted Knights 2000


    Nix scowled at the sheet. "Arch Mages, Batteries, and Gladiators? He has different options."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Soup]


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Cal, Tor, Shadai]


    "All hands on deck today guys, this is an important mission." Nix moved closer to Fey and stroked her smooth head. "They have stuff that can hurt you, however, they can''t deal with your complete stealth. I just need you to scout them and keep me apprised of movements."


    Fey butted her head against his chest. "I will do as you ask."


    Nix took a seat on Soup''s shell close to her smooth green head. He could feel the changes in her since he became an Archon, her shell had changed to a light bluish-green color and she was now nearly 15 feet in diameter. He spoke quietly to each of his companions, giving them advice and last-minute directions.


    He walked gingerly up to the Snow Leopard he had purchased as a mount. When he placed a hand on its shoulder, it responded by pushing a cold nose into his neck and purring. He glanced down at the animal''s feet, they were quite wide, made for running over snow. The big cat had long retracted claws for icy conditions. "I might have to keep you..."


    [Your Battle starts in five minutes]


    A few minutes later Nix was seated comfortably on the Snow Leopard. He was flanked by four masked men in dark armor. "When the battle starts, stealth and carry out your mission."


    All four men nodded.


    Nix rode to the front of the squirmish line.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turned dark orange and the heat signatures of his enemies become plainly visible.


    /Commander Nix: QRF1, execute your first order.


    Nix''s blade appeared in his hand, immediately glowing blue with Ice Flame. He let the Snow Leopard run, it pulled away from the horses and kept straight when they turned back after firing a volley.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix targeted the center portion of the Knights and then veered off when the green flames washed over them.


    He retreated amid the screams of agony, the Snow Leopard immediately putting distance between him and the Knights.


    /Breach Commander Nix: QRF2, execute your first order.


    **********************


    Fassa sat on his horse, waiting for the Assassin''s to move. He countered them with Gladiators, but they had yet to move. "What is he waiting for? These endless hit and run skirmishes are tedious!"


    In just over an hour, two mages and nearly 300 of his Knights had fallen. The drakon wasn''t visible, most likely Nix had unsummoned it to make him worry.


    Fassa watched patiently while two of the mounted groups struck at the same time on opposite sides of the battlefield. His opponent had lost men too, but only a few dozen at the most.


    /Breach Commander: Fassa: Shields Up Knights! Quit attacking the melee riders, you open yourself up to their archers. Defend only!


    Fassa''s hud blinked at him, he had delegated his Gladiators as important targets.


    Gladiator Ben Tero has been slain.


    Gladiator Wenifre Utila has been slain.


    "WHAT?" Fassa slammed his gloved hand down on the pommel of his saddle. Did the skirmishers manage to take them down?


    He drew both his swords and backed his horse further away from the line, all of his gladiator''s had been given true sight potion, even enhanced invisibility should be plainly seen.


    Two more squirmish teams charged at the middle. Fassa cussed at them.


    /Breach Commander: Fassa: Eri and Yara, retreat back to my location.


    Gladiator Eri Boon has been slain.


    Gladiator Yara Nigel has been slain.


    *******************


    /Breach Commander Nix: Assassin''s may now retreat. All squirmish teams, execute the last command order.


    Nix closed his hud and glanced at the four infantrymen standing on the backline. He had used his Tailor skills to dress them up like Ninjas. Before the mission, he gave them each a stealth potion and ordered them to stay back as decoys. He also made camo-overlays for the real Assassins and ordered them to accompany the skirmish teams. "You guys did good, very threatening. We''ll take it from here."


    The Snow Leopard quickly outdistanced the skirmishers and leaped over the front line of Knights when they moved to intercept.


    [Lance: Ice Flame]


    Nix targeted the closest Mage.


    [Critical Hit]


    Nix has scored a critical hit on an Arch Mage.


    Ducky has charmed an Arch Mage.


    [Balefire Burst: Gemini Flame]


    Nix targeted the Anti-Dragon Battery, causing it to immediately burst into flames. The Arch-Mage that Ducky was controlling attacked the other battery.


    [Inspire]


    All Damage from your troops is doubled for 90 seconds.


    [Last Stand]


    Your troops take no damage for 60 seconds as long as they continue to attack.


    Nix spotted Fassa and charged directly at him, a squad of Knights held in reserve quickly intercepted him.


    Fassa smiled from behind his Knights. "Foolish move betting everything on a last charge, you may have actually won a war of attrition."


    "Attrition? Is that anything like waiting?"


    Fassa nodded. "Why are you laughing?"


    [Battering Ram]


    The frozen lake exploded upward under Fassa, the foot thick Ice tearing apart like crackers. A head extended from the blueish-green shell and a beak snapped around Fassa''s waist. The Breach Commander disappeared back into the water a moment later, never to be seen again.


    [Planar Trial Passed: Breach Commander Nix]


    An exhausted Nix appeared on the Foundation stone, a Large Golden Crown was etched clearly in the center under his feet. He glanced at the two blank stones that were still glowing. Being lit means they were still in the trial.


    [Foundation Stone accepted: 3/5]


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m back.

 Chapter 206 Planar Trial: Chiba

    Nix gated back to the Gemini Temple and then walked toward his Ranch house. He resummoned Soup, Ducky, and Fey when he passed the fishing spot, it had become their favorite place to hang out. Morti was snoring peacefully on the grass, after scratching the Titan cub''s ears he continued toward the house.


    He pushed his front door open a few minutes later, it cracked open a few inches before stopping. "The hell is this?" Nix squeezed his head through the crack only to find two Arch Wind sleeping against the door. He managed to enter into this living room without waking them up.


    There were bodies everywhere, the sound of snoring coupled with the smell of stale beer told Nix everything he needed to know. Someone had thrown a party. A voice could be heard humming from the dining room so Nix carefully stepped over and around his sleeping guildmates until he found the source.


    Vooni sat at the table, her head propped up under one hand while she sang quietly. Shae, Fajii, and Hyai were all sleeping face down on the table. "You''re back! Welcome..." Her words were slurred slightly. "I''ve figured out three things!"


    Nix bent over the table and helped Vooni to her feet. "Let''s get you to a proper bed Captain. What did you figure out?"


    Vooni leaned heavily against him while they went up the stairs. "The first is you don''t have eleven wives, only four..."


    Nix didn''t comment, Vooni was about three times heavier than someone her size should have been. "That number seems a bit high. Note to self, don''t drink with dragons."


    Vooni nodded in agreement against his shoulder. "Foolishness for sure. Where was I? Oh yeah, second is that your friends really care about each other. Inferno shares a deep bond of trust."


    Nix laughed at her antics while using his butt to open the guest bedroom door. "What''s the third thing?"


    Voon collapsed face down on the bed, before rolling onto her side. "I really like that lifestyle player, Rico something... He promised to make me some nice things."


    "....." Nix.


    He spent the next few minutes laying Shae, Fajii, and Hyai across the bed in his room. It was the only bed in house large enough for three people, he tossed a blanket over them and closed the door quietly. "Seems like I missed a big party."


    A few minutes later Nix walked out onto the balcony, it was here that he remembered one of the effects of the planar trial was an easy transition between forms.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third Form: Archon]


    *************


    [8 years earlier: Solomon City Academy, 2 days before the Trials]


    "Well, well, well... What have we here? A tiny albino rat." The Aquarion man''s voice sounded unpleasant, like gravel sliding down a metal sheet.


    The white-haired girl said nothing, both of her daggers were drawn and her weight was on her toes, ready to move. Her sharp pink eyes seemed to watch everything at once.


    "Hmm... Starting trouble with Master Beta?" The voice was smooth and sexy like warm velvet. The speaker was a tall blonde with piercing green eyes. She was known in the academy as the ''Crude Beauty,'' her personality seemed like it should belong to a dirty old man rather than the Academy''s number one beauty.


    "I''m fine Chiba, there''s no need to involve yourself further." Beta rolled her eyes at the nickname. The beauty was known for two things in the Academy, her ridiculously crude sense of humor and a silver blade that vanquished everyone she faced.


    "Only two are allowed to take the trial! Why must I wait because her standing is higher than mine?" Bikto scowled at the swordmaster, he already knew that she wasn''t someone they could handle. "I already have a spot in the House of Aquarion, you are treading dangerously Chiba."


    "It''s your bad luck to be in the same class as us Big-Toe." Chiba laughed at him while drawing her blade, it made a dangerous hiss when she pulled it from the scabbard. "Shall we negotiate?"


    Bikto as his companions backed away slowly, their hands held high. Chiba often solved her problems by removing them completely. "There is no reason for that."


    Beta scowled at the Aquarions when they walked away. "I would have killed Bikto, the other two would probably have run."


    Chiba put her sword away and threw an arm around the white-haired girl. "I know it little Beta! Let''s wrap this up."


    "I think I prefer the ring version of you better Chiba." Beta smiled shyly, although the blond often said embarrassing things, it also made her more approachable.


    Chiba slipped a plain copper ring onto her finger. Immediately her face and body shifted. The blonde hair turned gray, the feminine curves faded away and the beautiful face became dog-butt ugly. "Beauty is only skin deep!"


    Beta laughed and nodded. "Where did you ever get such a thing?"


    The old ugly face cracked into a smile. "The women of my family are cursed with beauty, my father procured this for me when I was a teenager."


    Beta nodded sagely, Chiba had told her that she had been courted by Kings. "Are you scared of the trials?"


    Chiba shook her head. "No need, do your best and your destiny will present itself."


    Beta stared at the old woman for a moment, before a smile cracked on her pale face. "You say the dumbest things, Chiba."


    *********************


    [2-Days later, Solomon City, Planar Trial]


    "Who are you?" Chiba pushed an errant strand of blond hair out of her face. She spent the morning fighting through her planar trial, only to find two Aquarions blocking her path.


    "You don''t need to know human. Break the token, your trial has ended." The two men looked enough like each other to have been brothers. The blue liquid swirling around their wings marked them as Archons.


    "Turn back?" Chiba smiled pleasantly, the sound of her sword being drawn stopped them from conversing further.


    The blond drew her blade and slashed with one lightning-fast movement, a gash opened up on the nearer Archon''s throat. He dropped his blade and clutched his throat with both hands. Chiba kicked him to the ground and stepped over him. She already knew that if they dared use an Archon skill, one of the Breach Commanders would investigate.


    The remaining Aquarion stabbed at her with a long trident, Chiba tapped the tri-pointed weapon to one side and put a nice slice down the side of his face.


    [Ice Sculptor]


    A look of horror briefly crossed Chiba''s pretty face when she lost control of her body. There had been three of them, a trident stabbed deep into her abdomen, knocking her to the ground. Her breath came in great gasps when the Aquarion pushed the tips through her and into the path beneath.


    "Finish her quickly so we can leave! I didn''t use an Archon skill, but they might investigate the use of Aquarion Magic."


    Chiba turned and stared at the female Aquarion, imprinting her image forever. "I''ll see you again." The beautiful blond disappeared a moment later, her planar trial ending in failure.


    [Embassy Planar Trial: Chiba]


    The ugly old woman stalked the halls, the silver blade she held in her hand ran red with the blood that she didn''t bother to wipe off. She wore the green House of Inferno armor.


    "Come on! Chiba has come back for more!" The swordmaster took everyone she could find, groups of twos, threes, or even fours; it didn''t matter. "He has given me a chance at vengeance... and I shall have it."


    She trotted down the last unexplored corridor, there were two archers and a mage waiting for her.


    [Sword Throw]


    Her silver sword flashed and impaled itself hilt deep in the mage''s forehead, both archers immediately opened fire on her.


    [Ghost Step]


    Chiba nimbly stepped around the arrows that seemed to slow when she approached. She pulled her sword free of the mage and with one smooth motion removed the head of the nearest archer.


    The archer gasped in horror when the old woman blocked an arrow fired at point-blank range, her blade stabbed through his heart a moment later.


    [Planar Trial Passed: Swordmaster Chiba]


    The old woman disappeared from the trial and looked down at the stone she was standing on. A pair of silver crossed swords was neatly etched into it. She fingered the ring that she hadn''t removed in nearly a decade, slowly she collapsed to her knees and cried.


    [Foundation Stone accepted 4/5]

 Chapter 207 - Solomon City

    Nix''s emerald wings flashed under the light of the Haven moon. He had been surprised that their color wasn''t silver; a smile was plastered onto his face as he moved easily through the night sky.


    "Very pretty Nix." A voice spoke from above him, white wings tilted slightly when she banked to come beside him.


    "Like em?" Nix grinned at Shadai, "where are the boys?"


    Shadai offered him a sweet smile, she was usually in the company of Cal and Tor. "Haven''t seen them since the party."


    "Wanna race?" Nix knew he couldn''t beat an Arch Wind, so he took off as soon as he said it. He heard the pleasant sound of her laughter as she started chasing him down.


    [House Foundation Complete 5/5]


    Nix slowed and headed to the ground. "Sorry I have to go. Next time!"


    A few minutes later Nix appeared on the 90th floor. Chiba and Rhy were still there, they were sipping out of a silver flask.


    "It''s good, right? Made it myself." Chiba''s wrinkled face creased into a creepy grin, her eyes seemed redder than usual, even for the chronically drunk swordmaster.


    They both looked up when Nix approached, Rhy handed him the flask. "I very nearly died on several occasions, these trials aren''t made for utility cla.s.ses like me."


    Nix tilted the flask and immediately regretted it, it tasted a bit like diesel fuel. "That''s some horrible s.h.i.t, Chiba."


    "Don''t be such a little girl." The old woman accepted the flask back and finished it off. "Thank you Nix, I didn''t expect to ever do the trials again."


    Nix looked at the foundations stone embedded into the floor. There were crossed silver swords and intricately feathered black wings engraved on the stones. "Now we have to choose 12 pillars."


    Chiba pursed her lips. "How many of them are ready?"


    "Alpha team for sure, Jun Li, Sharl, Mina, Milat, and based on her ridiculous determination, probably Ronnie." Nix was still satisfied, they were still getting stronger. "I''ve decided to bring all of Inferno past the Escalade bridge, it will make travel for them more convenient and help our growth."


    Rhylia glanced around the platform, the transparent images of 12 pillars were plainly visible. "Where is everyone?"


    Nix shrugged, "impromptu party celebrating... nothing I guess. Just about everyone is sleeping on my floor, several of your Arch Winds are there."


    [Do you wish to access the Pillar Menu?]


    "Yes." Nix studied the menu.


    [House of Inferno: Greater House Quest]


    Each candidate may attempt the test three times. You are allowed to elect 12 Individuals.


    [Greater House Pillar 0/12]


    "Fight hard and play hard." Chiba''s ugly smile showed that she agreed with the concept. "Why don''t the three of us head to the 40th floor for a bit of fun?"


    The Air Nemesis tilted her head slightly. "What''s on the 40th floor?"


    Chiba scratched her chin as if considering the question. "It''s paradise Rhy! Just about any type of fun, you can imagine."


    Nix shook his head. "I''m out. I''m meeting Breach Commander Mtui tomorrow."


    Rhy shrugged, her black wings moved slightly. "I''ll go. Now I''m curious."


    "The floor Steward Kai is one of my best friends." Chiba winked at Nix. "Last chance lover boy."


    Nix remembered the first time he visited the 40th floor. "Pa.s.s... Do you know Kai? Is that a Man or a Woman?"


    Chiba licked her lips and pulled Rhy toward the elevator. "A little bit of both!"


    "Didn''t expect to see you here Nix." Mina''s voice pulled him from a deep sleep, a sudden shift of the bed told him that she sat down.


    Nix didn''t bother to open his eyes. "Shoo Min, I''m sleepy."


    He felt a soft hand caress his face, Aquarion''s had some odd habits. Their concepts of intimacy didn''t match up with humans. "I find myself with nothing to do."


    Nix finally opened one eye. Mina''s white hair hung over her shoulders, her pale eyes watching him. "Did I make those pajamas?"


    Mina nodded. "Of course Nix, I only wear clothes that you make."


    "There is an Aquarion House in Solomon City, the Archons we faced were more than likely from there." Nix watched her for a reaction.


    "My knowledge of my own culture seems lacking now." Mina could remember the shock she felt at seeing winged Aquarions, she had also felt deep envy. "When was the last time you slept here?"


    Nix shrugged and sat up slowly. "The Beach Cottage bed has always been the best around. We are going to take the Guild to the Escalade Bridge today. You should go too."


    "I will... You make it sound like you won''t be there." She followed him outside. For some reason, Nix liked to jump in the water when he first got up.


    [Summons: Soup]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Soup followed him into the surf while Ducky yawned and took a seat on the beach. The blue-haired Water Witch smiled at Mina. "Good Morning Mina."


    "Oh, good morning." Like most of Inferno, Mina was slightly taken aback by Ducky''s increasing sentience. "You look tired."


    Ducky nodded, "We fought hard during the trial. You should have seen Soup, went right through the ice and took out the boss." She clapped when she said it, her pretty face looking happy.


    Mina watched Nix swim in lazy strokes for a few minutes before he finally crawled onto Soup''s sh.e.l.l to sun himself. "Ducky... Has Nix mentioned the Black Gate to you?"


    Ducky shook her head. "Only recently have I evolved enough to care about such things. I have heard him talk of it, there''s a reason he was able to break the charm while the rest of you couldn''t."


    Mina''s face turned sad thinking about her small family of three, Nix, Lisa and herself. "How could I break out of such complete happiness?"


    "You ignored the obvious clues right? The chaos mage''s charm was imperfect, but only Nix was able to find the errors and act. In the end, he was forced to kill three people that he cares about."


    Mina stared at the man sunning himself. "S-She would draw on Soup''s sh.e.l.l with chalk, no matter how much I scolded her."


    Ducky patted Mina''s head the way Nix would often do to her. It resulted in Mina giving her a smile. "The power of good illusions is that they blend reality with what the target wants, in your case, several things. Peace, home and family."


    Mina stared at the blue-haired girl, just a few months ago she would frolic for hours in the waves while trying to seduce different members of Inferno. "Do you want those things too?"


    "I already have them, Mina."


    "Right, you have sisters."


    Ducky shook her head, "my family is Nix, Soup, Fey, and Morti."


    Nix walked out of the surf a few minutes later and opened his hud.


    /Inferno: Nix: Last night we finished the Foundation Quest. Rhy, Chiba and I were able to complete our Planar trials.


    /Inferno: Shae: Good Job!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What''s next?


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll have to choose 12 pillars, that would be the next 12 strongest in the guild. We''ll build some strength up first, more of us need to get into the higher-tiered cla.s.ses.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''m ready Nix!


    /Inferno: Nix: I want the guild taken through the Escalade bridge today. Can you handle that Junie?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Cake... we''ll get them through and head over to Loki for a visit.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Alpha Team members can make the Planar trial attempt, I''ll a.s.sign you as pillars.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I''m in.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Me too.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Same.


    A few hours later, Nix, Vooni, Shae, Chiba, and Rhy gated into Solomon City. They took the Market Gate rather than the usual gate next to the training yard.


    Nix inhaled deeply and let it out. "Feels great walking around without all that pressure."


    Shae was wearing a red sundress, looking nothing like the Archon who had easily handled Bael Strom. She was pointing out the different shops, every once in a while she would skip ahead.


    "Chiba!" A familiar voice called out to the old woman, Chiba was nursing a ma.s.sive hangover, her pale skin looked even worse in the afternoon sun.


    "Beta..." Apparently, the swordmaster didn''t feel up to her normal banter but she still accepted a hug from her pink-eyed friend.


    Shortly after that, Nix somehow found himself alone in front of the Greater House of Dragons. "d.a.m.n... everyone bailed before the meeting with Mtui."


    The House itself was made from dark brick and reminded Nix of the scary mansions from vampire movies. A slim man in dark leather armor answered the door when he slammed the heavy bra.s.s knocker down.


    The man led Nix inside, where dark wood paneling and old fashioned chandeliers completed the image. "Welcome to the House of Dragons, Breach Commander Nix, I shall bring you to the Master."


    The huge black door leading to the office opened when they approached it. Nix caught a glimpse of the room he had seen when he retrieved Juri Mtui. He stepped inside and immediately felt the rush of hot air, apparently dragons like their rooms warm.


    Three dragonsp.a.w.n were seated in a circle when he peered in, all three of them stood up. "Thank you, Leopold, I will take it from here." Mtui gestured toward an empty chair and shut the door behind Nix.


    "Nice to meet everyone, I''m Nix." He recognized them from their holo message during the Cai''Song battle, all of them were Breach Commanders.


    Mtui took the seat next to Nix. "We aren''t formal here Nix, call me Mtui and these men are Renz and Polai."


    Nix smiled politely, he was the only one wearing armor, the other three Breach Commanders were wearing dark clothes. "I''m raising a house. We already have the Foundation in Place and the old Oasis Land deed." Nix figured he''d start out by laying down his plans.


    Mtui nodded in satisfaction, "right to the point, I like that. We will support you in this Nix, anything you need just ask."


    Renz made a gesture with his hand and a multi-layered holo-map covered a good portion of the room. "There''s a reason we are so pleased to have another Breach Commander, these are the upper and lower planes.


    At first glance, Renz''s hair looked black, but in the light of the room, it was more of a very dark reddish-brown. He was the slimmest of the three, Nix guessed he was probably a Mage.


    Nix studied the holo, he could pick out Colonial and Oasis landmarks as the 2nd and 3rd layer. "What''s here at the lowest level?"


    "Netherworld, every sort of dark beast and fiend you can imagine," Renz spoke quietly as he zoomed in on the lowest level. "I am the current Breach Commander of this plane."


    Mtui closed the lower plane and opened up Colonial and Oasis. "We usually rotate responsibilities, your arrival is a great opportunity for us."


    Nix looked at the three remaining layers. If the 2nd and 3rd were Colonial and Oasis; then the 4th should be the Sky Kingdom. "Why?"


    Polai finally spoke, up close he looked like some sort of super-athlete, even his muscles had muscles. "The lowest level of Nether is a two-person job. The Sky Kingdom can be handled by one person, sadly we''ve had to neglect the 2nd and 3rd levels."


    Nix nodded as he began to understand. "This is why there were Archons in the Cai''Song Battle, and how the House of Oasis was able to rebuild in Inuit."


    Renz glanced at the other two Breach Commanders. "We understand that you are just building your strength if you can monitor Oasis and Colonial, that would help us out a lot."


    "What do I need to do?" Nix had no real idea of how to monitor an entire plane.


    Mtui handed him a bracelet with four empty settings. "This is a Planar Bracelet, I''m currently monitoring the Sky Kingdom, Oasis and Colonial." he held up his arm to show his own bracelet with three stones mounted. He removed two of them and handed them to Nix.


    Nix held the stones in his hands, one looked like a sapphire and the other an emerald. They fit nicely into two specific slots. "How was I able to get Alerts before this?"


    "I forwarded them to you." Mtui looked slightly embarra.s.sed. "my apologies Nix."


    Nix waved it off. "No worries."


    [Breach Commander Nix has a.s.sumed Monitoring duties of Colonial and Oasis.]


    All three of the dragonsp.a.w.n breathed a sigh of relief. Mtui pulled out a bottle of dark red liquid and poured each of them a drink. Renz brought out a carefully packed basket that had looked to be different types of cheese. Polai handed everyone long pipes accompanied by small bags of blended tobacco. They looked at him expectantly.


    Nix scratched his chin, no one had told him to bring anything. He pulled out his last bag of ghost peppers that he picked from Shae''s garden. He offered each of them a generous portion.


    An hour later Nix''s head was buzzing like it was full of bees. The cheese definitely was doctored with something very potent and more than likely the tobacco wasn''t strictly tobacco. He laughed and made jokes with the dragonsp.a.w.n, after tasting the ghost peppers they hounded him for more until he dumped the entire bag on the desk.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We just beat the c.r.a.p out of the Escalade Boss, Inferno members can now come and go as they please.


    /Inferno: Nix: Awesomer.


    /Inferno: Shae: Awesomer? You okay Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Um... a bit drunk, kinda high and my mouth is on fire.


    /Inferno: Vooni: Breach Commander parties.... they have all the good stuff.

 Chapter 208 - Demon Army

    Bael Strom ignored Nix''s smile and continued. "This sort of thing is a big part of dha.s.si culture, not just the Fir''Dha.s.si."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Is Nix still buzzing?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Unless he''s suddenly best friends with Bael.


    Bael Strom found Alpha Team in the Parliament Market place buying supplies for Loki. Immediately he had invited them to the Autumn Festival. The festival was an annual event that moved to different locations every year. This year it would be held in Inuit, and the Inferno Clan had received a special exception to attend.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Boss, why don''t you put off answering until you feel like yourself again.


    [ALERT: ARCHON FLASH IN THE VICINITY OF TYSTA LAKE]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Jun Li and Chael, report to Parliament ASAP, we''ll meet in the North Courtyard.


    [Chael and Jun Li have joined Alpha Team Chat]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Arm up, we are investigating an Archon Flash at Tysta Lake.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Tysta? That''s the Izzin Territory.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vyona] You okay Shipwright Vy?


    [Whisper: Vyona to Nix] Nix! Yes, we are fine, there''s a bit of a disturbance near Spiro. We''ve sent people to investigate.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vyona] I am investigating the matter also.


    [Whisper: Vyona to Nix] Captain Aveck is in charge of the squad, he''s no longer answering messages.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vyona] I''ll handle it from here and will notify you as soon as I discover anything.


    Alpha Team only had to wait a few minutes before Jun Li and Chael arrived.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Thanks for coming. In we go.


    [Create Breach: Tysta Lake]


    A moment later the group of seven appeared on the partially frozen sh.o.r.es of a huge lake. The sound of cracking ice and running water could be heard everywhere.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Wow... This place was under a dozen feet of ice not long ago.


    Small bits of green could be seen sprouting out from the sh.o.r.eline. The lake was relatively calm, with the exception of large chunks of ice crashing against each other. The temperature was much warmer than it had been during Alpha Team''s last visit.


    /Inferno: Nix: All Available Fighters standby at the Gemini Training Yard, non-mandatory deployment possible in a few minutes.


    [Detect Disturbance]


    A holo of Lake Tysta popped up in Nix''s view. There were five cities located on the sh.o.r.es of the lake. An area near Spiro was marked with a red X.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That''s close, mount up.


    Nix summoned Flash and climbed into the saddle. He waited a moment while the rest of his group did the same. Flying was too risky. He pushed the black horse into an easy canter and started towards Spiro.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Ten minutes and we''ll be there.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: You have wings now Nix?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yep.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: Really? Let''s see!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Later.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Can we get wings?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: You''ll have to enter the Solomon City Academy as a trainee. Or be an elemental.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: How do we do that?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I believe Fajii and Pon may already qualify based on their elemental cla.s.ses of Earth and Fire. Don''t worry about the training, Breach Commander Mtui will get all of you in.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Nix is the best.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Can we have Vooni train us?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: She has to move her current group through the 3rd Phase, then she will.


    "Here!" Nix pulled up and dismounted, immediately he sensed the coppery scent of blood. "d.a.m.n... be careful!"


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Fey]


    When his companions arrive, Nix sent Fey into the sky to scout the surrounding area and Ducky to find the nearest Izzin. His scimitar appeared in his hand, the blade glowing light blue from the Ice Flames he pushed into it.


    Ducky reappeared a few moments later. "Tunnel Nix, and some blood."


    Nix muttered a cussword, "show us."


    They followed Ducky for a few minutes until she led them to a large hole in the ground.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: That''s not a tunnel, it''s a f*cking crater.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: Was that always there?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: No way to know, this was under a dozen feet of ice last time we were here.


    The hole was a perfect circle, approximately 30 feet across. It went straight down into the earth, the end wasn''t visible.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    Nix shot white flames down the hole, the fireball went about thirty meters before impacting with the ground.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: How come it''s always underground?


    Nix spotted a gooey tar-like liquid on the splattered around the edge, immediately he stepped away from the edge.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    /Alpha Team: Pon: s.h.i.t... I recognize that.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Yep, it''s demon blood.


    [Direct Communication: Renz]


    A holo image of Renz appeared in front of Nix, the dragonsp.a.w.n was sitting at his desk. "What can I do for you Nix?"


    "Archon Flash in Oasis, demon blood splattered everywhere. A perfect circular tunnel leads into the ground. Know anything about it before we investigate?" Nix figured since Renz was the current Nether Breach Commander, he might know something.


    "Perfect circle? Sounds like a wailer, it''s a large black Netherworm that makes connections between plains." Renz could be seen operating a hud, "I''ll send you my best tracker if you will accept the help."


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    A breach opened up and a small demon stepped through. At one time he must have had large horns, but they had been sheared off. He had scaled black skin and blood-red eyes, both his hands and bare feet were equipped with long talons. The small demon bowed to Nix. "Breach Commander Nix? I am Tezlo, a minion of Breach Commander Renz."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Should we bring more back-up?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s see what we are dealing with first.


    Nix pointed down the large hole. "Lead the way Tezlo"


    The four-foot-tall demon had a half dozen gold loops in each ear that jingled when he nodded his head. "Follow me."


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third Form: Archon]


    He flapped his emerald wings once and picked up Tezlo, easily gliding to the bottom of the hole where it changed from straight down to about forty-five degrees. The rest of the team took their mantas.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I''m so jealous right now, I can''t stand it.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: That''s why they call him Pon the Magnificent.


    The splotches of black blood stood out like fluorescent paint under Nix''s thermal vision. Tezlo started out at a trot and kept the pace up for several minutes before finally coming to a stop.


    "Lots of demons in the area Commander." Tezlo knelt low on the ground and pointed.


    The steep pa.s.sage down stopped after they covered close to three miles. It opened up into a large cavern that looked to be several hundred meters across. They were on the outskirts of a small city that had been carved into the rock. The dark black granite gave the buildings a sinister look, the temperature would have been uncomfortably hot if Nix wasn''t a Salamander.


    The barest whisper of a familiar noise caused Nix to dodge to one side. The arrow meant for him took Chael through the forehead.


    Chael has been slain.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Get to cover.


    Nix took two quick strides and dived into the small s.p.a.ce between two buildings, bullets and arrows impacted the street where he''d been.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Semmi! Get back here!


    The blond officer dodged back and forth while crossing the street under heavy fire. She grabbed Chael by the ankle and dragged him toward Nix.


    [Archon''s Armor: Advanced}


    Nix jumped out and grabbed the sniper''s arm, helping Semmi drag him into the alley. She had two arrows protruding from her back when she collapsed to her knees.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Stay undercover. I''m on my way.


    [Earth Step]


    Fajii has disappeared into the ground.


    A moment later the ground beneath them erupted upward and Fajii stepped out. She rezzed Chael while Nix removed the arrows from Semmi.


    "You are nearly worthy." The black fox swished his tail and healed Semmi''s wounds.


    The pretty officer smiled in response. "I''m working on it!"


    Nix frowned when he noticed that his Demon guide looked like a pincushion, before he could make plans to pull him out, his corpse disappeared from the road.


    /Inferno: Nix: Time to fight.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    Available Allies


    1) Alpha Team


    2) Colonial Knights of Glory


    3) Souza Accord


    4) Fire Palace Acolytes


    5) Earth Temple Acolytes


    6) Air Palace Acolytes


    7) Gemini Palace Acolytes


    8) Central Kingdom: 1st Regiment Archers


    9) Ain''Dha.s.si: Inferno Ranger Company


    10) Broyan Alliance: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Regiments


    11) Captain Vooni''s Fire Team


    12) 12 Pillar Alliance


    13) Miscellaneous Friends


    Nix highlighted the 12 Pillars, all of Inferno, the Ain''Dha.s.si rangers and the Earth Temple Acolytes.


    /Breach Commander Nix: An infraction from the Netherworld has taken place in the Izzin city of Spiro. Prepare for an extended underground battle.


    A life-size holo of Renz popped up while Nix was studying the placement map.


    "Commander Nix! A full breach in the Netherworld has registered, I am attacking it from this side."


    "Sorry about Tezlo. It looks like they''ve built a staging area. See you in the middle."


    "No worries, Tezlo resp.a.w.ned here. See you in the middle."

 Chapter 209 - Black Tide

    /Breach Commander Nix: We''ve discovered a staging area between the Netherworld and the Izzin civilization. I''m placing 300 rangers and 200 Earth Acolytes at the fringes of the city to provide cover support. I want the 12 Pillar Alliance to break off into guilds and clear the buildings one by one.


    /Inferno: Nix: Jun Li, I want you and Chael to join up with Vooni, Rhy, and Chiba to create Bravo team. Organize the rest of Inferno into five-person teams. Inferno will be in the middle, taking the brunt of the workload. We''ll maintain a healer group at the rear, bring all injured and casualties to them, they won''t be roaming.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Understood Nix. Join up with your teams as I coordinate them. Teams, you have the to greenlight to start immediately. I''m a.s.signing a few range fighters to protect the healers.


    Alpha Team: Nix, Semmi, Fajii, Wind, Pon.


    Bravo Team: Vooni, Rhy, Chiba, Chael, Jun Li.


    Charlie Team: Milat, Wylie, Tyrant, Banzi, Soma


    Delta Team: Shae, Mina, Zhava, Ronnie,Sharl


    [Healers] Nezbit, Pinky, Tess, Gypsy, Saji. [Guards] Moki, Darsi, Dalton.


    [1800 hours: Helfast]


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turn deep orange and the heat signatures of his enemy become visible to him.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: s.h.i.t... this building isn''t empty.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Gideon''s group just cleared it!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Under the floor.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix cast his AE on the wooden floor of the building. Immediately Wind and Semmi exited.


    Fajii slammed her trident onto the burning floor, a moment later it collapsed sending all of them falling into a hidden bas.e.m.e.nt.


    Nix brought his blade up to defend a strike aimed at his head, he countered by punching the spiked handguard of his sword into the demon''s face.


    Boli Yaga has been stunned.


    A quick flash of red steel sent the head bouncing on the floor.


    Boli Yaga has been slain.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Some round rocks over here boss.


    Nix peeked at the stones and shook his head.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Those look like eggs, let''s take them.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] We leave someone alive in that building?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Yes, hidden sub-bas.e.m.e.nt had one person.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] My apologies Commander, we''ll slow down and tear open the floors before exiting.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] No worries, your team is doing great. Keep it up.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The demons seem to be falling back from the city, towards the large crater in the back.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Do not pursue, all guilds maintain a position at the edge of the city.


    A holo of Breach Commander Renz popped up in front of him. "Nix, there are eight h.e.l.l Dragons heading through the breach."


    Nix studied the layout of his troops. "h.e.l.l Dragons? Are those real dragons?"


    "No, just Archon level demons with Nether Flame abilities. My pursuit team will aid you when they catch up."


    Nix nodded. "No worries, we can hold."


    /Breach Commander Nix: Ranger and Acolytes move forward and prepare for winged creatures.


    [Gideon has been a.s.signed as sub-commander in charge of Salamander, Daybreakers, Hoss, Stilleto, Nighthawk.]


    [Sulane has been a.s.signed as sub-commander in charge of Resolute, King''s X, Guardian, Vesuvius, Taiga Su, Tsunami.]


    /Breach Commander Nix: Sub-Commanders, your commands will be responsible for one h.e.l.l Dragon each. Be prepared for heavy fire-based attacks.


    [Summons: Fey]


    Nix stroked the silver drakon sleek head. "Could you take care of Chiba for this fight? I need her airborne, but she hasn''t earned her wings yet."


    Fey turned her head toward the old woman who was standing nearby. "Of course Nix, I will borrow her my wings."


    Chiba''s old face creased into a homely smile. "Thank you. I will definitely work hard for such a privilege."


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] We need to get Chiba into the Academy.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] Chiba, Pon, Wind, and Semmi are going to be my next team after my Fire team finishes Phase III.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] What about Fajii?


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] She''s going to replace you on my Fire Team. Starting tomorrow she''s getting a crash course at the Academy. We have two weeks to catch her up.


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] She''ll have to do the Planar Trial after this.


    Nix glanced toward the Scorched Earth Mage, she must have sensed it because she immediately turned towards him and offered a smile.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pick your target carefully. Vooni, Shae and I will each take one. Chiba and Rhy will take another.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We''ll take one too boss. Count on us.


    Nix watched as Alpha Team took their Manta mounts out.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Okay. Take your target to the ground quickly. Manta won''t stand up to an aerial battle with fire creatures.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Understood.


    Fey took to the air with Chiba mounted securely on her shoulders. Immediately she stealthed and started climbing. The old woman''s creepy laugh echoed above the city when they disappeared.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Nix you big cheat! An invisible dragon?


    /Inferno: Nix: Fey''s a drakon...


    Nix moved to the air a few hundred feet above the city, very quickly he was joined by Shae and Vooni.


    Shae''s lovely face seemed confused. "How come your wings aren''t silver like everyone elses?


    Nix shrugged. "Bound to be exceptions to every rule."


    Vooni shook her head. "Some times creatures that already have wings will keep their color. Did you have wings?"


    "Nope." Nix stared at the crater leading to the Netherworld breach. He could feel a sudden increase in power.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Incoming! Prey waits!


    The emerald winged Archon banked toward the crater just the first h.e.l.l Dragon exited. The creature had rough gray scales that oozed a black liquid. He raised both hands and a dozen strands of Ice Flames shot out from them and wrapped around the wings of his target. Nix quickly dived toward Resolute''s position and dragged the nether-beast with him.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Brought you a present Sulane!


    Nix stooped his wings and slowed his descent, dodging to one side when the h.e.l.l Dragon crashed to the ground. Immediately he released the strands and banked away, nodding in satisfaction when dozens of fighters swarmed the fallen beast.


    Semmi and Wind were high above the rest of Alpha Company. Wind and Fajii targeted the nearest h.e.l.l Dragon and started attacking; when it turned toward the mages, the two Gemini Thieves closed in.


    Semmi drew both daggers and dived gracefully into the air, leaving a stunned Wind watching as she managed to slice a good portion of the creature''s wing off, sending it spiraling toward the ground while it shrieked in anger. Wind cursed and sent his Manta into a dive in pursuit. Semmi clung to the broken wing with one hand while stabbing with the other.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a critical hit on Balak the Black.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Pon''s attack with a critical hit.


    The blonde thief jumped off the diving beast just before it impacted the ground.


    Balak the Black has been stunned.


    Semmi has been stunned.


    On the other side of the city, Shae and Vooni were each fighting one of the creatures while Nix managed to bring another one to the ground near Gideon and her command.


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to grab one for you, Junie, if you have enough people.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Bring it!


    Nix circled for a moment and caught sight of a large creature high above them, just as he headed in a silver drakon appeared above it sinking long talons into its wings while an old woman jumped nimbly onto the beast, her silver sword flashing.


    "You two don''t need help." Black flames splattered against him a moment later, when a smaller winged creature broke stealth and attacked him. Nix wrinkled his face in disgust and sent a dozen strands of ice flames around its wings. The flames were like a thick jelly that stuck to whatever it landed on. He ignored the coating while it sizzled harmlessly against him.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flames]


    Instantly the Nether-Jelly evaporated from the heat of higher tiered flames. He dropped the package near Jun Li''s group and once again headed upward.


    Nix sensed a disturbance a moment before the goliath exploded upward out of the crater. It was closely followed by a white-haired Archon that swarmed attacks like a killer bee. The beast was easily triple the size of the next largest h.e.l.l Dragon and sported two heads instead of one. Nix blurred towards the large target just as one of the heads b.u.t.ted against the Archon, stunning her.


    Beta has been stunned.


    A moment later the creature turned agilely in mid-air, it''s second mouth gulping down the Albino Archon with one chomp.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix sliced deep into the neck of the beast, using all of his strength to push deep while clinging to it. He was forced to dodge to one side when the second head screeched in agony, a dozen strands of Gemini flame wrapped around the second snout a moment after it snapped.


    The wound he opened up seemed to grow larger for a moment, a small black dagger emerged from the wound as a pale arm covered in black blood pushed outward. Nix dropped all this strands and yanked the slime-covered Archon out and dived away.


    "Thanks, Nix!" Beta pushed away from him and banked toward the beast again with both daggers drawn.


    [Sever]


    Beta cut completely through the damaged neck, sending one of the heads falling toward the ground.


    Nix wrapped up the free head with a dozen strands of Gemini Flame, he pulled the head upward, giving Beta enough time to kill the beast with a flurry of strikes.


    A quick glance at the battlefield told him that all the h.e.l.l Dragons were down. Renz and three dangerous-looking dragonsp.a.w.ns flew out of the Nether crater.


    Nix shook the offered hand. "Why is Beta with you? Doesn''t she work for Mtui?"


    Renz nodded. "Her cla.s.s quest brought her to the Netherworld. She was nice enough to lend a hand."


    Beta appeared a moment later, still covered in black demon blood. "Looks like they are all down. Impressive work by the rookie."


    Nix wrinkled his nose as the smell of demon blood flooded his senses. "You trying to kill that thing from the inside?"


    Beta nodded. "It''s a new technique. I am still working out the kinks."


    [Whisper: Renz to Nix] Permit me to set the reward for this battle. This was an incursion from the Netherworld and I want to properly show my grat.i.tude.


    [Whisper: Nix to Renz] Of course.


    /Breach Commander Renz: I want to thank Breach Commander Nix''s battle group. Your response to this Nether incursion is worthy of reward.


    [Battle of Helfast: Rewards]


    All Melee fighters: Nether blades. [Choice of Dagger, Sword, Spear or Ax]


    All Ranged fighters: Nether Bow or Nether Rifle.


    All Tanks: Nether Shield.


    All Healers: [Arms of the Black Angel: Ma.s.s Healing Spell]


    All Mages: Book of Nether: [Choice of three spells]


    All partic.i.p.ants: Badge of Honor.


    Badge of Honor


    +2000 AC


    +50 to All Stats.


    Description: You have fought bravely


    against an Incursion of Nether Creatures.


    Awarded by Breach Commander Renz.

 Chapter 210 - Fire Team Replacement

    /Breach Commander Nix: Thanks for the a.s.sistance. Opening a Breach back to Loki.


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    Nix waited while the 12 Pillars, the Inferno Rangers and most of Inferno exited through the breach.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Just wanted to let you know that just about every player who came to Oasis are now members of the 12 Pillars.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] That''s great news, thanks for recruiting.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] It has more to do with the awards that we''re getting in these Breach battles than our recruitment methods. If you need a squad or guild size element, Salamander is ready and available.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Build an elite five-person force and we''ll definitely call on them for smaller excursions.


    /Inferno: Nix: Fajii head back to Haven and prepare for your Planar Test.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Me too boss.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yeah!


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Same, we are ready!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We aren''t done with our mission yet. Let''s find the Izzin. [p.r.o.nounced: Eye-Zen]


    A light tap on his shoulder reminded him that Beta hadn''t left yet. She took a few minutes to clean up her face, but her hair and armor were blackened with demon blood. "Don''t suppose you have any demon eggs?


    "Renz said you were on a cla.s.s quest mission?" Nix showed her the round stones they found in the hidden bas.e.m.e.nt. "We found something that might be eggs."


    Beta''s pink eyes lit up when she saw them. "I need five of them for my quest."


    Nix smiled pleasantly and stowed them in his inventory. "Do you? How many do you have now?"


    Beta frowned slightly. "I need five of them," she repeated.


    "Well... it appears I only have six." Nix gave her a deadpan look.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Why you being like that? Give her the eggs.


    /Alph Team: Semmi: She did help us, boss.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Actually, Nix could have handled that thing by himself, and he did pull her out.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Don''t worry... I''m only negotiating, she has something really nice.


    Beta raised a white eyebrow. "Trade?"


    Nix nodded. "You have an artifact that masks heat signatures. I have someone that''s really good at making those sorts of items."


    /Inferno: Nix: Darsi, I need you to meet Beta at your shop in Glory. She has an artifact that I''d like copied, if possible.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Sure, I''m already there, working on a few things.


    Beta pursed her lips while she considered the trade, she stole a glance at Wind before answering. "What if your crafter can''t duplicate it?"


    Nix shrugged. "You get the eggs for free, only five of them though."


    Beta nodded. "As long as Wind escorts me and shows me around a bit.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck is that about?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Seriously? Do it!


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Willing to take one for the team?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Sure.


    "We agree." Nix handed the five eggs to Wind, trying to see what Beta might like about the dark-haired thief. "Show her around Glory."


    Wind kept his expression carefully neutral. "We''ll see Darsi first and go from there."


    [Create Breach: Glory]


    "Thanks, Beta." Nix waited until the pair stepped through the breach before heading toward the Nether Incursion.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Want me to wait? Or head out now?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Head out now, relax and unwind, there''s no telling how long your trial will take.


    Fajii nodded and gated out with a quick wave.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Why we heading this way?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Two reasons, first is we haven''t found our Izzin friends yet. Second is I''m curious as to what the Nether looks like.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Fine, let''s not get sucked in or anything.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Right...


    The crater leading down was similar to the one from Izzin, it was straight down for 30 meters before angling off at a reasonable forty-five degrees. Nix leaped in and glided down while the rest of Alpha used their Manta. There were a few smaller off chute tunnels leading from the pa.s.sage the wailer made. They looked like they might have been air pockets. It was here that Nix noticed the thermal signatures of a small group.


    Nix held a hand up to stop Semmi and Pon. "Captain Aveck? Shipwright Vy sent me."


    A thin bald Izzin peeked out from the side tunnel, he face was covered in black demon blood. "I''m Aveck."


    Nix shook the offered hand. "I''m Nix from the Infernal Guild."


    As soon as the group heard his name they started bowing politely. The word Dragonslayer was whispered several times among them. Aveck quieted them down with a wave of his hand. "Thank you Nix, we came down here to investigate and discovered an entire city. We skirted their settlement and discovered this path leading down."


    Nix nodded. "This leads to the Nether and has been blocked off by Breach Commander Renz."


    The Captain must have known about the Nether, his face turned pale beneath the black blood. "Oh no... Will they escape?"


    "No. We are allies, right? Of course, we will fight when you are in danger." Nix patted the Captain''s shoulder. "I have to explore a bit, shall I send you back to the surface?"


    Nix opened a Breach and sent them back to Lake Tysta. As soon as they left, the trio continued to scout the main corridor. It only took them a few minutes to find the initial Nether Incursion.


    The crater ended abruptly in a solid wall. The three members of Alpha Team stared at it.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Commander Renz patched it maybe?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That''s the only thing I can think of. He can''t just leave it open.


    Pon reached out and touched the wall, immediately he pulled his hand back. "That''s dragon scale Nix."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I don''t really know how Nether Incursions are patched... Let''s leave it and I''ll find out later.


    An hour later, Nix found himself once again on the 90th floor of the Emba.s.sy. Fajii, Semmi, Wind, and Pon were getting ready to enter the Planar Trial.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Only Fajii really needs to finish this now. The rest of you can wait a few days if you like.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Prey waits.


    Nix nodded in agreement and approached the foundation of the House of Inferno. The images of 12 pillars reached upward from the floor.


    [Do you wish to initiate the House Planar Trial?]


    "Yes."


    [Place the Pillars?]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Everyone move to one of the corners, please.


    Vooni had told him to place the strongest at the four corners. The bonuses the House would have depended up the Foundation and its Pillars, it was Nix''s hope that the House of Inferno would carry Gemini traits.


    Nix approached Fajii and gripped her hand. "You ready?"


    Fajii nodded. "You look worried Nix." She smiled and leaned closer to kiss his cheek. "We''ll be fine."


    Eron swished his tail from her shoulder. "I will definitely ensure that nothing happens to this person. She is worthy."


    [Place Fajii as the NW Pillar?]


    "Yes."


    Nix walked across the foundation to Wind. "What happened with Beta?"


    Wind shrugged, "I showed her around Glory for a bit and then she left."


    "Be careful in your trial, rely on stealth whenever you can." Nix smiled when the small gecko climbed on the scout''s shoulder. "If you get in trouble, introduce them to the King."


    Wind nodded. "We got this Nix."


    [Place Wind as the NE Pillar?]


    "Yes."


    Pon''s old face was expressionless when Nix approached him. "You don''t have to worry about me Boss, I''ll be the first one done."


    "I know it." Nix placed a hand on the Fire Mage''s shoulder. "Don''t show off too much."


    "No promises." Pon stared across the platform at Semmi, he returned her wave. "No idea what to do with that one boss."


    Nix had to bite his lip to keep from smirking. " I can draw you a picture if you like. Better think of something before she realizes that she can do better."


    "Right."


    "That''s a joke, old man. Take your time, it''s enough that she likes you."


    [Place Pon as the SE Pillar?]


    "Yes."


    The blond thief was all smiles when Nix approached. Unexpectedly she hugged him. "Thank you Nix, Vooni told me how important the first Pillars are. I will definitely make you proud."


    "I know it. Be smart and use everything at your disposal."


    Semmi nodded, her white fox Tilde was resting comfortably in the crook of her arm. "Think Pon will finish before me?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes. My trial took a long time, don''t worry about the length."


    "Okay, Boss."


    [Place Semmi as the SW Pillar?]


    "Yes."


    Nix stared at the now-empty platform where the members of Alpha Team had stood. "Eight more pillars to be chosen... No need to rush them."


    /Inferno: Hyai: Want to have dinner at the Inn on Loki Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure. On my way.


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Loki. He waved at the Scorched Earth Acolytes standing guard at the gate and walked toward the Inn.


    The Loki Inn was a bit larger than the Kindled Spirit. Above the entrance was a large sign with the image of an Emerald Salamander on it.


    "Nix!" Hyai was delivering food to a table near the door when he entered. "Like the sign?"


    Nix nodded. "At least you got my good side."


    "All your sides are good sides." Hyai pulled him into the kitchen, where she had set up a small table for him. "Going to keep working while you eat hun."


    "Fine with me." Nix eyed the large stack of pots in the sink. "Did you bring me here to help with dishes?"


    The Innkeeper''s pretty laugh followed her as she carried another tray to the dining room. "Maybe."

 Chapter 211 - Four Pillars

    Nix stacked the last of the pots on the counter to dry and stepped out the backdoor of the Emerald Salamander. Shae and Hyai were sitting at a small table sharing a bottle of wine.


    "Started without me?" Nix grabbed the only empty gla.s.s and filled it. He noticed that both redheads were smiling. "Did I miss something?"


    Hyai nodded. "Apparently, Shae was super nice and brought me three Nether Spells from today''s raid at Helfast."


    Shae was playing with a strand of her hair while she sipped her drink. "Have to start gearing you up. I''m going to show you all around Solomon City when you pa.s.s your Planar Trial. Besides my swords were better than those Nether ones."


    "Hmmm... Can I see?" Nix downed his drink while Hyai took out the scrolls.


    "I''ve been working all day, so I haven''t had the chance to learn them yet." Hyai handed them to Nix.


    Nether Armor


    Description: Places the protection


    of Nether around the caster.


    +200 Health Regeneration


    +200 Mana Regeneration


    +500 to AC.


    Shadow Fiend


    Summons a being of the


    Netherworld to defend you for


    one minute. During that time


    the Shadow Fiend absorbs all damage


    directed at you.


    Netherpire


    Description: Siphons your


    target''s health while refilling yours.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. "Perfect, at least there won''t be any repeats."


    Shae glanced at Hyai before looking at him. "Repeats?"


    "Sure. I also picked up three Nether Spells for Hyai." Nix pulled out the scrolls he chose from the incursion.


    Binding Chains


    Description: AE spell that


    binds up to three targets for 30


    seconds.


    Nether-Step


    Description: Your enemy loses


    track of you during the fight and


    is unable to target you for 20 seconds.


    Dark Summons


    Description: Friend or Foe,


    Dark Summons brings your target


    to you. Range is 100 meters.


    Shae clapped her hands when she read them. "Those are good ones too!"


    Nix pushed all of them toward Hyai. "Learn them and head to the Gemini Training Yard to test them out."


    "Thank you both." Hyai smiled happily and put them away. "I''m going to put aside some time every day to train with Sila and Kyla."


    Nix brought up his hud and started looking at the Inferno members. "Let''s see... We''ve been working on forming permanent five-person teams. I can put you in one."


    "Make it a strong one Nix. I don''t want anything to happen to Hyai." Shae leaned over his shoulder, her red braid falling against him.


    "Right... This should work. Strong tank, with a good healer." Nix displayed the group on his hud.


    Zeta Team:


    Banzi Tank


    Wylie Heals, DPS


    Sila CC


    Kyla DPS


    Hyai DPS


    /Inferno: Pon: BOOM! I''m done.


    /Inferno: Nix: Hey old man!


    /Inferno: Fajii: I also am finished.


    Nix jumped up when he saw that Fajii had returned also.


    [Create Breach: Emba.s.sy, 90th Floor]


    "Hey! Bring us!" Hyai grabbed his arm and dragged Shae through the breach with them.


    Nix stepped through the breach a moment later, Fajii and Pon were already congratulating each other.


    "Good Job Fajii!" Shae and Hyai rushed the Aquarion while Nix hung back and shook hands with the old Fire Mage.


    "Not a bad piece of work Pon." Nix studied Pon''s pillar, it was encased in flames.


    The old man looked around and lowered his voice. "Semmi and Wind?"


    Nix shook his head. "Plenty of time still, I took way longer than this."


    Fajii''s pillar caught Nix''s eye, it was definitely a scorched earth pillar. "Nice job Fajii."


    The Aquarion Alchemist looked very happy, she walked toward Nix and embraced him. "Thank you for trusting me with this Nix." She held his face in her brown hands while she spoke and kissed his forehead.


    "You are leaving for Solomon City first thing in the morning. You''ll be replacing me on Vooni''s Fire Team." Nix enjoyed the look of surprise that came across Fajii''s face.


    "That soon?" Fajii had heard from him what the training was like. "Aren''t they off the next two weeks?"


    "Yes. This is good for you, it should give you enough time to catch up." Nix caught sight of two flashes from the platform, Wind, and Semmi arriving at nearly the same time.


    Pon was all smiles when he hugged Semmi, none of the group said anything while they watched the odd couple.


    Nix studied the two Pillars of Semmi and Wind. They were both Gemini Pillars, two-toned and swirling colors. "We''ll have to slow down our progress. I want to make sure the rest of the pillars are all Gemini Cla.s.ses."


    /Inferno: Nix: All of Alpha Team has pa.s.sed the Planar trials now. We need everyone to continue to work hard.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Great job guys!


    /Inferno: Sharl: Very nice!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Me! I''m next!


    /Inferno: Vooni: Last night of freedom for a few weeks Fajii, we''ll head to Solomon City first thing in the morning.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Of course Captain. I am ready.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Since Fajii is leaving tomorrow, you should spend some time with her. Hyai and I are going to spend the evening with her daughter.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Sounds good, I see you guys tomorrow.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sharl and Jun Li, please meet me at the Gemini Altar.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] This is our top team, we''re ready any time day or night.


    Gideon: a.s.sa.s.sin


    Paco: Tank


    Nebula: Heals


    Roto: Ranger


    Jiggs: Scout


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Looks good, I''ll keep you on standby.


    The group walked to the Glory portal together and parted company. Hyai and Shae waved goodbye and turned toward the housing area while the rest of the group went to the Gemini Temple.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Going to form a new team, since Alpha is going to be busy. Fajii is going to join Vooni and the rest of you will be Vooni''s new trainee group in about a month.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: We get to hang out in Solomon City?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes. There''s a training ground there where you can challenge yourself. Take a few days and get to know the City.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: You aren''t getting rid of us right?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: If only it were that easy! You guys are the four main pillars of the House of Inferno. We''re keeping you now.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: That''s fine with me.


    Nix parted with the rest of the group and waited in the altar room for Jun Li and Sharl. Nix took a seat on the throne.


    [Welcome Lord Nix. Access Gemini Temple Menu?] "Yes."


    1. Craft Stones


    2. Staffing


    3. Lifestyle Venue


    4. Training Grounds


    5. Alert


    When he disa.s.sembled the Library and replaced it with a Lifestyle Venue it had immediately shown up in the Temple Menu. Nix chose the first option.


    [Gemini Cla.s.s Stones: Two per month: 2/2]


    1. Ranged Fighter.


    2. Defender.


    3. Gladiator


    4. Trickster.


    5. Thief


    6. Mage.


    Nix chose option three.


    [How many Gemini Gladiator Stones do you wish to create? Options: 1 or 2]


    "One."


    Nix repeated the process and created one Defender Stone as well. He shut down the menu and retrieved the Gemini Stones from that altar.


    He resumed his seat and waited for Sharl and Jun Li. They arrived a few minutes later, both wearing the green ''House of Inferno'' armor.


    Sharl greeted him with a smile. "Does this mean we''re going to start hanging out again?"


    Nix nodded. "Without a doubt." He handed Sharl the Defender Stone and then pa.s.sed the Gladiator Stone to Jun Li.


    "The two of you are the next two up for the pillars. Activate the stones and then practice them in the Training Yard."


    Sharl stared at the stone. "Tier 4 cla.s.s that''s upgradeable?"


    "Yes, the Defender is the Gemini Tank cla.s.s while the Gladiator is the melee DPS cla.s.s." Nix watched Jun Li for reaction, she often stood in as a tank but her real build was DPS.


    Jun Li gripped the stone in her hand and started for the Training Yard, she skidded to a halt by the door. "Does this mean I''m on the new Deployment Team?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Effective Immediately, since Alpha will be busy with training for the next few months Bravo and Charlie Teams will a.s.sume Deployment duties.


    [Bravo Team]


    Nix


    Jun Li


    Sharl


    Milat


    Ronnie


    [Charlie Team]


    Nix


    Jun Li


    Sharl


    Chael


    Mina


    /Inferno Nix: We are also forming a Zeta Team which I will be using for Upper Tier Colonial Content. All other members interested in advancing are encouraged to form teams and start Questing both in Colonial and Oasis. There are many parts of both worlds that remain unexplored.


    [Zeta Team]


    Banzi


    Wylie


    Sila


    Kyla


    Hyai


    By the time Nix started walking toward the Ranch House, the moon was already lighting up the Haven night sky. He heard a familiar voice speaking when he entered his home a few minutes later. Vooni and his dad were sitting at the kitchen table playing some sort of dice game.


    Nix waved at the two of them and continued walking. He opened his door to the sound of his shower running. A glance into the bathroom told him who his visitor was. "Room for one more?"


    Fajii opened the sliding door and peeked out. "Yes, of course."

 Chapter 212 - Gemini Temple: The Lower Levels. (Part One)

    Nix baited his hook, the loud snoring of Morti and the wind blowing through the long gra.s.s was the only sound in the early morning. Vooni and Fajii left for Solomon City at dawn to start her training. Unable to go back to sleep, he decided to drop a line in the water. His thoughts strayed to the Scorched Earth Mage; he was worried about her. "Those clowns in Solomon City better leave her alone."


    [Whisper: Cyan to Nix] Could you contact Shi at your convenience Nix?


    [Direct Contact: Shi]


    A life-size holo of Ice Lord Shi popped up in front of Nix. She seemed shocked at first but adjusted very quickly.


    "Nix! It''s good to see you again."


    "I agree. Thank you for your help with the Cai''Song Artifact."


    She waved her hand, her pale face blushing slightly. Since Shi ranked up, her appearance was that of a young woman in her teens. Although she was an Ice Lord, her personality was quite warm. "You had an entire army Nix, I''ve never seen such a thing."


    "Cyan asked me to contact you. Is there something you need?"


    "My acolytes have been discussing your pilgrimage from this place to Cyphix; the distance is a bit over two hundred miles."


    Nix smiled slightly, although it was a h.e.l.lish few days, it was a memory he cherished. "What about it?"


    "They want to retrace the path you walked, making a holy pilgrimage from here to Cyphix. I worry about their safety."


    [New Group Quest Available: Upper Tier]


    Pilgrimage to Cyphix


    An essential figure in the Temple of Ice once embarked on an impossible journey to free himself from captivity. Escort the Acolytes of the Ice Temple while they retrace the Path of Ice.


    Reward: Ice Feather.


    Description: A great Ice


    Phoenix once roamed the


    area. This feather has many


    benefits.


    Nix read the Quest, unsure what to think. "Even under ideal circ.u.mstances with proper supplies, it could be a dangerous journey. I will a.s.sign a team to escort them if that''s acceptable."


    "Yes, of course, Nix. Thank you." Shi favored him with a smile, "we look forward to the arrival of your team."


    Nix fished for a few hours, enjoying the peace of the early morning; until the sound of hoofbeats caused him to turn. Flash was running nearby, the demon mare, and a few others were following him. Nix fished an apple out of his inventory and walked toward them. Right away, the ears of the demon horse p.r.i.c.ked forward, her nostrils flaring at the smell. With a bit of coaxing, she approached and took the apple.


    "You wrote the book on playing hard to get." He patted her neck gently while speaking to her in a soothing voice. "Let''s go for a ride."


    After walking her back to the stables, Nix saddled the demon horse and climbed up. Right away, he could feel her potential. He let her trot easily while he made his way back to the Gemini Temple.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ronnie, could you gather some information on Horse Breeding? Especially cross-breeding demon strains with regular horses?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Sounds like a challenge, Nix. I''m on it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Zeta Team report to the Gemini Temple.


    Nix said it before he remembered that Hyai was visiting her daughter; however, she was the first to arrive a few minutes later. He tried not to stare, no two ways about it; she wore armor well.


    [You have started Zeta channel]


    /Zeta: Nix: You guys up for a Group Quest?


    /Zeta: Banzi: Of course, boss.


    /Zeta: Nix: Pick up any cold-weather supplies you may need. You''ll be escorting a group of Acolytes from the Gladis Hub to Cyphix.


    /Zeta: Wylie: It''s a quest from Shi?


    /Zeta: Nix: Yes. It''s labeled as Upper Tier, so I''m guessing there are going to be some difficulties involved. Do your best.


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] Gladis to Cyphix? That''s the path you walked when we first met.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] A good memory. I would have run the whole way had I known you were waiting.


    Hyai laughed and hugged him before stepping away.


    /Inferno: Esta: I need your help with something Lord Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Just Nix is fine. What''s up?


    Nix followed the sound of talking and quickly found Esta and Elune in the Training Yard. Sharl and Jun Li were sparring each other with their new abilities. They stopped when they saw Nix.


    The Gemini Priestess looked especially troubled. "Remember when I mentioned that there were a few lower levels to this Palace?"


    Nix nodded. "Esta and the Acolytes should have started exploring them already."


    Esta''s crystalline form waivered in front of Nix, her eyes looking worried. "We''ve cleared two levels down, but the third level is an instance. When I sent a dozen Acolytes to explore the instance, they were killed within a few minutes."


    "d.a.m.n," Nix muttered a curse, Arch Winds would resp.a.w.n in Air''Voilla when they died, it was sometimes challenging to convince them to come back. "All of them were killed?"


    Esta shook her head. "Ten of them, two are unaccounted for."


    "They were reasonably well equipped from the Cai''Song battle if they were instkilled in the Gemini Temple than we need to investigate." Nix summoned Ea''Shadai since Eron would not be available to heal.


    Shadai bowed slightly, the feathers on her white head sticking straight up."Just me today, Nix? Perhaps you want to race again?"


    Nix shook his head. "We''re heading into a dangerous area, need you for heals."


    /Inferno: Nix: Charlie Team, time to fight. Jun Li, Sharl, Chael, and Mina. Report to the Gemini Training Yard.


    [You have joined Charlie channel]


    /Charlie Team: Nix: There''s a high-level instance in the lower levels of the Gemini Palace. Gear up, we''re going in as soon as everyone is here.


    Mina walked into the training area a few minutes later; she was accompanied by four of her Vilas. The reptilian creatures seemed to have been upgraded; they had grown substantially, their long claws clicked on the stone tile when they walked.


    "Did you improve the mutated Vilas?" Nix noticed that they were staring; instead of being nervous, he put out a hand for them to smell.


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: Good way to lose a hand, Nix.


    Nix patted the biggest one on its wide snout. "They aren''t aggressive toward allies." He would often catch them playing in the surf with Soup. "What did you do, Min?"


    Mina shrugged, her pale face showing both confusion and satisfaction at the same time. "I tried to upgrade them, and the thirty Vilas became four."


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Sometimes, less is more. a.s.sign one of them to protect Shadai please, she''ll be on heals today.


    Almost immediately, one of the Vilas moved closer to the Arch Wind; the two creatures seemed slightly at odds.


    An out of breath, Chael showed up a few minutes later; he had a long sniper rifle slung over his shoulder. "Sorry, Kyla worked all night upgrading my Nether Rifle into something with better range, she was just finishing up."


    The City Portal of Spiro has been opened up to members of Inferno.


    The City Portal of Feski has been opened up to members of Inferno.


    The City Portal of Cyli has been opened up to members of Inferno.


    /Inferno: Nix: Hey, Moki... How''s the rebuild of the Moon G.o.ddess going?


    The Moon G.o.ddess quest was an open quest with the Nation of Izzin, Vy and her people built a Shipyard on Loki but then retreated to Izzin before putting it to use. Nix had a.s.signed the Guild Carpenter to finish the task.


    /Inferno: Moki: Two more days until we''re finished. It''s a bit on the ugly side, but better than the c.r.a.p the dha.s.si sail around in.


    /Inferno: Nix: Interested in becoming a Shipwright? It''s my guess that this might be opened to you at some point.


    /Inferno: Moki: Let me think about it.


    Esta escorted Charlie Team to the entrance of the 3rd level instance. "I can go with you, Nix."


    Nix shook his head, "continue with the Acolyte training while we investigate this."


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Let''s go.


    Nix stepped right into a cutscene. Since they often gave clues about the instance they were in, Nix froze in mid-step. "Cutscene! Pay attention."


    A figure wrapped in bandages and cloaked in darkness limped down the stone-tiled hall. Chains from shackled ankles dragged behind it, announcing its movement with a rattle that echoed endlessly in the torchlit corridor. It stopped in mid-stride, its red eyes turning towards the group while an evil intent crept in. An instant later it disappeared into thin air.


    [Chael has been Charmed, you''ve lost the use of him until this instance is completed.]


    You''ve resisted Charm.


    Mina has resisted Charm.


    Sharl has resisted Charm.


    Jun Li has resisted Charm.


    Chael has been removed from Charlie Team Chat.


    Nix dodge to one side as a heavy barrel slammed into the empty s.p.a.ce he''d been standing in a moment earlier. A red scimitar appeared in his hand and blocked the second strike.


    [Advanced: Execution]


    Nix''s sword sliced through the air where Chael an instant before, the sniper suddenly disappearing from sight.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turn dark orange as the thermal signatures of his enemies give away their position.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: He''s gone.


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: The h.e.l.l...


    /Charlie Team: Mina: What was that figure wrapped in bandages?


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Mummy.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Yep, definitely a Mummy.


    /Charlie Team: Mina: A what?

 Chapter 213 - Gemini Temple: The Lower Levels (Part Two)

    /Charlie Team: Nix: Okay, keep an eye out for Chael. Looks like he''s permcursed until this Instance is finished.


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: Let''s kill him right away, then he can sit it out until the end.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Agreed.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared an instant later; she immediately donned her House of Inferno Armor.


    Nix put a hand on her shoulder. "Scout out the immediate area; look out for Chael until this instance is over. He is not on our side."


    "Understood Nix." The Water Witch looked past him to the rest of the group and waved. "Hi, everyone."


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: d.a.m.n... She''s completely aware?


    /Charlie Team: Nix: My little girl has grown up, I guess. Stealth up.


    A long corridor led away from the entrance to the instance; there were no other paths to travel, so the team advanced cautiously.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: There''s a light ahead.


    Ducky appeared in the middle of them without any warning. She smiled, apologetically at Nix. "This path leads outside. Dense growth, like nothing I''ve ever seen." Red dots started popping up on Nix''s local map, indicating all the threats his companion had discovered. A red star hovered on the outer perimeter of the map.


    Jun Li was leaning over him while studying his display. "That red star is Chael."


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: We have to a.s.sume that charmed Chael still has his sniper abilities.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Stay close to cover, if the foliage is as dense as Ducky says, he''ll have to get close for a shot.


    A minute later, the group exited through a tall stone archway. They were on a slight hill at the edge of a valley basin. On the far side of the valley was a large stone pyramid.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Kinda looks like the Amazon, you can bet there are lots of hidden threats.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Mina, could you keep scanning for SeBeasts?


    Charlie Team: Mina: There probably won''t be SeBeasts here.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Right, but it will tell you what is close. Also, I landed the King in a swampy area, just like this.


    /Charlie Team: Mina: Understood, scanning.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Chael is approaching from the west, 100 meters away, and fully stealthed.


    [Summons: Fey]


    The Silver Drakon appeared a moment later, her silver eyes quickly scanning the area.


    "Need you to stealth up and take out Chael, he''s been charmed."


    Fey nodded and stealthed immediately.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Do you think Vooni will give us all Dragon Eyes?


    /Charlie Team: Nix: No idea. I had to best her for it.


    The team descended the red dirt path that wound down to the basin. Nix moved forward and started using [Flame Throw] to clear the way.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Kinda putting a target on your back, Nix.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: That''s the po...


    [Snipe]


    Chael has inflicted a wound on you. [Critical Hit resisted]


    Nix dived for cover, pushing Shadai to the ground while shielding her. A glance at his local map told him that the red star had disappeared. Fey circled above them a few times then started scorching the jungle between them and the pyramid.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Follow the flames, she got him.


    The small group walked down the burning path, a large predator roaming the skies sent the more dangerous land creatures into hiding.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Not Chael''s best moment.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: He flopped when we brought him to Helfast too, maybe he needs better gear.


    They stopped at the small stone courtyard that marked the entrance to the Pyramid. Nix already found himself missing Semmi''s steady input; the blond officer was a fountain of knowledge and ideas.


    Nix patted Fey''s shoulder. "Need you to stay here and keep an eye out."


    Fey bathed him in silver flames as a greeting. "Chael disappeared after he died. Shall I eliminate all threats?"


    Nix laughed at her antics. "Sure, Fey."


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: Peculiar way to say h.e.l.lo.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: It''s sweet. Let''s move in.


    [ALERT: ARCHON FLASH IN THE VICINITY OF LAPU CRATER: COLONIAL.]


    [Direct Contact: Gideon]


    A surprised Gideon looked at him from the holo. "Calling us in Commander?"


    "Yes. Lapu Crater has an Archon Flash. I''m just sending your group in for now. If you are overmatched, scout out the area and report back. I''m designating your team as ''Pathfinder.'' Two minutes and I''m sending you in."


    /Charlie Company: Sharl: Shouldn''t we handle the Alert?


    /Charlie Company: Nix: Gideon has a solid team, I want to see what they can do.


    [Create Breach: Loki: Lapu Crater]


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] Archon flash in the Lapu Crater.


    [Whisper Shae to Nix] Lapu? That''s Severance''s territory.


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] That''s what I was thinking, I''ve sent in an Alliance Team to investigate.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I''m in Glory, I''ll check up on Severance also."


    Nix felt a hand grip his arm, he turned to Mina who was pointing up the steep set of stairs to the entrance. On his second glance, it looked less like a mummy and more like someone straight out of a trauma ward. It was covered in bandages, with bits of blood oozing out in a dozen different locations. Ragged long hair and slim curves announced that it was female, she stared at the team with one hand raised in the air and black eyes filled with hatred.


    [Thunder Strike]


    Nix has been stunned


    Mina has been stunned


    Sharl has been stunned


    Jun Li has been stunned.


    The creature bound toward them, leaping down dozens of steps with each jump. Its screeching wail made the hairs on Nix''s neck stand up. When it was halfway toward them, a Drakon flashed into view and scorched her with silver flames.


    You''ve resisted stun.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third Form: Archon]


    A flash of Emerald Wings and he was next to the creature.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix landed a critical hit on the undead Queen. His sword bit deeply into her neck, instead of responding she faded into a cloud of sand and flew up the stairs in a gust of wind.


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: Lightning attacks are the worse.


    Nix nodded in agreement while he bent down and picked up a necklace that he sliced off of the mummy''s neck. He stared at the symbol on it and then cussed loudly.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: What is that? It isn''t the Gemini symbol.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: No, and I''ve never seen it before.


    [Direct Contact: Beta]


    The Albino seemed to be in the Solomon Market somewhere, her pale face showed amus.e.m.e.nt. "Hey, Nix... You trying to steal me away from Commander Mtui?"


    Nix held up the medallion that dropped. "Know what this might be?"


    Shadowfiend Locket


    [Unidentified]


    The smile dropped from her face immediately. "Where did you get that Nix?"


    "Sliced it off of an Undead Mummy Queen." Nix couldn''t think of a reasonable thing to call her so he improvised.


    Beta mouthed a silent curse. "Covered in b.l.o.o.d.y bandages and hard to kill?"


    "Well... not sure about the last part yet. She did escape by turning into a cloud of sand. Some advice on this would be nice." Nix stowed the necklace in his inventory and waited.


    "That necklace is used for making a dark pact with a Shadowfiend. In exchange for some of your life-force, if you are killed, you return to life as a fiend to continue living." Beta''s pretty face twisting into a scowl.


    "Seems like a s.h.i.tty deal. Who''d want that?"


    "The blood you spill as an undead feeds directly to the fiend you made the pact with. Once you have reached the agreed-upon number, your life-force is restored and you are free to go about your business." Beta stared at him for a moment. "Where are you Nix? Bring me in and I will help."


    Nix shook his head. "We can handle it. Thank you for the information." He closed the holo and turned back toward the group. "If anyone isn''t up for this, speak up and we''ll bring someone else in."


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Let''s do it.


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: I have a skill that can block AE stuns, that won''t happen again Nix.


    /Charlie Team: Mina: Let''s kill it and go home.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: Who''d make such a deal? Wracking up bodies to pay for an unholy revival...


    /Charlie Team: Nix: I suspect it''s Tessa Beryngare, but there''s no way to know for sure.


    They entered the Pyramid and were presented with a wide, torch-lit stone ramp that led down. The walls were cut from worn sandstone and the ramp itself from a heavy granite. It grew steadily colder as they progressed.


    Nix dodged to one side when a blade seemed to thrust directly from the wall. He raised a hand and sent a half dozen Gemini flame strands into the torso that followed. He yanked hard, pulling the creature from the wall.


    [Swapped Out]


    Jun Li replaced Nix and sliced at the creature''s neck, unexpectedly its head fell to the floor with the stroke, slowly rolling down the ramp.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been slain.


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: That wasn''t stealthed! It was part of the wall.


    Jun Li collapsed to her knees, as a second creature dived from the walls. It sliced a black blade at her legs, which she managed to block.


    [Shield Slam]


    Sharl has stunned an Undead Sand Warrior.


    [Vacuum]


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been caught by an irresistible force.


    Nix sliced his blade directly through the undead''s torso.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been slain.


    [Tides of Flames]


    Nix targeted the ramp directly in front of them. An instant later, the screams of dozens of undead filled the hall, as they leaped outward into the flames.


    [Gladiator Strike]


    Jun Li has critically wounded an Undead Sand Warrior.


    [Critical Chain]


    Nix has followed up on Jun Li''s strike and mortally wounded an Undead Sand Warrior.


    Mina slammed her Scepter into the head of a creature that jumped at Shadai, she sent the rest of her Vilas forward, ordering them to attack.


    [Defender''s Blockade]


    Sharl has formed a perfect defense, all enemies must attack her for the next 30 seconds.


    Nix raised his hands and a dozen strands impaled six different targets. He slammed them upward into the ceiling and then dashed them against the floor.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been stunned.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been stunned.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been stunned.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been stunned.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been stunned.


    An Undead Sand Warrior has been stunned.


    [Incinerate: Ice Flames]


    A half dozen screams sounded at once as Nix locked them in a prison of flames.


    [Gemini Cyclone]


    Jun Li''s Gemini blade flashed in a half dozen different directions, the damage scrolling across Nix''s hud fast than he could read.


    [Stampede]


    Sharl has stomped an Undead Sandwarrior to death.


    Sharl has stomped an Undead Sandwarrior to death.


    Sharl has stomped an Undead Sandwarrior to death.


    Sharl has stomped an Undead Sandwarrior to death.


    Sharl has stomped an Undead Sandwarrior to death.


    Sharl has stomped an Undead Sandwarrior to death.


    A few minutes later Nix whistled softly at the number of corpses that were stacked up. He didn''t have to pretend to be impressed with the Gladiator and Defender cla.s.ses. The ramp led to a large circular room with a stone sarcophagus in the middle. The body of Chael was sitting on the stone tile, propped up against it.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: F*ck... I feel like I''ve seen this before.


    Shadai looked at the fallen Inferno Sniper. "I can''t revive him because he''s not really dead."


    The lid of the stone coffin exploded upward and shattered against the ceiling, showering Nix and company with bits of stone. An instant later, the low m.o.a.n of the woman caused the group to step back. She climbed out and leaned against the stone box. This time an aura of lightning could be seen hovering around her.


    /Inferno: Nix: Esta, where are you right now?


    /Inferno: Esta: Sanctuary.


    [Create Breach: Sanctuary: My Location]


    Esta stepped into the room a moment later.


    The Undead Mummy dropped her hands immediately. "Esta?"

 Chapter 214 - Gemini Temple: The Lower Levels (Conclusion)

    [Esta has joined the Charlie Team Channel]


    /Charlie Team: Nix: This could be Tessa Beryngare.


    Esta stepped away from the group, both of her hands glowing with electricity. "A Dark Pact? You dare do something so horrible?"


    "You don''t understand, Esta." The voice was cold and raspy; it seemed saturated with evil intent.


    "I''m sorry, Tess... I should have joined you and fought for this Temple." Esta''s voice was thick with emotion; her transparent face slowly solidified while tears ran down her face.


    ''It''s not too late. Help me escape this place. The Darkfiend tricked me! I cannot repay my debt unless I''m set free into the planes."


    "Tricked by a fiend... Are you surprised that a nether creature was less than honest?" Esta shook her head slightly, "I already know what I must do."


    /Charlie Team: Nix: I''m sorry about this, Esta.


    /Charlie Team: Esta: No, Nix. Thank you. From the depths of my soul, thank you. I will put to rest the person I loved above all others.


    [Thunder Strike]


    [Shield Wall]


    Sharl has neutralized the effect of Thunder Strike.


    [Null]


    Nix has Silenced An Undead Queen.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix''s blade sliced toward Tessa when her glowing hands came up to defend he reversed and swept her legs, sending her to the ground.


    [Thunder Strike]


    Esta has stunned An Undead Queen.


    All four of Mina''s Vilas piled on top of the former Gemini Lord. Nix raised a hand, and two strands of Gemini Flame punched through her chest and into the floor beneath her.


    [Swiftstrike]


    Jun Li has scored a critical hit on An Undead Queen.


    [Critical Chain]


    Sharl has followed up Jun Li''s strike with a critical hit.


    An Undead Queen has been mortally wounded.


    [Chained Lightning]


    A half dozen b.a.l.l.s of lightning slammed into the undead Gemini Lord.


    Esta has slain An Undead Queen.


    [Balefire: Burst: Gemini Flames]


    Nix''s Gemini flames sizzled through the air and struck the Sarchophogus that Tessa Berygare had used. The stone box exploded outward, followed by a wave of power that knocked everyone off their feet.


    Nix sat up slowly; he had managed to shield Shadai from the blast. She happily placed a group heal on everyone.


    A m.o.a.n from across the room caused the group to tense up. Chael slowly climbed to his feet; he shook his head several times as if to clear it. "d.a.m.n... I feel like s.h.i.t."


    Nix offered him a neutral smile. "Welcome back."


    /Charlie Team: Sharl: All that work and no loot or chest?


    /Charlie Team: Jun Li: It''s a win, right? Although the start was a bit rocky.


    [Whisper: Sharl to Nix] You know that I find my sister very troubling, but I can''t help think that this would have turned out differently had she been on the team instead of Chael.


    Nix didn''t say anything; he only pursed his lips in thought. "I''m going to take a look around, make sure we didn''t miss anything.


    Esta was staring at the floor, her face unreadable. "I will help you."


    /Charlie Team: Nix: I''ll send everyone else back to Sanctuary.


    Nansu wiped her face with the back of her hand, smudging the dirt that was already there. She brought up her hud to reference which seeds she was planting in the next row. A movement from the corner of her eye caused her to pause, her red lips curved into a smile when she saw him. "Chael!"


    Chael waved like he always did, the usual smile didn''t accompany the greeting. "Working hard, Nansu?"


    Nansu nodded. The instance must have poorly gone; she had cautioned him about expecting too much from Charlie Team''s first grouping. "You okay?"


    Chael shook his head. "Not really. I was useless the entire afternoon."


    Nansu sat her bag to one side and patted the ground next to her. "Sounds bad. Want me to cheer you up? Or leave you alone?"


    Chael took a seat on the ground next to her, "Let''s go with option one."


    The ordinarily shy Nansu glanced around and then pulled him down between the rows. Her pale face was blushing slightly. "What can I do?"


    Chael let her pull him on top of her, his blue eyes shining with emotion. "You can die."


    Nansu''s eyes widened in shock when he gripped her neck with both hands and started to choke her.


    "You okay, Esta?" Nix put a hand on the Stormsinger''s shoulder. The transparent body of his Chief Acolyte made some people nervous, but Nix accepted it without thought.


    Esta nodded. "I thought I made peace with this, but I didn''t."


    Nix knelt and inspected Tessa''s corpse; he found one jewel and one Gemini Stone on her.


    Gemini Trickster [4th Tier]


    Storm Crystal [Unidentified]


    Esta watched him pick up the items. "A Storm Crystal? That would make a good crafting enhancement."


    Nix stared at the clear stone in his hand. "Anything else?"


    Esta shrugged. "A few other things probably."


    Nix handed it to her. "It''s pretty if nothing else. Go ahead and keep it."


    "Let''s go, Nix. This place still feels off."


    Nix nodded, "I think so too."


    [Create Breach: Sanctuary]


    He was about to step into the breach when the far wall caught his eye. Something...


    Esta looked at him for a moment, and then at the wall. "What''s wrong, Nix?"


    "Symmetry. Every torch in this room is placed at the same height and distance apart." Nix pointed at the far wall. "Except that one."


    A few moments later, Nix pulled torch, it moved downward easily and was followed by the grating sound of stone sc.r.a.ping across stone. A second sarcophagus stood just inside the small s.p.a.ce.


    Esta stared at it for a moment, a bit of horror creeping onto her face. "Two? What does that mean?"


    "It means there were two of them. Stay here and get ready to destroy it!" Nix ran for the Breach that had remained open.


    Nansu struggled again, the man who had her pinned to the ground. Although she was just a lifestyle player, she knew how to fight and didn''t hesitate to do so. In the end, she was only able to delay the inevitable for a scant few minutes. He gave up on trying to choke her and stabbed her with a dagger. She twisted away, her hand scooping up soil and throwing it into his face.


    "Just die, you stupid b.i.t.c.h!" He pulled back his arm to slash the knife across her face, just as an emerald flame strand wrapped around his wrist and yanked him into the air.


    A flash of white wings announced the arrival of Shadai.


    [Hands of the G.o.ddess]


    The Holy Hands of An Air Priestess has healed Nansu''s wounds.


    Nix dragged the kicking Chael high into the sky, moving closer to the Gemini Temple before he released him. Emerald wings flashed, and Nix broke into a steep dive.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix''s scimitar slashed at Chael before banking away.


    [Execution: Advanced]


    A half dozen strands of Emerald Flame punched through Chael''s chest, Nix jerked the sniper toward him and removed his head with a flash of his red blade.


    /Charlie Team: Nix: Destroy the Sarcophagus!


    Nix pulled up out of the dive, not caring that Chael''s body smashed against the stone walkway in front of the temple.


    Nix called an emergency officer meeting a few minutes later. Everyone but Fajii and Shae was there. As Guild Leader and the person with the most knowledge of the events, Nix explained everything that happened in the lower levels of the Gemini Temple. In the interest of honesty, he made sure to be clear and blunt. Nansu was sitting as far away from Chael as she could manage. She refused to talk or look at him.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: So that''s everything. This has me completely stumped.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Holy c.r.a.p... I have no idea what to do here.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: I''d like to stay with you, Nix.


    /Guild Officer: Nix: You can use the spare bedroom at the ranch, or even the SeWorld place.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: Your ranch, please. I''ll be leaving now. Please ban him from visiting.


    /Guild Officer: Semmi: Hey, Nan... Let''s take a step back here.


    /Guild Officer: Nansu: Please, Nix.


    Nix nodded. "I''ll see to it."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: What a f*ck show.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: d.a.m.n boss... we''re gone for a few hours, and the entire world collapses.


    Chael gated out, his face completely expressionless.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: This will blow over, right? Come on; the guy was charmed!


    [Chael has left the Guild]


    [Whisper Nix to Chael] Hey! No need to be hasty Chael, give her a few days.


    [The person you are trying to reach is no longer logged in.]


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: He''s gone? Logged off too?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: d.a.m.n it. I miss you guys, even you, Pon.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Of course you do punk b.a.s.t.a.r.d!


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: So there were two of them? Both with dark pacts?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That''s my best guess. When Esta didn''t take the Chief Acolyte position, Tessa Beryngare must have given it to someone else.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: The Instance is cleared then?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Completely, a second trickster stone dropped.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: The three of us are going to Solomon City tomorrow to look around.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Can you come to Lapu Crater?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Yes. Be there in a bit.

 Chapter 215 - Entrance Token

    Nix stopped by Darsi''s shop on the Glory docks before heading out. She had told him that the artifact he requested was ready.


    "Hey, Trip-7!" The blond sniper was stocking her shelves when Nix walked in. Since she had risked a great deal to help him, Nix had no qualms about helping her out whenever she asked.


    "Got Beta''s artifact copied already?"


    Darsi nodded, her blonde hair was up in a bun, only Nix knew that she was even prettier in real life. "Gonna cost you this time, boss."


    Nix nodded. "Figured, so, what do you want?"


    "Jeans... the comfortable ones, not the stupid slim fit kind. Oh, and some tank tops." Darsi pushed the ring across the counter to him. "Maybe some underwear if you are feeling generous."


    Ice Blood: Ring [Unique]


    Description: Matches your


    body temperature to the


    surrounding environment.


    Crafted by Darsi.


    "It''s a ring?" He held it up and examined it for a moment before slipping it on his finger. Nix glanced over his shoulder at the door and lowered his voice. "Don''t ma.s.s produce these."


    Darsi nodded, "I''m also working on an artifact that grants thermal vision; it''s a work in progress." She gave him an innocent smile, Darsi understood all the advantages both artifacts came with.


    "Owe ya one, Darsi."


    "Hmm... I''ll think of something Trip-7." She started to wave and then stopped suddenly. "Hey wait!"


    Darsi grabbed a small leather pouch and tossed it to him.


    [Create Breach: Lapu Crater]


    Nix stepped onto the beach near Lapu Crater, or what remained of it. When Severance super-charged the core, it exploded and took a large portion of the mountain with it. The surrounding bays were still intact. Several Manta were circling him cautiously while he moved to the edge of where the crater use to start. It should have been entirely underwater, but it wasn''t. The smell of sulfur and brimstone saturated the air.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] May I stay at your place for a while to keep Nansu company?


    Nix extended his hand and armed himself before peering into the depths of the crater. He had forgotten that Nansu and Mina were spirit companions. The first Human/Aquarion pair to do so. "You know you don''t have to ask Min. Let me know how it goes."


    He stealthed and activated his Ice Ring. His eyes turned Deep Orange, signifying that he enabled Dragon Eyes also. At the center of the smoking pit was a large crack that gouged deep into the black rock.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third Form: Archon]


    The crack was perhaps 50 feet across so Nix leaped in and glided down. The temperature and light increased with each pa.s.sing meter. His route led directly to where Severance use to have her lair, the entire place was littered with bodies.


    [You have joined the Pathfinder Channel]


    /Pathfinder: Nix: I''m on the scene. Where is everyone?


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Sure... the big guns show up after we spent half a day fighting.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: You mean after Gideon and Roto killed everything.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Heh... you must have been watching Commander. Half of these bodies were put here by Shae, she''s with Severance.


    Nix kicked over the nearest body, the Aquarion was wearing armor from one of the Greater Houses.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Not just an Aquarion, but one from Solomon City. What could they want here?


    /Pathfinder: Nebula: Not going to say hi to me Nix?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Hey Nebs.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Most of these are human, but there are a few Aquarion fighters thrown in. They dropped a lot of decent gear.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Follow me Commander, I''ll take you to Shae. The rest of you watch our backs.


    The route down to Shae looked like a cla.s.sic descent into h.e.l.l. The flames grew hotter and the rocks around them started to glow. The path down took them to a small cave where Shae was sitting near Severance.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: The f*ck is this?


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Shae ordered me not to enter, so I will stay here.


    Nix nodded and proceeded inside. He had forgotten about the history between Salamander Guild and Shae, although Gideon and his group had probably already been in Upper-Tier at the time.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Right, I''ll talk to her and then we''ll plan our next move.


    Severance lay on the molten rock, all of her clothes had either been removed or burned away. There were dozens of small gems attached to her body, her beautiful face looked haggard. Shae was sitting next to her, smoothing back her dark blue hair while speaking in a hushed tone.


    "What is this Shae?"


    The redhead wasn''t surprised to see him, she seemed to sense that he was close. "It''s beyond my experience, but you can bet it has something to do with one of the Greater Houses."


    "Hmm...Did you try removing those gems?" Nix knelt down, the Fire Lord''s skin was unnaturally cold. "It''s taking her Fire?"


    "Her essence, which in this case is fire." Shae pointed to the chrysalis that signified Severance had attempted metamorphosis. "Although she was near death a few months ago, our interference must have pushed her to the realm of Nemesis."


    Nix shook his head, "that doesn''t make sense. As our ally, she would have come to us and requested help." Nix gripped the chrysalis in one hand, it felt like the normal cloth but he knew from experience that it was nearly indestructible."


    "I''m not sure what the gemstones signify, or why she wouldn''t be inside the chrysalis." Shae pursed her lips in thought, "where are the bones?"


    "Her mates bones?" Nix remembered the old skeleton that was half-buried in the molten rock the first time he''s seen the old fire lord. He pushed the chrysalis with his hands frowning when he felt the bones. "They are in the chrysalis. Was she trying to revive him?"


    Shae shook her head. "Such a thing Nix... completely impossible after so long."


    "Love is many things, but hardly ever rational. His bones are inside the chrysalis, remember your promotion? I was forced to absorb a substantial about of blue and yellow flames because they were attacking the red."


    "The red is the flame of life and metamorphosis, I''m convinced that this eventually caused your own change as well as Fajii''s."


    [Direct Contact: Breach Commander Mtui]


    The dragonsp.a.w.n was sitting behind his desk talking with Beta. He closed the hud he was reading and gave Nix his full attention. "Are you on-site at the Archon Flash?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, I have more questions than answers at this point. A fire lord here was attacked during her metamorphosis. Several gems have been placed on her skin, it appears to have drained much of her strength."


    "Remove the gems, they are open pathways and will only hasten her death." Mtui gestured for Beta to come closer. "I can know nothing further."


    Beta nodded and waited while he left the room. "Commander Mtui will have no knowledge of anything I am telling you."


    Nix shrugged. "Who would I tell?"


    "He trusts you, however, even Commander Mtui answers to someone else. If he was ordered to speak, there would be no choice." Beta leaned back against Mtui''s desk. "There''s a contest going on involving an entrance token."


    Nix held a hand up to stop her. "I''ve no interest in this token. What I want to know is, can I reverse this? And if I can''t, how do I find the one responsible?"


    "Her essence has been stored. You will find what you are looking for in the House of Aquarion." Beta used her hud to send him a detailed map of Solomon City. "As far as her strength being returned, she must survive until you bring back the storage device."


    The holo closed a moment later. Nix and Shae started removing the gems that were attached to the Fire Lords skin. After they were done, Severance was bleeding from a dozen different wounds.


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai]


    The Air Priestess immediately recognized Nix''s ally and healed her wounds. "I can do nothing for her besides this Nix, there seems to be too much of her missing."


    "Go Nix, I will wait here and guard her." Shae stood up suddenly and pulled him closer. "We can''t let something like this stand Nix. No matter what... teach them a lesson."


    "I know just the thing." Nix bent and kissed her quickly before stepping away.


    [Create Breach: Solomon City]


    /Pathfinder: Nix: This mission is continuing on the Upper Planes, unfortunately, none of you have pa.s.sed the planar trials yet.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Are we done then? You''re not coming back?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: I''m hunting for something and will return to this spot when I find it.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: We''ll stand watch until you return Commander.


    /Pathfinder: Nebula: Yep. Leave it to us.


    Nix stepped through the Breach an instant later. He had envisioned the Gate near the Market Place, so that is where he ended up. The Market was still busy even though the sun was just starting to set.


    He brought up his hud and studied it for a moment. Beta had been nice enough to highlight his target, the House of Aquarion.

 Chapter 216 - House On Fire (Part One)

    [Whisper: Beta to Chiba] You are one of the Pillars of a new house, right?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Beta] What kind of way is that to start a conversation? Let''s go drinking and we''ll discuss how respectable I''ve become.


    [Whisper: Beta to Chiba] Exactly what I have in mind. Why don''t you bring a few of your new friends and I''ll bring you someplace fun.


    Nix walked casually down the cobbled sidewalks of Solomon City. The streetlights were just starting to illuminate, the last light of day having recently faded. He crossed a wide footbridge that hovered over the only river in Solomon City, pausing halfway, he turned his gaze north. He could see the large empty lot where the Oasis House use to be. After purposefully delaying for nearly an hour he restarted his journey, walking directly to the front door of the House of Aquarion.


    With both his camo-overlay and the Ice artifact active, it was likely that nothing in Solomon City could casually detect his presence. Nix waited patiently by the front door of the Greater House, it was less than another half-hour before he was rewarded.


    The door opened suddenly like someone used their foot to kick it. Two Aquarions walked out together, both of them wore smiles on their pale faces.


    "I will trust your judgment in this Bikto, If she''s as beautiful as you say..." The larger of the Aquarions spoke, his handsome face was marred only by a perfectly straight scar that ran down the side of his face.


    Nix lost the rest of their conversation when he slipped easily pa.s.sed the closing door. When the topic of Greater Houses was first brought up, he had asked Ronnie to research the details of the matter. Greater Houses were always at least three stories. You could always make additional levels later, but the first three were locked in during the development process.


    He explored the first level slowly, besides the occasional straggler, it was mostly empty. Nix already knew that there were currently 19 different people in the house, their thermal signatures stood out even through the walls and floors. It was easy to find the five rooms belonging to the Foundation members, they were always located on the 1st floor.


    After carefully choosing the locations, he set seven different fire traps on the first level. The trick to setting a trap that wouldn''t be casually set off? Hide it on the ceiling. Only one of the Foundation rooms was occupied. The body heat from two separate people lying p.r.o.ne inside told Nix everything he needed to know, someone was getting laid. Outside of this door, he put down the only floor trap, a shaped charge that would explode downward into the bas.e.m.e.nt below.


    The trip to the second floor was a much shorter affair. As soon as Nix entered the house he knew where the perpetrator was. The essence that was stolen from Severance stood out like a raging beacon. The second level of Greater Houses is where the Pillars reside. Five of them were currently in their rooms.


    Nix watched the pillars movements through the door and concentrated on the steps he would need to take. He waited until the pillar''s back was turned and stepped in quickly.


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Lower Level]


    Nix moved quickly into the room, a half dozen strands of Gemini Flame impaled the Aquarion''s chest, before he could scream he was yanked forward, a flash of red steel removing one hand as he was flung into the Breach.


    A quick glance around through the walls and floor of the house told him that no one had been alarmed. Nix bent and picked up the severed hand, he stared at it for a moment. "Friends and family first..."


    A delicate-looking hand stroked the pale Fire Lord''s face. Shae''s hair had come down during the fighting, strands of her errant red tresses stuck out in a dozen different directions. "Hurry Nix... this old Lord isn''t going to last ver..."


    Her words were interrupted by a breach opening a few feet away from her. An object was tossed through and then the breach closed.


    "Looks like someone is busy." Shae pried open the fingers of the severed hand and removed the Essense stone from them.


    The Salamander placed the stone in her own lips and then knelt next to Severance. Shae held the cold face in her hands, bending until their mouths touched.


    Chiba frowned at the Albino and finished off the bottle she was drinking from. "I thought it was going to be just me and you."


    Beta shrugged. "Shouldn''t you bond a bit with your new friends too?"


    "Let''s be buddies Chiba!" Semmi had her head propped up on the table, as drinkers go she was definitely in the lightweight category.


    The old man sitting next to the blond was definitely not a lightweight, as far as Chiba could tell, he drank booze like it was water. The Fire mage offered a toast. "To new beginnings!"


    Chiba clinked her bottle against his mug. "I''m the only one without a date, where''s my apprentice when I need him?"


    Beta gave her an apologetic look. She was happily sitting next to Wind and his adorable Gecko. The tiny lizard had taken an immediate liking to her. "Would I do that to you, Chiba? Your date arrive a while ago."


    Chiba c.o.c.ked her ugly head to one side before she turned in her seat to scan the other customers at the Blue Garden Tavern. "Really? Male or female?"


    Beta tried not to laugh when the little gecko patted her cheek. "Edge of the bar Chiba."


    "Aquarions?" The old woman made a gagging sound and sat down her bottle. "I wouldn''t do an Aquarion if my life dep..." She stopped when the closer of the two Aquarions turned slightly. The old woman''s eyes flickered dangerously. "h.e.l.lo, beautiful."


    "Beautiful?" Wind looked up at Chiba''s words, Lubo jumped back onto his shoulder when Beta stood up to follow the old woman. "Where we going?"


    The pink-eyed woman looked over her shoulder. "You aren''t really a resident of Solomon City until you''ve died in a tavern brawl."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: s.h.i.t... here we go.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Game on.


    Bikto frowned at the ugly old woman walking toward him. He had noticed her stunningly attractive blond companion when he first entered the tavern. Had it not been for the Albino sitting next to her, he would have long since approached them.


    "Avoid trouble." His scarred companion spoke softly when he noticed the group approaching them.


    The old woman stopped a few steps away from them, her ugly face cracked in a wide smile. "Looks like a reunion Big Toe. Did you miss me?"


    "We don''t want trouble Miss." The Aquarion next to Bikto stood and turned towards them. The crease down the side of his face pulled his skin slightly, making his face look unbalanced.


    Chiba''s smile did waiver at all. She glanced at her albino friend. "You give me the nicest things."


    Beta nodded. "Someone has to look out for you."


    "Is there a problem here?" Another voice spoke up from behind them, the scuffling of a dozen chairs showed that the Inferno group was outnumbered.


    Beta muttered a curse under her breath. The mage must have entered when she was playing with the gecko. She turned back to Wind and shrugged an apology. "Time to earn your place here."


    Wind nodded, "you take the mage and I''ll take down those three guys behind her."


    "Hey... leave some for me!" The blond Gemini thief waivered slightly. "Those two b.i.t.c.hes by the door are mine."


    Pon''s old face looked like he wanted to cry. "That only leaves five for me. I thought we were friends."


    Beta kept her face expressionless. They didn''t know that the Aquarion mage would take all of them, including her and Chiba. It was bad luck that Zeryn had accompanied them. "Do your best, I''ll take the mage."


    A low sultry laugh filled the room, the mage in question turned her alien eyes toward Beta. "I like it when my prey comes to me."


    The room seemed to grow suddenly still, a slight movement from Wind''s should drew everyone''s attention. A small gecko was standing there, its black eyes were locked on Zeryn.


    [Fear the King]

 Chapter 217 - House On Fire (Part Two)

    [Thirty miles South of the Gladis Hub: 2100 hours]


    A half dozen white tents blended in with the ice-covered landscape of the Northern Polar region. Hyai had taken out four large rocks and superheated them before placing them in a steel pot. It was as warm as any campfire.


    Cyan shared a large fur blanket with the Innkeeper, the Chief Acolyte was far from being cold. "He would have run through here sometime before the first morning. He started at sundown and ran through the night so that he would be strongest when the temperatures were the coldest."


    The pilgrimage had to face quite a few difficulties during the day. A wandering group of Aquarions jumped out of the snow and attacked them within an hour of their start. Mid-Day saw them stumble onto a rare White Polar bear, outside of Morti, it was the biggest bear anyone from Inferno had ever seen.


    Wylie was snuggled up close to Banz, the Ice Temple champion wasn''t cold but she pretended to be. "He carried his water and alternated between walking and running. There was no real rest, nor did he possess any talents for Ice or Fire at the time. "


    Hyai had gotten to know several of the acolytes during the long day. She was surprised to learn that Nix regularly dropped off clothes and supplies for the Temple. She shook her head in amazement, all of these women had come from King Brahm''s harem. "Hopefully, he''s somewhere nice and warm right now."


    Nix moved to the next pillar''s room, a female Aquarion was drawing herself a bath when the door opened and shut quickly. The first indication she had that anything might be wrong was when a half-dozen strands of Gemini flame punched through her chest and yanked her backward. She disappeared through a breach that Nix opened up. He took a few moments to ransack her room before moving to the next.


    As the Gemini Temple Lord, he had decided to use the 3rd level instance as a prison of sorts. The Breach he opened should be the courtyard right in front of the pyramid... probably. He took out the leather pouch that Darsi had given him and took out another Black Hand artifact.


    The other three pillars remaining on the floor were tempting targets, but Nix decided not to push his luck. He reasoned that if he killed everyone, then he wouldn''t be able to set the house on fire. He placed fire traps on the walls opposite of the three pillar doors. The first floor of the House should have a binding stone, "d.a.m.n it... Why am I doing s.h.i.t the hard way?"


    The first floor of Greater Houses held the Foundation member rooms and one other very interesting item, The House Binding Stone. Nix had never seen a binding stone, but he a.s.sumed it would look like a gating platform. You could port into the house from just about anywhere.


    The binding stone ended up being just what he thought. It was a large round stone about three feet across and six inches thick. He was tempted to try and move it, but it didn''t budge when he made the attempt. Nix went over his plan. Open a breach behind the stone, and then use balefire to set off the traps on the second floor. That would set off a chain reaction that should spring the ceiling traps he placed on the first floor. When the Foundation member rushed out of his room, Nix would slap a Black Hand on him and send him through the breach.


    Nix muttered quietly to himself, "it''s a good theory. I don''t even want to think about how many different ways this could go sideways."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Nix held a finger to his lips, indicating stealth. "Watch my back."


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Lower Level]


    A gentle wave pushed outward in all directions from Wind''s shoulder, and then all h.e.l.l broke loose. Zeryn''s eyes widened in horror, a deafening shriek burst from her lips as she ran mindlessly for the door. Beta and Chiba were so surprised that neither responded for a moment. Pon guessed what would happen when the King showed up and he kicked a table in front of the door to block it.


    [FIre-Nado]


    Zeryn and four of her friends were pulled into a whirlwind of fire, their screams of terror, however, did not subside.


    From the way that Chiba reacted to the mages presences, all of Alpha Team understood that she was the primary target.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a Critical hit on Zeryn.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up Pon''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    Zeryn has been mortally wounded.


    [Double Backstab]


    Beta has scored a double critical hit on Zeryn.


    Zeryn has been slain.


    The death of the Aquarion Mage only took a few seconds, the tavern was already in flames by the time the ma.s.s hysteria wore off an instant later.


    Chiba''s silver sword flashed and removed Bikto''s head. The scarred face Aquarion that accompanied him was cut in a half dozen places, nothing he tried had any effect on the incoming attacks.


    He cursed when the silver blade pushed into his chest, the ugly old woman was leering at him. "We''ll be back you ugly old b.i.t.c.h."


    Chiba sliced open his throat and turned her back on him. "I''ll be waiting."


    Beta looked around the room. The bartender was already using his water magic to put out the flames, the bodies of the dead were already disappearing. "We should leave now. They''ll be back right away."


    Semmi nodded and grabbed Pon''s hand, pulling him through the door while she scolded him. "We need to run Pon, we might not do so well in the rematch."


    Wind followed Beta through the back alleys, she was very fast for such a small person. "What about damages to the Inn?"


    Chiba kept running but spared a glance over her shoulder. "The first rule of Solomon City Tavern fights, the loser pays the damages."


    Nix gripped a handful of Black Hands in one fist, his other hand glowing with Gemini flames. He estimated where the trap on the second floor should. "Here goes noth..."


    He was interrupted when an Aquarion woman appeared suddenly on the binding stone, her face was a mask of terror. Her confused eyes didn''t have time to reason out the situation before Nix slapped a Black hand on her shoulder and then punched her in the chest. She disappeared through the breach without a sound.


    Five more people appeared in quick succession on the stone, each of them had the same terror-filled look. Nix treated them all the same way, slapping the artifact on them and punching them through the Breach.


    The door behind him opened suddenly, the man stepped out of his room ready to fight. His hands glowed with magic, one-half step forward and the shape-charge that Nix set blew a large hole in the floor.


    Nix sent a dozen strands of Gemini Flames through the mage''s unarmored legs.


    [Air Burst]


    The barbed ends of his strands expelled air, causing the Mage''s legs to blow apart. Nix jumped across the hole in the floor and tossed the unconscious man into the breach before he could die. It was only after he released him that he remembered he was out of Black Hands.


    [Stun Shot]


    An arrow slammed into Nix''s chest, knocking him down into the hole his trap had made.


    Eri Dale has stunned Nix. The ranger drew back her bow for a second shot.


    Eri Dale has been charmed.


    Nix gasped for air while he lay on top of a pile of rubble in the Houses bas.e.m.e.nt, it only lasted for a few seconds. "Jump down Ducky!."


    Ducky jumped into the hole, followed by the ranger who was completely n.a.k.e.d. Several explosions rocked the house in quick succession; a moment later the second floor turned into an inferno. Nix grabbed Ducky by her hand and ran toward the far end of the bas.e.m.e.nt, away from the heat.


    "We have to leave now!" Nix stopped next to a large shelf of small clay templates. "Those look important. Ask her what they are."


    "What are those items on the shelf Eri?" Ducky''s voice was soothing, her honeyed words made the Su''Dha.s.si Ranger smile.


    "Blood Bonds. We use them to keep track of members."


    Nix started stowing them in his inventory as fast as his hands could move. He summoned his red scimitar and stepped toward Eri.


    Ducky placed a hand on his arm. "She''s not one of them Nix."


    "Fine, she can find her own way out."


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Sanctuary]


    Nix and Ducky stepped through the breach an instant later. The Water Witch breathed a sigh of relief when the heat when back to normal.

 Chapter 218 - House On Fire (Conclusion)

    Nix grabbed Ducky''s hand and pulled her toward the altar room. "What did you mean when you said she wasn''t one of them?"


    Ducky pursed her lips, smiling at Nix''s back while he pulled her down the hall. "What''s the word? Spy? She''s a plant from another house."


    Nix let her hand go when they arrived at the altar room. He used the throne to bring up the status of the lower level. "Too bad we didn''t get her bow, Ronnie would love an Archon Bow."


    Ducky held up the bow in question. "You mean this?"


    Gemini Instance Menu


    [Lower Level Locked: Occupied]


    Footsteps announced the arrival of Elune, her two-colored face smile at Nix. "You seem hurried my Lord."


    Nix nodded. "I did something, but I am not sure yet if it was a mistake."


    Elune peeked at the menu he opened up. "Is this about the lower level?"


    "Yes. I used a breach to toss a bunch of people into it. All but one had Black hand Artifacts on them."


    "It wouldn''t matter. The permissions for Gemini Temple were already set by you, only Inferno members may gate in or out. My concern would have been them using the Breach you opened to come back."


    "I opened the breach about 10 meters off the ground, since I slapped Black hands on them, they wouldn''t be able to activate their Archon form."


    Elune''s lips curved in a smile. "What about the last one? The one without the Black hand."


    "He was missing his legs when I tossed him through, and he was unconscious." Nix rubbed his hands together, "I closed the breach immediately after that."


    "It''s effective as any dungeon, no one is leaving the lower level without your permission Lord Nix. Even if they die, they will resp.a.w.n inside, just like Tessa did."


    Nix frowned at the mention of the former Gemini Lord. "That reminds me, I need to talk with Esta... Nansu also."


    Ducky tapped Nix on the shoulder. "Shouldn''t you be somewhere?"


    "Yes. I"m going."


    [Create Breach: Lapu Crater]


    Beta finally stopped running when they arrived at a footbridge. "We should be in the clear for now, things like this happen all the time."


    Pon nodded as if he used to it. "Is that house suppose to be burning like that?"


    Chiba leaned back against the rail and watched it burn. "What house is that Beta?"


    The Albino pursed her lips together. "It''s the Aquarion House."


    Semmi whistled under her breathe. "Setting things on fire, this seems an awful lot like someone we know."


    Wind nodded in agreement. "It''s definitely the boss."


    Beta pulled his arm slightly, her pale face shining. "What in the world is that companion of yours?"


    The Gemini thief answered easily. "That''s the King."


    Semmi''s pretty laugh filled the night air. "I don''t know who that mage was, but I do know one thing."


    Pon''s old face was smiling while he watched the Aquarion House burn. "Don''t f*ck with the King."


    [You''ve joined the Pathfinder Channel]


    /Pathfinder: Nebula: Nix! I was about to send out a search party.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: What do you guys know about the Sky Kingdom?


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Nothing other than it''s the next step up from Oasis.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: That sums it up pretty well. Lot''s of hidden powers there.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Are we done Nix?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: You have a date or something?


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Yep, with your sister.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Interesting, she hasn''t mentioned that she''s dating a sawed-off runt.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Dumba.s.s. His sister is the territorial Governor of Loki.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Huh? Wait... you have a sister?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Yes, I''ll tell her you said h.e.l.lo.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: I was only f*cking around Nix!


    Nix led the group to the small cave where Shae was waiting. Severance was sitting up and speaking, although she looked a bit tired. "Holy c.r.a.p... You advanced?"


    Severance sighed, she seemed unsure whether to laugh or cry. "Shae put me back in the chrysalis, along with the bones of my mate."


    The redhead nodded kindly. "As it should be, he aided you one last time."


    "A few months ago I was near the end of my life cycle, now I''m a Nemesis with decades more ahead of me." This version of Severance was definitely p.r.o.ne to self-a.n.a.lysis. "Aren''t I too old to start over?"


    Nix caught Shae''s eye, she was definitely expecting him to say something. "You''ve been alone too long. Time to stop hiding in this old crater."


    Shae slid an arm through Nix''s. "Come to Oasis and explore the new world."


    Severance didn''t reply. "I want to thank all of you for helping me again."


    Commander Mtui stood patiently in the courtyard, waiting to be summoned. It was nearly two hours before the black wrought iron gate opened. He followed the Majordomo through the garden path into a wide-open area.


    "Elen... I am pleased that you were able to make time for me." The feminine voice filled courtyard, overflowing with unbridled power.


    Elen Mtui bowed low, the black dragon lay comfortably with all four claws beneath her. Two hundred feet of unearthly power, not counting the tail. "I am honored Mother."


    "Hmmm... such good manners. I am thankful that Juri has returned. Who is responsible for this?" Beautiful golden eyes watched him without blinking, there was no denying her questions.


    "A human named Nix found him while investigating an Archon Flash in Oasis."


    "This is the new Breach Commander? A Salamander/human hybrid?" The giant black head moved upward as the long serpentine neck flexed.


    "Yes, mother, a person of vast potential."


    "I shall have to thank him personally." The sleek black head moved forward until he could have reached out and touched her snout. "What do you know about the House of Aquarion attack?"


    Elen didn''t dare consider his words too carefully, "someone quite powerful broke into the Aquarion House and was able to make several members disappear."


    "I see. Were you involved in this?"


    Elen shook his head. "I was not involved."


    "Two Foundation members and four pillars disappear in a great fire and no one knows what happen?" There was amus.e.m.e.nt in his mother''s voice, "the tracking templates were taken also."


    "I was not aware of that," Elen stated truthfully.


    "Who do you think did this?"


    Elen gritted his teeth and felt his stomach plummeting. "My guess would be Breach Commander Nix."


    "Would you ask Breach Commander Nix to visit me?"


    [Direct Communication: Nix]


    Mtui waited patiently until a holo of Nix appeared in front of him. He was shirtless and completely wrapped up in a blanket. "I apologize for the disturbance Commander Nix."


    Nix rolled out of bed and threw on a shirt before stretching his arms over his head. "Don''t worry about it. Something I can help you with?"


    "Yes. My mother would like to meet you."


    "Would you give me an hour to get cleaned up and have some breakfast?"


    Mtui didn''t answer right away, he turned away for nearly a minute before replying. "An hour would fine. I will open up a Breach for you to visit her in one hour."


    A moment later the breach closed, leaving mother and son alone once again.


    "Thank you, Elen. You make take your leave now." The Black Dragon put her head down and closed her eyes.


    "I will send him here in one hour." Mtui opened up a Breach to his office and stepped through it. Immediately he sighed a long breath of relief. There was a pressure to her presence, even the most basic interaction could be very taxing.

 Chapter 219 - House Of Dragons

    Nix finished his shower and laid out some clothes to wear. He decided to forego armor and go in high-stealth mode. High stealth mode was a set of clothing that Nix made using enhanced camouflage, he combined that with an overlay on a pair of comfortable boots Dalton had made for him. It was untested, but Nix was interested in seeing the results. The smell of bacon brought him out of his room, the sizzling sound of it being cooked reminded him of Hyai and her Inn. However, it was his sister Bev that was doing the cooking.


    "Morning Froglegs." He smiled and sat down at the kitchen island. "You heading to Loki today? I hear there''s a big house with your name on it."


    "Really? Trying to get rid of me?" Bev served him up some bacon and then pointed to the eggs that were already made. "Help yourself."


    "Sure... it''s only my food and my house, you''re very generous Bev."


    His older sister nodded in agreement. "If Dad and I didn''t stay here, the house would be filled with women."


    "Smarta.s.s. Fajii is gone for a few weeks, Hyai is on a quest and Shae is helping out a friend."


    Bev rolled her eyes and took the chair across from him. "Yet somehow all the spare bedrooms are taken."


    Nix frowned when she reminded him of Nansu and Mina. "What a s.h.i.tty deal for her and Chael. I have to figure something out."


    "Don''t interfere Stixx. They''ll work it out, or they won''t."


    Nix didn''t comment, it was something he already believed but that didn''t mean he had to like it. "Take over the governorship of Loki today, you have complete control."


    She stared at her younger brother, a slow smile crossing her face. "I''ll work out the bugs and introduce a viable political/free trade system."


    [Direct Communication: Nix]


    Breach Commander Mtui''s life-size holo popped up in the middle of the kitchen. "Are you ready to go Nix?"


    Nix smiled apologetically at the dishes. "Bev this is Breach Commander Mtui. Unfortunately, I have to eat and run."


    "It''s fine Nicky, nice to meet you Commander Mtui." Bev offered him a smile, "try to bring my brother back in one piece."


    Nix stepped through the breach that Commander Mtui opened up. He found himself standing in front of an iron black gate. A quick look around told him that no one else was present. "Seriously? I got things to do..."


    After turning on his hud''s anonymous setting, he stealthed up and cleared the gate without really trying. His eyes turned deep orange while the landscape fluctuated with his thermal vision. "Time to test the Ice Ring." He activated the artifact and then walked down the only path available.


    A peculiar scent hung in the air, it was pleasant to the nose like the barest hint of something sweet. The hard brick path turned to dirt and then to a slightly moss-looking plant that was spongy beneath his boots


    A flash of green caused him to look up, two people wrapped in thin veils ran down the path, Nix carefully stepped to one side and let them pa.s.s. Both of them had horns protruding from there head. He suspected they might be twins, even though they were male and female.


    As he guessed from the increasing amount of moisture in the air, the path led to a large pond, several ancient willow trees stood guard on the banks, their lower branches dipping into the water. Nix had thought that they might be swimming, but instead, the sat beneath the trees and a.s.sumed a position of meditation.


    The center of the pond bubbled suddenly, steam pushed off the surface and the edges lapped at the sh.o.r.e. Neither of the meditators seemed to notice.


    A perfect woman with skin as white as ivory rose out of the water. Her long raven hair hung wetly to her n.a.k.e.d form. She also had horns, but not the short stubby ones of dragonsp.a.w.n. These were long and wickedly curved. A feeling of extreme danger caused Nix to hold his breath while she walked toward the sh.o.r.e.


    Nix watched her carefully, she made no extra movements, yet her skin and hair dried the moment her barefoot stepped onto the lush green gra.s.s. The second step she made saw her dressed completely in a sleek black dress that looked better suited to a seductress than a serenely beautiful woman.


    "The two of you were late again, perhaps you had an important matter to tend to?" The woman''s voice oozed power, Nix understood right away, this was Commander Mtui''s mom. Slowly he backstepped, not daring to breathe until he was back on the path.


    A few minutes later he cleared the fence easily and was only waiting a few seconds before an official-looking man showed up. He wore an elegant suit and his hair was slicked back on his head. The Majordomo jumped slightly when Nix dropped stealth.


    "Are you Commander Nix?" The well-dressed man pretended that he wasn''t surprised and spoke in a polite tone.


    Nix nodded. "I am Nix, pleased to meet you."


    The man''s eyes seemed old, even though his appearance was youthful. "Come with me please."


    "No." Nix slipped his armor on and opened his hud.


    "Sir? You are here for a meeting with the Mistress of the House of Dragons?"


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    "I was, but that was nearly an hour ago. I don''t wait that long for anyone." He stepped into the breach, leaving the Majordomo staring at him with his mouth wide open.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared a moment later, she wore the green House of Inferno armor and was holding the bow she took from Eri Dale, the Su''Dha.s.si ranger.


    "You going to keep the bow Ducky?" Nix knew that her Water Witch abilities were natural talents and now part of her primary and secondary paths.


    Her blue eyes stared down at the silver bow in her hand. "It''s pretty."


    Nix nodded in agreement, "let''s go talk to someone about that."


    They walked together up the narrow path from the beach, the Ain''Dha.s.si rangers had set up camp a few miles from sh.o.r.e. They were using the ''Treehouse'' as a makeshift HQ.''


    Bali and Locas were in the middle of a heated discussion when Nix spotted them. Both Ain''Dha.s.si rangers had made a good impression on him. Because of their argument, neither looked up until they entered the camp.


    "Commander Nix!" Locas gave him a crisp salute, the look on his pale face showing that he was embarra.s.sed.


    "Lover''s spat?" Nix grinned at the two of them. He already knew they weren''t involved, but the tiny Bali liked to teased everyone around her.


    Locas shook his head, "Ranger business sir."


    Bali sighed heavily. "You caught us, Commander, the Captain has been wooing me for several months now."


    The Ain''Dha.s.si scowled at her for a long moment before turning back to Nix. "Need help, Sir?"


    Nix couldn''t keep a straight face, the ranger captain looked completely disgusted. "Do you have anyone who can teach the Bow Skill? My Spirit companion would like to learn Archery as a primary path."


    Locas nodded, "Bali was just saying that she has too much free time on her hands."


    Ducky clapped her hands excitedly, then stopped suddenly, her face showing alarm. "Someone is here Nix."


    Nix still had ''Dragon Eyes'' activated, a quick glance around the area showed no one.


    The Water Witch pointed toward the HQ tree. "There."


    A pleasant laugh sounded from in front of the treehouse. An instant later the raven-haired woman from the pond appeared out of thin air. "Your perception skills are remarkable. Would you like to work for me?"


    Ducky shook her head quickly and stepped behind Nix.


    "I''m Nix, welcome to Loki."


    "I''m Deidra Mtui." Surprisingly she opened a Breach in front of Nix. "Could I get you to take a short trip with me?"


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his surprise. "You can open Breaches..."


    "Of course, it is a Dragon Skill after all." Deidra smiled pleasantly at the two Ain''Dha.s.si rangers, both of them looked like they were frozen in place. "Ain''Dha.s.si rangers? You have a wide variety of friends."


    "That''s true. Anyways... I don''t have any more time to waste today, please come back next week, or maybe the week after that." Nix turned back toward Bali Zenda, "this is Ducky, her perception is quite high so I expect that she''s a quick learner.


    Before he could say anything else, a strong hand gripped his arm and yanked him through the Breach.


    [Guild and Personal messaging have been disabled.]


    [All Archon and Breach Commander Skills have been disabled.]


    Nix didn''t waste his breath cursing the Dragon, her full lips were curved in an amused smile. "Where am I?"

 Chapter 220 - Provincial Dragon Academy

    "Two weeks? I thought you said this would be a short trip." Nix dropped all semblance of being cordial.


    "The short trip was in reference to the distance covered, not the time that you might be gone."


    Nix spent the next thirty seconds displaying his rather extensive knowledge of curses words, instead of getting angry Deidra seemed to be trying to remember them all.


    "Want to know the worst part of being a dragon?"


    Nix scowled at her. "If I had to guess, it would be the ridiculous horns sticking out of your head."


    The woman''s laughter echoed in the small meadow. "I may decide to keep you Nix."


    "No thanks. What am I doing here?"


    Nix took a moment to take in his surroundings. Deidra had taken him to some kind of staging area. Other dragons in human form were arriving every few minutes, each of them were escorting small groups of people. They were on the edge of a vast forest, the trees were many times larger than the forest giants Nix had seen in Inuit. Each of them was about a hundred meters in width and extended skyward thousands of feet. The trunks of these trees were covered with a rough brown bark that extended all the way into the clouds.


    "Every five years there is a great compet.i.tion among the Dragon Houses of the Sky Kingdom."


    "Hmmm... Why should I care?" Nix only knew about Solomon City, he had never really considered that there must be many cities in the Sky Kingdom.


    Deidra held up a small vial of red fluid. "This is pure Dragon Blood Nix, its value among your kind is endless. Survive the first week of the trials and I will give this to you."


    Nix had to focus to keep the greed from showing on his face. If he were to give a single drop of that to each of his companions, their potential would skyrocket. "Tell me what I need to know."


    Deidra nodded in satisfaction. "This is the trial for the Provincial Dragon Academy. I am allowed to enter six partic.i.p.ants. My son Juri would have been in the last slot, however, he is still recovering."


    "I don''t care about the Academy, tell me more of this trial."


    "The first week starts at sunset tonight, it is strictly H & K."


    "I see." Nix pursed his lips, "what''s H & K?"


    "Hunt and Kill."


    "So... Survive for one week while I''m being hunted by dragons. Anything else?"


    Deidra shook her head. "Not everyone here is a Dragonsp.a.w.n, there will be many Dragon Descended among the compet.i.tors. There will also be a few elementals like yourself."


    "Why me? This isn''t payback for me leaving is it?"


    "For no reason other than I wish to test you, the empty slot gives me the opportunity to do so."


    "Fine. What''s after the hide and seek week?"


    "After the week is over, the survivors will team up and divide for the War Games. I really don''t care about your final score, you probably don''t want to attend the Provincial Academy."


    "No, I don''t." Nix noticed that the other arrivals were being dropped off and almost immediately were heading in the same direction. "Where are your other entries?"


    Deidra pointed North. "A few miles north of here is a great Tent City. Groups and temporary alliances have been forming since the trial grounds opened up three days ago. My other entries are there already."


    Nix slipped off his armor and changed into his High Stealth gear. "Anything else?"


    "You can summon companions and use any sort of skills at your leisure. However, there are many here that can detect such things. You don''t have to worry about flight abilities, this is strictly a no-fly zone."


    "Where do I go after the week is over?"


    "The living will all be summoned to Day 1." Deidra opened up her hud, "I will contact someone for you now, and give you a moment of privacy."


    Nix nodded. "Shae Balefire please."


    Deidra used the Direct Communication ability to contact Shae, the pretty redhead''s holo brought a smile to Nix''s face.


    "I''m undertaking a special mission, it may take up to a week." Nix could tell that she was in her elemental world.


    Shae didn''t bother to hide her disappointment. "I have less than two weeks before I need to report back."


    "I will make it up to you." Nix was tempted to summon her but decided against it. "Please let everyone know."


    Shae nodded. "Okay, Nix. Be careful."


    "I will."


    Deidra waited until they were finished and then she closed her hud. "You are free to make alliances, but be cautious. Many of those here specialize in subterfuge and charm abilities. If you find yourself trusting someone without cause, they may be influencing you."


    The Mistress of Sky Kingdom''s House of Dragons left a few minutes later. She gave Nix a few last words of advice and then stepped through a breach. Apparently she was unaffected by the limitations put on those who entered the trials.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    An emerald salamander appeared where Nix had been standing. Quickly, it headed North.


    Nix activated his Ice ring and immediately stealthed. He left Dragon Eyes off since Deidra had mentioned that skills like that, especially Dragon Skills, could be tracked by specialists. His own stealth wasn''t a skill or ability but instead took advantage of natural camouflage. He also felt comfortable using the Ice ring. It used his own Ice ability to lower his body temperature, he had been standing within a few feet of Deidra earlier, yet she hadn''t detected anything.


    The emerald salamander scurried through the woods, keeping to the well-worn trails. He skirted around the rather impressive looking Tent City and headed deeper into the woods. Without a doubt, there would be others like him who were only interested in hiding for the next week, so Nix moved as quietly as he could.


    After two hours of steady travel, Nix finally turned off the main trail and headed into the dense looking fern growth that covered everything beneath the trees. The forest itself was one of the ugliest forests Nix had ever seen. The long brown trunks punched through the lower cloud layers, there wasn''t a single branch or leaf visible from the ground.


    He turned toward the west and started looking for a good opportunity to leave the forest floor. It was important that his physical trail and scent be difficult to follow. A small river falls that was banked on both sides by rocks gave him the opportunity to move into the water. His salamander form slipped into the water and headed downstream.


    He floated leisurely for a while until he found a good exit point. The river''s current had been increasing for several minutes, the culprit behind this was a small waterfall that dropped about sixty feet. "I think I can make that jump."


    Nearly fifty feet away was the nearest tree. Given the height of the river falls, Nix felt that he should be able to cover the distance to the trunk. It was even easier than he thought it would be. He leaped to the tree from the falls, his salamander feet stuck to the rough bark without any issues. He only hesitated for a moment before he scurried upward.


    The low cloud ceiling existed above six hundred feet above the ground. The tree he was climbing showed no evidence of branches or of narrowing. The salamander ran up the side tree, not slowing when his visibility suddenly changed to a few feet. The clouds were different than he would have imagined, it was like entering an extremely dense fog.


    Climbing in the clouds seemed to take a long time, but in reality, it was probably only a few minutes. Everything changed as soon as he cleared them.


    The squinted in the bright light of the sun, the temperature climbed several degrees. The canopies of the vast forest were finally visible. Green branches dozens of meters thick pushed outward from the trunk. It was here that Nix finally stopped. The ground was no longer visible, the cloud layer completely blocked it out.


    Nix climbed out onto one of the thicker branches and changed back to his human form. He stretched his arms over his head and realized that the climb had taken a lot of effort. The branch he was standing on was more than large enough to hide on, however, Nix had a different idea.


    "If this doesn''t work, I''ll go with Plan B." Nix took a small acorn out of his inventory and examined it.


    One-Tree Acorn: Unique [Treehouse]


    Description: Three-level treehouse, please


    ensure that tree dimensions exceed 15 meters


    in diameter and 50 meters in height.


    "Well... this definitely exceeds 15 meters in diameter."


    Nix pushed the acorn against the side of the behemoth, a few moments later a large brown door formed. It was round and much higher than his head. "I don''t remember the one in Loki being.." His words trailed off when he stepped inside.

 Chapter 221 - The Long Week

    Nix whistled loudly and then quickly shut the door. Propped up against the wall was a thick wood plank for securing the treehouse, it slid easily into place when he barred the door. In the Loki Tree House, most of the first level was taken up by the kitchen. This version boasted a large entryway and a small room for coats to be hung up. One-half step down led to a living room, with six sofas set into an ''L'' shaped pattern. Three large coffee tables and brick fireplace completed the room.


    The ceiling looked to be nearly twenty feet in height. "Guess the quality of the home is dependent on the tree being used." Nix walked through an archway into a formal dining area. The long table was made from a dark redwood and lined with padded chairs that looked comfortable.


    Nix nodded happily. "I need to bring this Tree to Haven. This could be a Guildhall." On the other side of the formal dining area was the kitchen. It had every amenity you could ask for. Dual copper sinks large enough to put any size pot in. An island that could comfortably seat a half dozen people and enough counter s.p.a.ce on either side of the stove to prep meals.


    A quick walk through the rest of the first level showcased four bedrooms, each with private baths and a large area that Nix could only identify as a socializing room. A full railing leading up to the next level proved too much for Nix''s sudden lack of motivation.


    Nix pushed one of the comfortable armchairs to the nearest table and took a seat. "My crafting is only 242/500. I should be able to push that up quite a bit." He spent a few minutes figuring out a to-do list for the week.


    [Crafting Week]


    Guild Uniforms (Formal)


    Guild Cloaks (Camouflage)


    Fishing Outfit


    12 Pillar Flag


    Guild Flag


    Alliance Uniforms (Formal)


    New Work Uniforms for Hyai.


    Dresses for Shae.


    Personal Wardrobe.


    Clothes for Froglegs


    Deidra stepped into the receiving area of her courtyard a few minutes later. He had actually cursed her. She chuckled when she remembered his sour look. "Well... no one''s done that for a while."


    "Mistress!" Her Majordomo walked hurriedly toward her. "It''s time."


    "I know the time, Nomen." Her form warped and expanded until nothing remained of the beautiful woman that had been standing there earlier. The black dragon followed the human to a sizeable rusted grate set into stone at the edge of the courtyard. "Secure the perimeter and then leave."


    The grate opened slowly, and Deidra descended the stone ramp. She stopped just inside the tunnel and waited until it closed behind her.


    The walk down to the core of Solomon City was always the same. She required no torches or special teams to keep the tunnel clear. One blast of her fire was more than enough to keep it pristine and destroy any of the vermin that had wandered in since the last moon.


    A few minutes later, she climbed onto the raised platform and waited. It was always painful, but her duty was something she did without question. A dozen sharpened barbs made from dragon teeth slowly moved toward her, each one was attached to a 3inch platinum tube.


    She gritted her teeth when they punched into her skin and slowly pushed toward her bones. Once they attached to the bone, the drills would burrow into her bone until they reached the marrow. Dragon marrow, the most valuable commodity in the Sky Kingdom, and the reason for Solomon City''s continued existence as one of the Dragon Settlements. Eighteen dragons in the Sky Kingdom and eighteen dragons, it wasn''t a coincidence. The marrow fed the spells that kept the cities in place.


    Not many knew that the cities of the Sky Kingdom floated above a vast and dangerous world called Everspire. The dragons themselves had evolved from this world, the birth of 25 glorious cities marked their departure. Deidra was one of the younger dragons, already two more cities in the Sky Kingdom were preparing for their imminent return to Everspire. Those cities still had a few years, but their dragon masters were gathering strength for the inevitable chaos their return would bring.


    She groaned slightly when her bones started to ache, a privilege she granted herself since she was alone. The procedure only lasted a few hours, but it would affect her for days afterward.


    [80 Miles South of the Gladis Hub: 1900 hours]


    Banzi cursed their luck. The group was attacked by three separate bands of Ashobel during the course of the day. The only other time he''d seen Colonial''s version of the ''yeti'' was the Great Faction Battle at Glory city. The Ashobel had charged the Fire Palace in an attempt to kill Nix. Their Great Chieftain was slain in single combat when he faced Nix.


    Banzi thanked Hyai when she brought him a bowl of stew. From the start, the Inn Keeper managed to pull her own weight. She used a wide variety of fire attacks and didn''t hesitate when things were up close and personal. "Miss your Inn yet?"


    Hyai sat across from him, next to Wylie. "I miss it a bit, but it only feels like home when my friends are there."


    Banzi nodded, after two days together, he understood that the tall redhead was a very private person. "We could''ve used Nix today."


    Wylie laughed, but then covered her mouth quickly. "Sorry... he''s grown so quickly, the rest of us need to catch up."


    "Not just him. I was close to Alpha Team during the Cai''Song battle, all of them are strong." Banzi was actually happy about that fact. Wind was his best friend. If he was being honest, Wylie''s skills would rate a bit higher than anyone in Zeta group.


    Several of the Acolytes settled around them to eat their dinner. Cyan spoke quietly to the entire group. "Tomorrow marks our second dawn, while you rest tonight keep in mind that this would be the second straight night that Nix ran."


    Hyai took a drink from her canteen and then pa.s.sed it to Wylie. Although she was tired, she didn''t mind sharing what she knew. "Exhaustion and exposure to cold were overwhelming. His water would run out tomorrow, but at this point, it wasn''t water or his supplies that kept him moving forward."


    Wylie smiled at the older woman''s expression, although a private person by nature her attractive face was also very open. "Why do you think Nix brought Brahm''s harem here?"


    "I''ve never asked, but he has a talent for finding good people" Hyai was worried about the Acolytes when the mission started, but several of them were already dependable fighters.


    A few minutes later, Wylie stood up and turned toward the tent she shared with Banzi. Her appointment as Ice Champion had come as a complete surprise. "Goodnight everyone."


    Fajii parried Vooni''s blade and then faked a kick at the inside of her leg. Instead of striking Vooni, her booted foot kicked up a cloud of sand.


    [Rock Slam]


    The rock slammed into Vooni''s back, knocking her forward. Anyone else would have been stunned but the dragon descendant took it in stride and used a hip toss to put Fajii on the ground when she followed up.


    "Well done Fajii. Stringing together moves and using tricks is a great way to keep your opponent off balance."


    Fajii looked up from her position on the training yard ground. It was a position she was growing used to. "Again Captain?"


    Vooni liked the Aquarion, her mental toughness and quick thinking were commendable. "No, let''s wrap it up for the day. Special surprise tomorrow, the Fire team you are joining has decided to help you catch up."


    Fajii stood up and dusted herself off. "I look forward to it."


    Vooni''s hud popped up and Pon''s old face stared at her. "You guys about finished?"


    Vooni nodded. "We''ll get cleaned up and meet you guys in an hour."

 Chapter 222 - The Tainted

    Nix stumbled into the kitchen at the end of 7-days. Quite possibly it was the longest week of his life. No outside contact of any kind, he spent every day crafting. During that time he also converted his Colonial skills of Hunter and Leather making, to the Oasis equivalent of Sabotage and Taxidermy. His Sabotage skill started at 100, however, the Taxidermy skill had completely reset.


    [Nix: Crafting Skills]


    Tailor: 500/500


    Sabotage: 188/500


    Taxidermy: 1/500


    Nix frowned at the Taxidermy skill, he understood what it was in real life, but it was too different from Leather Making for the levels to transfer. "Had I known that beforehand, I would have left it as it was."


    Tailor: Tier V [Master] You didn''t write the entire book on Tailoring, just a good portion of it.


    Notable Accomplishments: Flags, Camo-Overlay, The Undetectable Suit, Companion Fighting Harness.


    Sabotage: Tier II [Innovator] You have invented at least three unique methods of creating havoc, your future looks bright. If you don''t blow yourself up.


    Innovations: Sticky Shape Charge, Contained Fire Bomb, Ice Puck Grenade.


    Taxidermy Tier I: [Novice] No one wishes they were you.


    Nix had got the idea from the old flag bearers in early wars. Carrying the company or unit flag into battle was a tradition dating back to Roman times. Through trial and error, while using the Oasis crafting interface, he managed to make two Garrison Flags and two Guideons.


    Guideon: Inferno Battle Flag [Silver Standard]


    + 2000 AC


    +50 All Stats.


    +100 ATK


    +100 Defense


    Description: Plant your Guild Flag


    on the battlefield and reap the benefits


    of unity and loyalty. This effect is not


    stackable with other flags or guideons.


    Guideon: 12 Pillar Alliance Flag [Gold Standard]


    + 3000 AC


    +100 All Stats.


    +150 ATK


    +200 Defense


    Description: Plant your Alliance Flag


    on the battlefield and reap the benefits


    of unity and loyalty. This effect is not


    stackable with other flags or guideons.


    Additional Description: In order to use the Alliance


    Guideon, every group from the alliance needs to be represented.


    Inferno, Resolute, Salamander, Hoss, Daybreakers, Stilleto, Nighthawk, King X, Tsunami, Guardian, Taiga Su, and Vesuvius.


    Nix covered a yawn and stretched while storing his items. He stayed up most of the night to max out his Tailoring skills. His stomach rumbled loudly, reminding him that he slept through breakfast.


    [Congratulations on advancing through the 1st stage of the Provincial Academy Trials. The second stage starts in 3 days]


    [Guild and Personal Messaging has been restored]


    [Archon and Breach Commander skills have been restored]


    /Inferno: Nix: Heya guys!


    /Inferno: Shae: Nix!


    /Inferno: Hyai: Hey Nix.


    /Inferno: Pon: You on some sort of secret Dragon mission?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes, very dangerous stuff. Sadly, I''m not allowed to talk about it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] I have a top priority secret mission for you.


    [Whisper: Hyai To Nix] I''m in, what is it?


    [Whisper: Nix to Hyai] Sending you a list, make sure to get everything. Let me know when you have it.


    /Inferno: Nix: I need the following members to report to the Training yard at the Gemini Temple.


    Jun Li


    Semmi


    Pon


    Shae


    Rhy


    Chiba


    Wind


    Sharl


    Ronnie


    Mina


    Milat


    Zhava


    Banzi


    Wylie


    Sorli


    Pinky


    Tess


    Gypsy


    Sila


    Nez


    Darsi


    Dalton


    Moki


    /Inferno: Semmi: Something up boss?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Whatever you''re doing, wrap it up. Be at the Training Yard in one hour.


    An hour later, everyone on the list was waiting in the Gemini Training Yard. Jun Li double-checked the names before letting Nix know.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All here Nix.


    [Create Breach: Gemini Training Yard: My Location]


    Nearly two dozen people stepped into the Tree House at the same time. They were all wearing armor and carrying weapons.


    /Inferno Semmi: What''s going on boss?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Whose place is this? It''s big!


    /Inferno: Nix: Can''t I have my friends over for lunch?


    /Inferno: Wind: You feeding us boss?


    /Inferno: Hyai: Lunch is on, give me another twenty minutes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Few things first. This is actually a treehouse. If you''re really curious, open the door and step out. The branch in front of the door is about 10 meters thick. The white fluffy stuff is clouds, not snow.


    Ronnie lifted the bar on the door and charged out. "Holy c.r.a.p Nix... This is actually a treehouse."


    Semmi stepped through the door behind her. "Wait... did you use one of those acorns?"


    /Inferno: Nix: I did. Come back inside, if you fall from this height we''ll have to sc.r.a.p you off the ground.


    /Inferno: Semmi: This is the first level? It''s really big.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ve been too lazy all week to check out the rest of the house. I invite you to explore it until lunch.


    A half-hour later, the dining room table and the kitchen island were both crowded with members from Inferno. According to Semmi, the second level was entirely small dorm-type rooms, two dozen of them. The third level was slick looking Command Center.


    Nix was sitting between Hyai and Shae, across the table from Pon and Semmi.


    The blond officer all smiled. "So you''ve been hiding here all week? Crafting?"


    Pon downed half of his beer and set it down. "Lame... you didn''t kill a single thing."


    A long while later, Nix was sitting peacefully on one of the couches talking with Hyai and Shae. Inferno broke off into small groups and scattered throughout the house.


    Shae lowered her voice and leaned closer. "I can''t believe you met Deidra Mtui."


    "The impression she left wasn''t very good. She needs a good kick in the pants."


    Shae smiled slightly, "you do realize if we teamed up with everyone else in Solomon City that still wouldn''t be likely.


    [ALERT: ARCHON FLASH ON COLONIAL: SERASU]


    Nix stood quickly and slipped his armor on.


    /Inferno: Nix: Archon Alert on Colonial, I''ll investigate.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Where is Serasu? We stopped drinking a while ago, want some back-up?


    /Inferno: Nix: Alpha Team be ready, I''ll bring you in if I need to.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Can I keep this treehouse?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, but I''ll give you an acorn.


    [Create Breach: Serasu]


    Nix stepped directly into the breach, a hard blow that glanced off his armor knocked him back a step. He dodged to one side and bathed the culprit in Ice Flames.


    [Flame Throw]


    His a.s.sailant screamed and backed up several steps.


    [Ice Puck]


    The spear wielder froze in place, his body turning into an ice sculptor.


    The effect lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough for Nix to close the distance and stab through his chest. Four more spearmen wearing dark armor charged forward.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix let his flames wash over them while he held them in place with a dozen strands of Gemini flames.


    As quickly as it started, it was over. He found himself alone, with five corpses.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Morti''s big head pushed into his chest. "Nix!"


    "We''re in a fight Morti, be ready."


    Morti''s big head nodded up and down. "Got it Nix."


    Nix noticed that Ducky was holding her silver bow. "Can you hit anything with that yet?"


    Ducky shook her head. "Not really." She wrinkled her nose at the corpses. Those things feel strange Nix."


    He bent and opened the visor of the nearest fighter. "d.a.m.n..." Its face looked like an unfinished sculptor, the eyes were on different levels and the nose much too small for its face. He pulled the helmet off and cussed loudly. It had two small horns.


    [Direct Communication: Deidra]


    Nix should have been surprised to be looking at the face of a large black dragon, but he wasn''t. "Want you to see something"


    He bent forward and lifted the corpse slightly. A sudden intake of air announced the dragon''s displeasure. "Something you recognize?"


    "Yes. Would you do me a favor Nix?"


    "No, I''d have to like you for that to happen."


    "There will be payment involved. Remove the chest armor and place your hand on its skin." Deidra waited patiently for Nix to comply.


    Nix did what she asked, immediately he sensed a vibration under his palm. "It''s vibrating."


    Even with her in Dragon form, he sensed displeasure in her expression. She was silent for a few seconds. "You should be able to feel a small lump just under the skin above his heart."


    Nix nodded, the area in question looked red and inflamed. "Something hiding in there?" Without asking Nix took out a dagger and sliced open the skin. He held up the hand-sized scale after digging it out. "Dragon scale..."


    "Please remove all the scales." Deidra''s voice sounded the same, even though it came from two hundred feet of scaled death.


    Nix was already cutting open the second corpse. These came from a real and pure dragon, they could be made into anything. He stowed the last of them a few minutes later. "Why would they be susceptible to fire? They were enhanced right?"


    "You can''t keep those scales Nix."


    "The f*ck I can''t." Nix closed the communication.


    A holo of Deidra appeared in front of him a moment later. "Nix.."


    "This is some sort of forbidden Dragon Art right?" Nix glanced at the last corpse, it had less obvious mistakes than the others. "I''d say whoever is doing it is probably just learning. There''s progression if you look at all of them. They can''t fight for s.h.i.t."


    "No... as you say, the art is improving. In a relatively short amount of time, that will change. I''ve no idea how powerful these Tainted will become."


    Nix looked up at the word. "Tainted? Is that what you call them?"


    "Yes."


    "I''m keeping the scales. All of them. It''s the price for my silence."


    "Fine. Your part in the Provincial Academy Trials is now over. Form a team to hunt these things down."


    "I don''t work for you. Thanks for the help."

 Chapter 223 - Serasu Deployment

    "I don''t recognize the area." The Breach exit was located in a small wooded valley. "Scout around Ducky, could be that there are more Taints here." Nix checked his map and verified they were on an uncharted landma.s.s north of Jhabi.


    "Those things smell bad, Nix." Mort pushed a wet nose into the back of his head.


    The corpses had only been dead a few minutes; however, they were already starting to decompose.


    Nix started walking north down the valley. "I wonder if removing the dragon scale hurried things along. At this rate, they''ll be bones in a few days."


    Morti waddled alongside him, his big nose high in the air as if tasting it. "This place is kinda scary."


    "Don''t be such a baby. You''re the biggest one here."


    Morti nodded in agreement. "I''m very big. Ferocious, too, that''s what Ducky says." The black cave bear halted his steps and turned his head toward the dense undergrowth. A moment later, Ducky exited.


    "There''s a small tunnel leading down at the far end of the valley." Ducky had her bow slung over one shoulder.


    [You have received a package through Direct Communication:1 Vial of Pure Dragon Blood.]


    Nix raised one eyebrow. "Guess I should pay more attention to what my skills can do. " He opened the package and stowed the vial in his inventory before turning back to Ducky. "How big is this tunnel?"


    "You and I will have to crawl through, but Morti definitely won''t fit." She patted the black cave bear''s head when she said it.


    "I''ll send you back Morti when we get to an area that''s big enough to fight, I''ll call you back in."


    "Okay. Send me to the River, please."


    "You got it."


    [Create Breach: Haven]


    Nix waited until the bear waddled through the breach and then started towards the end of the valley at a trot.


    A few minutes later, he stopped at the narrow looking tunnel dug into the red dirt. There were thousands of claw marks scratched into the walls. Any normal-sized person would have to crawl on their hands and knees to get through.


    /Inferno: Nix: I can''t decide who I should deploy, so everyone needs to get ready for a Guild deployment. 15 minutes. That means the Inferno Rangers also Captain Locas.


    /Inferno: Locas: Understood, Sir.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    Available Allies


    1) Alpha Team


    2) Pathfinder Team


    3) Colonial Knights of Glory


    4) Souza Accord


    5) Fire Palace Acolytes


    6) Earth Temple Acolytes


    7) Air Palace Acolytes


    8) Gemini Palace Acolytes


    9) Central Kingdom: 1st Regiment Archers


    10) Ain''Dha.s.si: Inferno Ranger Company


    11) Broyan Alliance: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Regiments


    12) Captain Vooni''s Fire Team


    13) 12 Pillar Alliance


    14) Clan Strom


    15) Clan Xai


    16) Ain''Dha.s.si: Shadow Rangers


    17) Izzin Naval Fleet


    18 Miscellaneous Friends


    Nix whistled when he saw the new Deployment options. Two Fir''Dha.s.si Clans, the Ain''Dha.s.s Shadow Rangers, the Izzin Naval Fleet, and the Pathfinders had all been added. The big surprise came from the Miscellaneous Friends category.


    [18: Miscellaneous Friends]


    1) Elan Mtui


    2) Beta


    3) Raine Xai


    4) Del Tali


    5) Cora Tali


    6) Sai Tali


    7) Severance


    8) Shipwright Vy


    9) Morana


    10) Deidra Mtui


    Nix frowned at the last name on the list.


    [Direct Contact: Breach Commander Mtui]


    A life-sized holo of the dragonsp.a.w.n popped up in front of him. He had a sword in hand and was obviously instructing some sort of cla.s.s. "Nix! What can I do for you?"


    "You look busy, so I''ll be quick. What''re the criteria for people showing up under the Miscellaneous Friend Option in the Deployment Menu?"


    Mtui grinned. "You showed up in mine recently, my first new addition in quite some time."


    "Did I?" Nix hadn''t received any kind of notification. "You''re on mine also. How''s that work?"


    "It''s a hazy area and a favorite discussion topic of Breach Commanders. My opinion is that it shows a willingness to fight for what the other person deems important."


    "You''re on mine, also Commander Mtui." Nix was about to close the holo when Mtui continued.


    "Although some areas are sketchy, that part isn''t. When someone appears on your deployment list, you are definitely on theirs also."


    "Thanks for the information." Nix closed the contact and reopened the Deployment Menu. Looking at it objectively, he understood that although his Deployment List was extending, it was mostly like vastly inferior to the other three Breach Commanders. His allies were mainly from Colonial and Oasis; someone like Mtui was bound to have Allies throughout the Sky Kingdom.


    Nix used the Deployment Menu to summon all of Inferno, including the Rangers. He placed the Rangers on high ground within firing range of the tunnel.


    /Breach Commander Nix: This is most likely overkill, but we need to deploy more often. Changing to Guild Chat.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sharl, could you come to see me? Milat also please.


    /Inferno: Sharl: On my way.


    /Inferno: Milat. Be right there.


    Nix had given it a lot of thought while he spent the week crafting. All the pieces were in play for Inferno to become an Ascendant Guild; they just needed to continue moving forward.


    The Inferno tank was the first to arrive. She''d recently become a Gemini Defender; Nix was confident that she would pa.s.s through the Planar trial without issue.


    Sharl offered him a smile. "At your service Nix."


    Nix laughed at the words. "That sounds like something Ronnie would say."


    Sharl nodded in agreement. "Only it would mean something vastly different coming from her."


    "Summon Floyd for me, please." Nix had given her a Naga companion a few months earlier, his growth rate and intelligence were accelerated. His current appearance was that of a young male adolescent. He looked similar in appearance to Fajii, dark skin, pointed ears, and verticle irises.


    "Floyd?" Sharl tried not to frown. "He doesn''t really fight yet Nix."


    Nix put a hand on her shoulder. "According to Sorli, Naga''s are natural fighters. He''s part of your strength, and I''d like you to take him off the bench."


    Sharl sighed heavily. She had named him after a beloved grandfather who had pa.s.sed away. "You''re right; I''ve been holding him back."


    Floyd appeared a moment later wearing black leather armor, he carried two daggers, and a bow slung over his back. He seemed surprised to have been summoned.


    "I want you to watch our group and guild formations during this battle. Stay out of trouble and guard this." Nix handed him the Guild Guideon.


    Guideon: Inferno Battle Flag [Silver Standard]


    + 2000 AC


    +50 All Stats.


    +100 ATK


    +100 Defense


    Description: Plant your Guild Flag


    on the battlefield and reap the benefits


    of unity and loyalty. This effect is not


    stackable with other flags or guideons.


    Floyd''s handsome face lit up in a big smile. "Thanks, Nix!" He took a step away and then stabbed the pointed ended into the dirt. All of Inferno noticed a sudden increase in strength.


    Sharl started walking way, but Nix grabbed her arm. "Wait, please."


    Milat arrived a moment later; the Aquarion scout had been with him from the beginning. Nix felt confident that he and Mina could also pa.s.s the Planar Trial. He was planning to have Jun Li, and the three of them take it soon.


    "Are you interested in using this Milat?" Nix handed him one of the Trickster stones that dropped from the lower levels of the Gemini Temple.


    Milat took the stone from his hand and examined it carefully.


    [Gemini Trickster: 4th Tier]


    Nix handed the other Trickster stone to Sharl. She seemed more shocked than anything else until Nix pointed to Floyd. "The Trickster Cla.s.s combines rogue and crowd control elements. Elune has told me that their presence would often turn the tides in battle. At this point in our development, we need to strengthen ourselves and the companions we fight with."


    Milat didn''t need much time to consider it. "Thank you, Nix. I will accept your confidence."


    Sharl nodded slowly, she seemed hesitant, but she buckled under the pressure of Floyd''s stare. The tank stowed the stone in her inventory before turning toward the Naga. "You''ll learn it with Milat, and I expect you to do your best."


    Nix had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. It was precisely as Ronnie said, Sharl treated her companion like a little brother.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What''s the plan, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Set up a kill zone outside of this tunnel. I''m going to sneak in and start pulling them out.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Set up the raid however you like, I want you, me, Milat, Sharl, and Min all in one group. Charlie team was a bit of a bust; let''s change the designation to Hunter.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Understood Nix.


    [You''ve joined Hunter team Chat]


    /Hunter team: Nix: I''m going to start pulling in a few minutes. Once the immediate area inside the tunnels is clear, the rest of you will join me.

 Chapter 224 - House Assembly

    Nix activated what he was starting to consider his ''Stealth package'', which included stealth, Dragon Eyes, and the Ice ring. He paused for a moment outside of the tunnel. It was roughly three feet in diameter, not quite enough to warrant ''hands and knees'' but a bit too small for walking stooped over. The best option was walking with a very wide stance and exaggerated bent knees. The first tunnel ended in a small intersection and three new tunnels.


    The natural warmth of the ground provided Nix with enough light to navigate, there were no thermal signatures visible in any direction. He took the far-right option and continued the hunt. Another minute of traveling saw a second intersection, this one was crammed with Tainted.


    [Ice Flames: Lance]


    Nix targeted the closest Tainted and instkilled him. Immediately he reversed direction and headed back to the entrance.


    /Inferno: Nix: Incoming! These things are called the Tainted. There''s a dragon scale just under their skin that covers their hearts.


    /Inferno: Moki: Real dragon scales Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Grab them all and store them in the Guild Treasury. Later on, when we start learning Upper-plane recipes we''ll use them up.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''ll do the skinning.


    A few seconds later Nix exited the tunnel, a stream of nearly a dozen Tainted followed after him. The kill zone made tanks and healers irrelevant for this operation. None of the targets that exited survived.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Wow... they are weak.


    /Inferno: Nix: I have it on good authority that there are much stronger ones.


    Nix started back down the tunnel, hesitating for a moment outside the entrance. "d.a.m.n... I''m so stupid.''


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    The tunnel that had been awkward for him a few minutes earlier proved much easier as the Emerald Salamander zipped easily through the small pa.s.sages. Nix returned to the same route and managed to find another group after a few minutes.


    Over the course of two hours, Nix continued to bring Tainted out of the tunnels. During this time he discovered that each pa.s.sage eventually led to a large central chamber. The sounds of a battle could be heard in the distance.


    /Hunter: Nix: Enter the tunnels, far-right at the first intersection and then middle, middle and you''ll run right into me.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: On our way.


    While Nix waited he considered the Dragon blood that Deidra had given him. Any human he gave it to would immediately become a dragon descended and would logically receive the ent.i.tled bonuses. As a Salamander hybrid, he felt like it would be a betrayal to use it himself. Such a thing might benefit companions the most, however his companions didn''t seem like the best fit. He absolutely refused to evolve Soup any further, the SeTurtle was perfect as she was. The thought of her developing spines, spikes or scales seemed wrong.


    [Solomon City: Greater House a.s.sembly: 1500 hours]


    Fajii watched the proceedings with a fair amount of interest. The Alchemist had a thirst for knowledge that many of her kind didn''t possess. This extended to just about everything, not only medicinal plants. "The Empty Seat use to belong to the Oasis House?"


    Vooni nodded from the seat beside her. They sat in a large balcony area that looked down on the Greater House Cabinet. Deidra Mtui presided over the group, her chair was in the exact middle of the ''U'' shaped table. "Yes, there was a good chance that they might ascend to that position once again, but ..."


    Fajii hid a smile. Inferno had ensured that such a thing would no longer be possible. These Greater Houses underestimated everyone, she could feel the arrogance that emanated from the table below.


    "The Chair recognizes the House of Aquarion." Deidra reluctantly called the Aquarion House. After the Solomon City Administration topics were covered, each house was given the floor to address a single topic, if they chose. The Aquarion House always chose to take the floor in these monthly meetings.


    The Aquarion male stood up, he was dressed in dark blue robes and wore his white hair cut short. "Thank you. Today I would like to bring a formal complaint against a group that blatantly carried out a coordinated attack on the Aquarion House."


    Deidra understood that he was grandstanding, and didn''t bother to even look at him. Instead, she was scanning the upper seats.


    "The House of Tempest objects. This discussion is argumentative, not factual."


    "The House of Storms also objects, for the same reason, argumentative and not factual."


    Fajii lowered her voice and leaned closer to her trainer. "Is this normal?"


    Vooni shook her head. "No. This is not normal.


    Deidra turned to face the Aquarion Speaker. "Please stick to a presentation of the facts House Speaker Tuli."


    The Aquarion forced a smile. "Four recent arrivals of Solomon City attacked several of our members while they were drinking at the River Tavern. At the same time, our House was attacked and set on fire. Two of our Foundation members are missing along with several of our pillars. The raiding party also stole our tracking templates."


    "The House of Tempest objects. Who stands witness to this raiding party at the Aquarion House?"


    "The House of Storms also objects, for the same reason. Maybe the resulting damage to the Aquarion House was an experiment gone wrong. Please state facts that are backed by proof."


    Tuli gestured to a man sitting in the guest area. "Fellow Speakers, this is Beni Vol, he is the owner of the River Tavern."


    The tavern owner was a short bald man with broad shoulders. He moved forward until he was in the center of the ''U'' table.


    Deidra already knew the tavern owner, it was normal for fights to break out regularly at his establishment. "I give you free rein to address this cabinet, Mr. Vol."


    Tuli brought up a small hud before looking back at the Tavern owner. "You were present when the group I mentioned entered the River Tavern?"


    Beni nodded. "I was."


    Fajii leaned close and whispered in Vooni''s ear. "Why no mention of Beta?"


    Vooni smiled. "Beta is from the House of Dragons."


    Tuli continued. "Which side started the fight?"


    "The fight was started by the newcomers."


    "The House of Tempest wishes to ask questions."


    Deidra nodded. "I''ll allow it."


    The Speaker for the Tempest House was a dark-skinned woman with black eyes. She was dressed in plain leather armor and barely stood high enough to see over the table. "Mr. Vol, I''m Sasi Qi from the House of Tempest. You stated that four newcomers started the fight?"


    The Tavern Keeper nodded. "Yes."


    "What do you mean by newcomers?"


    "I heard them say that they recently pa.s.sed their Planar Trials."


    "How many people from the Aquarion House were present, and did you recognize any of them?"


    "There were six of them, I only recognized Zeryn and Bikto."


    Sasi nodded, her fangs showing in a smile before she continued. "So... four rookies, took down six members of the Aquarion House. This included Two Pillars and a Foundation member."


    Beni nodded his bald head. "Yes."


    "Interesting. Did you see who attacked first?"


    Beni scratched his chin as he recalled the event. "It was a gecko."


    The upper seating area erupted in loud laughter, this went on for several seconds before Deidra tapped her gavel on the table.


    Deidra glanced at the upper balcony. "Quiet please." Immediately everyone stopped laughing.


    Sasi turned slightly to face the Aquarion speaker, a small demon-like tail twitched behind her. "What happened after this gecko attacked?"


    "Ma.s.s panic, the members of the Aquarion House started screaming and breaking things. They even attacked innocent bystanders."


    Sasi smiled at the man and dismissed him with a wave. "The House of Tempest moves to close the floor."


    "The House of Storms seconds the motion."


    Deidrea nodded. "The motion is carried. You have one minute to finish Speaker Tuli."


    Tuli forced a smile and nodded. "We are going to pursue this matter. The people in question are all members of an Oasis Guild called Inferno. We cannot let this matter stand."


    "The House of Tempest objects, we are not allowed to raid the lower planes."


    "The House of Storms also objects, sending your people would cause an Archon burst. This would result in our over-worked Breach Commanders being bothered."


    Deidra brought her gavel down on the table, instantly gaining everyone''s attention. "The Inferno Guild Leader is a Breach Commander and is responsible for the well being of two separate lower-plane worlds. Additionally, the House of Dragons is allied with the Inferno Guild. I will view any act against them as an aggression towards me personally.

 Chapter 225 - Spectrum (Part One)

    Nix could see that there were at least a few dozen Tainted attacking near the back wall at the far end of the cavern. Several oil lamps hung from the rock walls. Evidently someone had been staying here.


    [Summons: Morti]


    [Summons: Cal, Tor, Shadai]


    Morti shook his body, sending droplets of water showering in all directions, apparently, he had been playing in the water.


    Nix pulled one of the bear''s ears. "Don''t do that right next to us!"


    The huge bear yowled. "No ear pulling!"


    Nix ignored his complaints and pointed to the far end of the cavern. "There''s a lot of mobs, but they are really weak. I want you to taunt them, while we burn em down."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nix! A breach just opened up in the middle of this valley, those Tainted thingies are pouring out of it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Need reinforcements?


    /Inferno: Semmi: No, we have the rangers, just want you to be aware in case a few of them sneak by us.


    /Inferno: Nix: Understood. Take all the scales you can.


    Nix considered Semmi''s words carefully as they made their way toward the fighting. If Tainted were being sent through a breach, it stands to reason that the culprit was a Breach Commander. Deidra also admitted that the Breach Commander ability was a Dragon skill. Nix felt like there were a few pieces missing still. Rogue Dragon? A hidden Breach Commander?


    Morti increased his speed the closer he got to the fighting. By the time he was within 10 meters of them, he was lumbering at a full gait. He entered their perimeter without slowing, swatting aside Tainted when they got in his way. At the center, he stood on his back legs and roared. The sound was nearly deafening in the enclosed cavern.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Morti''s huge paws slammed down on the rocks, stunning all enemies within range.


    [Absolute Defense]


    Morti has sh.o.r.ed up his defenses and has become difficult to hit.


    [Absolute Challenge]


    A t.i.tan has laid down a challenge, all enemies within range must accept.


    [Tide of Flames]


    Nix''s flames washed over the tightly packed Tainted, just as the rest of the group waded into them. Within a few minutes it was over and a pile of tainted lay on the rock floor.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Why were they so tightly grouped? What happened to their enemy?


    Nix was dragging Tainted away from the pile and relieving them of their dragon scales one by one. The last body revealed one last tunnel straight down, Nix could see the bottom only a dozen feet away.


    "Oh no..." Nix swore under his breath and eased himself down through the tunnel. A half dozen fur-covered corpses were present.


    /Hunter: Sharl: What''s wrong Nix?


    /Hunter: Nix: It''s my boys...


    Nix found Po''s body among the others and started searching for Amb and Tofo. He had met the Ferret-men on the 5th floor of Mermaid City where they had been imprisoned. Although he hadn''t known them long, Nix had taken a liking to the fierce companions. They had fought and shed blood together but in the end, separated and went in different directions.


    "Big Boss?" The tubby Ferret-man was sitting against the dirt wall holding Amb in his arms.


    "Hey, Fatty." Nix moved closer and knelt beside him. "Shadai! I need your help."


    Tofo was covered in blood, there was a deep slash across his abdomen that he held closed with one hand. "They were after our Spectrum."


    "Spectrum?" Nix moved to one side and let Shadai squeeze in.


    [Blessed Hands]


    Shadai frowned when she healed him, immediately trying again before glancing at Nix. "I can''t heal him Nix. His body isn''t accepting it."


    The Arch Wind moved among the corpses, testing to see if any of them could be rezzed. She shook her head at Nix a few minutes later.


    "F*ck..." Nix removed some cloth from his inventory and pressed it over Tofo''s stomach wound. The little Ferret was starting to wheeze and each breathe caused blood to bubble past his lips. "I''m sorry Tofo, we arrived too late."


    The ferret squeezed his hand slightly. "Hundreds of years of work, so of course we''d protect it. Everspire... they are trying to raise one of the fallen."


    "Everspire? Where is that? Is that a city?" Nix stroked the blood-matted fur on his head. A low death rattle sounded from Tofo and his head slumped forward.


    "Tofo! Hey!" Nix stared at him for a long moment with one hand still on his brow. "I wish you would have stayed with us."


    Shadai accepted a boost from Nix so she could climb out of the pit. It was much too small to flap her wings properly.


    Nix jumped out, his face was absent of expression. "They were good guys..."


    [Tide of Flames]


    Nix aimed over the pit and let his flames wash away the corpses.


    "They must have dug here to make a last stand. Or perhaps they knew of another pa.s.sage below." Nix shook his head, "no way to know for sure."


    Mina''s hand on his shoulder caused him to turn. "Sorry about your friends Nix."


    "I only knew them for a few hours, but they were an impressive group." Nix tolerated the Aquarion''s comforting, she stroked his hair softly not concerned that everyone was watching.


    Milat watched without comment, "these Tainted creatures feel wrong Nix."


    "Wait for me at the entrance. I''m going to close this tunnel up and then collapse this cavern." Nix took a half dozen sticky shaped charges and two contained firebombs.


    "Those look like explosives Nix." Jun Li had moved closer, she could feel that he was angry.


    "Yep. I made them with my Sabotage skill. You guys better start moving toward the exit." He waited while the group left, Mina unsummoned her Vila but didn''t follow the rest of the group.


    "I''ll wait here with you." Mina glanced down into the hole where Nix''s friends had died.


    "Suit yourself." Nix picked up the sticky shaped charges. They were contained in a cloth tube that strongly resembled a sock. The outside of the cloth was coated in a black tar-like substance that was sticky to the touch. He held it in his hand and spun it around a few times before flinging it upward at the ceiling. It stuck to the rock surface with a loud splat.


    He repeated the task with the other charges and then placed the firebombs on the floor twenty meters apart. "Almost ready." Nix opened his hud and found the Sabotage menu.


    [Set directional charge on Sticky Shaped charges?]


    "Yes, set direction as ''Up." Nix glanced at Mina before walking back to the makeshift grave. "It won''t go off until I set the Firebombs."


    The Aquarion nodded and slid a hand through his arm, together they walked back. She stood next to him on the edge. She remembered the prison raid where Nix had met the Ferrets. He talked about them fondly on occasion, she could sense that he wished them to stay. "Nix..."


    Nix looked up from his thoughts. "Sorry Min, I''m ready."


    Mina shook her head and pointed to the hole. "How come your three friends didn''t burn with the rest?"


    "Hmm?" Nix glanced down at the hole, there should only have been ashes and bone left, yet he could see the bodies of Po, Amb, and Tofo clearly. Their clothes had been burned off, but besides that they were intact.


    Nix jumped down into the small hole and knelt next to Tofo, he felt Mina following behind him. He checked the body carefully. "Doesn''t seem to be anything odd going on."


    Mina was checking the other two corpses, her pale alien eyes taking in every detail. "Shadai said that your friend couldn''t be healed, and now they can''t be burned. See the pattern?"


    Nix nodded. "Magic doesn''t work on them, that wasn''t the case in the Prison Raid."


    Mina placed a hand on Amb''s stomach and then quickly moved to Po. "They all have the same wounds Nix. These two have healed over."


    Nix examined the cut on Tofo''s stomach. "It looks like an old cut that reopened. Maybe during the fighting."


    Mina didn''t comment when Nix pushed his hand into the wound, she understood the reasoning. They could have hidden something. "I''ll check the other two."


    Nix ignored the sour taste in his mouth while he felt around inside of his friend, after a minute of searching he found something. He held up a blood-soaked hand and examined the object. It was a small metallic object, the size of a marble. "Found something."


    Mina found a similar object before moving to the last corpse. It took only a few moments to find the last one. "What are these things?"


    Nix handed Mina the third marble before giving her a boost out of the hole. "Not sure. Actually it could be part of their physiology for all I know. One way to find out."


    [Tide of Flames]


    Nix waited while flames washed over the grave of his friends. A quick peek over the side told them what they suspected. All three corpses were now cremated.


    Mina still held the three objects in her hand. She stared at them for a moment and then on a whim, tried to summon her Vila. "I can''t use magic."


    "Hmm?" Nix held out his hand and accepted them from Mina.


    [Lance: Ice Flames]


    You cannot cast this spell.


    /Hunter: Nix: Come back to the hole. We are going to delay leaving for a bit.

 Chapter 226 - Spectrum (Part 2)

    Nix waited while the group made their way back to them. During that time he tried gating and stowing the orbs away in his inventory, neither one of those could be done.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmie and Ronnie, come and see me immediately. At the tunnel intersections, go through the far-right and then the middle, middle. The last pa.s.sageway leads to the cavern where we are.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Another breach opened up a few minutes ago, as soon as we finish them we''ll be on our way.


    [Whisper Nix to Vooni] Need some advice if you have the time.


    [Whisper Vooni to Nix] Go ahead.


    [Whisper Nix to Vooni] Deidra Mtui gave me a few drops of her blood. I understand that it has many uses, what are the most significant?


    [Whisper Vooni to Nix] If it was me I''d consume all of it. Dragon blood enhances everything, including existing blood in a descendant like me. If I had more than a few drops, I would consume no more than five and save the rest for spirit companions.


    [Whisper Nix to Vooni] Thanks. Hey... How''s Fajii doing?


    [Whisper Vooni to Nix] She''s great, smart and hard-working. She''ll be a big force in my Fire team.


    [Whisper Nix to Vooni] Say hi to everyone.


    When the rest of the Hunter team arrived Nix had them wait. "We have a few things to discuss, then we are taking a trip."


    Ronnie and Sem arrived a few minutes later. The dark-skinned archer seemed more serious than usual.


    "From this moment forward, no one repeats anything discussed here without asking me. Not even with other officers." Nix held out his hand and displayed the three ''marbles'' he pulled out of his friends.


    Ronnie took one from his hand and held it between her fingers. "What is it?"


    "I think it called Spectrum, but I don''t know for sure. My friends thought it was more important than their lives. Try stowing it in your inventory."


    "Holy c.r.a.p." Ronnie must have attempted it, her face showed her surprise. "It has to be hand-carried?"


    Nix nodded, "not only that, you can''t gate or use any kind of magic while carrying it. By the same token, no magical spells will affect you, that includes both attacks and healing."


    Semmi put her hand out and held it in her palm. "I don''t sense any kind of energy. What''s the big deal?"


    "My friend said it was the culmination of hundreds of years of work. Take these three orbs to the Gemini Temple and store them in the altar."


    Semmi put out her hand for the rest of the orbs. "We going to walk back to Haven?"


    "I''m going to open a Breach. Hopefully, you can step through it with the orbs. " Nix didn''t even want to consider what would happen if they couldn''t.


    "I''ll take any scales you have if I''m going back anyway. " The blond officer was also holding all of the dragon scales. "Anything else?"


    Nix nodded and turned to Ronnie. "The Great Libraries share books and knowledge?"


    "Yes. I can access anything that other Great Libraries have. That would be the hud version of their books."


    "What about research? We need to find out about a few things, but it has to be done without alerting anyone that we are searching."


    Ronnie offered him a smile. "All searches in my library are hidden. Not only is the searcher anonymous, but so are the topics. I can research anything and no one will know."


    "Find out anything you can about Spectrum, Everspire, Fallen and Dragonblood." Nix gestured toward his group. "We are going to jump into the Tainted Breach."


    Semmi swore under her breath. "I want to go on an adventure Nix!"


    Nix patted her on the back. "We have to get you out of here. I believe the orbs are tracked. The Tainted will keep coming through the Breaches as long as we have them."


    Ronnie drew her bow and moved closer to Semmi. "We''ll get them home. Any chance they can track them once we are Haven?"


    Nix shook his head. "Doubtful, but I''ll have Elune put the Temple on alert. I''ll open a breach, keep me notified."


    [Create Breach: Haven: Gemini Temple]


    Nix watched the breach appear and a moment later Ronnie and Sem stepped through it. Immediately he started running toward the exit. "Let''s get back and hope for another Tainted Breach."


    [Whisper Nix to Elune] Put the Temple on high Alert. We are storing something valuable and there''s a chance it could be tracked.


    [Whisper Elune to Nix] Nothing can be tracked to the Gemini Temple while it resides in Haven, but I will do as you wish. We are now on high Alert.


    [Your Gemini Temple has been placed on HIGH ALERT, active patrols will continue around the clock until the alert is canceled.]


    Hunter team rejoined the rest of Inferno a few minutes later. According to Semmi, there had been three breaches about five minutes apart. All of them had occurred in the exact same area. Wylie took them to the location.


    He felt a hand on his arm and turned to see Ducky''s smiling face. "Are we going also, Nix?"


    "No. I''ll send you back to Haven before I leave."


    Morti''s big head pushed into him causing Nix to take a step back. "I should go with you Nix! What if you need me to protect you?"


    Nix grinned and hugged the bear''s neck, his arms weren''t long enough to reach around. "Don''t worry, I''ll bring you guys in if I need back-up."


    /Inferno Nix: Hunter Team is going to investigate the origin of Breach. We could use more information about what is going on.


    /Inferno: Wylie: What are our orders after you depart?


    /Inferno: Nix: Finish off the Tainted that comes through the breach and then I want everyone to leave.


    /Inferno: Locas: Do you want to take a few rangers with you, Sir?


    /Inferno: Nix: No. Be sure to erase any obvious signs that we were here. I don''t want anything left behind that will point to us.


    Nix brought up his Sabotage menu and ignited the Contained Firebombs. This set off a chain reaction causing the collapse of the cavern after everything was scorched clean. The ground shook for a few moments while dust and smoke shot out of the only entrance.


    /Inferno: Locas: The Rangers will handle the clean-up once the rest of Inferno leaves.


    /Inferno: Nix: Perfect. We may be out of touch for a while, but I plan on returning by this evening.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] The orbs are stored in the altar. I put the dragon scales in the treasury.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Thanks.


    The team only had to wait a few minutes before a breach appeared. Nix could sense it opening a moment before it appeared.


    /Hunter: Nix: On me!


    Nix ran toward the spot and was going through just as the Tainted were exiting. Milat and Sharl bowled a few of them over but everyone made it through.


    The team experienced a moment of vertigo before crashing heavily onto the cobblestone street.


    [You have discovered the hidden continent of Everspire]


    [Guild Chat is disabled]


    [Personal Messaging between worlds has been disabled]

 Chapter 227 - Spectrum (Conclusion)

    [A new Guild Quest is Available: The Fallen Cities]


    "Welcome." A deep voice br.i.m.m.i.n.g with power spoke from directly in front of them. Nix took a step back from what he had a.s.sumed was a pile of black rubble.


    The black dragon stood slowly, scales popped off his body and landed onto the cracked stone of the street. His skin was visible in dozens of areas, it looked diseased like some sort of rot was ravishing it. The wings were ragged and torn, definitely not capable of flight.


    "Thanks, I apprecia.." Nix interrupted himself by attacking immediately


    [Flashbade]


    Nix targeted the area on the beast''s neck where rotting flesh signified the absence of scales, his red scimitar bit deep into the dragon. He retreated by leaping onto the creature''s back. An instant later the dragon''s neck coiled around and he was bathed in dragon flames.


    Sharl charged in and slammed her shield into the beast''s chest causing scales and flesh to fly off in huge chunks.


    [Swapped out]


    Jun Li replaced Sharl and sliced deeper into the wound that Nix had already made.


    Milat moved behind the dragon while all of Mina''s Vila attacked its front leg. Nix waited until the flames finally stopped and then tossed an Ice grenade into its gaping maw.


    [Ice Puck]


    The dragon''s body shook when it shrieked in agony. A dozen strands of Ice Flames punched through the exposed snout and down through its lower jaw.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third Form: Archon]


    He took to the air, both hands grasping the strands as he pulled the huge head off the ground.


    Jun Li flowed in like water, targetting the same weakened area she put together a fearsome combo that ended with her blade striking at the bone.


    [First strike] [Double Strike]


    Jun Li has scored a critical hit on Yandro.


    [Mericless Strike]


    Milat has scored a critical hit on Yandro


    [Defender''s Blockade]


    Sharl has formed a perfect defense, all enemies must attack her for the next 30 seconds.


    [Lance: Ice Flame]


    [Lance: Ice Flame]


    [Lance: Ice Flame]


    Nix spammed Ice Lance, when the dragon slammed its head against Sharl, his flames strands snapped and he was thrown into the air along with the tank.


    Nix banked and then dived, just managing to catch Sharl while coming back in. He released her a few feet off the ground and then flashed toward the dragon.


    A wide-open mouth snapped toward Nix, he managed to avoid the teeth but was knocked upwards by the gigantic head again. This time a dozen Ice Flame strands flew out from his hands and sunk deep into the dragon''s face. The sudden stop caused the beast''s head to tilt upward, Nix immediately jerked backward and flames that were meant for Jun Li shot harmlessly into the air instead.


    [Sudden Strike]


    Jun Li has scored a critical hit on Yandro.


    Yandro has been mortally wounded.


    [Critical Chain: Execution: Advanced]


    A long thick strand of razor-sharp Ice Flames struck at the neck of the dragon, the bone broke with a sudden crunching sound and Yandro''s head flopped on the ground, only attached by the smallest piece of skin.


    Yandro the Indomitable has been slain.


    A bright light exploded outward, completely enveloping Hunter Team.


    An instant later Nix found himself standing in a courtyard, speaking with two other individuals.


    "There has to be a better alternative Yandro."


    The speaker was looking directly at him, it was here that Nix realized he was not in control. He felt his own head shake. "There is nothing else Taiyu, I can no longer support this city."


    The voice that came out of his mouth wasn''t his, it sounded ancient and worn.


    "There are still three of us that aren''t bound to a city, perhaps if we rotated in we could a.s.sume the caretaking of Elynmoor." An easily recognizable voice caused Nix to pay closer attention.


    She was younger, but there was no mistaking the face, Deidra Mtui.


    Again Nix felt his head shake. "You will have to take over Solomon City in a few years, my time has come. I will accept that."


    The scene changed again, Nix was receiving a report from a dragonsp.a.w.n. "Father, the entire city has been locked down. No one is able to use Archon skills within the city."


    Nix felt his eyes scanning the landscape, the Greater houses were set up exactly like Solomon City. Suddenly Nix felt his point of view change as he grew to a tremendous size. "Summon all the Greater Houses into the street. I will address my people."


    The Greater Houses didn''t take long to a.s.semble into a formation, all of them bowed deeply before the Indomitable Yandro. Instead of speaking he took to the air, his magnificent form flying over them caused them to gasp in awe. The gasps turned to screams of agony when he scorched them with dragon fire.


    Morning came after the night of flames, once again he was receiving a report. "Father, no one from the Greater Houses remains alive."


    "And the lesser houses?"


    "We cleansed them while you addressed your people."


    Nix''s view of the world darkened for a long time, slowly he felt his body respond. He turned over onto his stomach and opened his eyes slowly. "My f*cking head..."


    He sat up slowly and found himself sitting in front of the dead dragon. All four of Mina''s Vila were feeding on it, he didn''t bother to stop them. He spotted Sharl and Jun Li a few meters away.


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai]


    The Arch Wind Priestess appeared an instant later.


    [Combustion]


    Emerald flames surrounded Nix while slowly healing him.


    "Check out the others in the group please."


    Mina was the furthest away, she seemed to have taken little damage and sat up when Nix placed a hand on her arm. "You okay Mina?"


    Mina''s pale eyes had tears in them. "I... Killed them all Nix. The entire city, like they were vermin."


    Nix shook his head and helped her up. "No, you were a bystander inside of Yandro''s body, I had the same vision."


    "You should stop your Vilas now. Too much dragon flesh wouldn''t benefit them." Nix turned back toward the dragon corpse, just as the other three were getting to their feet.


    /Hunter: Nix: We all had the same vision, Yandro must have given us that experience as a parting gift.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: I''m glad we killed him now. What a monster...


    /Hunter: Nix: Somehow the cities of Sky Kingdom are directly related to the Dragons. We will have to consider this carefully before we fully ascend.


    /Hunter: Sharl: What now?


    /Hunter: Nix: I want to explore the city. Find out a bit more. We''ll take all the scales Yandro has left.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Explore in pairs?


    /Hunter: Nix: Yes, you and Sharl will pair up and head north. I''ll take Milat and head south.


    /Hunter: Mina: What about me?


    /Hunter: Nix: You''ll stay and watch over the salvage team.


    /Hunter: Mina: You''re going to bring in more of us?


    /Hunter: Nix: We are standing in front of a dragon corpse. It''s an Alchemist treasure trove.


    Nix stared back at the dragon, whatever was ravaging its body had weakened it to the point where Hunter Team could take him down. Regardless of how weak it was, killing a dragon is always impressive.


    [Create Breach Haven: Elynmoor: Hyai, Nansu, Moki]


    The three travelers appeared in front of Hunter team a moment later.


    Hyai has joined Hunter channel.


    Nansu has joined Hunter channel.


    Moki has joined Hunter channel.


    /Hunter: We don''t have a lot of time, in front of you is a dragon corpse. I want anything that we can salvage. Meat, blood, bones, teeth, claws or whatever. Two hours and we are out of here. Mina will watch over you while the rest of us explore.


    Milat was already waiting for him when he finished briefing the newcomers. Like Mina, the Aquarion was also in a somber mood. It wasn''t every day that you witness wholesale slaughter of your own allies.

 Chapter 228 - Dragon Hoard

    /Hunter: Jun Li: There are weapons and armor everywhere.


    /Hunter: Nix: Take everything. All of you have seen what happened here, these were all very strong people.


    /Hunter: Sharl: Where''re all the bones? Shouldn''t there be lots of bones?


    /Hunter: Nix: Dragon fire is the highest tier, it turns bones into ash.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Why didn''t it affect you Nix? You took a blast directly.


    /Hunter: Nix: He was only a fraction of what he used to be.


    Milat and Nix walked side-by-side. The streets were overgrown with weeds and moss covered the walls of every building. They walked to the edge of the city and climbed stone stairs up. The city was wedged carefully on the top of a mountain peak.


    "Have you ever seen anything like this Nix?" Milat stared out at the mountain range, "they called this Everspire?"


    Nix nodded slightly. "I believe this city was once part of the Sky Kingdom. I have no idea what caused it to end up here. We should put this entire topic aside for now."


    "I agree." Milat turned to face Nix, the Aquarion looked rattled. Perhaps it was to be expected since the water creature had just faced off against the most fierce fire beast of all.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Nix, we''ve found something. Come at once.


    Nix and Milat headed North, they pa.s.sed the salvage crew along the way, the dragon was slowly disappearing.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Take a left at the statue, there''s a courtyard with an open grate on the ground. Sharl will meet you there.


    Nix cursed when he noticed the open Iron gate leading to the Courtyard. It was exactly the same as Deidra Mtui''s. Sharl waved to him from the opened grate and led them down a steep stone ramp.


    /Hunter: Nix: How come it''s always underground?


    /Hunter: Sharl: Cuz bad s.h.i.t happens underground.


    Nix stopped at the bottom of the ramp. "The f*ck is this?"


    /Hunter: Nix: Sharl take Milat and find the House of Dragons, it should be attached to this courtyard. We need more information. Take every book, doc.u.ment or anything that looks important.


    Nix moved beside Jun Li who appeared to be counting. "How many?"


    Jun Li''s pretty face was smudged with dirt, strands of her hair had worked loose and hung in her face. "Thirty-five, from the appearance of the floor it should have been more like eighty-five.


    The bodies of dragonsp.a.w.n were laid out in an orderly manner, each of them was encased in an amber-colored wax.


    Nix touched the wax, it was sticky and warm on the tips of his fingers. "Eighty-five would match up exactly to the scales we pulled off the Tainted. He was bringing them back."


    "Are these dead then?" Jun Li could see the clear images of faces through the amber.


    "They must be, or else he wouldn''t have used his own scales to animate them. Whatever art he was using warped their bodies and abilities. We wouldn''t have matched up well with this group in their prime."


    Jun Li suppressed a shiver. "This place was so creepy. One last thing I wanted to show you."


    Nix followed Jun Li to a large raised platform. There were several tubes coming out of the floor when he picked up one, three feet of sharpened bone slid out. "This platform is big enough for a dragon. Draining his blood maybe?"


    Jun Li shrugged, "I was thinking the same thing, only maybe mana or life-force?" She looked back toward the bodies that were still encased in wax. "What about them?"


    "Go help Sharl and Milat. I will finish up here."


    Nearly two hours later the group reconvened at the dragon corpse. Sometime during the previous hour, it started decomposing at an accelerated rate. Even the bones were becoming brittle. There were piles of boxes and containers of all shapes and sized. The group had to raid the surrounding shops to accommodate the incredible h.o.a.rd. Nix faced the group, just the stacks of weapons and armor alone were impressive.


    /Hunter: Nix: Everything here, and I mean every single piece is going to be stored in the Gemini Treasury and secured. No one can know what we found here. All the books and doc.u.ments will be turned over to Ronnie, she will be researching this.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: There''s a lot of nice stuff here, but I see the point.


    /Hunter: Sharl: What''s next for us then?


    /Hunter: Nix: We''ll consider our actions carefully, but for now we will continue to challenge the Planar trials and prepare to raise the Greater House of Inferno.


    /Hunter: Nansu: I don''t even have proper recipes for most of this stuff, but I''m going to work on it.


    /Hunter: Nix: Work on leveling up. The level cap in Oasis is 125, once you get there you can upgrade your Cla.s.s.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Our Gemini cla.s.ses can be upgraded to the 5th tier at that time.


    /Hunter: Nix: Let''s go, we''ll store this and I''ll make a report to Deidra.


    /Hunter: Jun Li: Is that wise?


    /Hunter: Nix: If I give her enough information it will end there. I don''t want her to start investigating.


    I don''t think she''s the enemy here, but we aren''t likely to start drinking together.


    [Direct Contact: Deidra Mtui]


    Nix sat on the throne of the Gemini Temple and opened up communication with Deidra.


    The lifesize holo glanced around the room and then at him. "That wouldn''t be a throne would it?"


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his smile. "It is."


    "Were you able to find the source of the Tainted?"


    Nix shook his head. "They kept coming through multiple breaches. Who was sending them?"


    Deidra shook her head. "I have no idea. How many did you kill?"


    "I think the number was around 120. We''d have been in trouble had I not called in my Rangers."


    "Any idea what they might have been after?"


    "No. When we pursued them they were fighting with an odd ferret race that burrowed into the ground. I''m not sure who started it. When we arrived the Tainted were already dead and we had to deal with the ferrets."


    "A hundred and twenty dragon scales? That''s quite a bounty."


    Nix shrugged and suppressed an urge to give her the finger. "We''re keeping all of them." He closed the communication without saying anything further.


    [You''ve received a package from Deidra Mtui: Dragon Fir Sapling] Attached Message.


    "The h.e.l.l is a Dragon Fir Sapling?" Nix peeked inside and discovered a small tree sapling, less than a foot in height.


    Nix,


    It was generous of you to leave me such a nice Tree House in Dragonvale. Now I have the perfect place to watch the festivities next time.


    Deidra.


    Nix scowled at the message. "My f*cking Tree House..."


    A few minutes later Nix was riding the demon mare through the tall gra.s.s of the plateau. She moved like the wind. He rode for quite some time before finally heading back to the ranch.


    Shae greeted him when he walked in, she was sitting in the kitchen with Milat and Rico.


    "Shouldn''t you be at the Bazaar crafting something?" He ribbed his dad before giving Shae a quick kiss. All his old man did was work.


    His dad nodded in agreement. "Nice work with the Flag and Guideon Nicky. I never would have thought of that."


    "Yes, you would have. Going to take a shower."


    A few minutes in the shower had Nix feeling like himself again. He sat on the end of his bed while considering his next steps.


    [Whisper: Shana to Nix] Nix! I need your help, someone has taken my Gram.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shana] Someone took Maye? Are you safe? Where is Lela?


    [Whisper: Shana to Nix] Mom and I are at the Boutique in Jenzi.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shana] Stay there, I''m on my way.


    /Inferno: Nix: Heading to Jenzi for a bit if anyone needs me.


    Nix put his gear back on and headed into the kitchen. "I should be back in time for dinner."


    Shae and Milat were playing cards with his dad, none of them looked up.


    Nix was tempted to s.n.a.t.c.h the cards but he refrained himself. "Right... Cya later then."


    [Create Breach: Jenzi]


    Nix stepped through the Breach an instant later. Shana''s Boutique looked a lot better than it had in previous days. He pushed the door open and walked inside.

 Chapter 229 - A Clear Message (Part One)

    "Nix!" Shana charged across the room and flung herself at him. Her curly brown hair covered her face as she hugged him tightly.


    Nix picked her up and sat her on the counter. He turned to face Lela who was walking in from the backroom. "What''s going on here Lela?"


    "Wait please." Lela walked to the front door and put up the closed sign before shutting all the blinds in the display windows.


    Nix leaned against the counter, Shana had an arm around his neck. He noticed right away that Lela seemed gaunt and stressed.


    Lela stood in front of him a moment later, gripping her hands tightly together. "It started a few weeks ago. Some bad people started hanging around in front of our shop, scaring customers away."


    "Provost Marshal didn''t do anything about it?''


    "They did, but they can''t be here all the time." Lela''s eyes stared at the floor. "It was my idea to pay them, we were making lots of profit. Only..."


    "Only they wanted more." Nix frowned, it was nothing more than a cla.s.sic shakedown.


    Lela nodded. "Mom refused to pay any more and said that she was going to report them."


    "Any idea where I might find them?" Nix spoke calmly. He''d already decided his course of action.


    "I don''t know much about them Nix." Lela''s voice shook slightly when she spoke. "One of them seems to know one of the women who run a Day-Shop in the market."


    "I see." He picked up Shana and set her on the floor. "Do you know this woman Shana?"


    Shana nodded. "Yes. She yells at the other merchants a lot."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    The blue-haired Water Witch appeared with a small smile. "Hi, Nix."


    "These are my Jenzi friends Ducky, we are going to help them." Nix grabbed Shana''s hand and pulled her forward.


    Ducky smiled at the little girl, she loved all things cute and Shana was very cute. "We''ll definitely help you."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of this." Nix smiled slightly, "well... I suppose examples have to be made." He pulled Shana toward the door. "Maybe it''s time you guys moved to Glory."


    A few minutes later Nix, Shana, and Ducky arrived at the market. The Day-Shop owners were getting ready to close up after a long day of haggling. Shana stopped at the edge of the market and pointed. "That''s her, The blue pants and white shirt.


    Without asking Ducky moved forward, Nix and Shana held back although the little girl wanted to get closer.


    "Aren''t we going to help her Nix? What if there''s a fight?"


    "Ducky is very formidable, no one ever wants to fight her."


    Shana stared at the blue-haired girl, Ducky had already struck up a conversation with the merchant. It was only a few minutes before she returned.


    "Does she know where Maye is?" Nix noticed immediately that Ducky seemed irritated.


    Ducky nodded. "She''s not a nice person Nix, none of them are. There''s a compound 15 minutes east of here. That''s where they took her."


    "Let''s bring Shana back and then I''ll deal with them."


    Ducky nodded before letting Nix and the little girl move ahead of her. The Water Witch turn back toward the woman with who she had been conversing with and nodded her head slightly. The merchant pulled a dagger out of her belt and plunged it into her own throat.


    "Everything okay Ducky?" Nix turned to check on her only to find she had been lagging behind a bit.


    "Yep. I was just noticing some of the nice clothes. Perhaps you''d make me some new things."


    "Of course, whatever you like." Nix considered his options while they walked back. "You said compound? That means money, maybe even power."


    "The compound is owned by Qellis Vinter, his Dad''s uncle is the King of Escavar." Ducky smiled sweetly like she was discussing flower arrangements.


    Nix shrugged. "Probably be easier if it was the King himself. In the end, it doesn''t matter. Maye is like my own Gram, I will teach them regret."


    After arriving back at the boutique, Nix told Lela to start packing up. "We''ll figure something out. I want to make sure this never happens again."


    "You''re leaving us? What if they come back?" Shana squeezed his hand tightly. "They might try and take mom."


    "I suppose some protection is required. How about a bear?" Nix noticed that Ducky clapped happily.


    "A bear?" Shana''s cute face seemed unsure. "Is he friendly?"


    Nix nodded. "Very friendly."


    Shana looked at her mom who was staring at Nix. "Is he cute?"


    "Not really, but he is really fat." Nix glanced around the boutique before turning to Ducky. "Think he''ll fit in here?"


    Ducky shook her head. "Nope."


    Nix walked outside and waited until the street was fairly clear.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Morti appeared a moment later, his big head turning from side to side. "Where we at Nix?"


    "Jenzi, I have a vital mission. Part of our family has been taken, you have to protect Shana and her mom until I get back."


    "Protection? I''m the best bodyguard." Morti sat his big b.u.t.t on the cobblestone sidewalk. "Where they at?"


    "In the shop behind you." Nix pointed to the boutique door. Shana''s little face was plastered against the gla.s.s, her eyes wide with shock. "Don''t let anyone hurt them."


    "Is she part of our family?" Morti stuck his face closer to the window, his breath fogging it up.


    "Yes."


    Morti turned back toward Nix, even sitting down his head was higher than the top of the door. "So, I''m like a big brother."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "A big fat brother."


    [You''ve a.s.signed a t.i.tan to a protection mission, half of his health has been added to theirs]


    "Holy c.r.a.p..." Nix glanced through the door to make sure neither of the females exploded.


    "I promise to take good care of them." The bear scooted backward until his b.u.t.t was against the door.


    Nix sat comfortably on his demon mare, he let Ducky use Flash for this mission. "Do you understand your part?"


    Ducky nodded. "What''s your horse''s name? She''s pretty."


    "I haven''t decided yet. I''m leaning toward Deidra." Nix had stopped at a small hill overlooking the compound. It was comprised of a half dozen smaller buildings and a very respectable-looking mansion.


    Ducky pursed her lips. "Like the Lady Dragon? I don''t like that name very much."


    "That''s kinda the point." Nix laughed at the face she made. "Go in and get Maye, Shadai will be here waiting if she needs to be healed."


    Ducky nodded and turned Flash toward the compound.


    [Summons: Fey]


    The Silver Drakon seemed surprised to be in Colonial. She knelt slightly and let Nix mount up.


    Nix patted her shoulder. "We''re gonna burn stuff Fey. There''s no need to hold back."


    Fey''s sleek silver head turned toward him. "My favorite thing."


    [Summons: Shadai, Cal, Tor]


    The three Arch Winds hovered in the air, a small cloud of dust was pushed up by the gentle flapping of their white wings.


    Tor bowed, "at your service Nix."


    "An old woman will be here in a few minutes, she made need some healing. Protect her until I get back." Nix watch while Ducky approached the front gate, one of the guards challenged her but a few seconds later they let her in.


    It was less than five minutes before Ducky left again, from the distance Nix could tell she was riding double.


    "That''s my girl. Let''s go." Fey powered off the ground with a spring of her legs, strong wings flapping hard as they climbed upward. "Stealth up Nix?"


    "No. Let them see us coming."

 Chapter 230 - A Clear Message (Conclusion)

    Nix didn''t do anything during the first pa.s.s. Fey scorched the main house and then banked hard to make another pa.s.s. She could feel Nix getting ready to jump off so she came in low.


    He jumped off Fey in mid-flight and hit the ground hard; a quick roll and he was back on his feet. "QELLIS VINTER!" Nix shouted at the house, two Fire Mages came barreling out of the door, both struck at him with Balefire.


    "Balefire... Not bad. Where is your Master? I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno and I''d like a word with him." Nix didn''t bother attacking either one.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turned deep orange while he scanned the house for Lord Vinter.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Neither Mage attempted another attack, their flames were completely ineffective.


    Nix touched the huge wooden door at the front of the mansion, it burned brightly for a moment and then burst inward. His thermal vision told him the first floor was empty except for three people that were huddled in the kitchen, he opened the door slightly to verify their ident.i.ty. "Kitchen staff?"


    The woman wore an ap.r.o.n that was covered in flour, she held a large knife in front of her. Both of her helpers were hiding behind her. "Stay back!"


    "You should leave quickly, this place won''t survive my arrival." Nix walked toward the staircase, behind him he left a trail of flames on the wooden floor. He ignored the help when they ran for the exit.


    Two armored men blocked his path at the top of the stairway.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix didn''t bother drawing his sword, his blurred form appeared in front of the men and he slammed a fist into each their chests. Both men flew into the far wall like broken kites before crumbling to the ground.


    "QELLIS VINTER!" Nix scanned the upper floor, there were only four people left in the burning house. From their sizes, two of them were children.


    Nix walked down the hall to the room where they hid, the flames from the wooden house were climbing higher. He kicked the door open only to get shot in the abdomen by a crossbow. The bolt didn''t survive his armor. The shooter''s eyes held an image of victory for a moment, it quickly faded when his target stepped inside the room unscathed.


    "Lord Vinter, nothing but a petty criminal preying on the hard-working people of Jenzi." Nix recognized the man''s stark terror. He was standing in a puddle of his own p.i.s.s, the crossbow had been dropped to the floor.


    "Who sent you? I''ll double whatever they''re paying you!" Lord Vinter''s voice wavered when he spoke, behind him a young woman was shielding twin girls.


    Nix knew from real life, even bad people had families. They didn''t deserve the grief that came their way, but that didn''t stop him from taking action. "I sent myself. That old woman that you grabbed from Jenzi, I consider her my Gram. You should have known better."


    "Wait! Let my family go!" The man crouched on the floor, his face pleading with Nix.


    "Sure."


    [Open Breach: Jenzi]


    Nix glanced at the young woman. "Step through the breach, you''ll be safe."


    The woman nodded and grabbed her children''s hands, she rushed toward the breach without looking back. When she crossed in front of Qellis, the man moved with her and shoved them at Nix before leaping into the breach.


    Nix stared in shock at the woman and two young girls who were now laying on the floor. He would have guessed the woman''s age at around twenty-five and the kids nine or ten. "I did not see that coming."


    The woman''s eyes were on the breach, they showed little surprise. "Then you don''t know Qellis very well."


    Nix shook his head in disgust and helped the woman get up. "Go on through, it''s safe."


    He waited for a moment and then followed them.


    "LET ME GO AT ONCE YOU STUPID ANIMAL!" Qellis lay flat on his back outside of Shana''s Boutique. One huge paw pinned him to the street in front of the shop.


    "You look like a bad man." Morti seemed unconcerned with the flaying limbs of Lord Qellis or the crossbow he held in one hand. The bear cub looked up when more people pa.s.sed through the breach.


    When the breach closed, the woman turned to face Nix, her voice lowered. "Is there any chance that you will be releasing him?"


    "Nope."


    The woman nodded and walked toward the man, she took one big step and then kicked him in the face. Her pale face was red with anger, she stomped back toward Nix and grabbed her daughter''s hands.


    Nix waited until they turned the corner before turning back to Qellis. "Kinda looks like she enjoyed that s.h.i.thead. Let him up."


    Qellis didn''t bother trying to talk, he rolled to his feet and started running down the street. "PROVOST! PROVOST!"


    [Balefire: Gemini Flame]


    Nix''s flames slammed into the fleeing man, his body erupting suddenly in a cloud of ashes.


    Nix pinched his nose in disgust, "don''t breathe those ashes in Morti, dumba.s.s can be contagious." He bent down and picked up the crossbow that Qellis had dropped.


    Morti nodded and covered his nose with a big paw. "I don''t want to catch it."


    An hour later Nix had taken the newest members of Inferno to the Gemini Temple. Maye lay on a small cot in the Sanctuary; Elune was attending her.


    "Nix." Elune lowered her voice while Shana and Lela sat near the cot. The Gemini priestess grabbed his arm gently and led him away.


    Nix''s face was grim, he had seen the look before. It was the same look the doctors wore when they tended Lisa. "She''s not going to make it?"


    Elune shook her head slightly. "She''s old Nix, too old to be treated so badly. I would guess that she won''t last the night."


    "Got any wine? I could use a gla.s.s if you do." Nix tried to keep the frown off his face, Shana was all smiles, holding her Gram''s hand.


    He left them there, walking out of the temple to the long gra.s.s of the plateau. Nix removed the Dragon Fir from his inventory, remembering that he planted a tree when his sister died.


    He placed a hand on the ground and used a dozen strands of Ice Flames to scoop out the dark soil beneath the gra.s.s. The Ice Flames caused the gra.s.s within a dozen meters in all directions to disappear in a cloud of ash. "It''s a stupid tradition... planting a tree when someone you care about dies." Nix used his hands to fill in the hole around the tree. The melting Ice Flames were already dampening the soil.


    When he finally stepped away, he was immediately consumed with a desire to kick it down. "F*cking Dragon Fir tree. Who knows what a f*cking dragon tree is?"


    Nix stared at the tree for a few minutes and then walked back into the Temple. Maye and her family were exactly how he had left them. He noticed that Elune held a gla.s.s of wine in her hand. "That for me?"


    Elune nodded and handed it to him, smiling when he took a drink. "It might be a bit sweet for your taste."


    Nix took a drink, letting the sweet taste linger in his mouth for a moment before swallowing. "Could I have a moment alone with Maye?"


    Maye was propped up with several pillows. Her kind face looked tired, she smiled gently when they exited. "You''ll take care of my girls Nix?"


    "You know I will." Nix squeezed her hand, he could think of no comforting words so he was silent.


    "My legs are really sore Nix, my arms also." She smiled weakly at him.


    "Close your eyes for a bit, I have something that will make you more comfortable." Nix removed the vial of Dragon blood from his inventory. It was nearly the size of a test tube, Deidra had been very generous. He used one of his Tailoring needles to place one small drop into the wine gla.s.s he held. After swirling it around he placed it in Maye''s hand.


    The old woman opened her eyes at the touch of the cool gla.s.s. "I''m not much of a drinker Nix."


    "Just this one time, it will ease the pain." Nix watched as Maye drank the rest of his wine, then he took the gla.s.s and stowed it away. "Try and get some rest."


    Nix exited the Sanctuary a few minutes later, Lela was carrying the sleeping Shana in her arms, Elune was with them. "Can they stay in the sanctuary tonight?"


    Elune nodded, she kept a small hut there for sleeping. "I''ll have some cots brought in."


    Nix waited until they left, then he walked to the far side of the Training Yard.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Shadai, Tal, Cor]


    Nix held his finger up to his lips. "Stealth mission. Line up please." He took the vial of dragon blood out of his inventory and removed the stopper. He dipped his Tailoring needled into the dark red fluid. "Time for some upgrades."


    He gave three drops to Ducky, two drops for each of his Arch Winds, and 10 drops for Fey. "Find someplace quiet and get some rest."


    An hour later Nix was standing in front of the tree he had planted, nearly half the vial was left. Inferno already had large storages of Dragon blood from Yandro. "We have to pace ourselves, at this point I worry about joining Solomon City."


    Vooni probably would have cried had she seen Nix empty the remainder of the vial onto the Dragon Fir tree. He stared at the tree for a long moment until a soft muzzle pushed against the back of his neck. He turned to see his demon horse. "Don''t even think about eating my tree."


    The demon horse walked with him back to the river, Nix''s hand rested on her mane while he talked to her. "What''s wrong with Flash? I want you guys to start pushing out demon colts."


    They stopped by the river so she could drink. Nix noticed that he was still carrying the vial in his free hand, there was a bare amount of dragon blood left in the bottom. "Can''t be more than two drops." He stared at the blood and then back at the demon horse, a slow grin invading his features. "I have something nice but you have to promise you won''t eat my other horses.

 Chapter 231 - Nether Summons

    Nix lay in bed in the early hours before dawn, soft red hair covered most of his chest while the sleeping salamander used him as a pillow. Unable to sleep he extricated himself from her embrace and dressed in the dark.


    A few minutes later he grabbed some hot tea and headed to the guild office. His pillow and blanket were on the couch, however, Semmi was nowhere in sight. "Time to read the dockets."


    Nix had just opened up the desk hud when a knock sounded at the door, he frowned at the dha.s.si that waved from the other side. "Great..."


    Raine smiled pleasantly when he opened the door for her. "Good morning Nix."


    "I''m very busy this morning Raine." Nix noticed that for once Raine wasn''t wearing worn leather armor. She upgraded to black leather and her hair was up in a topknot.


    "My Master and I will be reporting to Loki on the morrow, I want to ensure that everything is set for the Wrath course."


    Nix nodded and pretended that it hadn''t completely slipped his mind. "Will you be a.s.sisting him?


    "Of course, since we are paying back a debt I want to make sure that we do a proper job." Raine took the seat on the couch.


    "I am going to Loki this afternoon after I peruse the morning dockets." Nix took a sip of his tea and leaned back in his chair. "I could give you a tour."


    "I''ve been hearing a lot of different rumors." Rain''s brown eyes watched him. "Would you mind answering a few questions?"


    "Didn''t I say I was busy?" Nix sat the tea down and looked toward the door, it was an obvious hint that anyone would understand.


    Raine nodded, "you did. Are you a Breach Commander Nix?"


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "What''s a Breach Commander?"


    "Bael Strom seems to think so, especially given that you defeated Zar and were able to bring such a large force into Inuit."


    "Are you upset? Is Zar someone important to Clan Xai?"


    Raine shook her head. "He thought he was important to everyone but now he has been exiled."


    "I barely remember, but I think Master Swordsman Chiba was the one that handled him." Nix smiled pleasantly, he would like nothing more than to get Chiba involved.


    "He must be very good if he was able to best Zar."


    "I believe so." Nix wanted to read the dockets but the dha.s.si showed no signs of leaving. "My turn. Where did you get that scar on your back?"


    Raine gave him a confused look. "Scar? I don''t have one."


    "Hmm? Right cheek, four inches below your waist." Nix bit his lip to keep from smiling.


    Raine''s confused look slowly faded, her face very quickly turning red. "What kind of question is that?"


    Nix shrugged, "I thought we were getting to know each other better."


    "I... I was bitten by a turtle while swimming when I was very young."


    Nix laughed loudly, not trying to conceal his mirth. "You were bitten on the b.u.t.t by a turtle?"


    His laughter continued for a few seconds until he was able to rein it in. "Sorry... any lasting side effects? An irrational fear of turtles?"


    Rain''s pale face nodded. "To this day I can''t bear them."


    "No kidding?" Nix tried to get a read on her but she was a closed book. "You have Chelonaphobia?"


    Raine frowned at him. "What''s that?"


    "Fear of turtles." Nix felt the mood from the last few days fading away. "I have a spirit companion that''s a Sea Turtle."


    A smile crept up on Raine''s pretty face. "No, you don''t."


    "I''ll show her to you when we get to Loki. You better not try anything, she''s very sweet." Nix stood and stretched, "time for you to go."


    Nix waited until the Fir''Dha.s.si left before laying down on the couch, the knots that had been keeping him tied up seemed to have faded away.


    Mina entered the Guild Office a few hours later, Nix was sleeping soundly on the couch even though the sun was shining directly on his face. She sat next to him and placed a hand on his head. "I want to talk to you Nix."


    Nix covered his face with the blanket he was using. "What''s with Aquarions and their need to wake me up? Fajii loves doing that also."


    Mina smiled and pulled the blanket down. "Perhaps you sleep more than you should."


    "Maybe." Nix sighed heavily and sat up. "What is it?"


    "My Vilas have evolved considerably."


    He swung his feet off the edge of the couch and pulled his boots on. The Vilas feasted on dragon meat, it was bound to happen. "Let''s head back to Haven, you can show me."


    They ported into the Sanctuary, true to her word Elune had cots brought out for Lela and Shana. They were sleeping soundly a few feet away from a very wide awake Maye.


    The woman''s normally white hair had a few visible streaks of brown, and the skin on her face glowed with health. She noticed Nix right away. "What did you do," she whispered softly?


    Nix shrugged, "I did what I could Gram. Get some rest and we''ll figure things out later."


    Maye smiled gently while watching them leave, "I''m not tired at all."


    Nix didn''t see any of his horses when the pair exited the Temple a few moments later. The sun had been up for a few hours and was heating the day up nicely. He stopped abruptly when he saw the tree.


    Mina shot him a questioning look. "Here?" She was about to summon her Vilas when she spotted what he was looking at. "Oh... that''s pretty. When did you plant that?"


    Nix approached the Dragon Fir tree slowly. He guessed its overnight growth at close to thirty feet in height and about a foot in thickness. "Last night." He decided not to tell anyone he ''wasted'' half a vial of dragon blood on a tree. "Deidra gave it to me, it must have some sort of special growth enhancement."


    The bark of the tree was rough and brown; the leaves were dark green. He recognized the tree type now that it was bigger, it was from the forest of Dragonvale, where he built his treehouse. "Let''s see the Vilas Min."


    Mina summoned one of her Vilas, it looked at her and then back at Nix. "You see that? It''s recognition, they didn''t have anything like that before."


    Nix nodded speechlessly, he didn''t care about that at all. The Vilas had been roughly the height of a Timber Wolf, a bit under three feet at the back. The Vilas body had lengthened and grown taller. The alligator-like skin had turned into intricate scales and the neck was more p.r.o.nounced, making the head upright. Their weight was probably close to triple what it had been, the razor-sharp claws were longer and wickedly curved. Their front legs were armed with a talon at the elbow joint. "That''s impressive... we should take them to the Emba.s.sy and do a few levels."


    Mina nodded, "I''d like that. They almost look like mounts now."


    "Right... the kind of mounts that eat you when you forget to feed them." Nix nodded happily, "once you figure out their strengths and weakness, I''ll a.s.sign you a pillar trial."


    /Inferno: Nix: Where are we with the start of the first Vo-Tech course?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Right on target, the school itself is built and it has an extensive area for fieldwork.


    /Inferno: Nix: Dorms?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes. The incoming instructor will be in charge of everything. They''ll take their meals at the Emerald Salamander Inn.


    /Inferno: Nix: Does this include a place for the Instructors and his a.s.sistance to stay?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Um... no. s.h.i.t Nix, we dropped the ball.


    /Inferno: Nix: Not to worry, I''m heading to Loki today and will set something up for the instructors to use.


    The Phai City Market at mid-day was probably the busiest in all of Oasis. Dha.s.si vendors set up their Day-Shops and plied their wares to the customers, actively hawking their supplies to anyone who would listen.


    The city itself had the distinct flavor of a desert settlement. The sand-colored buildings, stifling heat and long loose-fitting robes seemed like it should have slowed things down, but it didn''t. Nix watched the market from a nearby bench while he waited for Raine. Phai City was like a beehive that someone had poked.


    When he spotted the dark blond walking toward him, he pulled up his hud and gave her gate permission to access Loki. He stood up and offered his hand when she greeted him. "Have you been to Loki before?"


    Raine nodded. "Many times, I did part of my training in the forest there."


    "Really?'' Nix had no real idea what the Wrath Cla.s.s was, other than it was nature-based like a Ranger and relied on a single long blade for battle.


    She followed him to the Gating platform, watching his camouflage armor. It seemed like he was on the verge of completely blending in. She had heard about the effects of his Camo-Overlay, Dha.s.si tailors all over Oasis were already trying to master it. "Yes, it''s one of my favorite places to visit."


    Nix didn''t comment when he stepped on the platform, Inferno had outmaneuvered the rest of Oasis and claimed Loki for their own. One step brought them from the stifling heat of the Phai City to the pleasant coastal breeze of Loki. The gate looked down on the town.


    Raine stood on the platform for a moment, taking in the view. "You''ve really changed the city around! It always seemed cluttered to me."


    Nix led the way towards the wooded area where the Vo-Tech had been built. "You''ll be here for the next four months, so if you need anything all you have to do is ask."


    "Is that a ship? Loki has a Shipyard?" Raine stopped suddenly on the path that twisted and turned precariously until it ended on the beach.


    "Yes, the ship is the Moon G.o.ddess, our own people are building it." He didn''t mention that he was planning on sailing it to Izzin sometime in the next few days.


    Raine had to run a few steps to catch up with him, Nix never stopped when he talked. From the beach, the only viable direction you could go to was north to the forest. "We have company."


    "Come out," Nix spoke to the Ain''Dha.s.si Rangers that closed on them the moment they approached the forest.


    Ranger Bali walked forward and saluted. "We''ve made preparations for your wedding sir. Is this the new bride?" She stared at the shocked Fir''Dha.s.si for a moment, clearly unimpressed. "You can do better sir."


    Nix laughed at the look on Raine''s face. "Where''s the Captain?"


    "He resigned sir, I''ve been promoted in his pla..." She trailed off when she spotted Locas heading toward them.


    "What does that mean? He can do better?" Raine was finally catching up with the fast-paced Bali, her stance widened slightly. "Perhaps you''d be interested in a spar?"


    Nix was tempted to let her teach Bali a lesson but instead, he raised a hand. "No one fights or spars on Loki without first clearing it with me."


    Locas escorted them inland a few miles down a well-worn trail. The Vo-Tech was built in a large clearing up against a rock bluff. There was a large open amphitheater with bench seating. A training yard, a shooting range, and a large stable completed the outdoor venues. There were also a half dozen log buildings that looked to be cla.s.srooms and dormitories.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. It was a bit more rustic than he had envisioned, but it suited his tastes. "Thanks for the escort Captain, I''ll take things from here."


    Raine waited until the Rangers left. "Ain''Dha.s.si Rangers have joined Inferno?"


    Nix nodded and spotted what he was looking for. A small trail led upwards to the top of the bluff. "How''s the view?"


    "It''s nice. This isn''t what I had imagined."


    Nix walked to the tree he had spotted from the clearing below. It was large enough for a tree-house and overlooked the Vo-Tech''s training area. "I''m glad you like it."


    "Where did you get that from?" Raine''s surprised voice spoke from behind him; she obviously knew what the acorn was.


    "It was a reward for an important quest." Nix pushed the acorn into the trunk of the tree and stepped back.


    "Those are very rare Nix." Raine watched as the tree-house formed, she had never been inside one.


    "Are they?" Nix opened the door and motioned her inside, not mentioning that he had a lot more. The thought reminded him that he needed to give Locas a supply so that the could set up a permanent settlement.


    A few hours later, Nix once again found himself on the beach. He had escorted Raine through every building and let her explore the tree-house lodging. She was watching him with a pensive expression.


    "You don''t really have a Sea Turtle... Right?"


    Nix nodded, "I have a beautiful Sea Turtle named Soup."


    Raine seemed skeptical. "Fine, let''s see it."


    [Summons: Soup]


    Soup appeared on the beach, immediately it spotted Nix and flapped its front fin on the sand. It was her way of greeting him. She was a pretty green color with shades of blue thrown in. At fifteen feet across, she was the largest SeTurtle Nix had ever seen.


    Raine seemed frozen in shock, she watched wordlessly as Nix knelt on the beach and greeted the turtle by rubbing its smooth head.


    [ALERT: Breach Commander Mtui has asked for your a.s.sistance in a Netherworld battle. Will you accept?]


    "c.r.a.p..." Nix unsummoned Soup and grabbed the surprised Raine by the hand.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m being asked to accept a Breach summons, I''ll be back later.


    Nix quickly equipped his armor and weapons before using Deep Blue to gate directly to Phai City. "Sorry Raine, but I''ve been asked to a.s.sist in a Breach."


    Nix activated the accept Icon on his hud and instantly a Breach formed in front of him. He waved at the open-mouthed Fir''Dha.s.si and stepped through.

 Chapter 232 - The Qi Family

    Nix stepped into the Breach and immediately the temperature rocketed upward. The Nether was exactly the way he had imagined it in his head. It looked like a permanently overcast day set into a completely barren landscape. The rocky ground was barely visible through the dense layer of fog that made it seem like you were standing in knee-deep snow.


    [You have joined the Nether a.s.sault channel]


    [You have joined the Qi channel]


    /Breach Commander Mtui: Nix you are a.s.signed to the Qi family, I want you to help them with their objective.


    /Nether a.s.sault: Nix: Understood.


    Sasi Qi: Hades Rogue: DPS


    Rabi Qi: Craven Fiend: DPS


    Uta Qi: Shadow Rage: TANK


    Nix: Archon Fire Mage: CC


    Three demon-like creatures closed on him. They were a bit under five feet in height with very dark skin, the only female among them had a small tail.


    The widest of the three carried a round shield, he approached Nix and offered a hand. "I''m Uta and this is my squad. Welcome, Nix."


    "Thank you." Nix read the squad cla.s.s list, "can I get a quick brief?"


    Uta nodded his head, and Nix noticed the other difference between the males and females from the Qi family, the males all had short horns. "We''re a bit short-handed, even with you here. I''ll send you the brief."


    [QI Family Mission]


    A Nether Bishop has shown up unexpectedly. This isn''t a breach defense, today we go on the offensive. The Bishop has a Dark Prism in his possession, also known as a Dark Prison, these devices trap the souls of our Allies when they are slain in battle. We need to recover this artifact at all costs.


    Objective: Kill the Bishop and retrieve the Dark Prism.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Do you mind if I bring in some help?


    /Qi: Family: Uta: As long as they can help us, they are welcome.


    /Qi: Family: Nix: No worries.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared a moment later, the visible changes to her were only slight, but Nix could pick them all out right away. Her blue hair was much shorter and darker; the top appeared to be spiked. Small greenish dots ran from above her ears and down the side of her face and neck. She was wearing her green Inferno Armor and held a silver bow in one hand.


    She favored Nix with a smile. "h.e.l.lo." Ducky''s voice hadn''t changed, it was the velvety smooth voice of a charmer.


    Nix stared at her for a moment. None of his companions could use Group or Guild chat. He considered it for a moment and then sent her an invitation.


    [Ducky has joined the Inferno Guild]


    Nix showed her the mission brief. It felt slightly awkward since he wasn''t sure if his spirit companion could read. He watched while her eyes glanced through it.


    /Qi: Family: Ducky: Kill the Bishop and retrieve the prism. Got it.


    /Qi: Family: Uta: A CC Cla.s.s?


    /Qi: Family: Ducky: Yes.


    /Qi: Family: Sasi: Welcome Ducky, I like your name.


    /Qi: Family: Ducky: Thank you, I like your name too.


    /Qi: Family: Uta: Stealth up, we''re heading out.


    Nix engaged his Stealth Package and stayed close to Uta as he started to trot. Very quickly they entered an old-style battlefield, complete with trenches and battle lines. Ranged weapons of all sorts and magic spells crisscrossed the open field as each side seemed to take turns trying to charge across. Nix lost count of the number of times he stumbled over corpses that were concealed by the ground-hugging fog. There were also a few times where he carefully led the group around enemies who were laying in ambush.


    Ducky brought up the rear of the group, tagging along with Sasi the two seemed to be having a conversation in hushed tones.


    /Qi: Family: Uta: We are almost to the Dark Gate, be wary.


    /Qi: Family: Nix: Hold fast!


    Nix grabbed Uta''s arm and kept him from moving forward. "Three small items hidden in the fog, set in a triangle and possessing heat signatures.


    Sasi moved closer to him, "point out the first Nix."


    Nix pointed to a spot 5 meters to their left, Sasi turned into shadow and faded into the knee-high fog. He kept watching for her thermal image to reappear, but it didn''t. The object however completely disappeared.


    /Qi: Family: Sasi: All done.


    /Qi: Family: Nix: What about the other two?


    /Qi: Family: Uta: It''s a summoning triangle trap. Remove one piece and it''s useless.


    A few minutes of walking and they arrived at their first destination. Eight large stones that were barely visible in the fog were set in a perfect octagon. Uta took out a small black jewel that was mounted on a bracelet.


    /Qi: Family: Sasi: Guess we''ll see how good Mtui''s intel is.


    Uta''s dark face frowned slightly. "This could be a trap Nix."


    Nix smiled. "Trust me, it''s definitely a trap."


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "Yep, feels like a trap."


    /Qi: Family: Sasi: I like these two Uta. We should keep them.


    Uta stepped held the gem in his bare hand and the team stepped into the octagon. An instant later they winked out of existence.


    Deidra sat at her desk frowning at the reports. Both Renz and Elan were currently involved in Nether battles. That meant that hypothetically they were vulnerable to another possible attack.


    [Direct Contact: Polai]


    An instant later a holo of the dragonsp.a.w.n responsible for monitoring Sky Kingdom''s Breaches appeared in front of her.


    Polai bowed low. "How may I be of service?"


    "Two of our Breach Commanders are now involved in Nether battles, I need you to be extra vigilant."


    Polai nodded. "I will monitor it constantly. Only..."


    Deidra felt a fleeting moment of uncertainty. "Only what?"


    Polai shrugged slightly. "It''s nothing of course, but I believe that Elan called in Nix to a.s.sist him.


    Deidra frowned at his words and immediately brought up the holo for her son. She didn''t wait for him to greet her. "Elan, where is Nix?"


    Breach Commander Mtui examined his holo map. "He''s near the entry point, I have him a.s.sisting the Sasi family. Wait... scratch that, they must have entered the Temple already, they just disappeared from my map."


    Deidra had given her permission for the mission, something she would have withheld if she knew her son was sending Nix in. "Let''s do everything we can to recover him, even if it means scratching the mission."


    Elan Mtui didn''t always understand his mother, but this seemed out of character. "Should I not use him on dangerous missions? He is our ally."


    "Indeed, he is. Remember he''s a new Archon, plenty of time to grow." Deidra smiled pleasantly and closed her holo. Immediately her hand slammed down on the desk, crushing it like tissue paper.


    "Why so concerned Mistress?" A dark-haired man stood in the doorway, he was dressed in expensive dark robes and wore a single medallion around his neck.


    Deidra eyed the man for a moment, the Majordomo had also served her father. "I don''t deny that I''m concerned, most of that is due to my suspicions."


    "Suspicions Mistress?"


    "Nix and the Inferno Guild. They are climbing higher and faster than anyone else. They currently carry influence on all the planes. It can''t be chance, they are being guided." Deidra stood slowly and walked around the desk.


    The Majordomo bowed deeply when she approached. "By who Mistress?"


    "I could be wrong of course, but if I''m not, that means the Cabal is involved." She walked past him to the door, stopping for a moment. "Bring my armor and weapons at once."

 Chapter 233 - The Rat King (Part One)

    [Personal, Group, and Guild Messaging has been disabled]


    [All methods of Instant Travel have been disabled]


    [Base Cla.s.s and Archon Abilities have been disabled]


    [You may not access your inventory at this time]


    Nix sat up slowly, his head throbbing in agony. He was sitting on a metal-framed bed with springs that squeaked in protest when he moved. He had blacked out the moment they activated the Octagon.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turned dark orange in the darkness causing him to smile despite his circ.u.mstances. Dragon Eyes was a gift from Vooni and didn''t fall into the category of Base or Archon Cla.s.s. The smile quickly faded when he discovered that there were a half-dozen other occupants in the cell with him, all of them were rats.


    Nix quickly spotted Ducky and the three members of the Qi family. Ducky was still laying down on what Nix a.s.sumed was a bed. The small stature of the Qi family made them easy to identify, they were already up and pacing.


    The cell itself was a 10-foot square with bars on all sides, there were no torches or light of any kind. two buckets hung from a bracket attached to the bars. "Ain''t this f*cking great? I''m back in jail."


    "Nix?" The voice of Uta carried into his cell.


    "You guys okay?" Nix moved closer to the bars and gripped them in his hand.


    "Yes, Ducky is still out." The worry in Uta''s voice made Nix''s opinion of him raise quite a bit.


    "I can see that." Nix walked around the cell, checking every bar for looseness. He was substantially stronger than most humans if he could find a loose one...


    "Do you have Night vision Nix?" Sasi was talking while she chased a rat around her cell, she caught it almost immediately and bit the head off.


    "Thermal vision." Nix felt a wave of nausea come over him, was that his dinner also?


    One of the buckets on the wall held what Nix guessed to be clean water, the other smelled like something he had no interest in picking up. He used the small tin cup that was in the bucket to take a drink. It was lukewarm and tasted like it had been in the bucket too long.


    Sasi watched him curiously, the rat still in her hand. He walked to the door of his cell and started banging his cup against the bars. "What are you doing Nix?"


    Nix ran the cup across the bars a few more times and then stopped. "Sorry... always wanted to try that." He shrugged and started examining the floor in his cell. The tiles were made of stone; they were tightly fitted and cemented in place. "Hey, Sasi... Can I have that rat?"


    Sasi stared at the rat in her hands. "I was about to eat it." She sighed heavily and tossed it to him when he extended his arms through the bars.


    He caught the rat and gave her a thumbs up. He started back toward his bed but stopped. "Where''s the head?"


    Sasi frowned in disgust, "the head isn''t good to eat Nix."


    "Please?"


    Sasi looked around her cell for a moment before finding the head. "It''s a little chewed up." She tossed it into his cell. "What are you doing Nix?"


    Nix looked up, he was pulling the straw stuffing out of his mattress. "Got any metal? Hair clip or belt buckle?"


    "I do!" Rabi removed a small belt and threw it at Nix, he watched the human remove the buckle from the belt. The sound of metal grinding against stone carried in the darkness.


    "You''re sharpening it?" Uta finally took an interest in Nix''s activities.


    "Yes. Don''t kill any more rats please." Nix slowly began to file down the edge of the buckle.


    After a few minutes of work, he felt the edge was pa.s.sable. He took the ill-smelling bucket down from the bars and sat it on the floor next to him. Slowly he started to skin the rat.


    Sasi licked her lips from her cell, the smell of fresh rat meat made her regret giving it to him. "Can I have a piece?"


    Nix nodded his head and continued working; the skin broke in several places and other times came away with large chunks of meat attached. He was more than half finished when he received the message.


    [Skin the Nether Rat?]


    "Yes."


    A neatly skinned pelt appeared on the floor next to the bare rat carca.s.s.


    Your Taxidermy Skill has improved to 2.


    Nix walked to the door of his cell and tossed the Rat carca.s.s across the hallway to Sasi. "Gonna need some more rats, please. As many as you can catch."


    He walked back to the bed and used the buckle blade to slice open his mattress. He pulled out large bunches of straw and placed them on the floor. Then he cut a few strips of the fabric off and starting unraveling the thread. In the background, he could hear the miserable squealing of rats as they were caught and killed by the Qi family.


    Nix folded the mattress in half and examined the springs with his fingers. He could feel the rust on them and after a minute of bending back and forth felt it heat up in his hand; a sure sign that it was about to break. When it finally snapped he sat on the floor and used the rough stone to sharpen the end to a point."


    Nix placed the rat pelt, the straw, the broken spring, and the cotton string carefully on the floor. In his head, he pictured what the Taxidermist Queue should look like.


    [Outer Layer: Rat Pelt] [Inner fill: Straw] [Tools Required: Needle [Modified Steel Spring], Knife [Sharpened Belt Buckle] Thread [Cotton Thread]


    As soon as he placed them all together, Nix received the message he''d been looking for.


    Create a Rat Mannequin?


    "Yes."


    Your Taxidermy Skill has improved to 3


    Your Taxidermy Skill has improved to 5


    Your Taxidermy Skill has improved to 7


    Nix inspected the Rat Mannequin, he was forced to use his hands for inspection since he could only see thermal images and the Mannequin was very dead. "At least it feels like a rat."


    After an hour Nix took a break. He had a dozen lifeless rat dolls on his floor and his Taxidermy skill had climbed to 24.


    "Nix?" Ducky finally woke up, she looked around in the darkness unable to see.


    "Hey! I''m over here, it''s fine Ducky."


    "I don''t like the dark." Ducky''s voice held a sliver of dread. She was in the cell directly across from Sasi.


    "He''s working on a plan to get us out Ducky, just put up with the dark for a bit." Sasi knew exactly what to say. "Why don''t you tell us a bit about yourself while he works."


    Nix made six more while he listened to Ducky tell them about her old life as a Water Nymph, she wasn''t shy at all about spilling the details.


    Congratulations, your Taxidermy skill has risen to 25.


    [Do you wish to animate the Nether Rat Mannequin?]


    "Yes."


    The rat doll in his hand moved slightly and let out a squeal before disappearing in a stench filled cloud of smoke.


    Nix grabbed his nose and fell back on the bed. "Oh G.o.d... that smells like Pon."


    "You know you aren''t allowed to directly interfere Mistress." The emotionless voice of her Majordomo filled Deidra''s ears.


    "I''m not going to do any fighting. I don''t have to, I''m a Breach Commander too."


    "Of course Mistress. At least alter your appearance."


    Deidra nodded and placed a hand on either horn, they immediately shrunk until they were tiny nubs similar to a dragon descendant. "Better?"


    "Yes of course." The Majordomo sighed heavily and left the room without saying another word.


    "Let''s see..." Deidra considered her options for a moment.


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    She stepped onto the beach, it was already late in the day but the Oasis sun hung stubbornly in the blue sky above. Deidra only took a few steps towards the town before a squad of Ain''Dha.s.si Rangers appeared in front of her.


    A small ranger stepped forward. "This is Loki, you are trespa.s.sing on lands belonging to the 12 Pillar Alliance."


    The armor-clad woman stared at the Ain''Dha.s.si Ranger. "I would like to speak to someone in charge please."


    The Ain''Dha.s.si pointed to herself. "That would be me. I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno."


    "Nix is a male and also a human, you are neither of those."


    Bali frowned at the trespa.s.ser. "Since you don''t wish to cooperate, we''ll do this the hard w..." She trailed off suddenly. "Welcome to Loki. State your business please."


    "Well met traveler. I''m Captain Locas of the Inferno Rangers." A voice spoke from behind the group, the barest trace of annoyance was hidden in his tone, Locas felt certain Bali had been doing something she shouldn''t.


    "I''m one of the Breach Commanders from Solomon City, your Guild Leader has been captured while partic.i.p.ating in a Nether mission."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All fighting members of Inferno are to report to Loki immediately, I want all hands on deck!


    /Alliance Command: Jun Li: I''m a.s.suming command of the Alliance, all members prepare for Breach Deployment.


    Jun Li walked into the Guild HQ located on Loki Island, it was only the second time she had been there. Captain Locas and a dragon descendant were talking just inside the door.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Alpha Team is enroute, we have Fajii, Vooni, and Chiba with us.


    Deidra nodded to herself while she read the deployment sheet. Nix had an abundance of allies for someone new to Command. She brought up an alternate Deployment hud and started adding his Allies to it.


    [Deployment Menu]


    Alpha Team


    Pathfinders


    Inferno


    12 Pillar Alliance


    "Breach Commander Deidra?" Jun Li had already been briefed while she was coordinating their allies.


    Deidra nodded. "You must be Vice-Leader Jun Li, I''m prepared to brief you on the situation."


    "Thank you, if you don''t mind I''ll take that briefing after my officers arrive." Jun Li took a seat at the conference table and brought up her hud.

 Chapter 234 - The Rat King (Conclusion)

    [Eastern Sh.o.r.e of Loki: 1945 Hours]


    The tall girl tripped over her hair for the 5th time in as many minutes. She was slowly gathering firewood, a slender hand held her hair to one side while trying to move about in a robe that was too large. She stacked the wood on the beach and then attempted to knot up her hair that hung to the ground. After three large knots, the long silvery tresses were still pa.s.sed her knees.


    "Good enough." She smiled widely before stumbling over the staff that announced her as a mage. Covered in sand, the mage sat up carefully and pointed at the stack of wood. It immediately burst into flames.


    The thin girl shivered slightly and gathered her robes around her shoulders. "I don''t remember this place being so cold."


    [Guild HQ: Loki: 2000 Hours]


    Jun Li stared at the large Holo map visible over the conference table. Three different areas were blinking. "This means that there are three separate incursions?"


    Deidra was sitting between Vooni and Shae at the conference table. "Yes. I will respond however you wish, or not at all if you wish to concentrate on the Nether."


    Semmi studied the map while she considered their responsibilities. "Nix is the Breach Commander for Oasis and Colonial, we should handle this in his stead."


    "I agree." Sharl pointed to the southern area that was highlighted. "This seems like another Izzin Breach, I''ll take a team there."


    "I''ll take Zeta team to the north, that''s where Alpha team took on the Vampire right?" Banzi gestured toward the point just east of Isla''Fairbal.


    "Fine. That leaves Alpha Team to head into the Nether." Jun Li turned her eyes toward Deidra, "how will they find him?"


    "I''ll send you directly to Breach Commander Mtui, he is already devising an extraction strategy." Deidra didn''t hide the surprise she felt at all the activity. Were they getting ready to take Oasis?


    Jun Li nodded. "I''m going to stay here and oversee the operation. All decisions will go through me."


    While they were speaking three more blips appeared on the map. Pon cursed loudly. "Those are on Loki!"


    "It''s fine." Jun Li stood and moved toward the door. "Send the away teams on their missions.


    /Alliance Command: Jun Li: Preliminary alarms indicated three sizeable incursions on Loki.


    [Sub-Commander Sulane] You will take half of the Pillar Guilds and head North to the Vo-Tech. Scout the area and eliminate all forces.


    [Sub-Commander Gideon] You will take the other half of our Alliance and head to the western sh.o.r.e, take whatever actions you deem suitable.


    /Alliance Command: Jun Li: Captain Locas, you will stay with me and the remainder of our Inferno Forces to defend the town.


    /Inferno: Locas: Understood!


    Sasi watched patiently while the yellow-eyed rat left Nix''s cell and scurried toward the barred door. It crawled easily through the bars and then disappeared before disappearing in a small cloud of smoke. "That was one close Nix!"


    Your Taxidermy Skill has improved to 50.


    [New Skill learned: Advanced Rat Mannequin]


    Nix nodded from his bunk, bathed in sweat he staggered to the bucket to drink the last of his water. He drank the tepid water down while considering what he saw. Rat animation worked similarly to the Winter Sparrow, it didn''t have the refined control that the sparrow had and its vision was poor.


    The room adjoining theirs was also dark, it was another cellblock with a few prisoners. These prisoners were manacled to the walls and in much rougher shape. Through the rat''s eyes, he was able to see a glimmer of light down the hall, that must be where the guards were stationed.


    Nix looked toward his companion who was sitting on her bed. "You okay Ducky?"


    "I''m fine Nix. Keep it up!" Ducky seemed to be gaining confidence as the minutes pa.s.sed, the conversations she had with the Qi family put her in good spirits.


    "Yep." Nix eyed the last four rat Mannequins that he had. The Qi family had killed all the rats in their cellblock. Sasi even smeared rat blood on the floor to attract more from the next area. There wasn''t going to be any more Rat Mannequins after this.


    [a.s.semble an Advanced Rat Mannequin?]


    "Yes."


    [Advanced Rat Mannequins require 4 target creatures.]


    Nix muttered a curse, that was the rest of his rat dolls. "Of course they do. a.s.semble Advanced Rat Mannequin."


    He moved closer to the bed and leaned against it. "Animate!"


    [a.s.suming direct control of Advanced Rat Mannequin]


    The vision of the Advanced Rat was much clearer, it moved quickly through the adjoining room to the light.


    Sasi watched Nix, her face was pushed up against the bars that she gripped tightly. She strained her sharp ears to hear the words he was whispering.


    "Three guards are playing a game of dice. They are some sort of Nether creatures that I don''t recognize. A large ring of keys is hanging over the table next to them. Up against the far wall are three wooden chests."


    Uta stood and walked to the edge of his cell. "Be ready." He also could hear Nix''s words.


    Nix moved the rat just inside the door and studied the area. "Don''t blow up on me Rat King."


    [Designate Advanced Rat as Rat King?]


    "Sure." There were three options available to the Rat King.


    1) Self Destruct


    2) Dominate


    3) Stealth


    It was here that Nix noticed there were also two progress bars in his view. The top one was full and seemed to be fixed. The bottom one was slowly draining. "F*ck... is that some sort of activity bar?"


    Nix targeted the nearest guard.


    [Dominate]


    Rat King may only dominate other rats.


    "Of course..." Rat King scanned the room slowly, there were two rats near some tipped over slop buckets at the far side of the room. Hugging the wall tightly, he scurried toward them. Beady red eyes stared at him menacingly, Nix could sense their murderous intent.


    [Dominate]


    Rat King has dominated a Nether Rat.


    Rat King has dominated a Nether Rat.


    There were three commands for the Dominated creatures.


    1) Stay


    2) Attack


    3) Follow


    [Stay]


    Nix had the Rat King move within a few feet of the table. There were four chairs and only three of them were being used. Rat King would use the fourth to hop onto the table and steal the Key, in theory. Nix targeted the guard two guards closest to the keys.


    [Attack]


    Nix smiled in his cell when the rats moved in, the smile froze when he noticed that the lower bar had almost expired. "Don''t even think about it."


    The two Nether guards jumped up from their chairs cursing and stomping as the rats attacked their legs. Rat King hopped onto the chair and then the table in quick succession, he grabbed the keyring and leaped from the table, keeping close to the wall while he dragged them away.


    Nix cursed when he heard the stomping of feet. Was he discovered? Without looking back he ran down the middle of the hall and scurried through the barred door of the adjoining room. Rat King was running toward Nix''s cell when it caught him.


    One of the dominated rats sunk his teeth deep into the Rat King''s back, Nix continued to move forward, dragging the angry rodent behind him. It was near to his cell when the Rat King disappeared in a stinky cloud of smoke. The rodent looked around in confusion, too late he saw the foot that slammed down onto him.


    Nix picked up the keyring and after a few tries found the one that unlocked his cell. Sasi was hopping up and down excitedly. Nix pushed the barred door and walked toward Uta''s cell. "Game on!"

 Chapter 235 - Nether Bishop (Part One)

    Nix opened all the cells, Ducky grabbed his hand to prevent herself from fumbling in the dark. He gave the keys to Sasi since she was a rogue and the most adept at moving silently without the use of skills.


    She moved silently through the next room. They had decided to not worry about freeing the other prisoners until the guards were dealt with. She lay on her stomach near the barred door and held up three fingers.


    Uta pointed to her, Nix and himself. Rabi and Ducky would hang back. They all knew that the key would make noise when she unlocked it.


    Without waiting Sasi unlocked the door, Nix slammed against it an instant later sending it open with a loud bang. The guards at the table seemed to freeze for a moment.


    Nix charged the nearest guard, he kicked the table into the other two and grabbed his target by the neck. The Nether guard had the face of an elephant seal, a grotesque looking trunk that stopped at his black chin. He wrenched hard with his hands twice, hearing an audible crack after the second movement, the guard tumbled lifelessly to the ground.


    You have slain a Nether guard.


    Uta grappled with the 2nd guard, the largest of the three. Nix kicked him in the back of the knee and held his arms while Uta gripped his throat with both hands and tore it out. Sasi had already dealt with her target and was already opening the chests when the last guard slumped to the floor.


    A few moments later, the group had all of their gear back and was formulating a strategy. As agreed Rabi went back and unlocked all the prisoners. They still had a mission to carry out, those who had been set free were on their own.


    Sasi slipped out the jail to scout the area, immediately she popped back into view and motioned for them to follow.


    Nix brought up the rear of the group, the room just outside of the jail was obviously some kind of mess hall.


    [All Cla.s.s and Archon skills have been enabled]


    [Group messaging is enabled.]


    [Instant Travel has been enabled]


    [You may now access your inventory]


    Nix immediately activated his red scimitar and stealth package.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Okay, part one of the mission has been completed.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Part one being ''escape from an obvious trap?''


    /Qi Family: Uta: Yes. Well done by the way.


    Uta opened up his hud and examined the map.


    /Qi Family: Uta: We are on the first floor, I''m guessing he is in the Depository on the third floor since that''s where the Prism would be stored.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Probably.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: Want me to find him?


    Uta looked at Nix for confirmation since he had no real clue as to what Ducky''s capabilities were.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Find his location and bring us back someone to talk to. Keep in contact.


    /Qi Family: Uta: We''ll move to the first-floor exit and wait.


    They waited until Ducky left and then exited the Mess Hall with Sasi leading the way. Between them and the stairs was a large library and a dark chapel. They were about to stealth through the library when Sasi spotted a high-value target.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: It''s a Dark Chancellor. We need to kill him.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Dark Chancellor?


    /Qi Family: Uta: It''s the Nether version of the Breach Commander, their rare so of course we need to take him.


    /Qi Family: Nix: I''ll move in closer and start the fight.


    The Chancellor was in an empty section of the library, he was sitting at the table apparently reading. Up close his neatly cropped black hair was actually thousands of sharp-looking quills, his greenish skin had a smooth snake-like shine. His all-white eyes were staring at the words of the book in his hands.


    His slender hands turned the page and a moment later a dozen strands of Ice Flame burst through the back of his chair and exited his chest before wrapping around him. Nix yanked back as hard as he could, pulling the Chancellor back toward the wall.


    [Viper Strike]


    Sasi Qi has scored a critical hit on Chancellor Demian.


    [Quartered]


    Rabi has crippled Chancellor Demian and exposed a weakness to Ice Attacks.


    Uta rushed in and slammed his shield into the face of the target.


    Chancellor Demian has been stunned.


    [Sudden Switch]


    Uta has equipped an Ice based weapon.


    [Up front]


    Uta has slowed Chancellor Demian with the power of Ice.


    [Double Finish]


    Sasi scored a critical hit on the stunned target.


    Sasi scored a critical hit on the stunned target.


    [Blind Side]


    Rabi has scored a critical hit to Chancellor Demian''s eyes.


    Chancellor Demian has been blinded.


    Nix was content to hold the Chancellor in place. The Qi family was strong and their dps were higher than anything he had seen before.


    Sasi has slain Chancellor Demian.


    Rabi looted the Chancellor while Nix took the book he had been reading and stowed it away. He was about to take more off the shelves when Sasi grabbed his arm.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Taking the ones on the table are fine, an alarm will go off if you pull something off the shelf without authorization.


    Nix nodded and took the other two books from the table Demian was reading at.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Let''s move out!


    Nix activated his stealth package and followed the Qi Family through the library. The hallway outside of the library led into a small chapel where a half dozen demons were kneeling reverently while chanting in cadence. Their bodies slowly swayed back and forth.


    Unexpectedly Sasi and Rabi moved among them silently.


    Sasi has pickpocketed Desciple Duvin


    Rabi has pickpocketed Ender Fear


    Sasi has pickpocketed Desciple Hoyin


    Rabi has pickpocketed Shola Mas


    Sasi has pickpocketed Desciple Gerion


    Rabi has pickpocketed Bu Fonti


    /Qi Family: Rabi: You went for all the disciples Sasi!


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Sorry I got a bit excited, I will share.


    /Qi Family: Rabi: I have a key!


    The small demon-man held up a black key, his fanged mouth twisting in a smile.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Great! We''ll let Sasi summon it after we kill the Bishop.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Summon?


    /Qi Family: Uta: Sasi has a special thief skill, whenever she finds a key she has a chance to summon the container it goes to.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: It fails if the container is too big.


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Or if it''s trapped.


    Nix followed them silently to the door leading to the stairway exit. They would now wait for Ducky to return.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Great job with the Chancellor Nix. It''s much easier to kill one when they are being restrained.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: I''ve heard of your strands, they are just as impressive as I was told.


    Voices from the stairs caused the group to pull back from the door. Ducky walked through a moment later, her hand was tucked into the arm of a Dark Chancellor. This Chancellor was female and had black raven-like wings that made Nix instantly think of Rhylia. Her pale features and fanged teeth were plainly visible when she stepped into the light.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Holy... It''s the Fallen Chancellor.


    "You said the Bishop is actually on the 2nd floor and not the 3rd?" Ducky''s pleasant voice purred s.e.xily.


    "Yes, the person on the 3rd floor is just a decoy." The Chancellor leaned closer to Ducky, inhaling deeply.


    "Do you have anything for me, Leva? Perhaps information or special doc.u.ments?" Ducky caressed the woman''s arm with the tips of her fingers.


    "Yes, I have deployment orders and the map of Solomon City." Leva handed Ducky a bit of parchment and a rolled-up scroll. "I''ll have to upload the battleplan directly to you."


    Ducky nodded. "Thank you, Leva." The Water Witch waited until she received the information. "You mentioned the deterrent you carry in the event you are captured?"


    Leva leaned close and licked the side of Ducky''s face with a blackened fork tongue. "I have a Tzai seed that I can take to end my life quickly."


    "Hmm..." Ducky patted the woman''s arm gently. "I want you to sit down right here and take the seed, you are in danger of giving away vital information."


    The Sasi Family watched with open mouths as the second Dark Chancellor died by her own hand.


    [Whisper: Uta to Sasi] She was scared of the dark.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: They are planning to hit Solomon City? Would they dare something like that?


    /Qi Family: Uta: I''m not sure, let''s continue.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Great job Ducky.


    Ducky smiled widely when Nix patted her head. "Thank you."


    Jun Li dodged to one side and immediately extended her blade to open up the throat of the small demon she was facing. It wailed pitifully and splattered black blood on her armor before collapsing to the ground.


    [Hands of the G.o.ddess]


    Tess has fully healed Jun Li.


    The cleric was staying close to Jun Li, the two of them along with Captain Locas were holding the street in front of the Emerald Salamander. The Nether creatures were appearing throughout the city in small groups. Jun Li had been sending groups all over town in an attempt to stem the tide.


    /Inferno: Chael: Market Square incursion has been dealt with.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Thanks Chael, it''s good to have you back.


    Chael had shown up at Phai City right when the fight started. Jun Li immediately reinstated him and a.s.signed him a squad of rangers to look after.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Anyone near the town housing?


    /Inferno: Pinky: I am. Dalton and Darsi were both killed. We''d have lost the housing area if the Mage hadn''t shown up.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Are our snipers back up?


    /Inferno: Pinky: Yes, back in the fight.


    Jun Li frowned slightly, several times during the ongoing battle an unknown Mage had appeared and aided the members of Inferno. Gypsy had seen her in action and claimed she was close to Pon''s level.


    [Direct Contact: Jun Li]


    Deidra''s holo image popped up in front of Jun Li. The dragon had stayed out of everyone''s way, only using her Breach abilities to move troops wherever Jun Li asked.


    "Vice Leader Jun Li, something big is coming through the Breach near the City Gate. You may have to abandon the town."


    "Thank you for the info Breach Commander. Please send all available rangers to the City Gates. We''ll fight to the last before we lose our town."


    "I could send you reinforcements from the 12 Pillars, but indications are that they are about to face a similar battle at their locations." Deidra was shocked by the number of Incursions coming into Loki, without a doubt it was the biggest she''d ever seen in the lower planes. After witnessing the ongoing battles, she was beginning to understand, Inferno was a well-hidden powerhouse.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: If you aren''t actively fighting at this time, head to the front gates!

 Chapter 236 - Nether Bishop (Part Two)

    [A few miles East of Isla''Fairbal]


    Banzi looked at his team roster, the freshly minted Zeta team already had already conducted a few successful missions. They were slowly started to bond. Two of the members were hybrids that performed dual roles.


    Banzi: Tank


    Wylie: Heals/DPS


    Zhava: DPS


    Kylie: DPS


    Hyai: DPS


    /Zeta: Banzi: Let''s wrap this up and get back to Loki, they''re expecting trouble.


    They stepped through the breach into a surprisingly warm evening. Debris covered the area, like some sort of ma.s.sive energy release had taken place. There were a half dozen visible ponds that were obviously man-made.


    /Zeta: Kylie: It''s a fish farm, or at least it was. My parents run one just like this in Cyphix.


    /Zeta: Banzi: Scout the area Zhava.


    /Zeta: Zhava: Understood.


    The Aquarion scout stealthed and moved away from them. In the waning light of day, he quickly disappeared.


    Hyai pushed an errant strand of red hair out of her face. She was accompanied by two companions, one was a Djinn that she named Tavo and the other a Nether Fiend that was summoned by a spell.


    /Zeta: Wylie: How long is the Fiend active?


    /Zeta: Hyai: One hour, then I can''t summon him again for a day.


    /Zeta: Zhava: Contact... four Nether creatures, 100 meters east of your position.


    /Zeta: Banzi: I''ll grab aggro, a.s.sist Zhava and put companions on any strays.


    Banzi led the rest of the group toward their scout, there were three smaller demons that were digging with picks in an area where the ground was smooth and hard like gla.s.s. A larger horned demon was watching them. When the Zeta team stopped ten meters from them, they could hear the Overseer''s rough voice.


    "The demon heart is somewhere close by, I inserted it myself into a vampire named Kedric last year. He''s been our spy ever since, until he stopped reporting last month."


    [Warrior''s Challenge]


    Banzi has taunted Overseer Belchi.


    Banzi charged in and slammed his shield into the Overseer.


    [Shield Slam]


    Overseer Belchi has been stunned.


    All three demons charged dropped their picks and charged the group with swords drawn.


    [Binding Chains]


    Hyai has shackled a lesser Nether creature.


    Hyai has shackled a lesser Nether creature.


    Hyai has shackled a lesser Nether creature.


    [Dark Summons]


    A lesser Nether creature has been summoned and must answer.


    The shackled creature appeared in front of the group. Zhava immediately placed a star icon over the top of its head.


    /Zeta: Zhava: This is my target, please a.s.sist.


    [Backstab]


    Zhava has scored a critical hit on a less Nether creature.


    [Ice Storm]


    Wylie has applied an Ice dot (damage over time) on a lesser Nether creature.


    [Three Round Burst]


    Kylie has scored a critical hit on a lesser Nether creature.


    Hyai moved away from the shackled creature and sent her Djinn and Fiend after the remaining two creatures before she turned back toward their target.


    [Raging Blast]


    A single ball of fire slammed into the chest of their prey.


    [Slash n Stab]


    Zhava has slain a lesser Nether creature.


    Tavo the Fire Djinn has slain a lesser Nether creature.


    [Healing hands]


    Wylie has cast healing hands on Banzi.


    [Life Siphon]


    Hyai is slowly draining the life force of a lesser Nether creature.


    /Zeta: Zhava: I have a new target, please a.s.sist.


    A star appeared over the head of the lesser Nether creature. His health was already nearly depleted from the Fiend that was attacking it.


    [Backstab]


    Zhava has slain a lesser Nether creature.


    [Nether Escape]


    Overseer Belchi has fled the field of battle and escaped back into the Nether.


    /Zeta: Banzi: c.r.a.p...


    /Zeta: Wylie: Nice job everyone.


    Zhava nudged the tall redhead with an elbow and pointed to her Fire Djinn who was currently eating the Nether creature. "That Djinn is very powerful."


    Hyai nodded in agreement. "Alpha Team found it while they were claiming the Gemini Temple. His actual designator is Gemini Fire Djinn.


    Tavo: Gemini Fire Djinn [Spirit Companion to Hyai]


    Abilities: [Restricted]


    The Aquarion shook his head slightly. "Why would its skills not be viewable to the companion?"


    Wylie looted the creatures that weren''t being eaten, after overhearing the conversation she offered her opinion. "It''s a 5th tier companion, I bet we''ll find out more when Hyai advances to 100."


    Hyai sighed regretfully, although she was working hard she was still the lowest member of the team at 66.


    /Zeta: Banzi: Let''s scout out the surrounding areas and look for clues. Nix was in this area last month, we can ask him about it when he gets back from the Nether.


    Breach Commander Mtui handed him the last black stone they had procured. "My teams understand that these incursions are almost always traps, they are equipped to handle such things."


    Pon took the jewel without comment and stowed it away. "How close will you be able to get us?"


    "We cleared the battlefield, so the way to the Octagon gate is clear." Mtui studied their group layout.


    Vooni: Archon Avenger: Tank


    Shae: Fire Archon: DPS


    Chiba: Sword Master: DPS


    Semmi: Gemini Thief: DPS


    Wind: Gemini Thief: DPS


    Fajii: Gemini Scorched Earth Mage: Utility


    Pon: Gemini Fire Mage: DPS


    Elan Mtui knew a bit about the Gemini Temple even though it was located on a lower plane world. They possess unique skills that enabled them to substantially reinforce each other''s strength. "Shall I send a healer with you?"


    Fajii shook her head. "We have one, thank you, Commander."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: On me, let''s grab our Guild Leader and get the f*ck out of this s.h.i.tty place.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Agreed.


    [Create Breach: Octagon Gate]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Locas, team up with the Earth Temple Acolytes and concentrate your fire on the smaller creatures, leave the Dire King to us.


    The Dire King appeared on the beach a few hundred meters from Loki''s front gate. The King stood double the height of a normal man and an ebony plate armor that seemed immune to both ranged and magic attacks.


    /Inferno: Tess: Most of our melee fighters are on incursion missions.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Grab me a shield, I''ll tank the f*cking thing.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Someone call for a tank? Hunter team reporting back!


    /Inferno: Banzi: Zeta team is on the ground, sorry we''re late Junie.


    Jun Li swallowed a lump in her throat, she almost felt like crying.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Welcome back. Mina! Sick those Vilas onto that Dire King. I want my healers to form a rotation on Sharl and Banz.


    Sharl charged through the knee-deep surf and slammed her shield into the stomach of the Dire King.


    [Defender''s Challenge]


    Sharl has challenged the Dire King to battle, he must attack her for the next three minutes.


    Jun Li sprinted toward the King and quickly flanked him.


    [Quick Strike]


    Jun Li has landed a critical hit on the Dire King.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted another breach opening up, three Nether Fiends jumped out and immediately charged at her. She dodged backward and slashed horizontally to keep the three of them at bay. An instant later all three were turned into pillars of fire, screeching in agony, they threw themselves into the water in an effort to put out the unquenchable flames. Jun Li turned to say thank you only to come face to face with a thin girl in baggy white robes. The pale mage nodded and quickly turned away, flames firing from her long staff.


    [Direct Contact: Jun Li]


    Deidra''s full-sized holo appeared in front of Jun Li, her expression grim. "You have two more breaches incoming; retreat at once! I''ve called for back-up, we can wait for them to arrive before re-engaging."


    Jun Li wiped the sewater out of her eyes with the back of her hand. "This is Inferno, we don''t retreat. Prey waits."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Expect company, archers stay on the smaller targets. Let''s bring this King down now!


    One hundred meters down the sh.o.r.e a large breach opened up, an instant later a second Dire King stepped into the surf. He pulled the Great Sword between his shoulders and charged towards Sharl.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Banzi! Intercept that 2nd King!


    /Inferno: Banzi: I''m out of position, on my way!


    When the second King was 10 meters away, the mysterious Mage appeared in front of him, her staff raised high. The Dire King skidded to a stop, spraying water everywhere when the girl started to change. Her body expanded exponentially her long thing arms extended outward to become wings. Her white robes and beautiful face changed into silver scales and fangs. A Drakon had joined the battle.


    Fey sprang at the Dire King, all four claws digging into its body while the great wings flapped and slowly raised out of the water. Semist sprayed in all directions, blinding enemy and friend alike as the Silver Drakon quickly gained alt.i.tude.

 Chapter 237 - Nether Bishop (Conclusion)

    A giant stone golem ran through the surf, on its shoulders stood a dark-haired archer that was steadily firing into the smaller mobs. The golem grabbed one of the arms of the Dire King and held it tight.


    [Locked Down]


    A stone golem has restrained the Dire King.


    Ronnie''s bright smile flashed. "Good boy!"


    /Inferno: Sharl: Careful Ronnie, that thing will sink.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: This is me being careful.


    Jun Li slashed at the legs of the Dire King, she kept one eye on the sky where Fey was steadily climbing with the Dire King.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Prepare to engage the third target, Banz! Mina, send two of your beasts to help him.


    The third Breach opened right next to Banzi, with a quick lunge he slammed a shield into its face.


    [Shield Slam]


    Banzi has stunned a Dire King.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Hold that last King for 30 seconds! This one is almost down.


    Mina followed her two Vilas and attacked the third King with her scepter, slamming against its ebony armor again and again.


    "We''ve come to help you!" A voice spoke from the water as dozens of Aquarians came up from the waves to attack. Long spears and Ice attacks drove the Dire King toward sh.o.r.e while it howled in pain.


    Mina spared a glance at the newcomers, an easily recognizable Mage peppered her target with Ice attacks. "Ishna?"


    Sasi Qi stared at the Dark Bishop sitting on his obsidian throne. She felt comfortable with their chances of victory, however, the two bodyguards were another story. Their target was flanked by two gigantic creatures that closely resembled giant bulldogs. Each of them bristled with muscle and fangs.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Those are Nether Howlers, our group could probably kill one of them if it was by itself.


    /Qi Family: Uta: It gets better. I''ve been reading the Battleplans that Leva gave to Ducky. Their plans to take Solomon City are very extensive. I believe we have to prioritize getting this information back to our leadership.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Are we abandoning the mission?


    /Qi Family: Nix: I can bring in more help.


    Uta considered their options carefully. "What kind of help."


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    The t.i.tan cub appeared in front of them a moment later, its gigantic nose sniffing carefully in the Nether. "Something smells bad."


    /Qi Family: Rabi: A bear! A great big bear.


    Sasi whistled softly. "That''s a t.i.tan cub. You ever saw a fully grown t.i.tan?"


    The small demon-woman approached the bear with a smile on her face. She stroked the thick fur of his shoulder.


    Morti turned his big head toward Sasi. "You''re a demon. Are you on our side?"


    Sasi nodded. "My family and I are human-demon hybrids, one of our ancestors made the choice generations ago to strengthen our bloodline."


    Morti nodded his big head. "We can play later if you want. I''m a fast runner."


    [Summons: Tor, Cal, Shadai]


    The three Arch Wings appeared before Nix. Tor stepped forward and bowed his head slightly. "At your service Nix."


    There were slight differences from the last time Nix had seen them. It wasn''t easily discernable like it had been with Ducky since they weren''t bonded by spirit. All three appeared slightly larger and more stout. Unlike other Arch Wings, these three radiated strength.


    /Qi Family: Uta:] Heals and range damage? I''m feeling better about our chances but we still can''t risk losing the information.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nix, you punk b.a.s.t.a.r.d! You better be in this G.o.dforsaken place.


    Nix smiled at the familiar voice. "Looks like the back-up has arrived."


    Vooni has joined the Qi Channel.


    Shae has joined the Qi Channel.


    Chiba has joined the Qi Channel.


    Semmi has joined the Qi Channel.


    Wind has joined the Qi Channel.


    Fajii has joined the Qi Channel.


    Pon has joined the Qi Channel.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Welcome! Now we''re in business.


    /Qi Family: Shae: You okay Nix?


    /Qi Family: Nix: Did a bit of time behind bars, but besides that, the Qi Family is taking good care of me.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Captain Vooni, I didn''t realize you had joined Inferno.


    /Qi Family: Vooni: House Speaker Sasi, it''s an honor.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: No need to be formal with me.


    /Qi Family: Chiba: Going to tell us where you are? Or should we start knocking on doors?


    /Qi Family: Nix: I"ve already sent Ducky to retrieve you.


    A few minutes later the members of Inferno joined the Qi family on the 2nd floor.


    /Qi Family: Uta: We''ll make this easy. The t.i.tan cub will tank the Dark Bishop, Vooni and I will hold the two howlers. We''ll kill the Bishop quickly before proceeding to my target and then Vooni''s.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Shadai will keep the off-tanks healed while Eron focuses on Morti.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: I can try to charm one of the Howlers and use him to attack the other.


    /Qi Family: Uta: After we establish Aggro, attempt to charm my target. Just give me a warning so I stop attacking.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: Understood.


    Wind stared at the Water Witch, she had changed again. He was about to ask when she noticed she was wearing the Inferno Guild tag.


    /Inferno: Wind: Welcome to Inferno Ducky.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Thank you.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Hey! Welcome Ducky!


    All three tanks attacked at once. Uta and Vooni arrived at their targets first because of their wings.


    The Dark Bishop sat comfortably on his throne, a long black staff held in one hand while he contemplated the possible outcomes of their plans to take Solomon City. A Nether City in the Sky Kingdom, Zylanex will be pleased if they manage to do it. He jumped to his feet when both of his howlers were attacked. "INTRUDERS! YOU DARE TO COME H..."


    A gigantic paw slapped the Bishop back into his seat before he could finish his sentence. Morti''s jaws opened wide and snapped shut over the arm and shoulder that was holding the staff. The t.i.tan cub leaned backward and dragged the struggling Bishop from his throne toward the middle of the room.


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced the Dark Bishop.


    [Quartered]


    Rabi has crippled the Dark Bishop and exposed a weakness to Fire.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: Charming the Howler now!


    [Charm]


    A Nether Howler has been charmed.


    Ducky directed her charmed companion to attack the other Howler. She pulled out her silver bow and started firing at the Dark Bishop.


    Uta kept his shield up and followed his charmed target, he was temporarily out of the fight, but the moment the Howler broke charm he would be ready to engage.


    Shae and Chiba moved to either side of Morti''s shoulder and started slashing at the Dark Bishop.


    [Viper Strike]


    Sasi Qi has scored a critical hit on the Dark Bishop.


    [Flash Blade] Nix appeared behind the Dark Bishop and slashed at his back.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on the Dark Bishop.


    [Critical Chain]


    Semmi has followed up on Nix''s strike with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up on Semmi''s Strike with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire]


    Pon has followed up on Wind''s Strike with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up on Pon''s Strike with a critical hit.


    The Dark Bishop has been stunned.


    [Double Finish]


    Sasi scored a critical hit on the stunned target.


    Sasi scored a critical hit on the stunned target.


    [Blind Side]


    Rabi scored a critical hit on the Dark Bishop.


    The Dark Bishop has been blinded.


    [Unbalanced Chain]


    Nix has followed up on Fajii''s attack.


    The Dark Bishop has been stunned.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has scored a critical hit on the Dark Bishop.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s strike with a critical hit.


    The Dark Bishop has been mortally wounded.


    [Last Call]


    Sasi has struck at the heart of the Dark Bishop.


    A Dark Bishop has been slain.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Attack Vooni''s target!


    Morti lumbered toward the Nether Howler, it''s health was already half depleted from fighting with the charmed beast. He reared up on his back legs and roared in the face of Vooni''s target.


    [Intimidation: t.i.tan]


    A Nether Howler has been frightened and cannot attack for the next five seconds.


    [Crushing Blow]


    Vooni has landed a significant strike on a Nether Howler.


    Vooni has scored a critical hit on a Nether Howler.


    A Nether Howler has been stunned.


    [Gemini Ability Unlocked: Significant Strike: Critical strike + Stunning strike]


    [Gemini Ability Unlocked: Dual Chains: Critical Chain + Unbalanced Chain]


    [Dual Chains: Critical Chain + Unbalanced Chain]


    Nix has followed up Vooni''s attack with a Significant strike.


    [Dual Chains: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up on Nix''s attack with a Significant strike.


    A Nether Howler has been mortally wounded.


    [Balefire: Advanced]


    Shae has slain a Nether Howler.


    [Deathstroke]


    Chiba has slain a Nether Howler.


    The old woman kicked at the howler corpse. The last one had only a sliver of life left when she attacked it.


    /Qi Family: Chiba: Significant attack is an attack that stuns and crits? I expect you to find me a proper Gemini Cla.s.s young apprentice!


    /Qi Family: Wind: I have to find a significant attack so I can join that party.


    /Qi Family: Semmi: No doubt.


    /Qi Family: Pon: Lame...


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Hey! Nice job!


    Uta looted the corpses.


    A Dark Prism has been placed in Uta''s inventory.


    A Void Dagger has been placed in Uta''s inventory.


    A Void Dagger has been placed in Uta''s inventory.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Nice. Two Void daggers. I''m out, already got one.


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Me too, so I''ll pa.s.s.


    /Qi Family: Semmi: Can you link it, please?


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Sure.


    Void Dagger [Nether Blade]


    Description: Carry this weapon in


    your off-hand and it will match the


    damage of your main weapon.


    Additional Description: Temporarily grants


    dual-wielding while equipped.


    /Qi Family: Semmi: That''s twice the fun! Me, me!


    /Qi Family: Wind: Me too!


    Uta has traded a Void Dagger to Wind.


    Uta has traded a Void Dagger to Semmi.


    /Qi Family: Uta: Nix I''ve been instructed to have you open us a Breach to Loki and to accompany you.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Really? Why is that?


    /Qi Family: Semmi: Loki is under attack Nix and there are incursions all over Oasis.


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    "Let''s go then." Nix hurried his companions through the Breach, he wouldn''t have left had he known an attack was imminent.


    A moment later the group stepped onto the rocky sh.o.r.e of Loki.


    Semmi scrunched up her face in disgust. She had stepped right into the entrails of a corpse that was spread outward in all directions. "The h.e.l.l is this?"


    "That would be what a Dire King looks like when it''s dropped from a few thousand feet." Jun Li''s familiar voice spoke from behind them.


    Nix looked toward the beach, two more large corpses were washed up on the beach. "You guys managed the heavy lifting nicely."


    "Nix!" Mina walked through the group and hugged him quickly. "Welcome back!"


    He returned her smile, his eyes straying to Ishna and her family members. "When did she show up?"


    Mina''s pretty face grimaced, it was obvious that she hadn''t forgiven her old friend. "They showed up while we were fighting the third Dire King."


    [Whisper Nix to Mina] Did you say thank you?


    [Whisper Mina to Nix] No need, it was a self-serving action. They discovered that Panyu is having a daughter.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Great job everyone! Continue to clean up here, I want the officers at the Guild Hall for a meeting.


    Nix fell in beside Jun Li while the group walked toward their Guild Hall. "Nice job holding down the fort Junie."


    Jun Li glanced at his companions. There were three demon-looking creatures riding on Morti''s back. "Friends of yours?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes."

 Chapter 238 - Minion

    "Hey, Nix! Can I get my belt back?" Rabi was happily riding on Morti''s back, seated between his older siblings Uta and Sasi.


    Nix removed the altered buckle from his inventory and rea.s.sembled the belt while he walked. "It might be better if I just replaced it."


    Rabi shook his head vigorously while slipping it back on. "This is my new lucky belt!"


    Morti waddled down the road, his shoulder brushing against Ducky while he walked. She had one hand resting against him. "We need to get a bigger door on the Guild Hall so that I can fit."


    Ducky nodded without saying anything, even if the door were bigger, the room itself would hardly contain him.


    A tall girl stood alone on the steps, waiting patiently for the group to arrive. She held her hair in one hand to keep it from dragging on the ground; in the other, she gripped a Mages staff.


    Morti stopped when he saw her, his big nose huffing several times in her direction. "Do I know you?"


    The young girl looked to be about sixteen, with her pale complexion and silver hair she could have easily pa.s.sed for Wylie''s younger sister. She stared at the ground when the group turned their focus on her. "Afraid not."


    Morti moved closer and stopped to let the Qi family dismount. With his nose raised in the air, he huffed at her again, causing strands of her silver hair to fly in all directions.


    "Morti! You''re messing up my hair." She shook her small fist at him and took a step backward, her feet tangled in her long white robe, causing her to stumble.


    "Careful," Nix stepped forward and caught her by the arm before she fell. He patted her head gently. "Take your time Fey. It''s not easy learning to walk on two legs."


    Fey nodded and favored him with a smile. "Welcome back." She carefully stepped to one side and let the group walk inside.


    Ducky grabbed the white-robed mage by the hand and squeezed slightly. "You look beautiful, Fey. I''ll help you inside."


    Morti flopped on the ground with a sad m.o.a.n. "I knew it was you."


    Fey shook her head while letting Ducky bring her inside. "Didn''t."


    Morti groaned loudly and placed a paw over his eyes. "Did so."


    When they walked in the Guild Hall, Deidra was reading the intel that the Qi family had brought back from the Nether. Her perfect brow was furrowed while she read. After finishing, she finally looked up and noticed that everyone had arrived. "Welcome back."


    Elan Mtui was seated between his mother and Nix; he took a moment to shake the Inferno Guild Leader''s hand.


    Nix glanced around the room; all of his officers were present along with a few guests. "I''m interested in learning what went on here while I was deployed to the Nether." He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned slightly to see Shae standing comfortably behind him.


    [Whisper Shae to Nix] They aren''t our enemies, but be wary anyways.


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] I will.


    Nix leaned back in his chair, trying not to notice that Shae was caressing the back of his neck with her fingertips. "I''ll start then. Breach Commander Mtui asked me to accompany the Qi family on an incursion mission into the Nether. After meeting up with them, we entered the Dark Temple through an Octagon Gate."


    Mtui was looking at the briefing Uta has sent to him. "How bad was the trap?"


    Sasi answered for the Qi family. "All Cla.s.s and Archon abilities were disabled. Our inventories couldn''t be accessed, all of our gear was confiscated, and we were locked in cells."


    Pon snorted from across the table. "Doesn''t sound that bad. How''d you get out?"


    Sasi turned her dark eyes toward the old mage. "With a belt buckle, some straw, and a few dead rats."


    Uta nodded in agreement. "Taxidermy, I believe it was."


    Nix continued, "we escaped our cell and overpowered the guards to get our gear back."


    From there, Uta took over the narrative. "We sent Ducky to scout the position of the Dark Bishop and gather Intel. During her absence, we discovered a Chancellor in the library. We eliminated him and proceeded to the rendezvous point where Ducky was waiting with the Fallen Chancellor."


    "Leva was there?" Deidra noted that the brief only mentioned the death of two Chancellors, not that Leva had been one of them. "What was she doing there?"


    "Ducky bewitched her and brought her back. After gathering Intel from Leva, the Chancellor took her own life." Uta was expecting the room to grow quiet; it had been an impressive display of strength.


    Deidra focused on the Water Witch for a moment; she was carefully braiding the Drakon''s hair and not paying attention to the meeting. "This is when you met up with Inferno and joined hands to kill the Dark Bishop?"


    Uta nodded and smiled at the Inferno members seated around the table. "I''ve never seen a more impressive group."


    Nix stood and allowed Shae to have his chair. He brought up a giant holo-map of the Izzin Area. "Two deployments were going on while Alpha Team was heading into the Nether." He motioned for Sharl to take over.


    "I was in charge of the Izzin deployment." Sharl studied the map for a moment before she continued. "This was the same encroachment from a few weeks ago. The patch on the breach is holding, but they were attacking it from our side."


    Mtui brought up a second holo that showed the actual patch in the tunnel. "Those patches can only be broken from our side. This was an attempt by them to reopen the pa.s.sage for a fullscale a.s.sault."


    Nix changed the holo-map to show Isla''Fairbal. "The second incursion took place east of Isla''Fairbal."


    Banzi zoomed in on the destroyed Fish Farm. "Do you recognize this place, Nix? A Demon named Belchi claimed to have inserted a demon heart into a vampire named Kedric."


    Nix looked at the image on the holo. They dug a foot or so into the ground, nowhere near deep enough to find the corpse they were looking for. "So Kedric was a spy for the Nether? That''s a surprise. I killed him and destroyed his heart; he won''t be giving them any information."


    Deidra glanced at her son and nodded. Breach Commander Mtui stood up immediately. "I will be taking all non-Inferno members back to Solomon City. Our part in this operation is complete."


    Uta and his siblings stood up and bowed toward Deidra. "Well done Inferno, the Qi Family hopes to work with you again in the future."


    [Whisper Sasi to Nix] My family would like to talk with you at length. Please visit us at the House of Tempest next time you are in Solomon City.


    [Whisper Nix to Sasi] I will, thank you for the invitation.


    Deidra waited until everyone left before she started speaking. "Since you fought so hard, I wanted to tell you the reason behind this offensive, although a few pieces are missing."


    Nix wanted to ask questions right away but decided it was better to wait. "Please do."


    "The plans we recovered show that the Nether was planning on taking Solomon City. They devised a scheme to deal with me and neutralize our three Breach Commanders."


    Semmi already had a hundred questions, but she focused on one that might get answered. "Why would they want Solomon City?"


    "There are eighteen cities in the Sky Kingdom; they are held in the air above a continent that is considered very hazardous. In the beginning, when the Sky Kingdom was formed, we didn''t have access to the lower planes, and our resources were extremely limited."


    "You battled other cities for resources." Semmi put it together quickly. "What happens once a city lost resources to the point where it couldn''t function?"


    "There were once twenty-five cities, seven of them perished before we developed planar travel. After that, we abolished the ''Challenge'' laws and united to defend the four planes."


    [Whisper Nix to Semmi] I want you to stop asking questions Sem, she''s answering in partial truths, and we don''t know the consequences of learning too much.


    [Whisper Semmi to Nix] Understood.


    "Barbaric." Semmi shook her head slightly and settled back in her chair.


    Deidra nodded in agreement. "Those things happened before my time as the leader of Solomon City. Although all dragons can now access the planes through breaches, until Nix''s arrival, there were only three Breach Commanders, and they were all Dragonsp.a.w.n."


    "I understand." Jun Li was on the team at Everspire; she knew that Deidra was telling half-truths. "They planned to take Solomon City and use it to attack the other cites. This was probably months in the making and the arrival of a new Breach Commander..."


    "Meant they had to quickly deal with him before the a.s.sault on Solomon could happen."


    Deidra finished the sentence and then accessed her Breach Commander Menu.


    /Breach Commander Deidra: You have been victorious in a long night of battles. All partic.i.p.ants are awarded five levels. Jun Li and Nix are awarded seven levels. I want to thank all of Inferno and the 12 Pillar Alliance for their prowess in making this mission a success.


    Pon shook his head in disgust. "They were after someone who was sitting in one of their cells the whole time, that''s f*ckin ironic."


    Deidra left a few minutes later. Jun Li dismissed the Alliance after thanking them for their hard work. Vooni, Chiba, and Fajii returned to Solomon City.


    /Inferno: Semmi: d.a.m.n... We deserve a party after all that.


    /Inferno: Nix: Party at Haven tomorrow afternoon, everyone get some proper rest.


    Nix grabbed Ronnie before she gated out and handed her the books he took from the Dark Temple.


    [Whisper Nix to Ronnie] Treat these as sensitive, no one but you can access them. I want to know what they say.


    [Whisper Ronnie to Nix] I''m on it.


    Nix opened a Breach to Haven, just outside of the Gemini Temple. "Going to run a quick errand."


    Hyai and Shae glanced at each other but didn''t say anything.


    "This is will only take a few minutes, I promise."


    "Are you hungry? I''ll cook the three of us something," Hyai offered.


    "Yes, thank you. I won''t be too long." Nix waited until they were walking back to the ranch house before continuing.


    [Create Breach: Dark Temple]


    Nix stepped through the breach and immediately activated his stealth package. He was in the hallway where Leva, the Fallen Chancellor, had died. He already knew where they would take the corpses of the Chancellor and the Bishop.


    By the time Nix arrived at the Chapel, the altar was already a ma.s.s of flames. The body of the Dark Bishop was burning brightly in the dim room. The same worshippers were swaying back and forth while they chanted. There was a second corpse wrapped in black cloth on a table next to the far wall. The Bishop was his first choice, but he''d settle for Leva.


    He grabbed the body with both hands and then opened a Breach directly in front of him. He was already through the breach before anyone had noticed.


    It took a few minutes of work with his flame strands to dig up the limbless torso of Kedric. The vampire opened and closed his mouth grotesquely.


    "Did you miss me?" Nix cut open his chest and removed the heart.


    [You hold the heart of a Greater Demon in your hand. There is a Greater Demon corpse in close proximity to you, transferring the heart to this body will make them your minion.]


    A few minutes later, Nix burned the remains of Kedric along with the heart he pulled from Leva. The former Chancellor lay on the ground, unmoving. Nix knelt beside her and reb.u.t.toned her shirt. When you placed a demon heart inside a corpse, it resealed automatically. Beta had told him what to do. First, you needed a demon heart that had resided inside of a vampire. Secondly, you needed to activate them with your blood.


    He bit into his thumb, and they pried the mouth of the corpse open to let a few drops enter.


    [Do you wish to activate a Demon Minion?]


    "Yes."


    Leva stood up slowly and faced him before kneeling on both knees. "Master."


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. "What do you remember from your existence as the Fallen Chancellor?"


    "Everything, Master."


    "Is it possible to restore you to the Dark Temple?"


    "I was not a resident of the Temple Master. I was there at the request of Bishop Bayoni."


    "Towards what end?"


    "The destruction of Solomon City."


    "You''re a Chancellor. That means you can open and close Breaches."


    "Yes, Master."


    "No more calling me Master, address me directly as Nix. There''s no need to bow or kneel to me. You are my minion, but I want you to act like we are regular acquaintances."


    "Of course, Nix."


    "Return to the Dark Temple and attempt to resume your normal duties, if that is possible, then do it."


    "I understand, Nix. What if it isn''t possible?"


    "Then return here and contact me." Nix considered his options. "You will not complete any Chancellor operations without first getting my permission."


    "I will do as you say, Nix."


    Nix walked around her slowly. Chancellor Leva looked the same. "Return now and follow your orders. I will contact you tomorrow."


    "I understand." Leva opened up a breach and stepped through.

 Chapter 239 A Few Days Res

    Nix stared up at the Dragon Fir he had planted almost a day earlier. The first night it had shot up, but the growth accelerated even more during the daylight hours. "Could be the future guest house, or maybe just a party tree. Must be about eighty feet in height and I can barely get my arms around the trunk." He noted that the leaves were at the very top and the bark was nearly rough enough to climb up.


    A soft muzzle pushed against the back of his neck, he turned to find red eyes staring at him. "Bet you wish you''d eaten that tree when it was small."


    The mare nosed him again, then accepted an apple from his hand. Her hooves which would have been called cloven before, now couldn''t be called anything but claws. The scales on her legs extended all the way to her abdomen, her color had turned black as coal.


    Nix walked towards the ranch house, the mare fell in step beside him. "You sure you still eat apples?"


    When he decided he wanted to raise horses in Haven, Nix had used up his free time reading up on the subject. Typically horses have Incisors that make up the six front teeth, there''s an inch gap that separates them from four canines and then another two-inch gap until their molars start. The teeth are mostly flat but definitely capable of inflicting a wound. The demon horse broke all those rules. Her teeth looked more suited for tearing flesh rather than grazing.


    He stopped when they arrived at the stables, only the pregnant mares were being penned. "Hey... What''s wrong with Flash? Not your type?"


    He held up another apple.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    Any horse on the ranch would have taken off the moment Nix lit up. The demon mare looked curious and put her nose directly in the flames. He whistled softly. "I had a feeling."


    [Direct Contact: Shae] The Salamander''s holo popped up in front of him, she putting plates onto the dining room table. "Time to eat Nix."


    "I know. Could you come outside for a moment?" Nix closed communication and continued walking toward the house. He was close enough to hear the door open when she came outside.


    "Were you riding?" Shae put out her hand for the demon mare to sniff.


    "This is going to sound weird. Could you try igniting her aura?"


    "You trying to cook her?" Shae put a hand on the mare''s head and closed her eyes for a few seconds. She reopened them a moment later and lowered her voice. "You gave dragon blood to a horse?"


    Nix didn''t comment, Shae had a higher perception than anyone he''d ever heard of.


    She clucked her tongue at him and then extended her pointer finger. Instantly the night lit up with orange flames, the demon mare stood unconcerned over the flames that bathed her. Shae stared at the horse for a few seconds, there was a longing in her eyes. "Can I have her?"


    "Um... No." Nix laughed at the face she made. "Shut it off please, I don''t want her burning our gra.s.slands."


    Shae nodded and stared longingly at the horse. "Nightmare."


    "Oh... I like that name, but you still can''t have her."


    *****************


    [Loki Shipyard: 1100 hours]


    The warm afternoon sun shone down on the ship, the gentle waves of the bay licked curiously at her wood hull. Inferno''s first attempt at shipbuilding definitely wasn''t pretty. Lena, the Guild''s carpenter had followed the designs the best she could but the schematic was meant for a Master Shipwright, not a Master Carpenter.


    Captain Delphi gave Nix a skeptical look before returning his gaze to the Moon G.o.ddess. "She''s not the Phoenix."


    Lena snorted from the other side of Nix. "As you say, Captain."


    "I''m pleased with the result," Nix declared while shaking Lena''s hand. He had opened a Breach from Glory to bring the crew of the Phoenix to Loki, their mission was to sail the Moon G.o.ddess to Izzin.


    "Why can''t you just open a breach up and sail the Phoenix through it." Delphi already missed the sleek Queen of the Colonial Oceans.


    "Already tried," Nix admitted. "Take her to Izzin to show Shipwright Vy, that''s your mission. Lena will accompany you."


    Lena frowned at the Inferno leader. "I thought you were coming too."


    "It''s only six hours by ship. I''ll meet you guys there."


    Captain Delphi nodded reluctantly. "We''ll get her prepped and sail tomorrow at Dawn."


    Nix left the two of them at the docks to hash out the details for the trip. He summoned Nightmare and mounted up. Although the forests of Loki were quite extensive there was also a nice network of game trails throughout the dense woods. He gave the horse her head and let her go where she wanted. Nightmare tore down the trails, making the ground blur while Nix was forced to hold tight.


    Bent over the saddle to limit drag, the rider''s loud howl was lost on the wind, Nightmare was fast. She skidded to a sudden stop a while later, Nix nearly fell out of the saddle when she put on the brakes. "What''s wrong?"


    Nightmare stomped her feet like something was bothering her.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turned deep orange as the thermal signatures of the woods became visible to him.


    "Come out." Nix could see two people standing together in the undergrowth a few meters off the trail.


    "She''s fast Nix, faster than any horse I''ve ever seen." The smiling face of Delyn Xai approached him, his apprentice and Clan Leader Raine Xai followed behind.


    "Nightmare is fast." Nix slid down off the horse and shook hands with Delyn. "Getting to know the woods a bit before the course starts?"


    Delyn nodded. "It''s been a while since I was last here, it''s the perfect place for Wrath training."


    Nix didn''t comment. Inferno had sold their Wrath slots to Resolute since they couldn''t find anyone interested in attending the course. The four-month course would give them the Wrath Cla.s.s as well as a basic introduction to some of the skills and abilities they possessed. The graduates would be novice Wraths.


    Nightmare stomped her feet again, something was bothering her. When Nix approached she put her head in his chest and whinnied softly. "What''s bothering you?"


    Raine gave him a slight smile. "It''s the blood, an epic battle is taking place close by."


    "The f*ck are you talking about?" Nix let his vision wander the woods, a few hundred meters to the North, the landscape was dyed red with the fading heat of spilled blood and bodies.


    He broke into a run, heading directly to the site. A minute later he arrived at a small clearing, where one of Loki''s many streams forked off into two separate directions. Nix frowned at the carca.s.ses. "There must be hundreds of them. What are they?"


    The bodies of small creatures closely resembling minks were littered about on the banks of the river. Nix picked one up, it had been killed by a puncture wound on the back of its neck. It was barely longer than his hand with a long thin body covered in gold fur.


    "Thousands actually," Delyn confirmed. The brown-haired Wrath knelt beside one of the small bodies and turned it over. "This one is a Thrane, slightly different from the one you have which would be called a Razir."


    "Razir? Why would they be fighting?" Nix had to deactivate Dragon Eyes to see the color difference. The Thrane was a reddish-brown while the Razir was golden.


    "Why does anyone fight Nix?" Delyn shrugged his shoulders. "Cycle of life here on Loki, these creatures have been doing this since I trained here decades ago. It will continue forever, or until one side wipes out the other."


    "Maybe one side just won," Nix noted that there was only a few Thrane bodies on the battlefield.


    "Hard to say." Delyn watched the Inferno leader start to gather the Razir corpses, within a few minutes he had managed to stack most of them in a huge pile.


    [Whisper Raine to Delyn] What is he doing master? The meat you get off these things isn''t worth the time it takes to skin them unless you''re starving.


    [Whisper Delyn to Raine] Hard to say. Let''s continue scouting.


    "We''re going to continue our preparation for cla.s.s." Delyn faded into the woods a few moments later, his apprentice trailing behind.


    "Open Crafting Interface."


    Nix selected Taxidermy from the list of his crafts.


    [Please choose the base creature you will be using.]


    Nix place the small Razir corpse in the queue.


    [Do you wish to skin 2,048 Razers?]


    "Yes."


    2048 Razir pelts have been added to your inventory.


    Your Taxidermy skill has improved to 59.


    [Please select the tools and material you will be using.]


    Nix looked at the selection choices, they were mostly tailoring tools.


    [Razir Pelt] [Skinning Knife: Platinum dagger] [Needle: Ceramic] [Filler: Camel Hair]


    [Queue 2,048 Razir dolls?]


    "Yes." While the queue started processing, Nix made some notes. Taxidermy allowed you to make a doll replica of any creature, providing you have enough corpses and materials. They weren''t sentient dolls and required you to inhabit them. They had a shelf life that slowly ticked away with use.


    It took less than half an hour for the queue to finish. During that time his Taxidermy skill had only raised to 66.


    [Make Advanced Razir Mannequins?]


    "Yes." From his experience with the rats, he knew that making an Advanced Razir would burn up four dolls.


    [Queue 512 Advanced Razir Mannequins?]


    "Yes." Nix read the queue data after it became advanced, the system referred to the creatures as mannequins instead of dolls.


    He leaned back on the riverbank and waited while the process finished.


    Your Taxidermy skill has improved to 79.


    512 Advanced Razi Mannequins have been added to your inventory.


    [Make Superior Razi Mannequins? Requires x4 Advanced Razi Mannequins.]


    "Yes."


    [Queue 128 Superior Razir Mannequins?]


    "Yes."


    Over the next hour, Nix continued working and advancing the Taxidermy skill. It took eight superior mannequins to make one excellent mannequin and then sixteen of those to advance to Pristine. In the end, Nix was left with a Taxidermy skill of 101 and one Pristine Razi Mannequin which he had named ghost.


    Ghost [Pristine Razir]


    Skills: Dominate, Stealth, Self Destruct.


    Nix examined the razir doll carefully. He couldn''t find a discernible difference between Ghost and the corpses he had used. "I need to find some rat corpses and make a Pristine Rat King also."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nix! Where are you? The party is starting!


    /Inferno: Nix: On my way. Where at?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Under that tree, you planted outside of the Gemini Temple.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay.


    [Direct Contact: Leva] An image of the Fallen Chancellor popped up in front of Nix. "Report."


    "I a.s.sumed my duties, the acolytes here didn''t even know a breach was opened when you took my body. They thought I was resurrected someplace else."


    Nix nodded, they had been chanting and praying to the altar when he''d taken her. "Who''s the driving force behind the plans to take Solomon?"


    "Zylanex is obsessed with taking the Sky Kingdom, He is one of sixteen Nether Overlords."


    Nix nodded. "At least I have name to work with. Compile a report on Zylanex and then send it to me.


    "As you wish Nix."

 Chapter 240 - The Fallen Cities

    Nix read the pa.s.sage for the third time. "Who is the author?"


    "Someone named Zylanex." Ronnie scooted her chair towards his and slid a second book closer. "This one says the names of the fallen Sky Kingdom cities and their Dragon Masters."


    [Fallen Cities of Everspire]


    Elynmoor: Yandro


    Chyanama: Zylanexor


    Dyrekstad: Hierophant


    Goralpri: Bo''raz


    Aquarius: Neptiphago


    Icaraphet: Tharaka


    Verynzai: Unaqoir


    "That''s very similar to the name of Chyanama''s Dragon, Zylanexor." Nix glanced up at Ronnie. "Nice cross-referencing. What else?"


    "These cities are kept in the air with Dragon Marrow, not blood or mana like we were thinking." Ronnie turned a few pages and pointed to some handprinted writing in the column. "The worse possible fuel, unlike blood or mana, each dragon only has a finite supply of it."


    "That explains why Yandro was so weak. My guess is that he committed genocide to keep their secret." Nix brought up the report that Leva sent him, it hadn''t taken her long to compile a detailed dossier on Zylanexor.


    "Hey! Where''d you get this?" Ronnie leaned closer and started reading.


    After a few minutes, Nix closed the hud. "Let''s do some extrapolating."


    "Zylanexor couldn''t deal with his imminent fall/death and escaped to the Nether." Ronnie pursed her lips while she studied the books in front of her.


    Nix nodded his head slightly. "He wants to reclaim a city in the Sky Kingdom. He chose Solomon because all the Breach Commanders are located there, with one exception."


    "You."


    [Guild Quest Updated: The Fallen Cities]


    Nix displayed the Quest.


    [The Fallen Cities]


    Long ago there existed 25 cities in the air of the Everspire continent. Seven of those cities have disappeared from sight. Continue to pursue all leads.


    1) Stop the Spectrum from falling into the hands of a dragon.


    2) (Hidden)


    3) Uncover the truth about Dragon Marrow.


    4) Discover the Ident.i.ty of Zylanexor.


    5) (Hidden)


    [Point of Contact: The Cabal]


    "What''s our next step?" Ronnie closed the book and slid it towards her.


    "I''m going to send a long term expedition to Elynmoor. Pack your bags." Nix slid his chair back and stood up.


    "You are? Who else is going?" The dark archer jumped up excitedly.


    "Chael, Darsi, Dalton, Moki, Nansu, and Zeta team." Nix brought up his hud while he walked toward the door, he sent Ronnie the expedition details.


    "You''ve been working on this for a while." Ronnie ran to keep up with him.


    "Three months ought to do it" They had missed something in Elynmoor, they would need to search every bit of the city.


    "That''s a long time..." Ronnie stared at the list. "Nansu is going?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, if I don''t get her out of my house now..."


    Ronnie laughed at the look on his face. "I get it. This will give her and Chael some time to make up, if they can."


    [Direct Contact: Hyai]


    Nix smiled at the life-size holo that popped up in front of him. She was up to her elbows in suds, scrubbing pots in the sink. "That looks like hard work."


    To her credit, Hyai only jumped a little. "It''s not bad. What''s up, hun?"


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    Nix stepped through the breach he opened behind the Emerald Salamander Inn. A moment later he opened the door to a surprised Hyai.


    She let him nudge her to one side while he took over the pots. "That''s quite the service you provide."


    "Just one of many." Nix started on the pots while Hyai continued prepping for dinner. "I''m sending Zeta team on a long term expedition. Are you able to attend?"


    Hyai nodded. "I have help that I can bring in. How long will it be and are you coming?


    "I''m guessing 90 days, I can''t give you the specifics yet." Nix continued his task while they talked quietly.


    A few minutes later he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind, a rather bountiful chest pushed against his back. "You''re very helpful Nix."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "You''re breaking your own rules again."


    "I know, the kitchen is for working only." Hyai grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the dining area.


    "Where we going?"


    Hyai shrugged and continued leading him upstairs. "Someplace nice."


    /Inferno: Nix: You''ve all been given the expedition parameters. Do your best, I''ll be checking up on you daily.


    [Guild Expedition]


    Location: You''ll find out when you get there.


    Team Leader: Ronnie


    Zeta team


    Chael


    Nansu


    Darsi


    Dalton


    Moki


    Gyspsy


    Duration: Up to 90 Days.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What are the rest of us doing?


    /Inferno: Nix: Alpha Team will be in Solomon City along with Chiba, Shae, and Vooni. I''ll be taking Hunter team to Izzin. I want the Expedition team and Hunter Team ready to go in one hour.


    Hunter Team: Nix, Jun Li, Sharl, Milat, Mina.


    Nix stood on the Glory docks a few minutes later. He could see Shana sweeping the area in front of the stores. "Working hard?"


    Shana smiled when she saw him but she didn''t stop her task. "I am. Grams inside doing some tailoring."


    Nix nodded and headed inside. Gram''s hand issues completely disappeared and she was able to work as a tailor again. Since he was too busy, Nix let her take over the tailoring for the Glory shop. Nova would continue to run the store and Lela would be the sales clerk.


    "Hey, Nix!" Maye noticed him right away, "I hear you''re heading off again."


    "Yep, just stopped to see if you needed anything." Nix accepted a hug from her. The woman''s hair was no longer white. It was brown with a few streaks of gray. She appeared to be only ten years older than her daughter.


    "We have everything we need." Maye squeezed his hand and then stepped away. She knew he had given her something that saved her life.


    [Gemini Temple Entrance 1600 Hours]


    Nix stepped through the Breach near the entrance of the Gemini Temple. Immediately he noticed a crowd staring up at the Dragon Fir Tree.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: What is up with this tree Nix?


    The Dragon Fir was continuing its unstoppable growth. It slowed slightly during the night hours but shot up during the day. Nix guessed its current height around 120 feet with a diameter of six feet.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t ask me, Deidra is the one who gave it to me. Perhaps that''s how Dragon Fir''s grow. You saw the size of the ones in Dragonvale.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Those were a couple of thousand feet in height.


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Everyone join the Expedition Channel, please.


    You''ve created the Expedition Channel.


    [Create Breach: Everspire: Elynmoor]


    Nix led the entire group through and waited until they all excited and then he disabled Guild Chat.


    /Expedition: Nix: I''ve disabled Guild Chat in the interest of secrecy. This is the fallen City of Elynmoor. It was one of seven cities that disappeared from the Sky Kingdom. It settled on the mountain peaks of the Everspire Continent. The mission is simple, explore and catalog every inch of this city.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: I''ve got it from here boss. We''ll break off in teams and find a suitable place to set up our Commander Center.


    Nix waved to Hyai and opened another breach.


    [Create Breach: Emba.s.sy, 90th Floor]


    /Hunter: Sharl: This is the Emba.s.sy? I thought we were going to Izzin.


    /Hunter: Nix: I''m taking Milat and Mina to Izzin, you and Junie are taking your planar trials.


    Nix entered the instance and walked to the foundation. He could see the foundations stones and the pillars they had already added. He walked Jun Li to the Pillar he wanted her to take. After the four corner pillars, the next four should be placed in the middle of the lines formed by the first four.


    Jun Li stood next to Nix, her blade already in hand. "Here?"


    Nix nodded. "Do your best." He waited until Jun Li disappeared before escorting Sharl to hers.


    Sharl kissed his cheek and then stepped on without saying anything.


    Nix could feel the eyes of both Aquarions on him. "You two will be next, however, I require your help on a special mission.


    /Hunter: Mina: In Izzin? What kind of mission?


    /Hunter: Nix: It starts in Izzin, but we probably won''t be there long. We''ll be investigating my ferret friends and the objects they were carrying.


    [Create Breach: Izzin: Tysta Lake]

 Chapter 241 - Return To Izzin

    "You were surprised. Come on, admit it!" Fey banked slightly and corrected her course. In the distance, she could see the Moon G.o.ddess sailing steadily southward.


    "A bit, you''d have figured it out eventually." Nix patted her back from his seat behind her shoulders. Ten drops of dragon blood had done a lot more than give Fey human form. Her body was toughened substantially; her speed and strength were also increased.


    "Going to drop you off Nix." Fey dropped her stealth about half a mile from the Moon G.o.ddess, very quickly she was spotted by Captain Delphi''s crew. She felt Nix stand up just as she closed in and stooped her wings to slow down. She banked away and started climbing again when she felt him jump off. "Summon me after I change back into human form."


    Nix skidded and then tumbled on the deck of the Moon G.o.ddess, knocking over several buckets and mobs that had been placed near the rail. The nearby crew members all looked away, except for Delphi, who he could hear laughing from the helm. "I was envisioning something cooler."


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Moon G.o.ddess]


    A moment later, two Aquarions stepped onto the deck of the Moon G.o.ddess. Milat whistled softly, the ship was much bigger than he would have thought.


    "It''s big right?" Captain Delphi left the helm and was walking toward them. "She''s bigger than a Dreadnought, there are three extra floating masts that I have no idea what to do with."


    Nix shook his captain''s hand and was favored with a smile. "It''s great to be working with you again Captain."


    "I hear there isn''t a naval presence on Oasis." Delphi shook the hands of the Aquarions also, both Milat and Mina were long-time members of the Phoenix crew. You could build a city out of the sh.i.p.s they had sunk together.


    Nix was staring at the landma.s.s that seemed to pop up out of nowhere. Quickly he brought up his Breach Commander Holo since it was vastly superior to the standard hud maps.


    The landscape had changed vastly since his most recent visit, most of the ice was removed from their borders. A large river leading inland to Lake Tysta was now visible. There were five Izzin cities, the capitol Tysta, Spiro, Cyli, Feska and Marabi. All five of the Izzin cities were built on the coasts of Lake Tysta.


    The Moon G.o.ddess entered the river channel an hour later, the riverbanks blossomed with every sort of green plant imaginable.


    "This was all ice last time Nix?" Milat and moved to the rail and was watching the banks with interest.


    "Dozens of feet of ice, this lake takes up nearly all of their territory. I haven''t visited the cities, but I''m guessing they are quite large."


    "Nix..." Mina pointed to the opposite bank. A few Izzin children were running along the banks of the river, waving and smiling at the ship. They scampered over and between obstacles quite easily with their crab-like legs.


    [Whisper Shipwright Vy to Nix] I''m hearing reports that a ship has entered the Nix river.


    [Whisper Nix to Shipwright] We just entered a few minutes ago. Nix river?


    [Whisper Shipwright Vy to Nix] Yes, in honor of the man who broke the curse and restored our empire.


    [Whisper Nix to Shipwright Vy] I''m honored.


    [Whisper Shipwright Vy to Nix] I''m sending out a small boat to receive you, just follow the boat to the docking area.


    Within a few minutes, the Moon G.o.ddess was within sight of the docks. The roar of a giant crowd could be heard from their ship.


    /Hunter: Mina: That''s a lot of people. How big are these cities?


    /Hunter: Nix: The capital city is probably close to a few hundred thousand.


    Hyai wiped her brow with the back of her hand, she kept her armor on despite being told that the area was safe. Nix had told her, ''armor only saves your life when you are wearing it.'' The first building in the NW corner of the city was the Golden Wings Inn. Hyai had been a.s.signed the building.


    The tall redhead walked up the stairs, comparing it to her own Inn was only natural. She found the Inn Keeper''s room first, that was the most likely place to find valuable items. Walking in it was obvious the Inn Keeper had been a female. There were feminine trinkets everywhere. She took a seat on the bed and glanced around the room. She had until tomorrow night to finish the building, more than enough time to go through everything.


    /Expedition: Hyai: I found some books, even a diary you can look at.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: We can read the diary together, might be some interesting things in there.


    Hyai smiled and started removing books from the bookcase onto the bed. "That girl..." A creaking floorboard caused her to spin around.


    The blast took her point-blank in the chest and knocked her through the gla.s.s window to the street below. She slammed into the hard cobblestone street, nearly blacking out while she struggled to breathe. Hyai staggered to her feet, both hands glowing with fire.


    /Expedition: Hyai: I''ve just been attacked at the Inn.


    Jun Li ducked the slash aimed at her face and then used her blade to swipe at two arrows fired from the two remaining archers. One of them was batted away while the other stuck into her shoulder.


    [Ghost Step]


    Jun Li weaved her way between the next pair of shots and appeared next to the archers.


    A mailed fist knocked the nearer one into the other while she spun quickly and removed the head of the swordsman that was following her. Two quick slashes after that and the archers were finished.


    [Planar Trial Pa.s.sed: Gemini Gladiator Jun Li]


    Jun Li smiled and pulled the arrow from her shoulder, a moment later she appeared on the platform. The stone beneath her feet now bore the image of a Gemini Gladiator, a quick glance told her that Sharl hadn''t finished yet. She wasn''t concerned though, without a doubt she understood that Sharl was probably the best tank in the game.


    "Jun Li!"


    Inferno''s Vice Leader turned at the sound of her name. She could dimly make out someone waiting for her on the other side of the instance entrance.


    "Nix told me that you''d be finishing a quest here and to wait for you." The speaker was a man dressed in black, his jet-black hair was cut short and his dark eyes seemed to watch everything at once.


    Jun Li smiled at the speaker. "Donri." She hadn''t known the Seneschal very well before Nix a.s.signed him to the Royal family of the newly minted Central Kingdom. He was the only Black Fire Mage in the guild and had distinguished himself when he was put in command of the Broyan fighters during the Cai''Song Battle.


    Donri was a former tank and one of the first people Nix had grouped with when he first came to Colonial. Together with Nezbit and Sila, they had taken down the bear whose skin was later used to help Morti. "Nix told me to wait for you."


    Jun Li shook the mages hand, noting that he obviously still possessed the strength of a tank. "Are we doing something for the royal family?"


    Donri shook his head. "No, we are investigating something for Nix."


    "Where do we start?"


    Both turned their heads at the sudden disturbance, through the instance veil a figure staggered onto the platform.


    The pair entered the instance and helped Sharl to her feet. Inferno''s Main Tank was splashed with blood, her armor riddled with dings and scorch marks. Beneath her feet, an image of a shield appeared on the tile.


    Jun Li helped the exhausted woman off the platform. "Do you need a healer?"


    Sharl shook her head. "Just a few minor wounds, this blood isn''t mine."


    "Nice to see you again Sharl." Donri offered the tank his hand. "Now the team is complete, time to find the Cabal."

 Chapter 242 - Coredium

    "That''s not something you see every day." Nix stood with his two Aquarion guildmates and stared at the life-sized wood carving of Alpha Team that had been placed in the Center Square of Tysta City. The rendition showed Nix standing heroically in the middle, flanked on either side by Fajii and Semmi; Pon and Wind seemed to ready to jump into action on the borders of the group.


    Milat stared at the sculpture; in particular, he noticed that Fajii no longer bore any resemblance to an Aquarion. This was something he had understood for quite some time, but the reality hit him harder than he would admit. "I agree. Not Pon''s best side."


    Nix laughed at the words and let a very enthusiastic Vy pull himself down the boardwalk. The Shipwright had greeted them warmly and led the trio through the crowded streets of Tysta. The roads were paved with crushed bluish rock, and all of the buildings were made from wood. Izzin citizens of all ages would place hands on their shoulders and thank them while they walked by.


    Intricate boardwalks connected the streets and buildings of Tysta; it was by far the biggest city Nix had seen in Colonial. "What kind of government does Izzin have?"


    Vy continued to hold his hand while they walked. Nix noticed that this seemed typical since pairs of people with mixed and same genders were also walking that way. "The five Cities have elected officials that make up the House of Izzin. The Monarchy oversees the House."


    Nix watched the Izzin navigate quickly through the crowded streets. Their crab-like legs enabled them to move in any direction quickly. "Can we stop here for a moment?"


    Vy looked up at the sign that Nix was pointing to. "Bolo''s Tailor shop? You have an interest in Tailoring?"


    Nix nodded, "I do."


    Bolo was a shop that specialized in dresses and formal wear. The Izzin typically wore a skirt-like garment on their lower bodies. Nix hadn''t seen anyone wearing pants; although pants with six legs might be challenging to make, it certainly wasn''t impossible.


    "Welcome to my shop!" An Izzin man with blazing red hair and a mult.i.tude of freckles greeted them when they walked in.


    Nix shook the man''s hand; most of the Izzin were short and slender; this man was neither. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno and a Tailor."


    The Izzin''s pale face turned beet red. "A Tailor did you say? Let me show you something, Mr. Nix!"


    The Izzin disappeared into a back room and reappeared a few moments later carrying a piece of parchment. "I see you are wearing pants. I have this recipe for Izzin pants that I''ve kept all these years; would you be interested?"


    [Quest Available: Izzin Work Pants]


    Make Bolo 10 sets of work pants.


    Reward: 3 Unique Izzin Tailoring recipes.


    "Yes, I can do that." Nix glanced at the recipe; it was comprised of things that he already had.


    [Learn the recipe: Izzin Work Pants?]


    "Yes."


    He felt Mina pull at his arm and turned to find the Aquarion smiling at him. "What?"


    Mina shrugged slightly. "It''s nice to see that you never change." She glanced at Milat before sharing a laugh at their Guild Leader''s expense.


    "Whatever... It''s work-pants! Those are very useful." Nix waved goodbye while Vy ushered him out the door.


    Eventually, they stopped at a large channel with a retractable footbridge. Nix stood on the boardwalk, watching as the bridge retracted. A roar proceeded the ugly looking Inferno version of the Moon G.o.ddess as she made her way down the narrow channel. There was some sort of pulley system installed in the ca.n.a.l, a rope attached to the hull was clearly the reason for her progress.


    Nix clapped along with everyone else; it was a good effort by Lena to build a ship. "Where are they bringing her?"


    Vy watched the ship pa.s.s; she nodded to herself several times. "To the shipyard to be properly outfitted."


    [Quest Successful]


    You have shown the Izzin that you are capable of artisans. The Moon G.o.ddess has been upgraded.


    [Moon G.o.ddess: Legendary Ship]


    Master Carpenter Lena has become Shipwright Lena.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, Lena!


    /Inferno: Lena: No need for that. This comes with a t.i.tle and a house here in Tysta!


    "Tomorrow you''ll meet the Royal Family if it isn''t a problem I''d like to visit all five of our cities tomorrow." Vy waited until the footbridge extended and led the group across. "You asked to access our library?"


    Nix nodded. Although the Izzin library wasn''t part of the Oasis Great Library system, their civilization predated Parliament and was likely to have a lot of information on many things. "In my world, we came across a peculiar race of fur-covered people. No one seems to know anything about them."


    Vy''s intelligent eyes stared intently at Nix. "Core''duim? Were they miners?"


    "I''m not sure. However, they did dig a large network of tunnels in a relatively short period of time. What is Core''dium?"


    "Core''dium literally means core-dweller. There are a few different races that exist in the Great Core; if no one from your world knows of them, then they could be from there."


    Nix walked beside their escort; occasionally, someone would pat his shoulder and wish him well. "You aren''t talking about the Nether, are you?"


    Vy shook her head. "No, the Nether exists on a separate plain. The Great Core is part of all the plains, except for the Nether."


    "I see... How do you access the Core''dium?"


    "Oasis used to be able to access the Core''dium through the Phana''solom crater. However, according to the new knowledge that''s been made available to me through the heads up display (hud) technology and Great Library System, that is no longer possible."


    Nix frowned at her words. "Why?"


    "It''s now a glacier. Vy opened a set of double doors and ushered them into a long single-story building.


    Nix whistled softly when he stepped inside. The library itself had more windows that any building Nix had ever seen. There were dozens of rows of shelves. "Will you add this to the Greater Library System?"


    "I can answer that. Absolutely not." An average looking man with gray hair scurried down the aisle toward them; he was followed closely by a teenage Izzin with short brown hair and huge mouse-like ears. "This is a personal a.s.set of my family. Although we have opened it up to the public and you, the Bergi family has no desire to include the rest of Oasis in our generosity."


    Vy held up a hand to stop any further chatting. "You are wasting our Allies valuable time. Bring us to the Core''dium area."


    The old librarian bowed low. "I meant no offense, Shipwright Vy."


    [Whisper Mina to Nix] She''s the Minister of Naval Defense. Why does everyone refer to her a Shipwright Vy?


    [Whisper Nix to Mina] Being a Shipwright in Izzin has much more prestige.


    A small section that took up half of a shelf were the only books that mentioned Core''dium topics. They were invited to sit at a nearby table while the relevant books were loaded onto a cart and brought to them.


    /Inferno: Milat: What are we looking for here?


    /Inferno: Nix: Keywords would be Spectrum, Dragon, Mining, and Core''dium races.


    [Whisper Jun Li to Nix] Sharl and I have finished our Planar trials! We have met up with Donri and are proceeding with our search to locate the Cabal.


    [Whisper Nix to Jun Li] Great job, Junie. Keep me posted.


    "Excuse me while I check in with Ronnie." Nix stood up and moved to a small open area.


    [Direct Contact: Ronnie] A life-sized holo of Ronnie appeared in the library. Nix could tell by her serious demeanor that something was wrong. "Report."


    "We''ve been attacked while searching the city. A single gunshot that resulted in only minor injuries. No one saw the a.s.sailant nor has a search turned up anything useful."


    "There might be some survivors from the original inhabitants. Find and lock down all the gating platforms. The City was on lockdown when it fell out of the sky, that doesn''t mean it hasn''t changed since then."


    Ronnie nodded. "Thanks for the advice. Don''t worry about this, Nix; I will definitely handle it."


    "I know. Going to send you a tracker from the Ain''Dha.s.si; that way, there won''t be any surprises sneaking up on you." Nix gave her a thumbs up and then closed the holo.


    [Direct Contact: Locas] The Ranger Captain appeared in front of him a moment later. "I need a tracker, Captain. The best that you''ve got."


    Captain Locas scowled at the words. "Are you sure you want the best? That would be Ranger Bali."


    Nix laughed at the ranger''s obvious distaste. "I''m borrowing Ranger Bali for the next three months. Is that okay?"


    Captain Locas''s scowl turned into a wide smile. "Okay? That''s perfect! Although I wouldn''t say no to six months."


    [Create Breach: Loki: Everspire: Elynmoor]


    [Whisper Nix to Bali] I''m sending you to a secret place. You will not mention this to anyone. Investigate the situation to the best of your abilities. I''m expecting progress. Report to Ronnie, from now on you answer only to me.


    [Whisper Bali to Nix] I''m on it, Nix!

 Chapter 243 - Core Races

    "Let me see that Min." Nix waited while she slid the book closer to him. The three of them stayed in the library until well after dark. Vy was seated next to Milat and was helping them with their research.


    "It mentions three Core''dium races here." Mina pointed to the paragraph she was referring to.


    [Core''dium races]


    Dragons: These magical reptiles were formed in the diluted spectral lakes of Core''dium. After a millennium of evolution, they left the Core''dium for the higher planes.


    Chelestias: The miners of the Core''dium, these fur-covered creatures have special senses that enable them to sense precious metals hidden in the core.


    Drahk''Dha.s.si: These Core''dium dha.s.si have evolved to live underground. They are an albino race of nomads that wander the core, hunting, and gathering.


    Nix reread the page a few times. Spectral sounded a bit like Spectrum. Was there a connection? The Dragons once inhabited the core. Are they related to the Spectrum? They must know what it is, Yandro was desperate to have it. "This raises so many questions, I''m not sure where to start."


    Vy closed the book that she''d been reading. "I''m not even sure where to access the Core anymore."


    /Inferno: Mina: I know where we can travel to the core.


    /Inferno: Milat: You''re talking about the Abyssal crater in Mermaid City?


    /Inferno: Nix: We can no longer access Mermaid City.


    /Inferno: Mina: Not strictly true. All the entrances and gates have been deactivated. However, you should be able to open a breach inside.


    /Inferno: Nix: Theoretically I suppose. If I know where.


    /Inferno: Mina: The crater is close to where the Arcadic Temple used to be. No one has explored it fully.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll head there tomorrow after we do perform our diplomatic duties with the Izzin.


    Bali appeared in the same area where Alpha Team defeated the weakened Yandro. It was close to dark but she could see fires in the distance. The Ain''Dha.s.si ranger had already figured out that Guild Chat was disabled.


    Bali has joined the Expedition channel.


    [Track]


    Ronnie: 551m. NW


    Nansu: 522m. NW


    Chael: 644m. NW


    Moki: 541m. NW


    Darsi: 541m. NW


    Dalton: 541m. NW


    Hyai: 522m. NW


    Banzi: 522m. NW


    Wylie: 522m. NW


    Gypsy: 544m. NW


    Zhava: 522.m NW


    Kylie: 522m. NW


    Bali studied the results of her tracking skills while she ran towards the group. With the exception of one person, they were staying in groups of two or three. There were twelve of them in all, no one else was in the city.


    Ronnie was the first to notice the ranger.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: Don''t be alarmed. This is Bali, she''s one of the Inferno Rangers. Nix sent her here to investigate the attack.


    /Expedition: Nansu: Investigate? What are the rest of us going to do?


    /Expedition: Ronnie: We have a mission, we''ll have to adjust and work in pairs.


    Ronnie smiled at the pet.i.te ranger when she approached. She was barely over five feet and sported a white mohawk. "Nice hair. You must be Bali?"


    Bali returned the smile. "Yes. From now on, you work for me. Is that clear? First thing in the morning, I''m going to conduct a thorough search of the scene. Until then I need to rest. Take me to my tent."


    Ronnie nodded pleasantly. "Of course. We were going to use the Inn as our HQ, but with the attack, I decided to deploy our Tent City to the Market area."


    Bali followed along behind her. "I''ll let you know if it''s suitable."


    "This is the one." Ronnie opened the flap of the largest tent in the area and let Bali enter.


    Bali smiled happily at the accommodations, whoever owned the tent really like luxury. "Hmm... this is..."


    The ranger turned in time to have a fist slammed into her stomach, she dropped to her knees gasping for breath. "What kind of way..."


    Bali leaped from the ground and drew a dagger, her wrist was secured before she could move and a second fist to the stomach put her down again. She felt the dagger in her hand clatter on the ground. She glanced up to see the dark archer smiling at her, her arms were folded casually across her chest.


    The Ain''Dha.s.si dived to one side and rolled to her feet while equipping her bow in one smooth motion. Unfortunately, she was staring down the shaft of an arrow that was already pointed towards her.


    Bali sighed heavily and sat on the ground. "You''re a fast one."


    Ronni nodded without lowering her bow. "Listen little ranger. I like to fight and I like to play. Not always in that order. This is my expedition but I''m giving you free rein to carry out your investigation. You better not push me."


    Bali nodded sullenly. "No need to bully me so much."


    Ronnie''s dark pretty face was the picture of innocence. "Welcome to Inferno, where we hit people who make us angry."


    Unexpectedly Bali laughed, "that''s a good one. I''m gonna use in next time someone makes me mad."


    Ronnie took a seat on the nearby cushion. "I''m guessing you''ll need details on everyone before you start."


    Bali gave her a questioning look. "Do you suspect one of yours?"


    "Not really. However, I''ve learned that anyone can be charmed, replaced with a doppelganger or made into a minion."


    Ronnie spent the next half hour giving Bali the details on everyone in her expedition. The ranger asked several questions while they talked and was able to formulate a good idea of what she was working with.


    "You said the Inn Keeper was attacked? She''s the one from the Emerald Salamander right?"


    Ronnie nodded, a sly smile on her face. "You could say that; she''s also Nix''s girlfriend."


    Bali leaned forward, her interest obvious. "The big boss has a lover?"


    "Three actually, but the other two are somewhere else."


    "Any others? Maybe this is good love gone bad."


    Ronnie pursed her lips as if considering. "Besides myself, I don''t think so."


    "Did you do it?"


    Ronnie laughed at the ranger''s expression. "I do have some interest in Hyai, but it doesn''t extend to fighting."


    Bali felt her face heat up. "You''re a bad one."


    "Hey... Don''t judge."


    "Right. I''m going to want to question everyone tonight while it''s fresh in their heads. Tomorrow I''ll start tracking our target." Bali made a mental note, not to mess with Ronnie anymore.


    Ronnie had everyone line up outside of her tent and walk in one at a time to talk with Bali. During this time she walked the perimeter of the camp, her dark eyes keeping watch. Nix had trusted her with this expedition so she really wanted to do well. She had purposefully left out who was attacked when she reported the incident. Knowing Nix, the whole town might have been in flames already had she mentioned Hyai''s name.


    An hour later the last of the Inferno members were questioned. Many of them were sitting around the cookfire eating and chatting. Hyai had summoned her Djinn to stand guard, Ronnie did the same with her Stone Golem before entering her tent.


    Bali looked up from her hud when Ronnie walked in. "Only three people don''t have someone to vouch for their whereabouts during the attack."


    Ronnie smiled sweetly. "Unless it was more than one person."


    Bali cursed under her breathe. "Don''t spoil my mood."


    "Was Chael one of those?" Ronnie didn''t suspect the Inferno Sniper, but he had attacked Nansu while under a charm.


    Bali nodded. "Chael, Zhava and Kylie."


    Ronnie frowned while she unpacked her sleeping bag. "Those are all good people."


    "That''s why Nix brought me here I think. I don''t have any preconceptions."


    "I guess." Ronnie''s dark lips curved into a smile. "You want to sleep in here? Plenty of room."


    Bali jumped to her feet, backing toward the door. "W-What? No, thanks. I like sleeping outdoors."


    Ronnie watched her flee through the tent flap. "What''s with that reaction?"


    Donri, Jun Li and Sharl took a gate to Elipo, a small coastal city located on the western continent of Jhabi. From there they mounted manta to continue there journey.


    Jun Li was riding in the middle of her two companions. "What makes you think that Shangri and the Cabal are related?"


    Donri turned his dark eyes toward Jun Li. "Nix asked me to look into possible locations. Although technically we are heading to the Sea Farer faction HQ, the possibility of them being part of the Cabal is high."


    Sharl listen to Donri speak, she barely remembered him from before he was appointed Seneschal. "How did you know where to find Sea Farer HQ?"


    "The Central Kingdom''s main Palace has an extensive library, that gave me a few ideas and Festa pointed me here."


    Jun Li smiled at the Princess''s name. "First name basis with the Royal Family? You aren''t dragging Inferno into a scandal, are you?"


    Donri shrugged but didn''t bother to deny it. "We are heading to the city of Oliphia, by all accounts it''s one of the most beautiful in Colonial."


    "Oliphia?" Sharl''s dark face showed her confusion. "I did a quest called that in my starter city."


    Jun Li''s face lit up. "Hey! So did I. It was one of the first ones I had to do."


    Donri nodded. "Same here. Which begs the question; why does a city like Oliphia sponsor such a small quest in the starter cities?"

 Chapter 244 - Return to Mermaid City

    After spending the night at the Tysta Inn, the Inferno trio took a quick tour of the remaining Izzin cities before sitting down for lunch with the Monarchy. The King and Queen of Izzin were a cheerful duo named Sid and Zosia, they had seven very boisterous children, not at all what Nix had been expecting. Inferno officially signed an alliance agreement with Izzin and by late afternoon were back at the Gemini Temple for a brief respite from their travels.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take a quick break to relax, I have a thing.


    /Inferno: MIna: Back here in an hour?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. That should work.


    Nix walked toward the Gemini exit. He wanted to contact Leva but for secrecy purposes didn''t want Milat or Mina to know. He left the temple a few minutes later and headed toward his ranch house. He stopped suddenly when he finally started paying attention. "Damn... that''s just big."


    The Dragon Fir seemed to stare down at the grassy plateau. Its height was probably around 300 feet, the diameter maybe 10 or 12 feet. It was quickly outgrowing all of the other trees in Haven. He had convinced the guild that Deidra placed some sort of enchantment on it. Not exactly an untruth. Half a vial of dragon blood would have destroyed anything made from flesh and blood.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Got anything for us Nix?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Not at the moment. I''m going questing for a few days, if I run into difficulty I''ll call up Pathfinder.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] We''ll be ready. Hey... The Aquarions that live in the bay near Loki have approached us with an odd request.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] How many men are they requesting?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] They requested 12 of us, all by name.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Let it be volunteer only. Are you on the list?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Yes. So are you, Wind, Donri, and Banzi.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gadene] I''m opting out, but I can''t speak for the rest of Inferno.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I''m a girl irl, so I''m out also.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Really?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Damn... That''s a secret, not sure why I blabbed.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] I''m good with secrets.


    A few minutes later Nix sat on the bed in his room. There was no one else in the house, but he closed the door just in case someone showed up.


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    Nix waited patiently for a moment before the fallen chancellor''s holo popped up in front of him. She appeared to be out in the Nether somewhere. "Are you able to speak now?"


    Leva nodded. "The plans against Solomon City have been scrapped for now. They understand that neutralizing all four Breach Commanders is no longer a viable option."


    "How was Deidra going to be dealt with? I understand that she was going to be attacked while she was ''feeding'' the city."


    "Dragons lock themselves up during that time because they are very vulnerable. The plans were to interrupt the procedure."


    Nix studied his minion for a moment, from his informed eye, she appeared exactly like she did when he''d first seen her. "I believe Zylanex is Zylanexor, the former Dragon Master of the fallen city of Chyanama. What''s your take on this?"


    "Dragon?" Leva seemed to consider it for a long moment. "This would fit in with several oddities regarding him. If that''s true..."


    "Was the Nether his exit strategy? Or did he plan a return to the Sky Kingdom the entire time?" Nix shook his head in frustration, "there are too many unanswered questions."


    "I could offer my services to him. He has sought my favor in the past while trying to bring me in." Leva''s pale face was devoid of any emotion while she spoke.


    "Why didn''t you follow him?"


    "I don''t like him." Leva shrugged. "I only offer now because it suits your needs."


    "Be mindful of your actions. I don''t want you doing anything out of character to the point where it draws attention toward you."


    Leva nodded. "I understand. My services aren''t as vital as they use to be, he has two chancellors working for him now."


    "Be watchful, and look for a way to deal with his chancellors. Take no actions that will put you at risk."


    "I understand Nix."


    By the time Nix returned to the Gemini Temple both Aquarions were waiting.


    /Inferno: Nix: I must admit, I''m looking forward to what the Trickster Class is capable of.


    /Inferno: Milat: You won''t be disappointed. I already have a significant strike and all three chain abilities.


    /Inferno: Nix: Critical, Unbalanced and Dual? I think we unlocked that for all Gemini Classes, however, we are going to have to get more significant strike abilities.


    /Inferno: Milat: I agree.


    /Inferno: Mina: A significant strike is one that is a critical hit and manages to stun the opponent?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes, and Dual Chain is the chain attack for one of those attacks. Someone like Wind who doesn''t have a significant strike can choose to stack a critical chain onto it but that changes it.


    /Inferno: Milat: I''ll display the abilities.


    [Gemini: Trickster Class]


    Dual Wield: Daggers, Short swords. Handguns.


    Viper Strike: Perform a significant strike on your opponent stunning them for three seconds.


    Two Fangs: You perform a double attack on your enemy landing two critical hits. (Two weapons must be equipped.)


    [First Blood] You are immune to melee damage for the first five seconds you enter combat.


    Flash: Drops a small charge that blinds and stuns up to five enemies for three seconds. Cool Down= 60 seconds.


    Copyright: Become a copy of anyone on the battlefield at 80 percent of their ability for 15 seconds. Cool Down=15 minutes.


    Turn Coat: Your enemy fights on your side for one minute. Cool Down= 60 seconds.


    Grounded: Bring a flying enemy to the ground. Once targeted they are unable to take flight again for two minutes. Cool Down= 60 seconds.


    Light Bender: Light is bent around you rendering you completely invisible to everyone. Instant, no


    Cool Down.


    Oil Slick: One of your enemies has stepped in something slippery. They are unable to gain their feet again for 30 seconds. (Melee Only)


    Joker: You''ve whispered something funny to your enemy. They are unable to cast magic for 30 seconds. (Caster Only)


    Critical Chain: When your teammate lands a critical strike, you have the opportunity to follow it up with another critical hit. Stacks up to 5 times


    Unbalanced Chain: When your teammate stuns an opponent, you have the opportunity to follow it up with another stun.


    Dual Chain: When your teammate lands a significant strike, you have the opportunity to follow it up with another significant strike. Stacks up to 5 times.


    Gemini: Use a skill from one of your Gemini teammates.


    Nix smiled when he read the description. "Those are pretty nice, now you can CC and free up me to do some fire damage."


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s get going.


    [Create Breach: Mermaid City]


    Nix floated in place for a few moments, since they had closed Mermaid City he hadn''t been spending a lot of time in water zones.


    [Summons: Soup]


    Nix rubbed soup''s greenish head and grabbed ahold of her shell.


    /Inferno: Mina: This way.


    Mina led the way through the empty courtyard and headed north. Mermaid City had become a ghost town. The Crater in question was an hour away from their entry point. The Abyssal crater was an impressive sight. Nearly a hundred feet across and mostly unexplored.


    /Inferno: Nix: We don''t know what to expect, everyone rides Soup.


    All three members of Inferno lay across the top of Soup''s shell with Nix in the middle. "Straight down girl, don''t stop unless we have to fight. Let''s see how fast you are."


    Soup entered the crater and started moving downward in a wide circle, gradually picking up speed as she continued her angle becoming steeper. Within a few minutes, all three passengers were holding on tight.


    /Inferno: Mina: I didn''t realize she was so fast.


    /Inferno: Nix: She''s not just a chalkboard.


    [Whisper Mina to Nix] I''m glad to hear you haven''t forgotten.


    [Whisper Nix to Mina] Well... I did promise.


    The minutes went by quickly, 30... 60... then 90.


    [Flourescent] Soup has used light she has stored from the sun to illuminate the darkness.


    "Hey! I thought you were just a lazy turtle!" Nix reached up and rubbed the top of her head.


    /Inferno: Milat: Did you know she could do that?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nope. I might have to put off eating her a while longer.


    Time seemed to drift by quickly as the group lost track of everything but the endless descent. Nearly four hours after they started, the tiniest bit of light could be seen in the distance.


    "This is good Soup." Nix waited until she coasted to a stop and then dismounted. He spent a few moments saying thank you before he unsummoned her.


    /Inferno: Nix: Not sure what kind of place Core''dium is, but I know it isn''t a water zone.


    Ten minutes later the wide passage curved suddenly and started to narrow, the lights growing brighter. A few minutes after that, the water stopped and they stepped onto the rock floor of a cave. Nix put his armor back on and led the others out.


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t want to spend too much time here. Investigate the ferret race and find out about spectrum.

 Chapter 245 - Drake Company

    Bali stood in the doorway leading to the room where Hyai was attacked. According to Ronnie, they sealed off the exits to the Inn within a few minutes of the event. The ranger pulled out a small pouch from her inventory and dipped her hand inside to scoop out a generous amount of the fine golden powder.


    Holding out her hand, she opened it slowly and blew the contents into the air. Immediately it formed an expanding cloud in the center of the room. The powder cloud continued to move until it contacted the walls, and then it hung stubbornly in the air like a dense fog. She clapped her hands together one time, hard enough to make them both sting. The powder moved downward and settled onto every surface of the room, creating a fine layer of gold-colored of dust.


    [Gametrail: Advanced]


    1) Time Range


    "Yesterday, 1300-1500."


    Two sets of footprints glowed brightly on the wood floor of the room.


    Two trails have been found, coded as ''A'' and ''B.''


    Bali nodded to herself and walked toward the window. Hyai was a tall woman; her footprints were the larger of the two. "Designate ''A'' as Hyai."


    She tracked the second pair of footprints back to the bookcase, where they had first entered the room. She pursed her lips in thought for a moment. "Designate ''B'' as Target." Bali moved to the bookcase and started tossing the contents onto the nearby bed. She found what she was looking for on the third shelf, a small lever that caused the bookcase to slide soundlessly open.


    A small room was hidden behind the case; the only object was a small circular pad that looked a bit like a foot-rug. Bali opened up her hud to update her progress.


    "Found a two-way hidden behind the bookcase in the room where the attack occurred." She bent closer to study one of the clearer footprints. "Small feet and short strides coupled with high arches and a footprint that is slightly toe-out; leads me to believe the attacker may be female."


    Bali smiled slightly at the two-way on the floor. Two-ways were very rare and high priced. They were two small pads that were magically linked for instant travel back and forth. "I could hide one in the Captain''s room and the other in the women''s bath."


    She was tempted to pursue but decided to bring reinforcements.


    [Whisper: Bali to Ronnie] Could use some back-up if you are up to it.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Bali] Are you still in the room?


    [Whisper: Bali to Ronnie] Yep.


    *****************


    The Core was about fifty percent of what Nix imagined in his head when he had pictured it. He had envisioned rivers of lava and intense heat. However, he did not think that would be accompanied by dense forest lands and a blue sky.


    /Inferno: Nix: The Core is an instance. You two okay?


    Sometimes Nix forgot that Mina and Milat were both water creatures. Although he knew that they would have taken precautions against a fire world, most likely, they were very uncomfortable.


    /Inferno: Mina: We''re fine, Nix. As long as we don''t have to run through the lava.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''d try riding the Vilas if that''s the case. They might be water creatures, but they ate quite a bit of Yandro.


    /Inferno: Mina: Good point.


    The green grass on the riverbank seemed unharmed by the random splashed of lava that landed on it. Nix picked up a handful of the grass in his hands, nodding to himself. "Flame resistant. I could burn it, but there would be some effort involved."


    "GET DOWN!" Milat pushed Mina one way while he dived in the opposite direction. Nix didn''t bother to move when the black drake pulled up short and scorched him in yellow flames.


    /Inferno: Nix: That was rude.


    [Grounded]


    Milat has used the power of the Gemini Trickster to bring the flying drake to the ground.


    Mina summoned all four of her Vilas and had them attack the drake while she maneuvered around it and equipped her scepter.


    Nix raised both hands, and a dozen Ice Flame Strands stabbed deep into its chest.


    [Air Burst: Advanced]


    Air exploded outward from the barbed tips of Nix''s strands, blowing the drake''s chest apart.


    A drake has been slain.


    Almost immediately, the sound of roars filled the air. Nix stared in disbelief at the cloud of black heading toward them. "Get ready to retreat to the entrance!"


    [Summons: Fey]


    A silver-haired mage in baggy robes appeared in front of Nix. She carried a long staff and wore her hair in a long braid that stopped at the back of her knees.


    "These tiny drakes think they own the skies?" She watched unconcerned at the dozens of drakes heading toward them.


    Fey took a step forward, stumbled slightly, and spread out her long arms. They extended outward as she slowly morphed into her natural form. The Drakon raised her head and roared, a pillar of silver flames erupting from her while Fey scorched the air around her. She snapped her impressive jaws together a few times, the noise carrying like the slamming of a metal door. Immediately the drakes landed and moved toward her on foot.


    Nix moved beside the silver drakon. "You got this, Fey?"


    "Yes." Fey huffed loudly, the fire-resistant grass around her burst into flames. She took a few steps forward and then roared loudly.


    All of the approaching drakes lay on the ground. The Drakon walked among them; the difference in size was amazing. Fey had been a large drake to start with, not counting her tail; she would have been larger than any of these. Her promotion to Drakon and the induction of dragon blood had created 80 feet of armored teeth and flames. "I am Fey the Silver. Does anyone here speak for you?"


    Fey stared down at the drakes. They were almost all black, a relatively rare thing in her experience. The absence of dragons in the core meant that the drakes owned the air. They had grown arrogant. She spread her mighty wings and flapped them a few times before returning to her human form. "I asked a question. Do not make me wait."


    A black drake dared to stand and approach her. "I am Deja. Our leader was slain by the group behind you."


    The thin girl shrugged her shoulders slightly. "The price of ignorance can be high. We are new to this land and wish to learn more. Who resides here besides the drakes? Are all the dragons gone?"


    Nix moved beside Fey, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Are there any towns? Where are the Chelestias and the Drahk''Dhassi?"


    You have invited Fey to join the Inferno Guild.


    Fey has joined Inferno.


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome Fey, sorry for the late invitation, I was distracted.


    "Those are old names, the races you refer to are called the Che and the Drahk. There is one settlement here, you will find them there." The black drake stared at Nix; it moved closer and extended its snout.


    Fey slapped it on the nose with her hand. "You are getting too close to my companion. What is your name?"


    The black drake bowed its head slightly. "I''m Bellvue, at your service Fey the Silver."


    /Inferno: Fey: He''s strong, very close to ranking up to Lord Class. Most likely, he will be the new leader here.


    Nix bowed slightly. "I am Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. We are here as explorers. Which direction is the settlement?"


    "To the north, however, the dark ones are battling the Drahk in the next valley. You will have to go around." Bellvue extended his wings slightly before folding them up and morphing into a slim man with raven black hair and dark eyes.


    /Inferno: Fey: He has a human form as a drake before he has even become Lord class.


    Nix already knew of some drakes with a human form. Vooni''s squad had a very powerful one, although she was an Archon class already. "How many of you have attained human form?"


    Bellvue cocked his head slightly. "All of us. You asked about dragons. They migrated from this world ages ago."


    "What are the dark ones?" Nix already had a feeling, but he wanted to make sure.


    Bellvue''s face showed his distaste. "Nether creatures, vile things with evil intentions."


    "Let''s move out then!" Nix ignored the rest of the drakes and headed North on foot, with all three of them running, it was only a few minutes before the sound of fighting could be heard.


    A small band of Drahk were making their last stand up against a rather steep hill. Three of the Drahk had shields and were providing the defense for the four archers behind them. The Nether creatures were all hellhounds, with the exception of one.


    /Inferno: Nix: Careful with the Hellhounds, let''s kill the leader first.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Tor, Cal, Shadai]


    One of the Drahk went down under the combined weight of two hounds. Nix leaped and used his impressive strength to drag then off.


    [Charm]


    Ducky has convinced a hellhound to fight on your side.


    [Turn Coat]


    Milat has confused the enemy; a hellhound will attack his allies for the next minute.


    Nix pulled the Drahk back to her feet. "Try and stay behind the shields unti... Beta?"


    He stared at the Albino, completely ignoring the fighting going on. "What are you doing here?"

 Chapter 246 - Dragon Slayer (part one)

    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third Form: Archon]


    Nix summoned his scimitar and pushed Ice Flames into the blade.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix has slain a hell hound.


    [Flight of the Gryphon]


    Nix appeared next to the Nether creature and slammed him in the face with the spiked guard of his weapon. He didn''t recognize the type of Nether creature but he understood the class.


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you charm this guy Ducky? He''s some sort of pet class, these are all part of his stable.


    [Bewitched]


    Ducky has convinced Hrazi to take up your cause and fight for Inferno.


    Hrazi looked like the result of a bad science experiment. He had natural plated armor like an armadillo but had the arms and legs of a man. He was thin and walked bent over like an old man. All of the hellhounds in his stable stopped fighting when he fell under Ducky''s influence.


    The Drahk retreated a few yards as if confused by the sudden turn of events. Nix dropped his Archon form and unsummoned his blade. "I have a healer with me if you need medical attention."


    "Medical attention?" The Drahk seemed slightly surprised by the offer but then nodded her head. "Thank you. I''m Yuli, a scout from the Dias Fortress."


    Nix stared at her for a long moment. They were all albinos, but this particular one bore a striking resemblance to Beta. "You look like a friend of mine, but we were going to help no matter what."


    Shadai healed the wounded among the Drahk, a few of the injuries were very serious. While the winged healer was busy Nix continued to question Yuli. "What can you tell me about the spectral lakes?"


    The albino considered the question for a moment while she watched her people being taken care of. "Spectral is the powerful element that resides in the core, especially closer to the center where the rocks are like water."


    "The Che and the Dragons make use of this element?"


    Yuli nodded. "The dragons absorbed the diluted form of the element directly into their bones. The Che mine the spectral endlessly, I''m not sure why."


    Nix noticed that Ducky was done speaking with Hrazi. "One last question. You said you don''t understand the reasoning behind the mining?"


    "I don''t. There is already enough Spectral present to power the Fortress and our way of life. Unless of course, they mean to form Spectrum, which of course is insane."


    "Spectrum is different than Spectral? I thought they were the same."


    Yuli shook her head. "I''m no miner, but you can think of spectrum as extremely concentrated spectral. Speak to Halla at the Fortress, she understands such things better than I."


    "Nix?" Ducky had moved away from the group with Hrazi.


    Nix excused himself and approached the Water Witch. "Something wrong?"


    Ducky nodded. "He''s after a single bit of spectrum that is being kept here in the Core. Once he finds it, his Master will lead an army through to secure it."


    "His master wouldn''t be Zylanex would it?"


    "Yes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s wrap things up quickly. Have Hrazzi come to see me with his beasts. Fey, I want you to recruit these Drakes.


    /Inferno: Fey: I will influence them if I can.


    Nix placed a black-hand disc on the Nether creature.


    [Create Breach: Core''dium]


    /Inferno: Nix: Tell them to step through the Breach Ducky.


    Nix waited until they were all gone and then he turned back toward Yuli. "Lead the way please."


    /Inferno: Mina: Where''d you send those guys?


    /Inferno: Nix: A few hundred meters away, I tacked on a few thousand feet of altitude for good measure.


    Yuli led them to a footbridge that crossed the flaming river. The Fortress became visible almost immediately. Walls that extended 50 feet in the air surrounded a city twice the size Glory. Embattlements were visible on the walls as well as multiple cannon positions.


    Nix was certain that the fortress would be taken by conventional means. "Did you run into Hrazzi by accident?"


    Yuli nodded. "We were scouting the area North of the Fortress and they stepped out of thin air right into our path."


    The portcullis protecting the front gate of the city made a loud ratcheting sound as it was slowly raised. A squad of Drahk archer watched from overhead.


    /Inferno: Mina: I don''t think these Drahk are actually Dhassi.


    /Inferno: Nix: I agree, Dhassi or Dhass both mean roughly the same thing. ''Child of the Earth.'' I don''t believe they come from Oasis, although some have obviously made their way there on occasion.


    /Inferno: Mina: You are referring to Beta?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. I might bring her here in a bit if we can lure Zylanex.


    Dias was a surprisingly clean looking city. The streets were quite narrow, obviously made for foot traffic although there were a few hand-pull carts being moved around. A multitude of colors blasted viewers when they walked into the gates, it was as if every building was painted the opposite color of the one next to it. It was a bit hard on the eyes, but Nix decided he liked it after a few moments.


    /Inferno: Nix: I bet this city would look beautiful in flames.


    /Inferno: Mina: What was that?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nothing...


    The alleyways between buildings were narrow enough for a person to touch both sides if they had their hands held out. The city was divided equally between the Che and the Drahk. The front gate accessed Drahk-town and the back gate Che-town. Although the two sides weren''t in conflict, they were definitely segregated.


    Drahk and Che walked the crowded streets, no one seemed to take any great interest in their presence. Nix noticed a few Ain''Dhassi, some humans and even a squad of Aquarions. The Aquarions took note of Mina and Milat before quickly leaving.


    /Inferno: Nix: Friends of yours?


    /Inferno: Milat: No, but then we are very well known to the Aquarion people.


    /Inferno: Nix: In a bad way?


    /Inferno: Milat: Change is coming slowly. The catch and release that Alpha Team was doing helped spread the word about the human/Aquarion connection.


    /Inferno: Mina: I''m surprised that Ishna adapted so quickly.


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to forgive her?


    /Inferno: Mina: I... She tried to take you, even now it hurts to think about.


    They passed out of Drahk-town and into Che-town. There seemed to be more metal-oriented shops among the Che. Armorer, weapon shops, general stores were the norm, while in Drahk-town it had been tailors, trinkets and carpenters. There was even a small adventurer''s guild.


    Nix studied the Che while they walked. Without a doubt, his friends were definitely this race. How did they end up in a Mermaid City prison?


    Yuli brought them to Halla''s rather large house, she fidgeted from side-to-side outside the door. "Strictly speaking, I''m not allowed to enter Halla''s residence."


    Nix smiled at the blushing albino. Sensing a story, he couldn''t help himself. "Why not?"


    "Um... well... me and Halla''s son are in a relationship. Halla thinks I have corrupted him."


    Nix nodded as if he understood perfectly. "I may have been accused of something similar once or twice. No worries, I can take it from here."


    "I''ll just stand over here, Boomer may come out if he knows I''m close by." Yuli walked across the street and waited in plain view of the house.


    /Inferno: Mina: What''s the plan here?


    /Inferno: Nix: Diplomacy of course.


    Nix took one giant step and kicked the heavy wooden door off of its hinges. He followed it in, stomping loudly.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    "HALLA? YOU PIECE OF SHIT! GET YOUR FURRY ASS OUT HERE!" Nix strode quickly into the entryway of the house. A younger-looking Che seemed to freeze in place at the sight of him. Nix grabbed him by the arm and flung him through the doorway.


    A rather squat looking Che with glasses pulled down his nose walked onto the stairs. "Have you lost your mi..."


    [Flashblade]


    Nix covered the distance between them but didn''t draw his blade. Instead, he punched the Che in the chest, launching him up the stairs like he was weightless.


    "YOU BASTARD!" Nix followed him and grabbed him by the front of his shirt, easily picking him off the ground. "MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD! YOU SENT THEM BACK!"


    Halla''s face seemed to progress from anger to confusion. "Boomer! Call for the guard at once!"


    Nix tossed him into an open doorway and followed him inside. It was obviously some sort of study. "Tofo, Po and Amb... all dead because of they f*cking Spectrum."


    Halla''s alarmed face suddenly took on a different demeanor. "You''re Nix? Of course you are, emerald flames and yellow eyes. Please calm yourself!"


    "They were killed for the Spectrum they carried. Yandro and his minion army have killed my friends." Nix let his voice grow softer. "Those three, fatty, striped cat and shorty... fierce friends."


    "Yandro has taken the Spectrum?" Halla''s black nose twitched. "He''s going to raise his fallen city. Once he does, it won''t take long before he comes back for the rest."


    Nix frowned at the words. "Explain that, before I lose my patience with you.


    "Dragon''s are beasts of the core, their bodies slowly saturated with spectral to the point where it has seeped into their marrow." Halla stood up and glanced at Nix. "Please put the flames out, before my house burns down."


    Nix nodded, everything in the core seemed highly resistant to flames even houses. He let the flames go and walked in the door. "Give me the short version of the difference between spectral and Spectrum."


    "A small cup of water and a vast ocean." Halla ushered the two Aquarions into his study and then closed the door. "A dragon uses his marrow to keep the cities in the air for hundreds of years. A small pellet of Spectrum can keep all the cities in the air for thousands of years."


    Nix glanced at his companions. "We''ve been tracking an envoy sent by a Nether Overlord named Zylanex. He suspects you have Spectrum here."


    Halla cursed under his breath. "Zylanex? That must be Zylanexor, the dragon master of Chyanama."


    Nix shrugged as if the name meant nothing. "Is he going to raise his city also?"


    "It doesn''t matter if he does, Yandro''s city is the key to everything."

 Chapter 247 - Dragon Slayer (part two)

    Nix took a seat on a comfortable couch next to the bookshelf, both Aquarions squeezed in next to him. "Why is Yandro''s city the key?"


    "The twenty-five cities were built during the thousand-year war. The continent of Everspire is populated with fierce races that are incredibly powerful and nearly immune to all magic. The dragons left the core and immediately were forced to unite and fight against a common foe."


    Nix understood the sentiment, it was a common theme throughout history. "The cities were built to escape these foes? What about Yandro?"


    "The cities were actually built in a circle, with Yandro being the focal point for their magic. Only his Elynmoor has the ability to bring the cities back together." Halla pulled a scroll from his desk and spread it out on the floor. It depicted 25 cities built in a circle. He pointed to the one labeled Elanmoor.


    Nix was beginning to understand the issue. "You were going to raise Elynmoor. That''s why the Spectrum was being moved."


    Halla nodded. "We were going to use it to join the Sky Kingdom. They use to be connected in a great circle, they slowly drifted apart when Elynmoor began to fail."


    /Inferno: Nix: Holy...


    /Inferno: Milat: Yandro was weakened by the loss of his marrow. Won''t Zylanexor be the same?


    /Inferno: Nix: I hope so, or else it''s going to be a short fight.


    "Inferno will take care of Zylanex, he''s a Nether Overlord now. That''s a lofty existence, but not so high as a dragon."


    Hall frowned at the words. "He won''t be in violation of the Dragon Accord if he''s become a Nether creature."


    Nix continued to study the diagram of the dragon cities. They were the seven listed in the book he had read. "What is the Dragon Accord?"


    "A sacred and binding vow not to fight in battle. Dragons may be arrogant and difficult to understand, but they are also the rarest of creatures and the world would be worse off if they were gone."


    Nix seemed to remember that Yandro definitely fought them, although it was Inferno that instigated it. "How are Yandro and Zylanexor getting around that."


    "It''s a vow taken on their marrow. If their marrow is depleted or mostly gone, they aren''t concerned about the consequences."


    Mina had been listening quietly the entire time, raising forgotten cities seemed to be a worthwhile cause, but was that really at the heart of it? "Spectrum can power all the cities? They could be relinked and the marrow siphoning could stop? I think something is missing."


    Halla nodded. "That was our plan. We would use that as leverage to take our place in the Sky Kingdom as equals."


    "Shit..." Nix glanced at Mina, he understood what she was getting at. "If Spectrum can bring back the cities that have fallen What can it do to a dragon that has had its marrow drained?"


    Halla stared at him, his nose working furiously. "A Dragon God... or something close to it."


    /Inferno: Milat: We''re going to have to bring in some heavy hitters for this Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Maybe so.


    /Inferno: Mina: We should make a deal, no need to kill Zylanex for free.


    Nix smiled at Mina. "Seriously... I may have corrupted you."


    Halla sighed heavily and started rolling up the scroll. "What''s our plan?"


    "We''ll kill Zylanex for you and in exchange for Elynmoor, you''ll use your Spectrum to raise it under our banner." Nix studied the Che while he considered the offer.


    "We''ll be able to live in Elynmoor? The Che and the Drahk? We were planning on a mass exodus to the city if our mission was successful."


    "Yes. We''ll deal with Zylanex and dispose of Yandro before he manages to raise the city." Nix didn''t think it was worth mentioning that they had already done the latter.


    "We''ll use our Spectrum to raise Elynmoor up once you''ve done that. It will be a free city where the great races of the Core can live in peace." Halla clapped his hands together. "We''ll iron out the details after you manage the dragons."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I''ll send a special team to deal with Yandro, in the meantime, we''ll set up for Zylanex."


    "The three of you can stay here while you make plans. How long do you think?"


    Nix shrugged. "An hour or two."


    "...." Halla.


    Nix stood up and patted him on the back. "Prey waits."


    An hour later Nix was in one of the guest rooms of Halla''s home. The door was shut and he was speaking quietly to a holo image of Leva.


    "I saw the opportunity and there was little danger." Leva''s pale face was void of expression as she reported that she was able to dispose of one of Zylanex''s chancellors.


    "Does he suspect you?"


    Leva shook her head. "It doesn''t matter if he does. This is how things are done in the Nether when you want someone elses job. It won''t be suspicious if I offer my services."


    "He''ll believe you killed the chancellor in order to take his place, which is exactly right." Nix considered his options. "The allies you call, will they fight for him? Or for you?"


    "Nether chancellors aren''t exactly the same as Breach Commanders Nix. Our allies take sworn oaths. They''ll fight for me, no matter who I wish to attack."


    "Offer your services then. Word it however you think best. Report back when you have news." Nix closed the contact and exited the room.


    /Allied Command: Nix: Prepare for battle. Large rewards and lots of loot. Sometime in the next few hours.


    [Direct Contact: Vooni]


    Nix waited for a short moment before the dragon descendent popped up in front of him. She smiled at him. "Hey, Nix."


    "Going to need you and all of Alpha Team. We''re starting a fight."


    Vooni nodded. "How long?"


    "Hard to say, I''m hoping for a few hours." Nix wanted to talk to Fajii and Shae, but decided to focus on the task at hand first.


    *****************


    A short while later Ducky and the scouts from the Dias Fortress located the corpses of Hrazzi and his pets. As expected there wasn''t much left of them, Ducky wrinkled her nose while they loaded up the corpse on a gurney and started walking back.


    Hrazzi was placed in a containment cell and the black-hand disc was removed. One of the Drahk clerics rezzed him.


    [Bewitched]


    Duck has convinced Hrazzi that they are allies.


    "Are you okay Azzi? I was so worried." Ducky sat next to him on the mattress, her pretty face showing concern.


    "I think so. Were you captured also?"


    Ducky nodded. "I was, but don''t worry about me. I heard them mention something called Spectrum, the two of us are suspected of wanting to steal it."


    Hrazzi glanced out of his cell and lowered his voice. "Is it here?"


    "I heard them say that the scout team was burying it when you happened upon them." Ducky placed a hand on the Nether creature''s thin leg. "A different group moves it every few hours so that no one knows its location for very long."


    "Clever bastards." Hrazzi cursed under his breath. "If only I could get out."


    "I can get us out," Ducky whispered. "The containment spells don''t work on my abilities."


    "Get me out of here and I will make it worth your while. You can join me in service to a great Overlord."

 Chapter 248 - Dragon Slayer (part three)

    Within a few minutes, two heavily cloaked travelers walked out of the prison. The gate guards took notice of them when they exited the city, but Ducky merely smiled and waved.


    Hrazzi nodded in appreciation. "You can do anything Ducky!"


    "That includes betrayal it seems." An armored man sat on top of a flaming demon horse a few yards away.


    Hrazzi licked his lips when he saw the horse, it was beautiful beyond anything he''d ever seen. "Be careful Ducky, he looks dangerous."


    "Leave him to me." Ducky drew her bow and opened fire on Nix as he charged them. He was almost upon them when Hrazzi gated out.


    Nix dropped the flames and slid off Nightmare. "Thanks for missing Ducky. You okay?"


    Ducky had her lower lip stuck out, her face filled with disappointment. "I didn''t miss on purpose, I thought it would be more realistic if I hit you a few times."


    "Oh, I see. A bit more practice then." Nix patted her head softly, making her smile. "Good work once again Ducky."


    An hour later Leva used Direct Contact to report in. She had assumed the dead Chancellor''s position and had already been tasked for deployment. Zylanex was coming with both Chancellors and his personal army.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    Available Allies


    1) Alpha Team


    2) Pathfinder Team


    3) Colonial Knights of Glory


    4) Souza Accord


    5) Fire Palace Acolytes


    6) Earth Temple Acolytes


    7) Air Palace Acolytes


    8) Gemini Palace Acolytes


    9) Central Kingdom: 1st Regiment Archers


    10) Captain Locas: Inferno Ranger Company


    11) Broyan Alliance: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Regiments


    12) Captain Vooni''s Fire Team


    13) 12 Pillar Alliance


    14) Clan Strom


    15) Clan Xai


    16) Qi Family


    16) Ain''Dhassi: Shadow Rangers


    17) Izzin Naval Fleet


    18) Dias Fortress Scouts


    19) Miscellaneous Friends


    Nix decided they would go heavy on the range damage. The Earth Temple Acolytes, the Inferno Ranger Company, Central Kingdom''s 1st Regiment Archers, and the Colonial Knights that Nix had converted to range damage. He scrolled down the list and decided that Alpha Team, Vooni, Chiba, Beta, Shae, the Qi Family, and Sai Tali.


    [18: Miscellaneous Friends]


    1) Elan Mtui


    2) Beta


    3) Raine Xai


    4) Del Tali


    5) Cora Tali


    6) Sai Tali


    7) Severance


    8) Shipwright Vy


    9) Morana


    10) Deidra Mtui


    [Create Breach: Dias Fortress]


    Nix watched as the Dias Guardsmen pushed the last of the cannons through the breach. He had borrowed sixteen of them from the walls of the Fortress. A heavily armored man approached him after they pushed the last one in position.


    "I''m Captain Ghar, we have positioned the cannons as you asked Commander."


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. "Well done, have your crews ready to fire.


    Mina joined him a few minutes later, while Nix was setting up the battle layout, she had visited the local stables and had one of her Vilas fitted for a saddle. She had none of the awkwardness Nix would have expected when she rode up. The Vilas seemed to understand exactly what she wanted.


    "Is that Vilas your Spirit Companion?"


    The Aquarion nodded. "Unexpectedly, it happened a few hours ago. He''s fast, although his fighting skills are limited while I''m riding."


    "It gives you better ground speed." Nix continued to study the Breach Commander menu while Mina looked over his shoulder. He didn''t bother to step away, Aquarion''s didn''t have personal space issues.


    "Why did you put Sai Tali on the list?" Mina''s face showed her confusion, Sai Tali was one of the Grand Elders of the Ain''Dhassi.


    "Hmm... He''s on the list and I need archers." Nix also understood that he was most likely an Archon. If Delyn Xai hadn''t been busy with teaching the Wrath course at Loki, he would have been on the list also.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Stand by for field deployment. Placement for the ground troops won''t begin until the enemy takes the battlefield, so prepare to hit the ground fighting.


    Nix placed his ranged fighters behind the cannons. The armament had been set up on a small ridge, putting the ranged fighters there also made sense.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Morai Sai Tali, please assume the position of Sub-Commander over the ranged fighters.


    [Whisper Sai Tali to Nix] I don''t mean to overstep, would it be possible to place me as a regular archer and bring in Del as the Sub-Commander? Del is very competent, but she could use big battle experience as a leader.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sai Tali] No worries, make sure she doesn''t shoot herself in the foot.


    Nix opened up a breach for Del and placed her next to her grandfather. He also decided to bring in the members of Inferno that would be taking part in the fight, this included Alpha Team.


    Shae decided to greet Nix properly, unconcerned with the stares she received when the beautiful redhead kissed the Breach Commander "I''ll be taking good care of you today Nix."


    Nix summoned Nightmare and mounted up. "Sounds good."


    Fajii watched him without comment, offering him a slight smile. "Going to make the rounds and buff the fighters who are already here."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Most of Inferno isn''t even here Nix. Will we be able to handle this?


    /Inferno: Nix: Without a doubt.


    Nix walked Nightmare through the group until he encountered Morti who looked like he might fall asleep at any moment. "Need you to take care of the boss Morti. He''s gonna be tough."


    "Why''s it so hot here? I feel like sleeping." Morti yawned and stood up. "I''m gonna swat him."


    "Hold him and keep him busy. This fight hinges on us taking him down fast." Nix spotted the Dias scouts and moved toward them.


    The scouts were primarily rogue type fighters, although all of them carried bows also. Nix pulled up and waited.


    [Create Breach: Solomon City: Core''dium]


    Beta stepped through the breach a moment later, her pink eyes quickly taking the surroundings. She froze when they fell upon the scout team from Dias.


    Yuli wrinkled her nose slightly, a smile on her face. "I can see why Nix thought I was you. I''m Yuli."


    Nix watched with interest for a moment until he felt the disturbance.


    /Breach Commander Nix: A breach is opening! Our enemy is here!


    Three breaches opened at the same time and armies poured out of them like water overflowing a dam.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Um...


    /Inferno: Wind: That''s like a lot of bad guys.


    They quickly separated into three distinct armies. Nix could see a masked Leva standing at the back of the army that took up position on the west. Another chancellor could be seen on the far eastern side. In the center was a giant man who had a large ax slung over one shoulder. He gave off a dark and menacing feeling, Zylanex.


    Nix quickly placed The 12 Pillars in front, going head to head with the army of Zylanex. The Nether Overseer started walking forward, so Nix did the same with Morti tagging along behind. Shae reached out with a finger and lit up Nightmare''s fire aura before the moved away.


    The Titan cub and the flaming horse walked toward the Dragon who was pretending he was a Nether Overlord.


    /Inferno: Wind: Your horse is on fire Nix.


    /Inferno: Pon: Damn you punk! Where''d you get that horse?


    They stopped when the distance between them was about twenty meters. Zylanex wore black armor and must have stood close to eight feet in height.


    "I''m Overlord Zylanex." The giant man pulled his ax from his shoulder and held it outward in a pointing motion. "Who might you be?"


    "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno." Nix summoned his red scimitar and scanned the battlefield. They were outnumbered three to one on paper. "You are far from the Nether, Zylanex."


    /Breach Commander Nix: Gideon and Sulane, assume Sub-Commander duties for the 12 pillars. Ignore the army to the west, concentrate on the eastern army.


    /Allied Command: Sub-Commander Sulane: Aye sir.


    /Allied Command: Sub-Commander Gideon: Yes sir.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Del Tali, assume the Sub-Commander position for the ranged fighters. Do not target the western army.


    /Allied Command: Sub-Commander Del: Understood Commander.


    *****************


    The Fallen Chancellor watched as Nix and Zylanex faced off. Although forced to do his bidding, she could see the simple genius of Nix''s movements. He was not outnumbered and he held several hidden cards. Leva understood not only the battle plan but also her future role as his side. Her Dark Spear army would terrorize the Nether.


    /Dark Spear: Chancellor Leva: Listen carefully, Dark Spears! We are going to attack Zylanex''s army. Too long have we gone unnoticed in the Nether. I will use this Inferno Guild to step into my rightful place as Overseer! This Guild wants Zylanex''s head, they are welcome to it but we shall have his Nether Kingdom!

 Chapter 249 - Dragon Slayer (conclusion)

    Zylanex''s dark eyes stared at Nix. "You''re outnumbered. You wish to fight?"


    "Yep." Nix smiled and opened a Breach between the dragon and his troops. A moment later, three members of the Qi family jumped through; Sasi, Rabi, and Uta. "Get him Morti!"


    "Fool!" An enraged Zylanex swung his ax at the gigantic bear that was charging toward him. The dangerous-looking shaft met Morti''s paw in a thundering crash that sent waves of power in all directions. The ax was torn from the Overlord''s grip and sent spinning skyward.


    Nix charged in; both hands held up as a dozen strands of Ice Flames wrapped around the legs of Zylanex just when a huge of jaws clamped down on the Overlords''s shoulder, dragging him forward.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Alpha Team! Kill him quickly!


    The angry Overlord roared when his legs were pulled from under him, he dropped to his knees and gripped the titan cub with both hands.


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced Zylanex.


    While Zylanex was trying to deal with Nix and Morti, Leva''s Dark Spear army attacked the dragon''s army when they charged forward to engage Inferno. Nearly half of the army died in the initial ambush, forcing them to abandon the front and defend against the Dark Spears.


    /Alliance Command: Captain Ghar: FIRE CANNONS! THEN RELOAD AND HOLD YOUR FIRE!


    The roar of cannons carried over the battlefield, the middle of the eastern army ate the rounds of 16 explosive rounds.


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Del: Archers prepare for three rounds of suppression fire! Ready! FIRE!


    The sky over the eastern army turned black when three waves of arrows sliced into their ranks.


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Del: Pick your targets and fire at will!


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Sulane: Tanks upfront! On me, right into their line!


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Gideon: Do not engage here; the outer edge has collapsed. We''ll hit them there and trap them between us.


    Salamander showcased their mounted fighters, charging past the crumbling line they turned into the middle and flanked the eastern army.


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Gideon: Break off into small groups! Take everyone down.


    Gideon had his horse cut from under him a moment later; he rolled gracefully to his feet with both daggers drawn.


    In the middle of the battlefield, Zylanex tried in vain to throw off the bear that had him locked down. He pulled a short sword from his belt and slashed through the Ice Flame strands that were burning into his legs.


    [Thunder Punch]


    Zylanex has landed a hard punch on Mortimer, knocking him back a step.


    Mortimer is immune to stunning blows.


    [Viper Strike]


    Sasi has landed a significant strike on Zylanex.


    [Dual Chain: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up Sasi''s attack with a significant strike.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has landed a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Dual Chain: Nix]


    Nix has followed up Fajii''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Quartered]


    Rabi has Crippled Zylanex and exposed a weakness to Ice Attacks.


    [Break Free]


    Zylanex has sacrificed half of his remaining health to break free of the Gemini chains.


    The Overlord kicked free of Morti and charged Nix. The Inferno Guild Leader pushed Ice Flames into his scimitar and feinted with a strike. Two flaming swords sliced at the back of the Zylanex''s legs, he twisted insanely fast, but the redhaired archon was airborne once again.


    The moment seemed to draw on; both leaders stared for a heartbeat.


    Zylanex has activated his bloodline.


    [Origin Form: Dragon]


    [Rage]


    A Titan has become enraged, run for your life.


    Thirty feet of Raging Titan slammed into Zylanexor the Black. Morti slapped the dragon back a step before locking his jaws on his shoulder.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Hit him now! Rage lasts 30 seconds!


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Third form: Archon]


    Mina''s Vilas attacked one of the dragon''s back legs while she hammered away with her scepter.


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced Zylanexor the Black.


    [Viper Strike]


    Sasi has landed a significant strike on Zylanexor.


    [Double Strike]


    Chiba moved swiftly into the mix, the old woman pranced up one of the dragon''s forelegs and stabbed deeply into the back of its neck.


    [Dragon Defense]


    All enemies touching Zylanexor have been stunned.


    A wave of pure energy pulsed outward in all directions. Everyone touching the dragon was gripped by the power and tossed away like leaves in a storm.


    Mortimer is immune to stuns.


    Nix is immune to stuns.


    [Time Bandit]


    Zylanexor has accelerated time on Mortimer


    Mortimer''s Rage has expired.


    Morti stumbled backward a few steps before flopping on the ground with his eyes closed.


    Mortimer has been unsummoned.


    Zylanexor flapped his mighty wings and took to the air. The entire battlefield was taken over by the sudden gale winds. The dragon headed upward, his great jaws opened wide as a familiar Aquarion plummeted downward.


    A flash of emerald wings and the black dragon''s teeth slammed shut on empty air. Nix banked toward the ground and dropped Mina close to the Sasi family.


    The black dragon roared in anger and with a flap of his great wings was able to close the gap on Nix.


    [Grounded]


    Milat, the Gemini Trickster, has grounded Zylanexor.


    The Overseer''s black wings stopped moving, and the great beast plummeted downward, slamming into the ground with enough force to shake the earth. Nix banked hard and advanced to face him.


    [Copyright]


    Milat has assumed the form of a black dragon.


    The Trickster dragon clamped his teeth into the base of Zylanexor''s wing and pulled him off balance.


    [Undercut]


    Chiba flashed in and struck at the belly of the beast.


    A dozen strands of Ice Flames pierced into the snout of the Overlord. The dragon jerked backward, causing the overmatched Nix to fly towards its open jaws.


    [Lance: Ice Flames]


    Nix extended the spear and used it to stop his forward progress. It stabbed deeply straight into the upper jaw of the dragon. The teeth closed around the Ice Lance, taking half of his arm with it.


    "ENOUGH!" Zylanexor roared at the wounded Nix, who managed to bank away. The black dragon shrugged off the Trickster dragon. "I shall remember this day, Inferno!"


    A moment of silence and a shocked looking dragon, told everyone that something was amiss. Whatever Zylanexor thought was going to happen, didn''t happen. A flash of Silver from the sky pounced on the back of the dragon, knocking him into the dirt. Razor-sharp teeth clamped down on the base of his neck.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has landed a critical hit.


    Zylanexor has been mortally wounded.


    [Execution: Advanced]


    A thick strand of Ice Flames formed a long blade, Nix appeared next to the pinned dragon and sliced through the under portion of his neck.


    Nix has slain Zylanexor the Black.


    Nix staggered away from the dead dragon, Wind and Milat immediately moved to his side to shield him from further battle.


    Within a few minutes of Zylanexor being slain, the rest of the battle was completed. Leva and her troops had dealt with the Overlord''s army. As ordered by Nix, she immediately fled the battle with her remaining people.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Thank you for your assistance today. All participants will receive one vial containing 5 drops of dragon blood.


    The Sasi family had already taken it upon themselves to catch the precious blood leaking from Zylanexor. They produced dozens of containers and were starting to process the dragon.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Is that okay if they do that?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes, the Sasi family is reliable.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You slapped a black hand artifact on Zylanex to keep him from fleeing?


    /Inferno: Pon: Did you see his ugly snout? He thought he was leaving! I''ll be back Inferno! Oh, wait... I guess not.


    /Breach Commander Nix: All members of the 12 pillars will receive their vials back at Loki in a few hours.


    [Whisper Sasi to Nix] We can process everything, it will take us a few hours.


    [Whisper Nix to Sasi] I''ll have Halla bring more vials and containers for the rest.


    Nix stared at the dragon corpse, it was rapidly deteriorating. Perhaps it was because of the broken vow? "You okay Fey?"


    Fey nodded. When she bit into the black dragon''s neck, she had swallowed a large portion of its blood. "I may have to take a long break Nix."


    A flash of red and Shae appeared next to them. She placed a hand on the silver drakon''s head before shaking her head slightly. "Go to my domain now Fey. Put yourself in a deep sleep."


    Nix stroked her silver head with his good hand. "Well done today, don''t worry about things here."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Send me to Loki and I''ll distribute the vials accordingly.


    /Inferno: Pon: Yeah, send all of Alpha Team to Loki.


    He spent the next hour opening breaches to send his people back. Finally, all that remained were the original trio, Beta, the Sasi family and the two rangers from the Sai Clan.


    Sai Tali put a friendly hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Nix. This battle was very eye-opening and a good experience for Del."


    Nix handed them two vials of dragon blood. They were much smaller than the vials Deidra had given him. "Nice job today Del, let''s work together again sometime."


    With the cannon''s returned to the walls, an exhausted Nix was sitting with the Drahk scouts who were talking with Beta.


    "Your mother was Travi Belisimo?" Yuli talked quickly when she learned more about Beta. "That''s the same last name as my mother, of course, there are dozens of Belisimo in Dias."


    Beta''s voice was quiet when she talked about her parents. "They were merchants from Oasis, they died during an Archon Infraction. I was only nine or ten when they died."


    "If you''ve nothing pressing, stay here for a while. I''ll send you back to Solomon City whenever you like." Nix stood up slowly, he felt weak from blood loss. He hadn''t bothered to patch it up, it continued to leak onto the ground, slowly draining his health.


    Beta offered him a smile. "Thank you, Nix. I want to talk to Yuli''s family and see if they knew my parents."


    Halla arrived from town a few minutes later. He was escorted by a few guardsmen and look very pleased. "Nix the Dragon Slayer!"


    "I had a lot of help." Nix found himself liking Halla, the Che reminded him of Tofo.


    "Now that the immediate danger is gone. You can plan for the other part that we discussed."


    Nix shook his head. "Already ahead of you. An elite team from Inferno has infiltrated Elynmoor and killed Yandro. My people are there now, searching the city for anything useful."


    "You''ve already liberated Elynmoor?"


    "We have."

 Chapter 250 - Raising Inferno (part one)

    Nix heard a contented sigh and felt a cool hand caress his forehead; it was a moment before he recognized that the sound he heard came from him. Slowly he opened one eye, a beautifully alien face was staring down at him.


    "I don''t like it when you do things like this Nix." Mina''s warm voice was laced with concern.


    "I agree, death sucks." He opened and closed his hand a few times before sitting up. "Better that then trying to spend the next few weeks using one arm."


    Nix had deliberately left his amputated arm untreated. It had taken longer than he would have believed but eventually, his health completely expired because of it. He died sometime during the trip back to the Dias Fortress. A glance around the room told him that he was back in Halla''s study. Milat was sleeping nearby on the floor while Mina was acting as Nix''s headrest.


    "I find that I like taking care of you Nix," Mina stated innocently.


    "Right... Thank you, Min." Nix pointed to Milat. "Why is he on the floor?"


    Mina shrugged slightly. "Seems like the Copyright skill takes a lot of energy. He could barely walk up the stairs."


    "How did I get here then?"


    Mina offered him a guileless smile. "I carried you."


    Nix glanced at his hud and noticed an unread message from Beta. "Beta stopped by?"


    Mina nodded. "She seemed very happy."


    Nix opened his hud and read the message from Beta.


    Nix,


    Thank you for bringing me here. My memories of my family were mostly lost except for a few fleeting images of my parents. My mother and Yuli''s mother are sisters. I don''t want to get into everything but I am happy to have this chance. I will stay here for a few days. I already notified Commander Mtui that I''m taking some time off.


    Beta.


    [Whisper Nix to Beta] Take some time and get to know your family members. I''ll send you back anytime you like.


    [Whisper Beta to Nix] I owe you one. Two actually since you saved my cousin earlier.


    [Whisper Nix to Beta] We''re friends, so it''s expected that we help each other on occasion.


    [Whisper Beta to Nix] Chiba says the same thing.


    [Whisper Nix to Beta] Right before she asks to borrow credits for booze.


    **************


    Bali gave Ronnie a crooked smile. "Ready?"


    The dark archer nodded and held out her hand. "Better if we step on the 3-way at the same time."


    Bali took hold of the hand she was offered. "It''s called a 2-way."


    "Is it? I like 3-way better." Ronnie''s dark eyes held the spark of humor. "Too bad Nix isn''t here."


    "Take this serious." The ranger bit her lip to keep from smiling. "The range on 3-ways is about 800 meters."


    "Don''t you mean 2-ways?"


    "....." Bali. "Damn you."


    An instant later they stepped onto a crudely carved platform that had one set of stairs leading down. The only light was from an opening at the bottom of the stairs. Ronnie notched an arrow on her bow and activated her stealth.


    "Is that the camo-overlay that I''ve heard about?" Bali followed her down the steps, had they not been in the same group she would have been completely invisible to her.


    "Yep." Ronnie cursed the narrow passageway. She felt exposed without Rocky present. "Nix will make it for you if you ask."


    "Shit... we''ve left Elynmoor." Bali grabbed Ronnie''s arm and stopped her from going further.


    Ronni stopped with a few feet of the exit. "Is that bad?"


    "Yes. We''re returning!" Bali turned and fled up the stairs giving Ronnie no explanation for her sudden withdrawal. She stopped suddenly at the sound of footsteps coming down the steps. "Shit... There were two of them."


    Ronnie peaked around her. "It sucks that I''m right all the time."


    With nowhere to retreat to, both archers went for their bows.


    [Sniper]


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on a Krayven footsoldier.


    [Hamstrung]


    Bali has targeted her opponent''s legs. A Krayven footsoldier has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Powershot]


    Ronnie has fired a stunning shot, a Krayven footsoldier is stunned for 5 seconds.


    [Three-Shot Burst]


    Bali has hit her target three times in succession.


    [Three-Shot Burst]


    Ronnie has hit her target three times in succession.


    A Krayven footsoldier has been mortally wounded.


    [Pierced-Shot]


    Bali''s shot has ignored armor protection and scored a critical hit on a Krayven footsoldier.


    A Krayven footsoldier has been slain.


    Ronnie ran up the steps toward their slain opponent. She slapped a Black-hand on his shoulder and then started dragging him back toward the 2-way.


    Bali grabbed one of the footsoldier''s arms and helped her. "2-ways are paired, so if we destroy the one at the Inn, it will stop them from entering that way."


    A heart-wrenching scream came from the bottom of the passage. A moment later the sounds of feet echoed loudly.


    "F*ck, hurry!" Ronnie was running up the stairs sideways, unwilling to release the body they were dragging.


    They stepped onto the 2-way with only a short lead on their pursuit. Bali immediately drew her sword and started hacking at the small mat on the ground. It shattered almost immediately.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: Everyone fall back to the camp now, set up defensive positions and Sniper Nests.


    *****************


    "My attempt to assume Zylanex''s Overlord title is being met with some resistance," Leva spoke quietly and without any real emotion.


    "Are they worried you aren''t strong enough?"


    Leva shook her head slightly. "His compound is locked up. No one can access it without his permission."


    Nix had to sneak into one of the empty bedrooms to receive Leva''s report. "Blow it up, or just break in. Isn''t that the way things are usually done?"


    "Zylanex has one of the most impressive Strongholds in the Nether. No one has ever come close to breaching his walls."


    Nix paused for a moment, considering her words. "He fled to the Nether when his city started to fail. Could his compound be the fallen city of Chyanama?"


    "It would make sense Nix. His arrival in the Nether was long before me, but no one knows how he rose to power so quickly."


    "Bringing your own city along with its inhabitants is a good start." Nix cursed under his breath. Instead of turning his people into Tainted like Yandro had done, he corrupted them with the Nether.


    "I''m exposed. If I''m unable to assume Command, one of the other Overlords will deal with me."


    "Explain that Leva."


    "My betrayal of Zylanex is seen as an opportunistic and daring move. However, if that ends in failure, none of the other Overlords will dare to take me into their service."


    "I know what to do." Nix closed the contact and left the room. He entered Halla''s study to find him speaking with Mina and Milat.


    "How are you feeling Nix?" Halla had recovered from the shock of being saved from certain doom. Their new allies said they could deal with Zylanexor and Yandro; without a doubt, they had done so.


    "I''m opening a breach into Elynmoor right now. Grab the Spectrum and come with me." Nix equipped his armor and motioned for his teammates to do the same.


    Halla looked around nervously, neither of the Aquarions showed any surprise. "This kind of thing requires more planning Nix. We should wait..."


    "Prey waits," Nix interrupted him. "Elynmoor is some sort of Master Key right? It has the ability to find other fallen cities."


    Halla nodded. "Whoever controls Elynmoor could gain access and control of the other six cities."


    /Inferno: Milat: I don''t like that name Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Me either. A name change is due.


    /Inferno: Mina: Inferno sounds much better.


    [Guild Quest Updated: The Fallen Cities]


    Nix displayed the Quest on his hud


    [The Fallen Cities]


    Long ago there existed 25 cities in the air of the Everspire continent. Seven of those cities have disappeared from sight. Continue to pursue all leads.


    1) Stop the Spectrum from falling into the hands of a dragon.


    2) Discover the Key to raising the Fallen Dragon Cities. (Updated)


    3) Uncover the truth about Dragon Marrow.


    4) Discover the Identity of Zylanexor.


    5) Defeat Zylanexor (Updated)


    6) Raise the City of Elynmoor. (Incomplete)


    [Point of Contact: The Cabal]


    [New Guild Quest Available: Raise Hierophant City]


    New Guild Quest Available: Raise Chyanama City]


    [New Guild Quest Available: Raise Bo''raz City]


    [New Guild Quest Available: Raise Neptiphago City]


    [New Guild Quest Available: Raise Tharaka City]


    [New Guild Quest Available: Raise Unaqoir City]


    Nix whistled when he read the quests that scrolled across his hud. "Let''s finish this quest, the new quests will have to wait until we are much stronger."


    /Inferno: Milat: I want to take my Planar Trial Nix.


    /Inferno: Mina: Same here, I feel ready.

 Chapter 251 - Raising Inferno (part two)

    [Create Breach: Everspire: Elynmoor]


    Nix stepped through the Breach with Mina, her Vilas, Milat, Halla, and Ducky. The sound of gunfire and weapons crashing into armor was the first sound he heard. "Halla stay behind us and take cover when we get closer."


    [Summons: Cal, Tor, Shadai]


    Nix pointed to the sky. "Stay airborne, provide us healing and ranged support


    /Expedition: Nix: Ronnie! Report!


    /Expedition: Ronnie: A small company of natives has managed to come over the walls near the Inn. We are holding them at Market Square. Chael and Bali have set-up on a nearby roof and are keeping more reinforcements from joining in.


    /Expedition: Nix: Where are the rest of our snipers and Zeta team?


    /Expedition: Ronnie: Zeta is holding our camp from being overrun. Darsi, Moki, and Dalton were headed to the east wall to provide fire support, they''ve been cut off and are in a squirmish.


    /Expedition: Nix: We''ll go after the sniper team, we need them on the east wall to finish this fight. Continue to hold the camp.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: They are super-resistant to fire and water damage. They carry guns and blades; heavy caliber handguns and shotguns. I even saw a few hammer wielders among them.


    /Expedition: Nix: Understood. Sending Halla to your location. Make sure he stays safe.


    Nix opened a breach to the market square and waited until Halla stepped through.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: Is Halla a ferret-man?


    /Expedition: Nix: Yes, they are called Che.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: The Che guy is here. No worries.


    Nix sprinted down the side street that headed toward the eastern wall. The sounds of gunfire became louder as they closed on the scene. "Our snipers don''t have a healer and aren''t equipped for melee, let''s get in the fight!"


    The Arch Winds immediately circled the area, a flash of light and Cal was sent crashing into a nearby rooftop. The remaining two banked away and came up behind the snipers from Inferno.


    /Inferno: Nix: Careful, they shot some sort of netting at Cal and brought him down.


    The sniper team were being pinned down by a half dozen fighters that were trying to flank them. Three melee fighters who weren''t actively fighting moved to intercept Nix and his companions.


    A large man with wide shoulders and bulging muscles walked casually toward Nix. In his hand, he hefted a great sword that was nearly five feet in length. The man''s brown face looked like it was coated with dark mud, cracks littered the surface like a shattered mirror. On top of his head, he wore a skull cap equipped with the antlers of some great beast.


    Nix summoned his scimitar and stepped in to test the man''s strength. An instant later their blades collided in a deafening clash of steel. The great sword was cut in half and Nix''s sword cut deep into the man''s chest, driving him backward.


    Yago the strong has been stunned.


    [Charm]


    Ducky has convinced Ulthor to fight for her.


    Ducky immediately sent Ulthor after their own range fighters that were trying to pin down the Inferno snipers.


    Milat targeted the hammer wielder that charged toward him.


    [Oil Slick]


    Borsh the crazed has fallen into an oil slick.


    Mina sent two Vilas at the fallen man and continued toward the range fighters.


    [Copyright]


    A Gemini Trickster has assumed the form of Borsh.


    Milat gripped the great hammer in his hands and charged forward. A loud battle cry that he had never heard before was shouted from his lips.


    A half dozen strands of emerald flames wrapped around the legs of the stunned Yago and Nix stepped forward, striking him in the forehead with the spiked handguard of his scimitar.


    Nix has landed a significant strike on Yago.


    Yago was knocked to the ground, Nix jumped high into the air and brought his scimitar down in a brutal attack that carried all of his strength.


    Yago has been slain.


    Nix glanced at the 2nd Krayven, the Vilas were close to finishing him off so he ignored him and moved forward while activating his stealth package.


    He closed quickly on the nearest shooter. The Krayven was smaller than the others, Nix took that as a sign of his youth. He carried a drum-fed shotgun that boomed louder than any weapon on the battled field. Nix sent a dozen strands of emerald flame to wrap around it and jerked it out of the shocked hands of the fighter.


    The fighter recovered quickly and produced two heavy caliber handguns from his leg holsters. Nix flashed toward him and struck him hard on the chest. The blow knocked the fighter back into the wall he was using for cover. An instant later a half-dozen strands of emerald flame wrapped around his body and jerked him forward. Nix''s charge met him halfway, his blade slicing completely through his target''s neck.


    Nix has slain Quickshot Filo.


    The rest of the Krayven was already dead by the time Nix finished off Filo. He bent and picked up the shotgun before stowing it in his inventory.


    Milat didn''t seem to suffer any effects from copyright this time, perhaps the massive power or size difference in Zylanexor had caused the issue.


    A grinning Darsi waved at him. "Thanks, Trip-7."


    "Welcome, Dars. Get on the wall and provide fire support for the main camp."


    The blond nodded and left quickly with her former Gladis teammates.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: They are retreating from the camp and heading back toward the wall. Shall I have Chael and Bali stop them?


    /Expedition: Nix: No, let them leave. Bring all the bodies back to camp.


    Nix grabbed Yago and Borsh by the ankles and started dragging them. A few minutes later he arrived at the market square where Shadai was tending to the wounded. "Is Cal okay?''


    The Arch Wind healer nodded. "Just bruised a bit. They shot a net at him."


    Nix let go of the bodies and moved to the stack of weapons that were being collected. He added the shotgun he had stowed away in his inventory. "They have a wide variety of very effective weapons."


    "Nix!" A tall redhead called out his name. She wore dinged up Inferno armor and several strands of her hair had come loose. Without speaking she embraced him for a moment, cupping his face with her hands before kissing his forehead. "Nice of you to show up."


    "You okay Hyai?" Nix pushed a strand of her hair behind an ear.


    "Yes... These bastards are immune to fire." Hyai raised a bloodied club in one hand. "Not immune to wood though."


    Nix laughed at the gesture. "I don''t think they are immune to fire."


    /Expedition: Nix: Nansu, come here, please.


    Nix knelt down next to one of the corpses and equipped a dagger, he sliced a bit of the dried clay that was attached to the Krayven''s skin. By the time he stood up, the alchemist had arrived.


    She looked the same as always, Nansu was a lifestyle player and didn''t take part in the fighting. Her short dark hair was slicked back neatly, her robes were clean and wrinkle-free. "Maybe I need to start using a weapon."


    "I want you to take a look at this." He handed her a bit of clay that was still adhered to the skin of the Krayven. "This looks like some sort of mud or clay that these fighters have spread on their bodies."


    Nansu took out her pouch. "I can check to see what sort of properties it has, won''t take too long."


    "Thanks. Hey Nan..." Nix glanced around the camp, spotting her former lover walking toward them. "You talk to Chael yet?"


    Nansu shook her head slightly. "I really want to Nix. Every time I try my stomach knots up in fear."


    Nix put a hand on her shoulder. "That''s fine, just keep trying. Maybe start with something small like hello."


    Nansu didn''t answer, instead, she walked toward her tent. She did, however, pause briefly when she walked past the sniper. "Hi, Chael."


    "H-Hi Nansu." Chael''s eyes showed his surprise as they followed her retreating form.

 Chapter 252 - Raising Inferno (conclusion)

    Bali and Ronnie followed Nix and his Che friend. The bespectacled ferret-man was friendly and easy to talk to.


    Ronnie lowered her voice and whispered. "Now''s a good time to bring up the 3-ways."


    Bali stared at her for a moment, her pale face turning pink. "What? I''m not saying that!"


    "Really?" The dark archer shot her a confused look. "Hey Nix, they have these paired artifacts that enable instant travel between two points up to 800 meters. They look like floormats that you place on the ground. Step on one and appear on the other."


    Nix glanced at Halla who only shrugged. "If there are two points, then why call them 3-ways?"


    "They are called 2-ways actually." Bali interrupted. "Ronnie keeps messing it up."


    Ronnie smiled at the tiny ranger. "3-way sounds better. Who knew you were so uptight?"


    "3-way does sound better," Nix agreed.


    Bali looked from one to the other, neither one of them seemed like they were teasing her. "I thought I was good at messing with people..."


    Ronnie threw an arm around the small ranger''s shoulder. "You''re like the fun sister I never had."


    Bali gave her a skeptical look. "Don''t you have a sister?"


    Ronnie nodded. "Sure, but you''re like the fun one I never had. Didn''t I say that?"


    Unexpectedly, the ranger''s face split into a wide grin. "Yes. That''s what you said."


    Nix already knew where he was going since his team had explored a bit after they dealt with Yandro. He left Ronnie and Bali at the entrance to the grate covered ramp before leading Halla downward.


    "I''ve read books about the infusing chamber but never thought I''d see one in person." Halla''s dark-furred nose twitched excitedly while he held tightly onto the satchel he wore over one shoulder.


    Nix walked down the ramp, the place had changed slightly since the last time he was here. Everything dragon-related seemed to decompose at an impossible rate. The room was completely empty except for the raised platform.


    Halla pointed to the far wall. "The Operation interface should be over on that side. I''ll need to disconnect the compilation from the diffuser."


    Nix found the wall interface and tried to activate it. "No power yet."


    "Right, that will change in a bit." Halla started tearing out the components that connected the extraction platform to the power grid. "This acts as storage for the dragon-marrow. After extraction, the diffuser limits the amount of energy that can be released at one time. The diffuser is even more vital now since we are dealing with a much more concentrated form of energy."


    Nix nodded as if he understood. "Odds of this ending in a world-changing explosion?"


    Halla twitched his nose slightly. "Fifty percent."


    "I''ve had worse. I have to contact someone, let me know if you need help." Nix walked a few steps away from the altar.


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    The Fallen Chancellor''s face seemed etched with concern. "Nix! One of the Overlords has sent assassins. I may be forced to flee."


    "Stick it out until the last moment, notify me before time runs out."


    "I have a Tzai seed that I can take Nix, if I''m captured like this they have methods of extracting information from me."


    Nix shook his head. "I forbid it. I will get you in, just hold out." He closed comm and wandered back toward Halla.


    "I''m ready to insert the spectrum into the diffusing chamber." Halla''s furred face didn''t show any nervousness, but his twitching nose gave him away.


    "Hey, Halla." Nix was standing by near the operator interface. "What do you have against Yuli?"


    Halla paused, the sudden change in topics catching him by surprise. "Nothing, Yuli is a very good girl. Boomer is too young to have a girlfriend her age."


    Nix laughed. "Damn... that''s lame."


    He watched as Halla placed the spectrum into the diffusing chamber. The earth-shaking release of power didn''t happen, instead, it was a very anticlimactic and steady drone. The wall hud popped up in front of him.


    [Elynmoor Interface Online: Reboot all systems?]


    "No. Display systems that are in need of rebooting." Nix had no intention of returning the dragon city to its prior position. At least not right away."


    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key.


    Nix stared at the hud while considering the possibilities. "Display all sub-menus.


    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Yandro)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Disabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Disabled)


    c) Residential Power (Disabled)


    d) Business District Power (Disabled)


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Disabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Disabled)


    c) City Levitators (Disabled)


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Open Security Interface, City Controller."


    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Yandro)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    [A message has been sent to Yandro regarding the start-up procedures. He has three minutes to answer.]


    Nix smiled at the message, it could be three years and it still wouldn''t matter. The prior City Controller wasn''t going to answer.


    (Three minutes Later)


    [New City Controller Recognized: Nix]


    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    "Change the city name from Elynmoor to Inferno. Enable City Shields and City Gun Points. Open Power Grid Menu."


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Disabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Disabled)


    c) Residential Power (Disabled)


    d) Business District Power (Disabled)


    "Enable all power grids. Open Master Key Menu."


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Enable Annonymous Settings. Access Direct Control."


    [Direct Control Menu]


    a) Inferno: Nix


    b) Chyanama: Zylanexor


    c) Dyrekstad: Hierophant


    d) Goralpri: Bo''raz


    e) Aquarius: Neptiphago


    d) Icaraphet: Tharaka


    f) Verynzai: Unaqoir


    "Access Chyanama."


    [A message has been sent to Zylanexor regarding the start-up procedures. He has three minutes to answer.]


    Halla walked over while Nix was using the hud. "I wonder why Direct Access only shows the fallen cities."


    Nix considered the statement while they waited. "Elynmoor was the last to fall. It makes sense that he would relinquish control of the cities still functioning."


    [Chyanama City: Remote Controller Recognized: Nix]


    "Open Chyanama Security Menu."


    [Chyanama System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    "Disable City Shields. Grant Secondary access to Security Menu to Leva."


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    The Fallen Chancellor''s holo popped up in front of Nix. The sound of fighting could be heard in the background. "Nix! I''m going to have to retreat soon!"


    "No. I''ve given you access to the Security Menu of Chyanama. Enter the city and defend it. Contact me when the situation is resolved." Nix closed direct contact.


    "Are we going to launch the city now?" Halla was nearly bouncing with excitement.


    /Expedition: Ronnie: We have a guest Nix.


    Nix grabbed Halla and pulled him toward the exit. "We can close this entrance and access the rest remotely through my personal hud."


    Nix found Ronnie standing on the wall staring through the shield that was currently surrounding the city. "Any idea what she wants?"


    Ronnie shook her head. "She asked to speak with our leader and then hasn''t spoken since."


    Nix moved to the edge of the wall. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. What do you want?"


    The woman was young and covered in mud like the rest of her people. "I''m Zinu, the only cleric in the Krayven Clan."


    Nix didn''t speak further since she hadn''t mentioned her reason for coming.


    "The fighters you have taken went against our rules when they attacked you. I will offer you a trade for the return of their bodies." Zinu prostrated herself on the ground.


    "Please stand up." Nix wrinkled his nose at the woman on the ground. "What do you offer in trade?"


    Zinu stood up slowly. "Myself. My Clan will not survive long without our hunters and fighters."


    Nix seemed to consider her words. "Hmm... Can you cook?"


    "Yes."


    "How are you at mending clothes?"


    Zinu stared at him for a moment before answering. "I know how to use a needle."


    Nix frowned slightly. "That answer doesn''t really instill confidence. Are you fertile?"


    Ronnie covered her mouth to keep from laughing, turning away to hide her face.


    "I think so." Zinu stared at the ground, her expression unreadable beneath the mud that coated her skin.


    "Deal."


    Over the next few minutes, the bodies of the fallen Krayven were returned to Zinu so she could rez them. Nix raised the shields once again and waited until she was done.


    Zinu approached the shields when she was finished. Her comrades stood in a circle watching her with gloomy faces. "I am ready."


    Nix nodded. "I''m the Guild Leader of Inferno and a Breach Commander. Do you know what that is?"


    Zinu nodded, "Breach Commanders are known to us."


    "Then you know what to expect. When I have need a cleric, I won''t hesitate to summon you." Nix waved with one hand and walked away without saying anything else.


    A short while later, Nix stood in the Inn. "Open Transportation Menu"


    [Inferno City: Transportation Menu]


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Disabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Disabled)


    c) City Levitators (Disabled)


    /Expedition: Nix: Everyone find something to hang onto.

 Chapter 253 - Oliphia

    [Guild Quest, The Fallen Cities has been updated]


    Contact Neb Eruna at the Bright Sun Tavern in Oliphia.


    Nix stood on the walls of Inferno City. The haze of the shield made it difficult to see more than a few hundred meters. "We''d have to be very close to the other cities to even see them."


    Yandro had placed the former city of Elynmoor on the highest mountain range in Everspire. The Inferno Guild was able to see for miles in all directions from their viewpoint before the shields were raised. Halla had made it very clear, none of the cities dare lower their shields while in the air. There were too many very dangerous flying creatures inhabiting the lands.


    Hyai had a hand tucked into his arm while they talked quietly. "Are you going to try and reclaim the lost cities?"


    This city is back in the air, that''s enough for now," Nix shrugged slightly. "Lots of other things to do first. Who knows where the other five cities are. The odds are high that those have been discovered and are inhabited by the natives."


    The tall redhead turned at the noise coming from the streets. Halla had asked Nix to bring in nearly a hundred craftsmen to get to work on rebuilding the city. "You''re going to spend time here with us?"


    "Yes. Someone needs to be opening gates back and forth to Core''dium." Nix noticed that she looked pleased by his announcement. "Of course I still have my duties as Breach Commander, so I''ll be moving around quite a bit."


    "Don''t ruin it, Hun." She leaned closer and kissed the side of his face. "I''ve claimed a room at the Inn, now that the power is working I''ll cook you something good."


    Nix smiled and watched as she walked down the steps to the street below. "Is that all?"


    "No, I''m going to spoil you a bit." Hyai glanced back, "coming?"


    "I have to contact someone first, then I will." Nix waited until Hyai left before descending the steps and ducking into an alley. Leva had tried to reach him earlier when he was briefing the guild.


    [Direct Contact: Leva] The Fallen''s chancellors holo showed that she was still alive and well. She immediately updated him. "I''m in Chyanama and have assumed the mantle of Overlord."


    "And the assassins?"


    "The city defenses have dealt with them." Leva took a seat on a comfortable looking chair before she continued. Her dark eyes showed surprised when she noticed a package had arrived. "You sent me something Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, 5 drops of dragon blood. Everyone involved in the fight with Zylanexor received some. Drink it now."


    Leva nodded and drank it down without question. "This will really improve my strength. May I ask the reason for this?"


    "Sure. You were taken down by a Lord Class Water Witch. You must become stronger so that you will be a proper minion." Nix spent time researching possible effects of dragon blood, one was stronger mental fortitude.


    "The Water Witch, she is one of your companions?"


    Nix didn''t answer. "Rest and absorb the benefits of the dragon blood."


    Leva nodded. "What do I do after?"


    "Stay in the Nether and we will discuss plans soon." Nix kept the contact open without saying anything for a few moments while he considered their options. "There are too many Overlords in the Nether, find us one that is vulnerable."


    [Direct Contact: Donri]


    Nix smiled at the trio from Inferno, they were all sitting together on some sort of bench. Their faces said it all, they could not find the Cabal. "Wild Goose chase guys?"


    Donri''s face had a sour look, a whole day spent chasing their tails. "Every time we think we have a lead, it ends up being nothing."


    "At least your in the right city." Nix offered the three of them an apologetic smile. "Check out the Guild Quest: The Fallen Cities."


    Jun Li opened up her hud and showed the rest of the team. Her voice sounded annoyed. "Neb Eruna at the Bright Sun? Didn''t we speak to him twice?"


    "Three times actually." Donri glanced up from the hud. "We must not have fulfilled the requirement yet."


    Nix nodded. "That''s my guess. Finish the mission and find out everything you can regarding the Cabal."


    ******************


    Jun Li sighed loudly. The trio was grabbing lunch at the market square when Nix contacted them. Oliphia was a gorgeous, golden city with bustling market vendors and beautifully clean streets. "I may have to punch that guy in the face."


    Sharl finished off the last of her lunch, her full lips curved in a smile. "We talking about Nix or Neb Eruna? I''ll give you a hand either way, but if its Nix we should recruit a lot more people."


    Jun Li laughed aloud brought up her hud map. "A lot more people," Jun Li agreed. "The Bright Sun Tavern is near the front gate, we have time to visit it before dark."


    Donri didn''t comment. He had slowly grown to know the two infamous beauties from Inferno over the past few days. If he had learned one thing it was that they were both deep inside Nix''s inner circle and enjoyed a closed friendship with Inferno''s Guild Leader. "At least we were on the right track."


    The Bright Sun Tavern was a sturdy two-story establishment where the entire second floor was open. The beautiful weather of Oliphia made outdoor dining a year-round occurrence. As the trio closed on the building, they could see the crowded top floor and hear the raucous crowds chanting.


    Donri glanced at his companions. "Sounds like a fight?"


    Sharl nodded, "probably. Too bad my sis isn''t here. She loves to punch it out."


    Jun Li didn''t comment but instead held the door. The younger sister was definitely wilder than the older. The first floor showed wall booths that completely bordered the heavily windowed room, A large rectangular bar took up the spacious center area.


    Most of the usual occupants seemed to have migrated upstairs where they were holding the hand-to-hand fights. A familiar-looking bald man with brown skin approached them when they took a seat at the empty bar.


    "Welcome to the Bright Sun Tavern, I''m Neb."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yep. I want to punch him.


    Sharl smiled noncommittedly. "We are from the Inferno Guild, perhaps you''ve heard of us."


    Neb turned toward one of his bartenders and nodded. A moment later the short, squat woman walked from behind the bar and sat a small mat on the floor in front of them.


    "Thank you, Caer. Follow me if you would." Neb took a step onto the mat and then disappeared from sight.


    Donri stared at the empty space where Neb had been standing. "What is that?"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No idea. Follow or stay?


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''m game, let''s follow.


    [Summons: Floyd]


    The dark woman couldn''t help but smile at her young companion. Nix had been right about him, he was ideally suited for the Trickster class. "Need some backup."


    Floyd nodded, his dark hair and skin made him look like Sharl, but his verticle irises marked him as alien. "I''m ready."


    Jun Li noted that Nix must have upgraded Floyd''s armor. The black armor had elements of camouflage that were plainly evident. He also had two handguns holstered on his legs. "I thought you used daggers?"


    Floyd smiled pleasantly. "I have daggers too. The Trickster class can dual wield daggers and handguns."


    "We good then? Let''s follow." Donri stepped on the mat and winked from existence, an instant later all three of his companions did the same.


    The bartender waited until they were gone before she picked the mat back up and restored it to its previous hiding place.

 Chapter 254 - Meeting the Cabal

    Jun Li blinked at the sudden drastic change in lighting. The Inferno group stepped into a well-lit room that was surrounded by a circular table.


    Neb bowed slightly to a gray-haired man dressed like a merchant and introduced them. "Vice-Leader Jun Li, Office Sharl, Companion Floyd, and Seneschal Donri from the Inferno Guild."


    Jun Li stared at the nine men and women seated in front of them. They were dressed like ordinary people, but she wasn''t going to make the mistake of treating them that way. She bowed respectfully. "I can speak on behalf of the Inferno Guild."


    A large hud was visible in front of them, scrolling across the screen were the known accomplishments of Inferno.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They seem remarkably well informed.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Nothing on there that a bit of digging wouldn''t turn up. I can list a few things that they missed.


    "From your reaction, I sense you are surprised by our appearances. I can assure you that we are exactly as we appear to be, common people from Colonial, Oasis, The Sky Kingdom, Core''dium, Everspire, and the Nether." The gray-haired man gestured to his companions. "I am Teal, a caravan master from the Everspire Continent."


    The other seated people introduced themselves one at a time. The last to speak was obviously some sort of Nether Demon, she had deep brown skin that shined slightly, and her large eyes were set on the sides of her face. She expressed disappointment in the absence of Inferno''s Guild Leader. "I had hoped to meet Nix here. The Breach Commander, the Dragonslayer, the Nether Breaker, the Salamander, the Archon, and the Gemini Nemesis. Did I leave anything out?"


    Sharl nodded. "You left quite a few things out."


    "I am Xia, a Dark Priestess in the Nether." The demon paused to see if her announcement had any effect. "One of the Dragon cities reside in our territory if Inferno plans to capture it, you will need allies to deal with the Overlord who commands it."


    Jun Li shrugged nonchalantly. "Our agenda is our own. May I ask what the Cabal is, and why are you interested in Inferno?"


    Teal nodded. "That''s fair. We are a coalition of people from all lands. We sometimes ally ourselves with groups when we want to accomplish something outside of our expertise. Inferno has been on our watch-list since its inception. Although your accomplishments are many, the one thing that continues to stand out is your ability to build trust and gather allies."


    /Inferno: Donri: Nix would want us to exercise caution if he were here. We shouldn''t agree to any tasks.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Agreed.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Ask about the Dragon Cities.


    A flash of memory jumped into Jun Li''s head, the first time she had seen Nix in Mermaid City. "What is the Cabal''s interest in the Dragon Cities?"


    Teal''s brown eyes studied her for a moment before he spoke. "What makes you think we are interested in the Dragon Cities?"


    "If you aren''t, then why sponsor such a high-end Quest involving the raising of Elynmoor?" Jun Li let her gaze move from one seated member to the next. "Aren''t you measuring everyone''s strength as soon as they come to Colonial? That''s the reason for the quests in the starter cities, to keep tabs on individuals that may climb higher than the others."


    A dark-skinned female chuckled from the seat next to Teal. "You are an interesting case Vice-Leader Jun Li. You started as the Guild Leader of a powerful Mid-Tier Guild. You leave the guild suddenly and immediately join the unknown Inferno. Very shortly after that, all of Colonial is tipped on their heads repeatedly. Who is the cause? You? Nix? Sharl? Maybe the brilliant Semmi?"


    Sharl frowned at the woman. "Does it matter? Inferno is greater than the sum of its parts; we are a perfect storm."


    "Hmm... I like that term, a perfect storm." The woman nodded, and Neb moved toward them with a small silver box.


    [The Fallen Cities Quest has been completed.]


    An ornate silver box has been added to your inventory.


    After giving Jun Li the box, Neb handed her a rolled-up piece of parchment.


    You have learned the locations of all six of the remaining Fallen Cities.


    [Guild Quest Available: Raise Hierophant City, has been updated.]


    [Guild Quest Available: Raise Bo''raz City, has been updated.]


    [Guild Quest Available: Raise Neptiphago City, has been updated.]


    [Guild Quest Available: Raise Tharaka City, has been updated.]


    [Guild Quest Available: Raise Unaqoir City, has been updated.]


    [Guild Quest Available: Raise Chyanama City, has been updated.]


    Jun Li ignored the messages scrolling across her screen. "You haven''t answered my question. What is your interest in the Dragon Cities?"


    Teal glanced around the table to the other seated members before answering. "We are not the enemies of the Dragon Masters if that''s what you mean. The Cabal has more members than you could imagine, and our reach far exceeds a mere 25 Dragon Cities. We are interested in progress and the continued economic and cultural growth of the lands we call home."


    The dark woman finally noticed Floyd. "You are the Naga?"


    Floyd shrugged. "I''m Floyd, a member of the Inferno Guild."


    The woman took note of his icy tone. "I''m Uynn, and I meant no disrespect. I would like to know more about the Naga and the Lamia."


    "No."


    /Inferno: Sharl: Really? What kind of answer is that?


    Floyd bowed toward Uynn in apology. "What I mean to say is, you''re full of shit."


    "....." Sharl.


    There were several chuckles at the table, but no one looked angry or put out.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Sorry... they make their goals sound so admirable. You know what Ronnie would say.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''m not going to let you talk to her anymore!


    Uynn reached under her chair and placed a black mat on the table. "You can go back to the Bright Sun Tavern, or if you are interested in a challenge, you can take on a small test."


    Jun Li smiled slightly. "No blind tests, tell us what the prize is, and we''ll decide."


    Uynn pushed a small multi-colored stone onto the mat.


    [Temple Addition: Gemini Sniper]


    Jun Li studied it for a moment. "The Gemini Temple only has Gladiator, Thief, Defender, Trickster, Mage, and Ranged Classes."


    Uynn pushed the stone closer. "This will add the Sniper Class to the list of Gemini Classes the Temple is capable of producing."


    Jun Li nodded. "What do we have to do?"


    Uynn gestured to Neb, who came forward and placed the black mat on the floor. "Just you, Jun Li. You are the Gemini Temple Champion, right?"


    "I am."


    "Defeat the Champion of the Scarlet Temple in Everspire." Uynn let her gaze linger on the black mat. "Make your choice."


    "I''ll challenge. What about my friends?"


    Neb placed a second mat on the floor. "This will return you to the Bright Sun, where you will be our guest until the Gemini Champion returns."


    /Inferno: Sharl: Go kick ass Juni, we''ll wait for you.


    /Inferno: Donri: We''ll let Nix know.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Be careful.


    Jun Li waited while her three companions returned to the Bright Sun. She drew her sword and stepped onto the black mat.

 Chapter 255 - Scarlet Temple Challenge

    An instant later Jun Li appeared on a gating platform. Rock walls and a torchlit room led her to believe that she was underground. Beneath her feet was a black mat that matched the one she had stepped on in the Cabal Chamber. "Maybe these mats have a limited range."


    /Inferno: Donri: Still okay Jun Li?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes. The mat brought me to a gate. Back in a bit.


    Jun Li stepped onto the gating platform and disappeared once again. Her arrival seemed to take several seconds in her head. Was her destination that far away? She had been in Oliphia. That meant that the Cabal had an interplanar gate like the one in the Gemini Temple.


    A wide expanse of clear blue sky and bright sunlight caused her to shield her eyes. She was standing on an elevated platform in an empty stadium.


    [Welcome to the Scarlet Arena: Today''s matchup is Gemini vs Scarlet]


    Jun Li glanced at the empty seats and then as the barren stage, she was the only person around. "The hell is this?"


    An instant later that changed, dozens of guests appeared at their seats in succession giving the stadium a strobe light effect as it began to rapidly fill up. A lean man wearing all black appeared in front of Jun Li. He approached her with his hands spread wide. "Gemini Champion Jun Li?"


    Jun Li nodded, he definitely looked like a stealth-type class. "Are you the Scarlet Champion?"


    The man''s handsome face broke into a smile. "Goodness no. I''m today''s official for the Arena."


    Jun Li tightened the grip on her blade just in case he was lying. "Do we need an official?"


    The self-appointed referee shook his head. "Not for this matchup, but sometimes the fights have rules."


    A woman appeared on the opposite side of the stage. She wore sleeveless red silk robes that announced her as a magic-user. A flame aura hovered around her, reddish-colored skin and a body covered in tattoos made Jun Li instantly cautious.


    "I am Ri, the Scarlet Temple Champion." The woman bowed slightly. Jun Li decided she was beautiful, despite being completely bald.


    "Jun Li, Gemini Champion." Jun Li held her sword up to her face in a fighter''s salute.


    "Hmm... That''s a nice sword Gemini Champion. Would you care to wager it on the outcome of our match?"


    Although Jun Li loved the sword, to her it was just a tool. She had grown up in a Traditional Martial Arts Dojo owned by her family. Her father would often tell her, ''your mind is the best weapon.'' "What do you have to offer in return?"


    Ri held up one arm and displayed a rather beautiful image of a large cat that closely resembled a tiger. "This is a Saber Dire Cat. Do you like it?"


    Jun Li shrugged. "It''s lovely, but I''ve no interest in tattoos."


    Ri placed a hand over the image and a moment later it jumped onto the stage. It was nearly double the size of a normal tiger, however, this one was long razor-sharp fangs protrude from its mouth. "She can fight and makes a fine mount. My pet against the Gemini sword."


    Jun Li glanced at the cat, trying not to let her excitement show. She was definitely a cat-person irl. "Done."


    The Arena Official clapped his hands loudly. "The wager has been recorded. Betting Venues are now closed. Champions move to your designated areas."


    A small circle with the image of a Gemini lit up, Jun Li stood on it and waited calmly.


    The Offical raised his hands and glanced at both contestants. "Fight har.." The air next to Jun Li seemed to distort slightly, making him stop his words.


    **************


    Nix sat comfortably at the table Hyai had pulled into the Inn''s kitchen. They had just finished eating when he received a notification.


    /Gemini Temple Message: Your Champion has accepted a challenge from the Scarlet Temple Champion in the Everspire Continent.


    "Scarlet Temple?" Nix opened his hud and moved to the Gemini Interface. He could locate the Gemini Sword no matter where it was. It was something he learned from Delyn Xai who had done something similar in order to keep tabs on his apprentice, Raine Xai.


    "Something up hun?" Hyai watched Nix''s reaction, he seemed more curious than concerned.


    Nix nodded. "Junie is at a place called the Scarlet Temple Arena. Let''s take a trip."


    /Expedition: Nix: Taking a small trip. Hyai and I will be back shortly.


    The tall redhead walked around the table and held out her hand.


    [Create Breach: Everspire: Scarlet Temple Arena]


    The couple stepped through the Breach a moment later. Nix spotted Junie right away, he also took note of the other two people on the stage.


    "Sir! This is a private match. You''ll have to find yourselves a proper seat." The official stared at the man who stepped through the breach. He knew exactly what a Breach Commander was, so he purposefully kept his tone respectful.


    Nix nodded in reply. "As you say. This is my Champion so of course, I''m here to observe."


    "The Gemini Lord?" A voice spoke from the nearby box seats. "I am the Scarlet Temple Lord. Please join me as my guest."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Hey guys. Thanks for coming.


    /Inferno: Nix: Wouldn''t miss it. Besides... when there are two Gemini...


    [A second Gemini has been located in your vicinity. Gemini Bond has been enabled.]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Hmm? Oh right!


    The Scarlet Temple Lord was a shirtless red-skinned man covered in tattoos. Like his champion, he was completely bald. "Please take a seat Gemini Lord."


    Nix nodded. "I''m Nix and this is Hyai."


    The bald-headed man offered them both a smile. "I''m Dhala, welcome to my Temple."


    Once the newcomers were seated, the official raised his hands again. "Fight Hard!"


    Jun Li brought her sword up and waited. The tiger would be hard to deal with, traditionally beasts were very strong and some nearly impossible to kill.


    The tiger wasted no time, immediately it sprang at Jun Li.


    [Darkness]


    A shroud of darkness has been pulled over the eyes of Ri.


    A shroud of darkness has been pulled over the eyes of Fang.


    [Ghost Step]


    Jun Li''s form blurred and she appeared behind Ri, slashing at the back of her legs before using the same step to retreat.


    Ri''s movements have been slowed by 50 percent.


    From the audience, Nix and Hyai watched the first clash. The Innkeep leaned toward him. "What is that spell Junie used?"


    Nix had a smile on his face. "It''s one that dropped from the Chaos Mage at the end of the Onion Quest, none of us wanted it so I gave it to Junie."


    Hyai nodded slightly. "It looks like a CC ability."


    [Burning Sun]


    Ri has freed herself from the effects of Darkness.


    The Scarlet champion spread both arms wide, the intricate tattoos on her body seemed to shift.


    [Freedom]


    Ri has released an Epoch Wolf.


    Ri has released a Fire Sprite.


    Jun Li''s pretty face remained calm, she was facing a Pet Class. She ignored the sprite that was already casting and charged past the wolf.


    A surprized Ri watched as three successive fire attacks landed on the Gemini Champion without effect.


    [Gladiator Pursuit]


    Jun Li flashed through the air and appeared next to her stunned opponent.


    [Double Strike]


    Jun Li has landed a critical hit.


    Jun Li has landed a critical hit.


    [Air-Evac]


    Ri has utilized a life-saving artifact to retreat from danger.


    [Gemini Bond: Flame Strands]


    Jun Li raised her off-hand, a single emerald flame strand shot out and wrapped around Ri''s ankle.


    She yanked backward before taking a giant leap into the air, her blade flashing at the Scarlet Temple Champion''s neck.


    Fresh red blood splattered on the stage as Jun Li landed lightly a moment before Ri and her decapitated head.


    [Scarlet Arena Announcement: Gemini Temple Champion, Jun Li emerges victorious.


    Jun Li swiped her blade once in the air, removing the blood before putting it away. The roar of the spectators took her by surprise, the beautiful warrior bowed gracefully and waited while a cleric attended to Ri. Her Gemini Champion medallion pulsed with power.


    Your Gemini Champion Medal has been upgraded.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Thanks for the loan.


    /Inferno: Nix: No problem, only one strand? Kinda lame Junie.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Flame strands are such a scam anyway. Did I mention that we are getting a new Gemini Class from the Cabal?


    /Inferno: Nix: Is that why you are here?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes. Gemini: Sniper.


    Nix whistled and leaned back in his seat. He could see Hyai''s confused expression.


    Hyai lowered her voice slightly. "How did she use flame strands?"


    Nix grabbed her hand and stood up. "Thank you for having us Lord Dhala."


    Lord Dhala stood also. "Such unusual abilities. Might I talk you into staying longer?"


    Nix shook his head and pulled Hyai toward the Arena floor. "Unfortunately I have urgent business elsewhere."


    A few minutes later Jun Li was stroking the beautiful tattoo she had on the inside of her wrist. It had literally jumped off of Ri''s arm and onto hers. The Scarlet Champion''s face showed her remorse at making the bet.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll head back to the Cabal and pick up the class stone.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nice job Junie. Wrap things up with the Cabal and head home.


    Nix smiled when Jun Li exited, he could tell that neither the Temple Lord or his champion had expected to be trounced so easily. "The Gemini Bond establishes Skill sharing. She used a diluted form of my Flame Strand, but in a fight like this, surprise is everything. She also borrowed my flame tolerance."


    ***************


    (Progressing Forward Three Months)


    Three months pass in Oasis. During that time, the clean-up of Inferno City is completed and a good portion of the Core''dium population migrate to their newly minted home. Rumors flow despite Inferno''s efforts; a Fallen Dragon City has been reclaimed and once again floats in the skies somewhere above Everspire. Inferno returns home, the gate between Loki and Inferno City becomes active, enabling the members of the 12 Pillars Alliance to enter the City.


    Shae returns to Haven and Fajii enters the last days of Phase III training with Vooni''s Fire Team. Alpha Team enters Phase II of their training as Vooni''s Dagger Team. In a turn of events that no one expected, the Fir''Dhassi open up their borders to humans, allowing all the guilds free access to Parliament.


    Bev hits her stride as the Governor of Loki while Delyn Xai prepares to give the VoTech its first Wrath Graduates.


    Leva cements her position as a Nether Overlord, providing Nix with valuable Intel regarding their next target. Nix continues his duties as Breach Commander, sending in teams from the 12 Pillar Alliance more and more. The dragon fir Tree that Nix planted in Haven finally stops growing, it reaches nearly twice the size of normal dragon firs found in Dragonvale.


    [ReCap of the Story until Now.]


    Nix and the Inferno Guild have managed to rise to the top of the Colonial ranks and in the process destroyed the Cai''Song artifact, thus closing Mermaid City to all future adventures. Through their success on the very difficult ''Onion Quest'', a Colonial Embassy was built on Glory, the Inferno Guild''s City State.


    Inferno outraced their competition to the 69th floor and was able to attain access to Oasis, the New World that many of the Upper Tier Guilds have advanced to. Hard work coupled with clever manipulations enabled Inferno to become a notable power in the Parliament Government that deals with Oasis World Order. During this time Inferno became aware of the Upper Planar World of Sky Kingdom. Nix uses the power of their Parliament access to form the floundering human guilds into a cohesive alliance know as the 12 Pillar Alliance. The Guild and their newfound alliance take over Loki as the New World Human Colony.


    As Inferno''s power continues to grow, Nix uses his Breach Commander status to gear up his Alliance and give them some much-needed combat experience. A Seed world called Haven is fully settled and a VoTech Institute is built to teach the Alliance some of the powerful classes that Oasis has to offer.


    Inferno discovers the origin of the Sky-Kingdom cities and claims the Master-City of Elynmoor as their own. During this process, Nix manages to plant a high-level spy into the Nether World hierarchy. The accomplishments of Inferno have been noticed by several Super Powers, notably the Cabal and the Dragon Masters of Sky Kingdom.

 Chapter 256 - Shadow Rage

    "What do you think Uta?" Nix stood in front of the instructor treehouse at the VoTech Institute on Loki. He had spent the morning giving Uta a tour of the facility.


    "It''s great Nix." Uta had immediately said yes when Nix asked him to teach the next VoTech class. Uta''s special class was tank oriented class called Shadow Rage.


    The Shadow Rage class was especially good at aggro control and offered wide flexibility with both weapons and armor.


    Nix spotted Raine and Delyn actively sparring with some of the Wrath students from the 12 Pillars. "I''ll introduce you to the outgoing instructors."


    Uta smiled pleasantly when he mentioned the Xai Clan members. "Delyn! You old bastard!"


    Delyn Xai, the Wrath master of his clan looked up at the words, his weathered face immediately broke into a broad smile. "Uta! I thought you''d been eaten by demons!"


    Uta shook his head vigorously. "I guess I don''t taste good, they keep spitting me out."


    The Fir''Dhassi trainer shook Uta''s small hand before calling his apprentice over. Raine was wearing her standard brown leather armor and held a familiar-looking long blade in one hand.


    "Uncle Uta?" Raine matched her master''s smile and bowed low.


    Uta stared up at the Wrath Apprentice who stood more than a foot taller than him. "Why are you so tall now?"


    "Hmm... Because I''m not eight anymore." She glanced from Uta to Nix and then quickly put the pieces together. "The Sasi family is instructing the next group?"


    Uta nodded solemnly. "A personal favor for our brother Nix."


    Nix left them there to catch up and sat on one of the large rocks to do some crafting. Leva was constantly sending him Nether rat corpses so he could continue to develop better versions of the Rat King. In two months he was able to increase his Taxidermy skill to 300. This resulted in a Rat King at the Revenant Level. Unlike lower-level dolls, the revenant would recharge his life force while not in use.


    /Inferno: Pon: You should think of a better name. Nixi isn''t a proper name for an Aquarion girl.


    /Inferno: Tyrant: Sorry. Yuna won''t budge on this.


    The week had started off with the birth of a healthy Aquarion girl. All of Inferno celebrated the occasion. The event seemed to set off a chain reaction as the other two pregnant Aquarion women also gave birth on successive days. Spring seemed to have arrived for the Inferno Guild.


    /Inferno: Nix: Quit complaining old man. Your jealousy seems petty.


    In Haven, the crops and livestock that had been carefully nurtured for months finally started to bear fruit. Six mares from Nix''s ranch had dropped foals and the first shipment of Semmi''s Golden Draft was a huge hit with all three of the Inns favored by Inferno.


    /Inferno: Shae: Nix, you should come back. Looks like Nightmare is about to drop her foal also.


    [Disclaimer: Foal dropping refers only to the normal birth of horses and has nothing to do with dropping animals.]


    /Inferno: Nix: Really? On my way.


    Nix jogged toward the Loki gate, not commenting when he ran past Bali who was balancing on the shoulders of Rocky, the Rock Golem belonging to Ronnie.


    "Nix!" A familiar voice called his name when he exited the Gemini Temple a few minutes later. A slender Fire Mage held a staff nearly as tall as she was. "I''m on the top floor, you''ll have to come to visit me!"


    Nix smiled and looked toward Inferno''s Dragon Fir Tree. Nearly a hundred meters in diameter and four thousand feet in height, finally it had stopped growing. Semmi had used an acorn to give Inferno a Guild Hall in Haven. Shortly after that, Ronnie had begged for an acorn and created an apartment for herself directly above the top floor of the guild.. The trend continued as Inferno members stacked the builds into Haven''s first skyscraper. A single stair going up connected the vast number of apartments that were suddenly being occupied. This was made worse by Fey showing up with an entire Flight of Drakes.


    "How many floors in all?" Fey''s long silver hair had been trimmed at her waist and she was slowly developing better coordination in her human form.


    "More than a hundred so far." Once the tree had achieved a certain size, the living accommodations became sprawling one level apartments rather than the three-level one he''d known in Dragonvale. The Guildhall was the only three-level building in the tree; it boasted seating for all its members, a massive dining area as well as TOC on the third level (Tactical Operation Center). Nix often used it as his Breach Commander''s HQ.


    The Drakes had flown to the top of the tree and started building from there downward. There was still a long gap between the residences of the highest Inferno member and the lowest drake. "You''ll come right?"


    Nix nodded. "Of course. I wouldn''t miss it."


    The Inferno Guild Leader walked toward his stables, muttering under his breath the entire time. "You clowns realize that the tree is on my land? I should charge the whole lot of you rent... damn squatters."


    Three months ago, Sharl, Donri and returned from the Cabal with a silver box. Inferno''s reward for finishing the Fallen Cities Quest was an Oasis World Seed. The officers from Inferno had no idea what to do with it. Haven was already massive in size and mostly uninhabited, doubling the space seemed wasteful. A second option was to use it in the Sea-World, however, Nix''s first seed world was already big enough for the few people who still lived there.


    "Why did you walk Nix?" Shae was waiting for him, Nansu and Chael were standing close by holding hands. "You could have flown, or opened a gate directly here."


    "Forgot," Nix admitted. He nodded at the couple that was staring into the stables. Progress had been made between them, but they were taking it slow.


    He stepped into the stable and stroked Nightmare''s sleek head. "Take your time, no pressure," he stroked her head fondly. Shae had asked countless times over the past few months if she could have the demon horse. Although the beautiful salamander did her best, Nix wouldn''t budge.


    "I''m going to name her Moonlight if it is female." Shae was standing on the bottom rail of the stable, her head could barely see over the top. "Do you like that Nix?"


    Nix nodded. Fajii and Hyai had already claimed foals from Nix''s herd, neither of them had any interest in Nightmare or her foal. Begrudgingly, he had given it to Shae. "It''s very nice."


    "How many horses do you have in all Nix?" Shae was popping peppers in her mouth while Nix kept Nightmare calm.


    "Sixty-three with this addition, if it comes today." Nix could feel Nightmare''s heat beneath his hand starting to rise suddenly. "Shit... hand me that pitchfork!"


    Nix started forking out the loose hay he had put in that morning. He finished the job quickly, just before Nightmare burst into orange flames. "Holy shit!"


    The demon horse stomped her front feet and whinnied loudly. The sound of hoofbeats racing toward them drowned out whatever words Shae was saying.


    Nix stepped into the flames, doing his best to absorb enough to stop his stable from catching fire. The birthing was similar to the rest of the ones that week. The only difference was that this foal was born in fire.


    She landed on the ground, her impossibly long legs shaking while they pushed her body upwards. Her hoofs looked like scaled dragon feet, the intricate scales stopped at her abdomen were sleek black fur took over. Her bright red eyes brimmed with intelligence, within seconds she was standing on her feet. Her own flames were yellow and flickered when Nix touched them.


    "Pretty, pretty!!" Shae squeezed between the rails and knelt next to the foal, she watched in fascination when it began to feed. "Amazing... I can have her, right Nix?"


    Nix couldn''t help but laugh at the Salamander''s hopeful expression. "Yes Shae, she''s all yours."


    "How long will it take for her to grow up?" Shae knew nothing about horses and had never touched one until Nix brought them to Haven.


    Nix shook his head. "There''s no telling. Normally horse gestation is between 11 and 12 months. Nightmare took 3 months."


    Shae continued to stroke the foals sleek back. "Gestation?"


    "Time from conception to birth. If she maintains a similar pace, the normal two-year wait to ride her might be shrunk down to six months."


    Shae nodded. "I won''t rush her. She needs to grow strong first."


    [Whisper Beta to Nix] I need your help Nix, urgent business.


    [Whisper Nix to Beta] Okay. When and where?


    [Whisper Beta to Nix] The fish farm where you buried the vampire. I''m already there.


    [Whisper Nix to Beta] On my way.


    Nix pulled Shae to her feet and gave her a quick kiss. "I have some urgent business. Could you look after things here until I get back?"


    Shae started to nod before glancing up at him. "Want some backup?"


    "I''ll let you know if I do." Nix opened a breach and exited disappeared from sight a moment later.


    ************


    Nix let flash run as soon as they left Isla''Fairbal. He could have opened a breach directly to the meeting place but something felt wrong about it. He spotted her waiting next to the old well where he originally buried Kedric. A second person was with her, even from the distance the scraggly gray hair could only mean one person, his swordmaster Chiba.


    He pulled up a few meters away and was about to dismount when a feeling of wrongness surfaced. Nix smiled pleasantly at the two friends and waited.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    The water witch smiled sweetly at Nix before turning toward the other two women, the smile froze in place.


    "Get down so we can talk Nix." Chiba''s appearance changed slightly. Her clothes lacked the ''slept-in'' look and her eyes were clear instead of bloodshot.


    "Right..." Nix dismounted on the far side of his horse, the barest whisper of metal warned him of the attack.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Run Nix.


    [Bewitched]


    Ducky has helped Chiba recall her childhood.


    Ducky has helped Beta recall her childhood.


    [Create Breach: Nether: Chyanama]


    Chiba has broken her bewitchment.


    Beta has broken her bewitchment.


    Nix raised a hand and one delicate-looking strand shot out and wrapped around Ducky. He stepped into the breach and yanked Ducky with him.


    Ducky and Nix stumbled through the breach into a darkened city street. Immediately alarms started sounding off as Nether creatures swarmed around them in a black mist.


    "HOLD!" Leva''s voice ordered her guards to stop. "They are allies."


    Nix nodded and opened his hud, quickly he removed all of Chiba''s access privileges.


    You have removed Chiba from the Inferno Guild.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nix? What''s going on?


    /Inferno: Nix: Not sure yet, until further notice consider Chiba and Beta dangerous.


    *************


    The old woman cursed the younger one. "You said it would work."


    Beta shook her head. "He sensed something, then he brought that f*cking companion. Head to Haven..."


    "I''ve been removed from the Guild." Chiba cursed loudly. "Let''s return."

 Chapter 257 - Another Jailbreak (part one)

    The cell block was completely empty except for two prisoners. The dark gray stones of the cells was lit by a single torch next to the barred door. Once a day the guards would give food and water to the inmates before leaving.


    The old woman smiled at the albino shackled in the cell across the hall. Like her, both of her wrists were attached to the stone wall by two feet of heavy linked chain that ended in iron wrist shackles. A second chain attached to her waist anchored her to the floor.


    "Sorry, Chiba." The Albino obviously blamed herself for their capture.


    Three weeks earlier the white-haired envoy had been asked by Breach Commander Mtui to go on a reconnaissance mission to the Nether region known as the ''Lake of Blood.'' Beta had requested that Chiba be allowed to accompany her and Commander Mtui had readily agreed; things had not gone well.


    "You know... My apprentice was tossed into a Dark Temple cell. He escaped in a single day after killing two Dark Chancellors and a Bishop."


    "....." Beta.


    "Of course he had the Sasi family." Chiba offered her friend a crooked smile.


    "Are you trying to make me feel worse?"


    Chiba''s cackling laugh carried through the dimly lit cell block. "Sorry Beta. I have an itch!"


    "Use the wall or the floor. I''ve been able to manage."


    "The what?" Chiba''s wrinkled face took on a look of hopelessness and she sighed heavily. "Not that kind of itch. I haven''t been able to visit my friend Baiter since we arrived here. How am I suppose to carry on?"


    "Oh god..." Chiba closed her eyes, wishing she were anywhere else but there.


    Chiba tried to shift her hip slightly and extend her hand. "I''d lick the floors in this place for six more inches of f*cking chain!"


    A laugh escaped Beta''s lips despite her attempt to resist her friend''s antics, quickly she changed the subject. "That stone in front of you is called a Mirror Stone."


    Chiba nodded. "I know, it feels like it''s sucking the life out of me."


    Beta rolled her pink eyes. "It doesn''t work like that Chiba. Beta studied the fist-sized stone in her own cell. A thin tendril of light connected it to her. "I wonder who they are going after?"


    Chiba shrugged. "I hope it''s Nix."


    "Why Nix?"


    "Because he''ll come to get me! I''m his kind and devoted master who he secretly lusts after." Chiba''s expression said that she believed every word she spoke.


    "Hmmm... If he lusts after you, then it is a well-kept secret."


    "That''s what I said Beta!" Chiba went back to staring at her stone. "These aren''t doppelganger stones or else we''d be dried up husks."


    "There''s no such thing but these are pretty bad also. They can''t access our memories but they''ll be able to access any House or Guild privileges that we do."


    "They are able to enter Haven?" Chiba cursed softly. "That might end okay. Our copies will be flying blind. My apprentice''s mate is an Irridescent Salamander, her perception is amazing."


    "It''s bad Chiba. I write everything down in a personal log that I keep in my room. Every mission, and personal notes on everyone I meet. They can find out about Nix and all of his friends that I came in contact with. They''ll know details of Mtui and my assignments."


    "F*ck... They''ll go after your boyfriend too."


    Beta looked frightened for the first time since her imprisonment. "You think they''ll go after Wind?"


    Chiba nodded. "Yes. Unlike you, your copy will probably show him a good time. You really should have sealed the deal."


    Beta''s pale face turned red. "We''ve been waiting for the right time!"


    "Day time, Nighttime, Anytime. Four months and no sex?" Chiba didn''t know whether to laugh or cry. "Maybe they''ll leave him alone."


    Beta shook her head and yanked against her shackles, her voice rising to a shout. "No, they won''t! That imposter bitch is going to sex him up!"


    ******************


    I''m curious as to why you chose to come here Nix." Leva brought them to the personal residence that she had taken over, although she was speaking to Nix, her dark eyes kept drifting toward Ducky.


    Nix shrugged, he had followed his gut. "Someone has replaced two of my friends with imposters."


    Leva gestured toward two very comfortable looking chairs before taking a seat behind her desk. "How did you detect them?"


    "My Swordmaster''s demeanor was completely different. "Chiba would never have greeted me so politely without some kind of obscene innuendo attached."


    Leva pursed her lips while she considered the options. "You detected them too Ducky?"


    The Water Witch nodded. "It wasn''t them, two completely different people."


    "So they aren''t doppelgangers then. Their mannerisms would have been perfect. Not minions either, we are undetectable."


    "You are the Fallen Chancellor from the Dark Temple?" Ducky finally remembered where she had seen her face. It was the forked tongue that gave it away. "Are you on our side now?"


    Leva shrugged slightly. "I''m Nix''s minion."


    Ducky clapped excitedly. "Amazing!"


    Nix listened to Leva speak while trying to process every detail. "Not a doppelganger or a minion. What then?"


    "My guess would be a Mirror Stone." Leva nodded to herself, "that would mean they are both being kept somewhere. The stone continually feeds off them and transmits to a smaller stone that''s worn around the neck of the spy."


    "Why bother with a Mirror Stone? Making them a minion would avoid all the trouble."


    "You said that one of them is Breach Commander Mtui''s Envoy? She would definitely be seeded."


    "I''m not familiar with the term Leva."


    "It means there''s a tiny artifact somewhere in her body that is completely undetectable. Its sole purpose is to prevent this sort of subterfuge."


    Nix leaned back in his chair and considered his next move. "This Mirror Stone would be their only alternative."


    Leva nodded. "That''s my guess Nix."


    He stood slowly, pacing around the spacious office. "I need some privacy, Leva. Could you show Ducky around a bit?"


    "Of course Nix. I''ll shut the door behind us."


    He waited until they left before taking a seat behind Leva''s desk.


    [Direct Contact: Elen Mtui]


    The Breach Commander''s holo appeared in front of Nix. "Nix! We are having another Breach Commander Meeting in a few days, I hope you are bringing more Ghost Peppers!"


    "Without a doubt Elen." Nix paused for a moment before continuing. "Can you speak freely?"


    Elen''s smile faded and he nodded Solemnly. "What''s wrong?"


    "Did you send Beta and Chiba into the Nether together?"


    "Yes, about three weeks ago. It went well and we learned some valuable intel. I believe that Chiba returned to Captain Vooni''s Dagger team after that."


    "I don''t believe it was Chiba and Beta that came back."


    Elan didn''t reply right away. "I understand what you are saying, however, we have safeguards against that."


    Nix nodded. "I know, which gives me hope that they may still be alive. Do you know what a Mirror Stone is?"


    Elan shook his head. "I don''t. Is that some sort of Nether Artifact?"


    "Yes. It''s kept in the presence of the target and helps fuel the process, cloaking the receptor in illusion."


    The dragonspawn''s face showed his doubt. "I''ve never heard of such a thing."


    "Doesn''t matter. I can tell you that Beta asked me to meet her and the person I encountered was definitely not her. Have you actually seen her face to face since the mission?"


    Elan seemed to think about it for a moment. "No. I haven''t. She asked for some time off when they returned. We''ve only communicated through [Direct Contact].


    "I need those mission details Elan. The worst-case scenario is that I''m crazy and we''ll owe them an apology. I''ll leave their capture to you."


    Elan sighed heavily. "Fine, I can''t afford to ignore the possibility that you are right. Sending the mission coordinates to your Breach Commander Interface. Don''t make a move until you hear from me."

 Chapter 258 - Another Jailbreak (part two)

    Wind licked his lips nervously. Beta had invited him to her room at the River Tavern. When he arrived she told him to make himself comfortable while she took a shower. The Gemini thief had taken his shoes off and was reclining on the bed.


    Finally, the door leading to the bathroom opened and Beta stepped out. She wore a red silk negligee that Wind immediately recognized as Nix''s handiwork. It was cut low in the front exposing pale cleavage and stopped several inches above the knee to show off her slim legs.


    Beta smiled sexily, her normal shyness seeming to be absent. "Do you like it?"


    Wind nodded and thanked Nix in his head for making such a masterpiece of art. "Beautiful."


    Beta slipped a thin strap off of one shoulder and placed a knee on the bed. "You''re very sweet."


    She crawled forward until she straddled his thighs. "I''m going to show you something even bet..."


    Her words were interrupted by a movement from the Nightstand, a small blur of green announced the arrival of the little gecko. It stared at her with black eyes, its small head tilting to one side as it chittered softly.


    "Shoo, little thing." Beta waved it away with one hand while slowly pulling the other shoulder strap down.


    [Fear the King]


    Beta''s eyes widened in fear, her hysterical screams causing Wind to fall out of bed in a panic. A moment later the door slammed open as Chiba burst through with her sword drawn. She took one step toward the bed before Beta knocked her down in an effort to escape.


    An Instant later both women seemed to freeze in place. A Breach opened near the door and a woman stepped through. She closed the door quickly before turning around.


    "The fuck is going on here?" Wind finally made it to his feet, his breath coming in great gasps.


    Deidra smiled slightly before examining his girlfriend, it only took a moment before she clucked her tongue in disappointment. "This is not Beta."


    "Not Beta?" Wind continued to stare at the two women who remained frozen in place.


    "No, they are both imposters. Get dressed please." Deidrea watched him for a moment to make sure he was obeying, her eyes were drawn to a movement on the bed. "Oh... What have we here?"


    The King walked across the bed to her and stepped onto the hand that she offered. He patted her arm gently while chittering in Beta''s direction.


    "That''s the King." Wind was buttoning his shirt while trying to process the events of the last two minutes.


    Deidra''s amused laugh filled the room. "Of course." She used a finger to gently stroke his head. "That Mass Fear spell lingering on the air is yours? It''s very nice."


    Wind finished getting his clothes on and held out his hand. The King leaped nimbly to his palm before scampering up his shoulder and disappearing. "You can smell the spell?"


    "Of course. It''s a dragon spell after all." Deidra smiled and made a gesture that sent the fake Chiba and Beta through the opened Breach. "Can I have him?"


    Wind shook his head. "No."


    ***********


    "Then there''s Morti, he''s really strong but he''s only a cub." Ducky had an arm around Leva''s shoulders while she talked about the Sea-World and all the fun she had there.


    Leva listened carefully, her face expressionless. "And Fey is a Fire Mage?"


    Ducky nodded. "She really strong too, although she''s just a teenager. I''m probably the eldest. How old are you Leva?"


    "I should be about twenty or so." Leva inhaled slightly. "Why do you smell so nice?"


    "Scent was a big part of my abilities when I was a Water Nymph, it lingered a bit I guess." Ducky looked up when Nix finally opened the door. "All done Nix?"


    "Yep. Come in please." Nix waited until they entered and then shut the door behind them. "I going to have to focus for a long time, it''s important that I not be disturbed."


    "I''ve already completely locked the city down and put our defenses on alert. No one will enter my residence unless I order them to."


    He walked over to one of the cushioned chairs and sat comfortably. From his inventory, he removed three Rat King''s from his Inventory and placed them on the floor.


    Rat King: Revenant


    1) Self Destruct


    2) Dominate (Up to 100 rats)


    3) Stealth


    "Three Rat Kings Nix? Why do you have so many?" Ducky knelt and touched their fur. Nix''s rats weren''t disgusting like normal ones, they were soft and clean.


    "I have eight of them actually. That''s how many it takes to combine them into an Emperor, however, my Taxidermy skill needs to be 400 in order to do that. Even then the success rate is only 30 percent."


    Ducky nodded. "Next time pick something cuter Nix. Maybe fishies or frogs."


    "Not turtles?" Nix tied two of the rats together and then leaned back in the chair.


    "YES! Turtles!" Ducky moved to the nearby couch to watch.


    Nix brought up his Breach Commander Hud and keyed in the coordinates that Mtui had sent him.


    [Create Breach: Lake of Blood]


    Leva watched the Breach open before taking a seat behind her desk. "Lake of Blood is Overseer Belchi''s territory."


    Nix nodded. "Makes sense. He''s the one that Zeta team tried to catch during the Nether Incursion at Isla''Fairbal. Kedric was his minion."


    Leva already understood what had happened. Belchi had taken advantage of the incursions in order to search for Kedric''s heart. He hadn''t expected that his arrival would be noted by Inferno and that they would cause him to retreat before he furthered his own agenda. To make matters worse, Nix returned to the sight and took the heart for his own minion. The Dark Chancellor placed a hand on her chest where the vampire''s heart had been placed. "Be careful Nix."


    Nix closed his eyes and let his body relax. "You can speak normally to me if something comes up. Limit this to important things only, I need to concentrate. Animate."


    One of the Rat Kings put his head up and looked around the room, its yellow eyes were glowing fiercely. It picked up the string that bound the other two rats and dragged them through the opened Breach.


    Nix stood on his hind legs and took in his surroundings. He was standing on the rocky bank of large red lake. There were quite a bit of trees bordering the shoreline, but they were blackened and devoid of any life. A large stonewall surrounded a black castle that was barely visible from Nix''s ground-level viewpoint.


    Nix gripped the string in his mouth and ran toward the castle walls, the two dolls were nearly weightless as they bounced against him with each step.


    He headed north after touching the wall and ran along its length for several minutes until he spied a Nether rat. Unlike previous versions of the Rat King that were always attacked by real Nether Rats, the Revenant Rat instilled fear in other rats. The rat in question took one look at Nix and scampered away.


    The fleeing rat was unaware that he had shown the Rat King how to enter the Castle Grounds, it only knew that it was continuing to follow him and that he must flee from it.


    Several times during the next hour Nix would have to stop and force the two Rat-King dolls into very small openings. It was one thing to squeeze through but dragging two dolls in and out of rat holes proved a challenging task.


    *************


    "Why are you still worrying about that Beta? Look at it this way. If the imposter shows him a good time, you can just claim it was you."


    Beta frowned at her friend. "You''re missing the point. Get some rest, Chiba."


    "What for?" Chiba yanked hard against the chains that bound her. It''s not like I''m going anywh..."


    Chiba caught the smallest glimps of movement near the door before a rat poked its head through the bars. Its yellow eyes stared at the old woman shackled to the wall. "Rats don''t have yellow eyes... Nix?"

 Chapter 259 - Another Jailbreak (part three)

    The rat bound toward the shackled woman, not stopping until it placed two small paws on her arm. It squeaked softly at her and nodded its head up and down.


    Chiba''s ugly old face broke into a wide smile. "My loving Apprentice has come for me? Is this a Jailbreak?"


    The rat turned around and ran back toward the door, a moment later it reappeared dragging two rat dolls behind it. It easily bit through the string that bound them together and left one with Chiba before dragging the other toward Beta''s cell.


    Beta watched the Rat King as it approached her, it pushed the rat doll next to her and rubbed its head against her arm causing her to laugh. "I think Rat-Nix is a bit more affectionate then regular Nix."


    The rat squeaked at her before backing up a few steps and sitting on its hindquarters. It stared at her patiently.


    "I''m not sure what..." Beta looked down at the doll, she understood the theory behind Taxidermy but had never seen it displayed. Nix''s skills had obviously improved quite a bit since his time with the Sasi family. "Are you saying that I can animate this?"


    The yellow-eyed rat nodded its head up and down, the effect causing Beta to smile at him.


    Beta placed her hand on the rat doll and closed her eyes. "Animate."


    The second rat looked around for a moment, the room spinning in her vision while she tried to orient herself.


    "Take your time Beta."


    Beta-Rat looked at Nix in surprise. "Hey! I can understand you!"


    "Hmm... we are both rats after all. Follow please."


    Chiba cackled in pleasure when she saw the two rats bounding toward her. "It''s a rat escape! Animate."


    Chiba-rat experienced the same disorientation when she assumed control of the third Rat-King. She recovered quickly and scurried toward the other two that had stopped to watch her. "Nix! You''re my f*cking hero!"


    "Hmm... Follow me." Nix moved back toward the corner of the room and squeeze through the small hole in the floor.


    Chiba paused at looked back at her body. "Hey, Nix. It''s not an escape if our bodies don''t come with us!"


    Nix''s quiet chuckle came from the rat hole. "Don''t be so unreasonable."


    Chiba scurried down the hole after him, her keen hearing told her that Beta was right behind her. "What''s the play here Nix?"


    "Scout first. We''ll find your gear, something to free you from those chains and the location of the bad guy."


    "So we can f*ck him up." Chiba chittered her teeth together in happiness. "Am I a male or a female rat?"


    "I didn''t check. You tell me."


    Chiba squeezed through the tight passageway, her feet struggling to keep up. "Damn it Nix, you''re a fast rat-bastard."


    "Lots of practice!"


    "I guess... Hey Nix, you''re hindquarters is nicely muscled. Just the right amount of fur on it too."


    "Why don''t you switch places with Beta?"


    "No way, I''m staying in the middle."


    The three rats finally ended up in a kitchen, the light from the wood fire made shadows dance on the walls.


    Nix glanced around before scurrying up on the table and carefully searching through the utensils.


    Beta followed him, her eyes darting everywhere. "This is pretty amazing Nix. Can I have this Rat thingie?"


    "No."


    Beta moved closer to him and peered into the drawer he had managed to push out. "What are you looking for?"


    "You''re the lockpick right? Something to open the shackles."


    "Something to open?" Beta nodded her tiny brown head suddenly. "Right! Rats have great dexterity."


    After a few minutes of searching, Nix located a four-inch-long pin that closely resembled a metal toothpick. "Will this work Beta?"


    Beta nodded and hopped down, her eyes spotting Chiba who was busying gnawing on a large orange ball. "Let''s go, Chiba!"


    "It''s cheese! Who doesn''t like cheese?" Beta scampered after them, gnashing her teeth together when she discovered she had become the third rat.


    "Hey Beta!"


    "I won''t switch places with you, Chiba."


    "Your master is tired Nix, let''s take a break and try out some rat-sex!"


    "Pass!"


    "Fine, just ignore this rat while she takes care of it herself!"


    "If you try that, I will blow you up."


    Chiba rat stumbled slightly before speeding back up. "What''s that mean? Do I have a self-destruct?"


    "Yes."


    "Would you let me finish first?"


    "Definitely not."


    Chiba was about to protest when she ran into Beta''s hindquarters. "Hey?"


    Nix squeeze through another hole and stopped next to two large chests. "The guards are through this door. Let''s try to look open one of them."


    The chests were unlocked and the three rats managed to lift them enough to peek inside. "Looks like your gear."


    Beta''s brown head nodded. "Now what?"


    "I''m going to get some back-up. You two try and free yourselves."


    [Stealth]


    Nix left them and ran into one of the larger holes. He used his keen nose to locate one of the large chambers beneath the floors. The skittering movements of hundreds of rats caused him to stop.


    He only waited for a few minutes before he heard Beta''s excited rat-voice saying that they were both free.


    [Dominate]


    A hundred pairs of red eyes turned towards their master, they moved eagerly toward him.


    [Follow]


    Nix led them back to the guard area where four guards were steadily drinking. Four guards might have believed themselves safe from the rats of the castle, but the reality was vastly different.


    They followed him into the room, shadowing his every movement. When the guards turned in surprise at the cell doors being swung open, Nix chose two guards and sent his rats in.


    [Attack Target]


    In the end, the rats ended up killing three of the guards. The fourth was done in by Chiba who used a fork. The two women reclaimed their weapons and armor before catching up with Nix who had dismissed his followers.


    A breach opened before them and all three of them hurried through.


    Beta looked around at the empty room they had stepped into. Nix was sitting on a chair with his eyes closed, he opened them a moment later before picking his Rat-King off of the floor.


    [Beta has joined Alpha Team Channel.]


    [Chiba has joined Alpha Team Channel.]


    /Alpha Team: Beta: Where are we Nix?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Someplace secret, please don''t ask.


    /Alpha Team: Beta: Of course. Thank you, Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Beta!


    /Alpha Team: Beta: Wind!


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Shit... The f*ck is this? Welcome back, guys. Now let''s kill some stuff.


    Nix held out his hands to the two women. "Fork them over."


    Beta gave him an innocent look. "The Rat-dolls? Sorry Nix, in my excitement I forgot them in the cell.


    Chiba nodded in agreement. "Same here Nix. Sorry."


    "Sure. Only problem with that story is that I can sense when they are close." Nix snapped his fingers and kept his hand out. "Nice try though."


    "Bastard." Chiba handed him the Rat-doll.


    "Fine." Beta reluctantly handed over the second doll.


    Nix breathed a sigh of relief and stowed them away. "I''m glad you didn''t forget them. These are hard to make."


    Chiba''s ugly face scowled at him. "You can''t sense them."


    Nix laughed at their sour expressions. "No."


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    The three stepped into the breach and winked from sight. A moment later Leva walked in and resumed her place at the desk.


    ***************


    All of Alpha Team were waiting near the front gate of Loki. Nix and the rest politely found something else to occupy their time while Wind and Beta spoke.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''re going in, you two in or out?


    /Alpha Team: Beta: I have to check with Mtui. What''s our mission?


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: I''m in Nix. Thank you again.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Kill Overseer Belchi and completely destroy his stronghold.

 Chapter 260 - Another Jailbreak (conclusion)

    Chiba has joined the Inferno Guild.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Welcome back Chiba.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: How bad did my academy scores drop while the scamp was playing me?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Not good.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Barely adequate.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: And no one thought that was odd?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: No, not really.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I think we were all surprised at how pleasant you had become.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: The hell you say...


    /Alpha Team: Beta: Commander Mtui has me joining another strike team Nix. The intel we thought we had from three weeks ago has compromised an ongoing mission. We''ll be in a different part of the Nether but don''t hesitate to call if you need help.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: You should rest some Beta.


    /Alpha Team: Beta: We''ll take some time off when I get back.


    [Beta has left Alpha Team channel]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s go then.


    [Create Breach: Lake Blood: Prisoner Wing]


    Alpha team stepped into the hallway just outside of the prison block where Beta and Chiba had been kept. Nearly an hour had passed, but since it was the middle of the night, the sounds of patrolling guards told them that the alarm had been raised.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It seems like you have a knack for escaping prison Boss.


    /Alpha Team: Ain''t that the truth. Find the Overseer for us while we head upward. It''s a safe bet that he isn''t on the lower floors.


    Nix activated his stealth package while both Semmi and Wind retreated in opposite directions.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Ronnie passed the Planar trial while you were here, so did Captain Locas.


    "I knew she would." Nix was probably the only one who thought Ronnie would pass on her first try. Captain Locas had asked to do it as soon as he was told that he was eligible.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: We''ll have a party right? We had one when Mina and Milat passed.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: You just want an excuse to drink.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: Shut up old bastard.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll have one, we are stepping closer to raising a Greater House.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Come to the third-floor Nix, we found the Overlord.


    Alpha Team headed up the stairs, footsteps could be heard echoing in the halls, but no guards were visible. After a few minutes, they stepped into a large empty room. There was no sign of the Overseer, nor of their two scouts.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We found the empty room. Now, where?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Step on the 2-way.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: How come I''d never heard of these before three months ago and now everyone has one?


    Nix stepped onto the mat and was instantly transported into a large dome-like room. At the center of the dome was a large basin. A large demon with dragon-like horns sat comfortably in the liquid.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: There''s no way that''s water.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: F*ck... That''s liquid Nether.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Never heard of it. What is it?


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: It''s Nether that has been condensed in blood tanks, the vilest liquid imaginable. Having this much is crazy.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Define crazy.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: I''d be less surprised if it was a basin full of dragon blood. You don''t want to know the complete process.


    The Nether Overlord stood up slowly, the thick black liquid ran off his skin. "Company? Mind if I get dressed first?"


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: Normally I''m all for nudity, but I''ll never unsee this.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix moved in without warning, his form blurring as his scimitar flashed toward the Overseers'' throat. Belchi produced a blade from thin air and moved to block the attack that never arrived, instead, Nix spun the opposite direction and sliced low. A blood-curdling scream followed by a loud splash drowned out all sound when he retreated.


    Nix has landed a Significant strike.


    "....." Pon.


    "...." Wind.


    Chiba''s loud cackling laugh could be heard as she followed up the attack.


    [Dual Chains: Perfect Strike]


    Chiba has followed up Nix''s attack with a Significant strike.


    [Dual Chains: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up Chiba''s attack with a Significant strike.


    [Dual Chains: Execution]


    Nix has followed up Fajii''s attack with a Significant strike.


    Overseer Belchi has been mortally wounded.


    [Balefire: Advanced]


    Pon has landed a critical hit on Overseer Belchi.


    Overseer Belchi has been slain.


    Nix turned to see most of Alpha Team sitting on the hard rock floor, struggling to breathe.


    Pon''s old face was beet red, he had killed Belchi from his spot on the ground. "Well... that was a significant strike alright. Cut his damn peni$ right off."


    "Mine!" Chiba splashed through the disgusting liquid and fished out the rather large appendage that was starting to sink. Her old face broke into a disgusting grin when she held it up. "Found it!"


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: The hell do you want that for?


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: Kidding me? I''ll have Nansu process it for me, the extract you make from these things is worth millions!


    Nix dragged the dead Overseer to out of the basin. "Why was he so easy to kill? Zeta''s team described him as much smaller.


    "Looks big to me!" Chiba laughed at her own joke before storing the item away. "Crap... get out of the basin Nix."


    Chiba staggered onto the floor, her pale face breaking into a sweat. Nix shook his head to clear it, he glanced up at his team and gestured for them to move away. A moment later he collapsed backward into the basin with a splash, the black liquid swallowing him up.


    "Nix!" Fajii moved before anyone could stop her. She grabbed him by the arms and pulled him out.


    Chiba''s face looked at her apprentice, her hand reaching out before she passed out next to him.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Fajii? How are you feeling?


    Fajii shook her head and knelt to vomit onto the floor. She glanced up at her team, her eyes were completely black and unfocused. "I can''t see anything."


    The sound of fighting in the hallway drew their attention. Wind and Semmi moved toward the entrance while Pon stayed with the three unconscious members.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Who is fighting?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Did you see Fajii''s eyes? They were completely black!


    The air in front of them distorted for a moment and a Breach opened up. Pon stepped away from his position, both of his hands glowing with fire. He lowered them a few moments later when no one exited.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Is that meant for us?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Let''s drag them through.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: I agree, three of us are down and we''re about to have company.


    Alpha team exited through the breach, dragging the unconscious bodies of their teammates. A moment after they did a woman stepped into the doorway, her face etched with concern. She walked toward the basin and used a vial to sample the dark liquid.


    [Direct Contact: Ducky]


    Ducky''s holo appeared in front of her, the Water Witch smiled pleasantly. "Leva! How is the battle?"


    "We''ll destroy the keep and I''ll add to my forces. I''m sending you something important Ducky, Nix and his friends were exposed to something very dangerous. This is a sample of it."


    Ducky''s face grew serious. "Is Nix hurt?"


    Leva nodded. "I sent them to Loki."

 Chapter 261 - Chained Lightning

    The iridescent Salamander walked down the rows of her peppers, her sleek head raised slightly as her nostrils flared. Shae loved the sweet scent of the plant nearly as much as the taste.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Shae] Nix has been exposed to something bad. Come to Loki!


    Shae disappeared from her garden and reappeared next to her mate a moment later. The appearance of Shae in her natural form caused everyone to take a step back. Nix lay on the sand next to Chiba and Fajii. The Aquarion was still semi-conscious, but the other two were not. Small black veins were visible under Nix''s and Fajii''s skin, oddly enough Chiba''s skin seemed unaffected.


    The Salamander touched his forehead, her eyes closed while she explored with her senses. "Nether contamination, mixed with something else. What happened here?"


    Semmi''s bright blue eyes shone with emotion. "We were fighting next to this basin of liquid Nether. Chiba and Nix were exposed during the fight."


    Shae''s fine scales reflected every color in the spectrum, her body glowing while she checked the other two. "Fajii was exposed after?"


    Semmi nodded. "Nix fell in, she jumped right in without even thinking."


    Shae moved back to Nix. "It''s a persistent poison. It says Nethradic contamination."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: F*ck! That''s the kind that stays with you even in you die right?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Aye.


    "Nix!" Ducky called from the gate, her feet covering the distance to them in an eyeblink. She knelt next to Shae and put a hand on his head, her lower lip was sticking out like a little kid trying not to cry. "I''ve got this!"


    Shae changed into her human form and took the small vial from her hand. "This is the contaminant?"


    Ducky nodded. "Our ally sent it to me."


    Semmi glanced at the other members of Alpha Team, they were all thinking the same thing.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: The same one who opened the breach?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Damn that boy and his secrets.


    [Whisper: Shae to Deidra] Come to Loki.


    Deidra saw the message, her face showing an un-dragon-like surprize in front of her two pupils. She cleared her throat and opened a breach. "It seems I''ve been summoned by a salamander."


    Deidra stepped onto the sandy beach a few meters from where the three members of Inferno lay. Almost immediately she shook her head. "Nether liquid... nasty business."


    Shae moved to one side and let the dragon examine them. "This is a sample of it."


    Deidra took the sample, immediately she swore under her breath. "Not good..." She glanced at Chiba and motioned for Ducky. "Remove that ring so I can see her exposure level."


    Ducky nodded and removed the plain-looking ring from Chiba''s finger, the entire group gasped in shock.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: The f*ck is that?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: No way...


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Who is that?


    The old woman''s countenance changed completely when Ducky removed the ring. Her stringy gray hair turned into thick golden blonde curls and her wrinkled ugly face changed into a goddess.


    Deidra always knew of the disguise but didn''t realize the extent. Without a question, Chiba was the most beautiful human she''d ever seen. She touched the perfect skin, small black veins were clearly visible just beneath the surface. "We have a problem."


    Shae had moved around Nix and was holding his hand. "Can we burn this out?"


    Deidra shook her head. "Normally that''s exactly how you deal with this sort of poisoning, especially among fire creatures. Unfortunately, that''s not going to work."


    Shae caressed Nix''s cheek, her warm brown eyes staring at him. "Why not?"


    "This Nether liquid wasn''t made with normal blood. It''s combined with dragon blood." Deidra frowned at the thought, where would someone get enough of it to make this.


    Pon cussed loudly, the old man''s face showing more anger than usual. "Let''s go back and burn that f*cking place to the ground. We can..." He trailed off for a moment before looking back at Deidra. "What about Nix''s flames? The Ice one?"


    Deidra smiled slightly. "A good idea. Unfortunately, Nix is the only one who could do that and he''s unconscious."


    Shae had been listening to the conversation, her thoughts were in complete disarray. "And we don''t know what would happen to Fajii and Chiba if they were exposed to Ice Flames."


    "There has to be other options." Semmi considered the normal cure. "You said that fire is usually the treatment?"


    Deidra nodded. "Dragon blood makes that impossible."


    The blonde-haired officer pursed her lips while she considered the problem. A moment later she snapped her fingers together. "What about lightning?"


    "Lightning? I''ve never heard of anyone trying it." Deidra stood up, her eyes straying to Nix. "The problem is that a lighting strike powerful enough to cleanse them might end up doing irreparable damage."


    "We may have a way around that." A calm voice spoke from behind them, announcing the arrival of the Gemini priestess. Elune''s dual-colored face frowned when she saw the Gemini Lord. "We are Gemini after all, together we are strong."


    Wind nodded. "That''s right, we''re strong together."


    "Strong as f*ck." Pon agreed.


    Elune moved from one patient to the next. "All three are Gemini, so naturally they will create a Gemini chain."


    "Chiba is a Gemini?" Pon couldn''t bring himself to look at the blond goddess, it completely twisted his sense of reality.


    Elune nodded and stood up. "Nix gave a Gladiator stone to Chiba and a Defender Stone to Vooni last month."


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Must have been right before they were captured.


    /Inferno: Elune: Esta, we need you to meet us at the Gemini Training yard.


    Shae stood up and picked up Nix in her arms. "Thank you for coming Deidra, we will take it from here."


    Deidra nodded even though she wanted to see the cure in action, she understood that no outsiders were ever brought to the mysterious Haven. "I''m sorry I couldn''t do more. Please keep me advised."


    Jun Li stood at the front of the three lines, her eyes scanning over the list on her hud. "Did I miss anyone?"


    [Gemini List]


    Nix: Gemini Lord


    Jun Li: Gladiator


    Sharl: Defender


    Chiba: Gladiator


    Vooni: Defender


    Milat: Trickster


    Floyd: Trickster


    Semmi: Thief


    Wind: Thief


    Pon: Mage


    Fajii: Mage


    Ronnie: Ranged


    Dalton: Sniper


    Darsi: Sniper


    Moki: Sniper


    Mina: Mage


    Semmi shook her head. "Sixteen right? We can put an entire Gemini Raid together."


    All of Inferno stood in the Gemini Training yards watching as Esta formed the Gemini into three separate lines.


    [Line 1] Semmi, Pon, Wind, Ronnie, Nix


    [Line 2] Sharl, Floyd, Dalton, Moki, Chiba


    [Line 3] Jun Li, Milat, Vooni, Darsi, Fajii


    A metal rod was pounded into the sand floor of the training ground; Mina gripped the steel bar with both hands while Semmi, Sharl and Jun Li each placed a hand on her shoulders. The line behind them each held hands; the last person in each line was the injured person.


    /Inferno: Esta: Shae and Elune will monitor the patients. Do not break the chain, the first four in line are the conduits.


    Tess, Gypsy, Pinky, Wylie, and Saji were standing by ready to heal.


    /Inferno: Tess: We are just going to spam AE heals on you guys. Don''t worry, we''ll take care of you.


    [Gemini Bond Enabled]


    Esta moved away from the rod, putting ten meters between herself and the start of the line. Slowly her hands raised up, the air charged with electricity, small sparks swirled around her transparent body.


    Small bolts of lightning erupted from the space around her, striking at the Storm Singer while she gathered absorbed the power of her element.


    /Inferno: Esta: I''ll use my weakest strike first.


    [Bolt]


    A single jagged streak of lightning cut through the air and struck the metal rod. It visibly traveled through Mina and the lines behind her until flashing around the last person. Everyone jumped slightly with the first shock, but no one let go.


    [Bolt]


    Bolt]


    [Bolt]


    Three successive strikes erupted from Esta''s hands. Immediately after, the clerics started healing.


    Shae checked Fajii first before moving on to Nix and Chiba.


    /Inferno: Shae: It''s working on Fajii, a few more like that and we can disconnect her. No change in Chiba or Nix.


    [Bolt]


    [Bolt]


    [Bolt]


    Three more lightning strikes and Fajii gasped in pain, Darsi threw a leg over her chest to keep the Aquarion from sitting up.


    The pony-tailed blond kept a tight grip on her hand. "Rest easy Fajii."


    Shae checked on Fajii, her hand resting on the Aquarion''s head for several moments before she nodded in satisfaction.


    /Inferno: Shae: Fajii''s line may disconnect and move away. She has no more of the nether contaminate in her.


    Shae helped Fajii sit up and then led her to one side where the healers were waiting.


    Fajii''s eyes looked around in confusion. "Where''s Nix? Is he okay?"


    Tess grabbed both her hand and held her in place. "He''s being treated, hun. Please wait here while they take care of him."


    Shae cursed under her breath when she checked Nix. Chiba was visibly better but Nix''s levels had only dropped a small bit.


    /Inferno: Shae: Something a bit stronger now Esta.


    Esta nodded.


    [Lightning Burst]


    A three-pronged lightning attack struck the metal rod that Mina held. The surprise was etched on her face when the currently flowed through her. It was much stronger than the previous strikes.


    Esta cast a half-dozen more times, Shae was moving quickly between the two patients.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Somethings wrong Esta! I barely felt he last two strikes.


    Semmi nodded in agreement and checked her resistances.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s Nix, we are sharing his resistances. His lightning resistance is skyrocketing.


    /Inferno: Shae: Disconnect Nix''s chain and continue treating Chiba. Her treatment is nearly complete.


    One more round of strikes put Chiba in the clear. The swordmaster sat up slowly, her beautiful eyes immediately going to Nix.


    /Inferno: Chiba: My apprentice?


    Shae left her hand on his head for several minutes while she inspected him. Finally, she nodded to herself and stood up.


    /Inferno: Shae: There''s nothing more we can do for Nix. His lightning resistance has climbed too high.


    /Inferno: Semmi: So now what?


    /Inferno: Shae: Bring him back to his home and let him rest. His resistance to the Nether Poison is slowly started to climb.


    /Inferno: Fajii: You think he''ll recover on his own?


    /Inferno: Shae: Yes.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: What the hell is up with your appearance Chiba?


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: What does that mean you old fool?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: He means you are attractive, like really attractive.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: I regularly refer to myself as super sexy and the most gorgeous thing ever. Don''t you guys listen?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Sure. We just thought you were nuts.


    Chiba''s disgusting cackle broke the spell, there was no hiding that.


    /Alpha Team: Chiba: You guys are dumb. Where''s my f*cking ring? You clowns better not have messed with my demon peni$.


    [Gemini Ability Unlocked: Chained Lightning]

 Chapter 262 - Assassin Squad (part one)

    [Gemini Bond Enabled]


    Chain Lightning: Gemini Chain Attack


    A small lightning barrier protects the


    Gemini in battle. If five Gemini are in close


    proximity, the discharge option is available.


    Recharges every five minutes.


    Semmi stood with her hands spread wide. She was standing in the middle of a transparent globe, the electricity within made her short blonde hair stand straight up. Small flashes of mini lightning bolts flashed randomly but she remained unharmed and smiling.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Recharge is done! It''s my turn, star us off Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Fine, but I''m going next.


    Ronnie, Semmi, Milat, Pon and Jun Li stood in a group facing the training grounds strongest practice dummy while Esta and Elune watched with captivated interest. All five of them had their lightning barriers activated.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Ronnie has discharged the lightning barrier that was protecting her.


    A singular bolt of lightning moved outward from Ronnie''s hand and struck Pon''s barrier.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Pon has discharged the lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    A bolt of lightning struck from Pon''s hand struck Milat''s barrier.


    Esta watched the bolt of lightning grow stronger as it moved from Ronnie to Pon to Milat to Junie and finally Semmi. The chained effect took less than a second, if they missed the timing it would fizzle away into nothing.


    Semmi''s eyes glowed with the power of lightning, both hands were raised as she aimed at the target.


    [Chained Lightning]


    Semmi has delivered a killing strike to a Gemini Training Dummy.


    The Training Dummy target was completely destroyed by the attack, leaving a large crater where it had been.


    The watching Storm Singer shook her head in amazement. "That''s a killing blow."


    All five of the Inferno members were smiling widely. They had spent the better part of two hours working on the timing of Chained Lightning. The group had successfully cycled through the spell a few times each.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yep. That never gets old. Let''s fill in the hole and try again.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We should test its range also. I think it would be too easy to interrupt, but it might make a good siege weapon or perhaps an ambush strike.


    ***************


    A hand caressed his face, causing Nix to smile in his sleep. After a few seconds, he opened his eyes to see Shae sitting next to him on the bed. It had been three days since the rescue, and Nix was finally back to his old self. He''d been up and around for a few minutes the day before but after a while had decided it was too soon and crawled back into bed.


    Nix caught her hand in his, he could see the worry in the Salamander''s eyes. "I''m fine now Shae. The last of the effects completely faded away last night."


    Shae nodded and offered him a pepper. When he shook his head she popped it in her mouth instead. "I know. I also know that it has a permanent effect on you. "Let me see it please."


    Nix nodded and displayed his new stats.


    [Lightning Barrier]


    [Chain Lightning]


    [Nether Immunity: Shared]


    Nether Immunity: Shared.


    Your entire group shares your


    Immunity to Nether-based


    damage: Limit 5.


    Nix whistled softly when he read the effects. "Isn''t that interesting?"


    "Nether Immunity?" Shae''s pretty face frowned slightly. "Are there weapons or spells that do Nether Based damage?"


    Nix shrugged and turned until his feet touched the floor. Unlike the day earlier, the action wasn''t accompanied by a wave of dizziness. "I could eat."


    Shae helped him to his feet, even though he didn''t need it. She leaned against him and kissed his face. "Hyai is making lunch. You have time for a shower if you like."


    Nix sniffed the air slightly. "Is that smell me?"


    The redhead offered him a slight smile and left without saying anything else.


    /Inferno: Shae: Nix is up and around. Feel free to stop by after lunch.


    Nix frowned at the guild message. "I should have built a smaller house, maybe a hut with one big bed."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nix! I''m bringing over a keg of Semmi''s Golden Draft, just for you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Free?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Um... No. You''ll have to purchase it.


    Nix chuckled while walking into the bathroom. He locked the door behind him and took a seat on the sink.


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    Leva''s holo appeared in front of him a moment later.


    "Report Leva."


    "My forces destroyed Overlord Belchi''s Compound. I was able to recruit nearly half of his people, the rest were slain when they refused to take oaths."


    "What about the Nether Basin?"


    Leva shook her head. "We filled dozens of containers, but not enough to be noticed. It''s still there beneath the rubble."


    "That has a strengthening effect on your kind?"


    Leva nodded. "From the size of Belchi''s corpse, I''d say he had been soaking in it for a while."


    Nix considered her words for a moment. "As Overseers go, how strong was Belchi?"


    "I would say that I''m the weakest and he would have been a bit stronger than me."


    "Would you have expected him to have a basin filled with Nether Liquid?"


    "No Nix. That''s the troubling part. Only Khan Azul, the Dark Emperor, would have something like that."


    "That''s the big Nether Boss?" Nix had never heard the name before.


    Leva lowered her voice slightly, her fear was obvious. "He rules the sixteen Overlords. At least he did until you started killing them. He''s not like the Overlords Nix, he has a power beyond ours."


    "Send me a list of the Overlords, rank them strongest to weakest. Also, prepare a basin large enough to hold the Nether Liquid that Belchi had."


    "Sending you the list now." Leva paused and used her hud. "Carrying that liquid by hand will take months Nix. The rest of the Overlords will discover it long before that."


    "That''s why you and I are going to take it all tonight. Also, prepare me a report on Khan Azul, everything you can find, even if they are rumors."


    Nix closed the contact and examined the list that Leva had sent him.


    [Khan Azul''s Nether Overlords]


    BarFy


    Mediaz


    NyCyndor


    Ro''Sina


    Cozshi


    Genta


    Arviette


    Chog the Furious


    Bele Zor


    Cray the Bloody


    Zedmuni


    Orphil


    Val the Dark


    Noctur Dhahat


    Leva


    (Belchi: Deceased)


    (Zylanex: Deceased)


    ***************


    Later the same day, Nix sat in the Training yard with Alpha Team. Semmi was giving him the brief on Chained Lightning while Nix busied himself crafting Nether Rats.


    "Are you paying attention Nix?" Semmi placed a hand on his shoulder, "you up for this boss?"


    "Yes. So the five of us have to be within a 10 meter square in order for all the lightning barriers to discharge."


    Semmi nodded. "The last caster has to be within 30 meters of the target."


    "30 meters?" Nix nodded happily. "That''s more than enough."


    "Might squeeze it a few meters further, in the interest of time we used five-meter increments," the blond officer admitted.


    "Let us put that to the test. Light them up." Nix put his crafting items away and moved a few feet away from the others before activated his lightning barrier.


    He raised his hands, letting them brushed against the protective field. "Yeah... That''s cool as f*ck."


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Try not to f*ck up too badly your first time Nix.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It won''t be like your first time old bastard, no money is going to change hands.


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    Nix opened a breach directly in front of him and waited.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: What ya doing there boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Testing the range.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I''ll start.


    Fajii discharged her barrier, in rapid succession, the chained lightning traveled from her to Pon, to Semmi and just before it came to Wind, Nix stepped through the breach.


    Alpha Team watched the lightning flash directly into the breach from Wind''s hands. A few moments later Nix stepped back through the breach, his lips pursed like he was considering something important.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It''s alright boss, worth a try.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Fizzled out didn''t it? Heh.


    /Inferno: Bali: I need a team to come to Loki! Something just blew a massive hole into the rock wall on the Northern beach.


    Nix laughed at the old mage''s expression. "Nope."

 Chapter 263 - Assassin Squad (part two)

    Nix feinted with an overhand strike before spinning and attacking low. Chiba saw through the move and brushed his blade aside before easily sweeping his legs.


    "Trying to use your treaded ''peni$ slicer'' move on me, Apprentice?" Chiba''s old ugly face cracked a smile before she helped him to his feet.


    "Who gave it that name?" Nix didn''t really have to ask, he brushed the sand from his back and grabbed a towel from the weapons table. "How about the Wood Cutter instead?"


    Chiba gave him a creepy smile and took off her shirt. Although she was female, Chiba had the concave chest of an old man. "Show me something impressive and I''ll change the name."


    "Fine." Nix circled the old woman, his blade held up. Focusing, he pushed Gemini flames up the blade, the pulsing flames crackled with heat. "Hope you''re ready."


    Chiba smirked and mouthed a yawn. "Going to get me a new apprentice if you don''t do something amazing."


    Nix charged in and faked a low attack, his booted foot scooped up sand and kicked a cloud of it at the swordmaster. Chiba backed away with a bored smile, already knowing the next strike. As predicted Nix leaped through the cloud and came at her with an overhead attack. Her silver blade flashed upwards to block, easily knocking the blade to one side. A moment later a huge explosion blew both of them high into the air. Chiba somersaulted away and landed gracefully, while Nix bounced hard on the sand a few times before rolling to his feet.


    Chiba shook her head in disgust. "Resorting to sabotage?"


    Nix spit a bit of sand out of his mouth. "Nope, that was straight blade-work. Wood Cutter it is!"


    "The f*ck you say." The old woman frowned at her smiling student, when he shrugged without admitting it, she followed him. "Wait... Was it something you did with the blade?"


    "Yep, I''ll show you if you admit to the new name." Nix laughed at the old woman''s face.


    "Fine, but if this is bullshit, I''m taking it back." Chiba crossed her pale skinny arms across her bare chest and waited.


    Nix held his blade out and pushed Gemini flames into it. His eyes glowed white suddenly, as lightning pushed up the blade, spinning around it as the air filled with electricity.


    [Spellsword Ability Unlocked: Lightning Blade]


    "Lightning Blade?" Esta''s voice carried from the far section of the yard where she was working with Acolytes. The Storm Singer flowed easily towards them, her transparent face locked in a smile. "That''s the Lightning Blade! You''re a Spellsword Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "That''s how I met Chiba."


    Chiba stared at the lightning that swirled around his red scimitar. "Nix show your master how to do that! I haven''t unlocked Lightning blade!"


    It only took Chiba a few minutes to unlock her own version of the blade. She swiped the electrically charged blade back and forth like a kid playing with sparklers. "In your honor Nix, I will change the name of your awesome move to ''the Wood Cutter.''


    Nix clapped his hands together. "That''s why you''re the best Chiba." He extended a hand and a single strand of emerald flame impaled a nearby training dummy. He held the strand, focusing on the heat.


    "What you doing Nix?" Chiba stepped beside him and lowered her pants slightly to shake the sand out. "Let''s take a shower together! I''ll wash all that sand off your back."


    "Nix? Don''t try that, you aren''t a Storm Singer." Esta warned him as soon as she sensed the build-up of lightning.


    A bit of lightning formed around Nix''s fist, as soon as it contacted the flame it blew up, sending a wave of power outward.


    You have been slain.


    Chiba has been slain.


    Nix''s corporeal form hovered over his corpse for a moment, his body had literally be blasted apart.


    Elune has offered to resurrect you.


    Nix accepted the rez, noting that the entire Training yard was staring at him.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What was that boss?


    /Inferno: Pon: Did you blow yourself up?


    Your gear has suffered damage and must be repaired.


    Your level has been lowered to 117.


    Nix glanced at his swordmaster who was staring at him with a disgusted look.


    /Inferno: Nix: Just slew Chiba in single combat. I am the master now.


    /Inferno: Chiba: What? Are you insane?


    /Inferno: Fajii: Nice job Nix.


    /Inferno: Shae: Way to go hun.


    /Inferno: Chiba: The F*ck you say! That didn''t happen.


    /Inferno: Wind: Looks like you were just rezzed, Chiba.


    /Inferno: Floyd: I saw it, Nix took you out.


    Nix laughed at Chiba''s sour expression. "Sorry about that, some times stupid gets the better of me."


    Esta glided closer to him. "Nix... You can master the lightning blade because you are a Spellsword. Trying to push lightning up your flame strands is like me trying to cast balefire."


    Nix shrugged. "Gotta try stuff right?"


    /Alpha Team:Nix: Get some rest, tonight at midnight we are turning all of Oasis on its ear.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: I love doing shit like that!


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Special mission boss?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yes. Wait for me at the Inferno Ranger compound on Loki. Don''t say anything to anyone.


    ************


    "How does your Breach Interface work Nix?" Leva watched as he inspected the basin she had built in a few hours. The clever Chancellor has placed it underground next to the Dragon Master chamber, one of the few places in the city that the occupants couldn''t access easily.


    "As long as I''m not actively blocked by an artifact or other forms of limiter, I can open a Breach to anywhere that I''ve been. I can also manage if I have the coordinates." Nix nodded in satisfaction. "Is that similar to yours?"


    Leva nodded. "So how are we going to take the Nether liquid? We collapsed the main structure on top of it, to buy some time."


    "As long as the basin itself is intact, it will be fine."


    "We were careful Nix. Wait... are you going to open a Breach directly into the basin?"


    "Well, I did fall in." Nix focused and waited up Leva scurried away before starting. His body had sunk to the bottom by the time Fajii had fished him out. He concentrated on that moment where he touched bottom and passed out.


    [Create Breach: Belchi''s Compound: Nether Basin]


    Leva understood the concept, if he stepped through quickly there would be no leak. However, if he stayed in the Breach... "I''m going to pull you out of there if things go badly Nix."


    "Yep." The Breach opened and Nix stepped into it and stopped.


    An instant later the half of his body that was still visible disappeared as the dark nether liquid flooded in. The Chyanama basin only took a few seconds to completely fill up. Nix closed the breach and staggered out of the basin.


    "You okay?" Leva watched as he collapsed on his hands and knees, coughing up and vomiting black nether.


    Nix nodded and changed into another set of clothes before equipping his armor. "I''m immune to the effects, but it''s still some disgusting shit."


    "What do you want me to do with it Nix?"


    "Use it of course. Dickless must have gotten it from Khan in order to build his strength."


    Leva stared at the black liquid. To her, it looked beautiful and inviting. "I will grow stronger Nix."


    Nix followed her up the ramp that led away from the chamber. "Let''s head to your office for Phase II."

 Chapter 264 - Assassin Squad (part three)

    The yellow-eyed rat cursed to himself. Apparently the rats of Val the Dark''s keep were the idiot rats of the Nether. Nearly every rat hole ended up being a dead end. Finally have two hours he located Val''s room. It had only taken him an hour to locate the first three targets.


    Leva watched Nix from her desk. He reclined comfortably occasionally cursing quietly about the stupid rats at Dark Keep. "Ready for the last one Nix?"


    Nix remained focused on the task at hand and didn''t answer for several minutes. "I''m back at the entry point, get me as close as you can Khan''s territory, we won''t have a second shot at it."


    "When should I contact Ducky?"


    "As soon as you open this last Breach."


    [Create Breach: Nether Dark Compound: Nether King''s River]


    The Rat-King crossed the river quickly, his knowledge of the Nether Leader''s territory was non-existent. In the distance, he could see the gates and sturdy looking walls. On a hunch, he stayed on the river bank and followed it north toward the compound.


    **************


    [Direct Contact: Ducky]


    Leva waited until Ducky''s holo popped up before speaking. She had masked herself in case the Water Witch wasn''t alone. "I have messages for you to send to your allies Ducky."


    Ducky glanced around before nodding. She was at the base of the Dragon Fir Tree in Haven. "Send it through."


    Inferno: Meet at the Loki Dock at 12:00, the Breach that appears there will take you to your target.


    Salamander: Meet at the Loki City Gate at 12:00, the Breach that appears there will take you to your target.


    Resolute: Meet at the Loki Market Place, the Breach that appears there will take you to your target.


    12 Pillar Alliance under the command of Banja from Hoss: Meet at the Loki Gate Platform, the Breach that appears there will take you to your target.


    /Alliance Command: Ducky: This is a directive from Breach Commander Nix. Arm yourselves and be ready to fight. At midnight, be at your assigned area to enter the Breach that will bring you to your target. Once your target is down, immediately retreat.


    Salamander: Loki City Gate: [Target] Orphil.


    Resolute: Loki Market Place: [Target] Val the Dark.


    Inferno: Loki Dock: [Target] Zedmundi


    12 Pillar Alliance: Loki Portal: [Target] Noctur Dhahat


    ***************


    Thankfully the river flowed into the city through a grate located near the bottom of the river. Nix''s big advantage over real Nether rats was that Rat-King didn''t have to hold his breath. He easily squeezed through the opening and swam along the bottom. Several crazily large fish swam near him, making Nix thankful that the Rat-King had a strong stealth ability.


    The river darkened substantially and Nix exited the water under a footbridge. His keen rat nose sniffed the air. The overwhelming stench of liquid Nether was close by, he scurried along the bank following the scent. There were scores of rats both dead and alive in and along the river.


    A dozen drainage pipes exited from the side of a large brick building, Nix tested each of them for nether. "I guess it can''t be that easy."


    Leva looked up from her desk when he spoke quietly. "Forty minutes Nix."


    Nix picked the only pipe that had nothing draining from it and quickly scurried in. The pipe was smaller than the Rat-Kings body, but thanks to the unbelievable flexibility of the rodent skeletal system, they were extremely adept at squeezing. The pipe he was in, suffered a large break that entered into a dim chamber of sorts. It smelled exactly like a sewer would. Instead of exiting there, he continued pushing forward.


    A few minutes later the Rat-King ran into a plug. A dead rat of enormous girth was wedged into the pipe, completely blocking his path. "Now that''s a big f*cking rat."


    He grabbed its hind legs with his teeth and started pulling backward, slowly the rat plug followed him back to the break. Nix pushed the rat out with his front paws and noticed the probable cause of death. Its head was bitten clean off.


    This time Nix hurried, he was still going ahead with the Overlord plan, but he really wanted the big haul. The overwhelming smell of Nether caused him to increase his speed. "What would be Khan''s likely source of Nether?"


    Leva had been considering the question for a few hours. "My best guess would be a Nether Well."


    "I''m closing on something, the taint of Nether is very strong." Nix increased his speed, twice he had to stop and dig his way through collapsed pipes. Finally, the pipe ended in a large drainage tank. The smell of Nether was everywhere, too dense for Rat-King to pinpoint it.


    "Sorry to interrupt Nix, I remembered something. Look for pipes made from a reddish clay! Normal metal pipes deteriorate quickly when transporting pure Nether. The properties of the clay neutralize the Nether."


    "You just made my day." Rat-King''s yellow eyes stared at the three red pipes among the dozens present. His thought moved toward the Krayven and the mud-like substance that they smeared on their bodies. Were they related somehow?


    He chose the middle one and placed his tiny paws on the pipe, he could sense the Nether behind it. With Rat-King claws and teeth, he started to gnaw into the pipe. Getting through the outer coating was the hardest part, once he was past that, the clay broke apart easily.


    It started with a small leak when Nix continued a crack formed in the pipe and finally a break that caused the sudden outpouring of Nether that washed the Rat-King backward a few meters.


    "F*ck." Nix cursed at the nether pouring from the pipe, if the basin was large enough it might not ever slow down. Deciding to risk it, Nix entered the broken pipe and slowly started to claw his way upward, he had only gone about ten feet when he realized that Rat-King wasn''t strong enough to make the trek. The nether flushed him down so fast that he missed the break and started to pick up speed. He went through several twists and turns before he felt his rat body freed from the confines of the pipe, he had found the well.


    He swam in the dark liquid, finding a stone side he immediately scampered out onto the ledge. "The F*ck is that."


    Rat-King stood perched on the edge of a typical looking water-well. A large carcass was shackled across the top, it had deep slices that steadily dripped blood into the Nether. The creature itself was like nothing he''d ever seen.


    Its bulbous head had one large eye like a cyclops, all four of its limbs had been sheared off and the remains of what might have been a tail was also sliced open.


    "Who are you?"


    A powerful voice spoke in Rat-King''s head. For an instant, he thought that he was caught, but this voice came from the corpse. "I''m Pon the Magnificent, a human merchant from Oasis. Who are you?"


    "Someone who doesn''t like lies."


    Nix stared for a moment and then started to explore the room. He was getting dangerously close to his deadline. "F*ck off then."


    "Wait... My name is Tharaka."


    Nix stopped dead in his tracks, even though he knew the clock was ticking. "Tharaka? The Dragon Master of Icaraphet?"


    "You''re well informed, I am he."


    "I have a date with your boss, so I need to get out of here now."


    "That''s an animated creature? Are you close?"


    "Shit... Plan B, looks like I won''t make it in time." Nix spoke from the couch, his eyes still closed. "Let''s go ahead and pus..."


    "Pon! You are after Khan? His chamber is right above mine. I can get you to him."


    "In one minute that''s no longer an option. Talk fast." Rat-King scampered toward the lump of flesh that use to be a dragon and stood on his hind quarters.


    "There is a long cut over my heart, if you burrow into the cut and leave the creature there, I will be able to animate it."


    Rat-King shook his tiny head. "Give you this Revenant Rat? Right...Kindly f*ck off."


    "Why are you so difficult Pon?"


    "That''s Pon the Magnificent for starters. One is that I don''t like dragons and two is that how do I benefit by giving you something?"


    "He''s filled my body with thousands of artifacts that sap magic. If I can animate that creature, I can open a Breach to the Nether Emperor''s Chamber."


    "I''m not your friend or someone who is here to save you. Swear a Dragon Oath that you will only act in my best interest."


    "I swear that my only wish is to end my life and if possible help you destroy Khan."


    Nix felt the power of the oath wash over him. "Did I say I was going to destroy him? Maybe I''m just visiting?" The Rat-King ran while he spoke. The cut was easy to find and he immediately burrowed into it until he touched the heart with his nose It was still beating and the only healthy piece of flesh in the entire carcass.


    "You''ll have to trust me. Tell your location and I will send you chamber."


    "I''m in Chyanama, the office of the former Dragon Master."


    "Zylanexor is dead?"


    "Yes. Disconnecting, I''m out of time."


    Nix sat up on the couch, a few seconds later a breach opened up. Without thinking he stepped through. He looked out over a familiar-looking domed room, there was no one present. Immediately he opened a breach and stepped into Loki.


    Alpha Team was waiting in place.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Charge them up!


    Nix activated his Lightning barrier.


    Quickly he opened up breaches to all the places he''d visited during the evening.


    [Create Breach: Loki City Gate: Nether, Orphil Compound]


    [Create Breach: Loki Market Place: Nether, Dark Compound]


    [Create Breach: Loki Dock: Nether, Zedmundi Compound]


    [Create Breach: Loki Portal: Nether, Dhahat Compound]


    Nix opened a last breach to the place he just left.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Do it! And then follow me through!


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Fajii has discharged the lightning barrier that was protecting her.


    A singular bolt of lightning moved outward from Fajii''s hand and struck Pon''s barrier.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Pon has discharged the lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    A bolt of lightning struck from Pon''s hand struck Semmi''s barrier.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Semmi has discharged the lightning barrier that was protecting her.


    A bolt of lightning struck from Semmi''s hand struck Wind''s barrier.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Wind has discharged the lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    Wind sent the last powerful bolt into the breach that Nix has just entered.


    Nix had just stepped through, his eyes glowing white with the power of lightning, raised one hand and aimed at the lone figure rising out of the murky basin.


    [Chained Lightning]


    Nix has delivered a mortal strike on Khan Azul.


    "WHO DARES ENTER HERE?"

 Chapter 265 - Assassin Squad (conclusion)

    Khan Azul has been stunned.


    Semmi was the first one through the breach, closely followed by the rest of the team. The Nether Emperor had a gaping hole where his arm and shoulder should have been. Darkish blood was spurting freely. Alpha Team jumped directly into the edge of the basin where he''d been hit.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has landed a critical hit on Khan Azul.


    [Critical Chain: Backstab]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    Nix sent six strands of barbed Gemini flames into the Nether leader''s abdomen. Hauling backward he dragged him from the basin.


    [Lightning Blade]


    Nix has landed a significant blow on Khan Azul.


    Khan Azul has been stunned.


    [Dual Chains: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up Nix''s strike with a significant blow.


    Khan Azul has been stunned.


    [Dark Escape]


    Khan has broken free of the Gemini chains that have bound him.


    Black wings blinked into existence as Khan pulled hard against the strands that were burning his dark flesh.


    "YOU FOOLS! SUFFER!"


    Khan Azul has cast Madness.


    Nix is immune to Nether damage.


    Semmi is immune to Nether damage.


    Wind is immune to Nether damage.


    Pon is immune to Nether damage.


    Fajii is immune to Nether damage.


    Fajii has activated her bloodline.


    [Second Form: Earth Archon]


    Fajii flashed toward the Dark Emperor, her fists morphed into huge boulders just before she slammed them both into her target''s body.


    [Boulder Bash]


    Fajii has landed a significant blow.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    Pon has landed a critical hit on Khan Azul.


    [Critical Chain: First Strike]


    Wind has followed up Pon''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Dual Chains: Ice Flame Burst]


    The barbed ends of Nix''s strands that were sunk into the Nether leader''s abdomen exploded outward, blood spraying in all directions.


    Khan Azul has been stunned.


    [Vacuum]


    Nix has summoned Khan Azul.


    [Nether Daggers]


    A rain of deadly Nether Daggers targets your group.


    Nix is immune to Nether damage.


    Semmi is immune to Nether damage.


    Wind is immune to Nether damage.


    Pon is immune to Nether damage.


    Fajii is immune to Nether damage.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Sum-Bitch that''s nice.


    [Backstab]


    Semmi has landed a potentially fatal blow.


    [Shadow Evac]


    Khan Azul has used his life-saving measure to flee from the battle at the price of half of his remaining health.


    A Blackhand Artifact has stopped Khan Azul''s retreat.


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced Khan Azul.


    [Double Blade: Void Dagger]


    Wind has landed a critical hit.


    Wind has landed a critical hit.


    [Nether Scream]


    Khan Azul has canceled the silence effect on him.


    [Black Blade]


    Khan Azul vanished and appeared behind Pon, his blade striking downward.


    [Ghost Step]


    Nix appeared between Khan and his target, his lightning blade blocking the Black Blade with a thunderous impact.


    Khan Azul has been stunned.


    A dozen Gemini strands wrapped around the Dark Emperors body.


    [Archon''s Armor]


    Nix summons the strength of Archons to shield himself.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Jump back!


    Khan Azul freed one hand and started twisting the strands loose.


    Nix''s yellow eyes glowed white with the power of lightning. "Too late bitch." With a maniacal grin, he pushed lightning into his flame strands. They traveled a few feet up the strands before exploding outward.


    Nix has been critically wounded.


    Khan Azul has been mortally wounded.


    Semmi has been stunned.


    Pon has been stunned.


    Wind has been stunned.


    Fajii has resisted stun.


    [Demonic Curse]


    Khan Azul has used the power of Nether to siphon life from his attackers.


    Nix is immune to Nether damage.


    Semmi is immune to Nether damage.


    Wind is immune to Nether damage.


    Pon is immune to Nether damage.


    Fajii is immune to Nether damage.


    [Earth Spear]


    Fajii has landed a critical hit with an Elemental Spear.


    Khan Azul has been slain.


    [Combustion]


    A soft green glow settles around Nix, healing his dangerously low health.


    ****************


    Deidra sat quietly on the grass while her students looked over the hud map that she opened up. "Two minutes to study all the landmasses on Colonial, you best not get any of them wr..."


    "Mother!" Elen Mtui didn''t like interrupting his mother while she was teaching or any other time for that matter.


    Deidra could hear his heart racing. Her dark eyes sent him a questioning look. Did he run here? Or had something happened? "Yes?"


    "Four Nether Overseerers have just been slain!"


    Deidra stood slowly while summoning her armor. "Some sort of revolt? I didn''t think Azul had any rivals."


    Mtui shook his head. "It''s Inferno, or rather the 12 Pillar Alliance."


    "Damn it! Doesn''t Nix know that Azul isn''t someone to be trifled with?"


    /Inter-Planar Message Alert: The Inferno Guild has slain the Nether Emperor Khan Azul. All Nether based skill-sets have been reduced by half.


    /Inter-Planar Message Alert: Rumors are circulating that a hidden continent called Everspire has been discovered.


    /Inter-Planar Message Alert: Inter-Planar Guild Quest: Discover Everspire has been issued.


    /Inter-Planar Message Alert: Inferno has discovered the lost continent of Everspire.


    Deidra frowned at all the messages scrolling across her hud. "No more teaching today, meditate on what you''ve learned."


    [Create Breach: Loki Docks]


    Deidra motioned for her son to follow and she stepped through.


    The dragon stepped onto the docks, the first person she saw was Vice Leader Jun Li. "Vice-Leader! I need to speak with you!"


    Jun Li and Sharl dragged the body of Zedmundi back further away from the open breach before letting him drop onto the Loki dock. As requested they blackhanded him as soon as the fight started.


    Jun Li turned at the voice and held up a hand. "One moment please."


    /Alliance Command: Vice Leader Jun Li: All Groups report in.


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Gideon: Orphil is down, we have his corpse at the gate.


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Sulane: Val is dead, her corpse is at the market place.


    /Alliance Command: Sub-Commander Banja: Dhahat is dead, his body is at the platform.


    Sharl watched Deidra walk up. "Nix isn''t here. Is there something I can help you with?"


    ****************


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Nice wings Fajii!


    Nix was examining the beautifully earth-colored Archon wings attached to Fajii. "You didn''t tell me that you earned your wings."


    Fajii smiled. "I wanted to surprise you."


    "Well done Fajii." Nix hugged her close for a moment before releasing her.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: You trying to kill us punk bastard? Didn''t Esta tell you not to push lightning up your flame strands?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I took it under advisement.


    Nix closed all the breaches he currently had opened.


    [Create Breach: Loki Docks]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Bring his corpse back to Loki, I have a few loose ends that I need to wrap up.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Okay Boss. Smart thinking, putting the Blackhand on Khan.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: Actually I did that.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Good job!


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Kicked ass and now it''s time to go.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Damn, it''s tiring to be so awesome all the time. Party time right?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Oh hell yeah. Let''s have it at the Emerald Salamander on Loki.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Call us if you need to Nix.


    Nix waited until they exited the chamber and then he closed the gate behind them.


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    Leva''s face was paler than normal, sweat dripped from her brow. "Nix... You guys killed the Khan Azul."


    Nix nodded, "the plan was perfect. How did your part go?"


    Leva must have still been in the field, the sounds of occasional fighting could be heard on Nix''s side. "My forces have expanded into the territories of the slain Overlords, we are meeting light resistance."


    "Good job Leva, now patch me through."


    "Right away Nix."


    /Nether Command Directive: Overseer Leva: I have a request from the Guild Leader of Inferno. He wishes to address the Nether Council. I''m patching him in.


    /Nether Command Directive: Overseer Leva:


    [Guild Leader Nix:]


    I call for the unconditional surrender of all Nether Overlords. The Nether Region will be divided among the five strongest Overseers and thereafter you will continue to rule yourselves. You can decide by might or vote who the Overseers are going to be. It''s my intention to leave the Nether in your hands. Any future excursions into the other planes will be tolerated only if they are non-combatant in nature.


    You have one hour to comply, or we will remove the rest of you.

 Chapter 266 - Peace Treaty

    "Thanks, Leva, hold the territories as best you can. I want to ensure that you are one of the five ruling Overlords. If there''s any doubt, contact me right away and we''ll get rid of a few more."


    Leva nodded, her face still showing shock. "You killed Khan Azul... Sorry, it''s thrown me that he could be beaten by such a small force."


    "You have armies from six different Overseers if we count Zylanexor and Belchi. Weed out the weak or those who won''t work with humans. Keep me apprised of any changes to the political landscape."


    [Create Breach: Nether Well]


    He stepped into the dark chamber a moment later, the carcass hadn''t moved from the spot where it was shackled. Rat-King sat calmly waiting for him to return. Nix noticed that the rat-doll looked like it had bathed in blood. "Why are you covered in blood?"


    "Do you know where a Dragon''s soul resides Pon the Magnificent?"


    "Call me Nix, and I don''t care."


    "In our hearts, I just absorbed my soul, to do so I had to consume my own heart. Finally, my dragon body is free."


    Nix glanced at the corpse. "That''s pretty gross, and ugly as hell."


    "I don''t disagree. I was an Ice Dragon, the strongest of my kind. That corpse was the result of decades of torture and exposure to Nether."


    "We killed him if that''s any consolation."


    Tharaka moved closer to Nix, "I want to give you something important."


    Nix didn''t let his expression change. "What is it?"


    "The location of Icaraphet."


    "It''s in Everspire according to the updated map I received from the Cabal."


    The rat shook its head from side to side. "That''s where I landed it initially, however, I had enough strength left to open a Breach to someplace else."


    Nix whistled. "You opened a Breach big enough to move a city through?"


    "Of course. So did Zylanexor, that''s how Chyanama came to be in the Nether."


    The reality that the Cabal didn''t know as much as they thought they did put a smile on Nix''s face. "You''re an Ice Dragon? Can you teach me anything?"


    The tiny rat chuckled, "I''m a rat now and even though you''re a fire mage, you''d find my flames deadly."


    "Think so?"


    [Aura Ignition: Ice Flames]


    "You have the Ice Flames? I sense many different flames in you. I miss the Ice."


    "Where is Icaraphet?"


    Rat-King stood on his back legs and waited for a hand up. Nix grabbed the doll and set it on his shoulder.


    "Could you bring up a hud Nix?"


    Nix brought up a hud. "Want the map interface?"


    "Yes, in Oasis."


    Nix did a doubletake. "Did you say that Icaraphet is in Oasis?" He quickly brought up a hud map of the Oasis continent.


    "Move South of Inuit, about two hundred miles." The rat''s beady eyes studied the map while Nix listened to his directions. "It will never rise again without assistance from Elynmoor."


    "I''ve already raised Elynmoor," Nix admitted.


    "You have?" Rat-King paused for a long moment. "I don''t remember the exact coordinates, but there is a deep ocean valley nearly two miles down. That''s where you''ll find Icaraphet."


    "How much time do you have left?" Nix was aware that his Revenant Rat came with a timer.


    "I''m Raka, that''s what my friends called me. There''s a progress bar in my line of sight that says 2 days."


    "That rat-doll is the best I can do at the moment. I could try to raise my skill enough to make an Emperor rat, but my odds of success would be very low."


    "I promise I will exit this body before the deadline, no matter what."


    "I also have a pretty cool looking Razir." Nix pulled out the golden creature he had constructed while at Loki.


    "You don''t have an obsession with rodents do you Nix?"


    "Don''t think so, besides this is part of the Mustelidae family. They are way cooler than rats." When Raka didn''t show any interest he put it away. "Will a dragon be able to detect you?"


    "Just as a rat. Are we going to see one?'' Raka sat comfortably on Nix''s shoulder.


    "Probably. I''m sure Deidra Mtui will be there." Nix used two fingers to pick up Raka by the scruff of the neck before placing him on the floor. "I''m not your chair Rat-King, if I gotta walk so can you."


    [Create Breach: Loki Docks]


    Nix stepped through the Breach, closely followed by Raka.


    /Oasis System Message: Guild Quest: Discover Everspire has been Updated.


    /Oasis System Message: All 12 Pillar Alliance Members have been awarded the Dark Defender Badge.


    /Oasis System Message: All 12 Pillar Alliance Members will receive the Nether-Breaker Armor Set.


    /Oasis System Message: All 12 Pillar Alliance Members will receive the Daiken Flying Mount.


    The Nether Crown has been added to your inventory.


    The Nether-Breaker Armor Token [King''s Set] has been added to your inventory.


    A Shadow Daiken Flying Mount has been added to your inventory.


    Nix tried to keep up with all the messages scrolling across his screen.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Great Job everyone. Because of the secrecy necessary, we were forced to fragment our Alliance to accomplish many tasks at once. All participants will receive a +5 level increase. After-party at the Emerald Salamander!


    "Guild Leader Nix!" Deidre walked toward him, the smile on her face could have melted butter. Unexpectedly she bowed low, "very well done, Sir."


    Nix was somewhat taken aback by her politeness. "Thank you, I only did my part."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Hey there''s a dog following you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t call Pon a dog, it isn''t polite.


    /Inferno: Pon: Funny bastard, she means that f*cking rat!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: You have a pet rat? What''s his name?


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon the Magnificent.


    Deidra glanced at the rat and wrinkled her nose slightly, it reeked of Nether to her keen sense of smell. "The 12 Pillar Alliance is stronger than I realized, taking down the Dark Emperor and a handful of his Overlords in a single night."


    Without warning a holo popped up in front of Nix, a Demon woman stood with her hands clasped behind her back. "Guild Leader Nix?"


    Jun Li stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] That Xia, a Dark Priestess of the Nether, we met her when we visited the Cabal.


    "Yes. I''m Nix."


    "I''m Xia, the advisor to the newly formed Council of Five." Xia wasn''t what Nix would call attractive, but her silky voice made the hairs on his arms stand up.


    "Nice to meet you, Xia."


    She opened a document and read aloud. "We the undersigned do agree to an unconditional surrender to Breach Commander Nix of the 12 Pillar Alliance. As requested we have realigned our political infrastructure to form the Council of Five.


    [Signed]


    NyCyndor


    Ro''Sina


    Genta


    Chog the Furious


    Leva the Fallen


    Nix looked at the signatures and breathed a sigh of relief when he read Leva''s name. "Where are BarFy and Mediaz? As Nix understood it, they were the two strongest Overlords.


    Xia wide-set eyes showed her surprise. "You know a lot about the Nether, Guild Leader Nix."


    "Where are they?"


    "They were minions of Khan Azul when he was slain, they both died immediately." Xia rolled up the document and waited patiently.


    "I accept the surrender of the Council of Five. Moving forward, planar access shall be granted to Nether folk as long as their intentions are peaceful."


    Xia bowed low. "After conflicting for so long, we look forward to improved relations."


    An instant later her holo blinked off.


    /Inter-Planar System Message: The Nether War has ended with the surrender of the Council of Five. A binding Peace Treaty is now in effect.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Did you just speak for all the Planes?


    /Inferno: Chiba: A proper Apprentice.


    Breach Commander Mtui put his hand out and shook Nix''s with an iron grip. "Amazing job Nix. I''m stunned by all of this."


    Deidra nodded in agreement. "My forces are at your disposal Nix, please rely on us more in the future.


    The 1st Division of Flame Knights has been assigned to Inferno.


    Nix smiled his acceptance. "We are having a strategy meeting at the Emerald Salamander, you are both welcome to attend."


    /Inferno: Wind: Strategy meeting?


    /Inferno: Pon: That means party right?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.

 Chapter 267 - Ashobel Endangered (part one)

    "The hell is that on your head Morti?" Nix shook his head in an effort to clear the cobwebs. A quick look around told him that he was sleeping on the small table that Hyai kept in the kitchen of the Emerald Salamander Inn.


    Morti sat in the doorway entrance to the dining room. The swinging double doors barely accommodated his mass.


    "It''s a helmet," Morti replied.


    The helmet in question was a basic steel helm that someone had attached a three-foot chinstrap to. It was buckled securely under the Titan cub''s chin. It looked like a soup bowl when compared to the enormity of the head on which it sat.


    "I see. Where did you get it?"


    "I bought it from one of the vendors at the Embassy Bazaar. It''s been custom-fitted just for me."


    Nix nodded, he wouldn''t purposefully hurt the cub''s feelings. "Looks really great, hope you got a good deal."


    Morti nodded his big head. "It was free, apparently it''s good luck to give gifts to bears."


    "I heard the same thing once." Nix turned until his feet were on the floor. "What''s it look like out there?"


    Morti shuffled slightly so Nix could exit the kitchen. "There are one or two people sleeping on every table. The smell of vomit is everywhere and I''m pretty sure I saw Chiba peeing in the corner."


    "Right... That was probably before she started drinking." Nix scratched Morti''s ears for a moment and then straightened out the tiny helm on his head before entering the dining hall.


    A wave of rancid air hit Nix when he stepped into the room. Most of the Inferno Officers were still draped over the bar. He dimly remembered taking Hyai, Shae, and Fajii upstairs to the large suite at the end of the night. "How did I end up down here?"


    "You came down to make a sandwich and fell asleep in the kitchen." Morti had turned his body so he could look at Nix, one of his gigantic paws was covering his black nose.


    "Really? I don''t remember that."


    Morti nodded again. "I ate the sandwich after you fell asleep."


    Nix saw a large empty space in the middle of the room and started slowly making his way through the various spills, puddles and sleeping drunks. He nudged Caza with his foot, the Resolute Fire Mage didn''t even stir.


    "Maybe try another one," Morti suggested from the doorway.


    "Right." Nix kicked Sulane''s feet, the Resolute Guild Leader was dead to the world. He noted for future reference that Caza and Sulane were nearly on top of each other. Something going on with them?


    "Doesn''t look good Nix. Now what?" Morti sounded like he was eating something.


    "That my sandwich Morti?"


    "Yep... I forgot that I saved half for you. Want some?"


    "No." Nix stared at the empty space and made a decision.


    [Create Breach: Lake Riordi, Loki]


    Morti watched with interest, his ears flicked forward and he lowered his voice to a whisper. "What you gonna do?" A normal person could have heard it from the street.


    "One kick and if they don''t get up its an ejection," Nix proclaimed and stepped closer to Caza. He kicked the mage''s feet again before hauling him up by the arms and flinging him through the open Breach."


    Morti''s laugh made the floor vibrate. "That''s funny. Do another one."


    Nix nodded and kicked Sulane''s feet when she didn''t move he gave her the same treatment.


    "Where are they going Nix?"


    "There going swimming."


    Nix made his way through the crowded room, tossing the vagrants through the breach. Gideon and Nebs both avoided the treatment by sitting up when they were kicked.


    Finally, only Inferno members were left. Nix tossed Chiba without a second thought, the smell of vomit and piss clung to her like a best friend. She was obviously due for a well-deserved bath.


    Morti watched with interest. "Not going to toss the rest Nix?"


    The only other one he was tempted to evict was Pon but fortunately for him, Semmi had an arm around the Fire Mage. When Nix removed it, the old man woke up. Pon''s legendary tolerance for alcohol had saved him from a refreshing dip in Lake Riordi.


    Nix took a few minutes to run his guildmates out of the Inn before walking back toward the kitchen.


    Morti stood up when he approached. "Open the breach for me Nix, I wanna go swimming too."


    Nix nodded and opened a breach. "You should take your helm off, you don''t want it to rust."


    Morti stopped and let Nix unbuckle his helm. "That''s a good idea, just leave it in the kitchen. I''ll come back for it."


    *******************


    Hyai woke up to the sun shining on her face and a warm body next to her. It wasn''t until she sat up that she realized that the person next to her was Shae. The Inn Keeper quietly got out of bed and nearly stepped on Fajii. The Earth Mage was clinging to her pillow and blanket like a lifeline.


    After dressing and washing her face she decided to head downstairs to check out the damage. To her surprise, she was greeted by an empty dining room; there were no guests, no tables and no chairs. The scent of something flowery lingered in the air, a mop and large bucket were placed carefully near the bar.


    "Someone mopped up?" Hyai walked toward the double doors that led to the street, they were both propped open with chairs. It was here that she found the rest of her tables and chairs. Nix was hard at work with a scrub brush and bucket; his sleeves were rolled up while he worked.


    Nix looked up when she exited the Inn. "Morning Sunshine."


    Hyai broke her own rule and embraced him in the street. "Thank you, Nix. Was it bad?"


    "Not really," Nix lied to her with a straight face. "Haven''t got to the dishes yet."


    Hyai kissed him once before stepping away. "You eat yet?"


    "I am a bit hungry. I''ll finish up here if you don''t mind making lunch."


    Hyai nodded. "Deal."


    By the time Nix brought all the tables and chairs back in, Hyai was done with lunch and the dishes. Nix shrugged apologetically. "Sorry, took a bit longer than I thought. Hate stopping once I start something."


    "No worries Hun. I did the dishes first so lunch is still hot."


    **************


    A few hours later Nix was at the Jenzi market. Jenzi had both Razir and Nether Rat pelts for sale, he was going to need them if he wanted to increase his Taxidermy skill. The Raka issue still needed to be dealt with. He had left the dragon-rat at the Jenzi platform. Since people would most likely attack a rat walking around they both thought it would be best if he remained stealthed and wait for Nix to finish his business.


    "I''ve got 5000 Ashobel pelts! Take the whole batch for 50 thousand credits."


    Nix turned at the vendor who was hawking his wares aggressively to every buyer in the market. He zeroed in on Nix right away.


    "You there! Want some Ashobel pelts? I''ve got 15 thousand to sell!" The man who spoke was quite young. His dark skin and close-cropped hair marked him as a native.


    "Ashobel? Let me see them?" Nix grabbed one from him, "the name sounds familiar. What are Ashobel?"


    Ashobel Pelt: Primal


    White furred leather pelt.


    +15 to all Ice related skills.


    +50 Ice Resistance.


    The dark vendor shrugged. "I just sell them, I think they are like Winter Bears or something."


    "Five credits each, I''ll take whatever you have on you." Nix made him an offer when the merchant didn''t answer he walked toward the next booth.


    "Hey! Wait... Whatever I have? I have 50 thousand; can you handle that?"


    Nix nodded and they did the exchange. "Where did you get these from?"


    The vendor pointed towards the far end of the market. A caravan from Cyphix pulled up a few hours ago, apparently, there''s a bounty on these pelts.


    "Bounty?" Nix turned toward the caravan and started walking, he still carried one of the furs in his hands. There was something familiar about it. Half-way across the market, he remembered. "Ashobel? As in Chieftain Glacio?"


    During the faction event at Glory months earlier, there had been a fierce white-furred group that was referred to as Ashobel. They were giant creatures that possess incredible strength.


    /Inferno: Nix: Floyd, Chiba, and Captain Locas. You three available for a quick trip? Need some back-up.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Me? Yes!


    /Inferno: Chiba: I been wanting to spend some time with my apprentice, we can work on your shitty bladework.


    /Inferno: Locas: When and where Commander?


    /Inferno: Nix: Jenzi Market to start, pack for cold weather.

 Chapter 268 - Ashobel Endangered (part two)

    [Whisper Nix to Nansu] Hey Nan, what can you tell me about Caravan Masters?


    [Whisper Nansu to Nix] Lifestyle players who specialize in shipping goods through the gates on Colonial. I think Oasis has a conversion called Master Trader.


    [Whisper Nix to Nansu] Do they team up with other Lifestylers?


    [Whisper Nansuto Nix] A Caravan Master is an attained Rank, Tradesman--->Caravaner--->Caravan Master. They can slot up to a dozen Caravaners or Tradesman to work directly for them.


    [Whisper Nix to Nansu] Thanks.


    [Whisper Nansu to Nix] There aren''t many of them among players, mostly they are NPCs. I know of only two.


    [Whisper Nix to Nansu] Names, please.


    [Whisper Nansu to Nix] Riker and Devi. Riker has become an outlaw in most of the Colonial Kingdoms, he deals with black market equipment.


    Nix took a seat in one of the market benches that had a view of both the caravan and the platform gate. Locas, Chiba, and Floyd came through the gate together. All three of them were wearing the black leather Nether-Breaker Armor.


    They were an unlikely trio, Nix had chosen them for that very reason. A trickster, a gladiator, and a ranger.


    [You have joined the Gemini channel]


    Both Locas and Floyd were sporting new haircuts, a drunk Ronnie had offered a kiss to anyone who''d let her cut their hair. Surprisingly Locas was first in line, Floyd had waited until Sharl wasn''t looking before he snuck in also. The Naga teen had a serious crush on the Dark Archer.


    "Hey, Nix!" Floyd waved when he saw him. The trickster had a dagger tucked into each boot and wore a two holstered gunbelt strapped around his waist.


    "Nice Mohawks guys." Nix shook hands with all three of them. Chiba''s scraggly gray hair hung over her wrinkled face, but Nix noted that she smelled much better.


    "Tossing your Master in the Lake like that Nix. What were you thinking?" Chiba''s eyes were busy, she was only making conversation because she was studying the Caravan Master.


    "I was thinking that you needed to get laid. I did toss all those drunk guys in the lake with you."


    Chiba''s ugly face broke into a grin. "You were looking out for me?"


    "Yep." Nix lied with a smile on his face.


    /Gemini: Chiba: See the plain copper ring on the Caravan Master''s finger? Does it look familiar?


    Chiba held up her own ring, the same one that gave her the ugly old woman form.


    /Gemini: Nix: A disguise? Let''s find out about the bounty. Walk around a bit and find out whatever you can regarding the Caravan Master and his sudden interest in the Ashobel.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Let''s pair up, that way we can keep an eye on each other''s back.


    "Looking for Razir or Nether Rat pelts," Nix spoke to one of the Caravan Traders that he had seen unloading furs.


    The trader was short and a bit round for such an active occupation. His shock of thick white hair and odd-colored eyes made him stand out. He looked right past Nix to Chiba who was a step behind him. "Hello, beautiful."


    Chiba favored him with a creepy smile. "Got what I need handsome?"


    The fat white-haired man leered at her. "I do!"


    Chiba grabbed his crotch with one hand and squeezed. "Not bad... Let''s go somewhere."


    The trader''s jowls shook when he spoke. "Ri... I mean Bonoci won''t let me leave, or else I''d show you a good time."


    Nix threw an arm around Chiba''s shoulders and pulled her closer. "You don''t know what you''re missing boss. Didn''t realize that Riker had changed so much, I liked him better when he used to deal out of back alleys."


    The trader glanced at the Caravan Master. "You know the boss?"


    "Yeah but don''t draw attention to me. I work for Devi now."


    The trader nodded and cursed Riker under his breath.


    Nix pulled Chiba away from the overly friendly trader while taking a look around the caravan.


    /Gemini: Chiba: See that? It wouldn''t hurt you to be more forward like that.


    /Gemini: Nix: I thought I already was.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    The Water Witch glanced around the market, her short blue hair and eyes drew the stares of nearby workers. "Jenzi?"


    Nix leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Talk to this Caravan Master, use a light touch I have a bad feeling."


    Ducky nodded and walked toward the Caravan Master.


    [Bewitched]


    Bonoci has been convinced that Ducky is his special confidant.


    "Hey!" Ducky smiled sweetly and placed a hand on the Caravan Master''s shoulder.


    "Ducky!" Bonoci gripped her hand tightly, his average-looking face broke into a big smile.


    The blue-haired girl kept a grip on his hand. "Still doing that thing for that person?"


    Bonoci''s face instantly broke out into a sweat, even though his expression never changed. "Yes."


    Ducky waved it off. "Don''t worry, there''s no need for you to say anything else. I wouldn''t want my friend to suffer needlessly."


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] He''s under a geas, if I press him he might answer or...


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Or he might kill himself. Change the topic to his ring. Ask him to give it to you.


    Bonoci breathed a sigh of relief. "You are always looking out for me Ducky."


    Duck sighed loudly and looked at the ring on his hand. "Is that the ring you were going to give me before you called it off?"


    Bonoci looked down at the ring. "This ring?"


    Ducky leaned closer, even from a few steps away Nix could smell her pleasant fragrance. "You said we''d have a life together after you finished, but then you changed your mind."


    "I did?" The Caravan Master slipped the ring off and handed it to her. "We can still do that."


    The Caravan Master''s appearance immediately changed to a younger man with light brown hair and dark intense eyes. He held both of Ducky''s hands in his. "A few more trips for Gearpin and I''ll be done."


    "I''ll find you when you finish." Ducky stepped into the crowd, instantly fading into the background.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Guards are coming. City Security won''t let outlaws walk around without disguises.


    The Inferno group watched from nearby as Riker was arrested.


    [Whisper Raka to Nix] I''ll follow them and see who shows up.


    [Whisper Nix to Raka] Perfect, we''ll head out of town. One mile due west of here is a large boulder on the side of the road. We''ll wait there.


    /Gemini: Nix: Mount up, we''re heading out.


    Nix summoned Flash since Nightmare was still nursing her foal. The black horse stomped its feet once showing his eagerness to run. He kicked his heels slightly and Flash bolted down the road.


    The rest of the group caught up with Nix at the huge flat boulder that rested on the side of the road. The Inferno leader was sitting on the edge of the rock while watching Flash graze.


    /Gemini: Locas: That is a fast horse.


    /Gemini: Nix: Very. I have someone tailing Riker, if I''m right his boss should turn up to take care of things.


    /Gemini: Locas: I''ve never seen your natural form, Floyd. How come you always appear human?


    /Gemini: Floyd: The Naga form makes people nervous, it''s the same with my snake form.


    /Gemini: Chiba: You have a snake form too? Show me!

 Chapter 269 - Ashobel Endangered (conclusion)

    Floyd stepped away from the group and glanced around. "I can''t switch from human to snake, I have to be in Naga form to do that."


    Floyd instantly morphed into a Snakeman. From the waist up he looked the same, however, from there eight feet of snake took over. "I never use this in front of the Lamia Acolytes anymore. They can''t handle it."


    Chiba''s face lit up at his words. "What''s that mean?"


    Floyd looked embarrassed, "the Naga form elicits a strong instinct in the Lamia."


    Chiba''s ugly face looked happy and she clapped her hands together. "They want to mate right?"


    Nix ignored his Master''s cackling. "Is that right Floyd?"


    "Yes." Floyd changed into his snake form. He was as black as night, smooth silky scales covered a body that must have been 15 feet long.


    /Inferno: Maye: Nix, there''s a lot of odd-looking people in our shop today.


    /Inferno: Nix: Define odd Grams.


    /Inferno: Darsi: A few dozen Nether folk arrived this afternoon, most of them seem to head to your shop.


    /Inferno: Nix: Everything okay Maye?


    /Inferno: Maye: Yes. They aren''t causing trouble, however they are buying a lot of stuff.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s good.


    /Inferno: Maye: Specifically they are purchasing anything that has your name on it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Oh... Guess I''ll have to make more stuff then.


    [Whisper Nix to Bane] How''s things the Provost office holding up? The demons causing problems?


    [Whisper Bane to Nix] No. They cause quite a commotion wherever they go, but they aren''t engaging in anything illegal.


    [Whisper Nix to Bane] Would you send someone to check on Maye at my shop?


    [Whisper Bane to Nix] I''ll do it myself Nix, I was going to stop by the Kindled Spirit and see if Hyai was around.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''m going to activate the World Seed at 1800 as we planned, everyone will have to stay at the Sea-World or someplace else tonight.


    Nix nodded to himself. After discussing it at length, the Officers of Inferno had decided to use their World Seed award to increase the size of Haven, even though it was already enormous. The upgrade would take 18 hours.


    ************


    It was nearly sundown when Floyd nudged Nix and pointed towards the town. "Somethings coming towards us.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes became a dark orange as his vision turned thermal.


    Nix couldn''t see anything towards the town, but then Tharaka wouldn''t have any body-heat since he was a doll.


    [Whisper Raka to Nix] Okay to unstealth in front of them?


    [Whisper Nix to Raka] Will they be able to hear you?


    [Whisper Raka to Nix] They''ll just hear rat noise.


    Nix turned to the group. "This is Raka, a Nether Rat that I picked up in the last fight. He''s been scouting around, so bear with me while I get his report."


    "Riker is dead, he was the minion of someone named Tipha. Tipha didn''t show up at the prison but he sent someone name Gearpin to tie up the loose end."


    "Damn." Nix shook his head in frustration. "All day wasted."


    The rat hopped up on the rock and looked up at Nix. "No. Your companion followed Gearpin from the prison."


    "Is that where Ducky went?" Nix smiled in appreciation. His companion loved to explore the planes. There weren''t many things that could threaten her.


    /Gemini: Nix: Stow your mounts, we''re heading to my secret base.


    /Gemini: Floyd: The one with Brahms harem?


    "...." Nix.


    /Gemini: Chiba: I get to see Mari?


    /Gemini: Nix: Yep. Hold hands.


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the Gladis Hub.


    "AUNT CHIBA!" They had no sooner appeared on the platform when Mari flung herself at her aunt, hugging the old woman tight.


    "Mari! You are looking good." Chiba stroked her hair for a moment, she always made an effort to be more normal in front of Mari.


    An hour later the group was eating in the Gladis Hub''s rather large dining facility. Seated with them was Shi the Ice Lord, Wylie her Champion and Cyan the High Priestess. Three very large Ice Furies watched the group eat.


    Nix whistled and the nearest one approached them. "They''ve grown fast." A full-grown Ice Fury was the size of a horse, the pups he had brought back from Fraya''Selene were already the size of normal wolves.


    Shi held out her hand and the one next to Nix came to her. "They are thriving here Nix. This one is called Dia Bella. Or Dia for short."


    "Have you explored the IceCaps at all? There seems to be a rather large number of Ashobel pelts for sale." Nix brought up a small map of the area surrounding the Gladis Hub.


    "The Ashobel are primarily nomadic, but they do regularly set up in the same places." Shi pointed to two separate locations on the map.


    Nix frowned at the places she pointed out, it wasn''t far from the Hub. "Have they bothered you at all?"


    "They avoid us." Shi pushed an errant strand of long white hair behind one ear. "A few months ago we started getting a lot of traffic in the area, nothing within 50 miles of us but close enough so that we paid attention."


    "Let me guess. A Caravan Master and his workers." Nix shook his head in bewilderment. The furs weren''t worth enough to warrant the trip. There were plenty of other options that would make more money.


    "Yes. We didn''t approach them, but they hired Hunters." Shi couldn''t keep the disgust out of her voice. "They set up traps and ambushes for the Ashobel, killing them by the thousands. Entire villages are being wiped out."


    UP until now, Locas had been staring at the Ice Lord, unable to speak. "Perhaps there is something more valuable in the processing? We need to find a corpse and investigate."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It''s possible."


    Shi glanced at Cyan and nodded. "We found a wounded one and tried to help him. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do. We buried it at Nix''s Heart."


    Cyan stood up abruptly, "I''ll send some Acolytes to fetch it."


    Nix shook his head. "Take me and my Nether Rat there. Everyone else can get some rest."


    Surprisingly the Furies were hooked up to a sled by the time Nix exited the facility. Cyan offered him a seat in front of her while she drove the team. Their pink tongues lolled in happiness while they ran across the frozen tundra.


    From a distance, they could see the heart-shaped piece of ice that pushed up out of the snow. Nix turned and glanced at Cyan with a wide grin. "Is that my heart?"


    Cyan returned the smile. "Yes, but not because its made of ice but rather because of the enormous size of it."


    Nix didn''t comment, he knew without a doubt that he didn''t deserve such compliments.


    After using his flames to melt the ice, Nix was able to pull the Ashobel out of the snow. Raka immediately started investigating. Tomorrow night the Rat-doll would run out of time, Nix planned to spend the next few hours bringing his Taxidermy skills up.


    "Somehow this is my fault Nix, although I don''t understand how." Raka climbed out of the ice hole a few minutes later and sat down next to Nix.


    "Explain."


    "This Ashobel has been tainted with an Ice Artifact that doesn''t exist anymore. It used to belong to me, but it was stolen a few hundred years ago."


    Nix pursed his lips in thought. Who would steal from an Ice Dragon? "Taken by whom?"


    "A Water Dragon named Neptiphago. Being a water creature, she was highly compatible with my Ice Artifact. This was close to the time when her city fell."


    Nix cursed loudly as alarms started to go on in his head. "Neptiphago? That was the Dragon Master of Aquarius City. The indigenous people in Colonial were water creatures called Aquarions."


    "And the primitive people here show long term exposure to the Heart of Ice."


    Nix looked at the rat. "Heart of Ice?"


    The tiny rat head nodded.

 Chapter 270 - Heart of Winter (part one)

    "Are you going to be working late Nix?" Cyan had brought a tray with his dinner since he was busy crafting. Her silky black braid hung over one shoulder while she played with the end of it.


    Nix had found one of the few crafting rooms that hadn''t been repurposed for something else. The massive amount of crafting supplies was still accessible through the bench interface. They weren''t set up for Taxidermy since it was an Oasis skill, however, he did find some thermal diffusing fabric, a diamond scalpel, and an ice splinter needle. The fabric could hold or deflect very hot or very cold items. The ice needle infused an element of ice into whatever you were making, it had the benefit of not melting while you used it; the diamond scalpel would increase the quality of his work.


    "Thanks for bringing dinner, I''ll eat in a bit after I set up a queue."


    Cyan smiled, "this is going to sound odd, but make an effort to interact with the acolytes while you are here."


    Nix laughed at her words. "No, that doesn''t sound odd at all."


    The dark-haired woman blushed slightly. "That came out wrong. We''re building something strong and like it or not, you are part of that lore."


    Nix held up a hand to stop her. "I saw the possibilities of what could be done here when the girls needed a place to stay. I''ll help however I can."


    Cyan walked toward the exit, pausing at the door. "Where would you like to sleep tonight?"


    "I''ll take the couch in my old room if you don''t mind the company."


    "Perfect, don''t stay up too late Nix."


    Nix waved and began setting up his queue.


    The Nether Rat watched from its seat nearby. "That''s not a Nether Rat doll."


    Nix shook his head. "I don''t have enough rat pelts to raise my skill, I''ll make something else."


    Raka moved to one side when Nix started stacking pelts in the bin. "Those are the Ashobel?"


    "I did pick up fifty thousand pelts today. The sheer amount of supplies needed to make so many would-be impossible anywhere but here.


    [Taxidermy Interface: Create a new Project?]


    "Yes, create a new project using the Ashobel."


    [Ashobel]


    [Place all tools and components in the queue]


    [Ashobel pelt] [Skinning Knife: Diamond Scapel] [Needle: Ice Splinter] [Binding Spool: Ceramic Thread] [Filler: Thermal Diffusing Fabric]


    [Queue 50,000 Ashobel Dolls?]


    "Yes." Nix looked at the progress bar and stretched his hands over his head. "We have a few hours to burn. I thought of something while working."


    Raka looked at the Razir doll that Nix placed on the table. "It''s fine craftsmanship."


    "Right, I''m saying that my Revenants recharge while they aren''t in use. If I''m not high enough to produce an Emperor-level doll, you could jump to the Razir."


    "I''m struggling to stay in this form Nix. Soon my Ice Soul will start bleeding out life force until I become a regular Nether Rat."


    "Will it still bleed out when the doll is higher quality?"


    "No idea. In a perfect world, the Nether Rat would be an Ice creature." Raka moved closer, his nose twitching. "How did you kill the Nether Emperor? There''s no way one group should have been able to manage it."


    "We developed a hard-hitting group attack that did most of the damage."


    The Nether Rat stared at him, "what about his Nether attacks? He hits hard and he can siphon your life to replenish his."


    "An artifact that cancels Nether Spells on contact." Nix shrugged at the curious rat. Even though he seemed reliable, there was no need to spill the details of the battle.


    "Amazing." Raka dropped the questioning and accepted a bit of food that Nix pushed to one side when he started eating.


    "Can you taste things in that doll?"


    Raka nodded. "Taste and smell, although I haven''t been hungry.


    "I see." Nix drained the mug that Cyan brought him, apparently, they had a supply of Semmi''s Golden Draft.


    "Won''t this room be filled with Ashobel dolls in a few minutes?"


    Nix grinned at the idea. "That would suck. They will stay in the queue until I pull them out. If I chose to pull out all of them at once, we''d be covered in Ashobel."


    "I see." Raka finished off the piece of meat he was eating, his red eyes watching Nix. "I''ve been considering the problem Nix."


    "Hmm? Which problem?"


    Raka moved closer until he was directly in front of Nix. "My spirit is slowly bleeding off, I think this is caused by two things."


    "Wrong element and an inferior body." Nix finished his train of thought. "We''ve established that already. I can make a better Rat."


    Raka sighed loudly. "It would still be a rat Nix. Even if it was a Nether Rat."


    "I once rebonded a Titan with his splintered Soul, something like this isn''t going to slow me down." Nix leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes, a few moments later his breathing deepened. "Just give me a few minutes while I consider different options."


    "Aren''t you just sleeping?" Raka laid down and waited while the Inferno Guild Leader recharged.


    *************


    [50,000 Ashobel dolls have been added to your queue]


    Your Taxidermy Skill has risen to 339


    Nix whistled when he saw how much his Taxidermy skill improved, higher quality tools and material always resulted in faster increases.


    [Queue 12,500 Advanced Ashobel Mannequins?]


    "Yes." Nix glanced at the rat that had been watching him sleep. "I''ve figured it out."


    "You have?" Raka''s tone sounded doubtful.


    [Ice Sparrow]


    Nix held out the Ice Sparrow that Shi had gifted to him. "This is a creature of Ice. It should be capable of housing your Ice Soul while I finish things."


    Raka moved closer and stared at the bird. "It''s like yours?"


    Nix nodded. "It''s similar. I can animate this or give it simple tasks. Perhaps when I create an Emperor doll, it will have the same abilities."


    "Nix, I thank you for the generosity, but I don''t wish to be a bird."


    "I''m going to use this bird as the Enhancement, just like when I used the Infinity soul on Morti. Have a little faith Raka."


    The Rat-King head nodded up and down. "Okay, Nix. Thank you."


    "Same rules apply, this is a loaner. I have plans to put you in a badass Ashobel King."


    Raka''s two front feet gripped his hand. "I am in your debt. Once I inhabit an Ice body, I will gift you an Ice Flame skill."


    Nix climbed up on the bench and lay down. "I''ll rest for a bit, this queue will take an hour or so."


    When Nix awoke an hour later, the Rat-King was lifeless on the bench. He stowed it away, happy to have his hard work back. A flash of silver/white caught his eye as Raka-Sparrow zipped around the room.


    "It feels good to fly again Nix, this bird is amazing."


    "Don''t get used to it. That''s a gift to me from an important person." He didn''t add that he could summon it whenever he liked.


    Your Taxidermy skill has risen to 377.


    Critical Crafting Feat [10 Revenant Ashobel]


    Critical Crafting Feat [105 Pristine Ashobel]


    "Huh?" Nix pulled up the Crafting Interface. "Bastard! I actually crafted a critical doll!" He clapped his hands together and then ran to the other side of the room where he pulled out one of the Ashobel Revenants and laid it on the floor.


    "That''s bigger than the one we saw." Raka landed on his shoulder and stared down at the white-furred beast. It had long claws and fangs, its eyes were a deep ice blue. "I sense a high degree of Ice element in it."


    "My entire Ashobel supply was burned up making 105 Pristine and 10 Revenant. The odds of me failing to make an Emperor are high."


    "There is no rush Nix, in this form my Ice Soul is preserved."


    "Sure, I get that." Nix began setting up the next queue, "either way it''s going to be a long night."

 Chapter 271 - Heart of Winter (part two)

    Nix never made it to his old room. By the end of the night, his Taxidermy skill has climbed to 402 and he was left with 17 Ashobel Revenants. He had managed critical crafting twice more, without which he wouldn''t have had the numbers he needed.


    Nix covered a yawn. He''d been sleeping on and off while the queues cooked. "Let''s do it Raka!"


    Nix placed the 8 Revenant Ashobel in the queue.


    [Queue 1 Emperor Ashobel?]


    "Yes." Nix looked at the timer and the success rate. "Better than I hoped, nearly 40 percent. It should take ten minutes, usually, failures happen before the halfway point."


    Raka was perched on Nix''s shoulder, carefully watching the progress bar. Five minutes slowly passed. "Hey Nix, the percentage is increasing."


    Nix nodded. "As it progresses, the chance of success slowly increases. Don''t get too caught up. I''ve had fails in the last minute before when the percentage was in the high 90s."


    Raka turned on Nix''s shoulder so he couldn''t see the progress bar. "I can''t watch."


    "I''ll keep an eye on it." Nix turned his head to look at the perched bird. "These Ashobel have been exposed to your Ice Artifact?"


    "I suspect so, the feel of it permeates from the pelts."


    "Let''s assume you''re right. Take a guess as to how it played out."


    The Ice Sparrow hopped onto the table and faced him. "Neptiphago stole my artifact, however, she would have been greatly weakened."


    "According to the Cabal, the Dragon City Aquarius is somewhere the eastern part of Everspire. Could Neptiphago has moved it before it landed?"


    "If the Ice Artifact here, then Neptiphago and her City are here also." Raka shook his little bird head in frustration. "Some version of her anyway. She was greatly depleted when her city began to fall."


    "Let''s assume she made some sort of plan. What would she be looking to do?"


    [Critical Crafting Feat: 1 Ashobel Emperor]


    Nix clapped his hands together in jumped to his feet in excitement. "F*ck Yeah!"


    Ashobel: Emperor [Platinum Rated]


    [Name your creation?]


    "Tharaka." Nix ignored the bird''s stare when he said his name aloud.


    Tharaka: Emperor


    1) Self-Destruct


    2) Dominate (Up to 1000 Ashobel)


    3) Stealth


    4) Ice Halberd


    Immune to Ice Damage.


    "Ice Halberd." The Ice Sparrow hopped up on Nix''s shoulder while he inspected the Ashobel-doll. "That''s a skill given by the Artifact! It can''t be a coincidence, they''ve been exposed to it."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Does that mean you can wield a Halberd?"


    "Of course, it was my artifact after all."


    "Let''s do it then. Prey waits." Nix started setting up the last queue. He was going to attempt to use his Tailoring skill to enhance the Ashobel-doll. "If I tried this with the Colonial crafting interface, I''d probably blow up the entire Icecap."


    "That won''t happen with the new interface?"


    Nix shrugged. "Probably not."


    "What should I do?"


    Nix held out his hand and waited while Raka hopped on before placing him with the other items. "I have to place you with the rest of the materials."


    Raka looked at the other items in the bin. "You been killing dragons Nix?"


    Nix laughed. "Only the ones that attack me."


    [Ashobel: Emperor] [Ice Sparrow: Embibed with Ice Dragon Soul] [Ice Dragon Leather] [Dragon Blood] [Dragon Scale] [Enhanced Camouflage Clothe]


    [You are attempting a new Animating procedure that combines Tailoring and Taxidermy. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "Yes."


    [All costs are waived. Loss of two mythical items and an infinity soul will occur in the event of failure.]


    Nix glanced at the message, his eyes watching the select icon. "Small problem Raka."


    "I''ll die if this fails?''


    Nix nodded. "Fraid so. I don''t have a percentage either. It could be 2 percent for all I know."


    "Or it could be 100 percent. Do it Nix."


    "Yep. Let''s go." Nix selected the craft icon.


    All of the items disappeared at once. A sinking feeling in Nix stomach. "Mother..." A moment later the mouth of the Ashobel doll opened as he took his first breath. "Holy Crap."


    Tharaka: Emperor


    Race: Ashobel


    Level 100


    Strength 188


    Endurance 155


    Intelligence 81


    Dexterity 30


    Perception 115


    Mana 48900/48900


    Weapon Skills: Halberd


    Primary: Pole Arms


    Secondary: Path of the Ice Dragon


    Skills


    Dominate (Up to 1000 Ashobel)


    Camouflage


    Ice Flame Aura


    Ice Halberd


    Magic Skills: [Unavailable:Level Restriction]


    New Title Unlocked: Animator


    Nix whistled softly as Raka sat up, his huge furry hands touched his chest and then his head. Unexpectedly he threw back his head and howled loudly.


    "Nix!! I am back again!"


    "Looks that way. You dragon days are over I''m afraid."


    The Ashobel swung his feet over the side of the bench and then stood up. He stood a bit over seven feet and was heavily muscled. "My magic is locked. It makes sense since my level is so low."


    Nix nodded in agreement. Dragons were from Everspire, the level cap there was 150. "Don''t forget about the Ice Flame skill you''re going to teach me."


    Raka''s huge toothy maw split into a wide smile. "It will have to wait until I level up since I can''t do magic yet."


    [Ice Halberd]


    A long sharp looking Ice Halberd appeared in Raka''s hand.


    "Very nice. With this, I can at least defend myself." He waved his hand and it disappeared.


    "Take it easy until you get used to things. Remember you aren''t a dragon anymore."


    "What about your Ice Sparrow? And the other items?"


    [Ice Sparrow]


    Nix''s Ice Sparrow appeared on his hand. He nodded in satisfaction and then put it away.


    "No worries. Stealth out of here and I''ll meet you at the Ice heart where the Ashobel was buried in four hours."


    "You mean Nix''s heart." Raka placed a giant hand on Nix''s shoulder. "I won''t forget this."


    "Find something to hunt and get used to your form. We''ll catch up to you later today." Nix left the crafting room and walked directly to his old room. The couch had been made up nicely with linens, blankets, and a pillow. Without another thought, he laid down and went to sleep.


    The message woke him up three hours later.


    [Whisper Fabri to Nix] Fire Palace Champion, we need your help.


    [Whisper Nix to Fabri] Who is this?


    [Whisper Fabri to Nix] Fire Palace Champion, please help us, I take you to Heart of Winter.


    New Quest Available: [Heart of Winter]


    Quest: Heart of Winter


    Requirement: Group Quest


    A powerful Ice Mage has requested


    your assistance. Go to the Icewind Wall


    and find Fabri.


    Nix dressed and walked down to the common area where he found Chiba, Locas, and Floyd having breakfast with a handful of Acolytes. Neither Cyan or Shi was present. "Gear up, we''re going to hunt up some trouble."


    /Gemini: Chiba: Bout time.


    [Direct Contact: Zinu]


    A moment later a holo of the mud-covered cleric popped up. Her grimy face showed obvious surprise. "Breach Commander Nix."


    "I have need of a cleric. Be ready in one hour, dress for extreme cold." Nix cut comm without speaking further.


    *****************


    "This place reminds me of home." Locas followed closely behind Nix who was leading them single file across the Ice fields.


    "We''re meeting Tharaka in a few minutes. He''s an Ashobel ally, don''t underestimate him." Nix decided he''d let Raka decide his own backstory.


    Chiba had tried to pass Locas several times while they were walking so she could talk to Nix, but each time the Ranger captain had stopped her. "You have a lot of secret allies Nix. Where do you find the time?"


    Nix shrugged his shoulders. "You tell me and we''ll both know." He brought up his hud and shared the quest with them.


    Quest: Heart of Winter


    Requirement: Group Quest


    A powerful Ice Mage has requested


    your assistance. Go to the Icewind Wall


    and find Fabri.


    /Gemini: Floyd: This why we are here Nix?


    /Gemini: Nix: I''m guessing they are related. The Heart of Winter was an artifact belonging to the City Master of Icaraphet. It was stolen by Netiphago, the City Master of Aquarius.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Great... More dragons.


    /Gemini: Locas: I''ve never heard of either of those cities.


    /Gemini: Nix: This Neptiphago may have done something that increased the strength of both the Aquarions and the Ashobel.


    /Gemini: Floyd: A few hundred years ago, the Earth Temple was ruled by a Naga King. They were strong and held quite a bit of territory.


    /Gemini: Nix: How do you know that?


    /Gemini: Floyd: Racial memories of the Naga.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Wait... Are you a King?


    /Gemini: Floyd: Only one Naga exists at any time, we are always Kings. A Naga egg won''t hatch until the previous one dies.


    /Gemini: Chiba: So you are! Do you like older women?


    /Gemini: Floyd: I like Sorli, she is older. I find you unpleasant.


    /Gemini: Chiba: What? You don''t know what your missing, I''m absolutely beautiful.


    /Gemini: Floyd: I know. I was referring to your shitty personality.


    /Gemini: Nix: What about the Naga?


    /Gemini: Floyd: The Temple was taken by the Aquarions, the Naga king was slain, and his people were enslaved.


    /Gemini: Nix: Could be related. Were the Aquarions strong back then?


    /Gemini: Floyd: The only reference I have is that my predecessor thought them weak and primitive.


    /Gemini: Nix: A hard lesson learned about underestimating your enemy. We taught the Aquarions that same thing on the 12th floor of Mermaid City.


    /Gemini: Floyd: I won''t forget Nix.

 Chapter 272 - Heart of Winter (part three)

    Locas glanced at Nix''s armor. "I notice you are still wearing your overlay armor. Is it better than the Nether-Breaker armor?"


    "I haven''t really had a chance to look at my Nether-Breaker armor yet." Nix led the procession across the windswept ice fields. The heart of ice was only a few minutes away and he could see the thermal signature of an Ashobel waiting for them.


    "Isn''t it just a matter of putting it on?" Locas glanced down at his own Nether-Breaker armor. It was the best armor set he''d ever heard of.


    "Mine is a token." Nix linked it to him in group chat.


    Nether-Breaker Armor Token: King''s Set


    Description: The armor worn by the


    Nether King.


    "Hmm." The Ain''Dhassi ranger was nearly trampled by Chiba when he slowed to examine the token; Chiba took advantage of the misstep to move ahead of him.


    Chiba''s old face creased into a delighted smile. "You have a King''s Set? What''s that even mean?"


    "Not really sure I guess. As I said, I haven''t had the chance yet."


    /Gemini: Nix: Tharaka is straight ahead and stealthed.


    /Gemini: Floyd: Yep, I see him.


    Nix slowed down and let everyone catch up. He waved to Raka to join them.


    Tharaka has joined your group.


    Tharaka has joined the Gemini channel.


    Nix snuck a peek at Floyd, his verticle irises were the same as Fajiis. "You can see through stealth?"


    The dark-haired teen nodded. "I can''t see through yours though, no one can."


    /Gemini: Nix: This is Tharaka everyone, he''s an ally and can be trusted.


    /Gemini: Tharaka: Raka is fine, thanks Nix.


    Nix noticed that Raka was carrying a deadly looking Ice Halberd and had picked up some Ashobel armor from somewhere. Because of their natural toughness, the Ashobel fought while wearing a battle harness, heavy boots and lots of jewelry type trinkets that Nix assumed were enchanted for fighting.


    /Gemini: Nix: We have a quest for our mission.


    Nix brought up his hud. He was going to ask Raka where he picked up the Ashobel fighting gear, but then he remembered the Ashobel warrior they had examined the day before. It was obvious that he had scavenged it.


    [Breach Commander: Map Interface]


    The Breach Commander map and communication capabilities were far better than normal huds. He highlighted the point on the map labeled ''Icewind Wall.''


    /Gemini: Nix: I"ll summon our healer and then we''ll head out.


    /Gemini: Locas: I''ll keep track up so we don''t run into any surprises.


    /Gemini: Floyd: Does ''Track'' pick up stealthed enemies?


    /Gemini: Locas: Yes, but it doesn''t give a direction or distance for them.


    /Geminin: Better than nothing, at least you know you are being hunted.


    /Gemini: Locas: It doesn''t pick up your Camo at all.


    /Gemini: Nix: I''ll treat everyone''s Nether armor with it when we stop for the night.


    [Create Breach: Everspire: Colonial IceCap]


    A breach formed and a moment later their healer stepped through.


    Zinu has joined your group.


    Zinu has joined the Gemini channel.


    /Gemini: Nix: This is Zinu, she''ll be on heals today.


    /Gemini: Floyd: Welcome.


    [Whisper Raka to Nix] She''s a Krayven? Did you bring her here from Everspire?


    [Whisper Nix to Raka] Yes, initially we had some conflict but we are working toward resolving that.


    Nix heard a sound that was similar to a rockslide and realized it was Raka laughing. The Ashobel stealthed and ran off in the direction they were already heading.


    Zinu was dressed in furs, only her face was visible and it was smeared liberally with clay. She bowed politely but didn''t say anything.


    /Gemini: Nix: Let''s pick it up a bit. Lead the way Locas, I want to meet this Ice Mage.


    An hour later the group approached a sheer wall of glazed ice that seemed to rise up out of the ice field. It reflected everything that approached it.


    /Gemini: Locas: There''s no one on track Nix.


    They were only there for a moment before the ice shimmered slightly and a half dozen armed figured exited, they were all Ashobel. The one in front held up a hand to stop the others from attacking. "Hold!"


    /Gemini: Nix: Don''t attack unless they do so first.


    They smaller Ashobel in the front stepped forward, its white fur seemed much shorter than the others and the size difference was visible. "I''m Fabri, an Ice Mage of the Ashobel."


    "I''m Nix, the Fire & Air Palace Champion." Nix used the title that the Ashobel would know since he had defeated their Chieftain Glacio at the Faction event.


    "Champion Nix? Well met, Chieftain Glacio has often sung of your strength." Once she spoke it was obvious that Fabri was female.


    Nix couldn''t imagine that the Ashobel were very good singers but he nodded anyway. "Who is hunting the Ashobel? What can you tell me about Gearpin and Tipha?"


    Fabri furred face hid any surprize she may have felt. "Those names are already known to you?"


    "Yes, I''m here to stop it if I can. Although I have fought with the Ashobel in the past, I have no desire to see you erased from Colonial."


    "I will answer your questions, but first we are in the process of burying our Chieftain." Her eyes fell on Raka, she stared at him for a long minute. "Now that Glacio is dead, all the nomads have returned to challenge."


    "Glacio is dead?" Nix stole a quick glance at Raka, there was no discernible difference between him and the others.


    Fabri nodded slightly. "He was killed a few days ago, our rites are nearing their completion and then the nomads will fight the chosen for leadership."


    "What nomads? And who is the chosen?" Nix was getting frustrated with answers that created more questions.


    "Follow and I will explain." She approached him and held out her hand. "I offer you the peace of the Ashobel while you are here."


    Nix nodded slightly. "I accept, thank you. We will honor the peace you have offered."


    /Gemini: Chiba: Oh... that sounded very slick Apprentice.


    /Gemini: Nix: I am a noted diplomat.


    Floyd and Locas both started coughing as if they drank something too fast, but neither offered an explanation.


    Nix watched as Fabri stroked the flat surface of the Ice with her furred hand, a moment later it opened up to reveal a passageway. She gestured for the Gemini group to enter and they followed her through.


    "The nomads is the term for the Ashobel who didn''t want to live under the rules of the old Chieftain. Glacio ruled by spear and fang, many nomads left the 12 tribes during his reign."


    Nix looked back at Raka, who was nodding in agreement. "And the chosen?"


    "The Chosen refers to the nearest blood-relative of the old King. In this case that would be his son Gaeda." Fabri snorted in contempt, "he will not be King, there is a weakness in him."


    "I am here to fight, too long have I been alone," Raka spoke from behind them, his deep gravely voice surprising Nix.


    /Gemini: Nix: What are you doing?


    /Gemini: Raka: Starting over, if someone is to rule over me, then naturally they must prove their qualification to do so.


    The passage led directly to a large central chamber that had dozens of exits leading to smaller chambers. There were cookfires set up in the middle where quite a few Ashobel were clustered. Old and young sat together quietly, the mood in the small settlement seemed touched by despair.


    Nix had been to the funeral of his own loved ones, this didn''t feel like that. "Does everyone grieve the old chieftain?"


    "That bastard? Not even his mother cries for him." Fabri pointed to a spot next to a large fire. "Please sit."


    Nix and his group sat on fur mats that had been placed close to the fire, plates of cooked meat were presented to them along with a sour-tasting beverage that reminded Nix of buttermilk.


    After they''d eaten, Fabri started to speak. "A few months ago there was a sudden unexplained increase in the disappearance of Ashobel among the 12 tribes. After first the numbers were small, but within a few weeks it became obvious that we were being hunted."


    "By whom?" Nix was waiting for a reply when a loud howl echoed through the chamber.


    A yellowish colored Ashobel charged in, his big feet making nearly no noise as he ran toward them. "Fabri! Nuenthi is being attacked!"


    When Fabri only nodded, the Ashobel bowed once and quickly retreated. "Neunthi has already been hit twice, half of their population is gone."


    A quick glance around the camp told Nix that no one seemed to be getting ready to fight. "How far is it? Too far to travel?"


    "I can bring one team there, but it would just end in our death." Fabri shook her head slightly. "We''ve already lost two of our mages."


    Nix nodded to his team and stood up. "Send us through."

 Chapter 273 - Heart of Winter (part four)

    Fabri considered it for a moment before nodding her head. "Follow me." She led them to the eastern side of the chamber where a circle of white crystals had been carefully placed on the ground.


    /Gemini: Tharaka: Transport magic?


    /Gemini: Nix: Does that even exist?


    They stepped into the circle and Fabri touched her staff to one of the crystals.


    [Skal: Nuenthi]


    An instant later they appeared in a nearly identical circle in a much smaller chamber. The sounds of screaming and gunfire echoed throughout the chamber.


    /Gemini: Nix: Stay close enough for heals, engage individual targets.


    [Flashblade]


    Nix appeared next to three human mercenaries that were dragging an Ashobel female. Although she was bleeding badly, she was still attempting to fight them off. One slash with his red scimitar removed the head of the closest merc, the other two were impacted by a half dozen emerald strands that punched through their chests. Nix slammed them on the rock surface a few times and then cast their broken bodies to one side.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flame]


    Four Aquarions had been in the process of charging toward Nix when he flamed up, a look of panic covered their faces when they saw the green flames, prompting them to skid to an abrupt halt. An instant later the four water creatures went into full retreat mode.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix targeted the Aquarions and then brushed aside a spear that had been thrown at him. The screams of agony from the pool of flames were loud in his ears when he shifted focus.


    [Vacuum]


    The merc felt herself pulled into the air by an unstoppable force, a flash of a silver sword divided her neatly into two separate parts.


    Nix frowned at Chiba who had taken his target. "Oy... What''s up with the kill steal?"


    Chiba cackled at him, her form moving in and out of combat. "You''re taking all the good ones, Apprentice!"


    /Gemini: Locas: Someone named Gearpin is 200 meters away and closing fast on our position.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Duck appeared in front of Nix, her smiling face quickly taking in the battlefield.


    Ducky has joined your group.


    Ducky has joined the Gemini channel.


    /Gemini: Nix: We need to speak to this Gearpin person Ducky, don''t kill him unless you have to.


    Ducky nodded calmly, her silver bow in one hand.


    /Gemini: Nix: We are trying to stop an unknown force from abducting and killing Ashobel, only target Aquarions and human mercs.


    /Gemini: Ducky: I understand.


    /Gemini: Nix: Target Gearpin Ducky, I want that information.


    Gearpin looked like a dragon human hybrid that had gone especially heavy on the dragon side. He stood upright and moved like a large man, but his body was covered with hard scales. A six-foot tail trailed behind him, the end of it was equipped with three impressive-looking spikes. He closed the distance with inhuman speed.


    [Bewitch]


    Gearpin has resisted bewitch.


    [Copyright: Gearpin]


    Floyd assumed Gearpin''s form and flashed toward the original.


    [Pinned]


    Locas put an arrow through the foot of Gearpin, immobilizing him.


    Gearpin is pinned in place for 8 seconds.


    Gearpin has been slowed by 60 percent.


    Floyd advanced shockingly fast and struck a hard blow with his fist before stepping to one side to dodge a counter-attack. The Naga Trickster spun in place and slammed his tail into Gearpin''s face; continuing the movement he swept his target''s legs.


    Gearpin has been stunned.


    [Bewitch]


    Gearpin has become Ducky''s trusted ally.


    Nix dodged to one side as he became the target for several archers that had entered the fray, an instant later a chunk of ice slammed into his back and knocked him to the ground.


    You have resisted stun.


    Nix spotted the Aquarion who had attacked him, both of his hands glowed with emerald fire.


    /Gemini: Tharaka: A Breach is opening up!


    A breach appeared a dozen meters away, an instant later a woman who appeared to be wearing Ice Armor stepped through. Instantly she recognized the quality of the opposition she faced, without hesitating she leaped forward and grabbed Gearpin by the arm before disappearing back into the Breach.


    Nix and Chiba sprinted toward the closing gate, the old woman had been closer and managed to make it inside while Nix landed hard on the cavern floor.


    "F*ck!" Nix cursed loudly and rolled to his feet.


    "Nix!" Ducky was visibly upset.


    "What''s wrong? Chiba can take care of herself."


    Ducky shook her head. "She took the wrong Gearpin!"


    "What?" Nix looked around, his eyes falling on the real Gearpin. "Shit..."


    An hour later most of the Aquarions and their accomplices were either dead or involved in a desperate retreat. Locas put on an impressive display of archery, continuing to bring the fleeing enemy down long after they''d left normal bow range. Nix left Ducky and her ''friend'' sitting near one of the fires talking. His spirit companion was very good at peeling back layers without seeming too curious.


    Zinu was talking to Locas who seemed very interested in the continent of Everspire.


    /Gemini: Locas: I should like to visit this place Nix.


    /Gemini: Zinu: It can be very harsh, although my people shouldn''t have attacked Inferno, we are among the weakest inhabitants of Everspire. Our Krayven Clan is not strong.


    /Gemini: Locas: It''s fine. Inferno grows stronger every day, I will definitely see this place for myself.


    /Gemini: Nix: I''ll take you to Inferno City.


    Nix approached Ducky, smiling pleasantly at Gearpin. "Ready?"


    Ducky nodded. "I should be able to answer most of your questions."


    /Gemini: Nix: Raka, come back to the fire. We are going to find some answers.


    Raka arrived a few minutes later, with Fabri in tow. "That was Neptiphago by the way, she must have shortened her name to Tipha in the interest of anonymity."


    "That''s her?" Nix found the news encouraging, she hadn''t regained her dragon strength.


    Fabri bowed toward Nix, "thank you for coming to our aide. We were able to fight them off without losing anyone."


    Nix stared at the Ice Mage for a moment, he could sense the strength of Ice in her. "The time for the Ashobel to stand apart is gone, let us remain friends from this point."


    Fabri gave him the Ashobel''s version of a smile, which looked like a wild animal baring its teeth. "That isn''t up to me, the new chieftain will have the final say."


    /Gemini: Tharaka: I''ve decided to take part. There are four of us Nomads, we will pair off and fight, then the winners will face each other for the right to challenge the chosen tomorrow.


    /Gemini: Nix: This is sudden. Are you sure you want to take this on?


    /Gemini: Tharaka: Yes, I must grow again. Rediscover my magic and then perhaps walk the path of the Archon.


    Nix nodded to himself, satisfied with Raka''s answer. He spent years being sucked dry by the Nether Emperor, perhaps he would thrive here. He turned back toward Ducky, who was waiting patiently. "Confirm the identity of Tipha."


    "Tipha is Neptiphago, the water dragon who was once the Master of Aquarius," Ducky replied without hesitating.


    "Where is Aquarius?"


    Ducky brought up a hud and pointed to a spot about fifty miles away. "Deep below the surface, through hundreds of feet of Ice, there is a pocket of water that remains unfrozen. Aquarius is hidden there."


    "Does Tipha have the Artifact?"


    "No, she is searching for the Heart of Ice." Ducky stole a quick glance at Fabri, "she suspects that the Ashobel know where it is although she is unable to confirm this."


    Nix sighed heavily, perhaps he should have brought more people. "What''s the interest in the Ashobel? Why is she killing them?"


    "Their exposure to the artifact has changed the Ashobel. It has sunk into their bones, the same way that the dragons absorbed spectral in Core''Dium." Ducky looked to Gearpin for acknowledgment, he nodded his reptilian head.


    "We knew something like that had happened. Why take the Ashobel?"


    "The Ashobel''s unique physiology absorbs the energy of the Heart of Winter. Neptiphago has been using a special room in Aquarius to drain the Ashobel Marrow."


    Raka''s entire demeanor changed instantly. "What? What is she doing with the product?"


    "She''s absorbing it and growing stronger. Gearpin thinks that if she can find the Heart of Winter, Aquarius will rise to rule over Colonial." Ducky patted Gearpin''s shoulder. "Can you think of anything else we may need to know?"


    Gearpin nodded slowly. "There is a traitor among the Ashobel."

 Chapter 274 - Heart of Winter (conclusion)

    "You were reckless, Gearpin! Why charge in there like that? There was an Archon among them." The white-haired female started scolding him as soon as they exited the gate. "Now we''ll ha..."


    An old woman rolled gracefully out of the gate, a silver sword held in one hand. "Greetings."


    [Ghost Step]


    Chiba appeared next to Tipha, her silver sword slashing a half dozen times against the Ice Armor that protected her target.


    Tipha retreated and summoned her sword, the first clash of blade against blade told her in no uncertain terms, the old woman was a master swordsman. An ice shield formed in her off-hand, while she circled warily.


    Gearpin faked a charge at Chiba and then slammed his spiked tail into Tipha''s stomach.


    Gearpin (Floyd) has landed a significant strike.


    [Dual-Chain: Cleave]


    Chiba has followed up Gearpin''s attack with a significant strike.


    Gearpin morphed back into Floyd; the teen pursued the reeling Tipha while drawing both daggers.


    [Dual-Chain: Two Fangs]


    Floyd has followed up Chiba''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual-Chain: Master Strike]


    Chiba has followed up Floyd''s attack with a significant strike.


    Tipha has been mortally wounded.


    "ENOUGH!"


    Neptiphago has activated her bloodline.


    [Origin Form: Water Dragon]


    Neptiphago has burned life essence in order to execute her life-saving measures.


    The blue dragon roared loudly in anger before retreating from battle, leaving Chiba and Floyd alone.


    [Personal and Group Communications has been temporarily suspended.]


    Chiba put her sword away and immediately stealthed. "We should limit our exposure until Nix catches up with us."


    Floyd nodded and stealthed. "The city seems empty. Why?"


    "My guess is they are raiding the Ashobel. Let''s find someplace to hide."


    **************


    Fabri took the news without blinking. "Is it the chosen?"


    Gearpin nodded. "Yes. He believes that if he delivers the Heart of Winter to Tipha, she will use it to strengthen him and his clan."


    /Gemini: Nix: Dumb. He''s going to end up as fish-food.


    /Gemini: Locas: What''s the plan Nix?


    /Gemini: Nix: We know approximately where the city is, Chiba and Floyd will be waiting for us.


    /Gemini: Tharaka: I''d prefer to stay here and challenge the other nomads first.


    /Gemini: Nix: I agree. I can Breach you in if we need back-up.


    [Whisper Nix to Gideon] Pathfinder ready to go?


    [Whisper Gideon to Nix] We can be ready in five minutes.


    [Whisper Nix to Gideon] Get ready and stand by.


    "What are your plans Nix?" Fabri''s mood had turned sour since she had found out about the traitor. As the chosen, all he needed to say was that he is moving the Ashobel in a different direction.


    "That depends. Do you have the Heart of Winter?"


    Fabri paused for a moment and the nodded. "It''s safe since we have no Chieftain yet, I haven''t been ordered to produce it."


    [Whisper Nix to Tharaka] I''m missing a piece of the puzzle. You know something.


    [Whisper Tharaka to Nix] A very powerful Ice Soul inhabits the Heart of Winter, Centuries ago it took all twenty-five City Masters to permanently bind it.


    [Whisper Nix to Tharaka] Another Dragon?


    [Whisper Tharaka to Nix] No, something more dangerous. It took all of us to bind it.


    *****************


    "Bastards!" Neptiphago staggered into the culling room, a trail of blood marking her path. She gripped the large basin with both hands and eased herself into the ''Waters of Life.''


    Archon Aki watched while her master recovered her health. There were invaders in the city, however, she hadn''t been given any orders to start hunting them.


    The Aquarion took one last look at the basin''s occupant before taking up her post at the door. The temptation to draw her sword and try to finish off Neptiphago nearly overwhelmed her.


    The Water Dragon had appeared more than a century ago. Neptiphago was a visitor who had come with many gifts; knowledge of Water and Ice spells, blueprints on how to construct powerful artifacts and body enhancement techniques that had completely changed how Aquarions looked. The Aquarion race now closely resembled how the Water Dragon looked in her human form. These gifts that she offered came with a terrible price; Aquarion women could no longer bear female children.


    [You seem troubled Aki.]


    Her master''s voice sounded in her head like it always did. Aki''s beautifully serene face didn''t show the anger she felt. "I am worried about you Master."


    [I will be fine. You should prepare to fight. Nix has returned to Colonial and now is with the Ashobel.]


    "Nix?" Aki felt the smallest sliver of hope enter her heart. The human Fire Mage had many names among the Aquarions, all of them reflected the terror that his presence instilled. "Why would he be in Colonial?"


    [I need two hours to recover. Prepare more Ashobel for me. I will need that strength when I emerge.]


    "I shall see to it, Master."


    [Take the rest of the Archons, hunt down and kill Nix.]


    Aki left without speaking further, her thoughts lingering on Neptiphago''s last orders. Her pale face held the slightest hint of a smile. The Cora''Zai had come to the IceCap, finally, he would break the chains that bound the Aquarion race. [Cora''Zai: Reference chapter 117]


    *******************


    Locas and Zinu stepped through the Breach that Nix opened up, it led to a control room deep within Inferno city.


    /Gemini: Locas: Why are we here?


    /Gemini: Nix: I can disable Aquarius security protocols from the Inferno Interface.


    /Gemini: Locas: The ones controlling gating privileges?


    /Gemini: Nix: Those and the city defenses. This should go unnoticed until we arrive in person.


    Nix stood at the Interface in the Infusing Chamber. "Display only the System Menus that have been rebooted."


    [Inferno System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key


    "Display Master Key Menu."


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Enabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Display Direct Control Menu."


    [Direct Control Menu]


    a) Inferno: Nix


    b) Chyanama: Nix


    c) Dyrekstad: Hierophant


    d) Goralpri: Bo''raz


    e) Aquarius: Neptiphago


    d) Icaraphet: Tharaka


    f) Verynzai: Unaqoir


    "Access Aquarius."


    [A message has been sent to Neptiphago regarding the start-up procedures. She has three minutes to answer.]


    "Shit... Let''s hope she''s busy." Nix waited with Locas and Zinu, the seconds ticking slowly by until...


    [Aquarius City: Remote Controller Recognized: Nix]


    "Open Aquarius Security Menu."


    [Aquarius System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Enabled)


    "Disable City Defenses and Enable City Gating Platforms between Inferno and Aquarius."


    [Aquarius City Defenses have been disabled.]


    [Gating Platforms between Inferno and Aquarius have been enabled.]


    "Display Intercity Communications."


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    i) Personal Messaging (Disabled)


    ii) Guild and Clan Messaging (Disabled)


    iii) City to City messaging (Disabled)


    "Enable all Intercity Communications."


    [Intercity Communications have been enabled.]


    /Gemini: Nix: Knock, knock!


    /Gemini: Chiba: Nix!


    /Gemini: Nix: Incoming, where are you?


    /Gemini: Chiba: Holed up in the NW Inn.


    /Gemini: Nix: We''re enroute, be there in two minutes.


    Nix knew where the Inn was since all the Dragon Cities followed the same blueprint. He created a breach to the Inferno Platform and the trio gated directly to Aquarius.


    /Gemini: Nix: Stealth up.


    Nix activated his stealth package and waited for a moment, his glowing eyes carefully scanning the immediate area.


    /Gemini: Nix: We''re clear. Follow me to the Inn, stay close.

 Chapter 275 - Neptiphago

    A few minutes later, Nix, Zinu, and Locas entered the NW Inn. From their heat signatures, Nix could tell that Chiba and Floyd were on the 2nd floor. He breathed a small sigh of relief. "Teams back together."


    /Gemini: Nix: We''re in the dining room. What are you waiting for?


    /Gemini: Chiba: Don''t be testy Apprentice! You must really have missed your lovely Master.


    The Inn was in remarkably good shape. The shields were up and had been protecting the city from years of wear. Power was the issue. Nix pursed his lips while he considered the question. "How are they powering the city?"


    Nix turned when a hand squeezed his shoulder, Chiba bowed slightly, giving him a creepy smile. "You''re making a habit of saving me. I should thank you properly."


    "Pass." Nix glanced from one to the other, both of them were uninjured. "Brief me."


    Chiba nodded and sat on one of the stools next to the bar. Unexpectedly Locas hopped over the bar and started checking out the selection. "We kicked Tipha''s ass sideways after the breach closed. She''s a dragon by the way; we forced her to use her trump card to flee the battle. Chiba paused for a moment and gestured toward Floyd. "He''s badass by the way. Tipha didn''t realize she had the fake Gearpin, he used that to create an opening."


    Nix smiled at the Naga teen, Sharl didn''t use him enough. "Ronnie recommended that I bring him."


    Floyd''s tanned faced darkened at the mention of the archer''s name. "She did?"


    Chiba frowned at his reaction. "Are you blushing? I''m way hotter than Ronnie!"


    Floyd shook his head. "Nope."


    Locas had opened a bottle on the other side of the bar and was sniffing it carefully before he weighed in on the topic. "Not even close."


    Nix laughed at the scowling swordmaster. "It''s unanimous Chiba."


    Zinu had been watching the group''s interaction with interest, it was obvious that their banter was friendly. "Ronnie is the Dark Archer from Everspire? My clansmen are still talking about her, they say she is deadly and very beautiful."


    Chiba played with the ring on her finger, the temptation to take it off nearly overwhelmed her. "You''re covered in mud, you don''t get to say anything."


    Nix held up a hand to stop the discussion from progressing. "Do we know where Tipha went?"


    Chiba shook her head. "She disappeared and the two of us headed here."


    [Whisper: Aki to Nix] I wish to approach you without having a conflict.


    [Whisper: Nix to Aki] I will not attack someone who approaches me in peace unless they are really bad.


    [Whisper Aki to Nix] And you decide who is bad?


    [Whisper Nix to Aki] Yes.


    [Whisper Aki to Nix] I have a squad of Archons here, but I will come alone.


    [Whisper Nix to Aki] I''ll meet you in Market Square.


    [Whisper Aki to Nix] You may bring your companions if you wish.


    /Gemini: Nix: I''ve been contacted by someone named Aki. She wants to meet in the Market Square.


    Chiba looked up from the bottle Locas was showing her. "A meeting?" She stowed the bottle in her inventory, "can you hit targets in the Market from here?"


    Locas nodded. "Yes. I''ll head to the roof and provide support.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Floyd and I will stealth and tag along.


    Nix shook his head. "I will handle this."


    /Gemini: Chiba: Open a breach from here to the Market Square and leave it open.


    /Gemini: Nix: I can''t risk that, Tipha may be able to sense breach activity. Stay here Master, let the apprentice handle it.


    Chiba looked like she wanted to protest further but she didn''t. "Don''t use sword abilities on a water creature, go straight for your strength. Burn everything."


    Nix walked down the empty street towards the Market area. He noticed her from a few blocks away, standing casually in front of a fountain that was absent of water.


    /Gemini: Nix: No heat signature on this Aquarion.


    /Gemini: Chiba: That means she has ice abilities Nix, use caution.


    Nix had difficulty discerning Aquarion females from one another. Fajii was easy since she no longer resembled an Aquarion, with the exception of Mina, he often confused them. As he moved closer, he noticed a strong resemblance to Ishna.


    She bowed when he stopped a few feet away. "I am Aki. It is my honor to greet the Cora''Zai."


    Nix stared, not offering a greeting. He knew from experience that Aquarions could be deceitful if it meant they could get their hands on him. "What is the Cora''Zai?"


    Aki''s pale face showed surprise. "You have many Aquarion followers. Some even say you''ve taken an Aquarion wife. How is it possible you don''t know the term?"


    /Inferno: Nix: What is the Cora''Zai?


    /Inferno: Mina: Nix? Where did you hear that word?


    /Inferno: Nix: A powerful Aquarion name Aki said it.


    /Inferno: Mina: It''s a useless and false legend Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: So... I''m not the Cora''Zai?


    /Inferno: Mina: Definitely not.


    /Inferno: Milat: You are.


    /Inferno: Zhava: I believe so.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Yes.


    /Inferno: Mina: Stop speaking now! He is not!


    /Inferno: Fajii: Mind your words, Mina. You are my friend but I don''t take orders from you anymore.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Woah... easy there guys.


    Nix ignored the guild chatter and smiled pleasantly. "Seems to be some debate as to whether that term should be applied to me."


    Six of the Eight requirements for a World Event Quest have been completed. All potential candidates have been notified.


    [World Event Quest: The Battle for Colonial!]


    Requirement: The Inquisitor. (Completed)


    Requirement: Into the Deep. (Completed)


    Requirement: The Souza Accord. (Completed)


    Requirement: Not a casual thing. (Completed)


    Requirement: Child of Peace. (Completed)


    Requirement: Abomination Destruction. (Complete)


    Requirement: Taking Aquarius. (Ongoing)


    Requirement: The Heart of Winter. (Ongoing)


    /World Event Notification: If you were present at three of these events then you are a candidate.


    Semmi has been notified.


    Jun Li has been notified.


    Sharl has been notified.


    Ronnie has been notified.


    Pon has been notified.


    Wind has been notified.


    Hyai has been notified.


    Shae has been notified.


    /Inferno: Pon: The hell have you stepped in now Nix?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: It''s official, I''m now someone really important.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I suggest an immediate retreat, we need to approach this slowly.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Bring in Alpha Team.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Hey... We have everything here under control.


    Aki shook her head. "I realize that there could be many candidates, however, it stands to reason that the strongest will emerge and be the Cora''Zai."


    "I''m sure it''s Pon." Nix shrugged off the title, it couldn''t possibly be cooler than the Animator. "Anyway, why are you here? Besides to ruin my day with the Cora''Zai crap."


    "May I call my squad?" When Nix nodded, Aki made a gesture and five Archons unstealthed right next to them.


    /Gemini: Floyd: Oh shit.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Nix?


    /Gemini: Locas: Say the word boss, I have a one-hit ability that can take Aki down for a long time, if she manages to survive it.


    /Gemini: Nix: Stand down. It''s fine.


    "You lied." Nix stared at Aki, his yellow eyes not showing the restraint he was using. "You said you would come alone."


    "I did come alone, they only approached in the last few moments."


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    "Humor... I like jokes too." The temperature around Nix started to rise, the stones beneath him slowly heating up.


    Aki nodded and bent down on both knees when she glanced at her squad, they did the same.


    Nix stared at them for a moment. "The f*ck are you doing?"


    Aki looked up from her knees. "You must take my head. All of us actually. We are traitors and must be killed immediately."


    One by one the Aquarions next to her spoke.


    "I am Shali, my sins are many. I accept my death."


    "My name is Bu''Na, please end my life."


    "I am Vargis, I would en..."


    "Okay, stop right there." Nix interrupted Vargis before he could finish. "F*ck you idiots and the stupid shit your sprouting."


    Aki shook her head. "Each of us has an Ice artifact in our bodies, it has given us great strength but also binds us to her will."


    Nix''s scowl dropped suddenly and was replaced by an innocent smile. "An ice artifact? I know just what to do."

 Chapter 276 - Baptism

    Nix''s emerald aura flamed out for a moment, only to be replaced with Ice Flames. The stone beneath his feet that had been heating up now hissed as if in agony. "There''s only one way to remove something like this."


    Aki nodded, "I''m ready for my death." Her pale face was calm while she watched a dozen strands dangle in the air, the strands shuttered for a moment and then split into twenty-four, a blast of cold air moved outward from the Fire Mage. "Cold fire?"


    "It''s good that you''re ready." Four strands wrapped around her, picking off the ground as the pain of cold fire stole her breath away. The screams of her squad told her that they were being treated similarly.


    [Pulsar]


    Nix pulsed the strength of Ice Flames down the strands; the Aquarion mouths were frozen open in agonizing screams. The blue strands shimmered around their bodies, first freezing them solid before pulsing into Emerald flames to melt the ice. The green flames were meticulously controlled, never allowed to exist after thawing out the Aquarions.


    Chiba and Floyd arrived on the scene shortly after the screams; six Aquarion''s dangled in the air, they would scream and then freeze alternately.


    Floyd watched with interest; his own racial memories were filled with events much worse than this. "His control is amazing."


    Chiba nodded. "Finesse and strength are a deadly combination. If that boy ran amok, all of Colonial would burn."


    Locas finally left the rooftop of the Inn and joined the team at the market square. He left track on to verify that no one was close. "What''s this?"


    Chiba shrugged slightly. "A baptism, not sure the reason yet."


    The trio who were watching slowly retreated further away from Nix and the Aquarions. The temperature had become arctic cold, and everything within 50 meters of him was covered in a sheet of ice. Slowly a corona formed around each of the Aquarions; whatever armor and weapons they had equipped were destroyed by Nix''s flame cycle.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Fall back. I sense a power build-up.


    The glowing blue corona surrounding each of them brightened considerably until a wave of power erupted from them, pushing outward in all directions. Nix held onto the strands, gripping them tightly while he was buffeted like a kite in the wind. After a few minutes, the Aquarions dropped to the ground, and the strands imprisoning them evaporated.


    Aki has been slain.


    Bu''Na has been slain.


    Veta has been slain.


    Salom has been slain.


    Enri has been slain.


    Vargis has been slain.


    Nix cursed loudly, his eyes staring at the six blue coronas that were still hovering in the air above the corpses.


    He only had an instant of warning before all of them moved toward him.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flame]


    The coronas slammed into Nix, knocking him backward. However, they were repelled by the Gemini Flames. Nix held out a hand, and a dozen strands impaled them, causing a piercing screech to fill the air.


    He placed his free hand over his chest and focused on Shae. A moment later, she appeared next to him in Archon form, fully prepped for battle.


    Shae has joined the Gemini group.


    Shae has joined the Gemini channel.


    /Gemini: Nix: Destroy the Coronas Shae!


    Shae flashed towards the nearest, her twin fire blades slashing it in two. Within a few moments, all the Coronas that Nix held had been destroyed. The redhead let her swords flame out and turned back toward him.


    Nix collapsed to his knees, his strands didn''t require mana, but the pulsing did. He was utterly depleted.


    A warm hand gripped his arm and helped him up; the Salamander smiled sweetly at him. "Finally, you call me for back-up."


    "Thanks, Shae." Nix examined the destroyed coronas for a moment and then linked it in chat.


    /Gemini: Nix: Any idea what this is?


    Heart of Winter Orb [Unknown]


    /Gemini: Chiba: That was inside of them? That''s f*cking creepy as hell.


    /Gemini: Zinu: Shall I rez the Aquarions?


    Nix looked at his Everspire healer; usually, only Aquarion Matriarchs could rez Aquarions. "Can you do it?"


    Zinu nodded and moved toward Aki.


    [New Hope]


    Zinu has resurrected Aki.


    [New Hope]


    Zinu has resurrected Enri.


    /Gemini: Zinu: I have to wait a bit now. Rezzing two takes nearly all of my mana.


    Aki was on the ground; her pale eyes were streaming with tears. "It''s gone from me... Finally, I am free from it.


    "Aki? I need to know about Tipha. Is she in the infusion chamber?"


    If the Aquarion was surprised, her face didn''t show it. "Yes, she has a healing basin there that she needs to use since she is grievously wounded."


    /Gemini: Nix: Prepare to move out. I''ll bring in Morti and Ducky."


    "Two minutes Aki, tell me what has happened since Aquarius fell out of the sky." Nix tossed Zinu a mana potion and gestured for her to continue rezzing.


    "I was a powerful Matriarch of the Aquarions, one of the Elder leaders. We were much different then; you wouldn''t recognize the creatures we evolved from. Aquarius landed here, and Neptiphago made herself known to us. She brought gifts and taught us new skills and abilities. Without knowing why we slowly fell to her will."


    Nix spared a glance at her squad. "They were Aquarion Elders also?"


    Aki nodded. "Yes."


    "What does Tipha gain by controlling you?"


    The Aquarion shook her head. "Neptiphago is not my master, nor does she control us."


    "What?" Nix glanced at Chiba, who only shrugged at him. "I thought you do her bidding?"


    "No. We do the bidding of the Heart of Winter."


    "That doesn''t sound good." Nix cursed silently, wishing now he had brought Raka.


    "Tipha and her city were falling from the skies above a dangerous continent. She made a deal with the imprisoned soul."


    "So Tipha meets the Aquarions, and she''s already under the influence of the artifact?" Nix was beginning to have a bad feeling.


    "Yes, the borrowed strength that powered the city and helped restore some of her power all came from the Heart of Winter," Aki spoke softly, occasionally she would wipe her eyes.


    "This artifact is some kind of entity?" Shae placed a hand on Nix''s shoulder and joined the conversation.


    Nix nodded slowly. "It took all the Dragon Masters of the Sky Kingdom to bind it."


    "We should retreat then Nix, something like that is beyond us." Shae''s warm brown eyes showed a hint of caution.


    "I agree. Let''s kill Tipha first." Nix paused and turned back toward Aki. "How did the Ashobel get the artifact?"


    "Tipha had been controlled for many months; however, one day, she broke free of the geas for a short while and sought to destroy the Artifact. The Heart of Winter put her into a deep sleep and then instructed us to hide the Artifact deep in the ice."


    "The Ashobel must have stumbled upon it? What were you doing during all of this?" Nix noticed that ZInu was done and tossed her another mana potion.


    Aki breathed a sigh of relief when the last of her squad was rezzed. "After hiding the Heart of Winter, we sent our people away and kept watch here at Aquarius."


    "Does Tipha know that you served two masters?"


    Aki shook her head. "We told her that we hid it because it was controlling her. She was the one who figured out the Ashobel absorption."


    Nix already knew that part, Tipha was sucking out the marrow of Ashobel and slowly gaining strength. "She wants it back? Isn''t she scared of being controlled again?"


    "No, the strength she regained has made her arrogant."


    "This Artifact controlled you? Even after you hid it?"


    "Yes, it waits, and it plans. Time is meaningless."


    /Gemini: Nix: We''ll kill Tipha and then retreat for a while.


    /Gemini: Locas: Let me get this straight. It controlled a dragon, and when the Neptiphago found out, it subdued the dragon.


    /Gemini: Floyd: It sent Aki to hide it and stand guard while it strengthed the Ashobel. With the Ashobel and the Aquarions in hand, it could take over Colonial. That would still be decades away.


    "Wait here, Aki. We will deal with Tipha." Nix started to walked towards the north end of the city when Aki stopped him.


    "I am supposed to resupply her with Ashobel. If I fail to do that, she will be suspicious."


    /Gemini: Nix: Let''s take a few minutes to plan then, while I bring in more people.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Whisper Nix to Gideon] Bringing you in. Stand by.


    [Create Breach: Loki: Aquarius]


    A few moments later, Gideon and his squad stepped through the gate. Nix started a mini-raid group and invited Pathfinder to join.


    /Gemini: Nix: We''re going to move out shortly. I have a specific mission for the five of you.

 Chapter 277 - Khione (part one)

    Nix stretched his arms slightly, causing Shae to shift slightly, her soft red hair tickling the side of his face. Aki told them to relax for an hour while she prepared the Ashobel, the group was sitting in the booths at the Inn. The Salamander had fallen asleep almost immediately; it was an ability that they had in common. Nix didn''t sleep; however, instead, he was looking at their group. There was no telling how strong Neptiphago really was. If she were able to gain even a small portion of her dragon strength, the fight would be horribly short and one-sided.


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] I won both of my Nomad battles, tomorrow I will fight Glacio''s son for the leadership of the Clan.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] I''m concern about the Ashobel. The Heart of Winter has been able to control everyone around it, including Neptiphago.


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] Neptiphago probably loosened one of the bindings as some sort of bargain to try and regain her strength.


    Nix nodded to himself, according to his information, that was the most likely scenario.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] We are going to kill Neptiphago; when that happens, the Heart of Winter might try something. What kind of being was it?


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] Its name is Khione. It''s an Ice creature like me, although no one is sure exactly what kind since it used a human form when we captured her.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] And it took 25 dragons to defeat her?


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] No, it took 25 dragons to bind her once she was captured and subdued. Entire armies were destroyed during the fight.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] I would have killed it then. Why bind it?


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] We tried, she wouldn''t die.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] This feels like I''m cleaning up someone elses mess.


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] Do you need my help?


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] No. Rest and prepare for tomorrow''s battle. Good luck.


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] Thanks. You too.


    Nix woke Shae with a gentle shake.


    /Gemini: Nix: It''s time. Let''s go.


    /Gemini: Chiba: Bringing in Morti?


    /Gemini: Zinu: Who is Morti?


    Nix exited the Inn and waited for the rest of his group to catch up.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky and Morti appeared right next to each other, immediately Ducky hugged the Cave bear''s neck.


    /Gemini: Zinu: Your Titan cub is named Mortimer?


    /Gemini: Nix: Yes. Why?


    /Gemini: Zinu: We can talk about it after.


    Nix glanced at his team, he wished for a few more Gemini classes, but it would have to do.


    Tank-Morti


    DPS-Chiba: Swordmaster: Gemini Gladiator


    DPS-Locas: Ranger


    DPS-Shae: Salamander/Archon


    CC/DPS-Nix: Fire Mage: Gemini Lord


    CC/DPS-Floyd: Gemini Trickster


    CC-Ducky


    Heals-Zinu: Cleric


    /Gemini: Chiba: Too bad we''re facing one boss instead of a dozen, we''re a bit heavy on CC.


    /Gemini: Nix: A bit. I''d bring in my Arch Winds in, but we''re fighting in an enclosed space. They''d be at a disadvantage.


    **********


    "We have intruders!" Tipha eased herself out of the healing basin and instantly donned her gear. An ice ax appeared in each hand.


    Aki was just finishing putting the Ashobel in place; she had no problem moving the large white-furred bodies. "It''s Nix. We failed to capture him, and he was able to retreat."


    "Six enhanced Archons can''t deal with that group?" Tipha scowled at the Aquarion, she wasn''t fully healed yet, but her alarms had gone off as soon as Nix and his group started down the tunnel to the Infusing chamber. "Nevermind, the two of us will finish them. Have the rest of our squad cut off their retreat."


    Aki nodded. "As you wish."


    A few minutes later, Nix and his group entered the room. The Ice armored Knight faced them, Aki was next to her with a single blade drawn.


    "I am Neptiphago; perhaps you''ve entered this city without knowing who the Master was."


    "No, I am hunting you," Nix admitted.


    Tipha scoffed when Nix''s aura flamed on, the red-haired fighter next to him also lit up her aura. "Two fire creatures won''t be enough."


    "Let''s talk for a wh..."


    [Flashblade]


    Nix pushed lightning into his scimitar and scored a deep cut into Tipha''s armored shoulder, causing her to drop one of her axes.


    Nix has landed a significant strike.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    Shae aimed at the Knights feet, flashing in she struck with both blades while Tipha was still stunned.


    [Double Strike]


    Shae has scored a critical hit.


    Morti lumbered in and swatted Tipha with a gigantic paw before clamping down on her arm and pulling her towards the group.


    [Dual-Chain]


    Floyd has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual-Chain]


    Chiba has followed up Floyd''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Ice Harbor]


    Tipha has used Ice Harbor to break the chain skill.


    [Ice Block]


    Tipha''s free hand morphed into a giant block of Ice, and she slammed it into Morti''s face. When she tried to repeat the blow, a dozen emerald strands of fire circled her arm and yanked it backward.


    Nix pulled the opposite way that Morti was pulling.


    [Lance: Gemini Flame]


    Nix has scored a critical hit.


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Locas has scored a critical hit.


    Locas has scored a critical hit.


    Locas has scored a critical hit.


    [Viper Strike]


    Floyd has landed a significant attack.


    [Ice Shield]


    Tipha is immune to stunning attacks for 20 seconds.


    [Winter''s Edge]


    A blast of cold air moved in all directions.


    Nix has been slowed.


    Morti is immune to control effects.


    Floyd has been slowed.


    Ducky has resisted slow.


    Zinu has been slowed.


    Shae has been slowed.


    Locas is out of range of Winter''s Edge.


    Chiba flashed toward Tipha only to find her feet suddenly encased in Ice. She slid towards the Ice Knight who managed to break Nix''s strands and stab downward at her with a blue-colored dagger.


    The swordmaster easily blocked the attack but felt her body instantly freeze in place. She watched helplessly as the dagger descended toward her again.


    [Bewitched]


    Tipha stopped her attack a moment before she injured her long lost friend. "Are you okay, Zel?"


    Tipha has resisted Bewitched.


    A roar of anger escaped the Ice Knights lips as her quarry escaped before she could strike, her ice-blue eyes immediately found the culprit.


    Ducky had her silver bow up and was shooting arrows at Tipha; most of them were missing. She stepped backward when Tipha charged her but didn''t retreat. With Morti and Nix fighting, they''d never let their target touch her.


    A dozen Emerald Strands encircled the legs of Tipha, causing her to stumble slightly. Morti slammed both paws into her back, knocking her to the ground.


    "ENOUGH!"


    [Ice Barrier]


    Tipha has thrown up an Ice barrier between her and her foes.


    The Ice Dragon bared her teeth at the Gemini group, her breathing coming in great gasps while her blood splashed on the ground. She unstoppered a large potion. "You cannot bea..."


    Her words were interrupted as a razor-sharp blade sliced across her back.


    Aki has landed a critical hit.


    Tipha is immune to the secondary Ice damage of the Tundra Blade.


    The Ice Dragon leaped away, dodging a follow-up attack. "You treacherous Aquarion bitch! I shall free you of your mortal chains!"

 Chapter 278 - Khione (conclusion)

    Morti slammed both his paws against the ice barrier, shattering it as he charged in.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Morti has stunned Tipha.


    [Execution: Gemini Flame]


    Nix stowed his blade as a strand of Gemini Flame thickened in his grip; he sliced deeply at the neck of Tipha.


    Nix has landed a mortal blow.


    Shae was an instant behind him, striking with both of her swords.


    [Double Strike]


    Shae has scored a critical hit.


    Shae has missed.


    [Ice Field]


    Shards of Ice erupted from the ground, critically injuring everyone who has damaged Tipha.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Nix.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Shae.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Chiba.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Morti.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Floyd.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Locas.


    Tipha has landed a critical hit on Aki.


    [Ice Fury]


    Tipha has used the power of Ice to create an unblockable attack.


    Her ax cleaved deep into Aki''s shoulder, sending her skidding across the floor.


    Aki has been slain.


    [Summer''s Day]


    Zinu neutralized the crippling power of Ice and healed her group for half of their remaining health points.


    Tipha roared once in anger and spun toward Nix with her ax. "Cut off the head, and the body dies."


    [Ice Barrier]


    Tipha has thrown up an Ice barrier between her and her foes.


    She stared at them through the Ice barrier; her blue eyes were blazing with anger. Her white hair was splashed with red, several strands of her braids had worked themselves loose.


    "Don''t go anywhere." She turned away from Nix and walked toward the stacked Ashobel.


    /Gemini: Nix: NOW!!


    When Tipha reached for the Ashobel, it leaped at her, pinning her arms against her sides while sinking its teeth into her neck. An instant later, four other Ashobel jumped up and tackled her to the ground. Claws and teeth turned the floor red with her blood as Tipha screamed out in helpless rage from beneath the pile of Ashobel.


    Neptiphago has been slain.


    Five bloody Ashobel climbed to their feet, all of them howling in victory. A sudden explosion of power send them flying in all directions; the ice barrier shattered instantly. A large blue corona hovered in the air above the corpse of Neptiphago. For a moment, it stayed in place; then it slammed into the nearest Ashobel.


    Nix charged toward it, skidding to halt when an Ashobel stood up slowly. It had an aura of blue light around it.


    [Summons: Heart of Winter]


    A large crystal stone appeared in the air, the Ashobel gripped it with both hands, its deep laugh echoing through the chamber. "A body, one meant to be inhabited by others." Ageless eyes turned toward Nix. "You are?"


    /Gemini: Nix: I''m ordering everyone to retreat now. No exceptions. Rez Aki and get out of here.


    Nix paused long enough for Zinu to rez Aki before turning back to the Ashobel. "I''m Nix. The Guild Leader of Inferno."


    "I am Khione." Khione stared at him in amazement; all of his people were leaving. "I don''t intend to fight. You''ve gifted me with something valuable. In return, I shall leave this land and return to my own."


    "Sorry. That''s not something that I can allow." Nix frowned and walked slowly towards the Ashobel.


    [Archon''s Armor]


    "Even in this form, you aren''t my match. You can''t possibly beat me."


    Nix shrugged. "Pretty sure I can."


    [Ashobel Revenant: Self: Destruct]


    *********************


    Gideon opened his eyes and sat up from the bed he''d confiscated. "Damn... Pushed out of my cool-ass Yeti."


    He jumped to his feet and stepped into the hallway, passing doors as he headed toward the steps. The other members of his team were still down.


    He went down the steps two at a time, and a moment later was running toward the Grate that marked the entrance to the infusion chamber. "Dragon Cities, Yeti puppets... that guy has all the cool stuff."


    The Grate had been left open; just before he arrived, a familiar red-haired fighter stepped through. She was followed by the rest of the Gemini Group, Aki, and four Ashobel.


    Gideon didn''t see Nix among the group. "Where''s the boss at?"


    "Sorry, Gid. He ordered us to leave." The gruff voice of one of the Ashobel spoke, Gideon recognized the speech pattern as Nebs.


    "You left him in there?" Gideon looked shocked that the members of Inferno followed the order, especially the protective Shae.


    Chiba''s ugly face broke into a grin. "Don''t worry; my Apprentice will handle things from here."


    An instant later, the entire city shook with the force of an explosion. Fire and debris shot out of the tunnel, leveling everyone as it was blown upward against the inside of the city shields.


    Morti climbed to his feet and sniffed the air. "I''m gonna go back in."


    Both Ducky and Shae stepped in front of the Titan cub. The Water Witch lay a gentle hand on the bears head. "We should wait Morti."


    **************


    Nix felt a cold hand on his brow when he appeared on the Gemini altar. He looked up to see Elune sitting next to him, Mina and Fajii were standing next to the throne. "Hey, guys!"


    Elune handed him a large crystal box. "This is imbibed with the laws of fire and thunder. It will neutralize an elemental artifact."


    [Your equipment is damaged and must be repaired.]


    [You have lost two levels.]


    "Thank you, Elune." Nix stood up and grabbed the box, and motioned for the two Aquarions to follow him.


    [Create Breach: Aquarius: Infusion Chamber]


    The trio stepped through the Breach into ground zero. Most of the well-built room was intact, a dragon corpse and a square-shaped artifact were in the middle of the floor. Without hesitating, Nix used the containment box to remove the artifact quickly.


    [Do you wish to skin Neptiphago?]


    "Yes."


    [One large Ice-enhanced Water Dragon Skin has been added to your inventory.]


    Nix bent and looted the corpse.


    You have received the Ocean Trident.


    You have received the Water Crown.


    You have received the Water of Life Shard x 6


    You have received the Water Ring.


    You have received a Master Key. (Aquarius)


    "Shit." Nix cursed his luck and headed up the ramp. "We need to hunt more fire creatures."


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] What happened? Gaeda went crazy a few minutes ago; he killed three of his own clan before I was able to stop him.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] By stop you mean killed?


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] Yes.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] Did that get you in trouble?


    [Whisper: Raka to Nix] No. Fabri proclaimed it to be fair combat and has appointed me Chieftain of the Ashobel.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raka] We''ll be there in a few minutes. Few odds and ends to clean up.


    The trio exited through the open Grate and was reunited with the rest of the Gemini group.


    /Gemini: Chiba: You survive that apprentice?


    /Gemini: Nix: No way.


    /Gemini: Floyd: Did she get away?


    /Gemini: Nix: Nope. Shae, I need you to come with me.


    /Gemini: Gideon: Lost my Ashobel boss. I didn''t see that coming.


    /Gemini: Nix: No worries. I''ll give you another.


    /Gemini: Nebula: You''re giving us these puppets boss?


    /Gemini: Nix: Yes, you played a vital part. Keep in mind that you need to release them every two days, or they will expire.


    /Gemini: Nebula: Thanks, boss!


    /Gemini: Nix: No worries, Nebs. Impressive the way you bit into that thing.


    /Gemini: Nebula: Yep. I was a biter growing up.


    [Create Breach: Icewind Wall]


    Nix waited while everyone except Shae exited.


    [Create Breach: Palace of Fire and Air, Glory Island]


    "Let''s go. I want to get back so we can wrap up the quest." Nix grabbed Shae''s hand and pulled her into the Breach.

 Chapter 279 - Quick Patch ( 1 of 2)

    The couple stepped out of the breach an instant later. Nix waved at the Acolytes that approached when they entered.


    "Are we here to pick up peppers?" Shae smacked her red lips together, her brown eyes showing excitement.


    Nix kept a hold on her hand, just in case she bolted for her garden. "No, we need to deliver something deep into the ground."


    A few minutes later they entered Shae''s Elemental world. Shae glanced longingly at her garden. "On the way back we can stop?"


    Nix nodded. "This is an Ice creature Shae, we need to place her where she will be surrounded by a powerful counter-element."


    Shae gave him a quick kiss before stepping away and assuming her Salamander form. The fire around her blazed hot and she tunneled straight into the ground. "At the bottom of my Elemental world there is a Fire seed, I added to it several times since I became an Archon."


    Nix followed behind her, his Gemini Flame aura blazing brightly. They traveled downward for a few minutes before entering a large orb of molten rock. Nix took out the case containing the heart of Winter and placed it carefully. "I only place it here because it will be constantly monitored."


    Shae nodded in agreement. She would know the moment any Ice fluctuations took place in her world. "It''s where I would have recommended Nix."


    After stopping to pick up some Ghost peppers for Shae, Nix opened a breach directly to Fabri''s village.


    No one was surprised when the Inferno''s Fire couple returned. Nix and Shae joined the Gemini group that was sitting around the fire with Raka, Fabri and a few Ashobel.


    Fabri, the Ice Mage stood when he approached. "Thank you, Nix. Although the Heart of Winter has been lost to us, you have managed to save the Ashobel."


    Nix offered her a hand. "We did what we could."


    The Heart of Winter Quest has been completed.


    You are an important Ally to the Ashobel race.


    All participants receive Clawz.


    Ashobel Clawz [Faction Based]


    Must be an ally of the Ashobel.


    Description: A soft brown leather


    glove that is both comfortable and


    durable.


    Activation: Upon activation the user''s


    primary path temporarily becomes Melee


    and the gloves become the hands of an Ashobel


    warrior.


    Nix slipped on the gloves.


    [Clawz]


    His hands instantly changed into large furred hands with wickedly sharp claws. Nix held them up to show Shae, she already had her own pair on.


    Shae had a big smile on her face. "Can you fireproof these Nix?"


    "Probably." Nix noticed that everyone was trying them on. "Okay, these are pretty cool."


    Nix''s smile faded when his eyes fell on Mina. Her face showed signs of cuts and scrapes, there was some heavy bruising on one side of her face.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] What happen to Mina?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Her and Aki have had to be separated twice. Mina keeps attacking her.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Okay... What am I missing here?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] I only know that it makes Mina angry when someone refers to you as the Cora''Zai.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Thanks, I''ll talk with Mina.


    /Gemini: Jiggs: Hey boss, what happens if my Ashobel is killed while I''m using it?


    /Gemini: Nix: It dies and you get pushed out. Unfortunately, it isn''t recoverable.


    /Gemini: Gideon: This is the Oasis Taxidermy skill right? Is it worthwhile? Have you used it much?


    /Gemini: Nix: Yes. I''ve used it to break out of two Nether prisons, restore a long-dead creature to life and slay a goddess. You decide.


    /Gemini: Nebula: So... Fairly useful then.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] You should see Haven now, there''s another Mountain range, a desert, and a small sea.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Wildlife?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] All sorts of things added, I''ve seen the list, desert tigers and snow leopards!


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Maybe our river will have some bigger fish... Be back in a few minutes. Officer meeting.


    Zinu had her Ashobel gloves on, her furred hands put a bright smile on her mud-covered face.


    "Ready to go home Zinu?" Nix had forgotten that her people must be worried about her.


    Zinu shook her head. "Whenever you are ready Nix. I''ve seen so much the past day." She understood now why her Clan had been handled so easily, every member of Inferno seemed to thrive under pressure. Her eyes moved towards the dark-skinned teen, he had been watching her often with his alien eyes. She found him beautiful.


    After feasting on meat, the team said their goodbyes before Nix opened a breach. Raka stopped him and shook his hand with a huge paw.


    "Thank you, Nix. You''ve done your best for me."


    You have received the Master Key for Icaraphet.


    [Create Breach: Aquarius: Market Square]


    Nix led the progression out and then opened another gate.


    [Create Breach: Loki]


    "Okay Pathfinders, thanks for the assistance." Nix waited until they left and then closed the Breach. The Aquarions were going to stay in the city but Nix had decided to against it.


    /Gemini: Chiba: What now Nix?


    /Gemini: Nix: I want to put this city in the air, but the time isn''t right yet.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] You should talk with Mina.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] I will. Keep an eye on things here for a bit.


    "Relax at the Inn until I get back, you''re with me, Mina." Nix turned toward the Infusion entrance without saying anything further. The leader of the Souza Accord followed without saying anything.


    Mina sped up to walk beside him. "Do you need my help with this Nix?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. I can''t have you attacking Aki while I''m gone either."


    Mina''s pale face flushed slightly. "That stupid woman. She won''t stop saying it."


    Nix grabbed her hand and squeezed slightly. "Why so angry? Her saying it''s true doesn''t make it so."


    "I know." Mina untied her messed up hair and let it hang down her back. She pulled his hand until Nix was forced to stop. "The Cora''Zai is killed in the last battle Nix. There may be a lot of confusion in the prophecy, but everyone agrees with that part. The Cora''Zai is completely destroyed."


    Nix shrugged. "Then I won''t be it.


    Mina pale eyes shone with emotion as she nodded slowly. "Let''s someone else do that."


    "See? No need to get angry or fight over it." Nix shook her hand loose and continued down the ramp.


    "Hey." Mina matched his stride, a smile finally warming her face. "Don''t forget our agreement, we have a daughter to raise."


    Nix laughter echoed in the tunnel. "How can I? You remind me every few days."


    Mina nodded. "Shae said I should do that."


    "You made that up." Nix stole a glance at her.


    "Fine. I made it up." Mina frowned slightly, her thoughts going to the Archons found on Aquarius. "What are you going to do with Aki and her squad?"


    "I don''t want them to join the Aquarion population, they are Archons after all." Nix opened his Breach Commander Interface. "They will join Ishna in Oasis."


    [Direct Contact: Semmi]


    A full-body holo of Semmi popped up in front of Nix, from her appearance she was obviously fishing. "You''re late Nix!"


    "I know, killing dragons is time-consuming. You have it?"


    Semmi nodded. "Bring me in boss."


    [Create Breach: Haven: Aquarius City, Infusion Chamber]


    Semmi stepped into the chamber a moment later and offered the two occupants a bright smile. "Heya guys."


    Nix held out his hand and Semmi gave him the tiny pellet. They both watched as Nix carefully inserted the spectrum. "Don''t look so nervous, I''ve seen this done at least once before."


    The spectrum disappeared with a steady hum that told Nix full power had been restored. The City Interface hud popped up in front of him.


    [Aquarius Interface Online: Reboot all systems?]


    "No. Display all main systems." Nix didn''t know how to jump Aquarius through a breach yet, but later on he''d have to figure it out.


    "Isn''t one spectrum enough to power all 25 Dragon Cities?" Semmi was happy to be rid of the pellet, it had been nerve-wracking carrying it from the Gemini Temple.


    "Yes. However, the cities have to be in Everspire in order for me to use Inferno to bring them up." Nix would use the third spectrum for Icaraphet and then work on joining them together. "For now this city will have to remain beneath the ice."

 Chapter 280 - Quick Patch (2 of 2)

    Semmi peaked at the hud menu, she loved tech stuff. "Going to keep the name?"


    Nix shook his head. "No way."


    [Aquarius System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key.


    Nix stared at the hud while considering the possibilities. "Display all sub-menus.


    [Aquarius System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Disabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Disabled)


    c) Residential Power (Disabled)


    d) Business District Power (Disabled)


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Disabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Disabled)


    c) City Levitators (Disabled)


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Open Security Interface."


    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    "Enable City Gun Points."


    "Change the city name from Aquarius to Filamina. Open Power Grid Menu."


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Disabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Disabled)


    c) Residential Power (Disabled)


    d) Business District Power (Disabled)


    "Enable the entire Power Grid."


    "Display Transportation Menu."


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Disabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Disabled)


    c) City Levitators (Disabled)


    "This city will stay here for now, the moment we move it everyone will know it was Inferno that pulled it up."


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Enable Annonymous setting, enable Intercity Communication between Filamina and Inferno. Display Direct Control Menu."


    [Direct Control Menu]


    a) Inferno: Nix (Secondary Control: Halla)


    b) Chyanama: Nix (Secondary Control: Leva)


    c) Dyrekstad: Hierophant


    d) Goralpri: Bo''raz


    e) Filamina: Nix


    d) Icaraphet: Tharaka


    f) Verynzai: Unaqoir


    "Three down." Semmi sounded amazed. "How come you didn''t bring in Alpha team on this one?"


    "Didn''t know we were taking the city until we were here." Nix stared at the hud for a moment longer before closing it. "Floyd, Chiba and Locas were completely awesome."


    A few minutes later, the trio re-joined the group that was waiting in the NW Inn. Nix opened a breach to the gates of Loki.


    It was a short walk down to the beach from the gates. Nix waited while Fajii contacted Ishna, Mina still refused to speak with her old friend.


    A single Aquarion walked out of the surf a few minutes later, Ishna offered both Fajii and Mina a polite greeting. Her eyes widened when they saw Aki and her squad. "Archons?"


    Aki nodded and stepped forward. "We six were chosen years ago to guard a special treasure. That duty is now complete."


    "They have no place to go, and your numbers are quite low." Nix was having a hard time keeping a straight face, Mina refused to look at either of the Aquarion women.


    Aki and her squad turned toward him and bowed low. "You have broken our chains, so we will do your bidding."


    [Aki and her squad have been added to your Breach Commander Allied list.]


    Nix stared at Aki for a moment. Was it even possible for her to have a normal life again? "Become part of their community and live in peace for a while."


    He waited until they left together before turning back toward the gate. It occurred to him that he could just open a breach but for some reason, he felt like enjoying the sun. He stopped next to the gating platform and turned to face Zinu.


    Nix motioned for the rest of his team to continue through the portal. "Thanks for all the hard work Zinu."


    Zinu waited a moment until everyone left. "Nix, I believe Morti is someone very important."


    Nix smiled widely. "He''s very important."


    Zinu returned his smile but held up a hand. "Mortimer the Titan Cub has been missing from Everspire for quite some time. I''ve seen the posters requesting information. It''s only a matter of time before they find you."


    "Hmm... Someone is looking for him? In Everspire? I found him in Shangri. I''ll have to look into it then." Nix shook her hand once and stepped away.


    [Create Breach: Everspire: Krayven Clan]


    Zinu paused for a moment. "I will help you."


    "Thanks." Nix waved until the breach closed. Yawning slightly he took the gating platform to the Gemini Temple in Haven. Hyai would be making lunch, she would definitely save some for him. He stopped just outside the temple and stared at the message that popped up on his hud.


    [The following Message is viewable by Players only. Colonial is coming offline for 6 hours to apply an emergency patch. Recent events have occurred that will have cause conflicts with future Expansions. We thank you for your patience. All players will be transported to their private VR server quarters while the patch takes effect. Thank you for your cooperation.]


    [Logging Off: Colonial]


    [Logging In: Virtuna]


    A moment later Nix found himself standing in the living room of a small apartment-type room. It reminded him of the dorm rooms of the Gladis Hub.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Oh god... What is going on?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Guild chat is still up, awesome! Anyone else in a tiny apartment?


    /Inferno: Pon: I am... Are we about to get nerfed? At least the fridge is stocked.


    /Inferno: Sharl: We''ll have to wait six hours. I''m in room 101.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We are all in the 100s it looks like.


    /Inferno: Nix: The NPCs?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Only players get logged out.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m hungry and tired. Gonna sleep a few hours.


    /Inferno: Bev: What room are you in Nicky?


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m in 100.


    /Inferno: Bev: Get some sleep, Dad and I will visit you in a few hours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay.


    Nix was about to check out the bedroom when a knock sounded on his door. He opened it to a small Asian woman with short black hair that stuck straight up.


    "Nix?" The Asian woman offered him a smile. "You look enough like your avatar that I''m pretty sure it''s you. Never figured you for a blonde though."


    It was then that Nix noticed he was wearing a set of generic-looking clothes. "You are?"


    "Gideon of course, but for now call me Mai." Mai bowed slightly, her pretty face breaking into a warm smile. "I did mention that I was a female."


    Nix ushered her. "One second." He walked into the bathroom and splashed water on his face, of course, his gaming avatar would still be in Haven. This was a virtual copy of his real body. He had dyed his hair and worn colored contacts when he was scanned at Vasai Virtual in Canada.


    Mai was sitting on his couch when he returned from the bathroom. "Most people aren''t as handsome as their avatars."


    Nix took a seat on the couch and placed his feet on the coffee table. "You''re much prettier than Gideon."


    Mai laughed loudly, even her laugh sounded confident to Nix''s ears. "I wonder if we could talk about the 12 Pillar Alliance."


    Nix nodded and closed his eyes. "I guess so."


    "Yes, we can talk?" Mai frowned him. "Don''t fall asleep yet."


    Nix opened one eye. "You''ve heard that we now have two full-sized World-Seeds linked together."


    Mai didn''t bother to hide her surprise. "Yes. It must be enormous."


    Nix nodded in reply. "Very. You also want access to Haven for the 12 Pillar Alliance."


    Mai nodded. "You''re remarkably good at guessing."


    "How many NPCs does Salamander have?"


    "None," Mai admitted.


    "We have many. In fact, we have more NPCs than players."


    "Don''t say no yet Nix." Mai held up a small but well-manicured hand. "Loki is safe but it has been overrun in the past."


    Nix nodded. Inferno had worked together with the 12 Pillars to defend the Island. "I won''t allow it. Haven is a refuge for Lifestyle players and non-combatant NPCs. Although I trust you and many others in the Alliance, it presents too high a security risk."


    Mai sighed heavily. "Worth a try I guess."


    Nix watched her for a moment. Why the hell would this half-pint want to play as a man? "There''s a World Seed quest available in Phai City."


    "I know. I also know that it is impossible."


    Nix shrugged. "You''ll have the might of the 12 Pillars behind you."


    Mai''s pretty face showed a slight smile. "Including you and Inferno?"


    Nix climbed to his feet and walked toward the bedroom. "Yes. Going to sleep now Mai."


    Mai didn''t answer, but also didn''t make a move to leave. Instead she leaned back on the couch. "My room is a long walk and I''m too lazy to leave."


    Nix yawned, "if your snoring keeps me up, you''re out of here."


    Mai''s laughter carried through the walls. "Very funny."

 Chapter 281 - Everspire Expansion

    "This your girlfriend?" Bev pointed to Mai, who was sleeping on the couch. Nix had slept for a few hours and then woken up. He had covered the Asian girl with a blanket from the bedroom.


    "Yep."


    Mai''s laugh from the couch told them that she was awake. "In your dreams."


    Nix considered the statement for a moment before playing. "I have three girlfriends in my dreams, oh and ''last domino''."


    "Damn you!" Pon''s southern accent didn''t match up with his old man persona. Pon was actually a 35-year-old Texan with a thick head of brown hair.


    Pon, Jun Li, and Semmi had shown up together a few minutes after Nix''s family. The six of them were seated around the dining room table playing a domino game called ''Mexican Trains.''


    Nix was trying not to stare at Semmi and Pon. Real Semmi was a tiny blonde named Samantha; she was funny and extremely quit-witted. The two obviously had a bit of real-world chemistry. Jun Li was a tall, athletic woman. Her face seemed average, but when she smiled, Nix had decided that she was pretty.


    "The two of you look exactly like your avatars." Jun Li was flipping over dominoes while they restarted the game.


    Bev nodded. "None of us knew anything about VR gaming, so we were complete noobs."


    "Seen Ronnie or Sharl?" Pon said it while hiding a smile.


    Nix shook his head. "They haven''t stopped by.


    "Yeah... they''re super hot." Semmi opened a can of soda and poured it into two glasses before sliding one to Jun Li.


    Jun Li nodded in agreement. "Scandinavians, if you can believe it, blonde hair and blue eyes."


    Nix made a face. Somehow he didn''t want to see that version of Ronnie, his image of her as dark and sexy had to be preserved. "At least Gideon looks the same."


    Pon nodded. "I always thought he fought like a woman."


    "The hells that mean?" Mai finally moved from the couch; her dark hair was still standing straight up. There was no way anyone would ever confuse her with her Assassin Avatar Gideon, her easy-going manner brimmed with confidence.


    "Soon as you told me you were a female, it all made sense," Nix admitted.


    Mai walked pass the group and peeked in the fridge; it was stocked with all kinds of beverages. "How''s that?"


    Nix leaned back in his chair and snuck a peek at his dad''s dominoes. "You regularly go for the groin while fighting, totally against the man code."


    Semmi laughed at the comment. "Wait... Isn''t there an infamous move called the Woodcutter where you relieved someone of their equipment?"


    Nix frowned at the tiny blond. "He was a demon and completely naked. Not the same."


    "Nope, not the same," Pon agreed.


    ***********


    The clock counter on Nix''s hud told him there were only a few minutes left until Colonial went back online. The group was still seated around the table, Mai had pulled up a chair from the bedroom desk.


    "What do you think was nerfed?" Pon had been worried about it since they were logged off. Apparently, his concern had to do with several black market items in his inventory.


    Semmi considered the comment for a moment. "I think it''s the death of Khione. We all get a quest saying any of us could be the ''General'' in a battle for Colonial, and then you guys kill Khione."


    "Does that mean this was out of sequence?" Jun Li had been playing Colonial the longest; she had never heard of anything like a live-patch.


    Nix thought back to Hyai, who had been making dinner when the patch hit. What if she was gone? Or if Shae didn''t exist?


    Mai had been watching Nix''s expressions change. He had more virtual friends than any gamer she''d ever met. She wanted to say something to comfort him, but it felt awkward.


    Jun Li reached across the table and squeezed his hand; apparently, his friends also picked up on his concerns. "Don''t worry, Nix; we''ll relog into the exact moment we left. Our NPC friends will still be there."


    [Logging Off: Virtuna]


    [Logging In: Colonial]


    [Patch Notes: In an Epic battle beneath the frozen Tundra of Colonial, the Inferno Guild suffered a significant loss. Khione struck down their Guild Leader, and the two of them disappeared into a rift created by the Ice Goddess. ]


    [A file labeled Read Me has been sent to your hud.]


    Jun Li invited all the Player Officers to her vineyard home, oddly enough only Semmi had ever been there before since Inferno tended to congregate wherever Nix was. Behind her house, there was a large patio with a long table for entertaining. No one was in a festive mood. Ronnie sat with her arms crossed, her dark eyes already blazing with anger.


    [Jun Li has created the Vineyard channel]


    Semmi has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Pon has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Wind has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Banzi has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Chael has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Nansu has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Tess has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Sharl has joined the Vineyard channel.


    Ronnie has joined the Vineyard channel.


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: I''ll bring up the Read-Me file, and then we can go from there.


    Read-Me [Inferno: Vice Leader Jun Li]


    Several adjustments had to be made in order for our future expansion to be released properly. We regret this matter and recognize that it is unfair to the Inferno Guild. As compensation, all Inferno members are granted a complimentary 5-year Deep Stay. This can be used at any time and will never expire. All members of Inferno have been raised to level 125, the minimum level now required to enter Everspire. The Gemini Gate Platform in Haven now includes the starting city in Everspire. Additionally, all fees related to crafting and gate travel will no longer be charged to Inferno members.


    All NPC memories have been adjusted to reflect the new sequence of events; please speak with them at length to fully understand the changes.


    [Re-Edited Events of the Heart of Winter.]


    Nix, Semmi, Pon, Wind, Jun Li, and Tess spent several days investigating the disappearance of the Ashobel in the Polar Icecap. During this time, Nix was able to place Tharaka into the body of an Emperor Ashobel doll that he created with Taxidermy. Tharaka assumed leadership of the Ashobel and accompanied the Team to Aquarius.


    Inferno defeated Neptiphago, and Nix used the city Interface to establish control of the Aquarius. Aki and her squad of Archons were sent to Loki by Nix. After leaving Aquarius, Inferno traveled with Fabri to destroy the Heart of Winter artifact.


    The heroes journeyed toward a cavern a few miles from Cyphix, where the Heart of Winter was kept. When they attempted to destroy the artifact, Khione, the Goddess of Winter, manifested. In a hard-fought battle, Khione was on the verge of being defeated when she managed a sneak attack on Nix that temporarily stunned him. She took advantage of that moment and struck down the Inferno Guild Leader. Before the rest of the Team could finish her, she opened a rift and disappeared. The rift remained open, but no sign of Nix could be found.


    Pon stood up and slammed his hand on the table; his old face was beet red as he shouted several incoherent sentences that were devoid of anything but cusswords.


    /Vineyard: Wind: Answer to the question on how to beat Inferno, you rewrite the ending.


    /Vineyard: Ronnie: Is this some horrible joke? Are they f*cking kidding? Who cares about a few levels? Or some fees?


    [Player Message Only] Welcome to the New Everspire Expansion. You may start a new character at level 125 to adventure in the fabled dragon origin world of Everspire. There is now an entrance to Everspire North of Cyphix; you must be level 125 to enter. Be sure to explore with caution; you will have to earn new gear and weapons, none of your old equipment can pass through the rift into Everspire. All Experience points in Colonial and Oasis have been doubled.


    /Vineyard: Tess: Guys... Listen, this is just a minor bump. Inferno has just become part of Colonial Game Lore. It''s a huge nod to us that they handled it this way.


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: That''s a good point. Nix is missing, but he has to be somewhere in Everspire.


    /Vineyard: Semmi: I spoke with Hyai before coming here. Ducky, Morti, Fey, and Shae were also part of the Khione fight. That was left out of the Read-Me. Apparently, they were all slain.


    /Vineyard: Pon: F*CK! The f*cking hell are they trying to pull? He can''t summon any companion help?


    /Vineyard: Wind: His companions will be down for 3-days. He just has to lay low.


    /Vineyard: Ronnie: Lay low? Have you met Nix?


    /Vineyard: Pon: Wait... He has those flying thingies. Arch Winds!


    Jun Li shook her head and pointed to a large chest sitting by her backdoor.


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: I received a Guild Notification that this trunk has all of Nix''s gear in it. Those Arch Winds are summoned with a bracer.


    /Vineyard: Pon: Oh for f*cks sake. Is this a nightmare? Did they handcuff the boy too? Make him wear a blindfold?


    /Vineyard: Sharl: I get it. They are trying to slow down the expansion. From what Nix says, the harder areas of Everspire are hazardous. Players will rush to the starter city, but it will take a long time to gear up.


    /Vineyard: Semmi: Nix has control of Inferno City, think about it. A dragon city high above Everspire. They let us discover Everspire to usher in the expansion, but they have to slow us down.


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: Everspire is enormous, bigger than Oasis, and Colonial combined. They''ll be a rush of noobs starting ''instant 125s.'' The rest of Colonial will be scrambling to level up.


    /Vineyard: Ronnie: Hey... Going through the rift in Cyphix causes you to lose all your gear. Will the same thing happen if we use the Gemini gate to enter?


    /Vineyard: Sharl: They had to put this patch together fast, could they have f*cked up?


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: Only one way to find out.


    /Vineyard: Semmi: The eight of us and Fajii will go.


    /Vineyard: Nansu: Include me, please. I''m a lifestyle player, but I can investigate the town and gather whatever intel is available from local sources.


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: Good enough. The 10 of us will find Nix.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Fajii, would you be available to come with a Scout team to investigate Everspire?


    /Inferno: Fajii: Yes. When are we leaving?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: First thing in the morning.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Mina has already gone through the gate; she is no longer in contact.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Understood. See you in the morning.

 Chapter 282 - Titania Forest

    Nix opened his eyes slowly, the morning sun was shining directly into his face. The pleasant sound of running water somewhere nearby made him turn his head. "I''m outside?"


    [Player Message Only] Welcome to the New Everspire Expansion. You may start a new character at level 125 to adventure in the fabled dragon origin world of Everspire. There is now an entrance to Everspire North of Cyphix, you must be level 125 to enter. Be sure to explore with caution, you will have to earn new gear and weapons, none of your old equipment can pass through the rift into Everspire.


    "A rift North of Cyphix?" Nix sat up, one hand raised to shield his eyes from the sun. A read-me file popped up onto his hud without him activating it.


    [Guild Leader Nix]


    Unfortunately, the recent performance of Inferno was beyond our estimations and your team was able to win a fight that was supposed to be lost. This has caused us to make several adjustments so our new expansion could be launched seamlessly. Please take the time to read the re-edited version of the Khione fight.


    Currently, you are the only player in Everspire, although many more will be joining you in the days to come. We''ve had to create several obstacles to slow your progression. We are aware that this is somewhat unfair, however, we are also aware that your current base stats are impossible for a Colonial player. In exchange for your cooperation, your stats will remain how they are. Additionally, you''ve been given an important quest.


    1) Your Guild privileges have been temporarily disabled.


    2) All of your gear has been removed. (This happens to everyone who comes through the rift.)


    3) Your Spirit Companions were slain in the Khione battle and may not be summoned for five days.


    4) You''ve been placed in the Forest of Titania, far from the nearest major city.


    5) Your Breach Commander and Archon abilities are temporarily disabled by a curse.


    6) Personal messaging has been disabled until you find someone on your friend list.


    7) Your new binding point is on the banks of the river you woke up next to.


    Nix took a few minutes to read everything, he reread it a second time to get a better feel for his situation. "So... I''m wearing basic leather clothes. I don''t have a weapon and my companions are gone for five days instead of three."


    Quest: Curse of the Ice Goddess


    Objective: Find your way to the starter city


    of Ever Flame.


    Nix took a moment to check his stats.


    Nix [Race: Human/Salamander Hybrid] (Cursed By Khione)


    Level 125


    Archon: [SubClass: Breach Commander] (Disabled)


    [Class Skill] (Disabled)


    Direct Communication


    Detect Disturbance


    Summon Allies


    Create Breach


    Dual Wield


    Tactician


    Inspire


    Last Stand


    Strength 265


    Endurance 277


    Intelligence 65


    Dexterity 87


    Perception 89


    Agility 55


    Mana 34,500/34,500


    Cold Resistance 250 [Ice Blessing Tier II]


    Fire Immunity


    Emerald Flame Strands 100 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    Josori''s Stealth [Champion''s Ability]


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Weapon Skills:


    Primary: Path of the Fire Lord [Salamander]


    Secondary: Spellsword


    Support Skills:


    N/A


    Primary Path Skills [Advanced]


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm [Fire]


    Combustion [Fire]


    Comet Strike [Fire]


    Lance [Elemental: Fire, Air, Ice]


    Gemini Bond [Gemini]


    Critical Chain [Gemini]


    Tides of Flame [Nemesis]


    Incinerate [Nemesis]


    Balefire Burst [Nemesis]


    Archon''s Armor [Nemesis]


    Flashblade [Archon]


    Execution [Nemesis]


    Fire Burst [Fire, Air]


    Flame Throw [Fire, Air]


    Vacuum [Air]


    Gusting Flames [Fire, Air]


    Null [Air]


    Secondary Path Skills


    Flame Blade


    Flight of the Gryphon


    [Spirit Animal 4/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Witch] (5-Day Penalty)


    3: Fey [Drakon] (5-Day Penalty)


    4: Mortimer [Titan Cave Bear] (5-Day Penalty)


    Skills:


    Saboteur 211/500


    Taxidermy 402/500


    Tailor 500/500


    Fishing 109/500


    Nix waded into the water, the rocky bottom of the river was slick with moss. "Big mistake, overlooking my girl."


    [Summons: Soup]


    Soup flapped a fin loudly on the surface of the river while Nix rubbed her smooth green head. "Everyone underestimates a turtle. Am I right?"


    "We''ve been temporarily nerfed Soup." He climbed up on her shell and sat comfortably while he opened up a local map. His access to the Everspire map was grayed out. "The local map shows a lake, lets head downstream and check it out. Stay above water, I don''t have my aquatic gear."


    Nix sat leisurely on Soup''s back, not really concerned that he''d been given the shaft. The sun was warm on his face and the scenery was nice. The Titania Forest was made of mostly of large fir trees that resembled redwood. They were a few hundred feet in height and offered shade to the ground below. Over the course of half an hour, Nix saw several deer and a few smaller predators.


    It took three hours to enter the mouth of the river, although the stream was somewhat small, the lake it fed into was quite large. A single column of gray smoke rose slowly upward from the shore of the lake. A large wooden building built onto a sturdy looking dock was visible in the distance.


    Nix had Soup bring him to shore so he could approach on foot. "Stay hidden for now Soup, might have to use you to do some hunting."


    The building was much further away than Nix had guessed. Nearly half of the structure was supported by the dock while the rest was built onto the shore. It was a sleek looking building made entirely of a red-colored wood. There was a large wrap-around porch at encircled first floor, an old man could be seen sweeping the dust from the steps.


    Nix noticed the sign almost immediately. It read ''Iron Pike Trading Post.'' He scuffled his feet loudly a few times so the old man would look up before he arrived.


    Sitting the broom to one side the man moved toward the door and stopped. The old man waited until Nix was within hearing range. "Morning Traveler. Welcome to the Iron Pike."


    It was about this time that Nix realized that he didn''t have any credits. "Morning, I''m Nix. What kind of items do you trade here?"


    The old man had a full head of gray hair, although he was wrinkled with time, his broad shoulders gave evidence that he could still take care of himself. He wore leather armor and had a shortsword buckled around his waist. Off to one side, a short bow and quiver of arrows were hanging from a nail on the wall.


    "Well met Mr. Nix. Folks just call me Hoot." Hoot opened the door and held it for his lone customer. "Got lots of different items, take a look for yourself.


    The trading post was basically a general store, it had a little bit of everything. A large brown pelt acted as a floor carpet. Nix didn''t recognize the animal, but it had to have been large. "What kind of beast is this from?"


    "Lake Otter, vicious critters that would just as soon eat you. Course we''ve cleared out the shallow areas, but we get the occasional straggler in from the depths."


    Nix spend a few minutes browsing the shelves. Hoot had moved behind the counter and was keeping an eye on him. "What items will you trade for? Do you have credits?"


    "I don''t sell anything for credits, everything here is barter only. I''ll take any kind of pelt you can bring in. I''ve got a smoker, so I''ll take fish or meat off your hands also. If you want to exchange credits, you''ll have to go into Bachoni for that."


    Nix found several items he needed. A skinning knife, sewing kit, sleeping bag, and a small ax. "Bachoni? Is that a city?"


    Hoot nodded from his chair behind the counter. "In the middle of the Lake. Can''t see it from here though. They send a boat out this way once a week or so."


    "Anything I should know about Bachoni?"


    The old man stared at him for a moment and lowered his voice, even though there was no one else around. "I don''t see a weapon on you son. That usually means one of two things. You''re someone who doesn''t fight or you''re a mage. None of my business, either way, Mages aren''t very popular in these parts; especially Fire Mages."


    Nix smiled casually. "Thanks for the info, I''m a hunter. Just had a run of bad luck lately."


    "Been robbed?"


    The question made Nix chuckle. "You could say that."


    "Seen you looking at that skinning knife. There''s a bit of firewood out back that needs splitting. You handle that for me and I''ll give you the knife and the sewing kit."


    Nix nodded. "Deal."


    Iron Pike Quest.


    Objective: Split firewood


    for Trader Hoot.


    Reward: Skinning knife and


    sewing kit.

 Chapter 283 - Making Ends Meet

    Nix found the pile of wood next to the far side of the trading post. Conveniently there was an ax leaning against it.


    It was a few hours worth of work; the sun was climbing past mid-day by the time he finished splitting. He took a few extra minutes to stack it neatly before he headed back in.


    Hoot was stocking shelves with canning supplies. "Fair bit of work, Mr. Nix. Thanks for stacking it."


    Iron Pike Quest completed.


    A hunting knife has been placed in your inventory.


    A sewing kit has been placed in your inventory.


    You have gained experience points.


    "No worries. When does the next boat from Bachoni come?"


    "Tomorrow around mid-day. They won''t charge anything for passage if you''re in a rush to get there, head north along the shore. There''s a ferry about five miles from here; they''ll charge you 50 credits for the trip."


    "Hmm... Thanks, Hoot, I''ll wait." Nix waved at the older man and then exited the trading post. He retraced his steps back to the mouth of the river and called Soup.


    Nix stood in the shallows of the river, rinsing off the sweat he worked up splitting wood. "Think you can find me an otter Soup? There are some big ones in the Lake." He rubbed the turtle''s head while he spoke softly, a moment later, the sea turtle turned back toward the Lake and disappeared beneath the surface of the water.


    It took nearly an hour before Soup returned. He dragged a sizeable black otter from the depths of the Lake. I looked to be nearly ten feet in length and probably weighed a few hundred pounds. It was equipped with dangerous-looking claws and exaggerated fangs.


    "Good job, girl." Nix took a moment to examine Soup; there wasn''t a mark on her. "Hide in the lake for a bit while I''ll get a few things."


    The Otter was too big to pick up and carry, so Nix walked along the shore while dragging it through the water. Hoot saw him coming and walked to the railing.


    The Trader whistled loudly. "That''s a big one. It looks like it was in some sort of territorial fight."


    There were several deep gashes from Soup''s beak. "That would be my guess. Let''s make a deal for the meat."


    Hoot helped Nix pull it onto the dock. "It''s a big black one, must have been a hell of a fight. What you want for it?"


    "I''ll trade you half the meat for some canning supplies and that fishing pole."


    Hoot nodded. "Done. There''s stone between the eyes of the bigger otters. They can be pretty valuable."


    Nix took out his skinning knife. "Did you want to trade for it?"


    Hoot shook his head. "I''ve got nothing in the post worth that much. Just telling you, so it doesn''t get wasted. You finish up; I''ll get my smoker ready."


    "Sure."


    [Do you wish to skin and Elite Black Lake Otter?]


    "Yes."


    10 Elite Lake Otter pelts have been added to your inventory.


    Nix used his knife to dig out a red stone from between the Otter''s eyes.


    Water Ruby


    Description: A beautiful


    red stone.


    Additional Description:


    Underwater Breathing.


    "Is it an Underwater breathing stone?" The old man sat a large box of canning supplies next to Nix. "The red stones are always water enhancements."


    "Looks that way. Will it sell for a good price in Bochani?"


    Hoot shrugged. "Those stones are fairly rare; the problem is no one is interested in going in the waters of this Lake. I''m guessing about 500 credits; one otter pelt is worth twice that."


    Nix canned half of the otter meat and then helped Hoot bring the rest to his smoker. "Going to make jerky?"


    Hoot nodded. "Jerky always sells fast."


    ****************


    The members of Inferno stood in the market square, waiting for the lines to go down. Several quests had to be done as part of the Everspire Introduction. The starter city was called Ever Flame. Three quests had to be completed in order for you to leave the city.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Soon as we hand in this last quest, we can leave the city.


    /Inferno: Wind: Did you see the cut-scene of the Khione battle?


    As part of the Everspire Introduction, the last battle against the Ice Goddess was played for everyone to see. It was completely inaccurate on many different levels. However, it did make the Inferno members look heroic.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Can we change Gear now?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No.


    Inferno had discovered that their private entrance to Everspire didn''t strip them of their items. Whether this was planned or accidental, Jun Li had insisted that everyone keep their real Gear stowed away until they were far away from Ever Flame.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Did you bring some gear for Nix?


    /Inferno: Pon: Punk Bastard.


    /Inferno: Nansu: What?


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s just jealousy talking Nan, don''t worry about it.


    /Inferno: Pon: You should see what''s in that trunk. That punk has more Gear than all of us combined.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: He does have some nice things.


    /Inferno: Nansu: I found a small library next to city hall. No flying mounts can be used in Everspire.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Of course. What about an Archon like Nix?


    /Inferno: Nansu: No idea.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Disabled, I bet. Or else he''d fly here, and we''d take over the continent.


    /Inferno: Pon: Which we''ll do anyway.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sure, but it will take a bit longer.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Any word from Mina yet?


    /Inferno: Fajii: No. She isn''t answering messages.


    Jun Li frowned and turned toward the shop keeper who sponsored her quest. She received leather armor as a reward. NPCs like Mina weren''t offered quests; she had probably walked right out the front gate without being stopped.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: After questing all morning, I''ve received a shitty bow, leather armor, and three credits.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It''s definitely a starter town.


    /Inferno: Nansu: They have horses for sale at the stables. 5000 credits each.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Since most players were stripped of their credits coming through the rift, it could take weeks to get that much.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let''s hurry up. I want to be on the road in an hour.


    **************


    Nix sat comfortably on Soup''s shell, more than a mile from the Iron Pike Trading post. It was barely visible from his spot on the Lake, the city of Bachoni was nowhere in sight. "Must be a big-ass lake, Soup."


    He was using the crafting Interface, more than anything else, he needed Gear. All of Nix''s old blueprints were available, but none of his crafting material.


    [Otter Aquatic] [Material: Otter Pelt] [Enhancements: Water Ruby] [Needle: Standard metallic][Thread: Black weaved]


    [Craft Otter Aquatic?]


    "Yes." Nix smiled to himself. "At least those damn fees are gone."


    [Critical Crafting]


    Otter Aquatic


    Description: Enhanced


    Underwater Gear that specializes


    in speed and maneuverability.


    Special Enhancement: Underwater


    breathing.


    + 300 to Swim Ability.


    Nix slipped the aquatic Gear on and eased himself into the water.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    [Josori''s Stealth]


    "Stay close, Soup." Nix submerged quietly; a warm bubble of air settled around his face, making it possible to speak and breathe without any issues.

 Chapter 284 - Dark of Night

    "T-Take it! Of course, you can have it!" Lux''s voice shook when he spoke, the stench of his soiled pants made this a day he was already planning on forgetting if he survived. The Loutian road was the easiest way through the mountain pass that isolated Neva from the rest of Everspire. The Neva province marked the far southern point of Everspire, its only city of relevance was Ever Flame.


    Pale alien eyes ignored the man who had attempted to rob her, he should have paid closer attention to her mount who now had him pinned down beneath its razor-sharp claws. Mina stared at the map the man had been carrying. There was no map of Everspire on the huds of new arrivals, it would slowly fill in as you explored the continent. "How accurate is this map?"


    "I drew it myself, it''s an exact replica of the lower provinces." Lux''s words were ragged, the serenely beautiful woman had cold eyes. He secretly swore he''d no longer try his luck on the ''Pirate Road'' if she let him go.


    "According to your map, this pass exits Neva and there are four provinces through the mountains; Dhou, Mocai, Vespri, and Lana." Mina folded the map carefully and stowed it in her inventory. "I need to find a large city, a central area to conduct a search."


    "Free Trader''s City!" Lux spoke desperately trying to buy some of her goodwill. "All four provinces converge there, it''s the largest city in lower Everspire."


    Mina nodded to herself and had her Vilas back away, however, three more appeared out of the underbrush and surrounded him. "I can''t let you live of course," her voice was cold and emotionless. "My friends will eventually come this way, I should remove any possible dangers from their path."


    "WAIT!" Lux screamed when the Vilas closed on him. "I know an expert! They can find anyone, no matter where they''ve gone! Y-You''re looking for someone right?"


    "Yes," Mina admitted.


    "My life for the name of someone who can help! I''m a horrible person who has lived a life of debauchery and sin! Let me redeem myself!"


    "I accept."


    "Nonoa lives in the Free Trader City! Ask for her in the Market. She tracks people down for credits!"


    "Nonoa?" Mina considered it for a moment before ordering her Vilas to retreat. "You''ve bought your life."


    Lux watched her ride away, she didn''t threaten him further but left without saying anything else. His body shook as he started weeping. Somehow the gods had favored him by letting him escape certain death.


    ************


    Nix held onto Soup''s shell as they descended into the depths of the Lake. His thermal vision showed that the dark depths were teeming with life. Several Lake Otters started to approach but quickly veered off and retreated when they sensed the Sea-Turtle. "Looks like you have some fans Soup."


    The lake was the deepest he had ever heard of, they had traveled nearly half a mile down before the first signs of vegetation started to show. The lake bed was a rock-filled mixture of valleys, ravines, and steep inclines.


    A sudden flash of blackness warned Nix that a predator had found them.


    [Sonic Boom]


    Soup has stunned a Clandestine Otter.


    [Lance: Gemini Flame]


    Nix flashed toward the otter and sunk his lance deep into the throat of the attacker. Soup grabbed the stunned animal by the head and wrenched suddenly.


    A Clandestine Otter has been slain.


    "Turtle power!" Nix pulled his skinning knife. The otter was about fifteen feet in length.


    [Do you wish to skin a Clandestine Otter]


    "Yes."


    24 Clandestine Otter Pelts have been added to your inventory.


    Nix used his knife to dig out the stone from between its eyes. It was a clear stone roughly the size and shape of a marble.


    Serrated Stone


    Description: A clear stone of


    great beauty and elegance.


    Additional Description:


    Your first attack is undetectable.


    [Can the Clandestine Otter Meat?]


    "Yes."


    45 cans of Clandestine Otter Meat have been added to your inventory.


    "Clandestine? Was that bastard stealthed Soup? Or did we just miss him." Nix moved closer to the massive sea turtle.


    The duo continued to explore, no more of the hidden dangers decided to test them. Soup chewed on some of the nearby vegetation while Nix investigated the immediate area. One particular object caught his attention.


    Nix stared at the dome-like structure. "That look like a building Soup?"


    The sea turtle drifted closer, without a doubt to guard him. Nix kept a hand on her shell while they moved closer. A perfectly round entrance that was roughly his height. He placed a hand on the smooth surface and then swam inside. The inside of the domed room had splined ridges on the ceiling and floor. Another entrance was in view directly across from the first door. After a few minutes of exploring he exited through the original door and rejoined Soup.


    "It''s odd. There''s no other structures or anything, but something like that doesn''t occur natur..." Nix stared at the dome for a few moments, then glanced back at Soup. "Holy shit Soup."


    A few minutes later the two made their way back to the surface, the sun was just starting to set so Nix climbed up on Soup''s shell to use the last warmth of the day to dry off. He drifted off for a bit and when he woke it was completely dark.


    "Stay in the water tonight Soup. I''m going to find a tree to sleep in."


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    The emerald salamander yawned widely and started inspecting the nearby trees for a suitable place to rest. Within a few minutes, Nix found a large tree that had a waist-thick branch shooting out of it about halfway up. He scampered effortlessly up the rough bark and found a comfortable position to sleep.


    **********


    A few miles to the north, the scout of the pack turned toward the moon and howled. The scent of blood filled his nostrils as his lonesome summons echoed in the night air. The Dire wolf was the size of a warhorse. It had endless endurance and teeth that were made for tearing flesh from bone. Three dozen of them had spent the last hour running their prey to ground.


    The man finally made a mistake, the long strides that had been maintaining his lead shortened when he saw that his path ended in a natural rock wall that rose up a hundred feet out of the forest. He cursed silently before bringing out his weapon.


    The scout wolf made a mistake and was killed instantly by a single strike from his hammer. The fighter wore heavy plated armor and wielded five feet of hammer that weighed more than a hundred pounds. He quickly retreated and placed his back against the wall.


    The fight carried into the night, Dire wolves would charge from multiple directions before retreating. A handful of dead wolves littered the ground around him however, they had managed to inflict a handful of wounds on him that were bleeding steadily.


    "You''re all bitches!" He spat blood at them through his bared teeth. His lean brown face showed no fear. They retreated a few meters, giving him a brief respite. His short brown hair was red from blood and although his breath came in deep heaving gasps, there was no quit in him.


    The end came in a sudden charge from multiple sides, the pack Alpha, who was nearly double the size of the other wolves clamped down on his wrist and sent his only weapon flying into the air. Several jaws clamped down on him, tearing flesh and sending his blood spraying everywhere.


    Jaro screamed in frustration, his vision darkening while his lifeblood spilled onto the ground.

 Chapter 285 - Hammered

    Jaro didn''t know regret or fear, he felt only anger at not being able to complete his mission. A thunderous boom that was echoed by the frightened whine of wolves suddenly filled the night air. A second booming crash and the pressure of bodies holding him down disappeared.


    "Here we go!" Nix took a two-handed swing at an escaping Dire Wolf, launching him several feet in the air. Lightning crackled down the length of the hammer as he spun and slammed another one into a paste.


    He switched the hammer to one hand, and a half-dozen flame strands caught two fleeing wolves, he yanked them backward and then batted them out of the air. Nix ruthlessly finished them off and spun around for more. A disappointed look on his face when he discovered that they had all gone.


    Jaro climbed unsteadily to his feet. He stared at the armorless man, even in the night his yellow eyes glowed. "Thank you for helping me. I''m Jaro, from the Nescari settlement."


    Nix was only half-listening to the person speaking. He smiled at the hammer that was crackling with lightning. "Thor, God of Thunder."


    "Thor? A God?" Jaro bowed deeply, "I have been looked upon with great favor. It is..." He trailed off when Nix held up a hand.


    "I wasn''t being serious. I''m Nix. Just a regular dude." Nix let the lightning fade from the hammer before tossing it back to Jaro.


    "What''s a dude?"


    Nix silently cursed himself for letting the dude word slip out. That damn Mai kept saying it while they were playing dominoes. "It''s like a demi-god, but without any powers."


    Jaro looked at him for a moment before cracking a wide smile. "I understand Nix. How is it that you can use my hammer?"


    Nix gave him a deadpan look. "Because I am worthy."


    Jaro pulled his bandages out of his inventory and started cleaning himself up. The fighter noticed Nix watching him. "Do you have an interest in treating wounds?"


    "Yes," Nix nodded. "Doesn''t everyone?"


    Jaro has decided to teach you Basic Bandaging.


    Basic Bandaging


    Recover a small amount of


    the health lost from a wound.


    You have learned Basic Bandaging.


    "Normally such a thing would be frowned upon since we can only gift one person the ability to learn a skill. However, given that you saved my life, I feel it is justified."


    Nix nodded and grabbed the bandages from Jaro. "Let me practice!"


    Jaro shrugged and let him work, he''d have to redo it, but the practice would be good. "What are you doing in Titania Forest?"


    "I beat up a goddess, but then somehow ended up losing. Next thing I know, here I am." Nix carefully wrapped a deep gash on Jaro''s calf.


    Your Basic Bandaging Skill has risen to 2.


    You Basic Bandaging Skill has risen to 3.


    Jaro chuckled and slapped Nix on the shoulder. "Was it a Thunder Goddess?"


    "Nope." Nix shook his head and wrapped up the last bandage. "Why were you running through the forest in the middle of the night?"


    "I''ve been gone several months on an important quest. In my rush to get home, I crossed paths with the Dire pack."


    "Shouldn''t you know better?" Nix covered a yawn and started skinning Dire Wolves.


    "I should," Jaro admitted. "This pack is far outside of their normal hunting grounds."


    Nix left the meat where it was since it was too much like dog for him to touch it. Jaro had no such qualms and claimed the meat.


    "I need to get back Jaro, there are a few things I need to do tomorrow in Bachoni." Nix shook his hand and realized the man was phenomenally strong.


    "Nescari is half a days travel from here. If you have the chance, come and visit." Jaro bowed slightly and then started out at a trot, completely oblivious to his healing wounds.


    **********


    The Salamander was invisible from the ground, his emerald coloring blended perfectly with foliage from the tree. Its four legs hung on either side of the branch while it dozed happily in the morning sun.


    The creature opened one eye when it heard the slapping noise. A quick glance toward the river identified the culprit. Soup was slapping the surface of the water loudly, its eyes were staring into the trees where Nix was hidden.


    "Gonna eat you Soup." Nix covered a yawn and walked down to the river before taking a seat on the riverbank. He let his feet soak in the water while he leaned back.


    Soup just watched with her Aquamarine eyes, her smooth head pushed against him She made a soft noise like a clucking sound.


    Nix listened quietly, she had never made much noise but he knew that Sea Turtles could make sounds. "What should we do Soup? Wait for a few days for help to arrive or scout around a bit and take over the place?"


    Soup didn''t answer, she was content to lay on the bank.


    "What was that? Prey waits? Fine, I''m going to visit Bachoni today. I want you to stay hidden."


    ************


    Two hours later, Nix stepped onto the dock at the Iron Pike Trading Post. In the distance, he could see a small sailboat approaching.


    "Thought I''d be seeing you today!" Hoot was holding a cup of something that smelled like coffee.


    "What is that your drinking Hoot?" As far as Nix knew, there wasn''t any coffee in Colonial.


    "It''s called Rhyn, they grow it in the far south. Although I have a small patch of it myself."


    "Where can I get some seeds?" Nix knew without a doubt, he could find a market for it in Colonial.


    "Just used the last bit of mine, although I heard Shelly in Bachoni has a large supply. She keeps some winter grain too."


    Nix nodded and chatted with Hoot while the boat anchored close to the Trading Post. Two men were rowing a small dingy loaded down with supplies and Nix caught the tied-off rope when it was tossed toward him.


    There was quite a few items that Nix was interested in, however, his first priority needed to be credits and gear. All it took was one sentence from Hoot and they agreed to give Nix a ride to Bachoni.


    On the trip back to Bachoni, Nix learned that the Lake was called Otter Lake. By the time they were within sight of the city, the sun was already late afternoon. It had taken three hours to sail the distance.


    Bachoni was exactly the way Nix had pictured it in his head. It was a huge floating city, complete with tall wooden walls. He could see it was surrounded on three sides by a large marina where boats of all shapes and sizes could be seen.


    The city lived entirely off the lake and traded with a number of coastal towns that shared Otter Lake with them. According to Hoot, it had started as a fishermen rebellion of sorts and then ended up becoming a thriving community.


    Nix took a deep breath when he stepped onto the dock. Immediately, a scrawny kid dressed in rags ran toward him.


    "Traveler! Do you need a guide?" The kid flashed his white teeth at Nix, a born hustler if there ever was one.


    "No." Nix was about to walk past him but instead stopped. "Answer a few questions and I will give you two of these." Nix took out two cans of Otter meat.


    "Otter?" The boy nodded quickly. "Ask away!"


    "I need to find a General Store and somewhere to buy gear."


    "Geno''s Armor is the place to buy weapons and armor. There''s a weapon shop called Manigans, but he only sells firearms. We have two General Stores, they are across the street from each other. They are actually sisters who are feuding, so be careful what you say."


    Nix tossed the cans to the boy and thanked him.


    There was a slight swaying sensation when Nix walked down the boardwalk toward Geno''s Armor. A small tailor shop caught his eye and Nix stepped inside to take a look.

 Chapter 286 - A quick Note

    "Looking for something sir?" An average looking man with curly red hair sat behind the counter. He was dressed immaculately in custom made clothes.


    Nix nodded. "Red, Green, and Brown fabric. It doesn''t matter how coarse."


    The tailor nodded. "How much do you need sir?"


    "Not sure. Do you buy pelts also?"


    The man nodded. "A thousand credits for Otter pelts, as long as they are in good shape."


    "I''ve got ten. What do you offer for Clandestine Otter pelts?"


    The tailor froze for a moment. "You have those too? Five thousand per pelt."


    Nix pursed his lips as if considering. He definitely didn''t want to target himself by bringing out too much. "I''ve got five Clandestine pelts."


    "That''s thirty-five thousand credits, Sir. If you are going to buy some cloth, we can start subtracting from that amount."


    "I''ll take 5 yards of each fabric I asked for."


    "The spools are 7 yards, want that much? We can keep it on the roll then."


    "Yep," Nix readily agreed.


    "It''s a hundred credits per yard, so that will be 2100 credits. Anything else?"


    "Got any old tailor supplies? Needles, threads or whatever. If its junk, I''ll take it off your hands." One thing that Maye had taught him, tailors hate throwing away anything, they would keep boxes of old stuff sitting around.


    The man bent behind the counter and took out two boxes. "100 credits and it''s all yours."


    "Done." Nix watched as the man counted out 32,800 credits.


    Geno''s armor was a small shop, but it had two full walls covered with leather armor. The swords were all kept behind a glass case.


    "You make these? Or import them from somewhere else?" Nix immediately found some black leather armor that he liked.


    "My brother makes them at our Shop in Rentia." Geno was as fat a person as Nix had seen in Colonial. Even his rolls had rolls.


    "I''ll take the armor. Got any more weapons? How about a hilt?" Nix didn''t like the looks of the weapons, he found himself missing his red scimitar. The tattoo that signified its presence had vanished.


    "Did you say a hilt? You actually.." Geno bent lower than any fat-man should and pulled out a broken sword. The quality was good, but the blade had been broken less than an inch from the handguard.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. "Remove the rest of the blade for me. I only want the hilt."


    *********


    By the time Nix entered the General Store, he had thirty thousand credits left. The store owner was a middle-aged woman with freckles and light brown hair. She watched as he picked things out. A sleeping bag, blanket, pillow, some towels, and 100 feet of rope.


    "Do you wish to purchase part of that rope sir? I can sell it by the foot."


    Nix shook his head and was about to pay when he noticed the wall behind the counter. An intricate map of Everspire had been drawn. "That map for sale?"


    The woman shook her head. "Sorry no."


    Nix placed two Clandestine Otter pelts on the counter. "Will that cover it?"


    The woman nodded. "I believe it does."


    Nix was about to leave when he noticed a glass vase filled with white rocks. "Is that chalk?"


    The shopkeeper nodded. "You can have the entire vase, sir."


    Nix grinned and thanked her. He had been planning on staying the night, but excitement got the better of him and quickly found his way to the ferryman on the docks.


    The ferry basically a large raft. A thick rope was tied to one of the anchor posts of Bachoni, while the other end extended all the way to the shore. Nix shook his head in amazement, it had to be miles of rope. Two horses walked on a conveyor belt that turned a set of wooden gears, essentially pulling the raft through the water. It was infinitely faster than the sailboat had been.


    When Nix arrived back onshore, he ran for a few minutes before moving into the water and summoning Soup. He directed the sea turtle to return to the river as fast as she could.


    By the time he was on the riverbank, Nix guessed he had two more hours of daylight. Carefully he took out one of the towels he had purchased and was drying Soups shell off.


    "You don''t know it yet Soup, but one day a pretty girl with white hair and a big smile will draw all over your shell." Nix smiled at the memory of Lisa, the daughter that the Black Gate had fabricated.


    Over the next hour, he painstakingly copied the map onto Soup''s shell with the chalk he had purchased. He left out most of the names, but he put a big X in the Northern part of Titania Forest and wrote ''Nix'' there.


    "Going to unsummon you Soup. Find Hyai right away. No swimming until I bring you back."


    He wrote a quick note to Hyai and unsummoned Soup.


    *********


    Hyai was sitting on the balcony of Nix''s ranch, having dinner with Bev and Rico. The movement of the giant sea turtle on land caught her eye immediately. "Why would Soup come here?"


    The trio ran out to meet her, their mouths dropped when they saw the large map on her shell.


    "I''ll send this to the search team." Bev made a copy with her hud and immediately started running for the Gemini Gate.


    Hyai''s eyes shone with emotion. Nix''s absence affected everyone. As someone who had adventured herself, she was used to being separated from the people she cared about. On the outside of the map, close to Soup''s head, he had left her a personal note.


    Rico put an arm on her shoulder, his bright smile was infectious. "See? I told you that boy was okay.


    *********


    Jun Li was sitting around the campfire with Fajii, Pon and Semmi. They had set up a small tent-city a few miles outside of Ever Flame. After they finished the quests allowing them to leave the city, they met with more bad news. Leaving the province also required a chain of quests.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Seriously. Making us do quests to leave? Whatever happen to an open world?


    /Inferno: Semmi: No kidding.


    /Inferno: Mina: I''m about to leave Neva province. As I understand it, guild chat doesn''t currently extend between provinces. So I will be out of touch for a few days.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Mina! Wait for us!


    /Inferno: Mina: No. I will continue looking for Nix. My next destination is Free Trader City, you can arrive there if you take the Loutian road directly North.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Be careful Mina.


    /Inferno: Mina: You too.


    /Inferno: Pon: What''s going on with her?


    /Inferno: Semmi: No idea other than she is very close to Nix.


    /Inferno: Bev: Jun Li! We''ve heard from Nix!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What? Are you in Ever Flame Bev?


    /Inferno: Bev: Yes. Sending a message to your hud.


    The group crowded around Jun Li while she zoomed in on the message.


    Semmi was the first to understand. "It''s a map. Nix sent us a map!"


    Fajii closed her eyes in relief. "Northern Titania."


    Pon clapped his hands together, his old face wrinkling up. "Now we got him!"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Thanks for bringing it here Bev, we finally caught a break.


    Semmi committed the map to memory, even though Jun Li sent it to the entire team. Her sharp eyes caught the small note to Hyai, immediately she punched Pon in the back.


    "Hey!" Pon frowned at her. "Why you hitting me now?"


    Semmi pointed to the note. "See that? He''s on the other side of the continent and he takes the time to say something sweet."


    Pon was still scratching his head in confusion when she stomped off a few minutes later. "I was just sitting here. Didn''t say or do anything..."

 Chapter 287 - Fury

    Nix checked his bait for the 5th time in as many minutes. "Those damn otter eating all the fish?"


    The sun had been up for a few hours. Nix put a line in the water in the hopes of catching lunch while he set up a tailoring queue to make camouflage cloth.


    [Camouflage] [Red Fabric] [Brown Fabric] [Green Fabric]


    The end results would land him with seven yards of camouflage fabric, which he could use to put overlays on his armor. Nix studied the queue while he considered his options. His dad had enhanced the camouflage cloth during the crafting process before it was added to anything.


    "The problem is all I have is one lousy enhancement stone." Nix reeled in his line and stowed his pole away. Bachoni didn''t have any market for enhancements, so unless he started hunting otters with Soup, they were out of luck.


    He took a seat on a large rock near the water and started going through the two ''junk'' boxes he had bought from the tailor in Bachoni. Nix nodded to himself; there were several items that he could put to use. A broken silver needle that he could still use was placed carefully to one side. There were dozens of nearly empty spools of thread, scissors, a scalpel, and assorted other items.


    A quick glance at his hud told him that he had an hour left before the ''resummon'' deadline he gave his guild in his turtle mail.


    "The hell?" Nix pulled out three identical items from the bottom of the box. As someone who had been forced to play piano as a child, he knew exactly what they were, tuning forks. He tapped one of them lightly against the rock he was sitting on, listening as the steady chime sounded and then gradually faded away. "Maybe the tailor was a musician?"


    He kept the fork in his hand and stowed the rest of the items back into his inventory; he would tackle the camouflage cloth after he summoned Soup.


    The eight-inch fork vibrated slightly for several seconds; on a whim, he held it up and concentrated on pushing emerald flames into it. Nix waved it in the air a few times and then tapped it against the rock. Instantly the green flames turned white. "Woah... Now that''s interesting." Sound frequencies affect the flames?" He repeated the experiment with every flame he had; even the Ice flames turned white when he struck the tuning fork against the rock.


    Nix concentrated on the fork again; this time, he focused on pushing lightning into it. The tuning fork crackled with electricity, small bolts of light sporadically traveling from one tine to another. It looked like a science experiment, but he realized that it was a waste of time. He tapped it gently on the rock.


    [You have died. There is no death penalty between levels 125 and 127.]


    A wide-eyed Nix sat up slowly; he recognized the area as his new spawning point since the patch. "The f*ck happened?"


    An irritated and completely naked Nix ran back towards the spot he''d been working at. After a few minutes of running, he rounded a slight bend, and his destination came into view. "Holy..."


    The entire area was blackened as if a massive bolt of lightning had struck it. The rock he had been sitting on was crushed into pebbles. A respectable size crater had been blasted out of the bank; Nix grimaced when he spotted the charred corpse at the bottom. "No wonder Thor is so badass."


    Nix looted his remains and put his gear back on. No death penalty meant his gear wouldn''t take damage either.


    He set up shop on another boulder and started setting up a queue, his head spinning with new ideas.


    [Camouflage] [Red Fabric] [Brown Fabric] [Green Fabric] [Enhancement:Tuning Fork] [Enhancement: Tuning Fork]


    His Crafting assistant popped up on his hud as soon as he placed the tuning forks in the enhancement slots. The Dhassi crafter seemed to be examining the queue, even though it was automated, Nix frowned. "You are attempting a new Crafting technique. Success and critical bonuses will be doubled."


    Nix looked at the crafting icon that was lit up. He grabbed the first fork and pushed flames into it; then, he tapped in gently before placing it back. It usually would have flamed out as soon as he let go. However, the queue maintained its white-flame state, and Nix grabbed the second fork. This one he pushed lightning into before replacing it. For a brief moment, he was tempted to tap it, but the stench of his charred body still hung in the air as a reminder of how that would go.


    Satisfied that the forks were maintaining their enhanced state, Nix selected the craft icon.


    [Critical Success]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Sound Amplification: Weapons Only]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Sound Suppression: Armor Only]


    [Bonus Enhancement: Fire Proof]


    [Enhanced Lightning Mitigation]


    Nix took out the enhanced fabric and examined it.


    Camouflage Fabric V


    [Enhancements]


    Complete Invisibility


    Sound Suppression: When applied to armor.


    Sound Amplification: When applied to weapons.


    Lightning Resistant: Extra protection against Lightning-based attacks.


    Bonus: Material is completely immune to fire.


    Nix stared at the enhancements for a moment and then quickly set up another queue.


    [Camo-Overlay] [Camouflage Fabric V] [Standard Armor]


    "It''s just standard armor, so who cares..." Nix chose the crafting icon and then picked up the armor.


    Silent Night: Legendary Tier III


    Description: This armor is designed


    for a Master Thief. All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Bonus: Armor is Immune to Fire Damage


    + 3000 to Armor Class


    + 50 to all Base Stats.


    +50 to Speed.


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Nix slipped it on and for the first time, felt like he''d made some progress in Everspire. With only a few minutes until he was due to summon Soup, he set up another crafting queue.


    [Camo-Overlay] [[Camouflage Fabric V] [Sword Hilt]


    The crafting assistant didn''t pop up this time, so Nix immediately crafted it.


    [Critical Success: Fury]


    "The hell is that?" Nix picked up the hilt and inspected it.


    Fury [Inactive]


    "A dud?" Nix waved it in the air a few times. Cautiously he pushed Emerald Flames into the hilt.


    Instead of emerald flames that flickered with heat, a smooth white blade emerged, Nix felt the slightest bit of vibration in his hand.


    [Awakened: Fury Flames]


    Nix whistled softly. "Time to kill shit." He reexamined the blade in his hands.


    [Do you wish to name the Fury Weapon?]


    "Wrath."


    Wrath: Fury Blade [Spellsword Only]


    Nix sliced the air a few times; it was sleek and weightless. "That''s it? No stats?" He let the blade flame out and stowed it away.


    [Aura Ignition: Fury Flames]


    Nix''s body was instantly engulfed in white flame, the rocks under his feet turned to liquid as steam from the nearby water started billowing upward. Immediately he dropped the fire. "Damn... That is f*cking hot."


    He walked up on the bank, away from the water. Spellsword only, he could craft one for Chiba.


    [Summons: Soup]


    Soup appeared a moment later; her shell was covered with writing.


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. The lines of communication were open, kind of. Someone had numbered the messages so he started at number one.


    1) We latched an empty backpack onto Soup, let us know if you receive it.


    "Nope, didn''t get it. My guess is that it''s sitting where Soup was when I summoned her."


    2) A team of 10 has entered Everspire and will join up with you as soon as they can. There are mandatory quests that must be completed as they advance through Everspire.


    "Great, that''s going to take forever."


    3) Mina is pushing ahead by herself; she left before we were able to tell her your location.


    "Hmm... She''s smart and resourceful; my bet is she''ll find me way before the rest of you." Nix thought about her for a moment; their relationship had always been good. "If anyone dares harm her..."


    4) Mina will be heading to Free Trader City.


    "Free Trader City?" Nix took out the map he had purchased and found the city far to the south. He whistled softly while rubbing Soup''s head. "That is a long way."


    Nix took out his chalk while cleaning off the messages sent by his friends. "Better answer them before I get going."

 Chapter 288 - Nescari

    Nix spent a few minutes putting a message on Soup. Since he was somewhat geared, his plan was to investigate Nescari. He numbered the messages also.


    1) No backpack arrived, but I''m sure you already know that.


    2) I''m heading to a settlement called Nescari, I don''t know much about it but I did help out one of their citizens last night.


    3) Tell Dad I invented a new Tailoring technique. I used tuning forks as an enhancement, the queue slot maintains whatever state the object is in. Got some pretty cool sound effects from it. The queue is set up like this.


    [Camouflage] [Red Fabric] [Brown Fabric] [Green Fabric] [Enhancement:Tuning Fork:Fire/Sound Imbibed] [Enhancement: Tuning Fork: Lightning Imbibed]


    4) WARNING! Do not attempt any combination of sound vibration and lightning, it is insta-kill for the tailor.


    5) I won''t summon Soup again until tomorrow at 1100 hours unless I need her.


    ***************


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix stealthed and then headed east at a trot. Immediately he noticed the sound dampening effects, no matter how hard he stomped, there was only silence.


    A well-worn game train wound its way eastward. The path through the heavily wooded Titania Forest was the easiest mode of travel. Even so, he wouldn''t have dared without a proper weapon. Three separate times he had discovered the heat signatures of a giant predator that hid in the lower branches of the trees. Without a doubt, they were some large breed of cat. Nix made a note to himself not to sleep in trees anymore.


    The howls started after a few hours, Nix had never been personally hunted by wolves but he understood that something was being hunted. He stayed on the trail but stayed alert, gradually the sounds of the hunt moved steadily south of his position.


    Jaro had been correct, there was no missing Nescari. The heavily forested area descended into a valley that then funneled directly into the city. Nix stood at the edge of the forest line, studying the settlement below.


    It''s what Nix would call a pioneer town. The structures were nearly all made from wood, although the wall surrounding the town was made from stone. The buildings were large and spaced further apart than anywhere Nix had seen before. The streets were wide and straight enough so that he could see them easily. The town had obviously been engineered by someone who knew what they were doing. The settlement was dominated by a sturdy looking stone structure that could only be called a fortress.


    Nix shook his head in wonder and started walking down the winding trail. "I bet the fortress is a fall-back point in case the walls are breached."


    He dropped stealth shortly after leaving the treeline. Two guards stood in plain view facing the approaching road, when Nix moved within 50 meters of the front gate, one of them aimed a bow at him.


    "Greetings Traveler. It is your privilege to be standing in front of the settlement of Nescari. What business do you have here today?" The guard''s voice was deep and booming, he had obviously spoken the same words hundreds of times.


    Nix didn''t answer right away, the walls were much high than he would have guessed from the edge of the valley. Up close he would estimate their height somewhere between 35 and 40 feet. "I don''t have any business here. I''m doing a bit of exploring, I ran into a Nescari citizen yesterday and he invited me to visit."


    "Name?''


    Nix was tempted to say Thor but he refrained. "Nix."


    The guard shook his head. "Not your name, the person you referred to."


    "Oh... Jaro. Sorry, I don''t know his last name."


    The portcullis that blocked entrants to the settlement slowly raised up, the guard in question walked to the edge of the wall. "Word had been sent to the Steward. You may enter."


    Nix entered the town of Nescari. Again he was astounded at the size of everything, everyone he had seen was normal size so why did they super-size everything? An armed guard met him when he entered, he was a large man with a bald head and wide shoulders. Immediately Nix thought of Bane Ton, Hyai''s son-in-law.


    "I''m Tora. I''ll have to escort you until we can verify your story, Mr. Nix." The man''s tone was apologetic.


    "That''s very cautious. Is Nescari at war?"


    "Not officially, sir."


    "Just call me Nix. Can you point me to the market area?"


    "Of course, I''ll take you there." Tora led him down the main street for a few minutes before turning onto an extra-wide street that was aptly labeled Market Square.


    "Why is everything so big here Tora?"


    "We''re Titans. We like everything big."


    Nix stared at him for a moment. "Titan? This is a Titan town?"


    Tora nodded. "Shouldn''t you know that already Nix? Where are you from?"


    "Colonial," Nix answered absentmindedly. Does that mean Jaro is a Titan?


    An impressive shouting match stopped any further questions. Nix recognized Jaro right away, even though the clothes he was wearing were much fancier. He stood nose-to-nose with a short, stout looking man that was nearly as wide as he was tall.


    "Listen, you stoop-shouldered, box-headed, amphibian dunce! For the last time, we don''t have your f*cking ancestor in our prison." Jaro poked the man in the chest several times while he yelled.


    "Don''t go poking me, ya furry ass, shit-in-the-woods, Ursine! If it wasn''t for Sossamon, this whole valley would be overrun by the Wolf clans."


    Nix chuckled at the conversation, he leaned closer to Tora. "Who is Jaro talking to? And what is Sossamon?"


    "That''s Gillian, the Sossamon Steward." Tora''s tan face showed that he was holding back his amusement. "Those two have never gotten along."


    "Is Gillian a Titan also?" Nix felt odd asking, but he couldn''t tell by looking at him.


    Tora scoffed slightly. "Barely... He''s a turtle."


    "Turtle?" Nix''s eyes widened slightly, his thoughts immediately moving toward the hunt he had taken Soup on. "Well... I don''t have time to listen to these two argue all day."


    He walked up to the arguing men and stepped between them without speaking. Both men stared at him in surprise. "You two done disturbing everyone? Shouldn''t this be handled somewhere less public?"


    "Who the f*ck are you?" Gillian''s round face was beet-red. "I hit ya so hard your own mother wo..."


    A fist struck out, slamming into Gillian''s chest and sending him skidding across the square like a flat rock on a calm lake. Nix pursued him quickly before placing a foot on his chest. "It''s bad manners to speak ill of the dead."


    Gillian struggled to breathe for several seconds before finally looking up. "Your mum has passed on?"


    Nix nodded. "She has."


    Gillian sighed heavily. "My apologies sir, I take back my words spoken in anger."


    "Apology accepted." Nix removed his foot and helped him to his feet. "Why do you think your ancestor is locked up here?"


    "Sinai was old and ready to die. He wanted to take one last trip to visit his friend in Nescari." Gillian brushed off his clothes while he spoke.


    Nix noticed that Gillian''s eyes were the same color as Soups. "Can''t you track him? Maybe a predator got him."


    "No chance of that, he would have just changed. This was 50 years ago, before the curse." Gillian rubbed his chest. "You aren''t a Titan. Why are you so strong?"

 Chapter 289 - Ground Pounder

    A half-hour later, Nix was sitting in the Blue Quail Tavern with Jaro and Gillian. He was staring at the Turtle Titan, who insisted that he call him Gil. "Let me get this straight. Great Grand Pa Sinai disappeared 50 years ago. Since then, Titania has been cursed. How am I doing?"


    Gil nodded. "The curse is recent; of course, none of the Titan''s can currently change forms."


    Jaro looked impossibly sad; he gripped his large hands together. "I found a lead in Chespri. Unfortunately, the quest of the Steward remains unfinished."


    Nix had been listening to them for a while; he was starting to understand the gist of their situation. "There are seven Stewards? One from each settlement in Titania?"


    "We were appointed by the Clan Matriarch herself, although she has been mourning for months." Jaro downed his drink with a tip of his mug and immediately poured himself another.


    The tavern was warm and crowded. The smell of cooked meat made Nix''s mouth water. "What''s the cause of the curse?"


    Jaro''s low voice rumbled, it was evident that it was a sensitive subject. "An Ice Mage named Menial is at the heart of it. Some say that he is the son of Khione herself. Anyways... he has an artifact that he has used to curse us."


    New Quests are available.


    Sinai the Conqueror


    Description: The great Patriarch


    of the Turtle Clan disappeared more


    than fifty years ago. Someone must


    know what happened.


    Reward: Turtle Housing.


    Chaos Artifact


    Description: The Titan''s of the North


    have been cursed with the inability to


    change forms. Solve the mystery and destroy


    the artifact.


    Reward: Stewardship of Ionova


    Nix read the quests while his mind picked through the details. "How big would Sinai be in Titan form?"


    "Bigger than this room, as Titans go, he was fairly large." Gil leaned closer, his aquamarine eyes showing amusement. "I''m nearly as big."


    "Right... Want to take a trip then?" Nix stood up and placed a handful of credits on the table.


    He turned toward the front door, walking fast while considering his next move.


    Gil and Jaro had to run to catch up with the Inferno Guild Leader. Jaro''s face was excited. "Where we going? A special mission?"


    Nix nodded. "Need a mount. Where can we get one?"


    Jaro deliberately slowed down. "A mount?"


    Gil laughed at his obvious discomfort. "Go ahead, Jaro, ask for another mount."


    Nix watched as Jaro walked into the stable, he looked like a man heading to the gallows. "What''s going on here, Gil?"


    Gil didn''t bother to hide his amusement. "Dire Wolves ate his last horse; he doesn''t want to ask her for another one."


    The stable was located directly next to the Town''s Main Gate. No sooner had Jaro entered when the door slammed open, and a dark-haired woman walked out. She was tall and lean, instantly reminding Nix of Jun Li. Her dark hair was worn in a single ponytail.


    She stopped in front of Nix and Gil. "The two of you would be wanting mounts?"


    Nix nodded. "Just for a day or so."


    "I''m Dresa, the Stablemaster here. You won''t let my horses get eaten, right?"


    Nix shrugged. "Only if it comes down to them or me."


    Dresa leaned closer; for someone who ran a stable, she smelled remarkably good. "That doesn''t instill much faith."


    "Come with us then." Nix glanced back at the stable door that was still wide open, Jaro was desperately trying to wave him off.


    "She doesn''t have time to follo..."


    "Okay." Dresa interrupted Jaro before stomping back into the stable.


    "Now you''ve done it." Gil chuckled at the look on Jaro''s face. "She''s sweet on him."


    Nix laughed loudly. "Well, that explains the hostility."


    **************


    Nix jumped sideways, narrowly evading the snapping jaws, one quick slice, and the wolf hobbled away on three legs.


    [Balefire: Fury]


    A white blast of flame incinerated the remaining wolf, leaving an exhausted Nix gasping for air.


    [You have leveled up to 126]


    The four riders were near Nix''s respawn point when the chase started. They came up out of the ground and were everywhere. The allies scattered in different directions, with Nix heading back toward Nescari.


    [Stealth]


    [Dragon Eyes]


    After pulling a large portion of the pack with him, Nix had found a place to fight and start killing them. Unfortunately, the use of the Fury flame sucked through his mana. The Fury blade didn''t use any, but utilizing the Fury flame for balefire and flame strands had quickly exhausted him.


    [Combustion]


    A gentle flame settles over Nix, healing his injuries.


    He counted corpses as he headed south, seventeen of the wolves had followed him. Nix didn''t know much about the creatures, but he did realize they weren''t from the same pack. There were Dire wolves mixed in with a half dozen other different kinds.


    Nix found her backed up against a huge tree; she was a hammer wielder like Jaro. Dresa waded into the pack without any fear; she was fast and vicious.


    [Power Slam]


    Dresa has landed a significant strike on an Alpha Wolf.


    [Dual Chain]


    Nix has followed up Dresa''s attack with a significant strike.


    An Alpha Wolf has been slain.


    Dresa looked up in surprise, "Nix? Go help, Jaro!"


    Nix raised his hands, and a dozen emerald strands shot out and wrapped around the last four wolves. He heaved backward and then slammed them onto the rocks. Spinning quickly, he leaned back and slammed them against the tree Dresa had used to shield her back.


    A Dire Wolf has been slain.


    An Arctic Wolf has been slain.


    An Arctic Wolf has been slain.


    A Forest Stryder has been slain.


    The Stablemaster stared in shock for a moment, then abruptly turned north and started running. "Jaro went this way."


    Deafening howls filled the air as the pair ran north, it echoed from all directions. There were so many that their thermal images looked like one big lake of fire.


    "Shit..." Nix cursed while he ran. "Seems like more have joined up."


    Dresa nodded as she ran; her brown face was creased with worry. "Two Stewards at the same time, it seems they were prepared."


    Nix didn''t comment, Dresa ran like the wind, and he was pressing hard to stay with her. Did she mean that Nescari was being watched? Or maybe... they were after him. "There!"


    Two men were fighting back-to-back in a sea of wolves. The shorter fighter held a mace in each hand, each strike of his weapon sent a beast tumbling into the air. Jaro swung his hammer in a wide swath, bashing and crushing anything that dared to step in his range.


    Nix targeted the middle of the pack.


    [Tides of Flame]


    The maddening howls of agony could be heard as Nix charged through his own flames.


    Dresa dodged to one side and ran around the affected area. Nix targeted the center of the pack again.


    [Meteor Storm: Gemini Flame]


    Fire rained down on the wolves as Nix slashed his way toward Jaro and Gil. The stench of burnt fur and the sizzling of meat filled the air.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flame]


    Nix let his flames engulf him as he recklessly attacked the pack. They seemed to come in endless waves, steadily pushing back the group of four. After more than an hour of fighting, Gil slipped on the blood-splattered ground and was nearly overrun. Dresa stood over him with her hammer while Jaro dragged him back to his feet.


    Nix targeted the center of the pack again. "We have to retreat! This is too open."


    [Tides of Flame]


    The flames washed over the pack while the four fighters retreated, a half-mile away, was a high buff that they could use to secure a better position. Dresa sprinted toward it with Nix bringing up the rear while throwing fire attacks at their pursuit.


    A deep war horn sounded from somewhere close by. Nix didn''t slow down, but he recognized that all three of his companions looked relieved.


    Dresa altered her course slightly. "The Ground Pounders are here!"


    "Ground pounders?" Nix noticed that many of the wolves had started to retreat, only the most stubborn Dire Wolves continued to press the fight.


    A large company of fighters broke free of the woods and slammed into the ranks of the pack. They wore black plated armor and slaughtered the wolves with impunity.


    Within a few minutes, the battle was over. Wolf corpses littered the ground as far as the eye could see. Nix stood with his group and used Jaro''s bandages to work on their wounds.


    "Steward Jaro?" A deep, intimidating voice spoke from behind them. Nix turned to see a heavily muscled man walking toward them. He had short brown hair and a thick beard, although he seemed twice the size of everyone else, his step was silent like a thief.


    Jaro bowed deeply. "War Leader!"


    The giant man breathed a sigh of relief. "I''m glad that you''re safe, we''ve lost enough good people lately." His voice rumbled like rocks sliding down a steep hill.


    Gil and Dresa also bowed respectfully.


    Jaro grabbed his arm and pulled him forward. "This is Nix. The same person who helped me last night."


    Nix shook the man''s ridiculously large hands. "Thanks for the help."


    The bearded man smiled suddenly, and his air of intimidation vanished. "You fight hard, Nix. I''m the War Leader of the Titan Clan, Mortimus."


    "Mortimus?" Nix bit down on the smile that threatened to come out. "Well met sir, I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno."

 Chapter 290 - River Camp

    Two dozen tents were set up along the river, the campfire must have been visible to the Iron Pike Trading Post but Hoot didn''t come out to investigate. Nix sat around the campfire with Dresa, Jaro, and Gil.


    "You want all of them?" Jaro looked at Nix like he was crazy.


    "Yeah... Just the Dire Wolf ones, since my crafting skill is very specific. I can''t make Dire Wolf Doll out of an Arctic Wolf."


    Gil''s round face showed his disgust. "The hell you want to play with a wolf doll for?"


    "Spying." A loud voice spoke from the edge of the river. Mortimus walked up from the river back, his shirt hanging over one shoulder. He took a seat on the log Nix was sitting on. "How reliable is your work?"


    "Good enough to sneak into the Nether world and kill Azul Khan."


    The statement met with silence. The Titan War Leader stared at him for a long moment. "That was you?"


    "Me and my team. We specialize in group attacks." Nix used his bare hand to reach into the fire and pull out the open can of otter meat he had placed there earlier. He fished a chunk of meat out with his fingers and popped it in his mouth, closing his eyes to savor the taste. It was his first time tasting otter.


    Mortimus had heard the rumblings of a powerful outworld group called Inferno. If rumors were to be believed, they killed dragons, the nether emperor and even dared face Khione herself. "Why are you here?"


    Nix slowly chewed the hot meat while he contemplated the best answer. "I carry the curse of Khione on me, she pulled me from my world during our fight. My people are following but they are many days behind."


    Mortimus didn''t consider that Nix could be lying, he only nodded slightly. "Tossed through a rift, by yourself with no one to aid you. A difficult fate."


    Dresa listened to the conversation with interest, she had seen first hand how formidable Nix was. "I heard when you travel through a rift, you leave all your belongings behind."


    Nix smiled slightly. She was sitting next to Jaro, every once in a while she would shift closer to him. "You a dipshit or something?"


    Jaro froze in place, Nix was staring right at him. " What?"


    Nix elaborated slightly. "Do you have your head up your ass?"


    Jaro stood up slowly. "What''s gotten into you Nix?"


    "This woman likes you, even someone like me who has been here for a few days can see that. She fights like a f*cking hero, she''s very attractive and she runs her own business. You too good for her or something?"


    Jaro''s face turned red, the veins on his temple bulging outward. "I never said something like that."


    "Fine, let''s go then." Nix stood up and walked away from the fire a few yards. Several of the surrounding ground pounders noticed the commotion and walked toward their fire.


    "Go?" Jaro gave him a confused look. "Where we going?"


    Nix dropped his armor on the grass and stripped off his shirt. "We''re gonna fight for her. If I win then she''ll be my woman."


    Mortimus clapped his bigs hands together. "Yes! A fight!"


    A slow grin came across Jaro''s face. "I''m a Titan Nix, vastly stronger than a regular person."


    "I''m a Titan Nix..." Nix mocked him. "You sound like an old woman."


    Gil laughed loudly at the comment and moved next to Mortimus. "Kick that bear''s ass Nix!"


    Dresa stood up. "You gonna fight for me or not Jaro? If I''m not worth it, say the word and I''ll leave with Nix now."


    Jaro frowned at her. "I never said you ain''t worth it."


    Mortimus clapped his hands together again. "Fair fight then boys, no Fire magic Nix."


    "Got it. Fair fight and No fire magic."


    [Vacuum]


    A surprized Jaro found himself flying through the air. Nix held an arm straight out and clotheslined him causing Jaro to somersault in the air and land on his head with a loud bang.


    The Titan was climbing to his feet when Nix grabbed him around the waist and dumped him over his shoulder with a flying-mare. Jaro slammed onto the ground with a bone-jarring thud.


    Gil was watching the fight with interest. It was obvious to him that Nix wasn''t trying to hurt Jaro.


    The two men fought for several minutes, punching and kicking in the grass and rocks of the campsite. The cheering was loud and boisterous, even Dresa was clapping excitedly.


    Finally, Nix picked up Jaro and tossed him in the river, earning himself a moment of rest while the Titan splashed in the stream.


    Dresa caught Nix''s eye, she already knew that Jaro couldn''t beat the Inferno Guild Leader, it had been evident right away.


    Nix waited on shore while the wet Titan strode up the bank. "You giving up on her then?"


    Jaro growled and charged forward, his big fist pulled back as he threw a punch at Nix''s chest. Unexpectedly it landed and sent Nix skidding across the ground. He lay there for a moment groaning before sitting up.


    When Nix remained sitting Mortimus stood up. "You done Nix?"


    Nix nodded, one hand rubbing his chest. "Yep. Ribs are broke. Good fight Jaro."


    The camp erupted in cheers while Nix climbed slowly to his feet. Gil moved under his arm to help him walk back.


    "Not bad Nix. Not bad." Gil was all smiles as he pointed to Dresa who was hugging a bruised Jaro close. "I don''t mind saying Nix, I have a very good impression of you."


    Nix laughed while still rubbing his ribs. He had let Jaro land the punch, but it really did hurt his ribs.


    Jaro was waiting at the fire, a big smile on his face. "You can really fight Nix! I''m happy to fight with such a person."


    Nix shook his hand and stole a glance at Dresa. "Well done Jaro."


    Several jugs appeared out of nowhere and were passed around the group. Nix took a long drink before passing it to Mortimus, it was straight up Moonshine. "Who makes that?"


    Mortimus took three long drinks before answering. "Our alchemist! You should see her by the way, she''ll give you a healing poultice for your ribs."


    "I''ll do that."


    **********


    Nix slept peacefully, his head resting against a stack of furs. The smell of something nice caused him to open his eyes


    "Finally awake?" A pale woman with reddish-brown hair smiled at him. She held a glass in one hand while she stirred its contents with the other. She smiled after a moment and then handed it to him.


    "For my ribs?" Nix took the glass, he smelled it before downing it in one gulp.


    The woman laughed, "for the hangover. I doubt your ribs hurt that much."


    "Hey... You the alchemist? Where''s my poultice?"


    She straightened up, her dark eyes smiling. "Dresa is a good friend of mine. Whatever you need, just let me know."


    Nix made his way outside, apparently, it was her tent. His armor was still laying on the grass where he had dropped in the night before. He picked it up and then headed to the river to wash up.


    "You always sleep this late?" Gil was lazing in the sun, it was obvious that he''d been waiting for Nix.


    "When I can." Nix kicked water at him and used a towel to dry off. "Gonna summon my Spirit companion in a bit."


    "The one you talked about last night?"


    Nix nodded. "We''ve been using her to pass messages back and forth."


    Gil smiled slyly. "She? A pretty girl I bet!"


    "Yep, as beautiful as a rainbow."


    Gil laughed loudly. "You''re so full of shit Nix."


    Nix sat on a nearby rock and made small talk until it was time. Mortimus joined them just before the appointed time.


    [Summons: Soup]


    Soup appeared a moment later Gil gasped when he saw the enormous greenish-blue Sea-Turtle.


    "It''s a turtle Nix! A turtle!" Gil laughed loudly, his short legs bent slightly so he could get a good look at her. "She''s beautiful, absolutely beautiful."


    "Yep... Told ya so. Didn''t I?" Nix read the messages one by one.


    1) The team has finished the quests that enable them to leave the province. They should be in Free Trader City in three days.


    2) Your dad was able to duplicate your results with the tuning forks. Great job.


    3) A nether person stopped by your shop in glory and left you a note. I copied it down.


    4) That''s it. Love you Nix.


    "What? Writing love letters on a turtle shell? Appalling!" Gil was patting Soups head, his face was brimming with excitement. "What kind of Turtle is she?"


    Nix read the smaller note that Hyai had jotted down before answering. "Royal Sea Turtle, she has an awesome Sonic attack and a ramming attack."


    "A Royal Sea Turtle? What''s her name?"


    "Soup."


    "....." Gil.

 291 Missing Shell

    "You should give her to me, Nix." Gil kept glancing over to where Soup was sunning herself. "You''re not going to eat her, right?"


    Nix grinned while he cut a 10-foot length off of the rope he purchased in Bachoni. "Guess that depends on how hungry I get."


    Most of the camp had stopped by in the last few minutes; by all accounts, Soup was an impressive companion. Nix carefully tied the rope length into a makeshift harness and then stood up. "You coming Gil?"


    Mortimus was talking with Jaro when Nix approached. Jaro''s face was covered in bruises, but it didn''t deter the big smile he was wearing.


    Nix waited until Gil caught up before speaking. "I know where Sinai is. Unfortunately, he passed away some time ago."


    Gil''s face lit up. "We''re gonna find GrandPa?"


    "Yes, but he''s no longer alive, Gil." Nix pulled out his otter aquatic. "Soup and I are going into the lake; if you''re equipped for underwater action, then you are welcome to come along."


    Gil nodded and stowed his armor before slipping into a green-colored aquatic suit. "I''m in."


    Jaro shook his head slowly. "Where did you get that, Nix?"


    "Made it," Nix admitted.


    Otter Aquatic


    Description: Enhanced


    Underwater Gear that specializes


    in speed and maneuverability.


    Special Enhancement: Underwater


    breathing.


    + 300 to Swim Ability.


    Mortimus stared at the aquatic suit. "Are those hard to make?"


    Nix shrugged. "No, I made it from an otter that Soup killed."


    "I''d like to take you back to Nescari when you finish, to meet Scarlett."


    Nix didn''t have to ask who Scarlett was; everyone else referred to her as the Clan Matriarch or Clan Leader. "


    Gil and Nix walked along the banks of the river toward the lake; Soup swam happily alongside them.


    "That was an excellent thing you did, Nix." Gil hadn''t taken his eyes off Soup for more than a few seconds since she was summoned.


    "Quit staring at my girl. No matter what, I''m keeping her." Nix laughed at Gil''s expression.


    "Damn it." Gil kicked up some sand in frustration. "Hey... How do you know Gramps is dead?"


    "You''ll see." Nix entered the shallows of the lake and latched onto Soup''s shell.


    Gil''s suit worked the same way as his; an air bubble settled over his head, making it possible to talk and breathe. The three descended quickly into the depths, occasionally an otter would investigate them, but they didn''t try to attack the group.


    After a few minutes, they arrived in the area where Nix had spotted the dome. Initially, he had thought it was a human-made structure, but after learning that there were Turtle Titans, Nix realized it was a gigantic shell.


    Gil nodded to himself when he saw the dome. He had a peculiar way of swimming that Nix couldn''t imitate, but the Titan moved through the water effortlessly. He placed a hand on the outside of the dome. "Gray color... That fits since Grampa Sinai was black, his color would definitely fade after such a long time."


    Nix followed him as he continued to inspect the shell. They found deep grooves cut into both shoulder areas.


    Gil ran a finger through the scars on the shell. "This is Gramps, without a doubt. Some of his most famous battles left life-long scars."


    [Sinai, the Conqueror Quest has been updated. Report your findings to Scarlett in Nescari.]


    Over the next hour, they removed rocks and debris that had built up around and in the shell.


    "We''ll have to break it loose before we drag it." Nix had his back against a stone outcropping and was pushing the shell with both legs.


    Gil nodded. "Let''s flip it over right away; it will be easier to drag that way."


    Nix slipped the harness over Soup and then secured the harness to one of the shoulders. "We''ll have to help her get it moving, Gil."


    It took nearly three hours to pull the shell into the shallows. When Nix broke the surface, he noticed that the Ground Pounders were already helping them. Mortimus disconnected Soup and was pulling the shell toward the shore.


    Once it cleared the water, the real weight of the shell hit them, but with three dozen Titans assisting, they managed to pull it into the campsite.


    "This river goes all the way to Nescari, although the trip is upstream," Mortimus spoke from inside the shell. "A few men on either side with ropes could stand on the banks and drag it without too much issue."


    "That''s a lot of work, and it would take a few days at least." Nix was examining a particularly deep puncture in the shell close to where the head would have been. "Grandpa Sinai must have liked to fight."


    "He was very quarrelsome, for a turtle anyways." Gil was feeding Soup from a can of otter meat that Nix had given him. "How much bigger will she get?"


    "Well, I would have guessed she''d stop between two and three meters."


    Gil patted her shell. "She''s already three meters, Nix."


    "Right... I gave her some dragon blood, so I don''t really know."


    Mortimus''s booming laugh sounded from inside the shell. "Is dragon blood so common where you''re from that you give it to turtles?"


    Nix shrugged without commenting but decided against telling them about the Dragon Fir tree in Haven. "Tell me about Menial. Not the rumors, he''s not the son of Khione."


    Mortimer stood in the doorway where one of Sinai''s legs would have been. "He''s not?"


    Nix shook his head. "Khione has been imprisoned for quite some time, so I doubt they are related. Most likely, he''s borrowing her reputation based on rumors that he started."


    "He has a stronghold in Zintia; he holds some sort of power over the wolves of the land. They do his bidding and protect his fortress." Mortimus exited the shell and gestured for Jaro.


    Jaro had been absent for a large portion of the day. He''d taken a team of Ground Pounders to scavenge the pelts from the wolves that were slain the day before. "Only about 85 useable pelts, Commander."


    Mortimus nodded in satisfaction. "That enough to start, Nix?"


    "Sure, with the ones I already have, that will last about an hour." Nix smiled at the expression on the War Leaders'' face. "Two hundred thousand would be enough."


    The War Leader exhaled loudly. "We can get that many. We''ve been killing them for years."


    "Good. We''ll kill Menial tomorrow then. Or maybe the day after."


    **************


    Nonoa stretched her hands over her head and yawned while her assistants closed up the shop. The Spiritualist made her living finding lost objects, selling rare items, and on occasion reading fortunes.


    "Thank you, Mida." Nonoa started eating from the tray that was placed in front of her.


    "Is that all No?" Mida smiled at her older cousin. They both shared the same dark skin and delicate features. She had grown up with Nonoa, her family nickname was Nono, but when Mida went to work for her, she made her stop saying it.


    "Yes. Please lock up for me." Nonoa waved to the three women and waited until she heard the door''s lock click shut before she continued eating.


    "I''m disappointed." A calm voice spoke from a dark corner.


    Nonoa jumped slightly at the intrusion, her heart pounding in her chest. "We''re closed, Miss."


    Mina shook her head slightly and summoned her companion. She hadn''t used the Sea-Devil lately since her Vilas had become so strong. "I hope you can help me."


    Nonoa stared at the beast, obviously a sea creature from the webbing on the hands and feet. It had huge luminous eyes and rippled with muscle. "What can I help you with?"


    "I''ve been watching you. Speak the truth. Are you a fraud?"


    Nonoa nodded her head slowly. "Mostly, I make things up or use clues to mislead customers. I do have a bit of talent for locating people, but no one comes for that anymore."


    "Relax. My companion here isn''t a threat; he''s your payment if you manage to help me." Mina took the seat closest to the Spiritualist.


    "Payment?" Nonoa stared at the beast; despite her fear, she felt the tiniest bit of greed surface. With something like that protecting her, she''d never have to worry about security ever again.


    "His name is Nix; he''s a human that has been sent somewhere in Everspire. I must find him."


    Nonoa nodded slowly. "I need to ask questions. Do you have anything that belongs to him?"


    Mina took out a yellow swimsuit. "This is mine, but it is something he made for me."


    Nonoa held the outfit in her hand. "He''s a tailor? This is excellent work."


    "Let''s hurry, please."


    "What''s your relationship with him?"


    "We are close friends."


    "Lovers?"


    Mina shook her head. "No, although someday we will have a beautiful daughter together."


    Nonoa''s dark eyes watched her carefully; the Aquarion''s alien beauty made her unreadable. "Do you love him?"


    Mina didn''t answer right away; her pale eyes stared through the Spiritualist. "I suppose I do."


    "Describe him to me."


    "He''s quite homely, maybe the ugliest man I''ve ever seen."


    Nonoa took a drink from her tray to cover the grin. "Ugly isn''t a good enough description."


    "Normal height, a few inches taller than me." Mina closed her eyes and tried to remember everything. "Dark hair and tanned, but not too dark. He has magnificent yellow eyes that shine when he smiles. Broad shoulders, not overly muscular, but he''s powerful. He brings misery and death to his enemies but is kind to children and his friends."


    Nonoa listened as the Aquarion spoke for several minutes, each detail filled in a small portion. She held up a hand when it was enough. "I"m ready to try. No promises."


    Mina nodded. "What do I do?"


    Nonoa held the swimsuit in one and Mina''s hand in the other. "I''m going to try and form an image of him; you can help me make adjustments."


    The Spiritualist stared at the air between them and started manipulating the energy in the room. Over the course of a few minutes, the general outline of a man formed. "Let''s start at the top, with his hair, focus your thoughts on him please."


    Mina watched the hair appear. "Shorter, he keeps it short."


    Nonoa made the adjustment.


    "A few shades darker, and it''s a bit thicker with a few waves." Mina waited while Nonoa made the change. "Perfect! That''s Nix''s hair."


    The entire process took half the night, but by the time they were finished, Mina was happy with the image.


    Nonoa wiped some of the sweat from her brow. "You sure? This man is not homely at all, quite the opposite, I would say."


    "Positive, that''s him."


    Nonoa gripped Mina''s hand tighter and focused on the swimsuit in her hand. The image between the two women shimmered slightly and then moved.


    Mina gasped in surprise; Nix was walking next to a river. A huge man was speaking. Their conversation was somewhat muted.


    "..... Nes.ari..." A single word that was only partially legible. The image wavered and then faded away.


    Mina stood up abruptly, dropping the swimsuit and Nonoa''s hand. "Do you know that word?"


    Nonoa shook her head. "Let''s look at my map."


    A few minutes later, a large map had been unrolled over the table. Mina immediately used her hud to make an image of it. The two of them started reading the names of cities and provinces that might fit.


    It was Nonoa that found it; she''d started on the Northern part of the map. "Nescari? Nescari!"


    Mina smiled for the first time in days. "That''s it. Where is this place?"


    Nonoa studied the map. "Pretty far away. You have to cross Mid-Everspire and the Great Desert before you cross into Northern Everspire. Titania is a province at the Northern tip of that."


    Mina stood up and ordered the Sea Devil to protect Nonoa. "Can you assume the bond I have with this creature?"


    Nonoa nodded. "I''m a Spiritualist; as long as you are willing, I can assume the bond."

 292 Scarle

    Nix looked up when the War Leader walked back in. A hud map of Zintia was being displayed while Nix tried to decide upon the best plan. "Why not? Isn''t a raid on Zintia important?"


    "She''s mourning Nix; it''s been a bit over six months since we lost him." Mortimus looked like he might start crying, he wiped his massive mit of a hand across his eyes.


    "Last winter, it happened." A woman''s soft voice spoke from the doorway. She had dark auburn hair and sad brown eyes. Although she was a beautiful woman, she gave off a sense of warmth and kindness. "I apologize, sir. My husband is right in that I''m grieving. However, you have been fighting on our behalf since you were brought here. I will talk with you."


    "We should speak in detail about an important topic." Nix spotted a table nearby that had a half-dozen chairs around it. Without asking, he moved toward it and sat down.


    Scarlett watched him without commenting and then followed. "I won''t have much input; War is not my specialty."


    Nix waited until Mortimus joined them before he started talking. "A few months ago, I was adventuring in an unexplored region far from the Inferno Guild Hall. I came across someone that was lost and alone." Nix smiled while remembering bald Morti. "I did what I could to help him, and he ended up joining me as my Spirit Companion."


    "He must have been very thankful." Scarlett''s voice was soft and clear, although saddened, she was determined to do her duty.


    "Yes. Since then, we''ve fought dozens of battles against all sorts of powerful beings. Dragons, Nether Overlords, even Khione herself. Not one time, has he ever let me down."


    Scarlett smiled despite herself. "He sounds like a mighty warrior."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I was tossed through a rift when Khione fled my team; it was there that my spirit companions and I were separated. We lost the battle, so I can''t summon them for a few more days."


    "How many spirit companions do you have?" Mortimus''s deep voice rumbled from across the table.


    "Four. A Sea-Turtle, a Drakon, a Water Witch, and a Titan cub."


    "T-Titan Cub?" Scarlett leaned forward, her brown eyes shining. "Was he the one you found lost and alone?"


    "Yes." Nix leaned back in his chair, "he wouldn''t have been there too long before I found him. Maybe a few months."


    "Name? What is his name?" Her red lips trembled, but her voice was steady.


    "See for yourself." Nix brought up his hud and displayed his spirit companions.


    [Spirit Animal 4/4]


    1: Soup [Royal Sea Turtle]


    2: Ducky [Water Witch] (2 days left)


    3: Fey [Drakon] (2 days left)


    4: Mortimer [Titan Cave Bear] (2 days left)


    Scarlett''s entire body started to shake; she covered her mouth with one hand while tears welled up in her eyes. "Mortimer," she spoke in the barest whisper. "It''s my little cub."


    "Yes. Khione was our first defeat, although it was definitely my fault and not his." Nix stole a glance at Mortimus; the War Leader seemed to be frozen in place, his eyes staring at Nix''s hud.


    Unexpectedly it was the War Leader who threw back his head and started bawling loudly. Nix coughed to cover a smile; it sounded precisely like Morti had in Shangri.


    Scarlett stood up and moved behind him, pulling his head against her bosom while she stroked his hair softly. "Mortimus, it''s okay. It''s going to be okay."


    Nix watched her comfort him. "Take your time, but then we should make plans."


    Scarlette nodded and kissed the top of her husband''s head. "He keeps things bottled up, just give us a moment."


    ***********


    Gil scowled at Jaro. "You stupid bear... I can''t remember the last time you paid for a drink!"


    Jaro tipped back the last of his mug. "I saved your life the other day, so you''re buying until you return the favor!"


    "A valid point. Thank you" Gil tossed a few coins to the waitress. "Another pitcher then."


    The door slammed open, and a moment later, Dresa stepped in. "You two! Come to the fortress!"


    The two Titans stared at her when she spun around and exited the tavern. Her footsteps could be heard running away.


    Jaro pushed his chair back and stood up. "What''s got her wound up?"


    "Probably you don''t know what you''re doing!" Gil slapped him on the back hard and headed for the door at a trot. He grabbed the pitcher from the waitress on the way out.


    "What? I know more than you, Turtle Bastard!" Jaro chased after him, although slightly drunk, he followed both versions of Gil as they ran toward the fortress.


    A few minutes later, the tavern duo found Nix. The room was crowded with Ground Pounders, but the only ones sitting were Nix, Scarlett, and Mortimus.


    "Another... Tell me another one, Nix!" Mortimus sniffed his red nose loudly.


    Nix nodded. "There was this one fight with a Giant Ape called Ced'' Far the Magnificent."


    "Ced''Far the Magnificent? He sounds big." Mortimus''s booming voice drowned out everything else.


    "Thirty feet of angry ape. Would have torn us apart if Morti hadn''t raged on him."


    Mortimus nodded as if he had been there. "How big? How big does Morti get when he rages?"


    "Back then, a bit over twenty feet. He walks around at close to fifteen feet nowadays."


    "Fifteen feet?" Mortimus''s giant hands clapped together. "Did you hear that, Scarlett? Fifteen feet!"


    Scarlett was still standing behind her husband, her hands on his shoulders. "I did. He''s big like his Papa."


    Nix spent the next hour talking about the battles that Morti had taken part in; the crowded room was quiet except for Nix''s voice and the occasional question from Mortimus.


    Finally, Scarlett started asking questions. Was he happy? Who were his friends? Does he get enough to eat?


    Slowly the woman changed, the sadness fading away, and the tiniest spark of hope ignited. A short while later, she chased everyone else away and found a quiet room for Nix to work in. At the doorway, she put a steady hand on his shoulder. "We''ll talk about Menial tomorrow, Nix. I''m afraid we wasted quite a bit of your time."


    "It''s not a waste talking about my friend." Nix eyed the mountain of pelts that were sitting on the table. "I''ll talk to you tomorrow."


    Scarlett exited the room and grabbed her husband''s hand. "He needs to work."


    "I wanna talk to Nix a bit more." Mortimus''s loud voice carried into the room.


    "Tomorrow, dear. We''ll have lunch with him, and you can talk more."


    Nix picked up the first Dire Wolf pelt, just as the steps walked away from his door.


    **********


    Twice during the night, someone came in to replace the pelts Nix had used up. Scarlett had sent her seamstress with all the needles and threads she could find. When Gil peeked in on him at 1000 hrs, he was sleeping soundly on the hard table; there wasn''t a pelt in sight.


    "What happened to all the wolf skins?" Gil stepped closer, fully prepared to shake the Inferno Guild Leader awake.


    Nix sat up slowly; someone had covered him with a blanket after he had fallen asleep. "Don''t you sleep?"


    Gil nodded. "The Clan Leader is waiting for you. And it''s almost time to summon Soup."


    "Right." Nix sent her back with an update before they left the river.


    "We really gonna go after Menial today?"


    "Yes."

 293 Titan Wolf Pack

    "Hey, Nix." A humor-laced voice spoke from beside him. He turned to see the Ground Pounder Alchemist smiling at him. "A bit early for you isn''t it."


    "Yep," Nix readily agreed. Nix glanced around at all the full tables. "Seems crowded today."


    "I was told to escort you to the Clan Leader''s table." The Alchemist waited while he grabbed a drink and then led him to one of the front tables, Mortimus and Scarlett were already there.


    Nix took a seat next to Mortimus and started eating. There was no formality, everyone ate together, catching up on the latest events. There was a sense of excitement in the air.


    "Did you get any sleep last night Nix?" Scarlett was carefully cutting her meat with a knife, the complete opposite of her husband who grabbed food by the handful and stuffed his face without giving it any thought.


    "Yes. I also finished my project." Nix slid his chair back and removed a Dire Wolf doll from his inventory. "I had to name it so I called it Alpha."


    Alpha: Emperor


    1) Self-Destruct


    2) Dominate (Up to 1000 Dire Wolves)


    3) Stealth


    Immune to Ice Damage.


    Scarlett leaned forward, "that looks really good."


    "Half of the Dire Wolves have a natural Ice Resistance, by using them as enhancements I was able to craft Ice Immunity into the line. It''s key to this mission."


    Mortimus stopped eating for a moment and examined the wolf doll. "You can control other Wolves?"


    Nix nodded. "Another key point. Don''t be alarmed, I''m going to demonstrate."


    He took a seat on the ground and pulled the Dire-Wolf closer to him.


    [Animate]


    Your Animator Title enables you to double the effectiveness of all mannequins you inhabit.


    The entire Clan gasped in surprise as the Dire Wolf slowly stood up. Nix''s wolf ears caught every whisper. He felt phenomenally fast, like he could run all day.


    Mortimus approached him, his big hand reaching out to feel Nix''s fur. "It feels and looks real. It even smells like a wolf."


    "The last one I made fooled a dragon." Nix spun in a quick circle, before turning and running through the courtyard. His feet blurred as he accelerated to his top speed. He circled the courtyard a few times before trotting back to the clan.


    By the time he returned to the table, Scarlett had joined her husband, her gentle hands touched the fur on Nix''s neck. "You said that Ice Immunity was key. Why?"


    "Menial does Ice damage," Mortimus answered the question. "No matter how strong you are, if the creature you are fighting is immune to your damage, you''re dead."


    "Correct." It was how Alpha Team had dealt with the Nether Emperor.


    "You can speak. Is that normal?" Scarlett couldn''t help herself, she scratched Nix''s head like he was the family dog.


    "Lower level dolls can only communicate with other dolls of the same type. However, this is an Emperor doll. The best I can make."


    An hour later, nine Alpha Wolves stood in the courtyard. Mortimus picked nine people for the mission and sent everyone else away. Nix stood in front of the pack, nodding in satisfaction at his work.


    "The wolve-dolls won''t get tired or hungry. They are stronger and faster than a normal dire wolf." He brought up a hud of Zintia, "it will take you an entire day to run there."


    "What if we are discovered?" Mortimus''s voice seemed out of place coming from a Dire Wolf.


    "Use stealth and avoid confrontation. However, don''t leave any loose ends."


    "You''ll meet us there?" Scarlett decided to go also since it was a mission that offered no real danger to her.


    "Don''t worry about me. I''m going in another way. Each of you can control up to a thousand Dire Wolves. Create as much chaos as you can."


    **************


    A short while later Nix and Gil were riding their horses hard for the Iron Pike Trading Post; they would leave them with Hoot and then proceed North another five miles where they would enter the Breezie River. The Breezie river offered them a direct route into the Zintian Sea. After looking at a map, it became apparent that a second approach to Zintia could be made. An aquatic team could come up from under the Ice and enter Menial''s stronghold.


    The journey passed by quickly. After leaving the horses with Hoot, they entered the Breezie river with Soup and clung to her shell as she used all of her speed to get them to the Zintian Sea. They entered the sea before dark and went deeper so they wouldn''t run into the forming ice as they moved north.


    Gil would occasionally pat the Sea-Turtles shell or ask Nix questions but for the most part the journey was spent in peaceful darkness. He was glad to have been asked to come, it was a chance for his Turtle Clan to shine.


    After traveling for nearly a day, Nix and Gil let Soup hunt while they continued to travel.


    Gil''s underwater vision was enhanced, so he understood that Nix must have something similar. "How close are we do you think?"


    "Only a few hours away." Nix could feel the Ice all around him, but more than that he could feel that a powerful Ice Artifact was close. It was one of the benefits of carrying the Blessing of Ice. "We''ll make it before the Wolf Team does."


    Gil felt a presence behind them and turned to see Soup chasing them down. "Soup''s back Nix."


    ************


    Nix drew Wrath and pushed flames into the hilt. Immediately the darkness of the deep sea lit up. An ice flow that was probably a quarter of a mile thick stood between them and any kind of entrance to Menial''s stronghold.


    Every time the Fury sword touched the ice, a large section of it immediately melted. The water followed them nearly the entire way up as they created a tunnel wide enough for Soup to enter. Nix didn''t understand the physics of it, but if he asked Bev, she could definitely give him an answer. Finally, the water stopped advancing upward with them and Nix cut out a side-passage.


    "That thing is really handy." Gil watched as Nix carved out an entire room for Soup to wait in.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It''s good for killing things also."


    "Sure... that too."


    From here Nix and Gil continued alone. The Inferno leader changed into his armor and ignited his emerald aura. Tunneling through the ice became easy as they created a winding passage upward.


    Gil followed behind him occasionally offering comments. "This is a long way Nix. What if we have to retreat?"


    "That''s the fun part, Gil. Sit on your backside and slide down."


    An hour later, Nix and Gil finally ran into the keep''s stone foundation. Having no other choice, Nix melted his way into it. The Turtle Titan was forced to retreat several meters because of the blistering heat.


    It only took a few minutes to enter into an open space. There were crates stacked nearly to the ceiling.


    "Looks like a storage room. Let''s ''wolf-up'' from here." Nix took out his last two Dire-Wolf dolls and placed them on the floor.


    [Animate]


    Your Animator Title enables you to double the effectiveness of all mannequins you inhabit.


    "Yeah, I know. Stealth up Gil and follow."


    [Stealth]


    Nix scrambled over the top of the crates and pushed the door open with his huge head. He turned to see his partner following close behind.


    "How come you''re bigger than me?"


    "Must be an added benefit of my ''Animator'' title. Let''s find Menial."

 294 Killing Menial

    "Nix said to attack as soon as we made contact." Mortimus crested a tall ice ridge, in the distance he could see the Keep where Menial ruled. He sniffed the air, although painful to admit, the puppet''s senses were much sharper than his own. "Do you think Dire Wolves are all this strong?"


    "No. This is an Emperor Dire Wolf, Nix said that normal dire wolves would only be as strong as one of his Revenant-level works." Scarlett raised her head to the sky and howled loudly.


    Mortimus listened to the howl echoing in the distance. "What are you doing?"


    Scarlett nudged him with her nose. "Calling my army. Go find your own." She raised her head toward the sky again, thinking about anguish and pain of the last few months. She howled again, her call was answered from dozens of different directions.


    Mortimus trotted back to the Titan pack. "Time to split up. Kill the smaller wolves and control any Dire Wolves you find."


    *********


    Mina dove deep into the water, welcoming the embrace of the sea as she followed the coastline North, all four of her Vilas following closely. When she saw the map of Everspire, her heart had jumped in excitement. The entire western coast was open sea all the way to the Zintian Icecap. She would find him without having to cross any deserts. In a few days, they would be together again.


    **********


    The two wolves padded softly down the corridor, every few minutes Nix would stop and sniff the air.


    "Are we lost Nix?"


    "Yep," Nix admitted. The halls were a maze of twists and turns that made little sense. Sometimes they would end in nothing but a bare wall. "You''re no help, can''t you use those natural animal senses?"


    Gil''s long wolf tongue lolled out of one side of his mouth while he trotted alongside him. "I''m a turtle. I can pick up scents in and out of the water."


    Nix stopped suddenly, his ears pricking forward. "They''re here."


    Gil skidded to a stop. "Who? Menial?"


    /Titan: Nix: Welcome to Zintia.


    /Titan: Mortimus: Nix! You beat us here?


    /Titan: Nix: Let''s call it a draw. Start hitting them.


    "FOOL! GET CONTROL OF YOUR OWN MINIONS!"


    A shout echoed through the lower halls, super-sensitive wolf ears weren''t needed, Menial was angry. The two stealthed Dire Wolves ran down the halls, finally finding a door that led upwards they loped up the stairs a dozen at a time.


    "This way." Nix exited the stairway and slowed to a walk. The overwhelming sense of Ice radiated from a set of double doors. The sound of voices and footsteps could be heard from the other side.


    Gil sniffed the door and then shook his wolf head. "Bad smells Nix."


    The two wolves jumped in opposite directions when the door opened suddenly, a servant exited and left the door to close on its own. Nix leaped through and moved to one side, a scuffling at his heels told him that Gil had managed also.


    The doors led to a smaller room where tables of food and wine were laid out. Dozens of cushions lay on the floor.


    An archway provided the only entrance into a much larger room. Unexpectedly this room was warm, the crackling sounds of a fire burning filled the air. Thick luxurious carpeting covered the floor, there were only two occupants.


    [I can sense you, pretend wolf.]


    Nix''s head turned toward the throne, a robed mage sat comfortably with a plate of food in front of him. He was obscenely thin, his emaciated body looked like a skeleton sitting on the overly large throne. His long white hair hung down in several braids. He cluelessly continued eating with one hand while his other toyed with his hair. The only other occupant was a brown wolf, it was chained with silver links to an iron ring that had been bolted to the floor. Its yellow eyes were staring directly at him.


    [You can''t destroy him without first dealing with the Pandemonium artifact.]


    Nix eyes moved to the center of the room, where a crystal goblet was on display like some sort of trophy.


    [That''s a fake. The real one sits on the arm of his throne.]


    /Titan: Nix: Get ready Gil.


    /Titan: Gil: Do I really have to blow myself up? Can''t I kill a few things first?


    /Titan: Nix: Stop whining or I''ll do it for you. On my signal.


    [I''ll create an opening.]


    The brown wolf morphed slowly into a woman. She was completely nude, her long brown hair fell over her perfect behind. She stretched her back slowly, her sinuous movements drew the attention of Menial.


    "Why did you change forms?" Menial continued to eat while he watched her.


    She lay back on the floor, one hand holding the heavy steel collar around her neck. "It chafes my coat. I can still function in this form."


    Menial grabbed a handful of meat from the plate and stood up. "Function? Hundreds of your minions are revolting. You call that functioning?"


    "Your will is my life. I cannot disobey." The wolf-woman bowed her head from her spot on the floor.


    The thin man stared at her. He licked his lips obscenely and dropped his robes. "Service your master bitch."


    /Titan: Nix: Now!


    Nix leaped for the goblet that Menial left behind while Gil''s wolf jaws clamped down on the other.


    [Dire Wolf Emperor: Self-Destruct]


    [Dire Wolf Emperor: Self-Destruct]


    Nix''s eyes popped open, the entire room was shaking from side to side. Immediately he climbed over the crates and sprinted out the door. Without bothering to stealth he ran down the hallway.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flame]


    He pushed flames into Wrath and turned into the stairway, the entire Keep was moving and rumbling. The smell of fire and smoke was thick in the air as Nix exited the stairs.


    The hallway had been destroyed, the light of day shone through the roof. Nix stepped into the room where''d he been a few moments before, most of it was destroyed beyond reckoning.


    Neither of the occupants of the room had been killed by the devastating explosions, although both of them had been altered.


    The wolf-woman was still bound to the floor. Most of her left side was burned away, blood bubbled from her smiling mouth. "Now we see your true form bastard."


    Nix thought he was talking about him until he sensed the attack. Without thinking he dived to one side, an instant later a sword sliced through the rubble where he''d been standing.


    Menial was about the same size as before but he no longer resembled a human. His skin was like ivory and his eyes devoid of any color other than white. He had two large horns coming out of his head and he carried a long sword made of ice. "Who are you?"


    Nix blocked a second attack and then jumped out of range.


    [Comet Strike: Emerald Flames]


    A half dozen orbs of green flame struck Menial in the chest, he screamed in anger and pain. "A FIRE MAGE HERE?"


    [Winter Storm]


    A blizzard sprung up out of nowhere, thousands of tiny ice particles bit into Nix''s skin.


    Deep Freeze has been resisted.


    You have resisted Ice Storm.


    Nix raised both hands and a dozen strands of emerald flame stabbed into the Ice Demon. Pulling back with all his strength, he slammed Menial on the floor.


    Menial has been stunned.


    [Null]


    Menial has resisted Silence.


    Nix ignored the ground that flash froze beneath his feet, and slammed the creature onto the floor again.


    [Broken Ice]


    Menial has resisted stun.


    [Black Ice Armor]


    A coating of black Ice formed around Menial, causing Nix''s strands to drop.


    "Think you can kill me?" Menial''s laughter echoed as his blade sliced at Nix.


    Nix blocked the attack and pushed forward to lock the Ice Blade in place, his free hand formed a fist and slammed into Menial''s grinning maw.


    The floor shifted beneath Nix causing him to stumble as he pursued his target.


    [Balefire: Fury Flames]


    A ball of white-hot flames incinerated the right arm of Menial. The Black Ice armor, immediately closed over the wound, causing the Ice Demon to howl in anger.


    [Abundance]


    Nix''s body felt weighed down, a quick glance told him that ice was accumulating on him. Within a few seconds, he was completely bound in ice.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Emerald Salamander]


    The ball of ice instantly evaporated, a moment before an Ice blade stabbed through his shoulder. Nix bit down on the wrist before it could withdraw the blade.


    [Flame Throw: Fury]


    From point-blank range, white flames poured into Menial, the raging scream of horror was deafening as the Ice Demon threw himself backward. His black Ice armor melted and puddled onto the floor.


    Nix gasped painfully, his mana was completely gone, using Fury Flame was a bitch. He dropped his Salamander form and pushed flames into Wrath. "Time to pay."


    Menial''s screams turn into laughter, crazy and twisted. The power of Ice grew around him, his strength skyrocketing. "I can tap power from the land, you idiot! It''s why I rule here! I will never be defe..."


    An instant later his upper body disappeared with a noise that sounded like a metal door slamming shut. His legs dropped onto the floor, twitching slightly.


    Menial has been slain.


    The enormous snapping turtle stared at Nix, his powerful jaws chewing slowly. "A bit crunchy... and kinda gross."

 295 Ionova

    "Can''t you just change back?" Nix ignored him and turned toward the dieing wolf-woman. The life in her eyes was slowly fading. He pulled his bandages out and started working on her.


    "It''s hopeless."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Still... I can work on my skills while you''re alive."


    The wolf-woman smiled slightly. "What a bastard."


    Nix shrugged but didn''t disagree. "What''s your name?"


    "Una." She closed her eyes, every breath causing her pain.


    "I''m Nix." He used the rest of his bandages on her and then paused. "Unaqoir?"


    "Yes. How do you know that?"


    "Damn... All this hard work." Nix pulled out his last Emperor, he had managed to make a dozen during the night. "I''m assuming your real dragon heart is still in your chest?"


    "What? How do you know that I''m a dragon?"


    Nix pushed the Wolf Emperor toward her. "Don''t waste time, you can control this easily enough."


    Immediately the wolf he was holding moved, Nix turned his head when it flashed toward the torn body still shackled to the floor. It''s wolf jaws crunched through the ribs and consumed the heart.


    "Huh? That''s disgusting." Gil had changed back was walking toward them, he was carrying a mace in each hand. "What''s going on?"


    Nix waited until she was finished and then examined her. It was still a puppet, he would need his gear to completely animate her. "Is there any kind of countdown?"


    "No. What is this thing? Who are you?" The wolf''s mouth was stained with her own blood.


    "I''m Nix and that is an Emperor level Dire Wolf Puppet since you''ve consumed your own heart, I will have to use it to enhance an entirely new puppet."


    The wolf seemed to accept his words, she sat down on her haunches. "How do you know my name?"


    "You''re the Dragon Master of Verynzai. Is it close by?"


    Una nodded her wolf head. "I''m no longer the Master."


    "I control Yandro''s city, as well as Aquarius, Icaraphet, and Chyanama." Nix let his words sink in. "Yandro''s city has been renamed Inferno and has returned to the air."


    "Inferno? You control the Master City?"


    "I do."


    "How did you get it back into the air?"


    "Spectrum." Nix bandaged his own wounds while she considered his words. Technically he didn''t control Icaraphet yet, but it wouldn''t be long. Tharaka had given him the Master Key.


    "Tell me of their fates. The other Dragon Masters."


    "Yandro and Zylanexor have both been slain by Inferno, neither of them could still be considered dragons, they were twisted inside."


    "And the others?"


    "Neptiphago was corrupted by the artifact that she stole from Tharaka. I was forced to kill her. I transferred Tharaka into the body of an Ashobel, he is alive and well in Colonial."


    The wolf stared at him. "His artifact? Did Khione manage to break her chains?"


    Nix nodded.


    You have received the Master Key to Verynzai.


    "I don''t want to stay in a wolf body. You can make me another?"


    "Sure. All I need are lots of pelts of whatever you want to be." Nix took out the two other examples he carried, a nether rat and a golden razir.


    Una nosed the golden razir. "Something like this one."


    "No need to rush. I''ll have to look around." Nix stood up and faced Gil who had been watching the conversation with interest."


    "Was I impressive Nix?"


    "Very, thanks for the assist."


    /Titan: Nix: Return to Nescari. These beasts were all controlled.


    /Titan: Scarlett: Is Menial dead?"


    /Titan: Nix: And the artifact is destroyed. I''m going to send another Dire Wolf to you, please escort her back.


    Nix sighed. If only his own curse were so easy to break.


    *************


    The trip back toon an entire day. Nix decided not to look for Verynzai until Inferno was reunited. There were bound to be barriers to raising it and he wanted the back-up his friends provided. Their horses were waiting for them at the Iron Pike, Nix and Gil rode hard for Nescari.


    "That''s a beautiful sight." Gil slowed his horse to a walk when he saw the front gate of Nescari. Two Titan Bears were standing guard outside the gates, they were both brown bears that stood a bit over twenty feet.


    "Welcome back Gil!" The closer bear raised a huge paw at him. "I heard you killed Menial."


    "Yep. Killed him and chewed him up."


    They returned the horses to the stables where Dresa hugged them both tightly. "Good job you two! You better hurry to the Fortress."


    Gil led them through the back entrance to the courtyards, a few dozen different types of Titans awaited them. He cursed when he saw them. "Damn... All the elders."


    Nix whistled when he saw the giant bear. He was by far the largest of them at around thirty feet in height. He completely dwarfed Scarlett, who was the only one in human form.


    "NIX!" Mortimus''s boom voice thundered out as soon as they entered.


    Scarlett hugged them both when they approached. Nix didn''t comment that Gil turned redder than a tomato. "You two brave lads, you have our thanks."


    Gil bowed low. "I did my duty as Steward of Sossamon."


    You have completed Sinai the Conquerer. A Turtle artifact has been placed in your inventory.


    You have completed The Chaos artifact.


    Scarlett placed a chained medallion over Nix''s head. "For your service to the Titan Clans, you are named Steward of Ionova. It is our wish that you make a home here among us."


    You have received the Steward of Ionova Crest.


    Steward of Ionova


    Description: The settlement of Ionova is a mixture


    of all races from all over Everspire. It''s the only


    coastal settlement in the Titania Forest.


    Enables the wearer to gate instantly to the other Titania Settlements.


    Ionova has been officially recognized as the 8th Titania Settlement.


    *************


    The Inferno group huddled around their fires. They had spent the last few days doing quests so that they could finally enter Free Trader city.


    Semmi huddled under a blanket with Pon while Wind put more wood on the fire. "Use some of that fire magic and warm this place up Pon!"


    Pon faked a shiver, he was never actually cold. "I need to save my mana, I used it all up today."


    Ronnie made a face at him from across the fire. "Nix would warm me up nicely. Your boyfriend is too stingy Sem."


    Semmi nodded in agreement.


    Everspire Continental Announcement: Nix of the Inferno Guild has been named Steward of Ionova.


    Jun Li''s face broke into a smile for the first time in two days. "Looks like Nix isn''t laying low."


    Fajii moved closer to Ronnie and invited her to share her sleeping bag. Instantly Ronnie''s eyes widened in surprise. The Aquarion held a finger to her lips.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Fajii] Why is this thing so warm?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Ronnie] Nix made it for me, it has a heat enhancement.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Fajii] Can I sleep in your tent from now on?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Ronnie] Sure.


    *************


    In the depths of the Zintian Sea, the Aquarion also noticed the announcment. She paused long enough to look at her hud.


    Her beautiful face seemed tired, but she wasn''t ready to rest. "Ionova? That''s much closer." A moment later, she continued North, her Vilas surrounding her. "I can make that in a day or two."

 296 Turtle House

    Scarlett nodded. "Just one person, the Steward Medallion enables travel to any of the eight settlements."


    Nix glanced down at the writ in his hand. It was an appointment document signed by Scarlett. On it was a list of the other seven Stewards. There was also an attached land deed.


    Jaro: Nescari


    Gillian: Sossamon


    Pedri: Vathro


    Tuno: Beliquisto


    Tama: Gothric


    Kephart: Raiz


    Mellix: Tobanz


    Nix: Ionova


    "I better check it out then." Nix was hesitant to leave Morti''s family until he resummoned the Titan Cub.


    "As Steward, you are tasked with the safety and well being of the inhabitants of Ionova." Scarlett placed a hand on his shoulder. "Normally I would have sanctioned a house to be built for you, but this will work out since you have the Turtle artifact."


    "Turtle house..." The name didn''t instill confidence. Nix could barely say it with a straight face.


    Scarlett laughed at his expression. "It''ll be fine."


    Nix waited until Una approached him. He''d be taking her to Ionova until he figured out a suitable form for her. Scarlett had made sure to return three of the Emperor Wolves puppets, the other six she had asked to purchase. They would be used for scouting and patrols into dangerous areas.


    "I"ve never been to Ionova." Una moved beside him, the back of the Dire Wolf was level with his shoulders.


    He placed a hand on her back and nodded to Scarlett. "See you tomorrow."


    Scarlett waved. "Thank you, Nix. Thank you!"


    [Steward Activation: Ionova]


    An instant later, Nix and Una appeared in Ionova.


    As Steward of Ionova, you have been given this land for your personal use, 100 acres of wooded grasslands. You may make an introduction announcement.


    "Maybe later." Nix turned in a circle, the land was similar to his respawn point. It was lightly forested and had a small stream running through it.


    "Where is Ionova?" Una''s sharp eyes were looking at everything, her nose sniffed the air while she walked in small circles.


    "There''s a small ridge east of us, it blocks the town from our view." Nix pulled the turtle artifact from his inventory. It was a small turtle shell that easily fit into the palm of his hand. After walking around for a few minutes he found a spot he wanted to place it.


    [Activate: Turtle House Artifact]


    This Artifact must be placed in or close to water.


    Close to the water actually meant touching. Nix repeatedly tried to activate every few feet until it was successful.


    The air around him shimmered as Turtle shell slightly larger than Grandpa Sinai appeared on the ground. A front door and windows appeared where the head and front of a turtle would have normally been located. Walking around the back, he discovered a large rock-walled pond. Just past that at the rear of the shell was a back door and more windows.


    "It''s literally a turtle shell." Una''s smooth voice held a hint of laughter.


    "Guess so." Nix walked in through the back door, it was a bedroom that had a large bed, a desk and a walk-in closet that served as the entrance to a bathroom. Through the bedroom door was a nice sized kitchen with a large island attached for eating meals. There was no dining area, but a cozy living room with two very comfortable looking couches and a fireplace put a smile back on Nix''s face.


    Una pointed her nose to the coffee table next to the couch. "It''s blinking Nix."


    Nix walked over and activated the table hud.


    Welcome to your Turtle Home: Owner Nix.


    1) Security


    2) Power


    3) Supplies.


    4) Mailbox


    Nix displayed the security option.


    [Home Security]


    1) Lock-Down: In an emergency, you may put the house in Lock-Down Mode. During Lock-Down the house will protect occupants and property from damage.


    2) Permissions: All guests must leave the premises when the owner does unless they are on this list.


    3) Alarm: You may set an intruder alarm that will notify you of approaching guests. The default perimeter is 300 feet.


    "Set Permissions to include Una. Display Power menu."


    [Power Menu]


    1) Appliances: You have three choices for this option. Conventional, Rustic and None. The default is Conventional.


    2) Outside Lights: Your home comes equipped with outside lights and pond lights. You may dim, brighten or change their colors.


    3) Fireplace: This is an automated function, but you must place an ongoing order for wood from a registered vendor. {Wood Bin is Currently: Full}


    Nix noticed a light switch panel by the front door. "Keep all light controls manual for now. Display Supplies Menu."


    [Supply Menu]


    1) Everspire Auction House: You have access to the Continental Auction house. You may sell or buy items in the auction house as long as your account has sufficient credits.


    2) Local Market: You may purchase supplies from the local Market Square providing you have sufficient credits in your account.


    3) Deposit or Withdraw Credits. {Current Value=0}


    4) Mailbox: You may receive packages from registered Senders. You may send items to anyone on your friend list.


    Current Registered Senders: Continental Auction House, Ionova Market Square.


    Friend List: Currently Disabled.


    Nix frowned at his friend list. The first of his friends to find him would activate his friend list again. "Deposit one million credits in my account."


    Scarlett had paid him two hundred thousand credits for each of the six Emperor dolls. In Oasis they''d be worth tens of millions, but the economy in Everspire was vastly different.


    Nix closed the table hud and walked toward the door. "Coming or staying?"


    Una moved from her spot in front of the fireplace. "Coming."


    Nix closed the door and started running toward the ridge, Una fell in beside him. "I''ll bring up the Auction house for you later. There should be many different kinds of pelts to choose from."


    "I can''t tell from a pelt. How many do you need to make one low-end doll?"


    "I can make a reasonably accurate mannequin with 10 pelts."


    They topped the ridge a few minutes later. The town was less than half a mile from there. It seemed a bit run-down. There were no walls protecting it from outside forces. Nix slowed to a walk after a few minutes and walked into town without anyone noticing.


    "No gates or walls, not even a guard." Nix shook his head. "Isn''t this place really dangerous?"


    "Hey!"


    Nix turned at the shout, three boys in their early teens raced up to him. All three of them were scrawny and sunburned with long curly black hair that hung in their eyes. From the looks of them, they might have been brothers. "Can I help you guys?"


    The middle boy spoke up. "We got some fish to sell! Freshly caught this morning."


    "Yep. Freshly caught," the second one added.


    The third boy stared for at him for a moment. "5 credits."


    Nix nodded and pointed to the ridge. "Just over that ridge is my house hang them by the front door."


    The middle boy shook his head. "There''s no house there sir."


    "There is now." Nix paid them and pointed them at the ridge. It was obvious that they didn''t believe him, but since they had been paid it didn''t matter.


    The third boy who had taken payment seemed to be their leader. "What''s your name?"


    "I''m Nix, the new Steward of Ionova."


    The boy wasn''t impressed, he pointed a thumb towards his chest. "Tram."


    Nix glanced at the middle boy again. "Your name?"


    "Tram."


    The last boy nodded in agreement. "Yep. Me too."


    The credit taking boy held up a hand. "Before you ask, we don''t have first names. So just call us Tram."


    "Okay then. Cya Tram."


    Yep, cya." All three Trams replied at the same time.


    Nix watched them walk off and then turned toward the only building in town with any paint. It was white building with a large sign across the top that said, Steward. It had obviously been freshly painted.


    The building was a small square one-story office with a counter and windows that extended all around. There was a faint musty smell when Nix opened the door.


    Ionova Settlement: This is an Ionova Announcement. The newly appointed Steward of Ionova is now in his office. All city workers, business owners, and concerned citizens are requested to visit.


    Una stared at him while he sent the message, her long tongue hanging out of her mouth. "You have no idea what you''re doing."


    Nix laughed and shook his head. "Nope. I do have a really good idea of how to beautify this place."


    "Really?"


    He held up a hand that immediately burst into emerald flames. "I could burn it to the ground."


    Una''s wolf head nodded. "You''re a born diplomat."

 297 Quarry

    A middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair raised his hand. "That would be me, sir."


    "You are tasked with running the Quarry? Why is it currently closed?


    "On account of the spiders. Large man-sized spiders that attack the workers. We had to close it three months ago after two workers were killed."


    "Three months?" Nix glanced at his budget sheet. Scarlett had been providing the funds for this place since the settlement was first built. "Where''re my six hundred credits?"


    Laird stared at him for a moment, his face showing confusion. "Six hundred credits?"


    "You haven''t worked in three months, yet you were paid two hundred credits per month. Should I pay you for doing nothing?"


    Laird''s face turned red. "What could I do? Am I supposed to fight spiders?"


    "If you want, your other option would be to report it to the person who was paying you. Did you do that?" Nix paused for a moment before continuing. "Your new wage is one hundred credits per month until you pay back the amount you owe."


    Nix glanced down at his sheet again. "Captain Mora?"


    "Here sir." A broad-shouldered young man with a shaved head stood up. He wore leather armor and had a short sword belted around his waist.


    "You''ve been paid 150 credits per month, additionally you have another 100 credits that pay for two town guards. What have you been using this money for?"


    "There are no walls or gates here sir. We patrol the town regularly."


    "Patrol the town?" Nix glanced around the room, everyone was avoiding eye contact. "Clear out my guardhouse; your services are no longer required."


    The Captain stared at him, then at the huge wolf sitting nearby. It was obvious he wanted to say something, but instead, he stomped out and slammed the door behind him.


    "Who is Tinsleton?"


    A young woman stood up, she looked to be around twenty. "Me sir, everyone calls me Tintin."


    Tintin was listed as a gatherer. She led a team of pickers through the area and supplied the town with herbs, wild fruit, and nuts. She was only paid 50 credits a month. "I want to see a list of everything you''ve picked this month."


    "Right away, sir."


    Nix stood up and faced the crowded room. "This town''s a mess. The first order of business, I''ll clear the Quarry tonight. Laird, I expect you to open the Quarry first thing in the morning."


    Laird nodded. "First light sir."


    Nix noticed three faces at the front door, peering through the glass. He waved for them to come in. It was hard seeing the three Trams without smiling. "You guys deliver my fish?"


    The closest Tram nodded. "Yes, sir."


    Nix pretended to look down at his sheet. "No first names? Really?"


    The same Tram spoke again. "We''re orphans sir, our parents died when we was young. If we had names no one remembers them now."


    "Part of my duties is the welfare of the citizens. Pick a name for yourself and I''ll make it official." Nix waited while they whispered among each other.


    After a few moments, the closest one spoke. "Theo."


    Nix nodded. "Theo Tram. Got it."


    The smallest of the three raised his hand. "Ginger."


    "Ginger?" Nix studied him for a moment, he didn''t want to embarrass the boy. "Fine, Ginger Tram."


    "Mik! I''ll be Mik!" The last one spoke up, it was obvious that he was feeling the pressure.


    Nix nodded and wrote it down. "Okay, Mik. The three of you will stay in the guardhouse from now on. Report to my house at noon tomorrow."


    Nix waited until they left before turning back to the rest of the room. "Quarry will be open tomorrow. We''ll build a town wall and a gate as soon as we get enough rock."


    A woman from the back of the room raised her hand.


    "Question?"


    "I''m Hopi. My family runs the Oberton farm. We are constantly under attack by all manner of creatures that have taken up refuge in the area. I''ve made a list." She made her way through the crowd and handed Nix the list.


    Nix read the list, he didn''t recognize anything on it. "Khants, Bezos and Fire-Lyres?"


    The woman could have been Hyai''s sister. She had the same earthy warmth. "Yes, sir. These pests have been harassing the farmers in the area constantly."


    "After I clear the Quarry, I''ll look into this."


    Two hours later, Nix and Una were walking toward the Quarry.


    Una pranced ahead of him, her nose held high in the air as she inhaled the late-afternoon air. "Ginger Tram is a female by the way. You seemed confused."


    Nix''s face widened in a smile. "That''s a girl? No wonder... Hey Una, you know what any of those pests are?"


    "I believe Khants are Khannon Ants. They''re like normal ants if normal ants were the size of a large pig."


    "You head back to the house. I''m going to the Quarry."


    "Need help?"


    Nix shook his head. "Got a bit of frustration to vent. Gonna flame that place until it glows."


    Una stopped at the trail that led to Nix''s house. "Why hire the Trams?"


    "Sunburned, lots of callouses and covered with scars. They''re hard workers and very young. Those are two things we need here."


    **************


    Nix entered the Quarry a few minutes later, more than anything he wanted a mount. Walking around on foot was too slow. He would see them tomorrow; Fey, Ducky, Shae, and Morti. It hadn''t been long, but he missed them.


    He drew Wrath and pushed flames into it, the white blade cut through the air. He didn''t bother with stealth. Nix could see that webbing covered just about everything. He targeted the area closest to him.


    [Tides of Flame]


    High pitched screeches sounded out and little balls of flame tried to scurry away, their webbing instantly incinerated.


    [Meteor Shower: Gemini Flame]


    Nix spent the next hour cleaning out the surface of the quarry, he bathed every square inch of the rocks in flame.


    He rested for a few minutes while letting his mana build back up. The Quarry was now much warmer than it was when he arrived. The rocks weren''t glowing but they were giving off a lot of heat.


    Satisfied with the result, Nix walked toward the cavern where the big mining pit was located. He swung his white blade from side to side while he casually strolled along. His mood was already improving.


    Over the next hour, Nix worked his way to the bottom of the Quarry. He scorched every nest and left no spider living. Three large spiders presented the last of the arachnids. They went down without much of a fight.


    A Phase Spider has attempted to influence you. You''ve resisted charm.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix turned in a complete circle, looking for a heat signature. "Clever."


    [Balefire Burst: Gemini Flame]


    Nix aimed at a flat stone wall when the flames struck it incinerated and a high pitched screeching noise caused him to step back.


    You have resisted stun.


    A wall of webbing had been built across a hidden entrance, rocks and dirt had been used to camouflage it. "Some sort of smart spider?" Nix raised his sword and walked down the path. A trail of black ichor glowed brightly under his thermal vision, the path steepened and slanted downward. The temperature of the air started to drop, the familiar sound and smell of the sea filled his senses. A sudden turn and the tunnel ended in a small cavern that was partially submerged in water.


    "The hell..." Nix found the Phase spider, two white spiders were already tearing it to pieces, black blood spilled onto the rocks as they consumed him alive.


    Nix held up both hands and sent a half dozen strands of emerald flames stabbing into the white spiders. Their high pitched screams of terror made his head ring, they dragged him back into the water.


    Immediately Nix let go of his strands, only to find webbing had attached to his feet.


    [Summons: Soup]


    Nix''s feet were yanked from under him, he took a deep breath before he was pulled under the water.


    The water spiders pulled him a long shaft that led out of the cavern and into the weeded floor of the open sea. Nix swallowed a mouthful of sea-water and managed to drop his sword hilt.


    A flash of green announced the arrival of his ally.


    [Sonic Boom]


    A Water Spider has been stunned.


    A Water Spider has been stunned.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flames]


    Nix burned free of the webbing and then flamed out before donning his Aquatic gear. "You f*ckers..."


    Soup latched onto two of the closest spider''s legs and wrenched them off with a twist of her head.


    [Vacuum]


    Nix summoned the other Spider who was desperately trying to escape.


    [Flame Throw: Gemini Flame]


    Nix grabbed onto one of the bony legs with one hand and baptized it in flames with the other. Its mandibles snapped at him, he responded by punching it in the face.


    [Lance: Fury Flame]


    Nix stabbed the fury flames through the head of the Water Spider, causing her to screech pitifully.


    A Water Spider has been slain.


    Soup finished off the other spider and rejoined Nix while he searched for Wrath. He found the hilt after a few minutes and headed back toward the underwater entrance to the cavern. "Why are Water Spiders in our Quarry Soup? Soup?"


    Nix turned to find that Soup stopped following him and had moved away a few meters. "Something wrong Soup?"


    Suddenly she darted away, her massive body cutting through the ocean depths in a straight line. Without hesitating, Nix followed in her wake.

 298 Oblivion Spider

    [Direct Contact: Nix]


    Nix may not be contacted at this time.


    She slammed her hand down on her desk. If Nix had a way to contact his friends at Inferno, then he would have received the message one of her people had dropped off. It was three simple words. We stand ready.


    [Direct Contact: Benco]


    A small shadow rogue appeared in front of her desk.


    "Where are you?"


    Benco''s dark face was unreadable. "We are halfway across the Great Desert. I estimate we will find arrive in Ionova in 2 or 3 days."


    Leva leaned forward, her dark eyes glistening. "Make it two days, Benco. If anything happens to Nix..."


    Benco bowed low. "We will protect the Commander, no matter the cost."


    Leva cut communication and was once more alone in her office. The Nether had changed drastically since the Emperor had been slain. Not only were her people exploring the planes, but people from Oasis and the Sky Kingdom were visiting the Nether.


    *************


    Mina was tired, and because of that, she started using her Vilas to keep herself moving north. The Vilas had developed a spiny ridge down the middle of their back; it made a perfect handgrip for being pulled along.


    The Vilas had never seen anything like it, or maybe it was because those caution instincts were mutated out of it. For whatever reason, they swam right its path.


    Three Vilas, including the one that was ferrying Mina, was snatched cleanly away. Long blue tendrils that were nearly invisible in the water, wrapped up the mutated creatures and pulled them in. The exhausted Aquarion drifted for a few seconds, completely unaware of the danger. As if sensing the danger, her pale blue eyes opened suddenly, but it was already too late.


    The last Vilas circled back toward the creature, it retreated out of range and waited. The Vilas that Mina pulled out of Mermaid City had been steadily evolving. Its sense of caution was tempered with improved intelligence. Immediately it understood that it was no match for the creature that captured its master. It was reasoning through the possible options when it caught a familiar scent in the water. A powerful ally that it knew well was close.


    **************


    Nix followed Soup without questions; he could sense the Sea Turtles distress. He managed to stay within visual range for several minutes, in the open water a turtle her size took a while to get to top speed, but once she did.


    Soup''s outline started to sharpen again, a sure sign that the Sea Turtle was slowing down. Nix caught the heat signature of a second creature near her, but Soup wasn''t fighting with it. He was within 50 meters of it before he recognized it, instantly he felt panic creep up as if his heart was being squeezed.


    He joined the two sea-creatures a moment later, his eyes inspected the Vilas, there were no visible wounds. He placed a hand on its scaled hide. "Mina..."


    The Vilas turned away and started swimming south. Nix managed to grab hold of Soup''s shell before she followed; this time, he didn''t want to be left behind.


    They were within a quarter of a mile when Nix saw its heat signature. It was massive on a scale that he''d never seen. To his untrained eye, it resembled a gigantic jellyfish. A large circular body was at the center, dozens of tendrils hung down around it, seeming to drift on the sea''s current.


    [You have discovered an Oblivion Spider. This is a group Raid with a limit of 10 people.]


    "Stop." Soup instantly halted, the Vilas next to her did the same. "Wait here. I''ll scout."


    Nix stealthed out of habit and moved closer even though he felt the odds were high that the creature didn''t rely on sight to see its prey. He could see three other Vilas that were wrapped up in the Oblivion Spider''s Tendrils. After a few more seconds, he spotted her. Only her legs were wrapped up. Her eyes were open, but she wasn''t moving, Nix guessed the tendrils had some sort of paralytic effect.


    Nix swam back toward the small group while he considered their options. Mina was the priority; they didn''t really need to kill or fight the spider. He patted Soup''s head when he got back. "Going to need you to hit this thing, first with Sonic and then the battering ram. I''ll be coming in behind you to put a hurt on it. Get Mina, no matter the cost."


    The Vilas moved closer and nudged him with its massive snout. Its Intelligent eyes stare at him.


    "You can help if you understand. Mina first, and then the rest of the Vilas." Nix moved closer to Soup and embraced her neck. "Full speed on this one, Soup, take as long a run-up as you need. We''ll move on your mark."


    The sea turtle glided quickly away, retreating into the distance until Nix could no longer see her heat signature.


    Nix waited patiently with the Vilas, five minutes, then ten; finally, after twenty minutes, he spotted her dim thermal signature in the distance.


    She flashed by Nix a minute later, a runaway freight train moving faster than anything he''d ever seen in the water. She was through the tendrils before it could react.


    [Sonic Boom]


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    An Oblivion Spider Tendril has been stunned.


    Nix and the Vilas followed in her wake, the speed of her pulling them along.


    [Battering Ram]


    Soup slammed into the body of the Oblivion Spider like a meteor, penetrating several feet into its body.


    An Oblivion Spider has been stunned.


    Soup has been stunned.


    Nix arrived an instant later; his hilt held out before him in one hand, none of his flames were on. He flashed by Soup and darted into the massive wound created by the Sea Turtle.


    [Aura Ignition: Fury Flames]


    He held out one hand and a half dozen strands of Fury Flames sunk deep into the creature''s body, he pulled himself forward, slicing with Wrath he managed to move several yards further into its body.


    An ear shatter screech filled water; without warning, Nix felt something wrap around his legs and attempt to pull him out. The Oblivion Spiders'' own Tendrils were trying to remove him; in the process, they were tearing open the wound.


    You are suffering from the effects of partial paralysis.


    You are suffering from the effects of partial paralysis.


    "F*CK!" Nix felt the lower half of his body go numb. With his mana nearly exhausted, he decided to try it. He had never summoned his lightning blade through Wrath''s sound amplified hilt. He extended his arm forward as far as he could reach and pushed lightning into Wrath. "Say hello to Thor, Dumbass."


    A single bolt of lightning struck outward from the inside of the Oblivion Spider. It tore through the creature like it was made from tissue, a second strike was followed by a third and then a fourth. Smaller attacks went on for several seconds until finally, they stopped.


    An Oblivion Spider has been slain.


    Everspire Continental Announcement: The Inferno Guild has slain the Oblivion Spider.


    Soup and the Vilas retreated a few hundred meters away with Mina; after a short period, her eyes fluttered open. "Soup?"


    Mina reached out and touched Soup''s shell. "Where''s Nix?"


    The Aquarion shook her head to clear it; there were tendrils and bits of flesh floating everywhere. In the distance, she saw the massive body of the Oblivion Spider. "Is Nix there?"


    She started to move toward it, but Soup and one of her Vilas intercepted her. "Soup! I need to find Nix."


    Soup snapped her beak in reply but refused to move.


    They watched as the tendrils and cloud of blue-colored blood started to clear away, from the center of the massive body, a small movement was visible. The blackened husk of a man emerged a moment later; he was dwarfed by the sheer size of the Oblivion Spider, slowly he started to swim toward them...

 299 Homecoming part one

    Most of his armor was melted away; he still gripped a broken sword hilt in one hand. When she hugged him close, she could smell his burnt flesh. She kissed his forehead gently, her pale eyes unable to look away from him.


    "That hurts." Nix opened his eyes a moment later. "Hey, Min."


    A wide smile creased her beautiful face. "Hey, Nix."


    Nix grabbed hold of Soup''s shell and pulled himself on her. "Go back to the cavern Soup; we''ll walk from there."


    The exhausted Aquarion clung to Soup''s shell beside him. Her hands reached out to touch his face or stroke his hair. They didn''t speak on the trip back.


    The trip through cavern was uneventful. Nix unsummoned Soup and rode one of Mina''s Vila out of the cavern.


    "It''s nice to have a ride," Nix spoke for the first time in a few minutes. They exited the Quarry and turned toward his house.


    Pale blue eyes stared at him in the darkness. "I missed you, Nix."


    Nix was bandaging his wounds while he rode. Slowly his skin was turning back to its normal color. "Same here. Thanks for coming Mina."


    Personal Messaging has been restored.


    Mina reached out her hand and handed him a small bracelet.


    "Present?" Nix picked it up and noticed right away that it was her Deep Blue. All the saved waypoints were erased except for the Gemini Temple and Free Trader City. "Free Trader City?"


    "It''s a large city in lower Everspire; it sits on the corners of four different provinces. I believe Inferno is there right now."


    Nix slipped the bracelet on. "We''re back."


    "We''re back," Mina agreed.


    A few minutes later, they dismounted outside of the turtle home. Mina stopped and stared when she saw it.


    "Hey, Nix... This looks like a turtle shell."


    "Cuz it''s a turtle shell." Nix opened the back door and let her in. "Bathroom is through the closet. Security Menu, Add Filamina to the Permissions list."


    [House Permissions Updated to Include Filamina.]


    Una stood up from her spot in front of the fireplace. The Dire Wolf stared at the Aquarion without commenting.


    "Una, this is my friend, Mina, from the Inferno Guild."


    "I saw an announcement. Inferno just killed an Oblivion Spider, that''s an impressive feat."


    "They''re awesome. You can sleep in the bed, for now, Min, I''m gonna take a bath and get some rest."


    Mina shook her head. "I''ll take the couch."


    "Suit yourself. Tomorrow, we''re gonna pick up our friends."


    **************


    Many hours later, Nix''s eyes finally opened. He stretched under the warm blankets of his bed; soft white hair brushed against his arm. He turned to find the Aquarion next to him; somehow, she had snatched his pillow in the middle of the night.


    "Why aren''t you on the couch, pillow snatcher?"


    She moved against him, her soft skin warm on his. "I want to talk to you."


    "You here to exchange pointers, Min?"


    Mina nodded. "I''m considering it."


    Nix laughed at her expression. "What about my ugliness?"


    The Aquarion pursed her lips. "I could close my eyes."


    "HAHAHAHA." Nix pushed her away and sat up. "Why not just put a paper bag over my head."


    "What''s a paper bag?"


    Mina watched as he got up and started getting dressed. "I brought you something else also."


    "Present?" Nix held out his hand.


    [Halter: Flash]


    Nix clapped his hands together. "Finally! I have my horse back."


    Mina got out of bed and stretched her arms overhead; she noticed Nix looking at her. "Going to take a shower, that okay?"


    Nix nodded absentmindedly. "Hey, Min... Why are you naked?"


    Mina stepped into the doorway, pausing to look over her shoulder. "I told you why."


    He watched her slim form move gracefully into the bathroom. "Yeah. Let''s discuss this later."


    Nix walked into his kitchen a few minutes later, Una hadn''t moved from the fire. "Need your help with something Una."


    "That your mate Nix?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. She''s a trusted ally and a close friend."


    "Very close," Una agreed.


    Nix frowned at the wolf before walking outside. He heard the soft pad of wolf feet follow behind him. As expected, the Trams had already arrived.


    "Have a seat." Nix brought out one of the Dire Wolf Dolls. Now that he knew Ginger was a girl, it was easy to pick her out. "You first."


    Ginger nodded from her place on the ground. "What am I doing?"


    Nix gestured toward the wolf-puppet that he laid on the grass. "This is an inhabitable puppet. It means you can assume control of it."


    Ginger gave him a doubtful smile. "This a joke, Sir?"


    Nix moved behind her and knelt on the ground. He gripped her shoulders tightly. "Focus. In your head, I want you to make an effort to inhabit this puppet. Be the puppet Ginger, don''t worry, it''s impossible to get stuck."


    A gasp of surprise from her brothers as the Dire Wolf stood up awkwardly. Nix gently lay Ginger down on the soft grass.


    One by one, over an hour, each of the Trams practiced with the puppets. Mina came out after a few minutes and watched them all work together.


    Nix completely lost track of time and had to be reminded by Mina that they had to leave.


    "Sorry, guys. I have to go."


    Theo pulled his two siblings away, now that Nix was getting to know them, he understood that Theo was the defacto leader. "Back tomorrow Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Same time."


    He grabbed Mina''s hand and activated his medallion.


    [Steward Activation: Nescari]


    The gating point was just outside the back entrance to the Courtyard. Since this was where he agreed to meet, Nix opened the gate and entered.


    Mina had to squeeze his hand to pull him out of his daze. The Courtyard was completed packed with people; it was standing room only.


    Nix smiled at the couple when he approached. "You sure you want this many people here?"


    Scarlett nodded. "Please don''t let me down, Nix. Please... my heart couldn''t take it."


    Mortimus just nodded his big head; his large hands were clenching and unclenching.


    "This is Filamina, my good friend." Nix shook his hand loose from her grip. "Mina, this is Morti''s parents, Scarlett and Mortimus."


    Mina''s beautiful eyes widened in surprise. "You found Morti''s family?" The Aquarion clapped her hands together. "He''s going to be so happy."


    Nix checked his hud. "Summon hasn''t reset yet. So I should mention a few things."


    Scarlett would generally have been more welcoming toward Mina, but her heart was beating so hard she was having a difficult time focusing. "Okay, Nix."


    "Morti is no longer brown when I found him his coat was damaged a bit. In the process of fixing it, the color was changed to black."


    "Morti''s a black bear?" Mortimus''s booming voice made it inevitable that everyone heard.


    "I don''t care." Scarlett''s nails dug into her husband''s thick arm. "Is it time yet, Nix?"

 300 Homecoming conclusion

    Scarlett nodded. "I can wait a few more minutes."


    "I''ll wait here too, Nix." Mina moved off to one side while Nix walked back toward the gate.


    [Summons: Fey]


    An instant later, a beautiful Silver Drakon appeared in the grass. A loud collective gasp from the crowd could be heard.


    "Nix?" Fey spread her wings about and morphed into her human form. The skinny white-haired girl burst into tears and threw herself at him.


    Nix stroked her hair gently. "It''s fine. Nothing to worry about."


    Fey''s head was buried in his shoulder. "We lost Nix. I let you down."


    "Shhh... Let me down? Impossible." Nix gripped her arms and pushed her away. "I have a surprise for Morti, so we can talk later."


    "Surprise?"


    Nix pointed toward the huge group on the other side of the courtyard. "Morti''s parents."


    Fey stared at the group. Sometimes she was at odds with the Titan cub, but she loved him like a little brother. "He''s going to be so happy."


    Nix pointed to the side. "Stand over there please."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared in front of him a moment later.


    The Water Witch looked around, her eyes finally focused on Nix. "We lost?"


    Nix nodded. "Fraid so. You did really well though."


    Ducky hugged him close. "You were very brave Nix. Next time we''ll teach her a lesson!"


    "Can you join Fey over there? I have a lot going on right now." Nix pointed to where Fey was standing.


    "Sure." Ducky glanced at the group before heading toward Fey.


    Nix checked his hud, neither Morti nor Shae could be summoned yet. It made sense, as the two strongest, they would be the last to die. He could hear Fey talking excitedly with Ducky.


    "The hell am I going to do if he can''t be summoned?" Nix frowned at the crowd that was patiently waiting. Scarlett had told him that when Morti was snatched, they could no longer transform into their Titan form. He had assumed that this affected Mortimer also, but it hadn''t. Scarlett assured him that Titans are born and raised as cubs until they reach the age of maturity, around four years old; none are allowed to learn human form until after that. Her explanation made sense to Nix, cubs are much more resilient than their human counterparts.


    Nix checked the hud again and then sighed with relief.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Fifteen feet of angry bear appeared in front of him an instant later.


    "RRRAAAWWWRRR" Morti let out a deafening roar, standing on his back legs with his claws extended.


    He looked down at Nix a moment later and then plopped down on his huge butt. "Sorry Nix."


    Nix had to brace himself when Morti''s big head pushed into his chest. He scratched the big ears and hugged him. "No worries Morti. Win some, lose some."


    Morti glanced around the area, noticing the large group. "Yep. Win some, lose some. Who are those guys?"


    "Friends." Nix reached up and undid the strap that held his tiny metal helmet in place.


    "Why are you taking my helmet?"


    "Hmm? Oh, we are going swimming. Don''t want it to rust."


    Morti''s big head nodded. "Good thinking Nix. I''ll get it later."


    The big bear noticed Fey and Ducky, without speaking he started waddling toward them. Halfway there he stopped and turned his head, his large nose sniffing the air. "What''s that?"


    The big black nosed huffed several times, Mortimer stood on his back legs. "Something smells good." He turned toward the crown, his nose twitching. "Hey..." His sharp eyes noticed the auburn-haired woman.


    Nix sighed heavily. He was just a few weeks old when he was snatched, he probably didn''t remember much. Nix could hear the quiet sobs of Scarlett from where he stood. "Hey, Morti. You recognize someone?"


    Morti''s large head cocked to one side, his eyes burrowing into the crying woman while his black nose sniffed the air again. "Momma?" He waddled forward on his back legs a few more steps, before dropping down to all fours. "MOMMA!"


    Morti''s loud roar shook the courtyard, grass and stones were torn up under his feet as the big bear rambled towards her at full speed. "Momma! Momma! Momma!"


    He skidded to a halt right in front of her, showering the woman with grass and dirt. He flopped on the ground in front of her and started bawling loudly. "MOOMMMAA"


    Scarlett hugged her son''s gigantic head close to her chest. She stroked his black fur while tears streamed down his face. "Mortimer... My little cub."


    Mortimus stood frozen in place, watching his wife and cub reunited. Unable to speak, he threw his head back and started crying loudly.


    Nix watched the reunion from the gate, as someone who lost there own mother, it was hard to watch. The combined bawling of Morti and his dad made speaking to anyone else nearly impossible.


    Fey and Ducky joined Nix and the three of them talked quietly while Morti reunited with his family.


    **********


    After more than an hour, things finally started to settle down. Nix walked back toward the gate by himself. He''d been checking every few minutes. Finally, he could bring her. He placed his hand over his chest and pictured an image of her.


    Shae was in Salamander''s form when she appeared. Her iridescent form reflecting every color in the spectrum. A moment later she morphed into her human form and leaped into his arms.


    Nix swept her up and whirled her around. "Finally. You are here."


    Shae''s long red hair hung in her face. Her sharp eyes examined him while her hands caressed his face. "I missed a lot. Didn''t I?"


    "Yep." Nix pulled her close and kissed her. An explosion of applause from the courtyard made him pull away. "Sorry... carried away."


    Shae smiled sweetly. "Missed you too, Nix."


    A few minutes later, Nix, Shae, Ducky, Fey, and Mina stood in a circle talking. Morti was being fawned over by every Titan in the area, although he looked like he was getting tired of it.


    Shae smiled at him. "Go get them Nix."


    "There''s a waypoint for Free Trader City saved onto Deep Blue." Mina nodded in agreement. "Save this location and bring them here."


    ****************


    Pon cursed and lit the thief''s pants on fire. The would-be pickpocket screamed loudly and ran off while desperately trying to put out the flames.


    Semmi frowned at the Mage. "Might have overreacted a bit."


    Wind watched the man run away. "Should put out the flames before you run, that''s going to make it worse."


    Pon shrugged. "He''s the one stealing."


    "The hell you doing old bastard?"


    Pon turned at the familiar voice, he old face creasing into a smile. "Nix!" Without thinking he hugged his friend. "You punk bastard! You know how worried we were?"


    "Yeah, I know." Nix patted the old mage on the back. "Round them up, time to go."


    /Inferno: Pon: Everyone report back to the General Store.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Trouble?


    /Inferno: Pon: Yep, best kind.

 301 Settling In

    Scarlett held up her own hand next to it in comparison. "Very big, Morti."


    "You smell nice, Mom." Morti''s big black nose sniffed her hair, making her laugh. "Where did Poppa go?"


    "He has a lot of responsibilities, Morti; he is the War Leader of Titania."


    "Am I interrupting?" Nix approached them for the first time since he summoned Morti.


    Scarlett shook her head. "Morti was telling me about Haven and the Sea-World."


    "Going to head out, Morti."


    Morti remained on his butt. "Okay, Nix. Can I come to see the turtle house tomorrow?"


    Nix moved closer and placed a metal helmet on Morti''s head, he secured it carefully and stepped away. "Whenever you like, your Mom can bring you there."


    Morti nodded. "Thanks for bringing my helmet. Summon me if you get in trouble."


    Nix smiled at the pair and waved. "I will."


    ************


    "Bit early for you, isn''t it Nix?" Jun Li and Alpha Team were eating breakfast at the kitchen island.


    Nix stood in the doorway to his bedroom and stretched before taking leaning against the counter. "Where''s everyone else?"


    Jun Li could tell his memory from the evening events were hazy. "Mina took Ronnie and Fajii back to Haven for supplies and personel."


    After coming back to Ionova, Nix had given everyone the tour, and then they spent the rest of the night celebrating properly.


    "Shae went back to pick up a fresh supply of peppers." Semmi fished a piece of bacon off Pon''s plate. "I bet Ronnie comes back with Bali."


    Nix nodded. "You know she will."


    They held an Officer meeting before the party started. It had been decided that Nix should limit his actions to Everspire for now. They needed a squad of rangers to patrol their territory and get rid of potential dangers.


    Jun Li glanced through the front door window. "Four Dire Wolves are running in front of your house Nix."


    "It''s Una and the Trams. Those three are going to be my Wolf team." Nix sat on the only empty bench. "We should discuss things properly, now that only players are present."


    Semmi nodded in agreement; she had made sure that Fajii and Mina would both be gone. "We can''t move too fast, Nix. Killing Khione before the Expansion went live got us nerfed."


    "Tell me about it. My Breach Commander abilities are locked down."


    Jun Li brought up her hud and showed the map that Gil had given her. It was the most detailed map of Everspire she''d seen so far. "They aren''t going to be much happier if we take her down after a week, either."


    Nix studied the map. "The quests, mobs, and raids increase in difficulty as your progress North. We need to do these raids and quest."


    Jun Li brought out a token and slid it across the counter to Nix. "No more soloing high-end content Nix."


    "I wasn''t soloing; there were twelve us in the Menial raid." Nix continued to stare at the map; they had divided it into three manageable sections; North, South, and Middle.


    Pon snorted loudly. "She''s talking about the Oblivion Spider, that''s a Northern section boss, which means it''s Everspire''s high-end content."


    Jun Li adjusted her hud to bring the middle section of the map into focus. "Since we''re on the coast, it''s relatively easy to hit the mid-level targets in the Great Desert."


    Nix picked up the token that Jun Li slid to him.


    Nether Breaker Armor token. [King''s Set]


    "Give me that armor Punk Bastard! I can''t believe you haven''t opened that yet!" Pon''s old face was wrinkled with disgust.


    Nix grinned. "I will. So... What''s our timeline to take down Khione?"


    Semmi was reading the forums through her hud. "After five days, players are just now leaving the beginning area."


    Jun Li nodded in agreement. "We moved through because we had gear. The rest of the player population is scrounging, crafting, and stealing gear. Given this rate, our timeline for finishing Everspire is one year."


    Pon nodded and stood up. "As long as Nix doesn''t kill the next Expansion boss, we''ll be fine."


    "Funny." Nix activated the armor token.


    Nether Armor [King''s set.]


    +200 to all basic stats.


    +5000 to AC


    Immune to Control Effects.


    Damage from Critical hits is halved.


    [Special Effect: Nether Walker]


    Travel from your current location to


    anyplace in the Nether that you have visited


    and back again.


    [Special Effect: Obscurity]


    Armor has the appearance of regular clothes


    Nix slid the armor on. Obscurity made it appear as if he were wearing black leather breeches and a black work shirt. "I like it."


    Wind whistled. "Going to be traveling to the Nether?"


    Jun Li closed the map. "As long as we follow the normal progression, the developers won''t nerf us."


    Nix didn''t feel it was worth mentioning that he arrived in the hardest section of Everspire with nothing but basic gear, and he''d been fine.


    Jun Li ran her hand over the smooth counter. "I gotta say Nix; the turtle house is really cool."


    Semmi nodded in agreement while Pon and Wind shook their heads.


    Nix lowered his voice when he saw Una talking to the Trams in front of the door. "There are three fallen dragon cities in Everspire; I want to connect them with Inferno City."


    Nix accessed his inventory and pulled out a small wooden chest. He set it down on the counter with a dull thunk. "We''ll wrap this us as soon as I open this."


    Pon leaned forward in his chair. "Did this drop off Menial?"


    Nix shook his head. "Menial didn''t drop anything. However, I did pick up the Master Key to Verynzai."


    "Seems like he should have." Semmi grabbed the chest with both hands and slid it closer to her. "Why is it so ordinary?"


    Nix laughed at the expression on her face. "Go ahead, Sem, don''t cry if it''s cursed though."


    "Sure, boss. Since you insisted.." Semmi opened the lid slowly. Her pretty blue eyes lit up, and she linked the items.


    [Escalator]


    A tool of war, meant for assaulting


    Mountain Fortresses. Limit 5000 Troops


    War [Heavy Plated Armor: Diamond Rating]


    +10,000 to Armor Class


    +500 to all Basic Stats


    +20,000 Health.


    Immune to Critical Hits.


    Mitigates half of all incoming Damage.


    Mana Stone x 5


    One stone in your inventory doubles your mana.


    Limit one per person.


    Key of Eidengal [Opens the Door to Eidengal]


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Holy crap Nix. That''s serious Tank Armor.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yep. It has Sharl''s name written all over it.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: An Escalator? Remember the cutscene at the start of the Expansion?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: They show her retreating to a Mountain Fortress. This is our ticket in.


    Nix stowed one of the Mana Stones and tossed one to Pon.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll save the other three for our clerics.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: I haven''t seen Eidengal on any of the maps, but I''ll start looking.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: First missions?


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: Scout out the Cabal locations for our three missing dragon cities and start exploring the Great Desert.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: I''m going to focus on Ionova for a few weeks and try to build it up a bit.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: I''ll take a team and start scouting targets in the Great Desert.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: That''s it for now. Ronnie''s back.

 302 Thornwood Keep part one

    "Hyai!"


    She turned at the sound of his voice, the normally reserved woman threw herself into his arms and squeezed him tight. "Got room for one more?"


    Nix smiled into her thick hair. "Even if we don''t, we do."


    Hyai returned his smile and stepped away. "That makes no sense hun."


    Semmi was right, Ronnie brought back a dozen rangers and Bali was among them.


    The tiny ranger spotted him right away and marched up to him. "Been hiding in this backwater place and shirking your duties Commander?"


    "Backwater?" Nix placed a hand on her shoulder, his tone serious. "This is a dangerous place, Bali. The farms are being overrun, miners are being attacked and beasts are wandering into town. I expect your best."


    Bali nodded, her face growing serious. "We''ll start right away."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: With the rangers and raiding teams quartering here, we''ll need to set up a tent city.


    /Inferno: Bali: Tent city? I''m staying in that turtle shell with the boss!"


    /Inferno: Nix: Yeah... not gonna happen.


    /Inferno: Fajii: No.


    /Inferno: Hyai: No way.


    Hyai grabbed his arm and pulled him away. "We brought your chest Nix, where do you want it?"


    Nix opened his hud and started adding to his house''s permissions list. "My stuff? I''ll put it in the closet."


    "Hey, boss... Is that normal?" Bali pointed at the sky just north of them. A large black ball, as dark as ink, could be seen hovering in the distance.


    Nix stared at it for a moment. "I don''t think so."


    "Get back to town now and ring the bell!" Theo Tram''s voice held the trace of panic, both of his siblings dropped control of the puppets.


    Nix picked up both Dire Wolf puppets and stowed them away. "What''s going on Theo?"


    "Thorned Wood Curse, black rain that will turn people into monsters. Hasn''t happened since I was a baby." Wolf-Theo turned his head in the direction of town. A moment later a loud bell started ringing. "Get undercover sir!"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Mina, take the rangers back to Haven until this blows over.


    /Inferno: Mina: All gating activities are currently locked down.


    Nix frowned at the ink-like ball in the sky. It started rapidly expanding, black clouds of fog pushing outward in all directions. "Everyone in the house now! Theo, will you guys be safe in the guardhouse?"


    "Yes. It''s one of the more sturdy structures in town."


    "Go now." Nix grabbed the last wolf doll as soon a Theo released control and stowed it away, making sure to grab his trunk he led Hyai through the back door.


    Ronnie followed them into the door, her dark eyes glancing at the bed. "Looks comfy."


    "Very." Nix nodded as he stepped into the closet and put the trunk away.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We all in the house?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: A bit crowded, but yes.


    Nix walked into the kitchen, "Home Security, lockdown the house."


    Lockdown has been activated.


    Nix ran to the front windows and looked out. A large image of a turtle settled over the home and a large portion of the property; it sat down and slowly retracted its head and limbs.


    Your Turtle Home has been secured.


    Ronnies dark face squeezed next to his. "Looks like the immediate property is secured also. Can I have this place Nix?"


    "Um... No."


    Black rain fell from the sky like a plague, every window in the turtle home had a face pressed up against it as Inferno watched trees and grass wither up an die before them.


    The rain lasted for nearly an hour, a brief lull in the storm was followed by multiple strikes of black lightning. Great bolts of blackness struck the ground, tearing large wounds in the land. Black craters formed after these strikes and dark creatures of all shapes and sizes crawled out of them.


    /Inferno: Pon: The f*ck kind of curse is this?


    Dozens of the creatures approached the home and were stopped by the turtle shield. They slammed against the barrier repeatedly for several minutes before giving up and wandering away.


    /Inferno: Semmi: These creatures are all pretty small Nix. I doubt they represent much danger to us.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll stay for now. The rain may start again. Shit...


    /Infenerno: Semmi: What?


    Nix walked over to the coffee table where he kept a written account of his Ionova employees. He found Tintin''s account. "I have a gatherer team that might be out in this."


    Nansu''s head popped up when he said, gatherer. "What are they after?"


    Nix glanced back at the sheet. "Agaricus. Know what that is?"


    Nansu nodded and brought up the hud on the coffee table. She brought up the local map and zoomed in. "It''s a type of mushroom. It grows almost entirely in caves."


    Nix cursed and walked through the crowded room into his bedroom. Rummaging through his trunk he pulled out a second halter.


    /Inferno: Nix: You''re with me old man.


    Pon nodded and started gearing up.


    "Looks like there are some caves east of town." Nansu considered the distance for a moment. "Would have taken fifteen minutes to reach town if they are on foot."


    Nix shook his head. "Not enough time."


    He walked back into the living room and handed Pon a halter. "Use Flash for this one."


    Pon nodded.


    /Inferno: Nix: Three volunteers to wolf it up?


    Nix pulled out one of his three Dire-Wolf puppets and waited.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Oh hell yeah.


    /Inferno: Bali: Me, me!


    /Inferno: Nansu: I''ll come. I should be able to find them.


    /Inferno: Nix: You sure Nan?


    /Inferno: Nansu: Yep. I even know what Agaricus smell like.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pick up your puppet and follow me.


    Nix led the trio into the bedroom and had them lay down comfortably.


    Ronnie laid back on the pillow, her dark eyes were dancing. "Three women in your bed at once Nix. This a record?"


    "Focus." Nix waited until all three were animating the Dire Wolf puppets.


    /Inferno: Nix: This is the most advanced puppets I can make. They are Emperor level Dire Wolves, although they require a lot of effort, if you need to sacrifice them to save a life, do not hesitate.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Understood Nix.


    /Inferno: Bali: Got it, Commander


    /Inferno: Nansu: Yes sir!


    Nix walked through the living room again and exited the front door with Pon and the Dire Wolves close behind.


    "Holy crap." Nix slowly looked around the area. His immediate property had been protected from the scourge but everything else had withered away. the smell of decay was heavy in the air.


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    His demon horse appeared in front of him a moment later. Nix patted her head gently and jumped into the saddle.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    Nix flames caused Nightmare''s aura to light up also. The two of them stood motionlessly as green and orange flames licked at them.


    /Inferno: Pon. F*ck... You bastard Nix, I want one of those.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll give you her next foal.


    /Inferno: Pon: Really?


    /Inferno: Nix: No. Are you wolves ready?


    /Inferno: Bali: Yep. What''s this self-destruct icon?


    /Inferno: Nix: Activate it and see.


    /Inferno: Bali: Really?


    /Inferno: Nix: No. Let''s ride.


    "On me!" Nix turned Nightmare eastward toward town and let her run. Flash and the three Dire Wolves were hot on her tail.

 303 Thornwood Keep part two

    A dozen spindly back creatures barely that looked like starving, skinless cats leaped at Nix, only to be dispatched by the flames that raged around rider and horse. Larger ones that were nearly the size of men kept pace alongside them. They ran on all fours with an unnaturally bent gait, their hands and feet were elongated and equipped with curved black talons.


    [Fire Nado]


    A handful of the creatures were caught up in Pon''s fire twisters. Their screams echoing in the night air as the steady drum of horse hooves pulled away.


    /Inferno: Pon: Some of those Talon things headed toward town.


    "Ronnie, take Bali, and make a run through town; clean it out.


    "On it, Nix! We''ll catch up after." Wolf-Ronnie veered off toward the town with Bali hot on her heels.


    The ground twenty meters in front of Nix exploded upward in a spray of stones and dirt. Two large figures in black armor charge them.


    Nix raised one hand and a half dozen strands of emerald flame wrapped around each of them. Nightmare flashed through them, and Nix braced himself in the saddle as both dark knights were yanked off their feet.


    Nix grimaced in pain and glanced over his shoulder, the armored figures were bouncing and banging against the ground and each other as Nightmare dragged them at full speed.


    [Balefire]


    Pon''s Balefire incinerated the legs of one of them, the old mage''s aim was slightly off because of his laughing.


    /Inferno: Pon: Dammit Nix! Hold them still; you''re doing that on purpose.


    [Tides of Flames]


    Nix placed the flames ahead of them and then dragged both figures through the AE before dropping the strands, while Nansu veered suddenly to avoid it.


    The alchemist accelerated ahead of Nightmare. "This way, Nix!"


    Nansu headed down a ravine that ended in a dry river bed, she turned and ran along the sandy surface. "I can smell the Agaricus."


    "Here!" Nansu turned suddenly at a deadfall that stretched across the riverbed, she ran up the side of it and disappeared into the dead undergrowth. Nix was forced to run another 20 meters to find a path; the sound of growling caused him to pulled up and dismount.


    The creature screamed when the Dire Wolf''s jaws clamped around its leg. Nansu shook her head from side to side while pulling back to keep it off balance, an instant later it collapsed in a flash of white as Nix removed its head.


    The entrance to the cave was no more than a hole in the ground; Nix leaped through, followed by Pon and Nansu. They slid down a steep incline, directly into a fight.


    The cavern was shaped like a cloverleaf, it was quite small, only about thirty meters across. There were several burning torches on the rock floor. The gathering team was backed up into one of the alcoves, Tintin stood in front of them, wielding a long knife that resembled a machete.


    "Stealth and protect the gatherers Nan."


    Nansu didn''t answer; her wolf form faded into nothing, and padded silently around the edge of the cavern.


    Two more of the dark knights were trying to get past Tintin, while a third figure cloaked in darkness watched. Nix felt instant admiration for her; she was standing her ground.


    "Enough." Nix raised both hands, and a half dozen strands of Gemini flame impaled the chest of the two knights.


    [Air Burst]


    Air exploded outward from all twelve strands blowing their torsos apart from the inside. Tintin jumped back when blood sprayed at her, bits of flesh and bone went in all directions.


    Tintin''s bloody face showed her shock. "Steward Nix?"


    A Dire Wolf dropped stealth right in front of her before she could attack it spoke. "Be at ease, Tintin; move back with your team." Nansu turned to face the creature who was staring at Nix.


    "Steward?" A voice hissed from its dark hood, except for the glowing blue eyes, its features couldn''t be seen.


    Nix raised a hand and sent a dozen Gemini Strands at it, the deflected off an invisible barrier, and fell to the cavern floor.


    /Inferno: Pon: Magic-user, careful.


    Nix laugh carried through the cave. "Right."


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Fifteen feet of bear appeared in the cave, its big nose sniffing the air.


    "Mushrooms? Can I have some?" Morti''s hackles raised up when he saw the creature.


    [Balefire: Fury Flames]


    White-hot flames slammed into the barrier a moment before the charging Titan cub reach it. The barrier turned cloudy and shuddered under the heat; an instant later, it was shattered when a big paw slammed into it.


    The dark figure was sent skidding across the floor and slammed into the rock wall on the far side of the cavern. Unexpectedly it recovered immediately and jumped to its feet.


    [Black Brambles]


    Black vines covered in long thorns pushed upward out of the rock floor, they wrapped out the legs of everyone and started to multiply rapidly.


    Morti pulled free quickly and charged through the brambles at the creature.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix laid down his AE attack away from the gatherers. He could see Tintin slashing at the vines with her machete.


    [Fireball]


    A molten ball of flame emerged from Pon''s hands, it darted towards the target, expanding and spinning.


    [Phase Shift]


    The cloaked figure appeared ten meters away, the Fireball impacted the wall harmlessly, while Morti put on the brakes and skidded to a stop.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Duck appeared a moment later, her all-blue eyes staring at the dark creature. Instead of using charm or bewitch, her hands started weaving a complicated pattern, chains made from blue liquid wrapped around her target. It screamed in anger and tried to break free.


    Ducky''s expression grew serious. "Stun, please, Morti."


    Morti''s front paws came down hard on the rock floor, shaking everyone who was standing.


    [Ground Pounder]


    A Nighthag''s puppet has been stunned.


    "Oh shit." Nix pushed flames into Wrath and advanced slowly.


    Ducky''s hands finished their elaborate movements, and the blue chains settled around the puppet. "I have it now, Nix."


    "Who are you?" Nix walked toward the puppet, not stopping until he could see its face. "Bastard..."


    "It''s not a person Nix, only a puppet. I can stop the puppet master from releasing it, but not for very long." Ducky walked closer, her pretty nose wrinkling in distaste. "This was made from a real person Nix."


    Nix nodded. "I know."


    A moment later, two more Dire Wolves skidded down the entrance into the cavern. They padded toward Nix, stopping on either side of him.


    "We missed the fight?" Ronnie sniffed the air, "that thing smells like rot."


    Nix patted Ronnie''s furry head. "Escort the Gatherers back."


    "I''m no longer holding it against its will Nix; it can drop the puppet anytime."


    "Nix? Is that the name of the Steward? I rule here, fool." The hissing voice was cold and creepy.


    Nix shrugged. "Let''s debate that. Where are you?"


    A rasping laugh filled the cavern. "Thornwood Keep awaits you if you dare."


    [New Guild Quest Available: The Nighthag of Thornwood Keep]


    The creature collapsed to the ground like it was boneless.


    Nix raised a hand. "No one approach. Pon, take everyone back immediately. Morti and Ducky can stay with me."


    The old mage nodded his head. "You got it, boss."


    /Inferno: Pon: If that thing has human puppets, doesn''t that mean it killed hundreds of them?


    /Inferno: Nix: Maybe more. We''ll sort this out when I get back.


    Nix waited until the group left, and then he examined the puppet. It appeared just like a human who might be sleeping, although it had no body heat and barely weighed anything.


    Ducky moved closer. "It makes puppets like you, Nix?"


    Nix shook his head. "Putting aside that this is a human puppet. It''s better than mine."


    Ducky patted his head gently as he''d done to her countless times. "Yours are better, Nix."


    Nix couldn''t help but smile, even in the bitter circumstances. "That''s not what''s bothering me."


    Ducky let Nix pull her away from the puppet; a moment later, he bathed it in fury flames.


    Ducky gave him a questioning look. "Shouldn''t you have kept it for study, Nix?"


    "No. We can''t let any of these survive." Nix suppressed a chill when he remembered the man''s face. It was a face he''d seen before, three times in fact. It was a middle-aged version of the Tram siblings; without a doubt, he knew the fate of anyone killed during the Thorned Wood Curse.


    Ducky bounced over to Morti and climbed on his back.


    Morti waddled over to him. "You want a ride too, Nix?"


    Nix shook his head, his thoughts troubled. That would definitely be the Tram''s father. How many other dead people had been made into puppets? "I''ll walk, Morti."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The town is fine, Nix, no casualties.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, Ronnie.

 304 Thornwood Keep part three

    Nightmare walked easily beside Morti as he waddled westward toward the turtle house. Ducky was lying on Morti''s back, hugging his neck while she hummed playfully. Her blue eyes were turned toward Nix and his mount. "I like your horse Nix."


    "Want a horse, Ducky?"


    The Water Witch shook her head. "Can''t I just ride Morti?"


    "Sure, but I''ll get you one for when Morti isn''t here." Nix thought back to the cavern fight. "Ducky... where''d you learn that puppet trap?"


    "I could see attachments points on it; I used a simple water weave to bind them." Ducky nodded to herself as she recalled it. "Your puppets don''t have that; I can''t discern any difference between your puppets and the creatures they represent."


    Nix was tempted to turn into town and check out the damage, but first, he decided to talk to his guild. "There''s one huge difference, Ducky. Want to guess?"


    Ducky sat upright and assumed a more traditional riding position. "Do you think that puppet was a natural magic user?"


    Nix shook his head. "Almost certainly not."


    Ducky pursed her lips. "That''s not good. It means that the puppet master can use its own magic skills through a puppet."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "My own pets are limited to the parent beasts natural abilities. Although truthfully, I haven''t attempted a beast with magic abilities."


    Morti''s big nose sniffed the air a few times. "Mom''s here, Nix."


    Nix glanced up at the hill they were climbing. "She must be looking for you. My place is right over this ridge."


    A minute later, they topped the ridge and were offered a good view of the turtle home. It''s looked like an oasis of healthy vegetation in a desert of decay. Everything outside of the protective perimeter was blackened and dead. Scarlett and Gil were talking with Jun Li.


    Nix dismounted and led Nightmare around the back of the building to the rock-walled pond.


    [Summons: Soup]


    Soup immediately entered the pond, her huge body taking up nearly a third of it.


    [Summons: Fey]


    Fey appeared in her human form; her long white staff carried in one hand. Both her and Ducky were temporarily staying with Morti at the Nescari Fortress, but she had asked to see the turtle house.


    Nix put a hand on Morti before he could climb in the pond. "Let''s talk to Scarlett first."


    Scarlett gave him an apologetic look when he approached. "This hasn''t happened in so long that I forgot about it, Nix."


    Nix waved off her apology. He already knew that the Titans had investigated the event the first time it happened, more than ten years earlier, and could find nothing. "No worries, we''ll take care of this."


    Morti pushed his big head into his mother''s side; she hugged him affectionately. "Are you here to see me, Mom?"


    Scarlett shook her head. "I thought you were in the practice yard with your Chevalier."


    Morti sat back on his big behind and looked down at his mother. "Can''t we get someone else? He smells funny."


    "Morti... The Chevalier is a position of importance; we chose him specifically for this task."


    "Nix can be my Chevalier." The big bear waddled away, heading directly for the splashing that was coming from the back of the house.


    Nix kept a straight face and was saved from commenting when he saw Fajii approaching. She offered him a smile and a kiss on the cheek.


    "Can I get you and Nansu to inspect the damage to the trees and vegetation?"


    Fajii nodded. "Can I take Nightmare?"


    "Go ahead, tell Nan to get Flash from Pon, before the old bastard decides it''s his horse."


    /Inferno: Nix: Start scouting Bali, if any of those things from last night are still alive, kill them off.


    /Inferno: Bali: We''re on it, boss. I''ll have a report on local wildlife in a few hours.


    "Sure is a nice house, Nix." Gil''s round face had a broad smile plastered on it. "I''m gonna check it out. Is Soup here?"


    Nix nodded. "There''s a small pond in the back."


    Scarlett considered her words carefully, not wanting to discourage Nix. "From what I remember, last time it took ten years to recover. The older, larger trees managed to survive, but the smaller trees and plant life were completely wiped out."


    "I have two alchemists that are knowledgable in botany; once they finish their study, we''ll react appropriately."


    Scarlett grabbed his arm and gently pulled him aside, Gil was already walking around the house to check out the turtle pond. "We are so thankful to have Morti back, Nix."


    Nix nodded. "I''m sure."


    "I didn''t realize how big Morti is until he was playing in the practice yard with the other cubs."


    "Aren''t all Titan cubs big?"


    Scarlett shook her head. "There''s big, and then there''s big. Big is fine by itself, Mortimus told me that Morti is many times stronger than he should be."


    Nix understood the issue, Scarlett was his mother and was worried about him. "Morti has fought dragons on several occasions, without a doubt he has taken in a large amount of dragon blood."


    The Titan Clan Leader sighed heavily; her little cub was not so little. "Then, there''s the change in coat color."


    Nix recalled the queue he set up to help Morti, he brought it up on his hud and showed Scarlett. "His spirit was splintered, and his fur had been entirely burned away by a Salamander."


    [Mortimer] [Spirit] [[Bulo''s Pelt] [Kraken Leather, Leviathan Leather, Lamia leather] [Dragonbone needle] [Camel Hair Thread]


    "I''m so thankful that you found him Nix. Scarlett''s kind eyes shone with emotion. "Kraken and Leviathan? Those are both creatures with extraordinary strength. Bulo was the black bear?"


    "Yes. Although he was quite large, definitely not a Titan." Nix closed his hud and noticed most of Alpha team standing in a circle. "Is Black fur a big deal?"


    "No, but it comes with expectations. The last Black bear War Leader was name Tautius."


    Nix nodded in approval, "he sounds badass."


    "He was, he''s commonly referred to as the Great King."


    A moment later, a soaked-to-the-skin Morti barreled around the edge of the house with Ducky and Fey on his back. They were yelling encouragement to him as he headed straight toward the river and flopped in, sending water splashing in all directions. Gil followed at a leisurely pace, walking next to Soup.


    Chants of ''Titan, Titan'', were all the encouragement that Gil needed to change into his turtle form and wade into the water.


    Nix turned back to Scarlett, who had been watching the interaction. "No one''s going to confuse Morti with that guy. Not for a long time anyway."


    Nix excused himself and joined Alpha team, while Scarlett took a seat on the river bank and watched Morti play in the water.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: Ready to talk about this guild quest Nix?


    /Alpha team: Nix: Yes. Bring it up.


    The Nighthag of Thornwood Keep [Guild Quest]


    Description: On the Edge of the Ionova forest is


    the mysterious Keep of Thornwood. An evil scourage


    has taken over the old fort and regularly inflicts its


    curse on the land.


    Objective: Kill the Nighthag of Thornwood Keep.


    Optional Objective: Cleanse the Keep without killing the Nighthag.


    Reward: Thornwood Keep.


    The Keep may be used as private housing, a guildhall, or a city center.


    /Alpha team: Jun Li: Inferno''s presence here almost certainly triggered this Guild quest.


    Alpha team: Semmi: Probably that and Nix being named Steward of Ionova.


    /Alpha team: Nix: I agree. So let''s rid Ionova of this curse before someone gets hurt.


    /Alpha team: Semmi: Why wait until tomorrow? Let''s just hit it now.


    /Alpha team: Pon: You know the deal, Nix. Prey waits.


    /Alpha team: Nix: This Nighthag is some sort of puppet master that has the ability to make human puppets from the people it takes.


    /Alpha team: Semmi: Human puppets? What kind of abilities?


    /Alpha team: Nix: That''s the issue. I think she''s able to use her own magic while in a puppet.


    /Alpha team: Pon: Not good. That means we could face her over and over again in a dozen different puppets.


    /Alpha team: Wind: Or a hundred.


    /Alpha team: Semmi: We just have to find the Hag, puppets are useless without the master.


    /Alpha team: Nix: And then we destroy every puppet she made.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Agreed.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: I''ll put together a team. We''ll be ready in thirty minutes.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Good. That gives me enough time to make adjustments to my gear.

 305 Thornwood Keep part four

    Fajii took the seat directly next to him. "Most of the larger trees will recover, we''ve marked the dead or dying ones."


    Nansu was looking through his fridge while they talked. "Hey, Nix, you can connect this to the market and get things delivered directly."


    "Yeah, I know. Don''t take my food." Nix brought up a hud map of Ionova. "Bring Fey with you and burn everything that''s dead. Pon and I will help once we finish the guild quest."


    Nansu nodded and glanced at Fajii. "You coming with me? Or going on the quest?"


    "I should come with you. I can use my Earth abilities to stop the fires from getting out of hand." Fajii handed Nix the two halters they had borrowed.


    A flash of black appeared on the counter, Eron pranced across the smooth surface to push a wet fox nose into Nix''s face. "I will come with you."


    "Could use the heals. Shadai would be hampered in the enclosed space." Nix looked at Fajii for confirmation; the Scorched Earth Mage nodded her head.


    Nix picked up Eron and placed him on his shoulder. "Thanks. Be safe."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The following people meet by the turtle pond in ten minutes.


    Jun Li


    Nix


    Pon


    Wind


    Tess


    Semmi


    Fajii


    Milat


    Sharl


    /Inferno: Nix: Sharl''s here?


    Nix grabbed his Air''Voilla bracer and headed out the backdoor. He wouldn''t summon them inside the Keep, but it was better to have them and not need them.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Replace me please, I''ve got a different mission.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, Ronnie, you''re in.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Awesome!


    Nix smiled when he saw Sharl. "Everyone else is rushing to say hello, but not you."


    Sharl''s full lips curved in a smile, and she offered him a hug. "Don''t want to spoil you."


    Nix raised an eyebrow. "So, you don''t want this?"


    War [Heavy Plated Armor: Diamond Rating]


    +10,000 to Armor Class


    +500 to all Basic Stats


    +20,000 Health.


    Immune to Critical Hits.


    Mitigates half of all incoming Damage.


    Sharl''s dark eyes widened. "Holy crap, Nix. Where did that come from?"


    Nix shrugged. "Found it lying around, but if you don''t want it."


    Sharl grabbed the armor out of his grasp. "I was teasing. I really missed you."


    "No worries. I''ll put a camo-overlay on it later, and it''ll be even better."


    Nix found Tess and handed her one of the Mana stones. "Got you something nice, Tess."


    Tess accepted the mana stone. "See? Show a little love to the clerics, and you will be rewarded."


    Nix gave her a doubtful look. "Where''s my reward, then?"


    Tess patted him on the shoulder. "It''s when I heal you, Nix."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Here are the groups. Since Alpha has Eron for heals, Tess will be with Bravo.


    [Alpha]


    Nix


    Pon


    Wind


    Semmi


    Ducky


    [Bravo]


    Jun Li


    Milat


    Sharl


    Tess


    Ronnie


    The raid headed south through the withered forest of Ionova, before running into the old keep. It was nestled between the foothills and the edge of the woods. It would have been easy to miss if the group hadn''t known of its existence.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m not living in that thing.


    The old keep was a moss-covered gray stoned manor with a collapsed stone fence and fountains that were overgrown with weeds. There were a handful of other smaller stone buildings on the compound, but their uses were lost with the passage of time.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The teams will split up to clear the smaller buildings. While we are doing that, Ducky will find the Nighthag.


    Nix led Alpha team through the cobbled courtyard to the nearest out-building. A rotten leather harness that was half-buried beneath the rubble indicated it might have been the stable. Eron jumped down and moved to the rear of the group when Nix pushed his hands against the double wooden doors.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Yep, it''s a stable.


    There were lines of empty stalls that had long since collapsed inward, the stench of decay lingered in the air.


    [Wail of the Banshee]


    Semmi has resisted fear.


    Nix has resisted fear.


    Wind has resisted fear.


    Pon has resisted fear.


    A thin wisp of a woman dressed in black rags skipped out of the farthest stall, her eye sockets were empty, and her mouth was locked in a permanent snarl that showcased vampire-like fangs.


    [Comet Strike: Fury Flames]


    A three-round burst of fist-sized fireballs closed on the Banshee. She danced gracefully around the first two but was struck in the shoulder by the third, causing her to scream in agony.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has landed a critical hit on a Banshee Shade.


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced a Banshee Shade.


    [Critical Chain: Backstab]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s attack with a mortal strike.


    A Banshee Shade has been slain.


    Semmi clapped her hands together in excitement.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It''s great to be reunited! I wish Fajii were here too.


    The pretty blond kicked over the banshee and looted it. As soon as she did, it turned to dust.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Check it out.


    Banshee Eyeball


    Description: Place this eye against


    your own to activate Banshee''s vision.


    All traps and enchants will be visible to you.


    The effect is permanent.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: That''s your color, Pon.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Yep, I think so too. Any takers?


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Pass.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Pass.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Pass.


    Nix led them out of the stables, the building next to it was already opened, so he assumed Bravo team was already in there. Instead, Nix led them to the farthest building from the house.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: No idea what that is.


    The building was in decent shape, considering the other ones in the courtyard. There were dozens of barrels stacked up next to one of the collapsed walls. When Nix tapped on one of the barrels with his hand, he discovered that it was full.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It''s wine. This is a vintner shop.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Let''s save anything we find for Jun Li.


    The only door to the round building was hanging from a single rusted hinge. When Nix pulled it open, the entire door fell off.


    They stood in the entryway for a moment before stepping in; instantly, the temperature dropped below freezing.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Careful, it''s frigid in here.


    [Ice Cannon]


    A sphere of Ice struck Nix full in the chest, knocking him out of the building.


    Nix has been stunned.


    Ice damaged has been resisted.


    [Ice Dagger]


    A left-handed Ice Trinzel has backstabbed Semmi and scored a critical hit.


    [Ice Dagger]


    A right-handed Ice Trinzel has backstabbed Semmi and scored a critical hit.


    Two flashes of white showed ice-covered humanoids that moved phenomenally fast.


    [Spiritual Mending]


    Eron has restored Semmi''s health.


    [Fire Nado]


    Three separate ice figures were wrapped up Pon''s fire twisters, their screams of pain filled the air.


    [Backstab]


    Wind has backstabbed an ambidextrous Ice Trinzel


    Critical hit has been divided between the three Trinzel; no follow-up attack is allowed.


    A left-handed Trinzel has resisted Fire Nado.


    A right-handed Trinzel has resisted Fire Nado.


    An ambidextrous Trinzel has resisted Fire Nado.


    Nix targeted the ice creature that was holding two daggers and wrapped him up with a dozen emerald strands. It screamed in agony, the remaining two Trinzels charged him.


    [Spirit Barrier]


    Eron has placed a barrier around Nix. The protection will last for 15 seconds.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Nix placed tides of flame on the three Ice creatures. The wailed horribly for several seconds, their bodies melting until all they were three clouds of steam.


    A Trinzel steam cloud has escaped.


    A Trinzel steam cloud has escaped.


    A Trinzel steam cloud has escaped.


    BASTARDS! YOU LET MY TRINZELS GO!


    A middle-aged man with a potbelly and leather apron appeared on the far side of the room. His hands were dyed purple from winemaking.


    Vintner Jacobi has placed Pon in a barrel to age him to perfection.


    Vintner Jacobi has placed Wind in a barrel to age him to perfection.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has attempted to land a blow on Vintner Jacobi, but he has already fled.


    A single wooden barrel lay on its side in the middle of the floor, pounding and yelling could be heard from inside of it.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: You guys in that barrel together?


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Yes. Crack it open boss; my hands are pinned.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Burn it or something Nix!


    Nix covered his mouth to keep from laughing, Semmi was giggling next to him. When he pulled his sword to break it open, she stopped him.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: It says we can''t touch it guys.


    Semmi struggled to breathe, her pretty face red from laughing. She kicked it with her foot and fell on her knees, holding her stomach when it rolled across the floor.


    Nix stood off to one side, watching. "Yep... You are way too good for that old bastard Sem."


    After another few seconds, Semmi finally recovered and approached the barrel. She took a deep breath before winking at Nix. "Looks like the timer is up, I''m going to break it open."


    Semmi sliced through two of the metal bands holding the barrel together. Instantly it came apart, and there two group members were finally free. Wind rolled off of Pon and stood up with a grimace.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: This never gets mentioned.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Not a word.


    Semmi''s lips curved in a smile when she made a locking motion with her fingers.


    Pon''s old face was red, his eyes nearly blazing with fire. "What kind of f*cking CC was that?"


    Semmi pursed her lips as if considering. "Unbreakable Wine barrel, I guess."


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Come on. Time to head to the main building.

 306 Thornwood Keep conclusion

    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll start clearing the west wing.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: East is ours then. Did you lose a mob? We had one scamper right past us a few seconds ago.


    Vintner Jacobi has placed Jun Li in a barrel to age her to perfection.


    Vintner Jacobi has placed Ronnie in a barrel to age her to perfection.


    "THAT BASTARD!" The area around Pon burst into flames as he started slinging fire attacks at the elusive Vintner.


    Semmi couldn''t hide her big smile as she walked over and broke open the barrel. The normally unshakable Jun Li was red-faced, while Ronnie took it in stride.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: No need to rush, those barrels are cozy.


    The Vintner disappeared again, despited Pon trying to burn the place down. Nix put a hand on the old man''s shoulder. "This place is mostly wood, let''s leave a bit of it intact."


    /Inferno: Ducky: Found her Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, Alpha goes in first.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Goes in where?


    Nix removed the two-way from his inventory and tossed it on the ground.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Ducky has the other one?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s go.


    Nix stepped onto the two-way and disappeared from sight.


    "What is that?" The Nighthag''s raspy voice carried through the dim room, a wave of her hand, and the two-way few in her direction just after Tess and Jun Li stepped out.


    The two-way hovered in the air, while the Hag stared at it.


    [Charm]


    Ducky has charmed the Nighthag.


    "Can I have that back, please?" Ducky''s soothing voice echoed softly as she approached and gently removed the two-way from the air.


    The Nighthag has resisted Charm.


    The Nighthag is now immune to Charm.


    [Capture]


    The Nighthag has imprisoned Ducky.


    A cloudy sphere encased Ducky and the two-way she held in her hand. The Water Witch looked perplexed, but she was otherwise unharmed.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No one else can come through. We''ll handle it.


    [Jun Li has joined Alpha Team]


    [Tess has joined Alpha Team]


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Sweet... we got the cleric.


    /Alpha Team: Tess: Please take good care of me.


    They were in a large room somewhere on the second floor. A large piano tipped onto its side sat by itself on an empty stage. Dozens of chairs were broken and scattered throughout the room. A barrier was in place around the room; all of Alpha team were inside. The Hag stared at the Water Witch from across the room.


    Black ichor leaked out of her mouth when she spoke, a bubbling froth forming on her lips. "How did you get through the barrier surrounding this room?"


    Ducky shrugged. "It''s what I do."


    /Alpha Team: Ducky: I''m stuck for a bit, it won''t last.


    "Visitors, at last, I wanted you to play with my puppets." The Nighthag walked towards them, the claws on her bony feet clicked on the marble floor. Stringy black hair hung over her plain face; her knobby deformed hands held a twisted black wooden staff. She slammed the end of it on the floor. "YOU! I WILL DES.."


    [Ghost Step]


    Jun Li appeared in front of the Nighthag; she feinted with a low cut before stabbing directly at the body of the creature. The black staff blurred and would have blocked it had it not been yanked away by a half dozen emerald flame strands.


    Nix has disarmed the Nighthag.


    [Champion Strike]


    Jun Li has landed a critical hit on the Nighthag.


    Nix stowed the staff in his inventory and pushed flames into Wrath; the white blade emerged with a steady hum.


    [Weilterkin]


    The Nighthag screamed in anger, her body suddenly bending unnaturally as she planted her clawed hands on the floor and arched her back. Dozens of popping sounds could be heard as black splines erupted through her back.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    Nix has landed a significant strike on the Nighthag.


    [Dual Chain: Master Strike]


    Jun Li has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    A dozen black splines erupted from the body of the Nighthag, the wet thump of the pointed tips sinking into flesh could be heard before Jun Li managed to jump away.


    Jun Li has been slain.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Dead before we could heal her?


    The black splines shimmered for a moment before turning blood-red as the Hag approached them on all-fours. "She will make a beautiful puppet."


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has landed a critical hit on the Nighthag.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire]


    Pon has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical hit.


    The fire mages body shook as a dozen red splines impaled his chest, Pon dropped to his knees, both hands glowing red.


    [Hands of the Goddess]


    Tess has attempted to heal Pon.


    [Evil Deeds]


    Nighthag has reversed Tess''s healing and sent it back to her as Melee damage.


    Tess has been slain.


    [Final strike]


    Pon''s body glowed brightly until it blurred and disappeared into a raging inferno; an instant later, it struck the Nighthag.


    Pon has inflicted a mortal wound on the Nighthag.


    Pon has been slain.


    The Nighthag screeched in agony, one of its legs charred to the point where it hung uselessly. The Splines returned to their previous black color.


    /ALpha Team: Nix: Black splines means no melee attacks.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Right, the red is magic or range attacks.


    [Comet Strike: Fury Flames]


    Three fist-sized balls of white flame struck the Nighthag; her flesh sizzled for a moment before self-healing.


    The Nighthag grinned at them from all-fours, her evil laugh sounded like breaking glass.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Suggestions?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: She knows two of us are melee, so she keeps the black spline active. She''s adapting to different kinds of damage. She''s a guild-raid boss after all.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: And she can reverse heals, this boss is a bitch.


    Jun Li has Activated her Lightning barrier.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Huh? How did you ge...


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: Light them up.


    Pon has Activated his Lightning barrier.


    Semmi has Activated her Lightning barrier.


    Wind has Activated his Lightning barrier.


    Nix has Activated his Lightning barrier.


    The Nighthag growled menacingly at them, sensing the growing danger.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: How did you guys Rez?


    /Alpha Team: Tess: My little surprise from Shangri.


    Heaven''s Might


    Ring: Legendary [Cleric Only]


    Description: Resurrects the Wearer.


    Uses 1/3


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Even so, you can''t rezz others while in combat.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Smart Tess. She never reentered combat; she rezzed Pon and Jun Li.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Done chatting? Let''s kill this bitch.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Pon has discharged the Lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Pon''s hand and struck Jun Li''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Jun Li has discharged the Lighting barrier that was protecting her.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Jun Li''s hand and struck Wind''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Wind has discharged the Lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Wind''s hand and struck Semmi''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Semmi has discharged the Lightning barrier that was protecting her.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Semmi''s hand and struck Nix''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Nix''s eyes glowed white with the power of Lightning. He faced the Nighthag, both hands raised.


    [Chained Lightning]


    A bolt of white-hot Lightning flashed from Nix''s hands and tore through the Nighthag, instantly vaporizing half of her body.


    A Nighthag has been slain.


    A white glow enveloped the Nighthag''s corpse; the body disappeared, leaving a large black chest. The glowing effect moved toward the far wall and passed through it.


    /Alpha: Nix: I don''t think we''re done yet.


    /Alpha: Semmi: No quest completion notice.


    /Alpha: Nix: Follow it, Ducky. I''ll grab the chest.

 307 Arch Nemesis Una

    /Inferno: Sharl: We''ll clean up the loose ends down here.


    Nix followed Ducky, who seemed to be able to sense the cloud''s movements through walls. They came to a final set of steps that went upward into a dark attic.


    /Alpha Team: Ducky: Up the stairs, lots of puppets up here.


    Nix held Wrath out in front of him, the white fire from the blade lit up the stairs as it creaked under their feet. The room was quite large, perhaps 20 meters across. Human puppets lay fully dressed in perfect rows.


    /Alpha Team: Tess: This is high on the creepy scale. Things always this in Alpha?


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Pretty much.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: At least it isn''t a demon with his junk swinging around.


    /Alpha Team: Wind: Looks like a morgue.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll burn them when we''re done.


    "Here, Nix." Ducky was standing next to an object that could only be described as an altar. It looked much like the one in the Gemini Temple, only this one was encased in glass. Two figures lay side-by-side on the altar.


    Nix stared at the pair beneath the glass, they were male and female and their hands were joined together. "The cloud went in there?"


    Ducky nodded and pointed to a crystal that was mounted on the end of the wooden staff that the man held.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Man and Wife maybe?


    /Alpha Team: Tess: The man is dead.


    /Alpha Team: Ducky: The woman is a puppet.


    Nix studied the woman for a moment, there was something familiar about her. "She''s not human. That''s an air elemental puppet."


    Tess moved beside him and bent closer. "How can you tell?"


    Nix pointed to an object touching her shoulder. "She''s laying on her wings."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Aren''t their wings black?"


    /Inferno: Nix: No, that''s just Rhy. They can be a couple of different colors.


    Nix cautiously placed a hand on the glass, it shone brightly for a moment before disappearing, writing hovered in the air in large, bright letters.


    This is the final resting place of the Puppetmaster Kellix Warden and a puppet made in the image of Arch-Nemesis Bria Chelonia. When the real Bria died suddenly, Kellix labored night and day to recreate a perfect image of her. A Demon named Jester promised Kellix that it would restore Bria''s soul to his creation; if Kellix consented to create human puppets. After making several puppets, Kellix discovered that Jester was cheating him. The Puppetmaster used ancient magic to capture the demon and imprison him in a Chaos crystal. He then placed this crystal into one of the human puppets he had created. Unknown to Kellix, Jester''s chaos magic transferred to the puppet also.


    There are many options in front of you. You may choose what you wish.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Hmm... That Jester demon is in the crystal?


    Nix carefully extracted the crystal staff from the dead puppetmaster''s hand.


    Chaos Crystal


    Description: Jester''s


    prison.


    Type of Soul: Demon, Inherently Neutral/Evil


    Primary Path: Chaos Magic.


    Additional description: Will permanently fuse


    with any puppet. It is bound to its master''s will.


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] Could you tell Una to find me at once.


    [Whisper Hyai to Una] She''s on her way.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: What are we going to do?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll put the puppet master with his human puppets and cremate everything.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: And the crystal?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We will destroy it.


    /Alpha Team: Jun Li: What''s an Arch-Nemesis Nix?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: It means she reached the Nemesis level in two separate elements.


    ***********


    A half-hour later, all the human puppets were stacked in a large pile in one of the crumbling fountains. Kellix had been carefully wrapped in cloth and placed on top of his creations.


    Pon and Nix were standing off to one side, the old man frowning at all the bodies. "You and me Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Do it."


    [Tides of Flame]


    Pon targeted the fountain.


    [Hades Field]


    A multitude of flames swept over the puppet master and his creations, within a few moments, nothing was left but ashes.


    "Hey old man, the hell was that ''Final Strike'' spell? I never heard of that one."


    Pon''s old face creased in a grimace. "Used my trump card, can only be cast after you receive a mortal wound."


    "It''s kinda badass."


    /Inferno: Pon: Hey Sharl, did you guys ever catch that damn Vintner?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Nope. Slippery bastard for sure.


    The two fire mages walked over to the old blacksmith shop where the rest of Inferno were waiting. Sharl was standing next to an anvil with a large hammer in her hands. "Now Nix?"


    "So impatient." Nix sat the crystal on the anvil and stepped away. "Wait until I deal with the last puppet before you do it, Jester may get desperate and try to animate one of them."


    Sharl hefted the hammer in one hand. "Give me the word and I''ll crush this thing."


    When Una arrived at the Keep, Nix escorted her to the attic where the Elemental puppet still lay undisturbed. "This puppet is better than anything I can make, I can''t risk using enhancements other than the Dire Wolf you inhabit."


    Una examined it carefully with her wolf senses. "She''s an Air Elemental."


    Nix nodded. "That was your Dragon Path also, she has another element but I can''t discern it."


    "You''ll let me have this Nix?" Una''s yellow wolf eyes stared at him.


    "Yep."


    Una turned back toward the Arch Nemesis puppet. "With this wolf puppet be destroyed in the process?"


    "Yep."


    Una bowed her wolf head. "I accept your generosity with the agreement that I''m in your debt."


    Nix moved closer to the puppet and opened up his Taxidermy interface. Nix placed the Arch Nemesis puppet in the queue and used the Dire Wolf that Una inhabited as the enhancement.


    [Closing Taxidermy interface, Opening Animator Interface.]


    "Animator Interface?" Nix studied the options, the base and enhancement slots had many more options. He placed the puppet in the Receptor slot and the Dire Wolf in the Enhancement slot.


    [Animate Arch Nemesis Bria Chelonia using Spirit Infused Dire Wolf?]


    "Yes."


    The Dire Wolf vanished as if it had never existed, an instant later the Elemental''s chest rose, and she took her first breath.


    [An Elemental Arch-Nemesis has been born.]


    Nix whistled softly under his breath. Bria Chelonia was no longer a puppet. Nix lent her a hand as she swung her feet over the edge of the altar.


    "It worked perfectly, Nix."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It was good work. Still going by Una?"


    Una nodded, "I shall take the last name of Chelonia."


    "What are you going to do now Una?"


    "I''m going to travel somewhere a bit easier to survive until I master this form. Then perhaps I''ll take the planar trials and live in one of the sky cities again."


    "Do you need me to secure travel to Oasis?"


    Una shook her head. "Brace yourself Nix."


    Nix raised an eyebrow. "What for?"


    Una smiled suddenly. "The second Element is Lightning." She placed a hand on Nix''s shoulder causing him to grit his teeth as the current flowed into him.


    Nix dropped to the floor, his body convulsing painfully for several moments before it subsided. He rolled onto his hands and knees, looking up just as an air tunnel opened up. "Air'' Voilla?"


    Una nodded. "Thank you Nix, I still owe you one." She entered the tunnel without speaking further and disappeared from sight.


    You have received the Blessings of Lightning.


    New Ability learned: Storm Rider


    New Ability learned: Daisy Chains


    New Ability learned: Thunderfist


    Ability Upgraded: Chained Lightning II


    New Title Earned: Arch Elemental


    /Inferno: Nix: Destroy the Chaos Crystal, Sharl.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Okay.


    Even from the attic, Nix heard the booming sound of an explosion followed by the enraged scream of anger, it went on for a few moments and then faded into nothing.


    /Inferno: Nix: Everything okay?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Yep, a bit of a dust-up is all.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll be right there.


    Nix opened his hud and checked out the new abilities while he headed down the stairs.


    Storm Rider: Self Only


    A lightning strike that


    transports you anywhere


    within your line of sight.


    Daisy Chains: Area Effect


    Disable up to five people


    with a single lightning strike.


    Duration: 20 secs. Cooldown 1 minute.


    Thunderfist: Single Target


    An unarmed strike that stuns


    your target without doing damage.


    Duration 10 seconds. Cooldown 1 minute.


    Chained Lightning II


    Your upgraded Chained Lightning


    enables you to disperse two charges


    consecutively.


    [Arch Elemental: Four Elements]


    Fire: Nemesis


    Ice: Lord


    Air: Spirit


    Lightning: Spirit


    Arch Elemental


    All Elemental abilities and resistances are increased by .4 (.2+.1+.05+.05)

 308 City Center

    Nightmare nipped at Jun Li''s mount, only to receive a warning snarl.


    Nix shook his head at the big cat. "I forgot you had that Junie."


    Jun Li patted the Dire Cat on one shoulder. She had won it in a bet when she defeated the Scarlet Temple champion. It had long Saber fangs and was striped like a tiger. "It''s been so crazy I haven''t had a chance."


    "What''s his name?"


    "Her name is Fang."


    Nix brought up his hud while they rode. "Isn''t the Scarlet Temple on the Edge of the Great Desert?"


    "Yes. There''s a pretty dense Rainforest on the northernmost part of lower Everspire; a large river separates that from the Great Desert."


    "The Temples on the Rainforest side of the river?"


    "Yes."


    Nix zoomed in on the map. "That river runs all the way to the ocean."


    "Looking for commerce?"


    "Let''s get the lay of the land first." Nix highlighted the entire Rainforest area. "I know it''s in lower Everspire, but it''s close enough to the Great Desert to take a look."


    /Inferno: Nix: You around Shae?


    /Inferno: Mina: She told me she has to take care of something, might be a few days.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Something going on with Shae?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Seen Rhylia lately?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Isn''t she tasked with watching the Fire & Air Palace while Shae is helping you?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Yep. The problem is that no one has seen her in a while, Wilo has disappeared also.


    [Whisper Jun Li to Nix] Ronnie''s Air companion?


    [Whisper Nix to Jun Li] Yes. Wilo disappeared almost two months ago.


    Jun Li turned slightly in the saddle, her eyes going to the dark archer.


    [Whisper Jun Li to Nix] Why haven''t you got involved?


    [Whisper Nix to Jun Li] I was asked by Rhy to let her handle it.


    [Whisper Jun Li to Nix] And now Shae''s is saying the same thing?


    [Whisper Nix to Jun Li] Yep. I''ll let it go for now.


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you bring Nebs here, Min?


    /Inferno: Mina: The Salamander cleric?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Bribe her if you must. She''s probably at Loki.


    /Inferno: Mina: I''ll go now.


    By the time the Turtle house came into view, the smell of smoke was heavy in the air. A flash of silver in the sky showed that Fey was busy with the burning detail. "She can fly, but I can''t use a flying mount? How does that work?"


    Jun Li laughed at the look on his face. "There is a Guild Quest to unlock flying mounts. I have no idea where it is, though."


    Nix rode around the back of the house and dismounted next to the pond. Soup was still there, but there was no sight of Morti.


    Jun Li slid from her tiger and held out her arm. An instant later, the tiger appeared to shrink and leap at the same time. A small tattoo of the beast appeared on Jun Li''s forearm.


    Nix made a face at her. "That''s awesome as hell."


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m going to turn this quest in. We don''t need another guildhall, so I''m electing for a City Center.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I think that''s smart.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ll set up a tent city close by. Let''s get out of Nix''s hair.


    /Inferno: Bali: Nix, we''ve put down the last of the blighted wildlife. There''s not much left.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks. Good work.


    **************


    It was Nix''s first time coming to Scarlett''s office. The Clan Leader of Titania sat behind a desk, quietly sipping a steaming cup of something while she hummed to herself. There was a look of peace and contentment that hadn''t been there when Nix first met her.


    "Clan Leader Scarlett?"


    The woman smiled when she saw who her visitor was. "Just Scarlett is fine, Nix; you''re part of our family."


    Nix handed her the broken Chaos crystal. "Quest turn-in, The Nighthag of Thornwood Keep."


    Scarlett examined the broken crystal before setting it down. "Well done. Depending on what option you choose, additional benefits are available."


    "We are choosing City Center."


    Scarlett clapped her hands in surprise. "That is a great choice for Ionova!"


    /Inferno: Mina: I have Nebs here.


    /Inferno: Nix: Great. Did you bribe her?


    /Inferno: Mina: I had to bring Gideon also.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay.


    "This comes with an option to move the town to a number of different locations with the Keep functioning as the central activity hub." Scarlett nodded her head in approval.


    You have completed the [Nighthag of Thornwood Keep] quest. Thornwood Keep is now the property of the Inferno Guild. It will act as the City Center of Ionova. Please read through all the available options before you start the process.


    "Thanks, Scarlett."


    "With the City Center option, you''ll be seeing a lot more of us." Scarlett stood up and walked around the desk for a hug.


    "Hmm?" Nix gave her an awkward smile. "How so?"


    "It has a portal to Free Trader City."


    Nix waved and walked out the door. The last thing he wanted was portal access to Free Trader City.


    ****************


    "Don''t look at it that way, Nix." Nebs was the one who set-up Loki''s layout for Nix; she was a city planner in real life. "This isn''t a privately owned city like Loki."


    Gideon nodded in agreement. "You have to encourage traffic to and from Free-Trader City. This will bring in more settlers and more trade."


    Fajii was listening to the conversation from the kitchen island. "I can bring in a dozen Scorched Earth Temple acolytes to handle the increased need for security."


    Nebs pointed to the layout she liked best. "This uses the Keep as the actual center of the city. The bottom level of the Keep will turn into a large congregation of different shops and stores. The top-level has more of the same and an auction house."


    Nix rotated the hud, so he wasn''t looking at it upsidedown. "The gate platform to Free Trader city is on the bottom level of the Keep?"


    Nebs smiled and nodded her head. The short-haired cleric was surprisingly knowledgable about quite a few things. "This becomes a port city; more importantly, the City Center Keep comes with a wall."


    Nix let out a long breath. "That''s one less thing, I suppose."


    Nebs laughed at the sour expression on his face. "Do it little by little, have the population slowly migrate to the new construction."


    "Fine. I''ll rely on you then, Nebs."


    ************


    An hour later, Nix was sitting down with Fajii, enjoying the meal that the Aquarion had prepared. "Guess I didn''t realize that you cook."


    Fajii favored him with a smile, "Hyai has been teaching us a few easy meals."


    Nix covered a yawn and leaned back in his chair. "Where''d everyone go?"


    "Mina took them all back to Haven." Fajii ran a hand through her streaked hair. "Everyone was tired, Nix; we were doing quests for days."


    "Maybe it''s easier to shuttle back and forth every day to Haven rather than put up a Tent City."


    Fajii grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet, her hands circling his waist when she stepped into his embrace. Her hair was pulled back, emphasizing her vertical irises. "I look different than when we first became friends."


    Nix shook his head. "Nope, still the same."


    Fajii''s dark nose wrinkled slightly. "I had white hair and blue eyes Nix; my skin had a blueish tinge." She held up her arm as if to show him; she was nearly as dark as Ronnie.


    Nix shrugged. "I don''t look at you with my eyes."


    She raised up on her tiptoes and kissed him. "You always say things that make me feel nice."


    Nix followed her into the bedroom, and took a moment to stow his armor in the trunk while she got ready for bed.


    "Going to head out to the Oberton farm tomorrow. Want to come?"


    "Yes." Fajii walked by him a moment later wearing pajamas that Nix made for her. "Sleeping in tomorrow?"


    Nix nodded and climbed into bed next to her. "Sounds like a perfect plan."

 309 Oberton Farm

    "This counts as waking me up."


    Fajii''s warm body pressed against him. "I didn''t say or do anything."


    Nix didn''t reply other than to close his eyes again.


    "It''s after 1000 hours, by the way."


    "Okay. I''m getting up."


    A half-hour later, Nix was sitting on the couch, putting a few orders in at the Auction House in Free Trader City. He queued both the firewood and necessary fridge supplies and bought several stacks of pelts he had never heard of before. He only required 10 to make a basic puppet, but they were sold in stacks of 12. He also purchased a few different plants, extracts, and herbs that Fajii required.


    "Want me to pay you for those Nix?"


    Nix waggled his eyebrows at her. "Sure, but I don''t take credits."


    Fajii''s laughter filled the house but was interrupted by a pounding on the front door.


    "Hey, Commander!" Bali stood in his doorway wearing her Netherbreaker armor and had a long wooden bow slung over her shoulder.


    Nix sighed heavily and let the Ain''Dhassi trouble maker in. The rangers were going to start on the Khant problem while Bali chose to escort the Inferno Guild Leader. "Why are you coming with me again? Shouldn''t you be killing khants with everyone else?"


    Bali shrugged her small shoulders and ducked by him. "Captain Locas wants me to ensure your safety Nix."


    "You made that up." Nix brought up his hud, Scarlett downloaded all the land records and deeds in the Ionova area. He sent a copy of it to Bali and then headed to the bedroom to get dressed. "Take a look at that and tell me what you see."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''re back, Nix, plans for the day?


    /Inferno: Nix: Choose the next four people most likely to take the Planar Trials test, we need to start gearing them up.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Chael, Darsi, Floyd, Banzi.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s turn our people loose and have them search for Guild quests, teams of three only.


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] I''m going with Junie today, Nix, want to test out my Fire Djinn.


    Nix frowned at the message, Hyai had been in the high 60s, but after the expansion patch, all of Inferno was raised to level 125 as compensation for being nerfed. She had used the Djinn, but his abilities were restricted because he was a 5th tier companion.


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] Link the Djinn, please.


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] Sure Hun.


    Tavo: Gemini Djinn [Spirit Companion to Hyai]


    Abilities: Unknown


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] Did it always say Unknown?


    [Whisper: Hyai to Nix] No, before it said Restricted.


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] Guess you''ll find out. Be careful.


    [Whisper Hyai to Nix] I will. See you tonight.


    ***********


    The two riders rode in silence through burnt fields, whatever crop had been here the day before had been destroyed by the blight and then burned by Fey.


    Bali was riding Flash; her pale face was frowning at the charred remains. "How are the farms here going to recover?"


    "Nansu said that the ashes from the burnt crops would help the soil, it is early enough in the season to replant, but Inferno will have to purchase seeds."


    The Oberton Farm consisted of several log structures, a barn, and a large coral. Nightmare stomped her feet when she noticed the strange mare tied in front of the main house. Nix patted her shoulder softly. "Don''t eat the other horses."


    A door opened when they rode up, the woman he had talked to in town waved in greeting. "Steward Nix! I hear that three Dire Wolves and a bunch of rangers are clearing out the Khants."


    Nix couldn''t help but smile at her. Hopi was a younger version of Hyai if she had been a farmer. Her warm smile and honest way of speaking left Nix with a good impression. "Well... You did give me a list."


    Hopi smiled widened. "I did..." The smile faded slightly when a man walked through the door behind her.


    "Can you introduce us, Hopi?" The man was young and well dressed; a single sword was strapped to his belt.


    "Steward Nix, this is Gotti Oberton, his family owns this farm."


    /Inferno: Bali: Hang on... What? Is that what you were talking about Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    Nix ignored the man. "I thought your family owned the farm Hopi?"


    The man laughed loudly, an odd sound that seemed more like a horse''s laugh than a man''s. "The Oberton family owns all the farms in the area, Nix."


    "Bali, open up the land records for the farms outside of Ionova."


    Bali smiled. "Sure, Commander." She brought up the records and found the deed for the land they were visiting. "This land is owned by Helis family."


    "Ten years ago, after the last Thornwood curse, five of the farming families from Ionova moved back to Free Trader City. My father purchased these lands from them."


    Nix nodded and took out a piece of parchment from his inventory and started writing. "Who is the head of your family, Hopi?"


    "My father, Regar Hanza, he went to town this morning to see about purchasing seeds."


    Nix chewed on the end of his quill. "Regar? R E G A R?"


    Hopi nodded.


    Gotti cleared his throat loudly. "What''s this about, Nix?"


    "I''m writing out a new deed for this farm."


    "See here, Steward! You''re interfering in Oberton business; a wise man would walk away before trouble starts."


    The soft twang of a bowstring and Gotti was down on one knee, an arrow pierced through his foot, pinning it to the wooden porch. A scream of pain followed the shocked look on his face. "WHAT ARE YOU TH..." He trailed off when he noticed Bali had a second arrow aimed at his face.


    Her soft voice carried across the distance. "You''re addressing a man who has defeated dragons, slain an Emperor, and stood in front Khione herself without ever backing up. Choose your next words carefully."


    Nix handed the deed to Hopi. "Let your father know that I will get him the seeds he needs, free of charge."


    Hopi''s mouth opened and closed a few times before she managed to speak. "Thank you, Steward Nix."


    Nix waved her off. "Just Nix is fine."


    Bali lowered her bow and opened up the area map. Her quick fingers highlighted an area a few miles away. "I bet this nice place right here would belong to the Oberton family."


    Nix glanced at the map before turning back toward Gotti. "Get on your horse and tell your family that I''m on my way. The Clan Leader of Titania issued land deeds to five families. I expect to see the original documents when I arrive."


    Gotti groaned in agony when he managed to dislodge the arrow from the wooden porch, he limped over to his horse, trailing blood the entire way.


    Hopi watched the man ride away before she spoke. "They have several fighters, Nix."


    "Good." Nix turned Nightmare away from the house and pushed her into a trot.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nebs and Gideon show up at the house yet?


    /Inferno: Fajii: Yes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sending you a waypoint. Bring them and meet us there.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Ok.


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Everything okay?


    [Whisper Nix to Fajii] A bit of cleaning up to do.

 310 Land Grabbers

    Since they didn''t know what they were facing, Nix summoned Fey for backup.


    The white-haired mage wore her hair in a pretty braid that Ducky almost certainly did for her. She was wearing a green robe that Nix had made and put several enchantments on. Her sleeves were rolled up, exposing her pale skinny arms. "Good Morning, Nix."


    Nix returned her greeting; her face was flushed like she had been laughing. "Something going on?"


    Ducky nodded. "Morti was arguing with his Chevalier."


    Nix heard Scarlett mention that a Chevalier was supposed to be a guide for young cubs. "Doesn''t sound like Morti."


    "He tried to take Morti''s helmet."


    "Really?" Nix shook his head in disgust; he''d been with the cub for months. He was smart, loyal, and fierce; "I shouldn''t interfere."


    "Dust, Boss." Bali''s sharp eyes picked up the barest hint of dust from three riders. "It''s the rest of our team."


    Gideon and Nebs spent the night in town at the Ionova Inn; Nix still wasn''t sure why the Salamander Assassin chose to accompany the cleric.


    Nix has joined Pathfinder.


    Bali has joined Pathfinder.


    Fey has joined Pathfinder.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Thanks for coming.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Is there a fight brewing?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Maybe. It seems like someone has taken over ownership of the farms and decided to set themselves up as a land baron.


    /Pathfinder: Fajii: You''ve already spoken to the farmers?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Just Hopi Hanza, her family, has been running the farm and paying a portion of their profits to the Oberton family. Can you summon Eron for me, Fajii?


    /Pathfinder: Fajii: Sure.


    A moment later, the black fox leaped onto Nix''s shoulder. "Worthy."


    "Think you could find bodies that might have been buried nearby, it would have been about ten years ago." Nix scratched the little fox''s ears while he spoke. "It''s only a hunch, so if you can''t."


    "Can and will." Eron hopped down and disappeared from sight.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: I bet they are paying a large portion.


    Nix nodded without saying anything. Having met the pretty Asian woman who plays as Gideon the Assassin, he was struggling to separate them in his head.


    /Pathfinder: Fey: I don''t have a horse.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: We''ll ride double for now. I''ll get you one for next time.


    Fey stowed her staff and accepted a hand up, her thin arms wrapped around his waist. "Sorry for the inconvenience."


    The group started out at a walk since their destination was only a few minutes away. Nightmare had no problems with the extra weight; the human form of Fey was quite light.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: I''ve been studying the City Center Interface Nix. The whole process will take about a day.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Anything we need to do before you get started?


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Not really, it won''t interfere with anything since it''s all new buildings in a completely different location.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Start as soon as we get back.


    Gideon whistled when the house came into view. "That doesn''t look like a farmhouse."


    The Oberton home looked more like the estate of someone with a lot of wealth. Nix studied the layout as they approached. "There''s no way five farms paid for this; something else is going on."


    They rode through the gate, and the dirt trail abruptly turned to cobblestone. The house itself was a combination of wood and brick. The elegant two-story design boasted a large balcony and lots of stained glass windows. A handful of people walked out of the double-doored entrance when they rode up.


    Fey slid off of Nightmare and waited while the rest of the group dismounted. She picked out the fire user from the group immediately. "The female is a fire mage," she whispered.


    /Pathfinder: Bali: Two more hidden from sight. One is thirty meters to the right of us; the other is on the second floor of that balcony.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: How we playing this?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Diplomatically, of course.


    Bali and Fajii shared a look and spread out slightly.


    "You must be the new Steward of Ionova? I''m Tobias Oberton."


    Nix took a moment to study Tobias. He was a middle-aged man with a slim build, he stood poised like a swordsman and wore a single blade at his waist. "Let''s get straight to the point. Unless you have original deeds that Clan Leader Scarlett wrote up, I''m not going to honor any land rights you claim to hold."


    "Steward Nix, let us not be hasty. How can I be held accountable for someone else''s error? I have deeds signed by those families."


    "Really?" Nix motioned for Bali to collect the papers that Tobias was holding up. "Isn''t it peculiar that all five families decided to leave at the same time?"


    Tobias shook his head in reply. "The Curse was especially bad that year, the crops were completely wiped out, and none of them could afford to reseed."


    Nix looked at the papers Bali handed him, they were all signed by someone, but he had no way of verifying who. "The date on these sales is nine months before the last curse happened."


    "Is it?" Tobias shrugged it off. "A simple clerical error."


    "You purchased 42 bags of seeds from the vendors in Ionova at this same time. Did they make a mistake also?"


    Tobias held out his hands helplessly. "What should I do? Pay for the errors of others?"


    Nix paged through the deeds a second time. "Seems to be one missing."


    Tobias frowned slightly. "What do you mean."


    Nix brought up the local map on his hud and overlayed the five farming properties onto it. "As you can see, the farms are highlighted. See this dark section right here?"


    "I do," Tobias admitted.


    "That land is owned by Ionova." Nix game him a friendly smile, "it also happens to be the land we are standing on."


    A flash of black announced the return of Eron, he whispered something in Nix''s ear and then jumped down.


    Nix frowned. "A mass grave on the property?"


    [Aura Ignition: Fury Flames]


    The other members of Pathfinder moved away from him, the air around him crackling and popping with the sudden increase in temperature. The deeds he was holding burst into flames; he dropped the burning papers and pushed flames into Wrath.


    Tobias''s demeanor completely changed, "you''ll be joining them."


    /Pathfinder: Bali: Someone placed a hunter''s mark on us.


    [Storm Rider]


    An instant later, Nix appeared behind the Archer.


    [Thunderfist]


    Nix punched the Archer in the back of the head.


    Hezzi Oberton has been stunned.


    Nix grabbed the Archer around the waist and jumped over the top rail of the balcony. He landed hard on the cobblestone, pile driving his opponent''s head into the rocks.


    Hezzi Oberton has been crippled.


    It happened so fast, none of the Oberton''s had time to react.


    [Daisy Chains]


    The crashing boom of thunder echoed in the air as Tobias, and the four men close to him were enveloped in lightning. They stood frozen in place, convulsing and screaming in pain.


    [Assassin Combo: Backstab, Throat slash]


    Gideon has slain Tobias Oberton.


    The Oberton fire mage cast balefire on Fey, only to have the thin teen catch it in one hand. The mage threw herself on the ground and surrendered without any further resistance.


    Nix felt something slam into his side, spinning him around.


    [Brodi has landed a critical hit on you, Nether Effect activated: damage is divided by one half]


    [Rock Slam]


    Fajii has landed a significant blow on Brodi


    [Storm Rider: Execution]


    Successful Combination attempt.


    Nix appeared behind Brodi and removed his head with a flash of white flames.


    Brodi Oberton has been slain.


    It was over within a few seconds, by the time Daisy Chains wore off, three of them were already dead. The others gave up without attempting to resist further.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Tie them up.


    /Pathfinder: Bali: On it.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Fajii, you''re with me in the main house, rest of you search the outbuildings.


    Fajii and Nix walked through the double doors of the manor, four men and two women sat on the floor with their hands up.


    Nix approached them; by their attire, he guessed they were the help. He helped up one of the women that seemed like the oldest among them. "Relax, you aren''t in any trouble. I''m Nix. What''s your name?"


    The older woman was somewhat heavy, her round face showing relief. "Tilly, I''m the cook here."


    "You''re the cook? Been here long?"


    Tilly nodded. "Almost eight years. We are all workers here."


    "I''ve dealt with Tobias Oberton, so why don''t you tell me what''s really going on?"


    "Smugglers, Slave Traders, and Raiders." A man from the floor stood up slowly. "I''m Vic Toril, the stablemaster here."


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Heh... Dibs on the horses.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Huh?


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: What?


    Nix studied the man for a moment before answering. He was young for a stablemaster, probably in his late teens. His black hair hung to his shoulders, and his face looked like he''d recently been beaten up. "You take care of the horses?"


    "Yes, sir."


    "Here''s the issue I see, Vic. You said they are smugglers and Raiders. Ionova is somewhat isolated, we will have a Gate Platform to Free Trader City soon, but as of now, that doesn''t exist. Where would they be raiding?"


    Vic nodded in agreement. "They have three boats, not like any you''ve ever seen. Tobias referred to them as his treasures."


    /Pathfinder: Fajii: Sea transport? It''s possible.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Search Tobias.


    /Pathfinder: Bali: On it.


    Nix gestured for the rest of the group to stand. "Pack your things, please and be ready to leave in an hour."


    Tilly''s old face showed a hint of worry. "What are our options, Mr. Nix?"


    "Each of you will receive 10 thousand credits as a relocation fee from Ionova. Your options are to find work in Ionova or take the gate to Free Trader City in a few days when the City Center is complete."


    ***************

 311 Dark Water Craf

    Alpha Team sat quietly on the shore, studying the small craft they dragged out of a nearby cave. It hadn''t taken long to find.


    Dark Water Craft: Artifact


    Description: Self-Navigating Watercraft


    capable of transporting 11 individuals.


    Range: 400 Km. Mana Bank: Full


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone ever see something like this before?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Not me. This runs off of its own mana bank? How does it recharge? How long does it last?


    /Inferno: Nix: All good questions.


    Nix moved Eron''s tail out of his face and ran his hand over the rail of the boat. It didn''t feel like wood or metal. Did Colonial allow composite materials?


    The craft was thirty feet in length and three rows of three seats, with two additional seats in the very front. There was a navigation panel on what could only have been called a dashboard. The sides and top were open; it looked exactly like some rich guys super speed boat... if those things came with bus seating. There were no visible controls.


    Semmi shook her head doubtfully. Typically the blond officer was somewhat adventurous, but the doubt was evident on her face. "It only took four of us to drag it out here, that means it will be tossed around like a leaf in a storm."


    For once, Pon agreed with his girlfriend, a feat that barely ever happened. "It''s completely open and low walled. She''ll fill up with water and sink."


    "Good thing you have Captain Ronnie here to test it." Ronnie stepped over the side and walked to the front seat. She pursed her lips while studying the layout. "Give a girl a hand, will ya?"


    Nix gripped one side of the craft. "She''s right, let''s put her in the water."


    They carefully moved the craft until it sat comfortably in knee-deep water. Nix peered under the boat and shook his head in amazement. "There''s no keel, so it rides shallow."


    "Who''s coming?" Ronnie frowned when there were no takers. "I see... Alpha Team is only this much."


    Pon snorted. "No one''s going to fall for that shit Ronnie."


    Wind climbed into the boat and took one of the back seats. A moment later, Semmi and Fajii did also.


    Nix laughed at the expression on Pon''s face when he joined them. "Stay on the shore Grandma."


    Ronnie grinned at him and patted the seat next to her. "I''m gonna drive, Nix."


    "Sure, no problem."


    When Jun Li joined the sea-farers, Pon cussed loudly and climbed over the side into the empty seat next to Wind.


    /Inferno: Pon: We''re gonna f*cking die, and I''m going to laugh at you bastards.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s go, Ronnie.


    "Wait for me!" Bali was sprinting down the sand dunes; she seemed much faster than possible given her relatively small size. "I''m gonna do it too!"


    Ronnie clapped her hands from the front. "That''s my girl."


    After vaulting into the boat, Bali took a seat directly behind Nix and Ronnie. "We gonna dig up that mass grave Nix? Or maybe place some sort of marker on it?"


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "What mass grave?"


    Eron swished his tail from Nix''s shoulder. "Couldn''t find it," he admitted.


    "Huh? Bluffing?" Bali''s pretty face split in a wide smile. "Good job, Commander."


    /Inferno: Nix: Go ahead, Ronnie.


    Ronnie nodded and placed her hand on the Nav-panel. A large map of the area appeared on the forward windshield. After messing with it for a few seconds, she figured how to zoom.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Looks like there are already set Nav-points every 10 kilometers.


    /Inferno: Semmi: That''s the Great Desert. How many Nav points between us and that?


    Ronnie counted them with her finger. "Fifteen, so a hundred and fifty kilometers?


    /Inferno: Nix: Do it, Ronnie. Keep it short, though.


    Ronnie nodded and placed her finger on the red dot that marked their position. She moved it to the first waypoint, and a line was drawn; when she dragged it back, it completed a roundtrip.


    [Self-Navigating Interface. Out and back route. Total distance is 20 kilometers.]


    [Select the speed and engage the engine.]


    Ronnie pointed to the three selections. "One, two, or three, Nix?"


    "Three, of course."


    Ronnie pushed the 3rd selection and then tapped the engage icon.


    An opaque shield formed over the top of the boat and connected at the rail; you could see through it but just barely. Slowly the boat started to pick up speed with a low but steady hum.


    /Inferno: Nix: Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle and remain seated at all times.


    They hadn''t gone more than fifty meters before the water started creeping up the sides of the shield. Pon immediately reacted by banging on them with his fist. "Abandon ship! This boat is sinking!"


    The water continued climbing until the boat was completely submerged. It descended to about twenty feet before leveling off.


    Pon''s old face showed his surprise. "We''re under the water."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Looks like we are maintaining a depth of about twenty feet.


    Everyone stood and crowded forward around the two front seats. The forward windshield offered a view of where they were going.


    /Inferno: Semmi: My timer is on, we''ll know how fast we''re going when we turn around. Lots of things to figure out.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Right. Does going faster burn the mana quicker?


    /Inferno: Nix: Or how does it refill?


    They arrived at the turnaround Nav point in just under thirty minutes. There were no controls inside, so the team spent the time talking. Less than an hour later, the team pulled the boat on back on the shore.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It cruises at a constant depth of twenty feet. So it remains unseen and doesn''t have to worry about choppy seas.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Doesn''t seem like we should just leave it in a cave.


    /Inferno: Nix: We have a stable at HQ. We''ll keep them there.


    /Inferno: Pon: HQ?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''re keeping the Oberton place?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. The new designation is HQ.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yay! No Tent city. I should get the first pick of the rooms since I volunteered to drive!


    /Inferno: Nix: Agreed.


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Are you going to stay in the Turtle house?


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Yep.


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] May I stay there with you?


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Yep.


    /Inferno: Nix: Before you move in, conduct a top to bottom search of the entire place. Who knows what they left behind.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Maybe directions for my boats.!


    *****************


    Ionova Settlement: This is an Ionova Announcement. The new Ionova City Center is about to start construction; this will last about six hours. If you''d like to place your shop in the new City Center, please report to Nebula at the Steward''s office immediately.


    "Got this, Nebs?"


    Nebula ran her fingers through her short dark hair. "Got it, Nix."


    Nix studied the layout for a moment. "Residences?"


    Nebs shook her head. "Not right away, but eventually, they will want to move inside the walls.


    "Okay, Nebs. Cya tomorrow."


    Nix rode Nightmare out of town and turned west toward his home. Fajii stayed behind to help search HQ for valuables before Inferno officially took over. It was 1500 when Nix entered his house and secured the door.


    Nix took a deep breath and pictured Leva''s Office in Chyanama.


    [Nether Walker]


    He appeared a moment later next to the couch he had sat on when he was scouting the Nether in rat form.


    "Nix!" A stunned voice caused him to turn around.


    "Report, Leva."


    "Yes, Sir."

 312 Animator

    "Any issues concerning the other Overlords?"


    Leva shook her head. "Xia has gone out of her way to ally herself with me; her position as Advisor to the Five is advantageous to us."


    "Hmm... She has other allegiances, let us exercise some caution around her."


    Leva licked her dark lips nervously; her black forked tongue flickered quickly before disappearing. She bowed slightly, causing her raven-like wings to drag the floor. "I will do as you say, Nix."


    Nix nodded. "Now that you''ve got a handle on things here, I''m going to be requiring more help from you in Everspire."


    Leva offered him her version of a smile, with her fangs and predator like features, others might have found it terrifying. "I look forward to it, Nix."


    "A curse has temporarily hampered my Breach Commander abilities; I''m going to need you to fulfill that duty for me."


    "My Dark Chancellor abilities is a lesser version of the Breach Commander talent tree." Leva brought up her Dark Chancellor Interface for Nix to look at.


    "You can open a breach anywhere you''ve been, right?" Nix searched his inventory and removed the golden razir. "Inhabit this, and I''ll bring you back to my place."


    Leva nodded, "After that, I should be able to open Breaches there. How did you get here if your Breach Commander abilities are disabled?"


    "My armor has an ability called Nether Walker."


    "You have Azul Khan''s armor?" Leva examined Nix''s gear; it looked like regular clothes. "The Emperor''s armor could look like normal clothes when he wanted them to."


    "It''s the King''s set," Nix admitted.


    "You can take a few people with you when you move around the breach. I''ve seen him do it in the past."


    "Take a seat and animate this razir. Then I''m going to return home." Nix saw a bit of hesitation in Leva''s dark eyes. "What?"


    "Nix... Could you summon Ducky to talk to me?"


    Nix laughed at the expression on her face. Leva seemed to have a fondness for the person who caused their demise.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared a moment later, her face lighting up when she saw Leva.


    "Leva!" Ducky offered her a quick hug before turning back to Nix. "We on a mission, Nix?"


    Nix shook his head. "Stay and keep Leva company, she''ll bring you back in a bit."


    Leva looked down at the Razir on her lap and focused; a moment later, she was looking up at herself. The tiny Razir darted toward Nix and ran up his leg.


    "Unfortunately, this isn''t an Emperor level puppet, so we can''t communicate."


    [Nether Walker: Return]


    Nix reappeared in his home a moment later. It was empty, just as it was when he left it. He held up the Razir to his face. "Release the puppet and attempt to open a breach here."


    Nix breathed a sigh of relief a moment later when a breach opened, and Ducky stepped through with Leva. "Good job. You can stay until Fajii gets back."


    ****************


    Nix stared at the queue for the Animator Interface; he had been forced to use it when Una animated the Arch-Nemesis puppet. Was the Animator Interface the last stage of Taxidermy? He''d never heard any mention of the title. "For once, couldn''t Colonial come with a damn manual?"


    "What hun?" Hyai spoke from the kitchen where she was making dinner.


    "He''s bitching again Hyai, ignore him." Pon''s gruff voice reminded Nix that the old bastard had been watching him for the past hour.


    "Don''t you have somewhere else to be old man?"


    "Not really," Pon admitted. "Make something for f*cks sake."


    "I have figured it out. This animator interface makes things."


    Pon clapped from the nearby couch. "Wow... You''ve become enlightened."


    Nix ignored him and continued. "I''ve used fifty pelts from a dozen different animals. Depending on the type of pelt, the Interface decides what kind of creature it is."


    Pon squinted his eyes when Nix enlarged the interface. "It says, small creature between 2 and 8 pounds."


    "Here''s the cool part," Nix added the teeth he purchased from the auction house to the second queue slot. Immediately the Interface changed to a Small predator between 2 and 8 pounds.


    Nix switched them out with different teeth, and the Interface changed to small herbivore. "The pelts decide the size; the teeth decide type."


    Pon moved to the seat beside him so he could watch closer. "What are those slots beneath them?"


    "Let me show you the notes I''ve been taking. There are five major queue slots in the Animator Interface."


    [Queue One: Size Designator] Furs, feathers, skins.


    [Queue Two: Type of creature] Beaks, bills, teeth]


    [Queue Three: Movement] Hooves, feet, wings, fins


    [Queue Four: Natural Defenses] Bones, shell, exoskeleton.


    [Queue Five: Essense] Spirits, possessed items, curses.


    "Frankenstein lives." Pon whistled, "make this old man something cool!"


    Nix brought up the hud for the auction house and started searching. "There aren''t any strong essences in the Auction House. So its life span might be a few months."


    Pon confiscated the hud. "I''ll do the searching; you focus on the assembly. We''ll use the pelts you already have in the first queue."


    Nix laughed at Pon''s excitement. "Okay, find us some chompers."


    "Exusian duckbill," Pon purchased ten bills and continued searching.


    Nix cursed the lack of instructions. "Do I use five bills? Or fifty?"


    Pon shrugged. "One for starters, we''re experimenting."


    "After two queues, it''s designated as a small carnivore." Nix moved to the third queue. "Movement type."


    "Otter feet!" Pon grinned and made the purchase.


    "Old bastard, you''re making a platypus."


    Pon cackled like a mad scientist. "Yes!"


    "Any bone chips or fragments?"


    Pon frowned at the auction hud. "Only rat bones."


    Nix considered the bones. "Rat bones are nice and flexible; let''s do it. Look for spirit essence."


    Pon scowled at the hud; he was a man of low patience. "Fine."


    "Want to stop Old man?"


    "Stop? No, I don''t want to stop. Put them in there!" Pon continued to search the auction house; after several minutes, he could find nothing.


    Nix brought up a second hud and started looking. "Found one!" Nix showed Pon the auction item.


    Aquatic Ring


    Description: Simple ring


    infused with the spirit of


    a Bolo fish. Grants the wearer


    underwater breathing.


    Nix added it to the last queue and then showed Pon. "Check out the description, too; we''ll skip enhancements for now."


    [Miscellaneous pelts x 30] [Exusian Duckbill ] [Otter Feet] [Rat Bones] [Bolo Fish Spirit]


    Description: This creature is a semi-aquatic, duckbilled carnivore.


    Weight: 8 pounds


    Enhancements: None


    Life Expectancy: 3 years.


    Nix looked at the animate icon, then glanced at Pon, who was nodding his head up and down. "Fine."


    Everspire Platypus: Unique


    Description: Light brown creature that


    is particularly adept in the water.


    Pon snatched up the little creature as soon as it appeared. "We made a platypus!"


    Nix chuckled at the old man. "Want some advice?"


    Pon shook his head. "Not from a young punk like you."


    "Give it to Semmi."


    "Huh?" Pon looked at him like he was crazy. "I''m keeping this!"


    "Staying for dinner, Pon?" Hyai was holding a stack of plates in her hand.


    Pon shook his head. "No, thanks. Officer meeting tomorrow, Nix." He left without saying anything else.


    "What was that thing, Nix?" Hyai served up two bowls of stew and then filled two mugs with Semmi''s Golden.


    "Sorry, I didn''t help with dinner." Nix pulled up a seat next to her. "It''s just a pet, I guess."


    "That''s fine." Hyai smiled sweetly at him and scooted her bench closer to his. "Think he''ll give that to Semmi?


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    ****************


    Mortimus sighed heavily from his seat overlooking the training area. "This isn''t going to work."


    Scarlett slipped an arm through his. "No, I don''t think it is."


    They watched as Morti continued to argue and question his Chevalier over every little thing. The Titan cub mentioned Nix''s name every few minutes; it was apparent that his trainer was looking for a way out.


    Scarlett could see now that a less traditional approach was needed. "A Chevalier is supposed to teach tactics and instill discipline. Hasn''t Nix been doing that since he found Mortimer?"


    Mortimus nodded. "Nix has great instincts, and the two of them have established trust."


    Scarlett squeezed her husband''s arm. "You settle things here, and then we''ll talk to Nix."


    *****************


    /Inferno: Mina: Everyone heading to Free Trader City or Haven, meet at the turtle pond.


    Fajii squeezed by Hyai in the bathroom and grabbed a towel. "You going with them?"


    Hyai nodded. "I''ll be questing in lower Everspire with Min and Milat."


    "Be careful. Hey... Has Nix mentioned Shae?"


    Hyai shook her head. "I''m really worried."


    "Me too." Fajii placed a hand on the Inn Keeper''s head and stroked her soft hair. "Nix won''t let anything bad happen to her."


    Hyai hid a smile, after spending a lot of time with Fajii and Mina, she was beginning to understand that Aquarions cared deeply for their friends and wouldn''t hesitate to show affection. "Don''t let Nix sleep through the officer meeting."


    Fajii nodded. "I won''t."


    **************


    Fajii nudged Nix and pointed to Semmi. "Where''d she get that?"


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his wide smile. Semmi was holding the platypus that Nix had made for Pon. The old mage was sitting next to her with a scowl on his face. "I made that for Pon."


    Fajii looked confused. "Does it fight?"


    Nix shook his head. "No."


    They were sitting in a large office on the second floor of the newly acquired HQ. Jun Li was standing in front of a rather impressive looking table hud.


    /Officer: Jun Li: This is the most advanced raiding interface I''ve ever seen. It tracks raids, loot, quests, and offers tactical suggestions.


    /Officer: Semmi: The Oberton''s were working on a questline called The Lost City. According to the quest tracker on this hud, they failed five times in a row.


    Semmi activated the hud, and a large holo map of the Great Desert spread out over the table.


    /Officer: Semmi: Each leg of the quest is marked on the map. The first three legs are all item turn-ins that give you a key to unlock the fourth quest. Thanks to Tobias, we have the Key.


    /Officer: Jun Li: The Key opens a specific door and starts the next quest; this is where Tobias and his crew were stuck.


    /Officer: Nix: You want to jump in on his quest. Will having the key put us on the 4th leg automatically?


    /Officer: Jun Li: One way to find out.


    /Officer: Nix: What''s the objective of this questline?


    /Officer: Jun Li: We don''t really know. Mostly we are looking to test this hud interface and the transports.


    /Officer: Ronnie: Captain Ronnie is driving!


    /Officer: Jun Li: Since we don''t have the quest yet, we aren''t sure of the number requirement. We''ll bring ten and hope that''s enough.


    /Officer: Semmi: We also found some details on the crafts we found. They will completely regenerate their mana banks after sitting for three days. Since there are three of them, we can use them continually.


    /Officer: Nix: Any idea where Tobias got them? It doesn''t seem like something a smuggler should have.


    /Officer: Semmi: No clue yet.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Here''s the crew that''s going. Let me know if you can''t go. We leave in thirty minutes.


    Nix


    Fajii


    Semmi


    Pon


    Wind


    Jun Li


    Sharl


    Ronnie


    Tess


    Gypsy Rose


    /Officer: Nix: Should take eight hours?


    /Officer: Jun Li: Something like that.

 313 The Desert King part one

    /Inferno: Jun Li: ETA 5 minutes.


    Nix''s eyes popped open, and he stretched for a long moment. The craft was built for comfort, the seats were well-cushioned, and they leaned back. A strong grip squeezed his hand, and he turned to see Fajii watching him. "It might be a long night, hope you are rested."


    Fajii nodded. "I closed my eyes for a bit."


    The craft beached itself a few minutes later. The raid force dragged it onshore and hid it between two rock croppings.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Mount up, we need to cover another 30 km before we know if the key we got off Tobias works.


    The Great Desert was mostly a place of rolling white-sand dunes; however, two large mountain ranges could be seen from Inferno''s vantage point; they were called the Sword and the Shield Mountains. To the north, the Shield Mountain range separated the Great Desert from Northern Everspire. Bisecting the shield and stabbing south deep into the desert were the Sword Mountains. From the sky, it would have looked like a ''T.'' A single-pass north was the only way to Northern Everspire on foot. There was no known pass through the Sword, traveling to the eastern coast of the Great Desert required you to head south and circumvent the mountains.


    Nightmare thrived in the heat of the desert. Her heavily scaled reptilian feet ran efficiently through the soft sand. She ran side-by-side with Jun Li''s Saber Tiger, the two mounts lead the procession steadily east.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The door we are looking for is the on this side of the Sword range, I''ve sent the Nav-point to everyone''s hud.


    /Inferno: Pon: Gonna be a long ride home if the key doesn''t work for us.


    ********************


    [1900 hours: Sword Mountain Range, Great Desert]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Quick break, and we''ll try the key.


    /Inferno: Pon: Why not try the key now?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We don''t know what''s going to happen. If it works, we could have to fight right away.


    After a few minutes, Inferno moved to the entrance. It was sheer mountain bluff that reached several hundred feet into the air. The dark rock facing them was perfectly flat, only the barest image of an arched door could be seen against the gray slate. A single triangular keyhole was visible in the direct center.


    Jun Li tossed the key to Sharl. "You''re up. Tanks first."


    /Inferno: Sharl: On me, I''ll open the door and move in right away. If it''s clear, we should all rush in.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Right. It may not stay open.


    Sharl inserted the key into the door and it swung inward like it was weightless, she walked in cautiously and then waved for the group to follow.


    Nix was the last one in, a few moments after he crossed the threshold, the stone door slammed shut.


    New Quest Available. [The Lost City part IV: The Desert King]


    /Inferno: Nix: Looks like we''re in.


    /Inferno: Pon: Gladiator arena?


    Inside the door was a large circular arena covered in sand. There were four raised platforms set in a square. At the center of this square was the blurred image of a massive beast. The raised platforms hovered a few meters in the air, and each had a set of stairs leading up to it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The raised platforms probably spawn something. We are going to have to play it by ear and try to adapt.


    /Inferno: Sharl: The beast in the middle looks to be the main Boss; at this point, I can''t target him.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We have to cover four platforms and the middle boss, It seems like we are short a healer.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shadai is a flying healer; if she positions herself between the center and one of the squares, she should be able to handle both.


    [Summons: Ea''Shadai, Cal, Tor]


    Cal smiled when he saw him. "We''ll get her next time Nix!"


    Nix nodded. Since he didn''t have his gear for five days, he forgot that the three Air''Voilla had probably died facing Khione also. "I won''t let you guys down again."


    Shadai shook her head, the beautiful white feathers coating her skull seemed longer somehow. "We have all used the time to get stronger Nix; we will support you properly."


    [Whisper: Nix to Shar] Summon Floyd, I know you like to baby him, but the kid is fantastic.


    Sharl nodded and summoned her Naga companion.


    /Jun Li: Give me a moment, and I''ll assign everyone.


    NW Platform: Nix, Shadai, Cal, Tor.


    NE Platform: Jun Li, Ronnie, Tess.


    SE Platform: Semmi, Fajii, Eron.


    SW Platform: Wind, Pon, Gypsy.


    Center: Sharl, Floyd, Shadai.


    ***********


    [Solomon City: Sky Kingdom]


    Breach Commander Mtui sat behind his desk, staring at his list of allies. It looked much the same as it had a week earlier, with one small exception. Besides Nix''s name, there was an asterisk and the words, ''Temporarily Undeployable.'' He glanced up at his mother, who was frowning at him. "I''m not sure what happened, Mother."


    Deidra stared at his name. The human was as impressive a person as she''d ever met. "He disappeared after challenging Khione, then resurfaces in Northern Everspire a few days later. If he can''t be listed as an ally, then either his Breach Commander abilities are gone, or they are disabled."


    "What do you want me to do?"


    "War is stirring in Everspire, it seems that it must be related to the arrival of Khione, but I don''t see the connection yet." Deidra opened a detailed holographic map of Everspire. "Find him, send a team immediately."


    "Right away, Mother."


    Elan Mtui watched as his mother created a breach and then disappeared. He sighed heavily and leaned back in his chair.


    [Direct Contact: Beta]


    An instant later, a holo of his white-haired operative appeared in front of him.


    Beta saluted crisply. "Breach Commander!"


    Elan knew that his operative had strong ties to Inferno; she was in a relationship with one of their members and was old friends with another. "Have you spoken to Chiba or Wind lately?"


    Beta chose her words carefully, although she was loyal to Mtui, she was hesitant to give away information regarding Nix. Chiba and Wind were important people to her; then there was the matter of Nix finding her distant relatives in the Core. "Chiba is on a class quest; she won''t be back for weeks. I spoke to Wind today."


    [Create Breach: Loki: Solomon City]


    Sasi and Rabi Qi stepped into his office a moment later.


    "Thanks for coming Sasi, I know the two of you are helping Uta with the Shadow Rage course in Loki. I wonder if you could step away from that for a while."


    Sasi glanced at Rabi, who nodded as if she spoke. "Is this concerning Nix?"


    "It is."


    "Uta will be able to instruct his students without us. We are at your disposal, Sir."


    Mtui turned back toward his operative. "I want the three of you to find Nix and lend him whatever aid he needs."


    Sasi''s fanged mouth widened in a smile. Nix was one of her favorite people. "If we go through the gate, we''ll lose all our gear."


    Beta held up her hand. "I will talk to Inferno; they can bring us right to him. If he''ll allow it."

 314 The Desert King conclusion

    Sharl pointed to the blurred outline of the large beast. "Follow my lead."


    The Naga teen nodded happily. "I won''t let you down."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Move to the bottom of your steps and wait for everyone to get in place.


    Nix considered summoning Ducky but decided that this sort of wide-open fight wasn''t really her style. "Sharl is the priority on heals, if things get difficult I will use CC to delay.


    Shadai nodded. "I will keep both of you safe."


    "All of you stay in the air, but don''t approach the other platforms." Nix pushed flames into Wrath and waited.


    The stairs leading up to the elevated platforms were all the same, a single flight of wooden steps with no rails. There were no supports or braces visible, they hovered in the air connecting the ground to the platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Odds are there is a good reason why Tobias and his crew failed here. We''ll take things slow and figure it out as we go.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Pay attention to every detail.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Walk up your steps and proceed to the edge of your platform.


    Nix walked slowly up the steps and waited at the edge, a red lion stared at him from the center, its baleful yellow eyes burrowing into him. "Of course."


    /Inferno: Nix: Got a red lion on my platform.


    /Inferno: Pon: Scorpion.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Damn... A huge ass snake. Does anyone want to switch?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Not sure what ours is, looks like one of Mina''s Vilas, only bigger.


    /Inferno: Sharl: No change with the center boss.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Go!


    [Storm Rider: Thunderfist]


    Combination attempt successful


    Nix appeared beside the giant lion and slammed his fist into the side of its neck.


    The Red King has been stunned.


    Nix targeted the entire platform and set down his AE.


    [Tides of flame]


    A deafening roar echoed in the Arena as the Red King charge Nix, its red fur burst into flames causing its health to rapidly drop. It reared up on its two back legs and swiped at Nix with a giant paw.


    A moment in the air followed by the impact of the arena floor told Nix he''d been knocked off the platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We just reset. What happened?


    /Inferno: Nix: Got knocked off the platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone back on the steps.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Center boss never changed.


    Nix muttered curses while he returned to the edge of the platform. "I should root it first, round two will be different."


    A hand on his shoulder caused him to look up. Tor''s smiling face hovered close to him. "Keep at it!"


    Nix stood back at the edge of the platform, the Red King''s malevolent eyes seemed to taunt him.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Go!


    [Flame Root: Fury Flames]


    The Red King roared in pain as it was encased in white flames.


    Nix raised two hands and a dozen strands of emerald flames impaled the red lion.


    [Air Burst]


    Nix''s target exploded outward, sending bits of flesh high into the air.


    The Red King has been slain.


    Nix chuckled. "Like it?"


    /Inferno: Sharl: Big boss just turned into an enormous red lion, engaging.


    /Inferno: Nix: My targets down, coming to help.


    Nix leaped down from the platform, he could hear the steady strum of Cal and Tor''s bow as he sprinted to Sharl''s position.


    [Copyright: Red King]


    A second red king leaped on the back of the first, Sharl took advantage of the distraction to slam her shield in its face.


    [Shield Bash]


    The Red King has been stunned.


    [Storm Rider]


    Nix appeared behind the Red King and slashed at the back of its legs.


    The Red King has been slowed by forty percent.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Snakes down, on our way.


    The Red King shimmered for a moment and then morphed into a blurred image that could no longer be targeted.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Boss reset.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone off the platforms.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: What are we doing wrong?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s talk it through. The smaller mobs are too weak to walk them down slowly.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: There must be an order of kill.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Anything you notice about fighting the main boss?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Can''t turn him at all, he doesn''t hit hard in lion-form.


    /Inferno: Floyd. The blurred image is facing a different direction now.


    Nix glanced at the main boss, you couldn''t make out its features, but it was definitely facing the NE platform.


    /Inferno: Nix: Facing NE now, could the order be randomly chosen by the direction the boss faces?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Again then. Take down the NE first, no one kills their targets.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''ll let you know if there are any indicators.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Round 3. Go.


    [Flame Root: Fury Flames]


    The Red King has been bound in place


    [Flame Snare: Fury Flames]


    The Red King has been slowed by forty percent.


    Nix waited without attacking further. Although there was a small dot (damage over time) on both snare and root, it wouldn''t be enough to kill the lion quickly.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our target is down, heading toward the middle.


    /Inferno: Sharl: The boss didn''t rotate this time.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Reset. Everyone off their platforms, let''s meet in the middle.


    Nix found Fajii in the crowd and offered her a drink from his canteen. She thanked him with a smile. "How''s the snake fight?"


    Fajii snuck a quick glance at Semmi and lowered her voice. "Semmi is scared of snakes."


    Nix laughed at her expression. "Are you?"


    Fajii shook her head. "I don''t like the dark."


    Nix stared at her for a moment, not sure if she was being serious.


    She squeezed his hand slightly. "You?"


    "Spiders," Nix admitted. The big ones are fine, but the small ones that crawl on you when you''re sleeping creep me out.


    /Inferno: Sharl: The boss shifted again. Now it''s facing the SE platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Is it just random? Maybe we''re on the wrong path.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Anyone notice any change in your targets?


    /Inferno: Pon: It''s a lock!


    /Inferno: Semmi: What?


    /Inferno: Pon: What happens in with a combination lock when you go to far?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: You reset it. We already did that twice.


    /Inferno: Semmi: No we didn''t. Originally it was facing Nix''s platform.


    /Inferno: Sharl: That''s right, when his target died it turned to Junie''s platform.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It if rotated after Nix''s target died, but didn''t on the last fight then Nix''s target must have to be first.


    /Inferno: Nix: I think the old man is on to something. Let''s reset it twice more and get the main boss back to its original position.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone back to their platforms.


    Resetting was as simple as retreating from your platform. After trying it the first time, the boss turned to the SE platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Again.


    After the next reset, the boss returned to its original position, while Inferno stood ready on the steps.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix you''ll go first, call out any directional change Sharl. If we have the pattern down, it should be my platform next.


    Nix stood on the steps waiting. The Red King eyeing him with malice filled eyes. "Feels like we''ve been here before. Did you eat Tobias when they were here?"


    /Inferno Jun Li: Go.


    [Thunderfist: Flame Throw]


    Combination Attempt Successful.


    Nix punched the Red King in the chest and then bathed it in emerald flames.


    [Incinerate: Balefire Burst: Execution]


    Triple Combination Attempt Successful.


    Mortal Strike


    The Red King has been slain.


    /Inferno: Nix: My target is down.


    /Inferno: Pon: Holy crap, that was fast.


    /Inferno: Sharl: The Lion boss is back, he shifted to face Junie''s platform!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay we''re next!


    [Storm Rider]


    A flash of lightning struck behind the Red King and Nix appeared there an instant later.


    [Thunderfist: Comet Strike: Meteor Storm]


    Triple Combination Attempt Successful.


    Nix has landed a Significant strike on the Red King.


    /Inferno: Sharl: The hell was that Nix?


    [Dual Chain: First Strike]


    Sharl has followed up Nix''s attack with a Significant strike.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our target is down.


    The Red King shimmered for a moment and then a reptilian head burst out of Lion''s shoulder, the two heads snapped at each other before turning their eyes back to Sharl.


    /Inferno: Sharl: It just turned toward the SW platform.


    [Dual Chain: Thunderfist: Comet Strike: Meteor Storm]


    Triple Combination Attempt Successful.


    Nix has followed up on Sharl''s attack with a Significant strike.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Nix...


    [Ghost Step]


    Jun Li appeared at the side of the Lion-Reptile.


    [Champion Strike]


    Jun Li has followed up on Nix''s attack with a Significant strike.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: How are you doing combo attacks Nix? Colonial doesn''t have them.


    /Inferno: Nix: I guess Everspire does. Activate two skills at the same time.


    [Shield Bash: Sudden Slash]


    (Sharl) Combination Attempt Successful.


    Sharl has followed up on Nix''s Attack with a Significant strike.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Heh... Boo-ya.


    /Inferno: Pon: Our target is down!


    Nix was just moving in for a slash on the stunned creature when a giant armored pincer pushed out of its side and snapped shut on his arm.


    "F*ck!" Nix kicked the amputated arm that was still gripping Wrath, sending it off to one side. He circled the beast and pried loose his fingers from the hilt.


    /Inferno: Pon: Loose something Nix?


    [Balefire: Firestorm]


    (Pon) Combination Attempt Successful.


    Pon has landed a significant strike on the Red King.


    /Inferno: Nix: Cheap imitation.


    /Inferno: Sharl: It shifted to the last platform.


    Nix moved in quickly, dodging the scorpion claw that snapped at him; he twisted to avoid the reptilian head that turned to attack and was forced to retreat.


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s a Manticore. Semmi''s target is going to become the tail.


    An instant later its tail disappeared and a long green snake appeared in its place. It hissed loudly at Nix, striking at the empty air.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Go all out.


    Nix waited for a moment, with two scorpion pincers snapping shut on either side and the hissing snake tail, it was difficult to find an opening.


    [Copyright: Desert King]


    Floyd morphed into a copy of the Manticore, he closed both pincers around the Desert King''s snake tail before biting into the creatures back with both heads.


    [First Strike: Backstab]


    (Wind) Combination Attempt Successful.


    Wind has landed a significant strike on the Desert King.


    Nix raised his left hand and a half dozen strands of white flames sunk their barbed tips deep into the Desert King. He focused for a moment and then pushed lightning into the Fury Strands. The strands lit up and crackled with the power of lightning, but didn''t explode. The smell of burnt flesh and electricity filled the air. Nix noticed the health of the Desert King plummeting quickly, however even with a mana stone, his own mana only lasted a few seconds before the flame strands fell away and he was forced to retreat.


    /Inferno: Pon: Mana all gone Noob?


    Nix nodded dizzily before pushing flames into Wrath. "Still got my sword though."


    The rest of the Desert King fight was uneventful, it died with a loud roar that was followed by a distant rumbling. The entire section of the Arena slid open to reveal a wide passage.


    A return token has been placed in your inventory.


    Return Token: Binds on Pickup, No Drop


    Description: Activate token to return to the Lost City.


    Nix picked up the red chest and stowed it into his inventory.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We ever open the chest from the Puppet guy?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nope. We''ll knock them both out in a bit.


    The small group walked through the open passageway. It was a winding tunnel that took a few minutes to walk through. In the end they stepped through an Archway into the bright sun of the Great Desert.


    Welcome to the Lost City of Eidengal.


    You have succumbed to your wounds and died.

 315 Eidengal Gates

    Nix hovered over his corpse, choosing not to recover while he waited for Tess to target him.


    "Ready for some serious Healer love?"


    [You''ve been offered a Ressurection by Tess. Do you accept?]


    "Yes."


    "Something wrong, Nix?" Fajii''s cool hand rested on his on the back of his neck.


    Quest Updated


    Quest Line: The Lost City


    Part V: The Gates of Eidengal


    Part VI The Armory


    Part VII Temple of the Flame


    Part VIII Temple of Wood


    Part IX Temple of Metal


    Part X The Elemental Origin


    Quest: The Gates of Eidengal


    Objective: The Entrance to the


    the city has been locked for centuries.


    During those years, the Key has passed


    through the hands of many powerful


    beings. Search out and destroy the


    strongest of these.


    [High-level creatures will drop the Key randomly]


    Nix read the messages as they scrolled across his hud. "No, it''s nothing to worry about."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Take a short break, but stay close.


    Ronnie moved between the two, placing an arm around both their shoulders. "Hungry? How about a sandwich?"


    Nix noticed her positioning. "A Ronnie sandwich, right?"


    "Dang it, Nix. Why spoil the punchline?" Ronnie''s dark smile didn''t waver, but she lowered her voice a bit. "I''ve been sleeping with Fajii for a while now."


    Fajii nodded when she felt Nix''s glance. "I shared my sleeping bag with her."


    Ronnie sighed and left without saying a word; she targeted Jun Li and Semmi, who were talking a few meters away. She inserted herself between them and placed her tanned arms on their shoulders. "Hey, girls. Feel like a sandwich?"


    Jun Li nodded. "God, yes. I''m starving."


    "I could eat," Semmi agreed.


    The Dark archer lowered her voice and whispered something.


    Fajii accepted a drink from Nix''s canteen while watching the interaction. "The heat must be getting to them; I''ve never seen Junie so red."


    Nix shrugged noncommittally.


    Fajii handed him back his canteen and slid a hand through his arm. "Ronnie''s very friendly."


    "On that, we can agree." Nix studied the path ahead; in the distance, he could see a golden gate that connected to a formidable white stone wall. Between them and the distant gate, there was nothing but sand.


    /Inferno: Pon: Break open the loot Nix! Quit being so stingy.


    /Inferno: Nix: Hey Junie, let''s go to the gate first.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It''s too late to start the next Quest, I think.


    /Inferno: Nix: Not when you already have the Key.


    Nix linked the item in Guild chat.


    Key of Eidengal [Opens the Gates to Eidengal]


    Nix summoned Nightmare and opened her up; Jun Li had implied that her Dire Cat might be faster than his demon horse, but that race was over before it started.


    He pulled up in front of the gate and turned toward the following group. Fajii and Flash were a hundred meters behind, Junie was right on their heels.


    Nix patted Nightmare''s shoulder. "Good girl."


    The gates were twenty feet in height, and they were attached on either side to the white stone wall. Nix tried to peak through the gate, but it was hazed out.


    "What gives?" Ronnies face pressed into the bars. "How come we can''t see? Fog of War, maybe?"


    Nix waited until the rest of Inferno gathered, and then he held up the Key. "We might be opening three chests in a moment since this is Part V."


    Nix inserted the Key into the gate and turned slowly; there was a loud clicking sound followed by both gates swinging wide open.


    Welcome to the City of Eidengal


    The street leading away from the gate was paved with yellow brick and led directly into several large flower gardens that were breathtaking in its display of red, orange, yellow, and blue flowers. There were round, multi-tiered fountains that sprayed water several feet in the air. On the far side of the garden, dozens of buildings sprouted out of the perfectly laid out network of streets. The buildings were mostly of the two-story variety, but a few towers rose majestically into the sky. It looked exactly like a city that was at the height of its power; only it was completely empty.


    Nix walked into the gardens and stopped in front of the nearest fountain. A small square platform displayed a silver chest.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Okay, I wasn''t expecting this.


    /Inferno: Nix: I know some of us are tired. Let''s open...


    Quest Updated


    [Quest Line: The Lost City]


    Part VI The Armory


    Part VII Temple of the Flame


    Part VIII Temple of Wood


    Part IX Temple of Metal


    Part X Elemental Origins


    Quest: The Amory


    The Armory of this beautiful city is


    a legendary place filled with the


    weapons and armor of ancient heroes.


    The Key to open the Armory has been


    lost to the sands of time. There is a chance


    that one of the terrifying creatures of the


    Great Desert posses it.


    [High-level creatures will drop the Key randomly]


    Nix stepped onto the square platform to open the chest.


    [Do you wish to return to your binding point?]


    "No." Nix dragged the chest to the edge of the fountain and sat down.


    /Inferno: Semmi: This place is amazing!


    /Inferno: Fajii: I wonder if I can take some of these flowers...


    /Inferno: Pon: Focus guys, time for loot!


    Nix waved everyone closer, one by one, they stepped onto the platform and crowded around him.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The platform is a binding-point portal?


    /Inferno: Nix: Looks that way.


    Nix placed two more chests on the platform next to the first. "Let''s go in order; this is the Thornwood chest.


    A Vintner Barrel has been placed in your Inventory


    A Broken Puppet has been placed in your Inventory


    Vintner Barrel [Artifact]


    Place a person or object in this barrel


    to age them properly.


    Broken Puppet


    The handiwork of a Grand Master Puppeteer.


    However, it is broken and incomplete.


    Nix removed both items from his Inventory and placed them on the platform. "Takers?"


    Semmi''s smile could have melted butter. "I''ll take that barrel, Nix."


    "Done. I''ll take the puppet since it''s useless to anyone else." Nix pulled the Desert King


    chest closer and opened it up.


    The Red Lion Ring has been placed in your Inventory


    The Snake Ring has been placed in your Inventory


    The Scorpion Ring has been placed in your Inventory


    The Croc King Ring has been placed in your Inventory.


    Red Lion Ring: Alteration Magic


    Assume the form of a red lion.


    Snake Ring: Alteration Magic


    Assume the form of a large snake.


    Scorpion Ring: Alteration Magic


    Assume the form of a scorpion.


    Croc Ring: Alteration Magic


    Assume the form of the Croc King.


    Nix whistled, "Shapeshifters. Who wants?"


    /Inferno: Pon: I''ll take the Snake ring.


    /Inferno: Semmi: No, you won''t.


    /Inferno: Pon: Right... I''ll take the Scorpion ring.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Heh... Whipped bastard.


    /Inferno: Tess: I''ll take that Croc King ring.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''ll have the Snake ring.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Can I have the Lion ring?


    /Inferno: Nix: Come and get them.


    Nix tossed the rings to their new owners before turning to the last chest. "This one is for finishing the Eidengal Gate Quest.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That one should be your Nix, you killed the Oblivion Spider by yourself.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll share.


    The Spider Queen Amulet has been placed in your Inventory.


    A Ressurection Stone has been placed in your Inventory.


    Shadow Armor [Spider Set] has been placed in your Inventory.


    Spider Queen Amulet [Female Only]


    When in the presence of spiders, they will


    do your bidding.


    Ressurection Stone


    This Stone will resurrect any corpse,


    even if the timer has expired.


    1/1


    Shadow Armor [Spider Set]


    A complete set of spider Armor.


    +200 to Agility


    +200 to Speed


    + 5000 Armor Class


    Dark Vision


    Poison Immunity


    Description: The wearer has the


    ability to scale vertical walls and cling to


    ceilings.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nice Armor. Takers? I think the Nether Breaker Armor most of you is probably better.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Can I have that armor, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''ll take the Spider Amulet. I was born to be a Spider Queen.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Didn''t Shipwright Vy have one of those in Izzin?


    /Inferno: Nix: I believe she did. It''s all yours, Spider Queen.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Who volunteers to take the boat back?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Captain Ronnie will do it!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll keep you company. The rest of you can use the gating platform.


    [You have made no progress in the Mandatory Quest: Curse of the Ice Goddess.]


    "The Hell?" Nix brought up his hud.


    Quest: Curse of the Ice Goddess.


    Objective: Find your Way to the Starter City of Ever Flame.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We have to start hunting Bosses here in the Great Desert and hope the Armory key drops.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m heading to Ever Flame tomorrow, I picked up a quest that requires me to travel there.

 316 Ever Flame

    [Nether Walker]


    "Nix!" Leva stood up when he appeared in her office a moment later. "I wasn''t expecting you."


    "I want to bring you to the Great Desert, you need to be able to open a Breach there." Nix handed her the golden razir and waited while she walked around her desk to sit on the couch.


    "I have a team in the Great Desert looking for you." Leva focused on the small animal and a moment later her viewpoint changed. She scampered up Nix''s leg and perched on his shoulder. "Shall I recall them?"


    [Nether Walker: Return]


    Nix stepped back into the warmth of the Great Desert, the full moon lit up the night. "No. Have them scout for high-level bosses in the area, find whatever they can and report back."


    The golden razir collapsed on his shoulder and a moment later a breach opened. "Now that I can open a breach here, I will send more of my people here to help."


    Nix stowed the razir. "Send me back to my house in Ionova."


    Leva nodded and opened up a breach for him. "Anything else?"


    Nix shook his head. "No, I''ll visit soon." He stepped through the breach and disappeared from sight.


    Hyai and Fajii were both sleeping when he stepped into the house a moment later. Yawning sleepily, he finished off the meal that was left out for him.


    ****************


    A hand on his forehead pulled him out of a dead sleep several hours later. A familiar-looking Aquarion was watching him sleep. Mina''s pale eyes showed a hint of amusement. "Did I wake you?"


    "Why ask an obvious question?" Nix brushed her hand aside and rolled over in bed. "I"m not getting up yet."


    "That''s fine." He felt her move closer, one arm settling around him. "I stayed at HQ last night, I wish you had more room here."


    Nix nodded happily into his pillow. "Yeah. Too bad, that way you could disturb my sleep every day."


    "We think along similar lines," Mina agreed. "Beta contacted me, she wants to see you."


    "Beta?" Nix nudged her arm aside and sat up. "I need to go to Ever Flame today. Do you have Ever Flame saved as a Waypoint?"


    Mina nodded. "I do."


    "What are you going to do today?"


    "We are questing. Jun Li has asked that we try to uncover as many quests as we can." Mina stood up, pausing to make sure he didn''t return to sleep. "You''re up, right?"


    "Yes. Hyai going with you?"


    "Yes."


    /Inferno: Nix: Anything I should know? I''m going to Ever Flame today.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Scarlett has requested you come to see her in Nescari, it can wait a few days. If you are going to Ever Flame, change your settings to anonymous.


    /Inferno: Nix: Why?


    /Inferno: Pon: It''s a good idea Nix.


    Nix brought up his hud and glanced over the personal settings.


    [Personal Display Settings]


    [x] Name [ ] Titles [ ] Guild [ ] Guild Rank [ ] Level [ ] Location [ ] Ghost


    /Inferno: Nix: What''s ghost setting?


    /Inferno: Pon: It means no data will be available on you. It''s like meeting a stranger on the street. Better go with that, or someone will probably mug you.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Right, that would be the shortest mugging ever.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I''d pay credits to watch that show.


    Nix changed his settings to Ghost and then closed his hud.


    /Inferno: Semmi: HQ is fricken awesome, by the way. Tobias was living like a king.


    /Inferno:Nix: I have some allies who will start searching the Great Desert for raid bosses.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Stop by the new City Center tomorrow. There''s an office for you there and Nebs has really been working hard. Maybe we should steal her from Salamander.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] I''ll have to thank her personally.


    *********************


    Welcome to Ever Flame, the Gateway to the Everspire Continent.


    Ever Flame was the starter city for the Ever Spire expansion. Although most of the Inferno members had been bogged down with quests the moment they arrived, Nix was thrown to the wolves in the Northern Territory of Titania.


    Quest Updated.


    Curse of the Ice Goddess


    Objective: Find Tanner Benton in Market Square.


    Ever Flame was considerably less crowded a week after the expansion went live. A large percentage of the players had earned the right to travel out of the immediate area. Ever Flame was a pioneer town. The walls protecting the city were made from waist-thick logs that had been driven deep into the ground and sharpened on the top. The streets were simple dirt, although they were fairly smooth.


    Nix walked down the boarded walkway that lined both sides of Main street. There were a wide variety of shops, many of the owners were also crafting trainers. When he noticed the large Taxidermy sign, he decided to walk in.


    The shopkeeper whistled when he saw him. "Well met sir, it isn''t often I see experts here."


    A few of the players in the shop looked at him. Nix nodded politely, "any tips for me?"


    The shopkeeper was a stout man of average height, his massive hands and forearms seemed like they would be better served holding a weapon. He had a wide jaw and dark eyes, the man had definitely been a fighter at some time in his life.


    "No. Look for a man named Wallace in Free Trader City. It''s possible he could show you something."


    The shopkeeper wrote something down on a piece of paper and handed it to him. "Tell him Lan sent you, that should be enough."


    Nix looked down at the paper, "thanks, Lan."


    Lan waved for him to follow and walked through a curtained doorway leading to the back. "Could I see something you made?"


    Nix pulled out his golden Razir and handed it to him. "This is the only one I have on me. It''s only a revenant level."


    "That''s better than I can make." Lan studied it for a few minutes, taking out a scratch pad to make some notes; after finishing he hands it back to Nix with a coin."


    You have joined the Everspire Crafting Guild.


    A few minutes later, Lan walks Nix back into the shop and shakes his hand. "Don''t forget to look up Wally."


    Nix nodded and exited, glancing down the coin as he resumed his walk toward the market area.


    Everspire Craftsman Guild Coin


    No-Drop Item


    Description: This coin will


    open doors and conversations


    that might otherwise have been closed.


    At the far side of the Market area, several freshly skinned hides were stretched out to dry in the sun. A thin man with hair the color of fire was carefully scraping the hanging hides. Nix approached him and watched him work. This man actually knew about being a Tanner, he didn''t possess some crafting queue that he could experiment with.


    Nix said his name when the man looked up. "Tanner Benton?"


    The man looked up from his work, his face expressionless for a moment before breaking into a smile. "You''ve finally arrived."


    "I was held up by an unexpected trip to the Forest of Titania."


    The man looked somewhat skeptical. "What are the names of the Clan Leader and War Leader of the Titan Clan??"


    "Scarlett and Mortimus."


    Benton sat his tools down and extended his hand. "Sorry, I had to make certain. Do you have anything to show me?"


    Nix showed him his Steward Crest and the Guild coin he''d received from Lan.


    Benton scratched his head as if considering something important. "For these, I can reduce the favor you must build up by half."


    Quest Updated.


    Quest: Curse of the Ice Goddess


    Objective: Many important people


    live in lower Everspire. Find them and


    increase your favor. You will need their support


    in the days to come.


    Objective: Find Zane the Blacksmith.


    Objective: Find Bor Na the Oracle.


    Objective: Find Enu Bak the Water Sprite

 317 Spire Chasers

    "Seriously... Are the noobs in Everspire stupid?" Nix shook his head in disbelief and started searching the bodies. It marked the second time in the past hour that someone had attempted to steal Nightmare, this time there were two corpses.


    Nightmare pushed his back with her soft nose.


    "It''s a bit funny, though. I step away and leave you unattended. It''s almost like I''m daring them." Nix chuckled and swung into the saddle. "I may have to get you more dragon blood."


    Everspire Continental Announcement: The Provincial Council of Neva will appoint a new Prefect to oversee governing and diplomatic duties.


    "Why announce that?" Nix decided that the best search option was to ride in large circles and hope to find the blacksmith. The landscape was a combination of rocky foothills and sporadic forests.


    Finally, after another half hour of riding, the steady din of a hammer being used led him down a narrow gulley. At the end of the gulley was a small hut and an outdoor forge that had been built under a solid-looking shelter. Three players were in the yard watching the blacksmith work; they turned at the sound of Nightmare trotting up.


    The Everspire expansion offered basic class choices for those players who chose to make a 125 level character. Unlike characters that came through the rift, these instant characters couldn''t return to Colonial. They started with the same crappy gear, but their classes held the potential of being upgraded to a higher tier. The five basic classes were druid, ranger, cleric, warrior, and thief.


    "Greetings, friend." A tall, athletic man with curly brown hair greeted Nix when he dismounted. He carried a bow in one hand, a sure sign that he was probably a ranger.


    "Heya." Nix greeted them politely. "Waiting to see Zane?"


    "Not sure, we thought we''d investigate since he''s set up in the middle of nowhere." The ranger extended his hand. "I''m Lu Ban; this is Circa and Mollie."


    "Nix." Circa was a slim man with short blond hair, for some reason he reminded Nix of Semmi. Mollie was a staff carrying druid with green hair and eyes; the combination made Nix stare. "I have a quest with Zane; I don''t want to jump in front of you."


    Lu Ban''s eyes lit up. "Is it a shareable quest Nix?"


    Nix shook his head. "Fraid not."


    "No worries, then, go ahead and talk to him." Lu Ban stepped to one side, obviously intent on watching the interaction.


    "Damn it." Molly pointed in the direction Nix had come from. "Spire Chasers."


    Nix glanced down the trail. A half dozen players were walking casually toward them; they were already spread out and ready for trouble. They were hunting. "What''s a Spire Chaser?"


    Lu Ban notched an arrow while he spoke. "Their entire guild came here from another VR world. They all made new characters and have been robbing players for the past week."


    "Robbing what? You guys all have crap gear." Nix stared at the group walking toward them, "they can''t engage in pvp without a challenge being made, right? Or they''ll be kill-on-sight."


    "Let''s return to our binding points, Lu." Circa carried a single dagger but was shirtless.


    Lu Ban nodded. "You coming, Nix?"


    "No. It took me all morning to find this guy."


    Mollie lowered her voice slightly. "My return to bind hasn''t reset yet. You guys go ahead."


    Lu Ban cursed under his breath. "How long?"


    "Half hour." Mollie was wearing a green shirt and brown leather pants; they were both common gear.


    "Guess we''ll fight them, Molls." Lu Ban offered her a smile. "We''ll try to create an opening and then retreat."


    Circa sighed heavily. "Time to fight then, we''ve been grouping all morning. That makes us friends in my book."


    Nix watched the interaction with a smile on his face; he liked their loyalty. "I find the three of you impressive. I want to talk to these idiots. What could they possibly gain by stealing crap gear?"


    Mollie gripped her staff tight. "They aren''t known for diplomatic skills."


    Nix smiled pleasantly. "Well... luckily, I am a renowned diplomat."


    Circa frowned when the approaching group stopped ten meters away; he had his dagger held low in one hand. "Get on your horse and ride Nix. I don''t know where you got that thing, but they will definitely take it."


    Lu Ban nodded in agreement. "We''ll delay them, Nix; it would be tragic to lose a mount to them."


    "Which one of you own that mount?" A huge bald man with a shield and sword in his hands spoke. Unlike most of the people walking around, he had a full set of leather armor.


    "That''s my horse," Nix spoke calmly while he moved away from the trio. The armored man reminded him of Hyai''s son-in-law if Bane had somehow turned into a complete dick.


    "We''re going to take him." The Bald man gestured for one of his men to take her.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Take good care of her, she''s really friendly."


    A slim man with a long black braid approached Nightmare, his greedy face locked in a wicked smile. "We''ll get paid for this one, boss!"


    Nightmare waited until he stepped within range and sprang at him. Her teeth sunk into his shoulder while one three-toed front foot raked its wicked claws across the man''s stomach, spilling his entrails on the ground. The demon horse stomped him a few times for good measure and then backed away a few steps.


    Both groups seemed to be frozen in place, Nightmare went back to grazing, her bloody muzzle staining the grass.


    "Bastard! You knew that was going to happen!" The bald man''s forehead was bulging with muscle and veins.


    Nix shrugged helplessly. "She''s never done that before; he must have spooked her."


    "He''ll respawn in town Zed, most likely he''ll be thrown in the stocks for a few days." The only woman in the group spoke; she also was wearing a full set of leather armor. Two swords were visible, one over each shoulder.


    The bald-headed Zed nodded. "You owe the Spire Chasers a debt now."


    Nix noticed their armor was actually mid-tier, it was still crappy gear, but better than their victims. "Why steal from players in the starter zone? What could you gain from it?"


    Zed scowled at him. "None of your f*cking business."


    [Storm Rider]


    A flash of lightning and Nix appeared behind the woman who had spoken out. He pushed flames into Wrath.


    [Execution]


    Her head bounced away in a stream of blood while her body collapsed forward on the ground.


    Sera Vi has been slain.


    Because Sera Vi has 14 blood counters against her, your faction with Neva has increased by 14.


    "Holy shit..." Zed looked decidedly pale.


    [Backstab]


    Circa has landed a critical hit on Zed.


    [Thunderfist]


    Nix punched Zed in the chest, knocking him to the ground.


    Zed has been stunned.


    Mollie has cast. [Thorned Vine]


    A large patch of vines exploded upward out of the ground, wrapping around three of the Spire Chasers.


    Pueblo has been bound in place.


    Chakadai has been bound in place.


    Fortran has been bound in place.


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Lu Ban has scored a hit on Pueblo


    Lu Ban has scored a hit on Pueblo.


    Lu Ban has scored a critical hit on Pueblo.


    Pueblo has been slain.


    Mollie has cast Natures Fury.


    Nix''s attack rating has increased.


    Circa''s attack rating has increased.


    Lu Ban''s attack rating has increased.


    [Hamstrung: Hilt Strike]


    Combination Attempt successful.


    Circa has crippled Chakadai.


    Chakadai has been stunned.


    [Clear Shot]


    Lu Ban has scored a critical hit on Chakadai.


    Chakadai has been slain.


    Fortran has resisted Thorned Vine.


    Immediately Fortran stealthed and disappeared from view.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes changed from yellow to orange as his vision changed to thermal.


    "Behind you, Mollie."


    Fortran has attempted [Backstab]


    [Natures Rebuttal]


    Mollie uses the power of nature to reverse the attack.


    Fortran has been slain.


    It had only taken a few seconds, but Nix''s new friends had managed nicely. The sound of footsteps running away drew all their attention.


    Lu Ban shook his head at the sight of Zed fleeing. "Leave him; we don''t need the trouble."


    [Storm Rider: Thunderfist]


    Combination Attempt Successful.


    Nix appeared in front of the fleeing guild leader and punched him in the chest.


    Zed has been stunned.


    Nix dragged him back to the group by his feet and then dropped him there. "I bet you have more counters than all of your cronies combined."


    Mollie let a laugh escape before covering her mouth. "Sorry."


    Nix glanced at her. "What?"


    Mollie couldn''t hide her smile. "No one says, cronies."


    "Huh?" Nix looked at the other two for confirmation.


    Circa shook his head. "Nope."


    Lu Ban shrugged helplessly. "Unless you''re a grandpa."

 318 Dunbar Steel

    Zed''s bald head was scratched in several places from being dragged across the rocky ground. "F*ck off."


    "F*ck off? Well... that''s a bit rude." Nix turned to the trio of Mollie, Lu Ban, and Circa, "know what happens in Everspire when you get eaten?"


    Lu Ban shook his head. "No idea."


    Circa shrugged. "Same as any other death?"


    Mollie was playing with a strand of her green hair. "Something bad, I hope... Is your horse going to eat him?"


    Nix shook his head. "She only eats grass."


    [Summons: Fey]


    A thin white-haired girl wearing a loose-fitting green robe with the sleeves rolled up appeared in front of them a moment later. Her hair was done up in two long braids on either side of her head, and she held a long white wooden staff.


    Mollie gasped in surprise. "Is this a Spirit Companion?"


    Fey''s calm light-blue eyes stared at the trio before focusing on Nix, who was holding Zed down. She offered him a smile. ''Hey, Nix."


    Circa''s face was slowly turning red while he stared at the teen mage. "You''re very pretty!" he blurted it out all at once, making it sounded like one word.


    Fey leaned against her white staff, not bothered by the outburst. "Thank you. Why aren''t you wearing a shirt?"


    Circa''s handsome face continued to redden. "I can''t afford it yet," he admitted.


    Fey glanced at Nix, who was waiting patiently. "Can''t you make him something, Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "I''m going to take care of these guys, but first I need you to eat this clown."


    Fey studied the grounded warrior, her pretty nose wrinkled in distaste. "He doesn''t look tasty at all."


    A laugh escaped Mollie''s lips. "I agree completely."


    Nix pressed down with his foot, his face expressionless. "If you''re eaten in Everspire, you can''t be resurrected; it means you lose the character completely and are forced to make a new one."


    "Bullshit. I''m not an idiot." Zed tried to push the foot off his chest, but oddly enough, he couldn''t even move it.


    "Right... I forgot the important part; you only disappear if a dragon eats you." Nix winked at Fey and gestured for her to move away.


    The skinny mage made a distasteful face walking a few meters away from the group. "This is under protest, Nix!"


    Nix smiled apologetically. "I will make it up to you, Fey."


    Fey flashed him a smile. "Fine then." She extended her slim arms outward, they continue their progress, morphing into a broad set of wings. An instant later, her beautiful, silver scaled head pointed at the sky and released silver flames high into the air.


    "...." Circa.


    "...." Lu Ban.


    "...." Mollie.


    A loud booming sound caused Nix to turn toward the blacksmith shop, Zane had finally looked up from his forge and was clapping his huge hands together. "Beautiful, absolutely beautiful."


    Nix cleared his throat, "we''ll just be a moment. I don''t want to bother you."


    Zane was smiling widely. He had short brown hair and a weathered face. He was the widest man Nix had ever seen. "It''s no bother, go ahead and eat him."


    Sixty feet of Drakon crouched low to the ground, her silver eyes staring at Zed. "Let him up, Nix, prey that runs always tastes better."


    Nix nodded. "Of course." He removed his foot and stepped away.


    Zed stared wide-eyed at the transformed Fey; he didn''t make an effort to move. "W-We have a quest from a Bandit Lord named Vega. For every ten pieces of beginner gear we give him, he trades us a piece of intermediate gear."


    Nix considered the player bandit''s words. "Why would this Vega care about crap gear?"


    "He has been trying to unite the other Bandit camps to take over Neva. He wants to turn Neva into a lawless province." Zane''s booming voice answered the question before Zed could speak.


    "I see." Nix suddenly wished he had brought Semmi; she could often see how things connected. "Does Vega see us as a threat?"


    Zane nodded. "The rift opened by Khione when she was fighting you stayed open. Because of this, many powerful heroes have entered Everspire. Although they come here with only the bare amount of supplies, their existence threatens Vega''s plans."


    Lu Ban had just recovered from the shock of seeing a Drakon when a second bombshell dropped. "You''re the one... The guild leader of Inferno, from the cutscene."


    "Guilty." Nix nudged Zed, who had decided his best defense was to curl up in a ball and ignore everyone. "Get going. Fey''s not going to eat you."


    Zed popped up like he was on springs and started sprinting down the path.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    Nix targeted the fleeing player-bandit; an instant later, three balls of white flame turned Zed into ashes.


    Because Zed has 144 blood counters against him, your faction with Neva has increased by 144.


    Your approval rating with Neva has risen to Acquaintance.


    Mollie finally found her voice. "You could have taken all those guys."


    "They were just bullies. You three did great." Nix glanced back toward Zane. "What now?"


    "You have my backing, Nix." Zane paused and studied him for a moment, nodding to himself while mumbling words under his breath. "You should talk to Bor Na next."


    Quest Updated.


    "We want to help." Lu Ban had, and his group was talking amongst themselves while Zane was updating Nix''s quest. "You are on some sort of ''World'' quest, right?"


    Nix shook his head slowly. "Nothing as grand as that, there are two more people I need to see in Neva. You can come that far if you wish."


    Lu Ban shared a glance with his group; they were both nodded vigorously. "We accept."


    "I don''t make weapons, but perhaps Zane can make something." Nix turned back toward Zane, who suddenly had a sour look on his face.


    "I am also on an important Quest Nix; I''m making a weapon for each of the Four Kings." He walked back to his forge and picked up a gigantic hammer. "I dare not delay further; the Clans are set to invade the Corners."


    Nix pursed his lips for a moment. He didn''t know who the Four Kings were, nor had he heard of the Corners. "Anything I can do to help?"


    Zane shook his head. "I need something special, an edge that will help them in the battles to come."


    Nix held out Wrath so that the blacksmith could see the hilt. "Like it?"


    Zane shrugged, not sure if Nix was joking. "It''s a hilt. I''ve made thousands of them."


    Nix pushed flames into Wrath, slowly the white blade protruded.


    "A Spellsword?" Zane moved closer, staring at the flames. "I can''t feel any heat, but I sense a vibration."


    "It''s a Fury blade." Nix picked up a thick piece of steel from the nearby scrap pile. He tossed it into the air and then swiped Wrath once, the steel was cut neatly in two."


    "That''s heavy armor steel!" Zane ran to a separate table and picked up a sizeable misshapen piece of orange crystal. "This is Dunbar steel."


    "That''s steel?" Nix looked doubtfully at the orange mass. It looked like an oversized, lumpy basketball.


    Zane sat the steel on his anvil. "Could I get you to push Fury flames into it?"


    Nix nodded and placed his hand on a particularly lumpy section that looked like a doorknob. He focused his thoughts and pushed fury flames into the ball. It glowed even brighter orange as the white flames engulfed it.


    The blacksmith picked up his hammer and slammed it against the steel, unexpectedly the massive hammer shattered. Zane''s face looked like a thundercloud as he muttered curses under his breath. "I guess it won''t work, Nix. I had hoped..."


    "Grab another hammer and try again." Nix pushed lightening into the flames, the air around the anvil was filled with the crackling of heat and electricity.


    Zane had already retrieved another hammer by the time Nix was ready. He slammed the hammer down with a loud bang. Instantly he was catapulted back into the side of his hut, he bounced off the wall and collapsed onto the ground, his entire body enveloped in orange lightening.


    Nix bit down the smile that threatened to come out when Zane stood up. The smith''s entire face was blackened, and his hair was standing straight up. He dropped the flame when Zane started walking toward him. "Guess it''s no good."


    Zane paused halfway, his eyes staring at the crystal. The blow of the hammer had flattened one side of it. He took two gigantic strides and picked up the hammer that had dropped to the ground; it was undamaged.


    Nix noticed the dent in the orange steel. "Flattened it a bit, I guess."


    Zane howled loudly, his white smile flashing out of his blackened face. "Wait here, Nix!"


    The blacksmith disappeared into his hut, and a moment later came out wearing a black breastplate. He picked up his hammer and motioned for Nix to try again. "Thunder breastplate, I should be fine."


    Nix nodded and pushed fury flame into the mass again, a few seconds later, the air around the forge crackled with electricity when lightning mixed with the white flames.

 319 Gearing Up Again

    "This is Otter?" Zane held a fork in one hand and gestured to the meat he had impaled.


    Nix nodded. "The biggest Otter you''ve ever seen."


    Lu Ban and his group approached them. "How are the weapons?"


    Zane gestured to his barrel. "Formed and sharpened; still plenty left to do, but I can do the rest myself."


    Nix finished the remainder of his meal and then stowed the can in his inventory. "Can you make some armor for that ranger?"


    Zane nodded. "Leather, right? Maybe with some woodlore enhancements?"


    "That should work." Nix stood up and stretched his arms over his head. Had it not been for his mana stone, the past few hours would have been impossible.


    "Shouldn''t take long, I have some special items I been saving." Zane stood up and disappeared into his hut.


    Mollie smiled when Nix approached them. "Aren''t you tired?"


    "Sure, I''m going back to Ionova in a bit, but I want to wrap up things here first." Nix turned his head at the sound of Zane''s hammer. He had switched to a much smaller one. "He''s gonna make you something nice."


    Lu Ban nodded happily, but then let his smile fade. "Sorry, guys."


    Mollie waved it off. "You getting stronger makes us all stronger."


    Circa nodded in agreement. "Yep."


    Nix opened his hud and started looking through his designs. "Do druids wear cloth or leather?"


    Mollie sighed heavily. "Cloth, unfortunately."


    Nix took out the enhanced fabric he made in Titania and sent Mollie a friend request.


    Mollie has agreed to be your friend.


    Camouflage Fabric V


    [Enhancements]


    Complete Invisibility


    Sound Suppression: When applied to armor.


    Sound Amplification: When applied to weapons.


    Lightning Resistant: Extra protection against Lightning-based attacks.


    Bonus: Material is completely immune to fire.


    Nix studied his options, although he used Tailoring often, mostly he used it to enhance leather and heavy armor. "Crap... I don''t have many enhancements that will work when cloth is the base material; three enhancement slots, but I can only add one legendary. "


    "I have this that dropped off of a wolf! It isn''t awesome or anything." Lu Ban handed Nix a smalled fang.


    Wolf fang [Ranger or Druid only]


    + 5 Speed


    + 5 Agility


    + 10 to Nature.


    Mollie shook her head. "You were saving that Lu, I don''t need it."


    "Zane is making me something; it will make me feel better if you accept it."


    "She''ll accept your generosity." Nix grabbed the fang and added it to the enhancement slot along with Lamia Leather. He pulled out his golden razir and stared at it for a moment, before throwing it into the queue also.


    [Mollie] [Item: Pants, Shirt set][Base Material: Camouflage Fabric V] [Enhancement: Golden Razir] [Enhacement: Lamia Leather][Enhancement: Wolf fang]


    "That should work." Nix activated the crafting Icon.


    Poison Forest Queen: Shape Shifter Set


    Description: This outfit is a [Golden Razir] Shape


    Shifting Set. [Custom: Mollie only]


    Become a small predator of the forest.


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 1000 to Armor Class


    +100 to Nature


    + 20 to all Base Stats.


    +30 to Speed.


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Fire Damage


    Nix handed Mollie the outfit and stepped back to admire his handiwork when she equipped it. "Hmm... Looks good."


    "Nix... I can''t accept something like this!" Mollie''s face was red with excitement. "Shape Shifter set?"


    Instantly she changed into a Golden Razir. "This is so awesome!"


    Nix watched her dart around the area for a few minutes until she finally turned back. "We''re going to be grouping, so you need to keep up."


    Mollie nodded in agreement. "I will."


    Nix handed Circa the armor he enhanced in Titania. He would never wear it again, and it was made for a thief. "This is for you. Can''t have you lagging behind the rest of us."


    Silent Night: Legendary Tier III


    Description: This armor is designed


    for a Master Thief. All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Bonus: Armor is Immune to Fire Damage


    + 3000 to Armor Class


    + 50 to all Base Stats.


    +50 to Speed.


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Circa equipped the armor, grinning when his stats soared. "Thanks, Nix."


    Nix waved him off. "No worries, we will definitely have to fight harder opponents than Zed and his Spire Chasers. Be ready."


    /Inferno: Mina: Are you still here, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes, I am about to head back to Ionova.


    /Inferno: Mina: I dropped Beta and the Qi siblings at HQ, thought I would come back and see if you need help.


    Nix smiled at the gesture. Since the Cai''Song artifact was destroyed, the Aquarion often went out of her way to help him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Might as well bring you in.


    Nix activated his Allied Spirit ring, and a moment later, Mina appeared in front of him. After accepting a hug from her, he introduced her to the group. "This is Mina, an Aquarion Matriarch. Mina, these three are called Mollie, Circa, and Lu Ban."


    Mina smiled politely and bowed. "How did the quest go today?"


    Nix considered his progress for a moment before answering. "Got sidetracked a bit while helping Zane, these guys are going to help me finish up tomorrow."


    Mina didn''t comment; she understood that Nix wasn''t someone who needed help. "When you get to Free Trader City, we''ll join up."


    "Meet here tomorrow at 1100." Nix grabbed Mina''s hand and activated Deep Blue.


    Lu Ban seemed surprised by the time. "So late?"


    Mina gripped Nix''s hand tight. "He sleeps in."


    An instant later, the two of them appeared next to the Turtle pond behind Nix''s house.


    Nix shook his hand loose from hers. "Why''d you tell them that?"


    Mina laughed at his expression. "Did I make it up?"


    Nix stopped before he reached the back door when he noticed she wasn''t following. "Not coming in?"


    Mina shook her head. "Going back to HQ, I''ll stop by in the morning to pick up Hyai."


    "Okay. Night Min." He waited until she vanished before walking in the back door.


    The smell of baked bread filled his nostrils the moment he stepped into his bedroom. He stowed his armor in the closet trunk before peeking into the kitchen. Hyai was cooking while Fajii seemed to be sorting through a large pile of mushrooms.


    "Heyas! Am I late for dinner?"


    "Hi, Nix." Hyai shook her head in reply. "Bread''s baking Hun, fifteen minutes."


    Fajii smiled at him from behind a stack of mushrooms. "How''d it go?"


    "Good. Going to get cleaned up." Nix exited the doorway and grabbed some clean clothes on the way into the bathroom.


    Fajii put the mushrooms away before walking around the island to the stove. "I can watch the bread."


    Hyai smiled warmly. "I''ll finish up, go ahead and say hello."

 320 Instructor Bali

    "NIX!" Rabi smiled happily, his dark face bouncing up and down as he pushed on Nix.


    "I eat demons for breakfast." Nix opened his eyes and then narrowed them evilly. "I smell a second one. Where is she?"


    Rabi pointed to the side of the bed. Sasi was burrowed under the covers and had her small head on the pillow next to his, pretending she was asleep. "Eat her first; I''m probably too stringy."


    Sasi opened one eye and pointed at her brother. "That guy is way sweeter than me, Nix. Eat him."


    Nix pulled himself into a seated position, the weight of Rabi not even slowing him down. "What''s the mission? Kidnap me?"


    Rabi nodded while Sasi shook her head, they glanced at each other for a moment and then Sasi nodded also. She sat up next to Nix, her head below his shoulder. "We''re here to save you."


    Nix yawned sleepily while Rabi moved to the other side of him. "How''s Uta and the Rage course?"


    A frown suddenly covered rabi''s sharp demon teeth. "He''s too serious. Always scolding me for nothing."


    Sasi pulled on his arm, causing him to turn. "I brought you something! Nether Rats! Tons of them. I remember how much you liked them."


    Nix laughed at her expression. "It was you who liked them, thank you, though. I still need to make an Emperor."


    Sasi''s dark eyes were excited. "A rat emperor? Will you make me one?"


    "Yep."


    Rabi clapped his small hands together. "Me too, Nix?"


    Nix shook his head and then rolled out of bed, grabbing Rabi and picking him up in the process. "Nope."


    "Unfair!" Rabi squirmed until Nix tossed him on the bed.


    "She''s my favorite Qi." Nix laughed at Rabi''s disappointed face and quickly exited into the closet.


    "Kidding, right, Nix?" Rabi poked his head into the closet, his dark eyes curious about everything.


    "Yeah. Kidding Rabi." Nix patted his head and headed toward the kitchen.


    Wind, Semmi, Beta, and Fajii were all sitting around the island talking when Nix entered. The pale albino stood to hug him. "I see the Qi family accomplished the operation."


    Nix frowned at Beta. "Operation Wake Nix up? Who did the planning?"


    Fajii smiled sweetly when all the fingers in the room pointed at her. "It''s nicer when you are awake, Nix."


    Nix ignored her and scowled at Beta. "No flirting with Wind in my kitchen." He felt some level of vindication when the albino''s face turned pink. "Learned something pretty neat yesterday."


    Semmi, who had been quiet until now, leaned forward with interest. "Spill it, Nix!"


    "Better if I show you." Nix walked over to the couch and took a seat before accessing the coffee table''s hud.


    Semmi plopped down beside him, watching while he accessed the Free Trader City Auction house. "You''re buying 50k pelts of those cat thingies?"


    "They''re called Orions." Nix shook his head when Semmi didn''t comment. "Don''t know the story of the Orions?"


    Semmi shook her head. "You''ve been here the longest, Nix."


    "They''re a Polar feline that''s been pushed out of their habitat by the sudden influxion of wolves." Nix created a queue for Orions out of the best materials he had.


    Semmi leaned closer to him, her arm brushing his. "Making you nervous?"


    Nix shook his head. "You can see all the specials Orion''s have. It''s why I"ve been buying them up for days. "


    Semmi read them off, "thermal vision, Ice Immunity, and enhanced speed."


    "Unfortunately, they haven''t adapted their color to the new environment. The white fur sticks out and has put a target on them." Nix brought up the image of one on his hud.


    Semmi smiled happily. "They look like albino jaguars. Gonna make me one?"


    "No." Nix nudged her with his elbow. "I''ll do better than that."


    /Inferno: Nix: Bali, are you around?


    /Inferno: Bali: Yes! Not for long, though, I''m going to accompany Ronnie on an urgent quest.


    /Inferno: Nix: I see. How''s the varmint problem?


    /Inferno: Bali: We''ve cleaned everything out, took care of the Bezos last night.


    /Inferno: Nix: Where are the Trams?


    /Inferno: Bali: I have them patrolling the woods with my team.


    /Inferno: Nix: Have them bring the Wolf puppets here, you come too.


    /Inferno: Bali: I''ll be there in a bit.


    Semmi''s pretty face looked disappointed when he closed his hud. "Change your mind?"


    Nix shook his head. "The Queue won''t finish for an hour, and that''s just the first round. A dozen or so Emperor level Orions are the goal."


    Semmi sighed heavily. "I''ll have to wait until you get back to see it?"


    "Fraid so." Nix left her sitting there and made his way to the front door; he stepped out just as Bali raced up on a brown horse, three Dire Wolves were chasing her.


    Bali pulled up suddenly, causing the horse''s hooves to dig grooves into the soft grass. "I win!"


    The three wolves circled her for a moment and then sat down, their tongues lolling out of their mouths.


    Nix approached them; he found it hard to talk to Bali without smiling. "How are they shaping up Bali?"


    Bali glanced at the three wolves. "They''re good young-uns."


    "Going to need those three Dire Wolves guys, you won''t need them when you begin your training." Nix could already tell which Tram animated which wolf.


    Theo cocked his gray head to one side. "Training?"


    Nix nodded. "Ranger Instructor Bali is going to train you on how to be rangers."


    Bali made a choking sound and then covered it up with a cough. "I am?"


    "Can you handle it?"


    The petite ranger nodded. She had cut her hair close on the sides and was wearing a top-knot. "Of course, I can." She lowered her voice a bit, "strictly speaking... they don''t leave me alone with young-uns."


    Nix laughed at her serious expression. "Really? Hard to believe."


    Bali nodded in agreement. "I know, right?"


    Nix turned back toward the Tram trio. "Once the forest recovers from the curse, Ionova will be needed rangers to patrol the woods."


    Bali pursed her lips slightly. "I need a few things from Loki. Training will start tomorrow morning."


    Nix moved closer and patted each of their heads. "You can leave the Wolf puppets here and have the rest of the day off."


    "Thanks, Nix." Theo''s voice spoke the Dire Wolf before it dropped to the ground.


    After they left, Nix gathered all three puppets and then stowed them away. He walked around to the turtle pond and took a seat on the rocks. "Let me see your armor."


    Bali stopped abruptly, nearly running into him when he stopped. "My armor?" She removed it quickly and handed it to him.


    Nix turned the armor over in his hands as he studied it. "Nether Breaker Armor, it isn''t bad. Instructor Bali is going to need better."


    Bali nodded in agreement; her pale face lit up with excitement. "Yeah, I need better."


    Nether Breaker Armor: Leather


    +100 to all Stats


    +2000 to AC


    Immune to Nether Effects


    Immune to Control Effects


    "I''ll start with a Camo-Overlay, then build from there." Nix started the Queue while the small ranger paced back and forth.


    [Bali] [Camo-Overlay] [Camoflauge Fabric V] [ Nether Breaker Armor]


    Nix studied the Overlay queue. "Three enhancements gotta go with dragon leather, of course."


    Bali hopped up and down excitedly. "Yes! Put that in!"


    A door opening and shutting announced the arrival of Semmi and Jun Li. Bali held a finger up to her lips to shush them.


    Semmi leaned over his shoulder to read the Queue. "Camo-Overlay? Can you do mine also?"


    Nix nodded. "I will."


    [Bali] [Camo-Overlay] [Camoflauge Fabric V] [ Nether Breaker Armor] [Dragon Leather] [Lamia Leather] [Dire Wolf Puppet]


    "Holy crap, Nix." Semmi pulled Jun Li closer so she could see. "Is this what you wanted to show me?"


    Nix nodded and activated the crafting icon.


    [Critical Crafting]


    Apex Predator: Shape Shifter Set


    Description: This armor is the [Apex Predator]


    Shape-Shifting Set. [Custom: Bali only]


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 5000 to Armor Class


    + 200 to all Base Stats.


    +300 to Speed.


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Fire Damage


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Nether Damage


    Special Effect: [Wolf Whisperer]


    Jun Li stared at the armor and then watched as Bali equipped it. "You can make Shape Shifter armor with your puppets?"


    "Yes. I can make Shape Shifter armor with my puppets." Nix watched as Bali morphed into a giant gray Dire Wolf. She was even bigger than the puppet.


    "Nix..." Wolf Bali stared at him. "This thing is really strong, really, really, strong."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Make sure you earn it by doing a good job with the Trams."


    Semmi ran a hand through her short blond hair while she admired his handiwork. "Tonight, maybe?"


    Nix shrugged. "Gotta head to Ever Flame, see you guys later."

 321 Intrepid

    A dark-skinned older man leaning on a pitchfork waved a greeting at him. "That''s quite the horse you have there."


    "He''s fierce and runs like the wind." Nix sized up the stable master. "Got mares in heat?"


    The older man''s face turned pensive. "I do, but before we talk, I would want to test him."


    "Go ahead." Nix smiled pleasantly when the older man motioned for one of his assistants.


    The old man''s voice held a slight accent, one of the first Nix heard in Colonial. "Take him around the perimeter of the town; see what he can do."


    The assistant was a rail-thin girl dressed in brown leather. She had lively green eyes that darted everywhere. "Will he come at me if I try to mount him?"


    Nix nodded and walked out the door. After untieing Flash from the hitching post, he waited until she was mounted before handing her the bridle. "Hope you can ride."


    The skinny girl''s face was smudged with dirt, and her crazy light brown hair was sticking in multiple directions. "Don''t worry about me; I can ride."


    Nix watched as she put heels to Flash and accelerated down the road like she was shot from a cannon. After watching for a moment, he went back inside.


    "You''re kinda trusting." The older man hadn''t moved from his pitchfork; Nix decided it was actually a prop and not something he was about to use.


    "Am I?" Nix gazed at the man, his face expressionless. "If she doesn''t come back, I''ll take all of these horses and then burn this stable to the ground with you inside."


    The old man suppressed a shudder, suddenly wishing he hadn''t said anything. "Her name is Randa; she''s been helping me for quite a few years."


    Nix''s quick eye had already found three horses he was interested in. They were smaller horses, with longer fur and rugged-looking bodies. Exactly the kind he would need in when they went through the pass. "I want those three horses, the mountain ponies."


    The two made small talk for a few minutes while Randa was riding Flash. The old man''s name was Thitz, and he inherited the stable from his grandfather. He had two assistants who were both orphans in their late teens.


    Randa was smiling from ear to ear when she rode Flash in through the double-doors a few minutes later. "He''s fast Thitz, I''ve never ridden better."


    Thitz nodded; it was evident that he trusted her judgment when it came to horses. "Those horses you mentioned, normally it would be 25k for the three of them. Let me keep your stud for three days, and you can have them for 5k."


    Nix shook his head. "That''s too long, I''ll be in Free Trade City in three days, two days and we have a deal."


    The older man nodded, and they sealed the deal with a handshake.


    **************


    Nix exited town a few minutes later; he rode one of the horses he had bargained for and led the other two. Rumors in town said that half of the Spire Chaser guild was locked in the stocks while the other half had gone into hiding, somewhere in the mountains.


    A quick glance at his hud told Nix he was early for his meeting when rode into the gully that hid Zane''s forge. His three partners had already arrived and were standing in a circle talking. He created a group channel and then invited all three of them.


    /Spire: Nix: Heya guys.


    /Spire: Mollie: Hi.


    /Spire: Circa: Hey, Nix.


    /Spire: Lu Ban: Afternoon.


    Nix could see that Lu Ban was wearing some high-end armor, but he didn''t ask to see it. "We ready to go?"


    According to Nix''s hud, the Oracle was located far to the east, close to the coastal mountain range that blocked off Neva''s access to the sea. Nightmare led the procession, and the three mountain ponies fell in step behind her.


    /Spire: Mollie: You''re the guild leader of Inferno, right Nix?


    /Spire: Nix: Yes.


    /Spire: Lu Ban: Is Inferno big?


    /Spire: Nix: Most of Inferno is made up of NPCs and Lifestyle players, our raid force is around fifty people.


    The foothills they were riding in quickly became a series of low peaks and valleys, after a few hours of riding they entered a heavily forested valley bordered by steep rock walls. When they stopped by a fast-flowing river to water the horses, Nix slipped off Nightmare''s kit and let her walk around.


    Lu Ban stopped suddenly, letting the water he had cupped in his hands fall back into the stream.


    [Track]


    Nix: 3m. N


    Circa: 3m. N


    Mollie: 3m. N


    Shado Benz: 10m. W


    Rendel: 448m. W


    Bone Cracker: 448m. W


    Hyatt: 449m. W


    Krensi: 449m. W


    Yathiz: 449m. W


    Orman: 450m. W


    Delia the Beautiful: 450m. W


    Captain Faex: 451m. W


    Lu Ban laughed loudly and slapped his leg. "Nix! Come see this message that Zane sent us.


    "Hmm?" Nix stepped closer and looked at the tracking screen the ranger had brought up on his hud. "Damn that Zane, he wants his armor back?"


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky glanced around the area, her blue eyes taking in everything.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Someone is close, bring them in.


    Ducky nodded and strolled casually toward a dense stand of trees and disappeared from sight.


    /Spire: Lu Ban: Who was that?


    /Spire: Nix: One of my Spirit Companions.


    /Spire: Mollie: I like the blue hair, what is she?


    /Spire: Nix: Water Witch, she specializes in crowd control.


    A few minutes later, Ducky returned arm in arm with a small man dressed in black. He wore his hair cut short, and his face had been darkened with mud or paint.


    Ducky patted his arm. "Nix, this is Shado. He is a member of the group that is waiting for you."


    Nix frowned at the small man who barely came up to his shoulder. "What do you want?"


    Ducky answered for him. "They are after you. Word is spreading among the bandit camps; they want you out of the way."


    Nix turned to the valley entrance; only trees were visible. "For what? Zed and his guild are barely worth it."


    Ducky shook her head. "He doesn''t know, but you''ve become their highest priority. The mountain pass has been sealed in case you try to escape to Free Trade City."


    Nix shrugged and turned back to the river to collect Nightmare. "Could be worse. Anything else?"


    Ducky nodded, her blue eyes following Nix while he saddled his mount. "There is an Intrepid with them."


    Nix cursed. "That''s worse."


    Lu finally stopped staring at Ducky long enough to speak. "What''s an Intrepid?"


    Ducky pursed her lips together as she considered the best way to describe it. "They create a dead zone. A large area where no magic of any kind can be used. That includes artifacts and enhancements. Intrepids are very rare."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Forget about any bonus or ability your equipment adds also, nothing will work around her."


    Mollie muttered a swear word under her breath. "How''s that fair? Isn''t such an existence against the rules of nature?"


    Ducky''s pretty face saddened slightly. "Intrepids are peaceful beings; once they activate their dead zones, they die within a few hours."


    "They are on the move again, closing on our position." Lu Ban stared at his hud while pulling out his bow. "Damn...my tracking just shut off."


    "The Intrepid is active." Nix walked away from the river to stand on the edge of a small grove of saplings. "Take care of Shado, but have him give his weapons to Circa first."


    Ducky nodded and whispered something to the small rogue. Shado handed both of his daggers to Circa and then picked up the largest boulder he could manage.


    Nix waited until Shado walked into the river and disappeared from sight. "Ready yourself, non-magic attacks first."


    /Spire: Mollie: Where''d he go?


    /Spire: Lu Ban: Forget him.

 322 The Oracle

    Lu Ban notched an arrow and covered Circa while he gathered the horses together and tied them a few meters away." What''s the plan?


    Nix watched calmly as his group moved into position. "We have to fight it out. This valley is a dead end.


    Circa had both of his knives out and looked relaxed. "So, a straight-up melee fight?


    Nix nodded. "Lu should still be able to use his bow. The rest of us will be melee."


    Mollie took out her staff and leaned on it while she watched the scanned the forest. "Maybe you should retreat into the woods a bit, Lu? Take them by surprise once they get in range."


    Lu nodded. "You two work together and follow Nix''s lead." He retreated into the woods without speaking further.


    [You are now in a dead zone. No enhanced items, artifacts, or magic-related skills are useable at this time.]


    The pursuit rode their horses casually out of the woods to the edge of the clearing where Nix and his team had taken their break. As Nix guessed, each of them was a huge melee fighter with bulging muscles and sharp weapons. The Inferno leader applauded the choice; if you were going to pick a team to fight a completely unenhanced fight, this was the group you''d bring.


    In the middle of the group rode a black-haired woman dressed in white; even from a distance, her beauty was evident. She rode her horse side-saddle, her arms and legs were shackled with a golden chain. Her tanned skin seemed to glow with health and vigor; she wore a wreath of yellow flowers around her head.


    The bandits dismounted, except for the Intrepid who stayed in her saddle. As soon as they did, Nix gripped the sapling he had been leaning against and pulled it out of the ground. With dirt and rocks still clinging to the roots, he propped it on one shoulder and walked toward the enemy.


    /Spire: Mollie: Um... Is that Intrepid thing working on you?


    /Spire: Nix: Yep.


    Nix stopped a few meters away from the bandits at what he estimated Lu Ban''s maximum range to be. "You''re following us. Why?"


    The bandit leader was a younger man with long brown hair that hung loosely under his metal helm. The man''s muscular shoulders seemed to skip his neck and connect directly to his head. "I follow orders; that''s why. I bring you in, and suddenly I''m no longer just Captain Faex."


    Nix nodded knowingly. "I doubt it; there are probably other reasons you''re just a Captain."


    /Spire: Mollie: I''m ready, Nix, but is this a fight we can win?


    /Spire: Nix: Easy fight actually, they''ve misjudged something.


    /Spire: Circa: What?


    /Spire: Nix: How big of a bastard I can be.


    Nix shrugged, causing chunks of dirt and rock to fall from the roots of the sapling he carried. "Mostly, I''m guessing its bec..."


    Nix darted in, dropping the sapling low; he swung hard at Faex''s legs. The Captain was ready and lowered his ax to block when Nix spun and jumped upward, the bandit leader cussed loudly. Too late, he realized that he wasn''t the target.


    The 10-inch sapling struck the Intrepid right where the crown of flowers sat, crushing her down onto the saddle. When the horse bolted away, the corpse of Delia the Beautiful fell limply to the ground.


    Delia, the Beautiful has been slain.


    [All previous limiters on gear, skills, and artifacts have been lifted]


    White fire enveloped Nix an instant later as he pushed flames into Wrath and targeted the bandit group.


    [Tides of Flame]


    Faex charged toward Nix, his ax swinging toward him.


    [Daisy Chains]


    Lightning erupted from Nix''s outstretched hands, branching off into several different directions.


    Rendel has been stunned.


    Bone Cracker has been stunned.


    Hyatt has been stunned.


    Krensi has been stunned.


    Yathiz has been stunned.


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Lu Ban has landed a strike on Yathiz


    Lu Ban has landed a critical hit on Yathis.


    Lu Ban has landed a critical hit on Yathis.


    [Backstab]


    Circa has landed a mortal strike on Yathis


    Yathis has been slain.


    Nix raised his hands and a dozen strands of Fury Flames wrapped around Faex, he pulled back with all his strength and then tossed the Captain toward the river.


    [Thorned Feet]


    Hundreds of barbed vines erupted outward from the ground; in an instant, they completely encompassed Mollie''s target.


    Orman has been rooted in place.


    [Clear Shot]


    Lu Ban has landed a critical shot on Orman.


    [First Strike]


    Circa has landed a critical hit on Orman.


    [Nature''s Wrath]


    Thorns erupt out of the ground and impale Mollie''s targets. [AoE]


    Orman has been slain.


    Mollie has landed a strike on Rendel.


    Mollie has landed a strike on Bone Cracker.


    Mollie has landed a strike on Hyatt.


    Mollie has landed a strike on Krensi.


    [Meteor Storm: Incinerate: Fire Burst]


    Triple Combination Attempt Successful.


    Rendel has been slain.


    Bone Cracker has been slain.


    Hyatt has been slain.


    Krensi has been slain.


    Nix scanned the area, verifying that Ducky had Faex and that everyone else was down. He rejoined Mollie and Circa, who was standing in front of the charred corpse of the Intrepid.


    Mollie''s pale green eyes were visibly upset. "Nix... This seemed a bit ruthless."


    Circa nodded in agreement, "I didn''t want to die here, but attacking their hostage..."


    Ducky led Faex back to the group, her blue eyes not bothering to look at the Intrepid. "We don''t know everything. Why would they be willing to use such a valuable asset?"


    Lu Ban nodded his head in agreement. "She''s right. They wouldn''t unless they were ordered to."


    Ducky faced Faex, who was calmly staring at her with a smile on his face. "Who is running things in this region?"


    "Vega," Faex answered calmly and without hesitation.


    Ducky''s soothing voice continued to ask questions. "Are there any more Intrepids?"


    "Not that I know of, she was brought to our main camp last night."


    Ducky glanced at Nix. "Anything else we need to ask?"


    Nix nodded. "The location of HQ and how big their force is."


    Faex listened to the questions and immediately looked to the Water Witch for permission to answer. "We moved our HQ to the Mountain Pass; they aren''t taking any chances that Nix will slip through. At this point, we number around ten thousand, although that number will climb higher once reinforcements from the Four Corners arrive."


    Nix nodded and knelt next to the intrepid; the golden chains still bound her charred corpse. He gripped them in his hands and ignited his aura, causing them to fall away like liquid.


    "Where are you taking her?" Mollie wrinkled her nose at the stench of charred flesh; Nix walked toward the river carrying the body in his arms.


    Instead of answering, he set her down gently. "We don''t need Faex anymore, Ducky."


    Ducky nodded and led the bandit captain away.


    Nix activated his Spirit Ring; a moment later, Mina appeared with one of her Vilas. Her pale eyes fell to the corpse and then to Nix. "You okay, Nix?"


    "Yes. I''ll need you to do something for me in a moment."


    Mina nodded without hesitating. "Anything you want."


    Nix pulled an object out of his inventory and targeted the Intrepid.


    Ressurection Stone


    This Stone will resurrect


    any corpse, even if the timer has expired


    [Ressurection: Delia the Beautiful]


    A moment later, the young woman''s eyes blinked open, they showed surprise and then confusion before she slowly moved to a sitting position. "I''m no longer bound."


    Nix shook his head. ''Nope."


    Delia''s eyes were light brown orbs filled with warmth. "You killed me."


    "I did," Nix admitted.


    She accepted Nix''s hand and stood up slowly, maintaining a grip on his arm. "Why am I here? My kind cannot be resurrected."


    Nix shrugged. "Some rules can be broken."


    Delia has requested a spirit bond with you.


    "No... sorry."


    Delia has requested a spirit bond with you.


    Nix scratched his face awkwardly. "I already have four companions."


    Mina placed a hand on her arm and gently pulled her away from Nix before she could request again. "That''s enough of that."


    Nix stared at her for a moment before speaking. "Inferno offers you sanctuary."


    /Inferno: Mina: I''m here as transport?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Take her to HQ in Ionova; I want Semmi to debrief her.


    "You make interesting choices, Nix." A soothing voice spoke from behind them. An older woman dressed in a long blue robe walked barefoot from the edge of the woods.


    "Bor Na, the Oracle?" Nix said it as a question, even though he already knew the answer.


    Bor Na nodded. "That is me." She walked gracefully toward them, not stopping until she was directly in front of him.


    "I''m Nix, but since you''re an Oracle, you probably already know that." Nix managed to say it with a straight face."


    "What choice would you have made if you hadn''t possessed the Ressurection Stone?"


    "The same one," Nix replied honestly. "Since our enemy is using their trump cards, this isn''t a fight we could afford to lose."


    Bor Na''s wrinkled face was expressionless, her bright blue eyes staring at Nix for several moments before speaking. "You have my support. Seek out, Enu Bak, the Water Sprite."


    Mina grabbed Delia''s hand in hers. "I''m going to take you somewhere safe."


    Delia seemed more curious than afraid. "I can''t stay with him?"


    Mina frowned slightly. "Definitely not." She was about to activate Deep Blue when the Oracle held up a hand to stop her.


    The old woman''s lips curved in a warm smile. "You carry your worries like a weight around your neck. There is no need."


    Mina''s pale blue eyes glanced from Nix then back to Bor Na. "I''m not sure what you mean."


    "Your daughter will be born in the spring of next year." Bor Na placed a hand on the Aquarion''s shoulder and stood there a moment before walking back toward the woods.


    Nix didn''t speak until she vanished into the woods. "Take her back to HQ, we''ll.." He trailed off and stopped talking. Mina''s beautiful face radiated happiness; tears dripped slowly down her face.


    After a moment, she activated Deep Blue and disappeared with Delia.


    ***************

 323 Enu Bak

    Nix waited until they left and then summoned Nightmare, he could feel Ducky watching him from the river bank. "Want me to send you back?


    Ducky nodded. "I was playing in the turtle pond with Soup, Gil was there also."


    Nix''s face broke into a smile at the mention of the Turtle Titan. "Why would Gil be there? Is he trying to steal Soup?"


    Ducky giggled and nodded her head. "He probably is, but actually, he came with Scarlett."


    "Scarlett is there? Did she bring Morti with her?"


    The Water Witch shook her head. "No, she wants to talk with you. She has decided to wait until you come back."


    "I see. Tell her I won''t be back until sunset." Nix accepted a hug and then unsummoned her.


    Nix patted Nightmare''s shoulder. "Looks like it''s just the two of us." A sudden chill down his spine kept him from climbing into the saddle; he backed up a few steps, his yellow eyes dazed and unfocused.


    [Khione is desperately searching for you. You must gather your allies quickly.]


    Nightmare stomped her hooves on the ground loudly and shied away when her master fell to his knees. The temperature around them dropped several degrees at once as a layer of ice started to form around Nix''s body. Alarmed, she walked forward and pushed against him with her snout.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    The ice covering his body melted away; he managed a few deep breathes before grimacing in pain when his flames were snuffed out, and the layer of ice around his body started growing again.


    [Aura Ignition: Gemini Flames]


    Gemini flames engulfed Nix, giving him the strength to climb to his feet.


    [Summons: Fey]


    By the time Fey appeared an instant later, the Gemini Flames were extinguished, and Nix was in danger of becoming a block of ice.


    [Aura Ignition: Fury Flames]


    The ice melted away; this time, Nix didn''t return to his feet, his breath coming in great gasps of pain. "Fey! Bring me to Enu Bak."


    Fey wrapped him up in her arms and pulled him to his feet. "Where Nix?"


    Nix brought up his hud map so she could see the location. "Stand back..." Ice gathered over his head and face just as he pushed her away.


    Nix has activated his bloodline. [Second Form: Emerald Salamander] He dropped to the ground a moment later, his yellow eyes fading slowly.


    "NIX!" Fey morphed into sixty feet of Drakon and bathed the Salamander in silver flames. She gripped him in her claws and took to the air with a flap of her powerful wings.


    ************


    "It took me by surprise also Molls, that''s why it was so effective." Molls and Circa sat on a wooden bench near the market square. When the trio arrived back at Ever Flame, Lu had gone off in search of his class trainer while the other two decided to sit down and eat a late lunch.


    Molls nodded her head, making her green hair sway gently. "Maybe so, but I couldn''t have done it." The death of the Intrepid by Nix''s hands had shaken the druid slightly; she hadn''t thought he would be that ruthless.


    "You''ve seen the cutscenes; his opponent is Khione." Circa finished off his lunch and washed it down with a drink from his canteen. "Who knows what would happen if he loses."


    "An Ice Age, most likely." Lu''s deep voice spoke from the boardwalk, he walked silently in his green armor, his bow hanging loosely from one shoulder. "I, for one, prefer things warmer."


    All three players ducked reflexively when a deafening roar filled the air above the market place. An instant later, a silver drakon flew over the city, the beating of her powerful wings throwing up a dust cloud and sending vendor items flying in all directions.


    Lu was the first to recover. "That''s Fey, right?"


    Circa nodded, he spent more than a few moments staring at her in both of her forms. "Without a doubt, she was carrying something in claws."


    Lu was already running toward their horses that were hitched to a nearby rail. "Heading west, Nix said the next part of his quest is in that direction!"


    Three horses exited the Ever Flame Gates a moment later and turned west with their eyes on the sky.


    ************


    Fey circled several times, her keen eyes searching for any clues as to the Water Sprite''s location. She periodically thawed Nix out with her flames, although it seemed like the Salamander form was able to hold the worst of it at bay.


    The entire area was wetlands, swampy ponds, and lakes that were blended together by brush, marsh, and the occasional tree. From the air, Fey spotted several groups of stones that had been laid out in a discernable pattern. She landed in the middle of these and promptly morphed into her human form.


    A pale, thin hand felt Nix''s head, instead of being warm, it was ice cold. "Nix? We need some assistance here; a water elemental would be good."


    Nix dropped his salamander form and activated his spirit ring.


    Mina appeared a moment later, her pale eyes alert. "What''s wrong, Nix?"


    A fog rose up from the ground, completely enveloping the trio. "The drakon must leave now." An ancient voice spoke slowly as if each word it uttered was in a battle to be heard.


    Nix staggered to his feet with the help of Mina and Fey. "Are you Enu Bak?"


    The fog thickened until the trio could barely see each other. "The drakon must leave," the voice repeated.


    Nix nodded to Fey, "circle the area; you can back us up if we need you."


    Fey spread her thin arms wide and changed back into her drakon form. "I will be close!"


    As soon as Fey left, the fog in the immediate area began to thin, and the ground beneath them started glowing. Mina summoned her Vilas and gripped Nix''s hand tight. "She''s gone, please come out."


    Water seeped out of the ground, pouring upward into a transparent sphere before taking the general form of a small male. "Thank you for that. The fire in the drakon is harmful to me."


    Nix studied the transparent sprite, it seemed weak, but the voice from before was powerful. "How come your voice is different? And how come my flames don''t harm you?"


    The sprite moved closer. "So many questions. My voice is different because there are two of us here. Your flames aren''t harming me because they are tempered in ice. Good for me, but fatal for you. You would already be dead if it weren''t for your Ice blessing."


    Several globes of light emerged from the glowing ground slowly; they came together and merged into one. "Welcome..." The voice held enough power to make the hairs on the back of Nix''s neck stand up.


    Mina''s gaze switched from the sprite to the light and then back to the sprite. "Are you Enu Bak, the water sprite?"


    The water sprite moved closer to Mina, its body barely bigger than her head. "I am the water sprite, but you are Enu Bak."

 324 Khiones Trap

    "Time is short, but I will explain." The sprite gestured toward the glowing presence. "That is the remanents of a great water beast, only a small vestige of its power remains tethered to this area."


    Mina could sense the water beast, it would have been massive in size during its life, perhaps like a Kraken. "Continue."


    "Nix''s Ice is being overrun by something that is way more powerful in that particular element, his fire has been shouldering the battle, the other elements he possesses aren''t strong enough at this time."


    Mina''s pale eyes narrowed, "you want to give him the element of water?"


    The sprite''s small head nodded. "It does amount to that."


    "Then you are crazy. Nix is a fire creature, an actual salamander hybrid. He isn''t versed in fighting with the element of water." Mina pulled him closer, she could feel his temperature steadily dropping.


    "You are right... that''s why you will do the fighting. Enu Bak means bonded one or shared spirit."


    Mina caressed his face with one hand. "Water and ice are allies, they aren''t combatants."


    "That... is the only reason you have any chance at all. Don''t fight the ice, try to redirect it." The sprite moved away a few meters. "Make your choice."


    Mina stood up, leaving Nix laying motionless on the long marsh grass. She walked toward the glowing vestige of elemental power. She spread her arms wide and welcomed the energy.


    It plunged into her suddenly, her alien eyes widened in agony as her own element poured into her. She struggled for several minutes to absorb it until her throat was raw from screaming.


    "That is enough, step away and place your hands on him." The sprite waited and grew agitated when she didn''t respond. "You are taking in too much, stop now!"


    Mina''s face was an image of misery, she hovered a few feet off the ground, willing more of the power to enter. She couldn''t stop herself, no matter the cost, she would defend him. "MORE!"


    "You idiot! Step away now." The sprite began slowly backing away, if that power exploded, they would all die.


    Mina screamed in agony, blue fluid leaked from her ears and mouth, with the last of her strength she tore herself away and staggered toward Nix.


    "Place your hands on him, find his ice source first..." The sprite stopped speaking when the Aquarion removed Nix''s clothes. "What are you doing?"


    Mina dropped her armor on the ground and straddled his waist, gripping his shoulders she bent and placed her lips against his.


    *************


    Nix hovered in the air on an elemental world he didn''t recognize, he had been battling for several minutes and was starting to tire. He was surrounded by four separate spheres, the largest and most powerful of these was formed from his flames. A half dozen different kinds of fire weaved together and gave him the strength to face the attacks.


    He held two thick strands of emerald flame in his hands, using them like whips he attacked the ice creatures that continued to come at him.


    A drake-sized Ice raptor dived at him, its sharpened claws descended at a speed he could barely match. He swung the strand in his right arm at the creature, managing to wrap around its wing, with all of his strength he pulled it toward him.


    [Balefire: Burst]


    The creature disappeared in a cloud of steam, and Nix breathed a sigh of relief. A quick glance at the four spheres told him what he already knew, his fire Orb was weakening.


    "Stop fighting."


    Nix turned at the familiar voice. "Mina?"


    The beautiful Aquarion''s smile was radiant when she gazed upon him. "Found you at last."


    "Right... Where am I? And how do we leave?"


    Mina stood beside him, her eyes falling on the four orbs in front of him; Fire, Ice, Air, and Lightning. "You are in an elemental world, struggling against the trap of a goddess."


    Nix smiled suddenly. "When you say it like that, I sound like a moron."


    "Acceptance is called for here, not resistance." Mina made a gesture and her own orb moved in front of her, it was much larger than any of Nix''s.


    Nix whistled softly. "Isn''t that too big Mina?"


    "Yes, it is too much for me." She grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. "I will handle the attacks now, you only need to listen to my words."


    Nix nodded. "You have my trust, Min."


    "The orbs before you are our elemental seeds. If you keep battling an Ice goddess with just your flames..."


    "I will eventually lose and burn out." Nix finished the sentence for her.


    Mina focused on her oversized orb, directly splintering off a piece she pushed it toward Nix. "This is a water seed Nix, it can only take root if you accept it."


    Nix suddenly remembered when Shae gave him her fire seed. "Shouldn''t we be kissing or something?"


    Mina shook her head. "That is being taken care of, you need only accept."


    Nix focused on the orb of water, the smallest bit of splinter broke off and took hold next to his other orbs, while the rest of it faded away.


    Mina frowned at him. "Really? So little?"


    Nix shrugged helplessly. "It''s water Min... Even that much was difficult."


    "Incoming, follow my lead!" Mina targeted the large snake-shaped Ice creature that moved in their direction, with the barest of efforts a stream of water sprang from her hand and intercepted the ice creature, instead of fighting, it willingly entwined itself in her element and followed it to its source where it was absorbed.


    Nix scowled at the ease at which she handled it. "Sure... if you do it that way."


    Mina nodded. "I can''t handle them all like that Nix, she is an Ice Goddess, after all, we''ll need to work together."


    "Tell me what to do."


    "Push your air seed to the front first. The Ice element is a hybrid of Water and Air, accept the air."


    Nix watched the space above them, another Ice elemental formed, this one looked like a winged horse. "Damn... I want one of those."


    "Focus Nix. Feel the Air in the creature, and accept it."


    Nix could sense the overpowering strength of the ice creature as it galloped toward them. He could barely feel the smallest bit of frigid air mixed within it.


    In the end, Mina was forced to accept all of it once again. The Aquarion didn''t let it bother her, they tried a second time and then a third. Finally, on the fourth attempt, Nix was able to separate not just part of the air element, but all of it. It fed directly into his air orb while the water flowed peacefully into Mina''s orb.


    "I can do more Min." Nix was starting to understand the nuances of the fight, separate and accept... but he could do more.


    "Take the lead now Nix, pull out what you can and I will handle the rest."


    A water creature formed in the distance, it vaguely resembled the shape of a shark. Nix used his ice and water element to lead a substantial part of the ice creature toward him. It willingly separated itself, more than half going toward Mina while the rest accepted his peaceful invitation to join him. The Ice element streamed toward his orbs, it was a bit sloppy, but he managed to send it to three of his seeds; half of it was separated to become water and air, while the rest was absorbed directly into his ice seed.


    As the minutes dragged on, his fire seed started to regain its previous strength. It glowed with brilliant hunger, and he started to understand. He had been drawn into a trap, one that was meant to completely snuff out his flames. This was only a fragment of Khione''s elemental strength, but without Mina''s help, it would have been disastrous.


    The endless torrent of Ice creatures finally slowed, Nix''s air, ice and water seeds had become larger and glowed brightly. He studied the water orb, knowing that Mina had made it possible. "Thank you."


    Mina squeezed his hand, the water orb beside her had grown substantially and was now accompanied by a much smaller Ice seed. "I will fight for you, and my daughter until the end of my strength."


    Nix studied her expression. "Am I missing something?"


    Mina nodded. "We have won. The trap meant to disable you has made you stronger."


    Nix felt the elemental world he was imprisoned in fade away, slowly he woke to find himself laying on the damp marsh grass. Only he and Mina were around. "Mina?"


    Mina moved slowly against him, letting her lips brush his. Nix should have been surprised by the action but he wasn''t. "You are wondering why we are undressed?"


    Nix nodded. "It did cross my mind."


    Mina''s pale face hovered over his, blushing slightly. "We exchanged pointers."


    Nix felt her soft skin pressed against him, she seemed warm for a water creature. "Are we done then?"


    Mina shook her head slightly and started moving against him. "You have my support."


    Quest Updated.


    *****************

 325 A Quiet Interlude

    You have learned Deep Abyss.


    You have learned Waters of Life.


    You have learned Water Seeker.


    You have learned Mariner.


    Deep Abyss [Water]: Up to 5 targets.


    Enclose your enemies inside


    of a water orb.


    Duration: 20 seconds. Cool Down 2 minutes


    Water Seeker [Water]


    A simple spell that


    leads you to the nearest


    water source.


    Mariner: [Water] Self only.


    Your hands and feet become


    webbed and gills form on your neck.


    Duration: Lasts until you exit the water.


    Your Air Rank has been upgraded from Spirit to Lord.


    You have learned Air''Voilla.


    Air''Voilla [Air]


    Creates a Wind Tunnel to Air''Voilla


    Air Aura [Air]


    Forms an Aura of Air around you.


    Your Ice Rank is ready to be upgraded.


    You have learned Ice Shield.


    You have learned Fields of Ice.


    You have learned Ice Aura.


    Ice Shield [Ice] Self Only


    Creates a Shield of Ice around


    you. Absorbs damage equal to


    twice your current health.


    Fields of Ice [Ice] Area Effect


    Lays down a field of Ice on your


    enemies that causes Ice damage.


    Duration: 30 seconds Cooldown: 3 minutes


    Ice Aura [Ice]


    Forms an Aura of Ice around you.


    Nix slowly dressed, his entire body felt like it had been frozen and thawed thousands of times. The fog that hung on the marsh seemed to vanish, making it possible to see for miles. Fey''s silver wings could be seen in the distance, still circling the area.


    "Ready to go, Nix?" Mina''s expression was neutral, but her voice was filled with warmth.


    "Yeah, it''s time to head home."


    ******************


    Nix let Nightmare carefully pick her footing as they made their way out of the marsh while Fey continued to keep watch overhead, keeping an eye out for trouble. Mina rode behind him, both of her arms wrapped around his waist.


    "Explain to me why you can''t ride your Vilas Min?"


    "I''m exhausted Nix, what if I fell off?"


    "Makes sense, I guess." Nix''s tone told her he wasn''t buying it.


    Mina had the side of her face pressed against his back; her lips were curved in a smile. "There''s no need to be awkward. I asked Shae, Fajii and Hyaii months ago if they''d be okay with this."


    "Please stop talking now."


    "Okay." Mina smiled against his back. "The Oracle said our daughter would be born in the spring."


    "I thought you were going to stop talking."


    An hour later, they exited the swamp and entered the flatlands where several fields had been planted with seed. A cloud of dust coming toward them caused Nix to pull off the road.


    /Spire: Lu Ban: Is that you, Nix?


    /Spire: Nix: Yes.


    /Spire: Mollie: You okay? We thought we saw your dragon carrying you this way.


    /Spire: Nix: Yes. I am fine.


    Nix squeezed Mina''s hand and leaned back against her. "Owe ya one Min."


    Min shook her head. "Not even close."


    They arrived back in town a while later; Nix headed to the Market Square to talk with Tanner Benton, with nothing better to do, the rest of the group tagged along.


    Tanner was easily recognizable from across the market; his bright orange-colored hair painted an easy target on him. Several bundles of pelts were stacked high enough to block Tanner''s work area from the rest of the market.


    Nix whistled softly. "You get a shipment of pelts or something?"


    Tanner Benton smiled when he saw him. "Several shipments actually, take a look at my manifest and choose your reward."


    Nix grabbed the manifest and started scrolling through it. "What''s a Sea King?"


    Tanner peeked over his shoulder. "Medium-sized blue sea turtle."


    Nix looked skeptical, "why is it called the Sea King?"


    Tanner shrugged. "Want them or not?"


    "I''ll take them."


    Five crates of Sea King leather has been sent to your inventory.


    The Tanner smiled and started closing up his shop; his glance moved to Mina. "You can accompany me to the town hall."


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] Why would he want to take you to the town hall?


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Because I am Enu Bak.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] I''m not following.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] I assumed the position of Enu Bak when I accompanied you. Had I not been there, the Water Sprite would have been your helper.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mina] My helper? Cute... You''re the NPC in my quest then.


    [Whisper: Mina to Nix] Yes, but only because I am stronger than the Sprite. The default seems to be the strongest water ally in the area.


    Quest Updated


    Quest: Curse of the Ice Goddess


    Objective: The Provincial Council


    of Neva is meeting to appoint a


    new Prefect.


    Objective: Wait for the results.


    Mina hugged him close for a moment and then left with Tanner.


    ***************


    It was sunset when Nix returned to the Turtle house. The outside lights were on, giving the small home a warm glow. He entered through the backdoor and stowed his things in the closet before stepping into the bathroom.


    "Dinner is ready, Nix, going to get cleaned up first?" Hyai''s warm voice put a smile on his face.


    "Just a minute, I''ll wash my hands."


    When Nix walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, he was surprised to see Gil and Scarlett sitting comfortably.


    "Good evening Nix." Scarlett stood and hugged him. "How''s Ever Flame?"


    "Eventful." Nix was too tired to go into details and was thankful when Hyai sat a plate in front of him.


    Scarlet pushed her food around with her fork before picking out a piece of meat and popping it into her mouth. "Nix... You know about the difficulties Morti has been having with the Chevalier we chose for him?"


    Nix nodded. "Want me to talk with him?"


    Scarlett smiled slightly. "I''m not sure that would help. He''s stubborn... a trait he inherited from his father, I''m sure."


    Nix covered a smirk by taking a bite out of his steak. "I''m sure."


    "The duties of a Chevalier are somewhat flexible. Morti needs to learn discipline, battle strategy, and teamwork."


    "All good things," Nix agreed.


    "I would like you to take over as Morti''s Chevalier. He''s far more advanced than any of his peers, and honestly, he doesn''t really listen to anyone other than you."


    Nix felt a smile start to threaten his neutral expression. "He is still adjusting to things here."


    Scarlett nodded in agreement. "Know what he tells his trainer when he asks Morti to wait while he demonstrates?"


    "Prey waits?"


    Scarlett''s warm eyes narrowed slightly. "So... you''re the culprit."


    Nix laughed suddenly, and a bit of the fatigue from the day seemed to drain away. "Fraid so."


    Gil watched Nix''s expression; his human friend was always remarkably composed. Being asked to be the Chevalier for Morti was a considerable honor and showed a tremendous amount of trust. "Hurry up and answer, Nix! We''ve been waiting all day."


    Nix patted Gil''s arm, "Soup went back to Haven?"


    Gil nodded. "Dunno what''s so great about that place, she''s got a great pond right here."


    "I accept, of course. I love Morti. He''s part of my family."


    Scarlett breathed a sigh of relief. She was certain Nix would say yes, but at the same time, she understood he was very busy. "Thank you, Nix."


    Nix shook his head while scraping the last bit of food from his plate. "It''s my honor to be associated with your family, Clan Leader."


    **************


    An hour later, Nix was sitting next to the fire working on the Orion puppets. Fajii had returned and was having a conversation with Hyai; the two of them were sitting on the adjacent couch.


    "Nix?" Fajii''s voice pulled him away from his task.


    Nix glanced up to find both females watching him. "What?"


    Hyai''s warm eyes were filled with humor. "We were talking to you."


    "Really?" Nix started a new Orion queue and closed his hud. "What did I miss?"


    Fajii had a large stack of dried plants on her lap; her hud was also open. "I asked if Tintin and her helpers could assist me. It will be a while before the local plantlife recovers."


    Nix nodded. "Great idea, I''ll assign them to you and Nansu."


    Hyai offered him a smile and switched to his couch. "You going back to Ever Flame tomorrow?"


    "Nope. I need to accomplish a few things here. I haven''t seen the City Center yet, and I have to get started with Morti."


    Fajii closed her hud and joined the two of them. "How are you going to thank Nebs?"


    Nix shrugged, "I''ll probably make her something nice."


    "Can you help me with my Djinn, Nix? I''m having trouble deploying him properly." Hyai''s expression said she already knew what his answer was.


    Nix dimly remembered the Djinn that dropped from the Gemini Temple. "The 5th tier companion, right? I can try."


    "Hey Nix..." Fajii slipped a hand through his arm. "Something bothering you?"


    Nix shook his head. "Not really, I should tell you about my day."


    He carefully described the events of the day, trying to remember every detail. It took several minutes, and when he finished, he felt much better. Neither woman spoke for a few minutes; Nix took it as a good sign that they were still sitting next to him.


    Hyai finally broke the silence. "It sounds like she saved your life, or at the very least prevented the curse from disabling you."


    Nix nodded slightly. "Accurate, I guess."


    Fajii squeezed him arm slightly. "You did promise to give her a daughter."


    "Nix... What happened at the Black Gate?" Hyai knew that the people who took part in that raid were all significantly affected.


    "We were brought into an illusion, or in my case, three illusions. I no sooner broke free from one before another took hold." It had been several months; he could finally discuss it calmly.


    "One of the illusions he shared with Mina, in it, the two of them had a daughter named Lisa." Fajii filled in the story for Hyai; Mina had obviously shared it with her.


    "And I was forced to destroy them to break the illusion." Nix gritted his teeth at the memory; it had been difficult.


    "Was I in the illusion too?" Hyai must have suspected that she was, Nix usually confided in her.


    "Yes. We had a daughter also. A dark-haired girl named Nia." Nix understood that the illusion targeted his love for family and his weakness for kids.


    Hyai smiled suddenly, her freckled face lighting up. "I like that name Nix. I wish you would have told me."


    Quest Updated.


    Curse of the Ice Goddess


    Quest: The council has chosen


    a new Prefect. You are to report


    to Ever Flame for the results.


    [Warning: Do not report to Ever Flame until you are ready, the road ahead is dangerous.]

 326 Ionova City Center

    Both Fajii and Hyai were chronic early risers; normally, they''d both be out of bed by the time he was awake. This time, however, they held whispered conversation from either side of him.


    "Sorry, Nix. Were we bothering you?" Fajii had one had propped under her chin; her red-streaked hair hung loosely over one tanned shoulder.


    Hyai''s freckled face was carefully neutral. "Did we wake you?"


    "Yes, and yes again." Nix turned on his stomach and hid his head under a pillow.


    Hyai lifted one end, peeking in. "We''ll make you breakfast."


    Fajii sat up and nodded in agreement. "In bed. You''d like that, right?"


    "I would," Nix admitted in a muffled voice.


    *************


    By the time Jun Li stopped by an hour later, Nix was already finished with breakfast and showered. The Inferno Vice-Leader greeted him with a shocked smile. "How is it you are up before 0900?"


    Nix frowned at her and went back to crafting. "Poor life choices."


    Jun Li moved one of the black puppets from the couch and sat down. "Is this an Emperor? I thought these were white."


    Nix glanced at the black Orion that Junie was referring to. "Yes, it is. It turns out all I need to do is place black ink in the enhancement slot. Although using an enhancement slot sucks since I only have three for Emperor puppets."


    "Going to add this to your armor?" Junie stroked the puppet''s head like it was a pet.


    "Cat person, Junie?"


    Jun Li nodded. "Yep. You?"


    "Turtles." Nix smiled at the look on her face. "Didn''t expect that, right?


    Junie laughed loudly, her pale cheeks showing dimples. "No, but I should have known."


    "After this business with Ever Flame, I want to take down another target in the Great Desert." Nix put his crafting aside and studied the map.


    "Got a lead on any targets?" Jun Li let the frustration on her face show, "I''ve been all over the southern section of that desert, nothing but a few big snakes so far."


    A knock on the door announced the arrival of Pon and Wind. Nix waved at Hyai, who was already in her armor. "I''ll take a look at the Djinn today."


    Hyai returned his wave, smiling when he rushed out the door. "Doesn''t he know?"


    Jun Li shook her head. "Didn''t have time, he moves so fast."


    Nix followed Wind and Pon out the front door and stopped when he saw the large group. "Guild meeting?"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I was going to tell you... Anyways, we''ll all be in Ever Flame when you turn in that quest.


    /Inferno: Wind: Yep. Something bigs gonna happen, boss.


    /Inferno: Nix: There''s no turn in timer, so it will either be tomorrow or the next day. In the meantime, I''ll encourage everyone to think outside the box. We can do a lot of different things in Everspire that we couldn''t in Oasis.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Like Combo hits... Thanks to Nix.


    /Inferno: Bali: and Shapeshifter armor, also thanks to the boss.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t be nervous about experimenting with different methods.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Darsi made an optical device that can fit on both rifles and bows; it nearly doubles range damage.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That''s the kind of stuff we need. I want all members to take up at least one craft; there''s plenty enough downtime to make it happen.


    Nix grabbed Fajii and handed her Deep Blue. "I would like to see Sori Dah."


    Fajii gave him a surprised look. In the past, Nix had often gone out of his way to avoid speaking with the Lamia Acolyte. "She''ll be happy to see you, Nix."


    Nix tried not to frown at the comment. "Tell her to bring the Death Squad."


    Fajii nodded. The Death Squad referred to Sori Dah''s top fighters; Nix would often spar with them in at the training grounds in the Gemini Temple. "Anything else?"


    "Esta...I want to see her." Nix hadn''t seen his Storm Warden for a while. As the Chief Acolyte in the Gemini Temple, she was tasked with training the Air''Voilla.


    ********


    Nix whistled softly when he saw it. "Now that''s beautiful, Nebs."


    Nebs and Gideon met up with him at the new town gates; it was an unlikely looking procession with the three of them leading the way and Morti waddling behind with his passengers.


    Two Earth Temple acolytes greeted them at the gates; they were both in their Lamia forms and had black bows that hung loosely over their shoulders.


    Instead of proceeding past the gates, Nebs led him up the stone steps that ascended to the top of the stone wall. The stonewall surrounding the city was fifteen feet in height and six feet wide, not as big as the titan sized wall that protected Glory, but Ionova was a rural settlement and not equipped to fight off hordes of invaders.


    The Salamander cleric was smiling widely when she showed Nix the view. "I experimented a bit with the layout. The City Center and the shopping district are the actual centers of the town. The residential area, which is currently empty, will eventually completely encircle it."


    Nix could see a large, three-story building rising up from the shopping area; it was much bigger than he would have imagined. "How many shops are in the City Center?"


    "As of now, there are a lot of empty spaces still; this is a bit more city than Ionova can support at this point." Nebs brought up a hud layout of the City Center while the group walked along the top of the wall.


    "You leave me room for a Tailor Shop?" Nix thought he would tease her a bit; she had obviously planned out everything.


    Nebs nodded, her smug grin told him that she guessed he would ask. "Second floor of the City Center, where the best shops are going to be."


    Nix stopped at pointed to the large open area around the base of the city center. "What''s with all the open space?"


    "The area around the City Center is referred to as the Market Courtyard. This is where the street vendors and day-shops will set up. On the first floor of the Center is room for twenty or so shops; the shops on the second floor are slightly bigger."


    They stopped at a second set of stone steps that descended near the edge of the Market Courtyard. Up close, the Center was even larger than he imagined. "What''s on the third floor?"


    Nebs gave him a sly smile. "An Inn and a residence."


    Nix pretended he didn''t see her expression. "Guess I''ll have to find someone reliable to oversee the development of Ionova."


    "Hey..." Nebs grabbed his arm, completely stopping his progress. "You''re not gonna ditch me now, right?"


    "Hmm... well, I don''t know." Nix couldn''t keep a straight face; his train of thought was suddenly derailed. "The hell..."


    "Wind Tunnel." Fey slid off of Morti''s back and moved next to Nix.


    An elongated tunnel formed out of thin air; a moment later, a dark-winged woman staggered through. She looked exhausted and worn, her eyes showing relief when she saw him. "Nix..."


    "Rhy?" Nix was shocked at her appearance; she was covered in minor wounds. "What''s going on?"


    Rhy shook her head and looked back at the wind tunnel. "Come with me; the tunnel is already collapsing. It took five of us to open it."


    Nix nodded. "Morti, you guys stay here, but be ready."


    Rhy grabbed his hand and ran back into the wind tunnel.


    Gideon stared at them for an instant and then charged after them. A moment later, the tunnel disappeared.


    Nebs stared at the empty space, the surprise on her face evident. "Was Gid suppose to follow them like that?"


    Fey shook her head. "I don''t think so."


    /Inferno: Ducky: Nix just disappeared through a wind tunnel with Rhy and Gideon.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Of course... Guild meeting at HQ.

 327 Elementia part one

    An instant later, they reached the end of their journey and were flung out like a projectile. Rhy released her passenger and spread her wings, gliding safely to a stop while Nix bounced and skidded across the stone-paved alley before slamming into the side of a building.


    Nix climbed to his feet, a sour look on his face as several people approached him at once. A green cloak was thrown over his shoulders, and he was pulled into the middle of the group.


    "Walk with us and keep your head down." Rhy''s familiar voice whispered in his ear as she pulled the cloak''s hood over his eyes to shield his face.


    You have arrived in the City of Elementia.


    [Guild Chat has been disabled]


    [Instant Travel abilities and Artifacts have been disabled]


    "Of course they are..." Nix mumbled under his breath while following the cloaked group. They were in a city, a real one, with buildings that rose up three and four stories into the air. Marble walkways bordered wide roads that were perfectly cobbled. Unlit gas lanterns on nearby street corners gave evidence that this Colonial city was advanced.


    The street was the busiest he had ever seen, the sidewalks were crowded with pedestrians, and all manner of mounted beasts were being ridden. As Nix peeked from beneath his hood, he realized that no one would make eye contact. The inhabitants of the city seemed scared and walked with their heads down, staring at the space directly in front of them.


    They turned onto a major road; Nix only knew this because the foot traffic went from very busy to nearly impossible. The group automatically assumed a single-file formation, Rhy''s pale hand reached back to grip his.


    The shops and buildings were all either wood that had been painted white or white stone. The group seemed to turn several times, enough so that Nix knew they had already gone in at least two separate circles. Finally, after nearly an hour, they entered a large building that Nix assumed was a warehouse.


    **********


    Gideon blocked the low thrust and then faded into nothing. A moment later, he reappeared behind his assailant.


    [Backstab]


    Gideon has landed a fatal attack on Seamus.


    Seamus has been slain.


    Gideon quickly searched the corpse, pocketed everything it carried before moving onto the other body. They had attacked him on sight, without any kind of warning or reason.


    The sound of screeching overhead sent the assassin fleeing into the underbrush. Suddenly angry with himself for not asking Nix to upgrade his armor with the camo-overlay, Gideon bent low to the ground and listened. The sounds of pursuit caused the assassin to stealth and retreat further into the woods.


    A short while later, the Salamander leader broke into a run, keeping low and trying not to disturb the natural foliage. A few seconds after he chased Nix into the Wind tunnel, a force had grabbed him and yanked him out of Nix''s path. Even though he intended to stay close, he lost sight of Nix and Rhylia; they could be on the other side of the world for all he knew.


    The forest he landed in was densely wooded, and travel off-trail was made difficult by the peculiarity of the trees. There were lots of low branches and vines that seemed to exist only to slow down his passage.


    Gideon had both his blades out, slashing at the vines that clung to his armor, he was forced to slow a walk to deal with it. "F*ck." The assassin had been so busy when he first arrived that the thing that was eating at his thoughts finally came to the forefront. "Nix doesn''t even know I''m here."


    The vines he cut parted momentarily and then encircled one of his wrists. Dozens of tendrils wrapped up his arms and legs before pulling him into the air; Gideon knew a moment of panic before taking a deep breath to calm himself.


    "Smart. Struggling in this instance is futile." A voice spoke from within the deepest part of the undergrowth. The vines and branches obstructing Gideon''s view fell away. "Why are you in my woods?"


    Gideon studied the woman for a moment and felt encouraged, being a female in real life ought to give him an advantage. "I was traveling in a wind tunnel; something pulled me out before I reached my destination."


    [Author Reminder: Gideon is a male avatar but is played by a real-life female named Mai]


    The woman moved out of the shadow, gracefully making her way through the tangle of vines. Her pale features bore the lightest tint of jade, while her long, dark green hair covered an otherwise bare torso. "Feasting your eyes?"


    A laugh escaped the assassin''s mouth before he could stop it. "You are really barking up the wrong tree here."


    The woman moved closer, emerald eyes that brimmed with intelligence studied him. "I am Artemis. Am I not beautiful?"


    "Huh?" Gideon tensed when she moved close. She smelled sweet like flowers and cedar. "Maybe... if you are into stuff like that. That''s not really my thing."


    Artemis placed a hand on the assassin''s chest, her warm hand caressing. "What isn''t your thing?"


    "Other women... Not that I''m judging or anything. I''m a woman myself."


    "Really?" Artemis slid her hand down until it rested on Gideon''s hip. "You feel manly." Her hand moved a few inches and gently squeezed him.


    Gideon froze in place for an instant, the only thing going through the assassin''s head was ''how would Nix handle this?'' The assassin clenched his teeth in rage and kicked at the green-skinned woman. "You lousy bitch! What kind of person goes around groping others?"


    Artemis''s face showed surprise and then amusement. "You are right; of course, this is not how I should treat an honored guest."


    The vines binding Gideon''s arms and legs fell away, allowing him to drop to the ground. Immediately he reclaimed the daggers he had dropped before turning back to face his assaulter. "You try that crap again, and I will slap the green right out of you."


    Artemis''s laugh echoed in the dense woods. "I have no excuse for my actions; let us pretend that it never happened."


    Gideon nodded, although his eyes remained hostile while he rubbed the red indentations on his wrists. "Fine."


    Artemis closed her eyes for a moment, her chin tilted upward slightly while her nose sniffed the air. An instant later, she morphed into a large gray wolf. "Climb on my back and then hang on tight."


    A minute later, wolf and rider blurred through the woods, the branches, and vines that should have hampered their progress fell away at their approach before resuming their original position once they passed safely through.


    The gray wolf ran for several minutes, not stopping until they arrived in a small grove that bordered a peaceful looking pond. "You may dismount now."


    Gideon slid to the ground, his dark eyes trying to take in everything. "You are a druid?"


    Artemis shook her head. "I am not. Although they would naturally share many of my abilities, it is like comparing a candle to the sun."


    Gideon covered his frown with a cough. He hated dealing with arrogant women more than anything. "Do you know where my friend is?"


    Artemis nodded and took a seat on a moss-covered stone. "Opening a wind tunnel from within Elementia would have required a half dozen Air Nemesis. Why would they do that?"


    Gideon shrugged slightly. "They came for my friend; they must think he can help them."


    "Is your friend an Air Nemesis?"


    "Fire Nemesis, but uncommonly resourceful." Gideon cursed himself for giving that away. "Tell me what''s going on here?"


    Artemis smiled and patted the stone next to her. "Will you sit with me, Gideon?"


    Gideon frowned. "Don''t think I''m bluffing about what I said earlier."


    She patted the stone next to her until the assassin took a seat. "This is a seed world, one of the largest that I''ve ever heard of. No one knows who owned it originally, a very powerful elemental most likely."


    "Why do you say that?"


    "You have to be an elemental to enter the city; this is why you were removed from the wind tunnel."


    Gideon cursed softly. "I can''t help my friend then?"


    Artemis shrugged her bare shoulders. "It''s been a long time since I was able to converse with someone. There might be a way."

 328 Elementia part two

    Nix bowed his head formally. "I will fight on your behalf."


    Light laughter, filled with warmth carried from the far side of the building. "So formal." A cloaked figure approached, she stopped in front of him and lowered her hood. "Thank you for coming."


    Nix couldn''t stop the smile that widened his face. "Shae..."


    She gripped his face with her warm hands, kissing him a few times before pulling away. "Oh my... You''ve changed again. May I?"


    Nix nodded. "Of course."


    [Arch Elemental: Five Elements]


    Fire: Nemesis


    Ice: Lord


    Air: Lord


    Lightning: Spirit


    Water: Spirit


    Arch Elemental


    All Elemental abilities and resistances are increased by .5 (.2+.1+.1+.05+.05)


    "A water seed?" Shae clucked her tongue at him while shaking her head. "Who gave you such a thing?"


    "Mina," Nix admitted.


    "If it''s Mina, then it can''t be helped." Shae kissed his forehead before releasing his face and grabbed his hand. "There are a few people I would like you to meet."


    Nix followed her toward another group, he glanced back to see if Rhy was following but noticed that she had joined a group of air elementals in casting a large air dome. "What are they doing?"


    "There are eyes and ears everywhere, Nix; we''ve had to be very careful."


    "What''s going on here?"


    Shae stopped and nodded to herself. "I should fill you in first, so you can prepare questions for them."


    Nix couldn''t help but smile when she popped a small pepper in her mouth. "You running out of those yet?"


    "Of course not," Shae shook her head. "This is Elementia, a city hidden in a seed world. To enter this place, you need to be an elemental."


    "Which explains why I''ve never heard of it. What is the problem?"


    "A few weeks ago, the Air and Water elementals started disappearing from the city. Rhy came here to investigate, because..."


    "Because Wilo was one of the Air Elementals that disappeared?" Nix knew that Ronnie''s spirit companion stopped answering her summons a few weeks earlier.


    Shae nodded. "Additionally, this city has been taken over by a very powerful Ice Elemental. He''s very boorish and has the backing of the city guard."


    "City guard? Are they elementals also?"


    Shae nodded her head. "Earth spirits, more than I''ve ever seen in one place. In the past, they''ve been neutral, but suddenly they are doing his bidding."


    "How many missing elementals?"


    "Hundreds, possibly more. Lord rank and below so far, no one has attempted to take any Nemesis." Shae pulled his hand gently, and they resumed their walk toward the group.


    A group of four people in cloaks stood in a half-circle waiting for them. Shae stopped a few meters away. "This is Nix, the one I mentioned."


    Nix studied the group; they were comprised of three men and a woman. Two of the men were Water Elementals, and the third was an Air Elemental. For some reason, he couldn''t get a good read on the female. "Greetings."


    Shae pointed each person out as she introduced them. "This is Falad, and Tibero, twin brothers and both of them are Water Nemesis. This is Shoma, the Air Nemesis, and last but not least, Silia, the Ice Nemesis."


    Falad frowned at Nix; he had short blond hair and pale skin. "I know your reputation Nix, but a single Fire Nemesis isn''t going to be much help."


    Tibero nodded in agreement. "We have plenty of Fire Mages already."


    Shoma held up a hand to stop them from commenting further. "Don''t be so hasty, none of us has garnered so much attention from Khione. There must be a reason."


    Silia stared at him for a long moment; she had the typical Ice Nemesis coloring, white-silver hair, and pale blue eyes. "This is very unexpected."


    Nix bit down on a smile that threatened to come. "Secrets out."


    Tibero glanced back and forth between the two of them for a moment. "What secret?"


    Silia stepped closer; she raised a hand to touch Nix, only to have Shae step in front of him. "Hmm... so protective. I''m not here to poach your mate. He is ready to rank up."


    Shae''s warm brown eyes showed her surprise. "An Ice Nemesis?" She turned to face him, her hand resting on his chest. "You were barely Lord rank when last I checked."


    Nix had been caught up in Khione''s trap; he had been able to separate Ice into Water and Air, someone stronger than him could definitely do the opposite. "I can help if you allow it. I already know why the Air and Water elementals are disappearing."


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Can this Silia be trusted?


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Yes, without a doubt.


    Shoma''s round face scrunched up; for a moment, he reminded Nix of Gil. "Explain it then."


    "Questions first." Nix felt like a few pieces were missing. "Between Air, Water, and Ice, which element is the most powerful?"


    "Ice," Silia answered without looking at the other three Nemesis, none of them dared disagree with her.


    Nix nodded; he had already guessed it. "Between the three of them, which is the rarest?"


    "Ice," Silia answered again, her light blue eyes seemed amused. "The hybrid element is the most difficult to master."


    "That''s why they are disappearing. Khione is using them to power up, Air and Water make Ice." Nix could see the doubt in their eyes.


    "Impossible Nix, it''s true that Ice is a hybrid of Air and Water. The hybrid of them is a rare ability, but taking separate Water and Air powers and then combining them... it can''t be done."


    Nix stepped away from the group for a moment and faced them. He closed his eyes for a few seconds and focused, having never tried it outside of Khione''s trap, it took him a while. Slowly the image of his fire seed formed in front of him; this was followed by his Ice, air, lightning, and water seeds.


    Shoma stared at the seeds in the air, he could do the same thing himself, but it wasn''t nearly as impressive. "Damn... that''s a lot of seeds."


    Nix nodded at Silia. "Can you send an ice beast at me?"


    Silia raised a hand. "Something small, so there aren''t any accidents."


    A small Ice sparrow formed in the air over her head; a moment later, it dived toward Nix.


    Remembering to accept and not resist, Nix used a simple water stream to pull it closer and then separated the two elements within it. There was a collective gasp when both the air and water seeds absorbed the sparrow.


    "Now let''s try the opposite, remember I''m a novice Ice user."


    Falad and Shoma both sent small elemental creatures toward Nix, the first four attempts ended with Nix''s fire aura killing them, but on the fifth attempt, he combined the air and water creatures into his Ice seed.


    Silia stared at the Ice Seed; her expression showed real fear. "Khione is much more powerful than a Nemesis like me. If you can do that, Nix, then she can probably combine the entire seeds of Air and Water Lords."


    Nix nodded. "She didn''t use Ice Lords, because they are too rare."


    Shae moved beside him and squeezed his hand. "It''s like I said. Nix will figure it out."


    "The barrier is failing! We''ve been discovered!" Rhy''s voice shouted across the warehouse. "Fall back to the safe house!"


    Shae grabbed Nix''s hand and pulled him toward the exit. They ran into the street and quickly blended into the crowd. The sounds of fighting could be heard behind them.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Shouldn''t we fight?


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] We can''t afford to Nix.


    Shae turned down an alleyway and then broke into a run until the next street where they once again started walking.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Rhy is already safe.


    A shout from in front of them, caused Shae to break into a run and turn down the closest alley, unfortunately, it was a dead end.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Fly out of here Shae.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] We''d be brought down immediately.


    Three slim soldiers in leather armor approached them with weapons drawn. Their faces seemed to be made from a brown colored stone. The nearest of them stopped while the other two spread out.


    "I''m Captain Helbak of the Elementia Guard; you will surrender yourselves for questioning."


    "Careful Nix, these are Earth Spirits, and they are resistant to fire." Twin fire blades emerged from Shae''s hands.


    Nix focused on wrath and pushed Ice into it.


    [Spellsword Ability Unlocked: Black-Ice Blade]


    Nix could feel the Ice vibrating from the effects of the wrath hilt; his mind noted the occasion for later study; sonics turn Ice into black Ice.


    [Storm Rider: Execution]


    Combination Attempt successful.


    Nix appeared behind his target and a moment later the Captain''s head bounced off the ground, causing the other two guards to freeze.


    [Daisy Chain]


    An Earth Spirit Guard has been stunned.


    An Earth Spirit Guard has been stunned.


    Nix dispatched the two remaining guards while Shae kept watch, as soon as he finished she grabbed his hand and retreated into the street.


    Nix pushed back his hood and removed Shae''s. The redhaired Salamander nodded when he threw an arm around her. They fell easily into the role of lovers taking a stroll. A few guards ran by them while they walked, but none stopped to investigate.


    "I''ve never seen a city like this." Even under the circumstances, Nix could appreciate the work that went into three and four-story buildings.


    Shae leaned her head against his shoulder while they walked. "Earth and Wood elementals."


    Nix gave her a confused look. "What''s that mean?"


    "Some Earth and Wood elementals can build very complex structures. This city is probably much larger than it once was."


    Nix stopped and stared at her for a moment, and then took another look at the surrounding buildings. "F*ck... This must be Dyrekstad."

 329 Elementia part three

    Artemis nodded. "The earth spirits that serve as city guards are a hold-over from Hierophant, the Earth Dragon."


    "F*ck." Gideon knew that if Nix were here, he''d know exactly what all of this meant. "How does Bhalachi control the Earth Spirits?"


    Artemis shrugged her bare shoulders. "I was invited here by Hierophant many years ago. He gave me dominion over these woods. Although, as you''ve seen, the occasional straggler from the city does make their way here."


    "I need to enter the city." Gideon kept his face expressionless; without a doubt, she held the key to getting him in.


    Artemis''s lips curved into a slight smile. "You would join your friend''s battle? From what you''ve said, he had been brought here to deal with things."


    Gideon nodded in agreement. "I would."


    "The Ice Nemesis in charge of the city represents a danger to my woods. He often sends his minions here to test me."


    Gideon did his best not to cringe when she cupped his face gently and kissed his forehead.


    You have received the blessing of Artemis, Goddess of Wood.


    You have learned Binding Barbs.


    Binding Barbs [Wood] Multiple targets up to 5.


    Description: Barbed vines wrap around your target,


    holding them at bay.


    Duration: 45 seconds. Cooldown: 2 minutes.


    You have learned Thorn Armor.


    Thorn Armor [Wood] Self-Only.


    Description: Deadly thorns erupt


    from your armor, causing your enemy


    damage when they land a strike against


    you.


    Duration: Unlimited.


    You have learned Wild Nectar.


    Wild Nectar [Wood] Self-Only.


    Your attack rating is increased by


    200. Your health and mana regeneration


    is increased by 20 percent.


    Gideon waited until she stepped away before sighing in relief. "Thank you, Artemis."


    Artemis handed him a small package wrapped in a giant leaf. "As your strength grows, you will continue to unlock new abilities."


    You have received the Cloak of the Forest.


    Cloak of the Forest: [Wood Element only.]


    Description: A shimmering cloak that blends


    in perfectly with your surroundings.


    +1000 Ac.


    +200 to ATK rating.


    +50 to All Stats.


    Enhancements: First Strike.


    Enhancements: Perfect Camouflage.


    You have earned a New Title: Forest Assassin.


    Forest Assassin


    Description: All combat in


    wooded areas double your


    chances to score a critical hit.


    Bonus: +100 to Dagger skill. Off-hand damage


    penalties are eliminated.


    Artemis lay her hand on his head. "Go now; none shall bar your way."


    ****************


    After meeting up with Shae and Rhy, Nix decided to skip the safe house and do some scouting. The trio walked cautiously down the streets of Elementia.


    The Northwest section of the city was barricaded by a wall of Ice that sealed off any entrants, except for those willing to walk through a stout looking command station. It was a two-story building made from white stone. Two guards with ranged weapons stood on top, carefully watching anyone that would approach.


    Directly across from the station was the Tempered Blade, one of Elementia''s Inns. Although the same Inn was in the exact place in every Dragon City Nix had been in, he noted that this was substantially bigger at five stories.


    They rented a room with a view of the station and studied the layout of the Northwest sector.


    Rhy took a few minutes to form an air barrier that would stop anyone from listening in; when she finished, she took a seat on the edge of the rooms only bed. "Thank you for coming, Nix."


    Shae didn''t bother to hide the pleased look on her face. "I can''t even say how happy I am that you are here."


    Nix gave them a deadpan look. "Wait... Does this mean you guys aren''t paying me?"


    Shae nodded. "No payment."


    "None," Rhy agreed.


    Nix made a face at them and continued. "I''ll have to get into the Infusing chamber. I''m fairly certain that all of the Earth Spirits are the product of animation."


    Rhy glanced out the window; two of them were in view. "Why?"


    "They''re exactly the same, as a Taxidermist and an Animator, I recognize that they''re made from the same template. It''s really advanced, though, far greater than anything I could do."


    Shae pursed her lips while she considered the theory. "How are they all Earth spirits? The resources needed for something like that seems a bit..."


    "Incredibly vast? Yeah, I''m not sure yet how it''s being done." Nix took a seat in the rooms only chair and leaned back against the desk. "Most of the Dragon Masters from the fallen cities had some sort of exit strategy in mind. Hierophant obviously brought Dyrekstad into this seed world; it seems like he was one of the smart dragons."


    Shae watched him; she could see that he was planning something. "I don''t like you going in there alone."


    "Scouting mission only Shae, when I get the information I need, I''ll return so we can plan an assault."


    Rhy stood and walked toward him, her hand held out. "Take this. It will help you find Wilo if you get close."


    Nix took the small jewel in his hand. It was small and round like a marble, inside was the tiny image of a city. It reminded him of the snowglobes his mother use to collect when he was younger. "What''s this?"


    Rhy smiled fondly. "Wilo makes them and gives them to her friends. She uses a tiny bit of her Air essence to make these. This is one of three."


    Nix held it up to his eye. "She made this? Who has the other two?"


    Shae nodded in reply. "Ronnie and King Lubo."


    Nix did a double-take. "The King?"


    ********************


    A few minutes later, Nix engaged his stealth package and slipped out of the room. He approached the command station cautiously; there was no guessing what sort of anti-trespassing devices the guards might have. Hierophant had obviously upgraded quite a few of the options. Somehow he must have tied in the guards to the City Security Menu.


    He slipped through without any concerns, he no longer needed to sneak since his Netherbreak Armor had been upgraded with the sound suppression camouflage. A large wall hid the spot where the entrance gate was located, the gate itself was removed and replaced with a black ice barrier.


    "Shit." Nix already knew how black Ice worked but didn''t really have a quiet option for cracking it open.


    Forced to pause, Nix considered the issue. Sonics turned Ice into black Ice, so the person who cast the black ice barrier most likely had a second element.


    Nix focused on Wrath and pushed Air into it.


    [Spellsword Ability Unlocked: Sonic Blade]


    Nix pressed the tip of the blade against the barrier, cringing at the loud noise it made as he pushed quickly through. One slash and he stepped in, the long ramp down to the Infusion chamber would have been dark had he not possessed thermal vision. The floors and walls of the corridor were much warmer than the Air inside of it; the effect made it look like a summer day to Nix''s sight.


    He took a few seconds to close the hole he made in the barrier; it was a regular ice patch; if someone came down, they''d notice immediately. He pushed Ice into Wrath until the black Ice blade emerged, then he lay it against the patched barrier and concentrated on feeding more Ice through the blade.


    The end result after several tries ended up looking like a block of lumpy black Ice, from a casual glance it would pass inspection.


    The temperature in the corridor dropped several degrees as Nix made his way down the ramp, he swore under his breath when he saw the first of the bodies.


    They were laid out in two parallel rows. A long tendril, slightly thicker than Nix''s arm, ran the length of the rows on both sides. Each body was connected to the tendril by the smallest of threads, some of the threads were bright, while others were dim. As he walked down the line, it was evident that the dark strands were connected to corpses.


    He lengthened his stride and then broke into a run, at the end of the two rows were two enormous crystals, the two tendrils were obviously siphoning into them. Nix could feel the presence of Air in the nearer crystal.


    A glance up the line showed bodies too large to belong to Wilo. Nix took out the ''snowglobe'' and held it in the Air; it pulsed slightly when pressed against the large air crystal. "F*ck... I''m too late."


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Are you in Elementia Nix?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Gideon? The hell are you doing here?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I''ve come to help.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] I could use some help.


    Nix''s glance fell on the Interface and then to the raised platform where a long-dead dragon corpse was still present. Hierophant must have brought the city to his seed world while he still possessed a reasonable amount of strength. A plan started to form in his head.


    [Whisper Nix to Gideon] Report to the Tempered Blade, Rhy and Shae are in room 308. I''ll be there in a few minutes.


    A quick glance at the Interface told him when he needed to know. The city was operating in preprogrammed mode; they probably didn''t have the Dyrekstad Master Key.


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] On my way back, Gideon is here and will be helping us.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Really? How did he get in?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] No idea. This operation requires more people. I''m going to need Leva, Ronnie, and of course, the King.


    Nix gathered his thoughts as he made his way back to the Inn. They''d have to move fast.

 330 Elementia part four

    "I''m glad to finally have found you, Nix!"


    Nix grinned slyly, "the stowaway makes an appearance."


    Shae welcomed him with a hug, holding onto his hand after she released him. "How''d it go?"


    Nix glanced at Rhy, his face free of expression. "Bad. There are lots of Air and Water Elementals that have already been drained of their essence."


    Rhy''s dark eyes stared at him. "Is Wilo one of them?"


    Nix nodded slowly. "I think so. I didn''t find her corpse, but the receiving crystal gave me an indication that her essence has already been drained and stored."


    Rhy''s eyes shone with emotion; she paused for a long moment. "Whatever you need, Nix, we have to set this right."


    "Thanks... It''s bad, but I haven''t given up on her yet." Nix smiled encouragingly, "we may still turn things around before it''s all said and done."


    The silence went on for nearly a minute before Shae gestured to Gideon. "He picked up the Wood Element."


    Nix studied the assassin carefully. Gideon seemed the same, but the proof was his presence in Elementia. "You followed us through the tunnel."


    "I did," Gideon admitted.


    "Good. I''m going to need your help." Nix patted him on the back. "You took a risk; truthfully, I like things like that. Taking chances often times yields unexpected results.


    Gideon''s thoughts moved back toward Artemis, the overly friendly Goddess of the Woods. "You got that right."


    Nix brought out three Orion puppets and sat them on the bed. "We''re going to need Inferno''s strongest elementals. I need names."


    Shae and Rhy glanced at each other. "Pon," they both spoke at the same time.


    Nix nodded. "Yep, Pon, the Magnificent is on the list. Keep going, need four or five more."


    Shae pursed her lips as she considered the options. "Fajii, Milat, and Mina."


    Rhy nodded in agreement. "Ronnie isn''t far behind them."


    "I need Ronnie actually, so let''s include her. Is Nether considered an Element?"


    "Yes, it is." Shae''s warm brown eyes showed her amusement. "Finally going to expose your trump card?"


    Nix frowned at the redhaired Salamander. "Who says I have a trump card?"


    "Don''t you?" She replied.


    Nix didn''t answer, but instead took a seat on the floor. "I''m going to need everyone''s armor."


    Shae clapped her hands excitedly. "You learned some new stuff!"


    Nix laughed at her expression. "Maybe."


    A few moments later, three separate sets of armor were laid on the floor in front of him. Shae was leaning over him, her red hair falling against the back of his neck. "Do me first!"


    "Um... Some space Shae." Nix examined the three different armors. He''d already worked with Nether Breaker Armor when he did Bali''s.


    Nether Breaker Armor: Leather


    +100 to all Stats


    +2000 to AC


    Immune to Nether Effects


    Immune to Control Effects


    Dark Wind [Air Only: Growth Type]


    + 500 to Air Abilities.


    + 500 to Flight Speed.


    + 200 to all Stats.


    + 1000 AC.


    Special Effect: Nether Wind.


    Fire Archon [Shae Only: Growth Type]


    All Fire Abilities are doubled.


    +300 to all Stats.


    +3000 AC.


    + 500 to Mana Regeneration.


    + 500 to Health Regeneration.


    Nix shook his head at the Archon Armor. "This is really good. Going to put a Camo-Overlay, then on to the good stuff." Nix started the queue while the three other occupants moved away and pretended they weren''t staring.


    [Shae] [Camo-Overlay] [Camoflauge Fabric V] [ Fire Archon Armor] [ Ice Dragon Leather] [Lamia Leather] [Black Orion Puppet]


    Nix studied the Overlay queue. "Sorry, Shae, but I''m going to enhance your Fire Armor with some Ice Dragon leather."


    Shae smiled widely from the other side of the room. "Whatever you think is best, Nix."


    Nix studied the layout for another moment and then selected the Craft Icon.


    [Critical Crafting x2]


    Archon Emperess: Shape Shifter Set [Shae Only: Growth Type]


    Description: This armor is the [Archon Emperess]


    Orion Shape-Shifting Set.


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    All Fire Abilities are doubled.


    +500 to all Stats.


    +5000 AC.


    + 1000 to Mana Regeneration.


    + 1000 to Health Regeneration.


    +300 to Speed.


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Poison


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Ice Damage


    Special Effect: [Ice Breath]


    Nix set up the next queue and activated the crafting icon.


    [Gideon] [Camo-Overlay] [Camoflauge Fabric V] [ Nether Breaker Armor] [Ice Dragon Leather] [Lamia Leather] [Black Orion Puppet]


    [Critical Bonus] [Phase Shifter]


    Forest Stalker: Shape Shifter Set


    Description: This armor is the [Forest Stalker]


    Orion Shape-Shifting Set. [Gideon only]


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 3000 to Armor Class


    + 200 to all Base Stats.


    +200 to Speed.


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Ice Damage


    Immune to Nether Effects


    Immune to Control Effects


    Special Effect: [Phase Shifter]


    Nix glanced up at the excited faces. "Gotta wait until everyone is done."


    [Rhylia] [Camo-Overlay] [Camoflauge Fabric V] [ Dark Wind Armor] [Ice Dragon Leather] [Lamia Leather] [Black Orion Puppet]


    He took one last look at the queue and then activated it.


    [Critical Crafting]


    Shadow Raptor: Shape Shifter Set [Rhylia: Growth Type]


    Description: This armor is the [Shadow Raptor]


    Orion Shape-Shifting Set. [Rhylia only]


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 750 to Air Abilities.


    + 750 to Flight Speed.


    + 300 to all Stats.


    + 3000 AC.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Ice Damage


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Poison


    Special Effect: Nether Wind


    Nix nodded in satisfaction and then handed the armor back to their respective owners. "The three of you will be the assassin team. Your mission is simple; Kill Bhalachi, the Ice Nemesis."


    Shae activated the shapeshifting armor and morphed into a black Orion feline. "You can add shapeshifting to armor sets?"


    Nix nodded and took note that Shae''s Orion was quite large. "The Orion is an ice creature. It has thermal vison, ice immunity, and enhanced Speed. It''s the perfect form for hunting an Ice Nemesis."


    Gideon whistled softly and then activated his shapeshifter set. He stalked across the room to stand in front of Nix. "What''s the plan?"


    "We''re going back to the control room. I''m going to take control of the city, while the three of you wait for the Nemesis to make an appearance."


    Rhy finally gave in to the temptation and activated her shapeshifter set. The black feline rubbed her head against Nix''s leg like a four hundred pound house cat. "Then what?"


    "Shut down the Earth Sentries, gather our team, and go from there."


    Shae changed back into her human form and sat on the edge of the bed. "How long will it take you?"


    Nix shrugged. "No more than a few minutes. However, when the Guards go down, you can bet that the Bhalachi will make an appearance."


    Rhy chose this moment to change also and sat next to Shae on the bed. "How is this city operating?"


    "I''m missing a piece of that puzzle, but I can say that Hierophant may be dead, but he has enough bone marrow left to supply the city with its basic needs."


    Gideon was the last to change back; he was smiling widely at the three Inferno members. "This is the kind of stuff you guys do? From now on, I want in!"


    Nix let his expression become serious. "You three are to remain stealthed until the Ice Nemesis appears. No matter what."


    Shae nodded. "Understood."


    ****************


    Ten minutes later, the stealthed group arrived back at the lumpy Black Ice barrier. Nix entered the same way he had before and then waited until the rest of the group entered before he closed it up.


    "No more talking from here on. Gather next to the dragon corpse and wait." Nix approached the city interface and opened it up.


    [Dyrekstad System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key.


    Nix was already comfortable using the dragon city interfaces. "Display all sub-menus.


    [Dyrekstad System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Hierophant)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Privileges (Disabled)


    d) Earth Sentry Company (Enabled)


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power


    b) Greater House Power (Disabled)


    c) Residential Power


    d) Business District Power


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Disabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Disabled)


    c) City Levitators (Disabled)


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Open Security Interface, City Controller."


    [Dyrekstad System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Hierophant)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Privileges (Disabled)


    d) Earth Sentry Company (Enabled)


    Dyrekstad City Key is not present.


    Inferno Master Key override is in effect.


    [A message has been sent to Hierophant regarding your actions. He has three minutes to answer.]

 331 Elementia part five

    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Privileges (Disabled)


    d) Earth Sentry Company (Enabled)


    "Enable City Gating Privileges."


    Nix focused on Leva and her Office in Chyanama.


    [Nether Walker]


    A moment later, he entered Leva''s office and tossed her an Orion puppet. "There''s no time, inhabit this, and be ready to move."


    The Orion instantly animated and moved close to him.


    [Nether Walker: Return]


    Nix appeared back in the control room a moment later, as he guessed the enabling of the Gating privileges wouldn''t trip any immediate alarms. "Drop the animation and open me a breach from here to my turtle house in Ionova."


    The Orion collapsed to the floor, and while Nix was stowing it away, a second breach opened up. He jumped through it into his turtle home, surprising everyone in the crowded living room.


    /Inferno: Nix: Emergency Elemental mission only. I need, Fajii, Mina, Milat, Ronnie, and Pon to come to the turtle house now.


    /Inferno: Mina: Ronnie is with me at HQ, gating now!


    Nix glanced around his living room Semmi, Fajii, Wind, and Pon were already present. "Could I borrow the King?"


    Wind nodded, and a moment later, the small gecko appeared on his shoulder. "Elemental only?"


    "Yes, sorry. You coming, King? Wilo needs our help!"


    Fajii picked the gecko off of Wind''s shoulder and stepped through the breach with Pon on her heels.


    A moment later, the front door opened to admit Ronnie and Mina.


    /Inferno: Nix: Into the Breach. Let''s go; everyone else stands by in case we need you.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Breach? Did you recover your Archon class?


    /Inferno: Nix: No.


    Nix ushered Mina and Ronnie through the breach and stepped through.


    You have joined Team Alpha.


    /Alpha: Pon: What''s the mission boss?


    /Alpha: Nix: Operation, Recover Wilo. Hells about to break loose, leave the Ice Nemesis to the team in place.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: My girl? Thank you, Nix!


    Another breach opened; this time, Leva stepped through.


    Leva has joined Team Alpha. "Finally, I get to fight with you.


    "About time." Nix moved back to the interface. "Disable Earth Sentry Company."


    [Elynmoor System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Privileges (Enabled)


    d) Earth Sentry Company (Disabled)


    The sounds of footsteps echoing down the corridor suddenly stopped when they ran into the Black Ice barrier. An instant later, a pillar of Ice formed in front of the control panel, it immediately burst apart, leaving a man standing there.


    /Alpha: Nix: Do not engage this target.


    "Hey, shithead." Nix smiled pleasantly and stepped away from the Control panel. "Nice of you to find my city for me."


    [Balefire Burst: Fury]


    Superheated white flame slammed into Bhalachi, knocking him back several feet. He stood up a few moments later, completely unharmed.


    "Your city?" Bhalachi glanced at the black ice barrier and destroyed it with a wave of his hand. He turned back toward Nix. "I know you... You''re the reason we''ve had to change our plans. How did a measly salamander manage to put fear into Khione?"


    Nix''s smile dropped when Bhalachi started to change. His white hair and blue eyes turned black as night. The light blue aura that surrounded him darkened considerably.


    /Alpha: Pon: Careful Nix, he''s not a typical Ice Nemesis.


    /Alpha: Nix: No, he''s a Black Ice Nemesis. It doesn''t matter; he''s still not our target.


    Four Elementals walked down the corridor; Nix sighed heavily when he saw them. "It sucks to be right all the time."


    Tibero and Falad exchanged glances with each other and then looked back at Nix.


    "What shall we do, boss?" Shoma spoke softly from beside the twins; the Air Elemental seemed stunned by the turn of events.


    Silia stepped from behind him, her pale eyes staring at Nix. "When did you know?"


    Nix pushed ice into Wrath, slowly the black ice blade emerged. In that instant, all four elementals turned at the sound of a high pitched scream.


    [Daisy Chains: Tides of Flame]


    Tibero has been stunned.


    Falad has been stunned.


    Shoma has been stunned.


    Silia is immune to stuns.


    A bright pillar of light shot down from the ceiling to completely encompass Mina.


    [Infusion Chamber Defenses have been activated]


    Mina has been incapacitated.


    Fajii''s hands morphed into large boulders as she slammed both of them into Silia.


    [Rock Slam]


    Fajii has landed a significant strike.


    Silia is immune to stuns.


    Pon''s hands glowed with white flames; the light reached a blinding brilliance before it exploded from his hands.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire Burst]


    Pon has followed up Fajii''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Rock Shield]


    Silia stumbled backward; immediately, a shield erupted out of the ground.


    /Alpha: Pon: The f*ck?


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Silia.


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Silia.


    Ronnie has scored a critical hit on Silia.


    [Earth Wave]


    The ground beneath them exploded upward and outward, bits of rocks dug deep into his armor. A half dozen strands of Emerald flame wrapped around Silia, anchoring Nix in place while the rest of the team flew backward.


    [Null]


    Nix has silenced Silia.


    [Nether Embrace]


    Leva used the power of the Nether to bind Silia.


    [Storm Rider: Execution]


    [Critical Interrupt: Air Burst]


    Shoma has landed a critical hit on Nix; the damage is mitigated by one half


    Nix felt an impact on his chest, sending him skidding across the icy floor.


    [Fire-Nado]


    Shoma has been caught up by a flaming whirlwind.


    Tibero has been caught up by a flaming whirlwind.


    Falad has been caught up by a flaming whirlwind.


    Silia has resisted Fire-Nado.


    [Rock Golem]


    Silia has summoned a Rock Golem.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Oh no, you didn''t!


    [Rock Golem: Scorched Earth]


    Ronnie''s Golem slammed into Silia''s, immediately knocking it to the ground, it''s enormous burning rock fists slamming into it.


    [Dead Eye]


    Ronnie has attempted a kill-shot on Silia.


    Kill Shot unsuccessful, downgraded to a critical hit. Ronnie has been stunned.


    [Storm Rider]


    Nix appeared behind Silia and slashed his blade across the back of her legs.


    Silia has been slowed by forty percent.


    [Earth Mire]


    The ground around Silia clings to the feet of her enemy.


    Nix is immune to control effects.


    Leva has been mired in earth.


    Pon has been mired in earth.


    Fajii is immune to earth control effects.


    Ronnie is immune to earth control effects.


    [Daisy Chain: Tides of Flames]


    [Critical Interrupt: Ice Spear]


    Tibero has landed a hit on Nix for no damage.


    Nix held out both hands and sent a dozens of strands of Fury Flames to wrap around Silia''s torso. Hauling back and swinging with all his strength, he slammed her into the nearest wall. When she bounced off, Nix spun in the opposite direction and sent her face-first into the floor.


    Sila is immune to stuns.


    Silia staggered to her feet, her ears and mouth gushing blood. "You f*cking.."


    [Deep Abyss]


    Nix has incased Silia in an orb of water.


    Falad is immune to water attacks.


    Tibero is immune to water attacks.


    Nix has incased Shoma in an orb of water.


    /Alpha: Nix: Now, Ronnie!


    [Storm Rider]


    Nix appeared behind Silia and placed Wrath next to the orb and pushed black ice into it. The clear water orb solidified and turned black as he leaped away.


    [Heart Shot: Scorched Earth]


    Ronnie has attempted a kill-shot on Silia.


    The black ice orb shattered outward, sending a wave of power in all directions.


    Silia has been slain.


    [Gemini Bond: Fire-Nado]


    Fajii has used her bond with Pon to cast a Fire Attack.


    Shoma has been caught up by a flaming whirlwind.


    Tibero has been caught up by a flaming whirlwind.


    Falad has been caught up by a flaming whirlwind.


    [Gemini Bond: Tides of Flame]


    Pon has used his bond with Nix to cast a Fire Attack.


    /Alpha: Nix: Old Bastard!


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh... Punk.


    [Nether Burst]


    Leva has scored a critical hit on Shoma.


    Shoma has been slain.


    [Balefire Burst]


    Nix has landed a critical hit on Falad.


    Falad has been slain.


    [Rock Slam]


    Fajii has landed a significant blow on Tibero.


    Tibero has been slain.


    Hierophant has cast [Earth Field].


    Pon has been incapacitated.


    Ronnie has been incapacitated.


    Fajii has been incapaciatated.


    Nix is immune to control effects.


    Gideon is immune to control effects.


    Leva is immune to control effects.


    Shae has been incapacitated.


    Rhy has been incapacitated.


    Nix swore under his breath and turned toward the raised platform. "Finally done pretending, Puppetmaster?"


    The long-dead Earth Dragon opened its eyes. "Puppetmaster? How did you know?"


    Nix shrugged as the great beast pulled free of the probes that were still feeding off of its marrow. "The Silia puppet was fantastic, by the way, weird though when an Ice Nemesis only attacks with minor earth skills."


    "This body has been dormant for decades, I had hoped..." Hierophant trailed off.


    "You hoped to continue helping Khione. What did she promise? Let me guess... Spectrum?" Nix noticed Gideon was in human form and was stealthily moving behind Hierophant.


    "How did you know that?" Hierophant seemed confused, like the mind of his dormant self had slowed with time.


    "You brought the city here and then went dormant, without having to keep Dyrekstad in the air, your marrow could keep it running for years." Nix backed away from the dragon as it slowly lumbered up from the platform.


    /Alpha: Leva: It''s getting stronger.


    /Nix: I know.

 332 Elementia conclusion

    "What?" Hierophant''s legs collapsed under him. "NOOO!!!"


    [Viper Strike: Backstab]


    Combination Attempt Successful.


    Gideon has landed a critical hit on Hierophant.


    Gideon has landed a critical hit on Hierophant.


    [Execution]


    Nix has landed a critical strike on Hierophant.


    "STOP! I surrender!" Hierophant seemed to slowly shrivel up, his strength fading until he could no longer move.


    Nix moved beside the dragon, his black-ice blade resting against the scaled, waist-thick neck. He could no longer hold his head up. "Tricky..."


    The defensive mechanism holding Mina finally released her, the Aquarion looked angrily at Hierophant and immediately summoned her Vilas. "Can they eat him now?"


    Nix shook his head before glancing down the tunnel for the sentries that never came. A breach had been opened across the entrance. "You opened a breach?"


    Leva nodded. "Figured they were going to charge in here."


    "Good job. Where''d they go?"


    Leva''s dark eyes stared at the breach for a moment. "Sent them to your house," she admitted.


    Mina shook her head and ran toward the breach with her Vilas. "Back in a bit. Keep the breach open, please."


    Ronnie picked herself off the ground and dusted herself off. "All of Inferno is at your place Nix; they can handle a few Earth puppets.


    Nix nodded but still frowned at Leva. "Those really aren''t puppets, lesser golems, I believe. I didn''t put it together until he started getting stronger."


    "Golems? Permanent ones?" Ronnie still held her bow in one hand; her own stone golem had de-summoned. "How''s that possible?"


    "Essence transfer." Shae''s Orion form was covered in Bhalachi''s blood. "It''s his specialty when you deactivated the Earth Spirits, the strength he gave them started to return to him."


    Rhy had already changed into her natural form; her sword was gripped in one hand as she approached. "The sentries were golems? Programmed for simple responses and duties?"


    "His second mistake. Puppetmasters can''t split their consciousness; our arrival here went unnoticed because he was inhabiting the Silia puppet." Nix nodded before kicking the dragon''s car-sized head. "Your continued existence hinges on you being forthcoming."


    "I will tell you everything." Hierophant''s deep voice rumbled in the room. "Initially, I stored my Earth Essence in several containers to preserve it. Unlike the other dragon-masters, I moved my city long before I was drained."


    Nix considered the statement. "The containers eventually became the sentries?"


    "Yes, after using the city interface to control them, I didn''t even have to monitor them anymore."


    Shae finally changed back to her human form and moved next to Nix. "Where is the real Silia?"


    "She''s dead. I drained her essence and used it to enhance the puppet I made in her image," Hierophant admitted.


    "Makes sense, I guess. Couldn''t have an Ice Nemesis without any ice abilities." Nix thought back to the test in the warehouse; she''d only used a basic ice-ability to test his theory.


    "That''s why she used those damn earth spells during the fight?" Pon''s old face wore a mask of disgust. "Let''s just kill this bastard Nix."


    Rhylia moved toward the giant air crystal that was still siphoning essence from the long line of unconscious elementals. "Is Wilo in this thing? Make him stop the process now!"


    Mina chose this time to reemerge from the open breach. "The earth sentries are piled up outside your house. Your living room is splattered with golem parts."


    "I can''t stop the process now; My Silia puppet is unusable."


    Nix nodded. "Then you''re useless, kill him, Ronnie."


    "Yep." Ronnie lifted her bow and aimed at the dragon''s head.


    "WAIT!" Hierophant could feel the killing intent in the room. "I can form one more Earth Sentry; I''ll need a basic amount of earth abilities to make it work."


    Nix walked around the head to Hierophant''s shoulder. "Make an earth puppet, but do not inhabit it."


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Let''s just kill him.


    /Alpha: Rhy: I agree.


    /Alpha: Pon: Yep.


    /Alpha: Nix: I believe he may be able to help us restore Wilo. If he can''t, then we will finish him.


    /Alpha: Shae: Careful Nix, I believe he is an Arch Elemental, like you. It''s the only way he could set everything up.


    Nix cursed quietly while he watched Hierophant form an earth puppet. He was an absolute master. Within a few minutes, a petite looking female with brown hair and tan skin lay on the ground in front of them. He knelt next to it and inspected it.


    Earth Sentry [Puppet]


    Description: A human-shaped


    puppet with minor Ice


    and air abilities.


    The dragon''s voice interrupted his inspection. "I will have to inhabit it this puppet, in order to work."


    Nix smiled and picked up the puppet. "No worries." Without warning, Nix stabbed his black-ice blade deep into the flesh behind the dragon''s shoulder. Blood dripped on the floor as he quickly made several deep cuts before disappearing into its body.


    "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Hierophant''s anguished scream filled the Infusion chamber.


    "Holy crap." Gideon watched as Nix vanished inside the dragon, he emerged a minute later covered in blood, with the still-beating heart in his arms.


    Nix opened his animator screen.


    [Earth Sentry Puppet] [Minor Ice Enhancement] [Minor Air Enhancement] [Hierophant''s Heart]


    Without pausing, he activated the [Animate] icon on his hud.


    The puppet''s eyes opened a moment later, her chest rising and falling. "What have you done?"


    Nix shrugged. "You''re a slippery bastard, just making sure you aren''t going anywhere."


    "You fool. My puppet making abilities are gone." The woman''s brown eyes showed real fear as she climbed slowly to her feet.


    Nix caught Leva''s attention and gestured toward the dragon corpse. "Bring in your people to process that thing."


    Leva nodded. "Right away."


    A breach opened next to the corpse just as Nix grabbed Hierophant by the arm and led her toward the air crystal. "First, you are going to locate my air friend."


    Hierophant shook her head. "How am I supposed to do that? I may be an elemental essence genius, but I''ve no way of navigating through hundreds of different streams."


    Nix glanced at Ronnie; her face seemed to be continually changing from rage to grief. "You have that snowglobe orb that Wilo made you?"


    Ronnie nodded, and a moment later held the marble-sized orb in one hand. A small gecko appeared on Fajii''s shoulder before darting quickly to Nix''s. His dark eyes stared at Nix as it brought out an identical globe.


    /Alpha: Pon: Where the hell would he keep that? It''s the size of his head.


    Nix collected the globes and handed them to Hierophant. "If you can''t help us, I''m going to let Wilo''s friends have you."


    The brown-haired woman knelt next to the Air Crystal with all the globes in one hand; she placed that hand against the smooth surface of the storage device.


    Nix glanced back at the dead dragon, dozens of small nether creatures were cutting, sawing, and draining fluids as they moved quickly to process the bones and meat. Leva was standing nearby, overseeing the operation.


    After several minutes, Hierophant staggered away from the large crystal. "Here."


    Nix took the three globes back from her, two of them had gone completely dark, but the third one pulsed brightly. "You were able to do it?"


    Hierophant nodded. "Can I assume that this bought my life?"


    Nix shrugged. "We shall see. If I can''t restore her completely..."


    He walked over to the Silia puppet, even though it had received substantial damage, it was still far better than the Emperor level puppets he made.


    Silia [Heavily Damaged]


    Earth puppet with minor Ice


    Enhancements. Created by


    a Grand Master Puppeteer.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: You can do it, right, Nix?


    /Alpha: Pon: That thing is junk, maybe a few spare parts.


    Nix nodded to himself and took out the puppet that dropped from the Thornwood Keep.


    Broken Puppet


    The handiwork of a Grand Master Puppeteer.


    However, it is broken and incomplete.


    "What is that?" Hierophant''s eyes showed intense interest as she walked forward only to be yanked back by Ronnie''s hand when she grabbed her by the hair.


    Ronnie''s dark eyes were menacing. "All I need is the smallest reason... the smallest."


    Nix took a closer look at the puppet from Thornwood Keep. It looked like a perfect miniature person with dual transparent wings that looked like something a dragonfly might have. "Absolutely brilliant."


    He opened his animator interface and placed the broken puppet in the first slot.


    [Broken Puppet]


    He paused for a moment and then placed the Silia puppet in the second slot.


    [Broken Puppet] [Silia Puppet: Heavily Damaged]


    Do you wish to use the Silia Puppet to make repairs to the broken puppet?


    "Yes."


    Aura Puppet Created.


    Aura Puppet


    Description: A beautifully


    detailed version of a minor


    Air deity. The Magnum Opus


    of Kellix Warden.


    Nix whistled softly; he could hear Hierophant struggle in Ronnie''s grasp.


    "Where did you get something like that? Do you know a Great Master?" Hierophant was desperately trying to get closer, even though she was held tightly.


    "No. This is for our friend, Wilo." Nix started setting up the queue.


    "What? Are you going to put a f*cking Air Lord in that thing? Don''t be stupid, Nix! I''ll be your strongest ally! Together we''ll challenge Khione."


    Ronnie finally tired of Hierophant''s struggles and punched her in the back of the head. "We don''t need your help to challenge Khione, dumbass."


    Nix nodded in agreement and placed the globe containing Wilo''s essence in the enhancement slot.


    [Aura Puppet] [Essence Orb: Wilo]


    Animate the Aura Puppet using the Wilo Essence?


    "Yes."


    Your Animator title has been upgraded to Animator II.


    The tiny person climbed to her feet, her wings instantly started fluttering, causing her feet to hover off the ground. She was about two feet in height, with short black pixie hair and pale ivory skin. She glanced around the room slowly, stopping when her eyes rested on the Dark Archer. "RONNIE!"


    Wilo appeared next to Ronnie an instant later, her small arms wrapping around her neck. "Someone hurt me!"


    Ronnie''s dark eyes shone while she stroked Wilo''s back. "I know. It''s better now, right? Look how big you are."


    Wilo sat on one of Ronnie''s shoulders, her cute face still looking surprized. "I guess I''m bigger."


    Ronnie couldn''t keep the smile off her face when Wilo tried to climb into her hair, a favorite hiding place. "You''re too big for that now, come say thank you to our friends."


    ***********


    An hour later, only Nix and Shae remained in the Infusion chamber. Leva had taken everyone back to Nix''s turtle house in Ionova.


    Shae was standing where the Air and Water amulets once stood. "Will they be safe in Ionova?"


    Nix nodded, "I think so. They weren''t filled yet, I''m only guessing, but Khione probably doesn''t know they''ve been taken."


    Shae watched as Nix placed the spectrum in the infusing chamber. "What are you going to do with Elementia?"


    "Not sure. Tell the Elementals they can leave now. I''ll put the shields up and figure out the rest from home."


    Shae grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Thanks for coming Nix."

 333 Tying up Loose Ends part one

    Nix looked up from the Control Interface. "Where''d you get that?"


    Shae smiled pleasantly. "Ronnie convinced Hierophant to tell her where it was hidden."


    "Hmm... I bet she did." Before they left, Nix made sure that Hierophant reversed the essences belonging to the elementals that were still alive. Too many had died, but the ones that were saved were very thankful. "Take a look."


    [Alliance City System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Enabled)


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Enabled)


    b) Greater House Power


    c) Residential Power (Enabled)


    d) Business District Power (Enabled)


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Disabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Disabled)


    c) City Levitators (Disabled)


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Enabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Enabled)


    c) Direct Control (Enabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    Shae peeked over his shoulder, one hand slipping around his waist. "You restored the security Gun Points?"


    "Yep. Although if I could make those sentries work, I''d opt for that." Nix closed the Interface and then locked access.


    "Nice name change, Alliance City." Shae kept her arm around him as they walked up the ramp.


    "We''ll restrict access for a while until our Allies settle in." Nix was tempted to pay a visit to Artemis, but Gideon had already done so, and he didn''t want to disturb the reclusive forest goddess.


    **************


    When the pair stepped into the turtle house a few minutes later, only Hyai and Fajii were present. The living room had been cleaned up, and everything seemed like it was back to normal, the two women whisked Shae away into the bedroom and closed the door.


    With nothing better to do, Nix exited through the front door and was immediately confronted by a large pile of Earth puppet parts. Pon, Wind, Semmi, and Jun Li seemed to be content watching the sentries.


    Nix joined the group. "Something up?"


    Semmi nodded. "We took the Air and Water elemental crystals back to HQ. Delia is able to identify each of the essences stored inside."


    "She was?" Nix had forgotten that he sent Delia the Beautiful back to HQ. "I''m assuming her powers have reset, right?"


    "Yes." Semmi had spent several hours talking to her. "Intrepids want to live their lives without ever having to activate that ability. She considers yourself in your debt."


    Nix shook his head. "There is no debt."


    "Maybe not, but she thinks she can help us put those essences back into viable containers." The blond officer hid a smile. "If only we had someone who could make those."


    Nix let out a long breath. "You think I should make dozens of puppets and help animate them?"


    Semmi nodded. "Hundreds, actually."


    Jun Li''s face showed her excitement. "We''ll help you. Pon came up with a plan?"


    Nix scowled at Pon. "Did he now?"


    Pon''s old face creased in an innocent smile. "Just trying to do my part Nix."


    Nix laughed at the old man''s expression. "Share with me this idea of yours."


    Pon pulled up his hud and showed an item list of materials from the auction house. "Using common generic materials, you can create two different templates. One for Water creatures and the other for Air."


    Jun Li opened up her own hud and showed Nix what they already had on hand. "We can do it fairly cheaply. You can use the extracted essence to enhance the puppets."


    Nix considered the idea for a moment. "Each extracted essence would need to be stored in a container first if we could do that; then I could make it work."


    Semmi held out a small blue stone. "Guess what? Darsi can make these for about a thousand credits each."


    Essence Sapphire


    Description: Perfect


    for storing enhanced


    spirits at the Lord rank


    and below.


    Wind was staring at Nix; he hadn''t voiced his opinion yet. "I hate missing out on missions, Boss. Help me get an element."


    Semmi seemed surprised by the statement. "What''s this have to do with the topic?"


    Wind shrugged. "Nothing. Branching out on my own here."


    "Speaking of branching out. Where are Beta and the Qi siblings?" Nix knelt next to one of the earth sentries and examined it; he started going through the pile quickly. "I thought you guys looted these."


    "We did. You find something?" Pon picked up one of the sentries that Nix hadn''t touched yet. "Nothing here."


    "Beta and the Qi siblings are waiting for you in Free Trade City." Wind tried in vain to not smile when he mentioned the albino rogue. "Sasi asked me to hurry you along."


    "Hmm?" Nix grabbed the sentry from Pon and immediately removed an item.


    "The hell you get that? I just looked at it." Pon''s old face stared at the small stone in Nix''s hand.


    "Used my animate skill to salvage it." Nix linked the item.


    [Earth Essence]


    Medium level Earth Enhancement.


    "I was wondering what happened to those; they didn''t revert back to Hierophant either because of the distance or his because his body was dead." Semmi put her hand out and then examined it closer when Nix gave it to her.


    "Or both." Jun Li waited until she was done and then put her two cents in. "We need to upgrade the entire Guild Nix, the fights here are only getting tougher."


    "I know. Have the Gemini raid force come by one at a time tomorrow. I''ll fit them in while crafting puppets." Nix shared a glance with Semmi. "How much dragon blood and scales do we have in our treasury."


    Semmi lowered her voice slightly. "Counting the stuff Leva handed over, more than two thousand separate vials. A shit-ton of scales, you could probably make a dragon with it."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I have considered it, but since I don''t want to piss off the Apex predators of this world, I thought I''d hold off."


    "Right." Semmi had only been teasing. "We''ve only faced dragons that have been drained of their powers. How would we fare against someone like Deidra?"


    Nix considered it for a moment. "We''d fare okay for about three seconds, right up until her first attack insta-killed everyone but Morti. He''d last half a minute."


    As if on-demand, the titan cub lumbered around the side of the house at a full run. He was carrying Ducky and Fey on his back; in hot pursuit was Wilo."


    The Air elemental stopped when she saw him; her double wings created a buzzing noise in the Air. "Nix!"


    Nix marveled at what the aura puppet looked like animated. "Feeling better, Wilo?"


    She moved closer, giggling when a small creature darted around the back of her neck to stand on her shoulder. She stroked the little gecko''s head with one finger. "Yes. I missed my friends."


    "I can make you an outfit to suppress that sound from your wings if you want."


    Wilo moved closer until they were eye to eye. "I''m still getting used to them, but I''ll let you know."


    She zipped off a moment later, continuing to chase Morti, who was waddling quickly toward Ionova.


    /Inferno: Nix: Time to upgrade everyone, I''ll start with the Gemini Raid group, then progress through everyone. Moki, Darsi, Dalton will be taking part. Time to break out the good stuff and upgrade Inferno.


    /Inferno: Moki: Dragon scales and leather?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes. Also, all Inferno members will receive one vial of dragon blood.


    /Inferno: Nansu: Lifestyle too? I have some pretty nice alchemy recipes that can be made with that stuff.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone. Lifestyle players too. The following people report to the Turtle house tomorrow at 0900.


    Jun Li: Gladiator


    Sharl: Defender


    Chiba: Gladiator


    Vooni: Defender


    Milat: Trickster


    Floyd: Trickster


    Semmi: Thief


    Wind: Thief


    Pon: Mage


    Fajii: Mage


    Ronnie: Ranged


    Dalton: Sniper


    Darsi: Sniper


    Moki: Sniper


    Mina: Mage


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s change that to my shop at the Ionova City Center at 1100.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Is it true that you are giving Dyrekstad to the 12 Pillar Alliance?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Yes. You did ask for a safe place. I already changed the name to Alliance City.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Thanks, Nix. Are we going to stay in the Seed World with Artemis?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] No. I have other plans, but I promise it will only benefit the Alliance.


    *******************

 334 Tying up Loose Ends conclusion

    Hyai noticed him nodding off from her seat in the kitchen. Neither her nor Fajii had left Shae''s side since she returned. "Thirty minutes Nix."


    Nix nodded in reply. "I''ll finish this up and grab a quick shower."


    Semmi had compiled a list of easy to attain items that were reasonably cheap. All Nix had to do was create two templates, and Inferno would foot the bill while he crafted the puppets.


    [Water Creature]


    [Queue One: Emperor Turtle Skin]


    [Queue Two: Deep Sea Shark Tooth]


    [Queue Three: Bulato Cuda Fins]


    [Queue Four: Otter Bone]


    [Queue Five: Essence Sapphire]


    Nix carefully inspected the first template. The items were fairly easy to get, but he found it troubling. Would the Water Elementals be thankful? This would basically confine them to the seas of Everspire. "Let''s use some of the leather I made from Neptiphago''s skin to strengthen the template, perhaps they will find it easier to advance."


    [Sea Hunter]


    [Queue One: Water Dragon Leather x50]


    [Queue Two: Deep Sea Shark Tooth x500]


    [Queue Three: Bulato Cuda Fins x1000]


    [Queue Four: Otter Bone x100]


    [Queue Five: Essence Sapphire]


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. "Now the Air Elementals."


    [Air Raptor ]


    [Dragon Scale x50]


    [Air Wraith Teeth x500]


    [Desert Bat Wings x1000]


    [Queue Four: Spire Osprey Bones x100]


    [Queue Five: Essence Sapphire]


    Nix brought up a preview of what each puppet would look like. The Water creature closely resembled a Leopard Seal, with a bit of armor protection and larger teeth. It was a medium-sized predator about eight feet in length and weighed around three hundred pounds. The Air creature looked like a giant bird of prey. Instead of feathers, it possessed scales and leathery wings. It would stand about three feet in height and weigh close to fifty pounds.


    He used his hud to send copies of the required materials to Semmi and Jun Li, then he closed the animation interface and stretched.


    The three women stopped talking when he approached the island, making him instantly suspicious.


    "We talking about something fun?" Nix didn''t expect an answer since both Hyai and Shae shrugged.


    "Just discussing Mina," Fajii answered truthfully, utterly unaware that her two cohorts were staring at her.


    "I see..." Nix pursed his lips as if considering the topic. "Want my input?"


    Shae nodded slowly. "You''ve always had a close relationship with her. I am satisfied with your choice to give her a daughter."


    "I was drafted into it, but I won''t lie and say that the illusion from the Black Gate hasn''t affected me. I would have done it eventually."


    Fajii grabbed his hand and pulled him closer. "You are a man of your word."


    "She wants to stay in the Sea-World after we finish in Everspire," Shae said it like she thought it was the worst idea she''d ever heard.


    "Yeah, I know that. You guys disagree?"


    All three women nodded. Hyai freckled face was etched with concern. "Ask her to stay in Haven."


    "Yep," Shae agreed.


    Fajii nodded without saying anything.


    "I''ll talk to her, no promises though." Nix exited the kitchen and headed toward the bathroom.


    Shae waited until she heard the water running before she spoke. "Mind if I have him to myself tonight?"


    Hyai''s lips curved in a lazy smile. "Let''s negotiate properly.


    **************


    Nix woke up slowly, for once, there wasn''t any ambient noise or strange people coming in to wake him up. An insanely warm Shae was wrapped around him, giving Nix the best night of sleep he ever had.


    Shae was resting her cheek against his shoulder, but she''d been awake for a while. "You were pretty tired. No need to get up yet."


    Nix smiled at the salamander. Her wild red hair was sticking up in multiple directions. "I promised Hyai to help her with her Djinn. Then I want to spend some time with Morti at the training grounds in Nescari."


    Shae leaned closer and pressed her lips against his. "You should get moving then; it''s already 0900."


    Nix paused and put a hand to his stinging lips. "Ghost peppers?"


    The redhead nodded. "Want one?"


    Nix made a face at her. "Pretty sure you just gave me one."


    When Nix walked into the kitchen a few minutes later, Leva was sitting at the kitchen island with Fey and Ducky. "Morning... Have you guys seen Hyai?"


    Ducky nodded. "She went with Milat and Mina to Free Trader City to do some quests."


    "Crap..." Nix grabbed the boxed lunch Hyai made from the fridge and headed out the door.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon, Tess, Sharl, and Gypsy. Do you guys want to help me with something?


    /Inferno: Tess: A mission with the Boss? Yes!


    /Inferno: Sharl: Sure, Nix.


    /Inferno: Pon: I smell loot. I''m in.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Yes.


    ****************


    Nix tightened up the helmet on Morti''s head and then turned back toward their opponents. The Nescari training grounds had a few more spectators than usual. Gil and Jaro were both in attendance, along with Morti''s parents. "Ready for some training?"


    Morti nodded his big head. "We gonna spar with those guys?"


    Nix waved at the members of Inferno, a pleasant smile on his face.


    /Inferno: Tess: Damn Nix...


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Is it too late to say no?


    /Inferno: Pon: Punk, bastard! Morti has fire immunity.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Don''t be such babies, he''s just a cub.


    Morti and Nix walked toward the group, stopping about five meters away.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks for coming. You guys bring your rings from the Desert King fight?


    /Inferno: Sharl: I did.


    /Inferno: Tess: Got mine.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Yep.


    /Inferno: Pon: Those things are weak, Nix, he''ll squash us.


    /Inferno: Nix: Remember when I said to think outside the box? Everyone hand your rings to Pon.


    Nix smiled at Morti and scratched his ears. "Don''t worry about hurting Pon; he''s a tough old bastard."


    Morti nodded his big head. "Okay."


    /Inferno: Pon: Which form do you want?


    /Inferno: Nix: I want the Desert King.


    /Inferno: Pon: Huh?


    /Inferno: Nix: Activate them all at the same time.


    Pon slipped all four rings on his hand and activated them. A moment later, the Desert King appeared on the trading grounds. Pon roared happily.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Going to need to buy all your rings, guys.


    Nix studied the Desert King; he had lost an arm in that fight to the scorpion-like pincers. "This is the Desert King. If it''s the two of us, how do we take him."


    Mort plopped down on his big butt. "Think that snake tail is poisonous?"


    Nix nodded. "Definitely poison."


    "It doesn''t look long enough to get someone who is attacking the head. I''d stun him with a swat and then go after the Lion''s head."


    "Let''s try that then."


    Over the next hour, Morti and Nix tried a dozen different strategies against the Desert King. All four of the ring holders took turns as the Desert King; each presented a unique style of fighting. In the end, Morti and Nix were able to vanquish them. The group sat in the middle of the field, discussing the fight after they finished.


    "If that snake tail were a bit longer..." Tess had employed a spinning strategy where she attacked with the snake; first, it had caught Morti by surprise.


    "Let''s check to see if the Desert King respawns." Sharl had taken the last turn as the Desert King; she gave back the other rings under protest.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Worth it to check, the single rings by themselves are too weak."


    ***************


    [Ionova City Center: 1130 hours]


    The former Gladis crafters were each sitting at the long table inside Nix''s unopened Tailor shop in the City center. Each of them was using their rare inventories to upgrade Inferno''s raid gear. Alpha Team was in the process of getting their equipment worked on when Delia showed up with the first batch of essence stones.


    The Intrepid''s light brown eyes lit up when she saw Nix. Her black hair was tied up in one of Nansu''s braids. "Nix."


    "Welcome." Nix returned Delia''s smile. The woman was uncommonly friendly. "How many do you have ready?"


    Delia set the basket down on the floor and handed him one. "Seventeen in this batch, it takes more energy then I thought it would."


    Nix held up the stone and examined it.


    Essence Sapphire: [Yuna, Air Sprite]


    Nix glanced down at the basket. "Are these all Air Sprites?"


    Delia nodded in reply. "Yes, I thought it would help you to work on one group at a time.


    "Good thinking, that does make it easier for me." Nix noticed that everyone was watching him. "Waiting for the first one?"


    Semmi had moved closer and pulled up a stool. "You can do it, Nix. I''ll talk to them when they wake."


    "Good plan, Sem." Nix set up the queue with the items that the guild procured for him.


    [Air Raptor ]


    [Dragon Scale x50]


    [Air Wraith Teeth x500]


    [Desert Bat Wings x1000]


    [Queue Four: Spire Osprey Bones x100]


    [Queue Five: Essence Sapphire: Yuna, Air Sprite]


    Nix nodded in satisfaction before glancing at Semmi. "This one is named Yuna."


    A moment later, the reptilian looking bird flapped its wings once and managed to get on its feet, before looking around with intelligent eyes.


    Semmi moved into its field of vision. "I''m Semmi. Unfortunately, you were captured and drained of your elemental powers. We were able to restore your powers to a different body. You are safe here and free to leave whenever you like."


    Yuna nodded her head; it was apparent she understood but was incapable of speech.


    "Wait a few minutes, and you will be able to leave with others of your kind." Semmi stroked her smoothly, scaled head. "The body you are in is powerful; as a Sprite, you are probably already ready to rank up."


    Nix was already setting up the next queue, he paused when he noticed Yuna watching. "Don''t worry, you''ll be able to communicate with the others we animate."

 335 Multiple Requests

    "Hmm. Thank you, Nix." Fajii clapped happily, well aware that he wouldn''t say no to her. "I will definitely give you something nice in return."


    Leva had shown up with the remains of a Nether Creature called Shade Falcons. They had been slaughtered by the thousands when a larger predator invaded their territory. The Shade Falcon was a large predatory bird about the size of a drake. It was completely black and had long wicked claws that did Nether damage. The Scorched Earth Mage had been keeping him company when his minion reported in. Immediately Fajii asked for one of them to be enhanced into her armor.


    Right after that, Nix was bombarded with requests from the rest of Alpha Team. This forced Nix to put his foot down and declare that if you wanted a different animal enhancement, you''d have to assume the cost of all the materials required to advance your chosen puppet to Emperor. Unfortunately for Nix, everyone on Alpha team seemed to be insanely rich from all the raids they had been doing for the past year.


    Nix cursed his life choices several times. Instead of enhancing armor, he spent two days creating four additional Emperor pets. The other four Gladis crafters did their part in upgrading Inferno equipment and then left to do their own thing. To add to that, he animated 113 Air Raptors and 240 Sea Hunters; the only upside was that his Animate Title ranked up to Animate III.


    It was late into the evening when he laid the last puppet out. He took a moment to catalog them.


    Shade Falcon [Fajii]


    Description: A giant


    bird of prey with enhanced


    night vision and stealth.


    Ice Wraith [Pon]


    Description: Flying


    Ice Creature with two


    Ice Attacks; Snow Blindness


    and Winter''s Edge.


    Frost Tiger [Wind]


    Description: Largest


    of the Spire Cats, its


    attacks do Ice damage.


    [Quick Kill] Instantly finishes


    a creature under five percent


    health.


    Sand Leopard [Semmi]


    Description: Medium-sized


    Desert Cat with enhanced


    night vision. [Sand Shifter]


    The Sand leopard can instantly


    shift to any position within one


    hundred meters.


    "No wonder you sleep all day." A voice spoke from the doorway, causing Nix to turn.


    "Hey, Nebs. Got something special for you." Nix handed her the upgraded version of her Netherbreaker Armor.


    Changeling: Shape Shifter Set [Nebula only]


    Description: This armor is the [Changeling]


    Sand Leopard/Shade Falcon Shape-Shifting Set.


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 3000 to Armor Class


    + 200 to all Base Stats.


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Ice Shield


    Immune to Nether Effects


    Immune to Control Effects


    Special Effect: [Enhance Mana]


    Nebs slipped the armor on, her mouth opening wide in surprise. "Two forms?"


    Nix nodded. "Don''t tell anyone until after I finish the rest of the upgrades; the second form comes at the expense of an additional enhancement. I thought you''d like it."


    Nebs nodded and immediately shifted into the Sand Leopard shape. "Really awesome. I''ll pay you for the extra form."


    Nix shook his head. "My loyal Alpha Team fronted the credits for additional Emperor pets; there are always a few extras."


    Nebs stalked around the room before leaping up on his workbench. "Thank you, Nix. I won''t tell anyone for a while."


    Nix couldn''t help himself; he reached up and scratched her head. "I have two forms on mine also."


    Nebs changed back to her human form and sat comfortably on the workbench. She ran a hand through her short black hair. "Gideon said that from now on, wherever you go, we''re going too."


    Nix added the puppet enhancements to his team''s gear while Nebs watched. "Want to stay here in Ionova? It''s not exciting, but we could use a City Administrator."


    "I was hoping you''d ask me."


    ************


    The thin teen sat her packages on the boardwalk and rerolled her sleeves that kept falling down. She had spent the day in Free Trader City buying different fabrics for a new outfit, so she didn''t notice the three men who followed her from the gating platform.


    "Hey, beautiful!" A dark-haired man, with an unshaven face, approached her; the smell of alcohol and body odor followed him.


    Fey looked up and favored them with a tentative smile. "Hello."


    The two smaller men picked up her packages as if to help her, while the bearded man stepped closer. "Didn''t we see you in Free Trader City? We can give you a hand with these packages."


    "I''m staying at the new Inn at the City Center." Fey followed the group while they walked, a few blocks away they turned down an alleyway and increased their pace.


    The bearded man smiled apologetically, "we are going to the Inn also, but we need to pick up our other friend first."


    Fey frowned at the delay. "I''ll take them by myself then, in a bit of a hurry since I need to get these to my Tailor."


    A few blocks away, Bali and Ronnie were just coming back from the Turtle House, they were both in Dire Wolf form and were racing down the cobblestoned street. It was Bali who pulled up and stopped.


    "Fey found some new friends?" Bali could smell the alcohol on them from a few blocks away. "This is going to be bad."


    Ronnie wasn''t used to the wolf senses, yet so she was still struggling. "Bad for who? Come on; this should be interesting."


    The two wolves sprinted down the well-lit street and turned into the alley before skidding to a halt. Fey had managed to recover her packages, but she was backed up to the side of a stone building.


    "Come on, let''s play a bit." The bearded man motioned for his friends to spread out, and they formed a half-circle around the teen mage.


    "Play?" Fey sat her packages against the wall and turned toward them. "What shall we play?"


    The bearded man loosened his belt and stepped closer. "That''s more like it. Why don''t you take off those robes."


    "Sure... Give me some room, please." Fey waited until they complied with her wishes and then spread her thin arms wide.


    Garot smiled nastily when she spread her arms, unexpectedly they continued to stretch out until they became wings, and sixty feet of silver drakon appeared in her place. "Wh..."


    Fey extended her finely scaled silver head until it nearly touched the bearded man''s face. "I like games. Do you have a favorite?"


    Garot dropped to his knees while his two companions abandoned him without a second thought and ran towards the gating platform. "I was only having f-fun. Please don''t hurt me."


    The drakon tilted her silver head slightly. "Hurt you? Why would I do that?"


    The smell of fresh urine filled the air as Garot lost control of his bodily functions. "I''ll just leave... Okay?"


    Fey morphed back into her human form and picked up her packages. She carefully stepped around Garot, who was still on his knees. Her steps stopped when she saw a familiar face. "Ducky?"


    Ducky was walking casually with the two men that had been with Garot. "Nix is waiting for that fabric, Fey; you should hurry."


    Fey glanced at Ducky''s companions. "Are you going to play with them?"


    Ducky nodded. "I am. Hurry along."


    The Water Witch waited until Fey was out of sight before turning back to Garot; he was just climbing to his feet.


    Garot has been bewitched.


    Ducky smiled sweetly. "Did someone ask you to follow Fey?"


    Garot shook his head. "No, we saw her in Free Trader City and decided to have some fun."


    Ducky leaned closer, her blue eyes uncommonly cold. "What kind of fun?"


    Garot returned her smile. "We were going to take turns raping her and then hide her body before heading back to Free Trade City."


    "I see." Ducky gestured to the two men with her. "These men are your friends?"


    Garot nodded. "Yes, they follow me."


    Ducky has released her hold on Garot.


    The Water Witch leaned closer to the two accomplices. "Garot is a beautiful and willing woman, feel free to have your way with her."


    "What?" Garot backed away and drew his dagger; his two friends did the same. Instead of fighting, he chose to flee toward the gate.


    From across the street, the two wolves had resumed their human form and watched the entire episode play out.


    "Holy crap..." Ronnie''s dark eyes danced with mischief. "Think he''ll get away?"


    Bali''s pale face was beet red as she slowly nodded. "He''s a bit faster than his friends. What the hell was that?"


    Ronnie pulled her by the arm in an effort to put some distance between themselves and the alley in question. "That was the elder Sister administering family justice."


    The tiny ranger let out the breath she''d been holding. "Morti may be the strongest, but Ducky is way scarier."


    Ronnie pursed her lips and considered their option. "Still too early to go to sleep. What you want to do?''


    Bali turned toward the Gating platform. "We could head to Free Trader City and see if Garot got away.


    Ronnie laughed at the little ranger. "You sly cat! Want to track him down?"


    Bali nodded. "If he managed to get away, we should still teach him some manners."

 336 Provincial Council

    Nix waited until the bobber disappeared from sight before jerking the rod tip up. A moment later, the sweet whine of the line being pulled out let him know that he''d hooked one.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: You got it!


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Take your time, I''ll grab the landing net.


    After a few hard days of upgrading, Nix and his two fishing buddies set up where the Ionova river flowed into the sea. Everything they caught in the river''s mouth was over-sized.


    After twenty minutes of letting his catch struggle, Nix started to reel it in. Several times he was glad that he''d upgraded both his line and rod in Ever Spire; without a doubt, his old rig would have been completely destroyed.


    Jun Li whistled softly when they pulled it ashore by hand. The landing net had been entirely useless.


    Golden Serrated Fero


    Weight: 59 lbs.


    Description: A rare fish


    with golden scales that


    are valuable in crafting.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Check it for enhancements, Junie.


    Junie nodded and made a small incision between the fish''s eyes. A moment later, she removed a small black stone.


    Black Water Enhancement [Sonic]


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Not bad, going to keep it Nix?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Nope. Throw it in the guild bank.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Where did you put Hierophant?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Leva has him locked up in the Nether.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: You mean your top-secret Overseer Minion, who is now part of the Council of Five?


    /Go Fish: Nix: That''s the one.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: I wondered how you were able to exert so much influence so quickly.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Mina is here.


    Nix looked up from gutting the fish and was greeted by Mina, Milat, and Hyai.


    Hyai pulled out a small knife and knelt beside him, cutting several long filets from the fish. "I have just the recipe for this."


    Nix didn''t forget for an instant that Hyai was also a talented chef. "I''ll drop it off at the house before I go."


    "I need to report back to the Neva Council before you return." Mina smiled mysteriously, whatever was going on there, she absolutely refused to share.


    "Better head back then, I''m returning to Ever Flame today."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I want the Gemini Raid team to head to Ever Flame right now.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nix is heading in?


    /Inferno: Wind: Finally!


    ********************


    [Nether, Chyanama: 0900]


    Leva sat at her desk, smiling and staring down at the items on her desk. A small metallic helmet, a set of lock-picks, and a pair of slippers. They had all been gifts from Morti, Ducky, and Fey. It was the first time anyone gave her something because they liked her.


    The Nether Overseer frowned at her blinking hud. A moment later, a full-sized holo of Xia, the Council Advisor, appeared in front of her desk.


    "Overseer Leva." Xia bowed slightly, her tone respectful.


    Leva returned the bow but did not stand. "Advisor Xia, this is a surprise."


    Xia stared at her with wide-set eyes. "I wish to ask you a question, Overseer Leva, on behalf of the Council of Five."


    Leva nodded. She had been told by Nix to expect this. "Go ahead."


    Xia paused and chose her words carefully. "What is the nature of your relationship with Breach Commander Nix?"


    "I am his right hand and trusted General," Leva answered without hesitation.


    Unexpectedly Xia cursed; she stared hard at the ground for a moment without speaking. "Is it true that Breach Commander Nix has been cursed?"


    Leva nodded. "The curse gets weaker every day. Inferno and their allies are preparing for battle."


    Xia considered her options for a moment. "On behalf of myself and your fellow Council members, we offer the Might of the Nether."


    Leva let her reluctance show. "Nix''s Breach Commander abilities are temporarily disabled; he will rely on me to ferry his troops to their positions."


    General NyCyndor and his army are now under your command.


    General Ro'' Sina and her army are now under your command.


    General Genta and his army are now under your command.


    General Chog the Furious and is army is now under your command.


    Advisor Xia and her Elite Commandos are now under your command.


    Leva leaned back in her chair, trying to keep her face calm. "Any sort of Betrayal here will have dire consequences."


    Xia nodded in agreement. "We will fight under Nix''s banner; I will personally deal with anyone who tries to undermine this alliance."


    "Be ready, Nix, and Inferno wait for no one." Leva closed the direct contact and let out a long breath.


    ********************


    Nix rode Nightmare through the Ever Flame gates a few hours later; he detoured slightly to stop at the stable. Flash was already tied up outside and being watched by Randa, who was feeding him a carrot. "How''d things go?"


    Unexpectedly the young woman blushed furiously. "Fine, please stay in contact with us in the future."


    Nix reached over and accepted Flash''s reins. "I will try." With a quick wave, he pushed Nightmare into a brisk trot while Flash followed a few feet behind.


    The Town Hall was on the far side of the city, a few blocks away from Tanner Benton''s shop in the Market square. Nix took note that the market was oddly empty when he rode past it. He patted Nightmare''s shoulder and kept an eye on his backtrail. He didn''t know what to expect, and so he expected everything. A fight was brewing, but he wasn''t sure when it would start.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Gideon and Nebs have requested to join our raid force. Any objections?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] None, thank them, and put them to work.


    The Town Hall was a large wooden building with two sets of double doors. Nix tied up Nightmare and unsummoned Flash before walking in.


    The sound of voices arguing carried through the large room. A dozen people, including Mina, sat in conference at a long table in the front. Long wooden pews were filled with the citizens and shopkeepers of Ever Flame.


    When Mina spotted Nix, she immediately stood up. "It makes no sense to elect a Provincial Prefect while we are on the brink of war. I motion to temporarily assign Guild Leader Nix from the Inferno Guild as the Provincial Commander so that he may deal with this issue."


    Tanner Benton nodded in agreement. "Seconded. I move for an immediate vote."


    Oracle Bor Na tapped her gavel lightly on the table. "Motion carried. Please cast your ballots."


    Nix stood in the back of the room, waiting while the vote was being held. After finishing the count, Bor Na waved for him to come forward.


    Mina waited until Nix stopped in front of the table before speaking. "Council Members, this is Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno."


    Bor Na stood up slowly and approached him. "This council has unanimously voted to assign you as the Provincial Commander of our Forces. We place ourselves in your hands."


    Quest Updated.


    Curse of the Ice Goddess


    Objective: Destroy the bandit forces


    that threaten the peace of Neva.


    Objective: Defend Ever Flame.


    Objective: Defeat the Eastern Bandit Camp.


    Objective: Defeat the Western Bandit Camp.


    Objective: Defeat the Main Forces that have blockaded the Mountain Pass.


    The support of your allies has temporarily weakened the Curse that Khione has placed upon you.


    Your Breach Commander abilities have been restored.

 337 Neva: Battle for Ever Flame part one

    [Player Message Only] The Battle for Ever Flame will begin in one hour. All players are required to choose a faction. Rebel Commander Vega will command the Bandit Faction; the Neva Faction will be led by Breach Commander Nix of the Inferno Guild.


    Nix dismounted at the front gate where Jun Li and the rest of Inferno were already gathered.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: City Defense is first?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.


    Nix opened his Breach Commander Interface, a large holo of the Neva Province became visible. He zoomed in specifically on Ever Flame.


    /Breach Commander Nix: [ALL ALLIES] In a short while, we will begin our first battle on the continent of Everspire. We are fighting on several fronts, expect the fight to last several hours. Stand Ready.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    Available Allies


    1) Alpha Team


    2) Pathfinder Team


    3) Colonial Knights of Glory


    4) Souza Accord


    5) Fire Palace Acolytes


    6) Earth Temple Acolytes


    7) Air Palace Acolytes


    8) Gemini Palace Acolytes


    9) Central Kingdom: 1st Regiment Archers


    10) Ain''Dhassi: Inferno Ranger Company


    11) Broyan Alliance: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Regiments


    12) Aki''s Archon Squad


    13) 12 Pillar Alliance


    14) Clan Strom


    15) Clan Xai


    16) Tali Clan


    17) Ain''Dhassi: Shadow Rangers


    18) Izzin Naval Fleet


    19) Clans of Titania


    20) Krayven Clan


    21) 1st Division of Flame Knights


    22) Air''Voilla


    23) Nether Alliance


    24) Ashobel Elite Force


    25) Shi''s Ice Commandos


    26) Qi Family


    27) Miscellaneous Friends


    [27: Miscellaneous Friends]


    1) Elan Mtui


    2) Beta


    3) Raine Xai


    4) Del Tali


    5) Cora Tali


    6) Sai Tali


    7) Severance


    8) Shipwright Vy


    9) Morana


    10) Deidra Mtui


    11) Mortimus


    12)Tharaka


    13) Una Chelonia


    14) Zinu


    15) Ishna


    ***************


    [Author Note: For the purpose of review, I will briefly reintroduce a few of the forces that are going to take part in the upcoming battles. Please take a moment to refresh your memory.]


    [Mortimus] War Leader of the Titan Clans and Morti''s Father.


    [Krayven Clan] The Ever Spire Clan attacked Inferno while they were exploring their first Fallen Dragon City. Since the first contact, Nix has built a good friendship with Zinu, who then managed to convince her Clan to support Inferno.


    [12 Pillar Alliance] All 12 Guilds of the Alliance under the leadership of Vice Commanders Gideon and Sulane.


    [Clan Strom] Unseen for quite some time. After being rescued by Inferno in the ''Burning Down the House'' Arc, Umi Strom has assumed leadership of Clan Strom and, with the support of her Uncle Bhal (Parliamentary Guard Commander) has lent her full support to Breach Commander Nix.


    [Ashobel Elite Force] Since the Khione Fight, Thraraka (Raka), the former dragon who is now the Ashobel Chieftain, has grown in strength and will rally his forces when Nix calls.


    [Nether Alliance] Under the Leadership of Leva, the might of the Nether waits to be deployed.


    [Clan Xai] Thanks to interference from Alpha Team in ''Raid on Saigon,'' Raine Xai, and her mentor Delyn Xai (He taught the Wrath Course at Loki) now lead the Xai Clan without opposition.


    [Shi''s Ice Commandos] Nix had come to Shi''s aide on several occasions starting when she was the Ice spirit in the Cyphix Temple until he brought her to the Gladis Facility to support her current position as the Ice Lord of the North. This force is lead by Wylie, a Knight of Colonial who Nix assigned to be Shi''s Champion.


    [Scorched Earth Temple Acolytes] These are the Lamia Acolytes that follow High Priestess Sori Dah under the Scorched Earth Temple Lord, Fajii.


    [Ain''Dhassi: Inferno Ranger Company] Captain Locas and Bali are both officers in this company that has been protecting Loki for several months. They are part of the Inferno guild, and most of them have homes in Haven.


    [Ain''Dhassi: Shadow Rangers] Under the Leadership of Ain''Dhassi ranger Del Tali, the Shadow Rangers became close allies after Alpha Team saved Cora Tali in "Raid on Saigon'' and then proceeded to bring her to Haven to mend her broken spirit. Cora has thrived in the following months and is now a full member of the Shadow Rangers.


    [1st Division of Flame Knights] These are the Elite troops of Deidra Mtui, which she assigned to Nix after Alpha Team took down the Nether Emperor and several of his Overlords in one night.


    ***************


    "Holy crap..." Molls read the ''player only'' announcement and quickly started running toward her mount. She had spent the morning on a gathering quest with Lu and Circa.


    /Groupchat: Circa: You guys saw that, right?


    /Groupchat: Lu Ban: Yes, head to the horses.


    /Groupchat: Mollie: Almost there. This means Nix is back!


    /Groupchat: Lu Ban: Yep.


    The trio rode their horses toward Ever Flame and was within sight of the starter town a few minutes later. A large group was already forming just inside the gates.


    Lu dismounted quickly and left Nix''s Mountain Pony outside of the gate; he was joined within a few seconds by Molls and Circa. "Let''s go find Nix. There''s no way I want to miss this fight."


    They had just entered the front gate when a small white-haired woman with pointed ears stopped them. She held a bow in one and was staring at them with her bright blue eyes. "Halt right there! Where do you think you''re going?"


    /Groupchat: Mollie: Holy crap, is she an elf?


    /Groupchat: Circa: I read about them, she''s a dhassi.


    "I''m Lu, and this is Molls and Circa. We are friends with Nix."


    "Friends of Nix?" The white-haired ranger laughed in their faces. "Everyone says that, I''m Vice Leader Bali, and I know all of Nix''s friends."


    "See here..." Mollie stepped closer, although she was small also, the diminutive dhassi was a bit shorter. "We wouldn''t lie about that! We''ve been helping Nix do quests in Ever Flame."


    Bali made a face at her. "Don''t try and look down on me fatty. Move along before I have you arrested."


    "Who are we arresting now, Bali?" A familiar voice spoke while laying a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Nix.


    "Oh... Hey Nix. These guys claim to know you." Bali shot Mollie a sour look. "That green-haired female there looks like trouble. Just say the word, and they disappear."


    "Trouble? Who''s trouble? You little white-haired Pipsqueak!" Mollie started walking toward her only to have Lu head her off.


    "Bali, you''ll be defending the walls with Captain Locas" Nix waited until Bali had left before continuing. "You three are with me if you don''t mind."


    Molli has joined Alpha Team


    Circa has joined Alpha Team


    Lu Ban has joined Alpha Team.


    Gideon has joined Alpha Team.


    Nebula has joined Alpha Team.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: We''ll stay together for the City Defensive after that Gid and Nebs will head off to their Alliance Force while I join the Main Assault team.


    /Alpha Team: Circa: Thanks for including us.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Here''s our Layout, Nebs is on heals, and Morti is tanking.


    Gideon: DPS


    Nix: CC


    Lu Ban: DPS


    Mollie: CC


    Circa: DPS


    Nebula: Heals


    /Alpha Team: Mollie: Um... Who is Morti?


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    A moment later, a gigantic wet bear appeared in front of them, he shook himself vigorously, sending water spraying in all directions. "Sorry Nix, it was bath time."


    Nix was trying not to laugh since he used Mollie to shield himself from the water. "Ready to go?"


    Morti''s big head nodded up and down. "Forgot my helmet, though."


    "We''ll have to manage without it this time." Nix patted the titan cub''s wet head. "Okay?"


    "Sure, Nix," Morti agreed.


    /Alpha Team: Mollie: That''s Morti? He''s so cute... and really big.


    /Alpha Team: Lu Ban: That''s the biggest bear I''ve ever seen.


    /Alpha Team: Gideon: He''s just a cub.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Wait here, let me set up the city defenses, then we''ll be the QRF.


    /Alpha Team: Mollie: QRF?


    /Alpha Team: Nebula: Quick Reactionary Force. It means we''ll be putting the fires out.


    /Alpha Team: Gideon: Just be ready, we''ll be running and fighting the entire time.


    Nix stared at the Breach Commander Interface; there would be three main forces trying to overrun Ever Flame. They had them surrounded, but with his ability to open breaches, it didn''t matter.


    /Breach Commander Nix: I''m going to utilize five groups for Ever Flame''s defense. The Inferno Rangers and Scorched Earth Acolytes will be protecting the city walls.


    /Allied Command: Captain Locas: Understood, Sir.


    /Allied Command: Sori Dah: Understood Nix.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Junie will take Inferno and thin down the group NE of us.


    /Allied Command: Vice Leader Jun Li: We''re on it.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Del Tali and the Shadow Rangers will take the group West of us.


    /Allied Command: Del Tali: We won''t let you down Nix.


    /Breach Commander: Nix: Clan Xai will hold off the group to the South of us.


    /Allied Command: Raine Xai: Understood Nix.


    /Breach Commander Nix: That should do it for the City Defense, but stay ready just in case.


    A hissing sound behind him announced the arrival of Sori Dah; Nix greeted her with a wave. Like the rest of the Lamia, she could only use Scorched Earth magic in her natural form. "The Acolytes are in place around the walls."


    Nix nodded and used his Breach Commander Interface to place Inferno, the Shadow Rangers, and Clan Xai into their positions.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Prey waits. Have at them.

 338 Neva: Battle for Ever Flame part two

    /Breach Commander Nix: All independent forces in Ever Flame, form groups, and attack the invaders at will. We can expect that the walls will be breached a few times, be quick to locate these moments, and attack aggressively.


    Nix left Nightmare tied next to the stable and then joined the newly minted Alpha Team.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky smiled sweetly when she saw Nix and his new friends. "Nice to see you guys again."


    Mollie couldn''t help but return her smile, "Same here, Ducky."


    Nix grabbed her hand and led her away from the group a bit. "I want you to help the weaker heroes that are going to be defending inside the city, just enough to keep them fighting. I want you to stay mobile."


    Ducky saluted crisply. "I''m ready."


    [Summons: Shadai, Tor, Cal]


    All three Arch Winds appeared in the air, their white wings flapping effortlessly as they hovered off the ground. Cal looked much more durable than he had in the past, he held a powerful looking bow in one hand and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Nix."


    Nix nodded in satisfaction when he saw his arch winds. They seemed more robust than before. "Ranked up?"


    Cal nodded. "All three of us are Lord ranked Air Elementals now."


    "Hmm... Well done, we will celebrate your promotions after this battle." Nix could see dozens of groups forming just inside the gates. "The three of you will form your own group and support the other groups. Let''s try and protect them as long as we can."


    [Summons: Fey]


    Fey appeared an instant later in her human form; her long white staff held on one hand.


    Nix placed a hand on her shoulder. "Can you be my eyes in the air? Call out any hotspots in the city and lend a hand until help arrives.


    Fey nodded. "I''m on it, Nix!" She waved at Ducky and then cast a glance at Morti. "Why are you wet?"


    Morti was sitting on his large butt, water still dripping off him. "Bathtime..."


    Fey raised her staff, and a moment later, the area around him flared with silver flames. They died down after a moment, leaving the dried Morti unharmed. "That''s better."


    An unphased Morti nodded in agreement. "Thanks."


    Nix waited while she morphed into her Drakon form and took to the air in a gale wind of dust. "That should do it, let''s get the pugs into position."


    /Alpha Team: Mollie: Pug?


    /Alpha Team: Gideon: Pick up groups. It''s when you join up with people you haven''t met before.


    Nix quickly moved through the crowded area; he asked all group leaders to raise their hands and then assigned them positions along the inside of the wall. A handful of groups were left in the marketplace with instructions to operate as assist groups. They''d assist any group in trouble, and when they were done, they were to return to the market. In the event that the group was wiped out, they''d replace them at that position.


    ******************


    [1300 Hours: Shadow Ranger Force, West of Ever Flame]


    Del Tali studied her hud, although rangers were primarily a range force, more than half of her group were dual-sword specialists. "Report."


    The three scouts all bowed at the same time. Scout-leader Tru Dawn spoke. "Mountain Harpies Commander, the entire pack of them, are an airborne group."


    Del cursed the decision to give Captain Locas and his company to Inferno; they were the strongest archers among the Ain''Dhassi. More than once, she wished it had been the Shadow Rangers (SR) that were sent to Loki, but with her in command of SR, her Grandfather would never allow it. "How many? And what type?"


    "Thirty melee fighters and another twenty mages. Looks primarily like Ice users, but I did see at least three fire mages." True paused for a moment, unsure if he should continue.


    Del noticed his hesitation. "Was there something else?"


    Cora stepped forward from the scout group. "I sensed the traitor''s presence. It was only for a moment, but it was there."


    Del''s pale face slowly turned red. "Did anyone else notice?"


    Tru shook his head, "Cora is the only one, but I do trust her words."


    After Saigon abducted Cora and two other trainees, it had been discovered that an Ain''Dhassi Ranger was feeding information to the Fir''Dhassi. His name was Rogar. Unfortunately, he was the previous commander of the Shadow Rangers. Del felt her jaw clench reflexively; it had taken everyone by surprise.


    "If he is with them, then we''ll deal with it. Our mission first is to destroy this camp." Del studied the terrain, the spot they picked was the most direct route to Ever Flame. All they needed to do now was wait.


    [1300 Hours: Xai Clan Force, South of Ever Flame]


    Raine read the scouting report that her clansmen handed her. "A mounted force? Heavy or light?"


    The teen scout answered without hesitation. "Quick hit type, light armor." Like many of the Xai Clan, he was one of the trainees that were brought up to fill in the gaps that the Saigon/Raine feud had caused. He seemed calm on the outside, but inside he was scared. His first action was an assault in Everspire. The odds were that he''d face an enemy 10 or 15 levels higher than his.


    Raine nodded and handed the report to Delyn. "What''s your name, scout?"


    The scout was short and slender, his hair much darker than most of the Fir''Dhassi. "Baran Quickstride."


    Raine bit down on a smile, given the size of Xai Clan; she didn''t know everyone. "Relation to Ti Quickstride?"


    Baran nodded. "Ti is my elder sister, she''s with child and has withdrawn from active service."


    "Crazy Ti is having a baby?" Raine let the smile come out and gripped the young man''s shoulder. "When we get back, be sure to tell her I said hello."


    Baran bowed slightly and left at a quick trot, Raine and her mentor both watched him go.


    Raine handed the report to her mentor. "He''s young. So many of them are."


    Delyn Xai nodded while glancing over the intel. "They''ll be fine. Commander Nix gave us a fairly soft assignment."


    The Wrath trainer had learned a lot about Nix and his friends while teaching the Wrath course at Loki''s VoTech. On the outside, it seemed chaotic and unorganized, but there were several strong leaders within Inferno.


    "I agree." Raine grabbed her gear and headed for her horse. "Our mounted force against theirs, we''ll wait for them to make a move."


    [1300 Hours: Inferno Raid Force, Northeast of Ever Flame]


    Jun Li stared at her raid sheet. They''d be outnumbered; she wanted to read the scouting report before deciding their strategy.


    She didn''t have to wait long, Semmi and Wind unstealthed at the edge of their camp and arrived in front of her a few minutes later.


    The blond officer offered her childhood friend a crisp salute. "There are three Mid-Level Lieutenants in that camp; Vladik, Seino, and Rhaqi. Each of them has an entire platoon of range/melee members. No real magic users of any kind."


    Jun Li''s hud buzzed, and she received maps and pictures of the enemy camp. "Very good, anything else?"


    Semmi nodded. "A boss is sitting by herself in the far tent. I believe she''s the heavy-hitter in camp, there was a staff next to her, and her name is Milandra the Ice Princess."


    "Probably an Ice Mage of some sort," Jun Li smiled at her friend and started setting up their groups.


    [Main Assault Group]


    Sharl: Defender (Tank)


    Semmi: Thief (DPS)


    Wind: Thief (DPS)


    Pon: Mage (DPS)


    Gypsy: Heals


    [Command Group]


    Jun Li: Gladiator (DPS/Tank)


    Milat: Trickster (CC)


    Mina: Mage (DPS/CC)


    Fajii: Mage (Buffs)


    Saji: Heals


    [Secondary Assault Group]


    Banzi: Defender (Tank)


    Ronnie: Ranged (DPS)


    Floyd: Trickster (CC)


    Zhava: Scout (DPS)


    Tess: Heals


    [Sniper Nest]


    Vooni: Defender (Tank)


    Dalton: Sniper (DPS)


    Darsi: Sniper (DPS)


    Moki: Sniper (DPS)


    Pinky: Heals


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our Main Assault Group will take Lieutenant Seino; that''s the one closest to the camp''s main boss. Once the Main Boss is active, Sharl will have to hold her until the rest of us can lend a hand.


    /Inferno: Sharl: I got it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Set up the Sniper Nest at their max range, no one has seen what a Gemini Sniper can do, time to shine. Make sure you protect them, you''re bound to be charged.


    /Inferno: Vooni: Understood.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Our secondary team will take Lieutenant Rhaqi. If Sharl goes down, Banzi will assume Main Tank duties.


    /Inferno: Banzi: I''m on it, Junie.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The Command Group will take Lieutenant Vladik.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: More than anything, we need to be reactive, plans are just a guideline, we''ll adapt as it comes.


    /Inferno: Pon: With a name like Vladik, you know he''s a vamp.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yep, bloodsucker for sure.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Wonderful... Use AE attacks on the platoons. A lot of the fodder will get by us, but Nix and Morti are protecting the city. Questions?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Nope. Let''s go¡ªprey waits.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Tanks get ready, as soon as you have the HoT (Heal over Time), head in and establish aggro.


    Saji has placed [Blessing of the Sea] on Jun Li.


    Gypsy has placed [Blessed Hands] on Sharl.


    Tess has placed [Blessed Hands] on Banzi.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Mages put your AoEs down right at first contact.

 339 Neva: Battle for Ever Flame part three

    Floyd has planted [Inferno''s Battle Flag]. All Inferno members receive the Guideon buff.


    Guideon: Inferno Battle Flag [Silver Standard]


    + 2000 AC


    +50 All Stats.


    +100 ATK


    +100 Defense


    Description: Plant your Guild Flag


    on the battlefield and reap the benefits


    of unity and loyalty. This effect is not


    stackable with other flags or guideons.


    "Hell yeah!" Sharl charged into the middle of the platoon and slammed her shield into Seino''s face.


    [Shield Bash]


    Sharl has stunned Lieutenant Seino.


    Pon targeted the entire platoon and cast [Burning Fields], causing the whole area to burst into flames.


    [First Strike]


    Semmi has landed a significant strike on Lieutenant Seino.


    [Dual Chain: Backstab]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual Chain: Balefire Burst]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s attack with a significant strike.


    Lieutenant Seino has been slain.


    Semmi interrupted her own attack, nimbly dancing away from the dead mob. "The hell?"


    /Inferno: Sharl: Our boss just died...


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Shit... so did ours.


    A moment later, the ground beneath them exploded upwards as three massive explosions erupted at the same time.


    Sharl has been stunned.


    Semmi has been stunned.


    Wind has been stunned.


    Pon has been stunned.


    Gypsy has been stunned.


    Jun Li has been stunned.


    Milat has been stunned.


    Mina has been stunned.


    Fajii has been stunned.


    Saji has been stunned.


    Banzi has been stunned.


    Ronnie has been stunned.


    Floyd has been stunned.


    Zhava has been stunned.


    Tess has been stunned.


    Most of Inferno lay on the ground, their ears ringing so loudly that they were unable to hear her booming laugh. "So... this is Inferno."


    Milandra exited her tent; her Ice staff held casually in one hand as she approached the battlefield. "Welcome your death..."


    Milandra has cast [Frozen Tundra].


    [Darsi has created a Critical Interrupt: Bullseye]


    A shot from a distance spun the Ice Princess around.


    Darsi has landed a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Bullsye]


    Dalton has followed up Darsi attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Bullsye]


    Moki has followed up Dalton''s attack with a critical hit.


    Sharl rolled to her feet, ears still ringing.


    [Defender''s Challenge]


    All enemies within range must attack Sharl from the next 30 seconds.


    The dark tank hefted her shield and charged the Ice Mage.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Snipers switch to the platoons, they''re charging the city. We''ll finish the boss.


    Milandra pointed her staff at Sharl.


    [Ice Cannon]


    A ball of ice slammed into the tank''s shield, knocking her back several meters, her boots digging deep ruts in the ground as she managed to stay on her feet.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All Orion Shifter sets, do it now.


    Milandra paused for an instant, the surprise showing on her face at suddenly facing a dozen Orion cats. "Foolishness!"


    Milandra has cast [Ice Coffin]


    Sharl is immune to Ice Damage


    Gypsy is immune to Ice Damage


    Jun Li is immune to Ice Damage


    Milat is immune to Ice Damage


    Mina is immune to Ice Damage


    Saji is immune to Ice Damage


    Banzi is immune to Ice Damage


    Ronnie is immune to Ice Damage


    Floyd is immune to Ice Damage


    Zhava is immune to Ice Damage


    Tess is immune to Ice Damage


    ******************


    The sound of cannon fire caused the entire group to flinch. Nix scanned the walls, waiting for an impact, but none came. A moment later, three loud crashes in rapid succession sounded throughout the city.


    /Alpha: Gideon: Those shots were lobbed. Why not aim at the walls?


    Nix pushed flames into wrath, causing the white fury blade to extend its length.


    /Alpha: Nix: Not sure, be ready.


    /Inferno: Fey: Two dozen soldiers charging from the northeast camp. I doubt they''ll get past your archers.


    /Inferno: Nix: Understood. What about the damage to the city from the cannons?


    /Inferno: Fey: Minimal, three buildings destroyed.


    Bali watched from her perch in the towns Bell Tower, her sharp eyes darting everywhere. She glanced down to check her tracking, a habit she picked up from Captain Locas.


    [Track]


    Lieutenant Seino 25m NW


    Lieutenant Vladik 178m S


    Lieutenant Rhaqi 77m E


    "Sweet mother..." Bali cussed loudly as Milandra''s henchmen emerged from the wrecked buildings.


    /Inferno: Bali: Nix! Three sub-bosses are in the city. They shot them in with the cannons!


    /Inferno: Nix: Serious? Where?


    /Inferno: Bali: One west of your position! The second is in the market place, and the third is running toward the front gate!


    Nix grabbed Gideon and pointed west to Vladik, who was wading into the pug groups that tried to swarm him. "Get aggro and kite him to the market area!"


    [Orion] Gideon has changed forms.


    /Alpha: Nix: Everyone follow Morti to the Market.


    Nix paused a moment until the Titan cub charged toward the market square, his large body rumbling down the main street like a runaway freight train.


    Instead of following, Nix sprinted toward the main gate. Two of the Lamia Acolytes were down, while the third was facing the bandit boss by herself.


    [Perfect Defense]


    Sori Dah''s daggers have woven an impenetrable shield around herself for the next 10 seconds.


    Nix skidded to a stop, throwing dust and rocks into the air as a dozen emerald strand impaled Lieutenant Rhaqi before wrapping around his torso, pinning his arms to his side. He jerked back with all his strength knocking Rhaqi to the ground. "Gonna borrow this idiot, Sori!"


    Sori froze for a moment as Nix started dragging the bandit sub-boss down the middle of the street. Quickly she helped her team to their feet, and a few moments later, they were following along, sending a steady stream of arrows into the screaming mob.


    *********


    Gideon sprinted toward Vladic, from a block away he could see a poorly equipped pug trying to take him down, in the few seconds it took him to arrive, the pug had already wiped.


    Gideon has cast [Thorn Armor].


    Sharp barbs emerge from Gideon''s armor, creating a damage shield around him.


    Gideon changed to human form and stealthed, immediately he noticed that Vladic was still able to track his movements, he dived to one side just as Vladic attacked with a rapier. "Fast bitch, ain''t ya."


    [Parry: Backstab]


    Successful Combination attempt.


    Gideon has parried Vladic''s attack and landed a critical hit.


    Gideon circled and until he had his back to the market area. The downed group was just starting to recover, so the assassin faked an attack to move Vladic away from them.


    Herin has landed an attack on Gideon.


    Bolo has cast [Fire Burst] on Gideon.


    "The hell..." Gideon retreated, letting his armor take the brunt of the attacks. The archer and the mage from the group were targeting him. "F*ck me..." The entire group was staring at him with bloodlust in their eyes, elongated claws and sharpened fangs were visible as they moved to shield Vladic.


    Vladic laughed loudly when Gideon was forced to dodge again. "Come to me, my friend. Let''s talk like men."


    "Pass!"


    Gideon has cast [Binding Barbs]


    Herin has been bound and can no longer move.


    Bolo has been bound and can no longer move.


    Dyter has been bound and can no longer move.


    Vladic has resisted Binding Barbs.


    Sammo has resisted Binding Barbs.


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Bali has landed a critical shot on Sammo.


    Bali has landed a critical shot on Sammo.


    Bali has landed a mortal shot on Sammo.


    Sammo has been slain.


    [Sudden Strike: Hamstrung]


    Successful Combination attempt.


    Gideon has scored a critical hit on Vladic.


    Gideon has landed a crippling blow, Vladic movements have been slowed by fifty percent.


    Gideon gave the bandit vamp the finger and started trotting toward the Market square. Vladic limped after him, leaving a trail of blood in his wake. His remaining henchmen began to follow but were targeted by the rangers who Bali had alerted.


    ***********


    Lieutenant Rhaqi died half a block from the market; the sub-boss looked like a pincushion. The Lamia acolytes stopped firing and waved to Nix before heading back toward the wall.


    A loud roar caused Nix to abandon the corpse and sprint toward the market. He rounded the corner just in time to dodge to one side as a projectile flew past him and slammed into Tanner Benton''s shop. Incredibly, the projectile climbed to his feet and cast a glance at Morti before making a run for it.


    "HEY!" The Titan cub yelled at the fleeing sub-boss and ran him down. Although he looked fat and slow, it was just like he claimed, Morti was fast. A big paw slammed into the Seino''s back, sending him skidding across the market place again. Lu was doing his best to target the bandit, while Molls was giggling so hard she gave up.


    /Alpha: Nix: Hey... take this serious!


    /Alpha: Mollie: Sorry.


    /Alpha: Circa: Sorry, Nix... He sent him flying like ten times. That shit was funny.


    /Alpha: Gideon: Got one more coming, careful he''s a vamp.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll help Gid with the bloodsucker, you three finish Morti''s target.


    **************


    [1330 Hours: Shadow Ranger Force, West of Ever Flame]


    Del Tali pulled on the reins trying to avoid the slash and ended up taking it on her blade. Although uninjured, the strength of the blow had numbed her entire hand.


    A flashing blade to her right announced that her trusted captain was still with her. "Circle back, Del! The outside line just collapsed, they''ll be surrounded!"


    Cora felt her horse trip when the log trap was released. Dozens of waist-thick logs rolled toward her group. She kicked her feet free of the stirrups and jumped from the saddle just as the beast tumbled to the ground. She dodged the remaining logs and calmly drew her bow back.


    [Trueshot: Air Burst]


    Combination Attempt successful.


    Cora''s arrow struck deep into the shoulder of the captain who pursued her; a moment later, it exploded outward, showering blood and bone onto the horse he was riding.


    Captain Hellbent has been slain.


    "Cora!" Del spotted her former protege calmly laying down destruction, seemingly unconcerned that she was about to be run down. "RUN CORA!"


    Cora turned at the shout and then glanced back at the flank of their formation that had suddenly collapsed. There was nowhere to run. "Damn..."


    A flash of white followed by a loud roar sent the horses that were charging down on her into a panic. The frost tiger paused for a moment. "Climb on, Cora!"


    Cora leaped onto its back without hesitating. "Wind?"


    Pon has cast [Snow Blindness]


    The group of mounted riders were thrown into complete disarray as both rider and horse were struck blind. Suddenly there were large black cats everywhere; riders were pulled from their mounts while their terrified screams still hung in the air.


    Cora held tight to the thick white fur on the Tigers back; instead of stopping, it circled and headed South. "Where are we going, Wind?"


    "You forget what we taught you?" The words came from above her; a long flowing ice wraith flew swiftly overhead.


    "Pon?" Cora smiled at her heroes, "I didn''t forget! Prey waits!"

 340 Neva: Battle for Ever Flame aftermath

    "Running into the teeth of Inferno Archers, not the smartest move." He found Nightmare exactly where he left her.


    "Is she faster than Flash?" Randa exited the stable when she spotted him; during the fight, she tried to bring the animal into the stables, but it wouldn''t let her approach.


    Nix mounted Nightmare and patted her shoulder. "She is," he admitted.


    Randa studied the demon horse with a practiced eye. "She looks like she had a foal recently."


    "Yep, beautiful little filly, a few weeks ago." Nix studied the orphan for a moment, "I own a horse ranch, not that big yet, about forty horses in my herd."


    Randa''s dirt-smudged face lit up. "That''s a good-sized herd."


    Nix snuck a peek through the door to make sure they were alone before lowering his voice. "Want to come work for me?"


    Randa looked over her shoulder before answering. "What''s your offer?"


    Nix pursed his lips while he considered. "I have a bunkhouse; you can move into it and hire your own people."


    "Is your ranch in Everspire?"


    Nix shook his head. "A seed world in Oasis, no real dangers to speak of."


    Randa made a small gesture with her hand, indicating that someone was approaching. "Can I think about it?"


    "Yep, " Nix nodded respectfully when the stablemaster approached. "Town should be quiet now; we''re taking the fight to the Main camps after this."


    The stablemaster watched him turn toward the center of town and ride away, before glancing at his assistant. "You recognize that breed, Rand?"


    Randa shook her head. "All sorts of things mixed in there, most of them dangerous I expect."


    ***************


    Fajii nodded and accepted the canteen from Semmi. The Aquarion had a big smile plastered on her face. "Nix made it, did you like it?"


    Cora smiled apologetically to the blonde officer. "Your Sand Leopard was beautiful Sem, but I would have chosen a flier too, although the Orions and other forms are nice."


    Eron sat comfortably on the Ain''Dhassi''s lap while she stroked its soft fur; according to the black fox, only Nix, Fajii, and Cora were ''worthy.'' The black fox turned toward the front gate, its dark eyes glowing. "Fajii... a soul harming artifact is close!"


    /Inferno: Fajii: Eron says a soul harming artifact is in the area.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nix, open a breach, and get out of here.


    Nix quickly dismounted Nightmare and activated his stealth package; he disappeared from sight just as his eyes glowed orange. Shae, Fajii, Semmi, Cora, and Jun Li were all sitting together; he focused on the area directly behind them.


    [Create Breach: Ever Flame: Ionova: HQ]


    /Inferno: Nix: Into the breach now. I''ll be right behind you.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone in!


    Nix waited until Inferno exited, and then he closed the breach. His eyes scanned the crowded market square, several groups of heroes, and dhassi were still mingling in the area.


    "West side of the market, Nix." Eron brushed against his leg, Nix scooped him up and placed him on his shoulder.


    A scream of terror caused Nix to turn slightly; a stealthed man on was fleeing foot, he ducked into the gathering crowd.


    [Whisper: Bali to Nix] I''m next to the Tanner shop, have you sighted him?


    [Whisper: Nix to Bali] He''s on the west side of the market. Stay stealthed, and we''ll close in.


    The tiny ranger noticed that Del Tali was there and immediately morphed into Dire Wolf form, her long strides eating up the ground.


    Nix has activated his bloodline: [Third form: Archon]


    Nix saw Bali moving and took to the air.


    /Inferno: Nix: Do you have a target?


    /Inferno: Bali: Has to be Rogar, no visual yet!


    Nix''s thermal vision picked up a sudden increase in air temperature, a sign that someone was opening a gate. He spotted the culprit and targeted him.


    [Vacuum]


    The summoned man flew toward him, somehow managing to draw his sword that Nix dodged before grabbing his arm and slamming him headfirst into the ground.


    Rogar has been stunned.


    Nix placed a knee in the middle of his back and glanced scanned the marketplace. "Bali?"


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared an instant later and immediately assessed the situation. "Want me to hold him?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, please."


    Ducky has bewitched Rogar.


    He spotted the tiny ranger bent over on the ground and took to the air again before landing and dropping the archon form. His blood ran cold immediately.


    /Inferno: Nix: Any clerics in Ever Flame?


    /Inferno: Tess: I''m at the front gate Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Western part of the market square, run Tess.


    [Summons: Shadai]


    The Arch Wing healer landed softly on the ground nearby; immediately, her hands glowed with a soft light. She gasped in surprise and shook her head. "She can''t be healed."


    Bali was crying softly while trying to stem the flow of blood that was running freely around the dagger that was still plunged into the victim''s back. "Please do something, Nix!"


    "Where would Grand Elder Sai Tali be right now?" Nix eased her to one side and tried to remove the dagger; it wouldn''t move.


    "Morai Sai? Probably at the Ain''Dhass Camp in Parliament." Bali''s face was a mask of fear. "Please, Nix..."


    [Create Breach: Ain''Dhassi Camp: Parliamentary]


    "Hurry, Bali! Get Sai Tali!"


    Nix felt a cold hand squeeze his. Blood leaked out of the corner of Del Tali''s mouth and ran down the side of her cheek. "Did you get him?" The voice was barely a whisper.


    Nix nodded, although he hadn''t spent a lot of time with Del Tali, he considered her his best friend among the Ain''Dhassi. "I can''t remove the blade, Del."


    Del''s pale blue eyes stared at him, "it''s a soul blade. It will drain me of everything and then destroy itself."


    "Hang on for me, okay?" Nix kept the pressure on the wound with his free hand. A flurry of movement told him Tess had arrived.


    Tess has cast [Hands of the Goddess].


    Del Tali may not be healed.


    Nix opened his inventory and accessed his bandages.


    Nix has applied a bandage to Del Tali.


    Nix has applied a bandage to Del Tali.


    Nix has applied a bandage to Del Tali.


    The bleeding stopped, but Del''s breathing became labored.


    Tess shook her head in frustration. "I can''t even target her with a heal spell."


    A moment later Sai Tali exited the breach along with Bali, he knelt next to Del, placing a hand on her forehead.


    Del smiled slightly when her grandfather stroked her head; her white teeth were stained with blood. "It''s fine, Grandpa. Take me back."


    Sai nodded and moved to pick her up.


    "Wait." Nix stopped him with a hand on his arm. "Why take her back? Do you have a healer in camp?"


    "Please... everyone move away from us." Sai shook his head, his normally stoic face showing sadness. "No. Nothing can be done for Del."


    Nix didn''t remove his hand. "Can she be rezzed?"


    "I must take her back now, Nix. The dagger will drain everything and completely destroy her soul. There will be nothing left to resurrect."


    "Nix?" Bali''s face was wet with tears. "You can do something, right? You can always do something."


    /Inferno: Tess: Nix?


    Nix stared at Del for a moment, trying to think of something that might help her.


    "It''s fine, Nix." Del''s soft voice consoled him. "Thank you for being a good friend."


    [Create Breach: Solomon City: Deidra''s Courtyard]


    Nix ignored Sai Tali and picked up Del. "Wait here." Without speaking further, he stepped into the breach.


    ****************


    Nix stepped into the courtyard and immediately opened the gate and ran down the trail. "Deidra!"


    A familiar face appeared in front of him. "You can''t barge in here, Commander Nix!"


    [Vacuum]


    The surprized Majordomo flew through the air toward Nix, who didn''t even slow down as he ran down the path toward the large pond.


    "DEIDRA!" Nix shouted her name as he stepped off the path onto the soft grass. A young man and woman knelt on the grass, their meditation interrupted by his shouting. "Where is Deidra?"


    "You want my mother?" The man spoke; his voice sounded too deep for his wiry frame.


    "It''s fine." Deidra emerged from the water, her flawless body drying when it came in contact with the air while green robes appeared on her naked form. "What''s wrong, Nix?"


    Nix lay Del on the soft grass. "She''s been stabbed with an artifact dagger; it''s draining her."


    Deidra studied her for a moment before shaking her head. "Nothing can be done. She will certainly die."


    "No." Nix squeezed Del''s hand, her eyes were close, and her breathing labored. "Not good enough."


    Deidra shook her head. "I''m not refusing Nix; it''s just that nothing can be done."


    "Not good enough." Nix pushed down the panic he felt inside. "Do something for my friend, and I will pay any price."


    "Commander, Nix! You''ve overstepped once again." The Majordomo finally caught up with him was stopped from speaking further, by his master''s glance.


    "I''m sorry, Nix. Truly, there is nothin..."


    "I have raised Yandro''s City." Nix interrupted the dragon, "not only that, but I have control of Chyanama, Aquarius, and Dyrekstad. I plan to raise the seven fallen cities and reunited the Dragon Cities."

 341 Dragon Eggs

    "Not with Dragon marrow, if that''s what you''re asking." Nix felt her shock at his words; it was the best-kept secret among the dragon cities. They were kept in the air at the expense of their dragon masters.


    "Then how?" Diedra didn''t bother to deny it, if Nix had control of four dragon cities, then he almost certainly knew everything.


    "Spectrum. I''ll reunite the cities, and no dragons will have to sacrifice themselves ever again." Nix stared at the dragon, even in human form she gave off a predatory sense of danger.


    "Bring her." Deidra opened a breach and stepped through, Nix followed with Del an instant later.


    Any creature other than a fire beast would have been instantly uncomfortable. The temperature rose by several degrees, and there was a heaviness to the air. They were in a cavern, Nix felt the eyes of several beasts watching him, but he dare not put Del down.


    "They are my nursery guardians, do not worry." Deidra motioned for him to set Del down. "Here''s the issue. Her soul is permanently attached to the dagger and is slowly being drained by it. If you somehow managed to remove the dagger, you''d have an empty sack of flesh and an enchanted blade."


    "I''ve used enchanted items to animate things in the past."


    "Deidra nodded in agreement. "I''m well aware of your prowess. The dagger is an artifact that will eventually taint her soul, and she will fall into chaos."


    "Then what are my options?"


    "You need a container that will nullify the chaotic nature of the blade."


    The cavern room was very large and well lit. The smell of blood and fire hung in the air. Nix''s eyes stopped wandering when he noticed four large eggs directly in front of him. "What do I have to do?"


    You are in the presence of a soul container. Do you wish to place Del Tali inside?


    Nix ignored the hud message from his animator interface. He understood that one wrong step here would result in his permanent disappearance.


    Deidra placed a hand on the nearest of three eggs. "This is the next generation of dragonspawn."


    The eggs were about three feet in height; Nix studied them for a moment before his eyes strayed to a fourth egg that had been set apart. It didn''t glow with life like the other three. "And this one?"


    The dragon woman walked slowly toward it, her hand caressing the outside of its shell. Nix suddenly felt intense sadness radiating from her. "Life doesn''t always take."


    "You will let me place Del in that egg?" Nix could see that it still faintly glowed. "What''s left inside?"


    "Everything needed for life to thrive. Unfortunately, life never formed, and so it remains like this, unusable by anyone." Deidra gave him a slight smile. "Except maybe an Animator."


    "Time is running out. What do I do?" Nix placed a hand on Del''s forehead; it was ice cold.


    "Since you claimed to be raising the dragon cities, my first price is that you keep your word and do so." Deidra closed her eyes for a moment and sighed heavily. "Even if this fails, you will pay both my prices."


    Nix watched as her hands traced complex symbols in the air, a small breach opened up between him and the lone dragon egg. Without asking, he picked up Del and moved forward.


    "Nix.." Del''s face was pale; her white hair hung in her face. "Come closer; I wish to say something."


    Nix nodded and bent until his ear was next to her mouth. She whispered a few words and then kissed his cheek. Without speaking further, he placed her through the breach.


    [Dragon''s Egg] [Del Tali][Soul Striking Blade]


    Nix''s animator interface popped up, he stared at it for a moment, wishing he could just remove the dagger, but it was grayed out.


    [Animate the Dragon''s Egg Containing Del Tali?]


    "Yes."


    The small breach closed, and the egg resumed a healthier glow, much like the other three. Nix glanced at Deidra, who was watching him without expression. "What now?"


    "I don''t really know. As far as I know, this is a first." Deidra placed a hand on the outside of the egg. "I can only say at this point that there is life inside."


    Nix nodded. "Thanks."


    "What did she say to you?"


    Nix felt his throat tighten up; it was too familiar a scene to discuss with someone he barely knew. "What''s the second price?"


    "Should be easy for you." Deidra moved back toward the other three eggs and waited for him to approach. "Place your hands on this egg."


    "Sure." Nix moved forward and placed his hands on the smooth surface. It was warm to the touch. "Now what?"


    Deidra''s voice lowered; her tone was almost gentle. "It isn''t possible for you to hurt them, so don''t worry. I want you to push your elements into them one at a time."


    Nix almost dropped his hands but kept them in place. "Towards what end?"


    "A dragonspawn''s development has a lot to do with elemental exposure. I''ve always used my own flames, but you''ve seen dragons that had other elements."


    Nix nodded. "Ice, Water, and Earth."


    "These eggs haven''t formed elemental bonds yet; even their genders are still undetermined." Deidra gestured for him to start.


    Nix treated the egg like his wrath hilt. First, he pushed emerald flames into it; he let the flames rage until something told him it was enough, then he switched to his Gemini flames and repeated the process. He slowly cycled through his other flames before moving on to his other elements: water, Ice, Air, and Lightning.


    The entire process took nearly half an hour; he was forced to rest for a few minutes before moving to the next one. He gladly accepted a mana potion from Deidra to hasten the process.


    "I hadn''t realized you added lightning and water." Deidra watched him work, secretly pleased with her choice. "You''ll keep this between us?"


    Nix finished the second egg and moved to the last. "It''s a secret?"


    Deidra shook her head. "Not really, just more of a private matter."


    "Then, I won''t mention it."


    After nearly two hours, he finished the last egg. His head buzzed slightly, and his body felt heavy. "What now?"


    "Take the egg to her people. I have no way of knowing how long it will take." Deidra''s expression grew serious. "Or if she will even survive. Such a thing is unprecedented."


    *************


    An exhausted Nix stepped through the breach in the Market square of Ever Flame a few hours later; in his arms, he carried a large dragon egg. Sai Tali was waiting there; the Ain''Dhassi elder looked utterly lost.


    "Nix!" Bali''s eyes lit up when she saw him. She didn''t ask the first question that popped into her head, even though she really wanted to.


    Nix sat the egg down carefully and faced Del''s grandfather. "Del has been placed inside this egg. She still lives, but beyond that, I don''t know."


    Sai Tali placed his hands on the outside of the egg and closed his eyes. He remained like that for several seconds before opening them again. "I can feel Del inside. I will take things from here, Nix."


    Nix opened a breach to take him back to Oasis, although the egg was heavy, the elder held it comfortably. He stopped and turned before stepping through. "Thank you, Nix. Whatever happens now, I''m content with the effort you''ve given."


    Bali''s face lit up with a smile as she hugged Nix with both arms. "Thanks, Boss! I knew you''d do something, I knew it."


    Nix patted her white hair. "Gather my officers, and let''s plan the assault."


    ****************


    An hour later, Nix and the Inferno Officers sat around the table of Ever Flame''s Town Hall. While Nix was absent, Jun Li had sent out scout teams and was working on a plan.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I believe an elite strike at the Eastern Camp''s leader will throw them into chaos. Take Alpha Team and kill the boss.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We can do it Nix, just like the Nether Emperor.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ll hit them now and then worry about the Western camp tomorrow.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let me scout out the camp, find a good spot to open a breach. Me, Wind, Fajii, Semmi, and Pon. After I take a look, we''ll discuss the details.

 342 Night Assassins part one

    Once inside the compound, it moved cautiously, utilizing the same cover that its species would. Unlike a real rat, it understood the words being spoken and took careful notes of the guard locations.


    The rat disappeared behind some crates and then stealthed. He hadn''t done so before because the Nether rat possessed standard stealth that many of the guards might be able to see through. A rat in the camp would be normal, but a stealthed rat that was moving tactically would raise suspicion if spotted.


    The dark-furred head pushed through the tiny cut its incisors made in the tent wall. Again it didn''t enter fully, only pushing through until it could see the inside of the commander''s tent.


    Nix could see heavy armor that was displayed on a nearby mannequin, twin swords hung nearby in a shoulder scabbard. The rat chittered its teeth silently, melee fighter with dual-wielding capabilities; could be worse.


    A few minutes later the rat retraced a similar rat to retreat from the Eastern bandit camp. Instead of heading back to Ever Flame, it started towards the Western camp.


    *************


    Alpha team had quickly taken over the Townhall and set up their Tactical Operation Center (TOC) in the council area. They huddled around the long conference table with Jun Li who was making adjustments to the hud map whenever Nix would speak.


    Shae sat quietly next to the reclined guild leader. Although Nix could speak and hear inside the hall, it would quickly become confusing if he started receiving too much info from either side.


    Semmi glanced back at Nix, he looked like he was taking a nap, his head resting gently against Shae''s shoulder. "Why hasn''t he returned yet? He gave his last report more than half an hour ago."


    "Two roving guards using a figure-eight pattern. They stop ever five minutes to switch places with the stationary guards." Nix''s voice spoke from the cushioned couch he was sitting on.


    Jun Li studied the hud map. "Is this additional data?"


    "Western camp," Nix stated quietly.


    Pon frowned at the table hud as it changed to the next camp. "Why worry about it now? They will increase security after we take down the Eastern Camp."


    "Hitting both tonight. Prey waits." Nix smiled but didn''t open his eyes.


    ************


    The second camp was much easier to enter, Nix perched quietly on the axel of a supply wagon that rumbled slowly toward the bandit''s mess tent. From there he followed the cook into the prepping area.


    "Fajii, are you close?" Nix spoke quietly from his position next to Shae.


    The Aquarion looked up from the conference table at the mention of her name. "Yes. What do you need?"


    "I''m in the food prep tent, find me something that I can use to slow these guys down a bit." The Nether rat moved closer to the cook, she was a dark woman who wore a black head wrap. "Get Ronnie also."


    The cook left the tent a few minutes later and headed toward a round tent that was covered in furs, two guards stood in front of it.


    One of the guards slapped the cook across the face when she approached the entrance, then laughed when she collapsed in a heap. She climbed to her feet a moment later and entered without further issue.


    The Nether rat skirted around the back and slipped in through a loosely staked corner. The tent had a half dozen men and women inside, each of them were chained to a bunk. The cook removed her headwrap and started feeding them.


    A few minutes later, Nansu and Ronnie were sitting at the conference table. They called the human alchemist because she was well versed in what humans could tolerate. She had three large bottles of clear liquid in front of her.


    Nansu handed the bottles to Ronnie. "These are lethal, but a small bit will put you out of commission for a few hours."


    Ronnie flashed her a grin. "Got any extra? Sounds like something I should keep in stock."


    Nansu shook her head. "It''s very expensive, half a bottle would be enough for a large pot of stew."


    "Change of plans." Nix stood up from the seat he shared with Shae and walked toward them. "Weapons out, Ronnie you''re with me."


    Nix opened a breach into the tent he just left and jumped quickly through. All of Alpha team had their weapons out when Ronnie followed him a moment later.


    The woman who had been feeding the prisoners seemed to freeze for a moment when a breach opened up in the middle of the tent and two strangers stepped through.


    Nix held a hand up to his lips and motioned for her to enter the breach.


    The dark-haired woman shook her head. "I can''t without my people."


    Nix pushed flames into Wrath, a moment later the white blade appeared. "I''ll cut them loose."


    The woman shook her head, "these chains cannot be cut through w..." She stopped speaking when Nix''s blade sliced through the first set of chains like they were tissue paper.


    A few quick slices and everyone was free. The prisoners were in rough shape, but with the exception of one person were all able to walk. Nix picked up the old man who couldn''t get up.


    Ronnie stopped the cook from entering the breach. "Going to need your clothes and that head wrap thing."


    A minute later Nix exited the Breach carrying the old man, the rest of the group raised their hands up to show they weren''t armed.


    Semmi gripped her daggers loosely in her hand but didn''t move closer. "What are Su''Dhassi doing in the bandit camp?"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Tess, come to the TOC.


    /Inferno: Tess: On my way.


    "Su''Dhassi?" Jun Li studied the small group a few minutes later while Tess healed their wounds and they were given something warm to eat.


    Inferno''s interaction with the Su''Dhassi in Oasis could only be called minimal. Although they managed to build strong relations with the Ain''Dhassi and the Fir''Dhassi, the reclusive and nomadic tribes of the Su''Dhassi didn''t willingly interact with the humans from Colonial.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s stay on target, this changes nothing.


    **************


    Ronnie left the tent a few minutes later and received a slap from the guard as part of her passage. The dark beauty stayed in character and let herself fall into the side of the tent. She slowly climbed up from the ground, amid the laughter from the guards, and headed toward the prepping area.


    A long table with a dozen huge stew pots filled the center section of the tent. Ronnie received a thirty-second briefing from the Su''Dhassi woman they rescued so she had an idea what to expect. The cook spent the afternoon cutting up carrots and potatoes for the evening meal. She finished her duties and managed to sneak her people a few vegetables to eat.


    Ronnie unstoppered all three of the bottles and poured a liberal amount of clear liquid in each pot. The food was for the elite fighters that took up residence in the center of the camp. Those bandits on the outskirts organized their own meals.


    "Hey! You inside the tent! Help me with the meat packages."


    The dark archer stowed the empty bottles in her inventory and walked outside. A single wagon was stacked high with several bundles of cloth-wrapped meat.


    A young man in his early 20s, with long dark hair and a tanned face, jumped down from the driver''s seat. He walked around the back of the wagon and picked up several bundles before handing them to Ronnie. He grabbed a few more and followed her inside the tent.


    The man''s hair fell in his eyes while he worked, his brown work clothes had seen better days. "The butcher took his sweet ass time, now we''re in trouble. Put three bundles in each pot, please."


    Ronnie nodded and slyly put her dagger away before reaching for one of the kitchen knives. He didn''t realize it, but his manners saved him from being the first casualty of the camp.

 343 Night Assassins conclusion

    Ronnie''s dark eyes watched him climb back into the driver seat of the wagon, her approval was obvious. "Thank you.."


    "I''m Lutz, thanks for the help. I''ll deliver the pots to the cookfires, you can retire for the evening."


    The dark archer flashed him a smile before shaking her head. "It will go faster if I lend you a hand."


    ****************


    "You''ll be able to pull off two lightning strikes?" Jun Li had reservations concerning the plan. A good portion of their success relied on Nix''s ability to use an upgraded ability that he hadn''t tested.


    Nix shrugged. "No trial run, so I''m not sure."


    /Inferno: Semmi: It won''t change our strategy here even if we misfire.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I suppose not. Everyone get into position, please.


    Alpha team, with the addition of Sharl, walked down Mainstreet together. They exited the main gate, and stopped in a cleared area twenty meters from the north wall. Captain Locas watched them from the walls with most of his rangers and all of Inferno''s snipers in attendance.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ready Captain?


    /Inferno: Locas: Yes sir.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Light them up.


    Fajii has Activated her Lightning barrier.


    Pon has Activated his Lightning barrier.


    Semmi has Activated her Lightning barrier.


    Wind has Activated his Lightning barrier.


    Nix has Activated his Lightning barrier.


    Sharl moved closer to Nix. "Right behind you Nix."


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Pon has discharged the Lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Pon''s hand and struck Fajii''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Fajii has discharged the Lighting barrier that was protecting her.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Fajii''s hand and struck Wind''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Wind has discharged the Lightning barrier that was protecting him.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Wind''s hand and struck Semmi''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Semmi has discharged the Lightning barrier that was protecting her.


    A singular bolt of Lightning moved outward from Semmi''s hand and struck Nix''s shield.


    [Lightning Barrier: Discharge]


    Nix nodded and opened a breach into the Eastern commander''s tent and stepped through immediately. His eyes glowed white with the power of Lightning. A quick glance around the inside of the tent showed his target. To his credit, the commander reacted quickly, leaping up from his supper he managed to grab both of his swords.


    [Chained Lightning]


    A bolt of white-hot Lightning flashed from Nix''s hands and impacted the Commander''s right side, spinning him in around while slicing off one of his arms.


    Nix opened a second breach in the western commander''s tent, although he felt the power lessen slightly, he quickly jumped through.


    Sharl charged the wounded commander and grabbed him by his good arm, flinging him through the open breach that led back to Ever Flame before she followed Nix into the second breach.


    "FIRE!" The badly wounded eastern commander appeared in the clearing next to the Ever Flame walls. An instant later the might of Inferno''s ranged fighters tore through him.


    Eastern Commander Brek has been slain.


    When Nix stepped into the western commander''s tent, unexpectedly the woman was fully armored and already charging toward him. The lightning blast took her square in the chest, tossing her into the far side of the tent like a ragdoll.


    Instead of pursuing, Nix opened a breach to Ever Flame just as Sharl ran past him. She grabbed the stunned commander and tossed her into the breach like a sack of potatoes.


    "FIRE!" Captain Locas fired his bow while he gave the order, within a few seconds the second camp commander died outside the walls of Ever Flame.


    Nix opened a breach back to the Ever Flame gates and stepped through with Sharl, just as several bandit guards rushed into the tent to investigate. From start to finish the entire operation took less than ten seconds.


    Sharl whistled softly. The two bodies were still smoking and were unrecognizable as something that used to be human. There were two large black chests sitting next to them on the ground.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Grab the chests and bring them back to the TOC. Any groups want to get some extra experience, form up and hit either camp.


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    A full-sized holo of Leva appeared in front of Nix. She wore special Inferno Shifter armor that Nix upgraded with the help of Moki. "Do it!"


    Leva nodded. "Understood."


    With the help of Leva, Nix opened a half dozen breaches into both camps at the same time. Nether creatures of all shapes and sizes poured through.


    ***************


    Ronnie waited calmly behind the mess tent. Even from miles away, the first lightning strike in the eastern camp could be heard. A few seconds later a second strike sounded close by.


    [Rock Golem]


    She summoned her golem and quickly climbed to her normal perch on his wide shoulders. She sent it barreling into the center of camp while she drew her bow and looked for targets.


    The center of camp barely responded, the spiked stew having done its job as fighters stumbled around lethargically looking for their gear. Mercilessly, Ronnie opened fire while her golem used his huge stone fists to crush anyone dumb enough to get close.


    [Summons: Wilo]


    A buzzing next to her ear announced the arrival of Ronnie''s air companion.


    The dark archer flashed her a smile. "Light me up!"


    Wilo nodded and darted behind her, placing two small hands on her back.


    [Air Merger]


    An air barrier formed around Ronnie, she howled into the air when she felt her strength spike.


    Ronnie and Wilo have combined abilities. All ranged damage is tripled for the next two minutes.


    The archer spotted one of the sub-commanders mustering a defensive formation. She sent her golem charging toward him and opened fire.


    [Trueshot: Burst]


    Ronnie has landed a critical shot on Sub-Commander Bevil.


    Ronnie has landed a critical shot on Sub-Commander Bevil.


    Ronnie has landed a critical shot on Sub-Commander Bevil.


    [Backstab]


    Leva has landed a mortal wound on Sub-Commander Bevil.


    Sub-Commander Bevil has been slain.


    Leva stared at Ronnie for a moment.


    Ronnie has joined the Nether channel.


    /Nether: Leva: Two more sub-commanders in camp. Want to help me take them down?


    /Nether: Ronnie: Sure... You''re Nix''s Nether companion, right?


    /Nether: Leva: That''s me. Let''s go.


    *********


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let''s go, boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: The Nether are mopping things up, wouldn''t be much to do.


    /Alpha: Pon: F*ck it. Let''s get our feet wet.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m not against it. Opinions?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Let''s go.


    /Alpha: Wind: Do it!


    Nix nodded and opened a breach to the eastern commander''s tent.


    He followed his group in, the tent was deserted but it was surrounded with the sounds of fighting. Nix spotted the commander''s armor still hanging on the mannequin and quickly helped himself to it.


    The rest of the group took a minute to pilfer the trunks and shelves that remained untouched in the tent.


    /Alpha: Nix: Okay, let''s head out and lend a hand. Careful about your targets, there''s bound to be a few Inferno groups here.


    Alpha stealthed and headed out the door. An armored man surrounded by guards nearly ran into them as they stormed by.


    Pon has cast [Fire-Nado]


    All five men were caught up in whirlwinds of flame.


    Nix moved forward but stopped when a ball of fire erupted in the center of them. All four guards were instantly killed, while the sub-commander they had been protected managed to climb back to his feet.


    /Alpha: Pon: The f*ck is that...


    /Alpha: Semmi: Poacher!


    The fire creature hovering in the air was humanoid in shape, orange flames licked at her voluptuously curved body, her long fire tresses floated gently on the air. She blasted the sub-commander one last time.


    Sub-Commander Geiger has been slain.


    Nix couldn''t help but stare, the barest view of her nude form was visible beneath the raging inferno. She must have felt him watching, slowly she spun in the air until she faced him. The two held eyes for a few seconds, Nix felt a deep sense a familiarity.


    "Quit staring Nix!" Mina barreled past him riding one of her Vilas, she was accompanied by Milat who was on foot. "You get him, Hyai?"


    The flaming woman nodded. "Toasted him right there."


    /Alpha: Pon: Possession companion?


    Nix has activated his third form. [Archon]


    Emerald flames erupted from the Emerald winged Archon as he moved next to the female torch.


    /Alpha: Nix: Sorry to ditch you guys, going to hunt with Hyai a bit.


    /Alpha: Pon: Rat bastard!


    /Alpha: Fajii: Me too!


    [Shade Falcon]


    Fajii morphed into a black predatory bird and flew into the night sky.


    [Ice Wraith]


    [Frost Tiger]


    [Sand Leopard]


    Throughout the rest of the night, predators of all shapes and sizes hunted the bandits of the two camps. Dozens of Dire Wolves, Orions and other dangerous beasts seemed to be everywhere as the night filled with the terrified screams of the hunted.


    **************


    Dawn came quietly, the eastern and western camps were smoking pyres of destruction. Nix stood calmly on a nearby hillside while the burning-woman landed lightly on the rocks. She gave off an intense heat that caused the rocks she landed on to instantly glow red. The flames burned out slowly, leaving Hyai standing nude in the morning sun.


    Nix bit down on the smile that came to his lips. "Burned all your armor up?"


    Hyai shook her head. "It automatically went to my inventory when I activated the ability."


    Nix placed a warm hand on her smooth shoulder, the heat returned to normal. "Happen to check out your stats while torched up?"


    Hyai nodded and started dressing. "Everything skyrocketed, I''ve all the defenses of a high tiered Fire creature."


    "This is your 5th tier pet?" Nix pushed an errant strand of red hair out of her face.


    "It''s an ability called Fusion. I wanted to wait until you were present but..."


    "I didn''t make the time," Nix finished the sentence.


    "You were busy Nix. This entire Crusade rides on your shoulders, just like the Cai''Song artifact." She cupped his cheeks in her warm hands and kissed him. "I have no complaints about my life, especially concerning your part in it."


    They walked down the hill holding hands, every few seconds Nix would ask her questions about the experience.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Everyone catch a ride back with Mina or Nix. We''ll hit the main camp tomorrow sometime.


    /Inferno: Nix: My turtle house is off-limits unless you live there! I''m sleeping in.


    /Inferno: Pon: Awesome, early breakfast at Nix''s house.


    /Inferno: Wind: I''m in.


    /Inferno: Nix: Bastards...

 344 Chasing Vega

    They entered the mouth of the river and swam toward the turtle house; Soup would occasionally chirp happily and bump Nix with a flipper. They climbed up onshore and basked in the morning sun.


    Both turtles had drowsed off when a familiar voice spoke soothingly from nearby. Nix turned his head to watch the approach of the Titan.


    Gil knelt in the sand next to Soup and patted her head. "Were you out fishing? Who''s your friend?" He offered them both a small fish to eat; Soup gobbled it up while Nix made a point of biting the interloper''s hands. "DAMN!!"


    "What''s the matter, Gil?" Mina''s calm voice held the barest hint of amusement. She joined him after a few seconds and knelt beside him. "Got a new friend, Soup?"


    Gil scowled at the blue sea turtle. "Careful, he''s a vicious bastard."


    Mina pursed her lips and stroked Nix''s smooth blue head. "This guy? He''s gentle. Look how handsome he is."


    Shae poked her head out the back door; her long red hair was done up in a single topknot ponytail.


    "Breakfast is ready, Nix!"


    Nix morphed into his human form and jumped up from the sandy bank. "I''ll just rinse off, and I''ll be ready."


    "...." Gil.


    "....." Mina.


    A few minutes later, Nix was cleaned up and sitting at the kitchen island with Shae, Fajii, and Hyai. Gil was sitting on the couch with Mina, the two of them were browsing the Auction House hud.


    "How fast were you in the water?" Fajii had been so excited when he activated his Sea King form on the river bank. She would have joined them, but Nix waved her off. He wanted to interact with Soup in a water environment; you could learn a lot about a new form by observing the real thing.


    Nix smiled at the Scorched Earth Mages frown. "Faster than an Aquarion, but not as fast as Soup."


    "Let''s race then." Fajii stared at him for a moment, her lips slowly curved in a smile. "Next time, bring me too."


    **************


    [1000 hours: Ever Flame, TOC]


    The Inferno officers were seated at the long table, several hours earlier than they thought possible. For whatever reason, Nix seemed completely refreshed with barely two hours of sleep.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: In the camp yet?


    "Yep," Nix spoke softly from his seat on the couch.


    The Nether rat scurried onto a large gray boulder, its sharp eyes taking in his first good look at the main camp.


    The main camp was made up of an overly large Tent City, hundreds of medium-sized tents set into a very precise pattern. Wooden barricades blocked off easy access to the pass, forcing all traffic to go through a heavily manned guard point.


    "Much larger than either camp, everyone here is an elite." Nix cursed softly. "Entry is going to be challenging, magical, and physical deterrents."


    The Nether rat tried to cross into the camp, each time he did several blueish glowing orbs moved toward him. After multiple attempts, he realized that security was tight.


    "What are they using for intruder detection? I don''t want to go in blind." Nix addressed the other officers, although his eyes remained closed.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Based off Motion, perhaps? Or maybe sound?


    Shae shook her head from her seat next to Nix. "Earth magic, I bet, they''ve set up a restricted perimeter. Orbs are sent to investigate any incursions."


    The Nether rat moved between the rocks, watching everything. After a few minutes, his frustration mounted to the point where he was about to call it a day; it was here that he saw her.


    It was easily the oldest dog Nix had ever seen; it limped painfully while hunting in the rocky area. It seemed to pass over and back through the perimeter without any hassle. Its old eyes locked on Nix, and it broke into a painful trot.


    The rat shook its head after the old canine lost its trail for the third time. Either its senses were worn entirely, or it was the worse hunter ever. Finally, Nix had enough and squeaked at it in plain view. Although the Nether Rat was much smaller, without a doubt, he could take an old dog if it came down to fighting.


    The old dog stopped a few feet away, oddly colored eyes studied it. "Damn... That''s a big f*cking rat."


    Nix cursed loudly inside the TOC. "Another puppet master. Check the TOC Junie, if I can sneak in here.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Then they can sneak here, probably much easier. Captain Locas, I need a tracker, several of them. Check for any person or animal staying close to the TOC or surrounding buildings.


    /Inferno: Locas: Right away!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Stop reporting now Nix, if they are close enough to hear us.


    The Rat King nodded and started formulating a plan. He squeaked in terror and started running. He could hear the old dog chasing, so he deliberately slowed down.


    A pair of jaws clamped down over the Nether Rat''s back, even through his fur, Nix could feel that several of the animal''s teeth were missing. It shook him from side to side, the rat squealed loudly and then tapered off with a pitiful wail before going limp.


    The Rat King made his yellow eyes stare blankly while his mouth hung open. The dog nudged him with his nose a few times before picking him up and trotting away.


    From his upside-down vantage point, Nix watched as the blue orbs approached. They hovered around the old dog for a few moments before vanishing.


    ******************


    "What the f*ck are you doing now?"


    A voice startled Muncie, causing him to drop his inhabitance. The young man frowned at the woman standing over him. "I was using Naki to scout the camp perimeter."


    "You''re an idiot. Animation isn''t Taxidermy. What you do is not even proper Animation. F*cking dead animal lover." The beautiful girl looked like she wanted to spit on him, but instead, she spun around and left. "Unlike you, I have something to report."


    "What a bitch." Muncie watched her leave and breathed a sigh of relief. How could a woman be so obscenely beautiful and yet have the personality of a mountain harpy? "She''s not wrong though."


    Muncie brought up his animator path. When a divergent branch emerged a few months earlier, he had been encouraged by his master to follow it. For a few weeks, everyone was his friend. Then the cold reality hit. He could only inhabit dead creatures that were greatly weakened; birds, mice, and a few snakes. The dog Naki was his crowning achievement, an impossibly weak animal that died of old age.


    [Animator X: NecroSkeletal]


    Description: Advanced Animation


    skill that enables the user to inhabit dead


    creatures.


    Muncie leaned back in his chair and sent his consciousness towards Naki''s last location. Unlike his previous Animation level, he didn''t need to see the animal to inhabit it.


    The dog stood up slowly, as if confused it looked around before turning in a complete circle. "Where''d my rat go? F*ck... it must have still been alive."


    ***************


    Jun Li stared at the ceiling, the light sound of the ranger''s steps was easily traced since she wasn''t trying to be quiet. A sudden rush of footsteps and the noise stopped.


    Bali nimbly pranced down the ladder that led to the trapdoor of the attic a few moments later. From her big smile it was obvious she wanted to mess with someone, but since Locas was watching she didn''t. "Here''s the culprit."


    Semmi suppressed a shudder when the tiny ranger placed the bat on the table. "Are we sure it''s a puppet?"


    Bali shrugged. "It saw me and instantly went limp. It had no body heat at all."


    Unlike Semmi, Jun Li didn''t mind the creature. She picked it up and did a quick inspection. Like Nix''s work, it seemed perfect. "Place it in a bag, Nix can make a determination when he gets back."


    Shae hadn''t left Nix''s side, she could tell he was listening closely to them. "Could they see us?"


    Bali nodded. "It was on a small knothole, probably could hear and see everything in this room.


    ***********


    The rat had finally stealthed and was scurrying quickly toward the large tent at the rear of the pass. Nix didn''t know if they were aware of his presence yet, but he wanted to get as close as possible to Vega before being discovered.


    Nix kept off the worn trails and within a few minutes approached the large domed tent. It was much larger than it needed to be, although not quite circus sized. The only entry was guarded by two heavily armored men.


    It took three laps around the perimeter of the tent before Nix found a way in. The temptation to drop the scouting mission was overwhelming. "Another f*cking sewer."


    A single pipe buried in the ground emerged into a long ditch, it was obviously a cesspit. Bathwater mixed with the smell of human excrement and piss assaulted the Nether Rat''s nostrils. The end of the pipe produced a steady drip of brown water.


    Without thinking about it Nix entered the three-inch pipe. It was a tight fit but the rat managed to squeeze in. Several times over the two-minute journey, Nix had to push through clogs of hair and other matter. He emerged from the pipe and found himself in a large tank. One side was open while the other housed a modern looking toilet seat.


    Feeling a nearly overwhelming desire to bath, the Rat King climbed out of the tank and exited the large curtained-off bathroom. He could hear the sound of voices, but the inside of the tent was mostly empty. A few men sat around a round table at the back of the tent, they looked like guards.


    The light was fairly dim, but Nix worried that his smell would give him away. He kept to the edge of the walls and searched for several minutes before finding it. Directly behind the guard table was a small square mat, that Nix recognized as a two-way.


    Although stealthed, he crept slowly toward the mat. The men were talking and playing cards, but if any of them possessed a true-sight ability, they would probably notice him if they looked up.


    Nix stepped on the mat and instantly traveled to another location. He scurried to one side before examining his surroundings. Immediately he stopped the inhabitance and the Rat King dropped lifelessly to the ground.


    Nix sat up from his reclined position on the couch, his face grim. "We''re fucked."

 345 Hybrid

    /Inferno: Jun Li: All personel, exit Ever Flame through the Town Hall Breach.


    /Inferno: Nix: No more discussion here, I''ll meet you at HQ in a bit. First, I need to see someone.


    Shae latched onto his hand. "I''m going too."


    Nix nodded in agreement and stood next to the breach until everyone exited Ever Flame, then he opened a second breach to Deidra''s courtyard.


    "Breach Commander Nix." Deidra''s Majordomo appeared almost immediately; instead of creating a fuss, he gestured for him to follow. "From now on, I''ll bring you directly to her."


    Nix raised an eyebrow at the attendant''s back before glancing at Shae.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Is he usually so compliant?


    Nix shook his head.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Not a bit. Usually, he''s a pain in the ass.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Is Vega a dragon?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Nearly. He has a dragon puppet, which shouldn''t be possible.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I thought it must have something to do with dragons since you had everyone leave Ever Flame and came directly here.


    Shae gripped his hand tight, unlike the rest of Inferno, she wasn''t intimidated by Deidra. She just didn''t like her.


    Deidra was lecturing her two students when Nix and Shae entered. "Take a few moments to consider the options, and we will speak again after my guests have departed."


    Shae glanced at the pond; she could feel it''s strangeness. "Dragon Water?"


    Deidra nodded. She had to remind herself that iridescent salamanders were notably astute. "I am pleased that he brought you today. Would you mind coming with me?"


    Shae stole a glance at Nix. "If Nix is going, then so will I."


    Deidra opened a breach and stepped through without speaking further; Nix followed and pulled the confused salamander with him.


    His arrival at the nursery showed a drastic rise in the humidity. "What happened to all the dry air?"


    Deidra only smiled and nodded. "It means they''ve entered an advancement state, the elements you donated are sealed in."


    Shae frowned at the dragon. "You had Nix donate elements?"


    "I did." Deidra admitted, "two of them are advancing normally, but the third..."


    "Why are we here again?" Nix found the entire process fascinating, but he had too many other items on his plate to put much thought behind it.


    Deidra suddenly bowed respectfully to Shae. "Would you examine these eggs, and tell me what you feel."


    The beautiful redhead laid a hand on the nearest egg; it was smooth and warm to the touch. "Lightning Elemental, definitely male."


    Deidra didn''t bother to hide her surprise; she could only discern their element. "Next one, please."


    Shae moved to the second, a smile curved her lips when she touched it. "Hybrid Elemental, Ice Flames, also a male."


    The salamander moved to the last egg and placed her hand on it, immediately her eyes widened in shock. She put a second hand on the shell and closed her eyes to focus. "Salamander/Dragon hybrid, female. Irridescent bloodline."


    Deidra watched as the salamander inspected the egg. "Somehow, my daughter has become our daughter."


    Shae nodded in agreement. "Ours. She carries my bloodline."


    "Such a thing..." Deidra placed her hand on the outside of the egg; her usually confident expression replaced with confusion. "Three hours ago, it started falling behind the other two."


    Shae''s hands glowed red, not the bright orange of her normal flames. "She''ll need regular infusions of red flames to thrive."


    Nix remembered the red flames from Shae''s promotion to Nemesis. "The meta-flame?"


    Shae nodded. "During metamorphosis, Salamanders produce red flames; the by-product of these flames are, of course, the yellow and blue flames that you were able to absorb."


    Nix laughed despite the severe nature of the discussion; the blue and yellow flames created his green ones. "My emerald flames are junk?"


    "An amazing flame that shouldn''t exist," Shae corrected. "I''ll have to stay here, of course. No one else can create this particular meta. "


    "Thank you." Deidra placed her hand on the hybrid egg; she could feel its vigor returning. "How does Nix carry part of your Meta-flames?"


    Shae pursed her lips for a moment before favoring her mate with a smile. "At great risk to himself, he absorbed them on two separate occasions in order to save me."


    "Why don''t dragons breed with other dragons?" The question had been bothering Nix since he discovered dragon spawn and dragon descendants. Where were the pure dragon lines?


    "Because of our strength and longevity, it''s something that is only allowed on rare occasions. It is one of the rules that we must follow." Deidra''s tone said that she wouldn''t elaborate further.


    Nix found the bloodline topic so compelling that he forgot his purpose for coming. "What do you know about Vega?"


    "I don''t know anything about him. Should I?"


    Nix sighed heavily. "I was hoping you did. He has a dragon puppet."


    Deidra swore loudly, the anger in her voice surprising both Shae and Nix. "Bastard!"


    "Putting aside the skill necessary to create such a thing. The materials needed would be incredibly rare." Nix had figured it out while studying Taxidermy. One dragon skin can equal thousands of dragon leathers. To create a dragon, you''d need thousands of dragon skins, a seemingly impossible feat considering the number of dragons is much less than that. On top of that, you''d need thousands of sets of bones, teeth, and claws.


    "If he really created one, then he must have located Khalam''Zhur." Deidra shook her head, "even if he did find the Dragon Graveyard, he still wouldn''t have enough materials."


    Nix considered the options carefully. "If it isn''t a puppet, then its high-level animation. Which would be good for us, it would be powerful but not enough to insta-wipe us."


    Deidrea nodded slowly. "Probably animation Nix, a cheap imitation that looks more impressive than it is."


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Wouldn''t an Emperor level Dragon puppet be stronger than the real thing.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] In theory, yes. It''s either an animation or a low-ranked puppet. It definitely wouldn''t be an Emperor level.


    "I have to get back. This final assault on the Mountain pass has to be planned." Nix grabbed Shae''s hand and squeezed it gently. "Stay here and monitor the hybrid egg."


    Shae stepped willingly into his embrace, kissing the side of his neck. "Thank you for understanding, Nix. Please be careful and bring me in if it''s necessary."


    "I will." Nix stepped through a breach moments later without saying anything further.


    Deidra watched the place where the Inferno Leader disappeared. "Don''t Salamanders mate for life?"


    "We do."


    "And you chose a human?" Deidra''s tone was friendly than usual.


    "Yes." Shae caressed the outside of the shell and morphed into salamander form. She climbed up on the egg and draped herself over the top of it. Immediately her body glowed with red flames, and her eyes closed.


    Deidra covered her mouth to keep from laughing aloud. Even dragons wouldn''t dare compare a salamander to a mother hen.


    ********************


    [1500 hours: HQ, Ionova]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: From now on, all raid planning takes place in guild chat. Let''s try to keep our plans secure.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Vega has a dragon puppet? Or at least something that looks like a dragon.


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.


    Nix brought up his Breach Commander Interface. A holo image of the Mountain Pass camp settled neatly onto the round table. It has already been updated with the images Nix saved on his hud. He highlighted an area East of the camp.


    /Inferno: Nix: This is the weakest path to the Command Tent; this will be our primary route.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I agree, let''s use multiple assaults to distract them from our real purpose.


    /Inferno: Semmi: If we fail to stop Vega from activating the puppet. Then what?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Fight it out as best we can.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll use Flame Knights for the primary hit. Our ranger/sniper mounted force will follow them directly and make use of high-value targets.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That leaves a pincer attack from the North and South sides of the camp.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll bring up the best options for this Op.


    /Breach Commander Interface


    [Heavy Mounted Armor]


    1st Division Flame Knights 1000


    Colonial Knights of Glory 300


    [Melee Assault]


    Krayven Elite 1700


    12 Pillar Alliance 220


    Titan Ground Pounders 400


    [Range Attack]


    Inferno Rangers 200


    Earth Temple Acolytes 200


    Inferno Snipers 6


    /Inferno: Pon: Holy crap... The Ground Pounders are taking part?


    /Inferno: Nix: They are. Mortimus will be leading them.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Morti''s Pop is enormous. That''s someone I want to see in action.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Prepare for battle, I''ll place everyone in five minutes.


    [Mission Brief]


    This will be a Three-pronged attack. We''ll use heavy armor to push into their center and rely on our ranged fighters to eliminate their chain of command. At the same time, we''ll assault their northern and southern perimeters. I''m holding the Nether Army and Strom Clan in reserve in the event that we need back-up. I''ve relayed instructions to all the Vice Commanders in this operation.


    [Northern Assault] Vice Commander Sulane.


    Colonial Knights of Glory


    12 Pillar Alliance


    Earth Temple Acolytes


    [Primary Assault] Vice Commander Locas


    1st Division Flame Knights


    Inferno


    Inferno Rangers/Snipers


    Nether Assault Force (Reserve)


    [Southern Assault] Vice Commander Mortimus


    Krayven Elite 1700


    Titan Ground Pounders


    Strom Clan (Reserve)


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That leaves the infiltration team. How many?


    /Inferno: Nix Ten will have to be enough. I''ll bring us right to the puppet.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Here''s our infiltration team. The rest of Inferno will be part of the Primary force.


    Nix


    Semmi


    Fajii


    Wind


    Pon


    Sharl


    Jun Li


    Mina


    Milat


    Tess


    Nix moved away from the table to bring his companions in.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    "Fey, I want you in the air on this one. I want everything in camp on fire."


    Fey nodded, while Ducky helped her roll up her baggy sleeves. "Burn it all, Nix."


    "Exactly right. Morti, you are with the infiltration team and me." Nix smiled at Ducky, who was waiting patiently for her assignment while she helped Fey. "Ducky, I want you to follow the Knights into the center of the camp. Create as much chaos as you can."


    Ducky nodded. "Understood."


    /Inferno: Nix: Get ready, moving everyone to Ever Flame now. Stay in formation; we''ll start immediately.


    Nix opened a breach, and all of HQ emptied out.


    Nix brought up his Breach Commander Interface and placed his troops at their assigned locations, he nodded to himself and moved next to the infiltration team.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Ten seconds! Prepare to move.


    [Create Breach: Bandit Camp, Lower Chamber]


    Nix charged into the breach without hesitating.

 346 Mountain Pass: Jumping In

    Nix didn''t stop moving when he exited the breach; he immediately targeted the three people in the room.


    [Daisy Chain]


    Bextur has been stunned.


    Humix has been stunned.


    Treva has been stunned.


    [Vacuum]


    Nix has summoned Treva.


    Semmi has [Backstabbed] Treva


    Critical Strike on Treva.


    [Critical Chain: Backstab]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical strike on Treva.


    [Ghost Step]


    Jun Li flashed toward Humix.


    Jun Li has landed [Champion Strike] on Humix


    Significant Strike on Humix.


    [Dual Chain: Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a significant strike on Humix.


    [Shield Slam: Heavy Hands]


    Combination attempt successful.


    Bextur has been stunned.


    Sharl has landed a Significant strike on Bextur.


    Pon has cast [Fire-Nado]


    All three targets were caught up in a whirlwind Inferno.


    Nix pushed flames in Wrath, the fury flames crackling in protest as the white blade appeared.


    [Flashblade: Execution]


    Combination attempt successful.


    Nix has landed a Critical hit on Treva.


    Nix has landed a Significant strike on Treva.


    Mina ordered her Vilas to attack the left-wing of the puppet. The three powerful reptiles tore into the fleshy part of the furled wing.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Good thinking, break off, and attack the puppet while Alpha finishes these guys. Wings and eyes, if possible, the rest will be heavily armored.


    [Critical Chain: Balefire Burst]


    Pon has followed up Nix''s attack with a Critical Strike on Treva.


    Treva has been slain.


    Room Defenses have been activated.


    [Earth Mire]


    Nix is immune to Control Effects.


    Pon has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Semmi has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Fajii is immune to Earth Effects.


    Wind has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Sharl has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Jun Li has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Tess has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Milat has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    Mina has been bogged down in the mud and cannot move.


    [Tides of Flame: Meteor Storm: Balefire Burst]


    Triple Combination attempt successful.


    Flames washed over the area, the entire room turning unnaturally bright as screams filled the air. Two large predatory eyes blinked open in the center of the room, glowing red with malice.


    Bextur has been slain.


    Humix has been slain.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The puppetmaster isn''t in here! The dragon is active!


    [Storm Rider: Water Lance]


    Nix appeared in front of the awakening dragon and jammed his water spear deep into its left eye. Extending his right hand, the barbed tips of a half dozen Ice Flame strands sunk deep into the right eye.


    A Dragon''s vision has been impaired by 40 percent.


    [Dragon Roar]


    Nix is immune to Control Effects.


    Pon has resisted fear.


    Semmi has been feared.


    Fajii has been feared.


    Wind has been feared.


    Sharl has been feared.


    Jun Li has resisted fear.


    Tess has been feared.


    Milat has been feared.


    Mina has resisted fear.


    *****************


    [Primary Force: Captain Locas Commanding]


    Captain Locas stood up in the stirrups; there were six long rows of heavily armored Flame Knights in front of his mounted archers. Their objective was the Eastern part of the camp.


    /Primary Force: Captain Locas: Knights! Wedge formation! CHARGE!


    Heavily armored fighters mounted on warhorses charged toward the center of camp. The outer skirts of the camp didn''t even slow them down as they were trampled into the dirt of the eastern perimeter.


    Locas counted silently in his head, each moment giving the Knights more room to work.


    /Primary Force: Captain Locas: Ranged Fighters! On me!


    Locas braced himself as his mount accelerated toward the bandit camp, he pulled his bow and notched an arrow while keeping an eye on the Knights.


    Once past the outskirts, the Knight began to pick up speed. Without warning, the second line of the defenses rallied. The entire field burst into flames as hundreds of armored fighters formed a shield wall to slow down the charge.


    /Primary Force: Captain Locas: Ranged Fighters! Prepare to fire!


    Locas shook his head, of course, the Flame Knights of Deidra were immune to the effects of the burning field. His ranged fighters, however, were not.


    /Primary Force: Captain Locas: All ranged fighters halt! FIRE!


    The first volley of arrows and bullets fired directly into defense; the effect was minimal because of the quickly forming shield wall.


    /Primary Force: Captain Locas: Ranged Fighters! Prepare for the second volley!


    Locas watched as the outer edges of the Flame Knights slowed and abruptly turned perpendicular to their charging line. Within seconds the outside Knights reinforced the middle rows and formed a wedge that punched a hole through the shield wall.


    The wedge creation had a ripple effect as the hole widened, and Knights poured through. The outer sections of the shield wall moved toward the middle in an attempt to stem the flow of armored knights.


    /Primary Force: Captain Locas: FIRE VOLLEY! Then fire at will!


    Locas fired his bow, standing up in the stirrups he picked target after target. This time the effect of his ranged fighters was visible. The shield carriers were caught shifting positions, and the reinforcement was stopped before it could take effect. The battle turned suddenly just as the flames burned themselves out.


    Ronnie stood on the shoulders of her Golem, keeping pace with Bali while they both fired into the Shield wall. The Knights formed an armored line and opened the route to their target, the center of the camp.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: We have daylight! Inferno, Move-in!


    The Golem led the way, its big sweeping fists slamming responding defenders aside like bugs. The Knights suddenly halted and held the wedge while Inferno poured in.


    ***********


    [Southern Assault Force: War Leader Mortimus Commanding]


    Thirty feet of Brown bear studied his route, heavy armor and archers stood in his way. His son would soon be somewhere in the middle, fighting alongside his Chevalier. Mortimus wanted to see them in action; more than anything, he wanted to fight beside them.


    He glanced at his line of Titans. Most of them were bears, but there were several other species represented, notably the Turtle clan, the Saber clan, and the Ox clan. The Titans from the Turtle clan were mounted on horseback. Given their inherent lack of speed, they needed to be in the thick of battle before they changed forms and armored up.


    Mortimus''s big nose could smell the mud-smeared barbarians behind them. Nix had said they could fight, so the Warleader had placed them on the second line.


    Mortimus reared back on his hind legs and roared, a terrifying sound that signaled the Titan charge.


    Unlike his cub, there wasn''t any fat on the War Leader, five tons of muscle, claws, and teeth charged straight at the line. His ground pounders stormed through the outskirts without slowing down, Mortimus''s big paws crushed the only fighter stupid enough to challenge him.


    /Southern Force: Mortimus: TRENCH!


    The War Leader spotted the hidden trench seconds before he came to the edge of it.


    [Bull Rush]


    Mortimus appeared on the other side of the trench, the veteran group unphased by the hidden ditch as each of them used their individual crossing techniques. The eyes of the defensive force showed their shock, and the smell of fear saturated the air.


    Mortimus bulled into the front line of the camp''s heavy armor. Calmy swiping and stomping while he methodically worked his way forward.


    /Southern Force: Mortimus: Chain Stuns!


    [Ground Pounder]


    Mortimus reared up on his hind legs and slammed two huge paws onto the ground, stunning the nearby defenders. On either side of him, his clansmen used the same technique, and the armored defenders of the Southern perimeter collapsed.


    /Southern Force: Mortimus: ALL IN!


    Mortimus charged toward the center of camp, crushing and breaking everything and everyone in his path. His sharp eyes scanned the battlefield and noticed them right away.


    /Allied Assault Force: Mortimus: Cannons in the Center!

 347 Mountain Pass: Dragonfire

    Nix has been stunned.


    Struggling to his hands and knees, he grimaced at the sight of Inferno screaming in mortal fear.


    Nix has resisted stunning effects.


    [Storm Rider]


    Nix appeared in front of the dragon with both hands extended. A dozen barbed emerald strands stabbed at the face of the dragon before bouncing harmlessly off.


    [Dragonfire]


    The snout of the black dragon opened wide and blasted Nix point-blank with superheated dragon-fire. Although unharmed, it spun him around like a top; the reptile extended its neck in pursuit only to be knocked to one side.


    Morti barreled into the side of the dragon''s head, smacking him with both paws. Unexpectedly the dragon stumbled slightly. Enraged, it turned its flames on Titan cub.


    Mortimer is immune to fire.


    Morti reared back and clamped his jaws on the nose of the dragon, wrapping his huge black arms around its snout before dragging its head to the floor.


    The entire cavern shook as the dragon roared in pain.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All our attacks are bouncing off Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Keep at it! It''s not a real dragon!


    The dragon dragged Morti from side to side, unable to lift the Titan cub enough to slam him down as it struggled desperately to shake him off.


    Mina''s Vilas clung to the dragons left-wing, rending flesh with their overly sharp mutated teeth; they managed to tear off some of the scales.


    Mina has cast [Water Cannon], A huge orb of water slammed into the wing of the dragon, the cracking of bones echoing off the stone walls.


    Mina has landed a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Rock Spear]


    Fajii has followed up Mina''s attack with a critical strike.


    Pon cussed at the dragon while circling behind the creature.


    [Ice Wraith]


    [Critical Chain: Champion''s Strike]


    Jun Li has followed up Fajii''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: First Strike]


    Semmi has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Backstab]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Winter''s Edge]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Sudden Strike]


    Milat has followed up Pon''s attack with a critical strike.


    The beast suddenly charged Nix, forcing him to use Storm Rider to escape, instead of pursuing, it charged headfirst into the cavern rock wall. Huge chunks of stalactite rained down on Inferno, forcing them to retreat. After three ground shaking slams, the dragon finally tossed Morti off of his bleeding snout.


    Fajii moved in to cover Morti.


    [Rock Slam]


    Two boulders crashed into the nose of the dragon; it roared angrily and bathed Fajii in Dragonfire.


    [Shielded Ally]


    Sharl jumped in front of Fajii, her shield taking the blast as both of them were driven back. The shield held for a few seconds before melting away into nothing.


    Sharl has been slain.


    Fajii sprinted away from the maw of the angry dragon, just before it closed on her, three emerald strands settled around her torso and yanked her back in the opposite direction.


    Unexpectedly, it reacted quickly, and Nix found himself face to face with the beast, its jaws snapping him in half before he could use a retreat skill.


    Nix has been slain.


    Morti roared angrily and clamped his jaws down on its left-wing, his four paws digging to the rock floor as he held the beast in place.


    Fajii has cast [Battle Ressurection: Nix].


    The dragon pointed his head up and turned the full strength of his flames loose on the ceiling, sending tons of melted rock raining down on the members of Inferno. Daylight streamed in through the melted tunnel, the dragon dug its claws into the rock walls and started climbing.


    /Inferno: Nix: HOLD HIM!


    A dozen strands of emerald flame anchored into the wounded wing, Nix hung on as the beast pulled him upward toward the surface.


    **************


    [Center Camp: Easter Perimeter]


    Two Golems broke through the squad of archers that were taking aim at the Flame Knights. Ronnie was standing on the shoulders of hers, while Chael was on foot, preferring to let it lead the way.


    /Primary Force: Locas: Ronnie is the Main Assist!


    Ronnie caught a glimpse of one of the bandit captains rallying his troops and quickly used her hud to paint a target on him.


    /Primary Force: Ronnie: Attack my target!


    [Snipe]


    Ronnie landed a critical hit on Captain Burns


    [Chael has set up a Sniper''s nest]


    [Darsi as assumed a prone firing position]


    [Moki has assumed a prone firing position]


    [Dalton has assumed a prone firing position]


    [Critical Chain: Snipe]


    Darsi has followed up Ronnie''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Snipe]


    Moki has followed up Darsi''s attack with a critical strike


    [Critical Chain: Snipe]


    Dalton has followed up Moki''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Snipe]


    Chael has followed up Moki''s attack with a critical strike.


    Captain Burns has been slain.


    /Primary Force: Locas: Ronnie, get back! Cannons!


    Ronnie turned to see herself looking down the business end of a cannon. "F*ck me."


    The deafening blast from point-blank range caused Ronnie and those around her to flinch; surprisingly, they were unharmed.


    Ronnie opened her eyes to find the cannon pointing at her was completely destroyed, and its team blasted apart. Her dark eyes darted to a second cannon that had been rotated inward, the blue-haired Water Witch standing next to it gave her a friendly wave.


    Ducky pursed her lips, staring at the metal tube in front of her, she lowered her voice slightly. "Hey... What''s next again?"


    The cannoneer smiled at her with adoring eyes. "Reload."


    Ducky nodded. "Right. Team Ducky, RELOAD!" She clapped her hands encouragingly as the bewitched crew did her bidding.


    *************


    [Center Camp: Southern Perimeter]


    The big brown bear came down with both paws, the sound of crunching bone and armor went unheard in the din of battle as bits of flesh squeezed out from beneath his claws.


    Captain Letra has been slain.


    /Southern Force: Mortimus: Push into the center, destroy the cannons before they target our allies!


    Mortimus kept pace with horse beside him, his huge feet tearing up large junks of mud and rocks as he ran. A shield wall formed in front of him, a dozen armored bandits braced themselves for the impact. The Titan War Leader didn''t even slow down, he lowered his head and slammed through them, sending bodies hurling in all directions.


    Gil swerved his horse behind Mortimus when he saw the wall, laughing at the men who wanted to stop five tons of bear by themselves. "Idiots!"


    He kicked his heels, forcing his horse to its top speed. He leaned to one side and slid off a few meters before the nearest cannon.


    [Titan: Snapper]


    The gigantic turtle spotted the burning fuse and immediately tucked his head and legs in. The cannonball struck the shell at point-blank range with a loud gonging sound, sending it into a spin.


    Four tree trunk sized legs popped out of the shell a moment later and stopped the spin. Gil''s head snaked out on its long neck and examined his shell. "BASTARDS!" Despite his size, the snapper closed on them quickly, its massive jaws snapping through the cannon barrel like it was soft candy. "YOU SCRATCHED MY SHELL!"


    Gil stampeded into the cannon group, stomping and snapping bodies as they fell over each other in a panic. "No one f*cks with my Shell!"


    The earth beneath the Center Camp pitched suddenly, sending dirt and rock blasting everywhere. A massive pillar of fire erupted right after it, extending skyward as it melted the ground around it and killed everyone within a few meters.


    /Southern Force: Mortimus: Come on! Time to kill Dragons!


    Two hundred feet of scales and teeth crawled out of the hole a moment later, dragging most of Inferno with it. It was bleeding profusely from both eyes and nose; the bones on one wing was twisted and exposed.


    [Dragon Roar]

 348 Mountain Pass: Raging Inferno

    Fajii has activated her bloodline. [Second Form: Archon]


    Nix flapped his wings hard, shooting upward into the sky, followed closely by Fajii. He pushed ice into Wrath, making the Black Ice blade emerge.


    /Inferno: Nix: Need a tracker to find Vega and kill him. He''s just a puppetmaster.


    /Inferno: Bali: I have him on track, he''s directly beneath us.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Come to the crater. I''ll bring you down.


    Fajii banked away from Nix, heading toward the glowing hole in the Center Camp.


    Bali ran towards the crater, dodging and darting the enemy as she made her way to the precipice. She spotted the diving Scorched Earth Archon and put on a burst of speed before leaping over the edge into open space.


    Fajii dipped her wing slightly to adjust and caught Bali with both arms, the two of them gliding down into the darkness.


    The two descended for a few seconds before landing in the cavern, Fajii dropped her Archon form and ran toward the doors.


    [Rock Slam]


    The Aquarion slammed both of her rock incased fists into the door, knocking them inward and tearing them off their hinges. "Find him, Bali!"


    The ranger glanced down at her tracking interface and took off running down the hall. "This way!"


    Bali took the first right and entered an adjacent room. Her feet skidding to a sudden stop, "the hell is that?"


    A man was reclining on some sort of altar, his body surrounded by a protective barrier. The ranger shot three arrows directly into the barrier, each of them bounced off harmlessly. "This is Vega, Fajii."


    Fajii hadn''t released her rock-fists yet, she stepped forward and struck the barrier.


    "Stop that at once!"


    Bali turned at the sound of the voice. A strikingly beautiful young woman with dark hair walked toward them; she was accompanied by a thin-looking boy with pasty white skin. Neither of them looked threatening.


    "How do I break the barrier?" Bali frowned at the pair, scolding herself for not checking the room properly.


    The woman held up her hands and walked toward the barrier. "No need to fight, I will shut it off."


    Muncie watched as his companion walked toward Vega, his face devoid of any expression. "It''s a trick; she has a knife."


    Bali''s fist lashed out and struck the side of the dark girl''s head, sending her blade clattering to the ground.


    The girl''s face seemed shocked as she looked up at the tiny ranger. "You dare touch me?"


    Bali nodded and pointed her bow at the woman. "Welcome to Inferno, where we hit people who make us angry."


    *****************


    [Dragon Roar]


    Dozens of allies stampeded in all directions in a desperate attempt to escape the angry dragon.


    Nix is immune to Control Effects.


    Semmi has been feared.


    Pon has resisted fear.


    Ronnie has resisted fear.


    Wind has been feared.


    Jun Li has resisted fear.


    Nix banked hard and dived straight down at the dragon''s back, driving his Black-Ice blade hilt-deep into the beast. He gripped the blade with both hands and pushed lightning into it.


    [Black Lightning Strike]


    A waist-thick bolt of black lightning streaked across the sky and struck the dragon, tearing a large hole in the creature''s back.


    The dragon reared back, roaring in pain as it scorched the entire area with a wide swath of Dragonfire.


    Captain Locas has been slain.


    Gypsy has been slain.


    Ducky has been slain.


    Morti roared in anger at the death of the Water Witch.


    [Rage]


    A Titan Cave Bear has become upset... run for your life.


    Morti''s size shot upward past thirty feet, he clamped down on the dragon''s broken wing and pulled back with all of his strength. A sudden wrenching and cracking of bone sounded out as the wing shifted suddenly.


    [Rage]


    A Titan War Leader has become Enraged. Mortimus''s sheer size pushed the dragon off balance as nearly fifty feet of Titan clamped its jaws on the dragon''s right-wing. His teeth crushed through the bone as he dug his feet in and pulled back.


    Floyd has cast [Copyright: Mortimer]


    Milat has cast [Copyright: Mortimus]


    The two trickster Titans suddenly appeared on the battlefield, a bit smaller than the real Titans, but their combined presence was terrifying. Both copies rushed to Morti''s side, where he was starting to be pulled off balance from the power of his dad. The dragon''s head reared back in agony, letting off a stream of fire that burned upward into the sky.


    Ronnie turned her Golem toward the dragon and summoned Wilo.


    Ronnie has cast. [Gemini Companion Bond: Rage]


    The dark beauty howled as her strength spiked upward. Wilo placed her hands on Ronnie''s back and lent the power of the air to her bow.


    [Sonic Shot: Burst]


    Ronnie has landed a Mortal strike.


    Ronnie has landed a Mortal strike.


    Ronnie has landed a Mortal strike.


    Gaping holes appeared in the dragon''s black scales, knocking it off balance.


    Floyd has cast [Rage]


    The Trickster Titan dug his paws into the turf and pulled back against the enormous strength of the Titan Warleader.


    Milat has cast [Rage]


    A second Trickster Titan enraging was echoed by the sounds of breaking bones and tearing flesh.


    Jun Li has cast [Gemini Companion Bond: Rage]


    The Gemini Champion''s power exploded upward as the left side of her body turned dark. The air around her blade pulsed with energy. Jun Li screamed in Rage, two enormous wings sprouted from her back, and she flashed toward the dragon.


    [Final Strike]


    Jun Li has inflicted a mortal blow.


    Pon has cast [Gemini Companion Bond: Rage]


    The body of the Ice Wraith tripled in size; its snake-like body targeted the dragon as the Wraith''s body morphed into a spear.


    [Collosal Spear]


    A thirty-foot long spear impaled the body of the dragon, pinning it to the ground.


    A deafening roar of pain reverberated through the air as both wings were torn from its body a moment later.


    Nix has cast [Gemini Companion Bond: Rage]


    A second set of wings formed over the top of his Archon Wings, and an orb of lightning energy settled around him.


    [Tempest: Lightning]


    A single bolt of lightning struck a man-sized hole into the dragon''s body, Nix banked and then dived toward the creature.


    [Execution''s Last Form: Extinguish]


    Nix''s blade sliced cleaned through the dragon''s thick neck, sending its head bouncing onto the ground.


    A Black Dragon has been slain.


    **************


    "Only so much?" Bali stared at the corpse of Vega; he had died ridiculously easy once the barrier dropped.


    Fajii nodded. "They must have killed the dragon." The Aquarion glanced at the two civilians, "stay here for now. Trying to escape will probably get you killed."


    Muncie nodded. "I''ll wait."


    A few moments later, Fajii and Bali took the two-way from the underground chamber into a wholly destroyed command tent. The Aquarion immediately headed toward the dead dragon.


    Bali spotted her best friend lying on the ground and ran toward her. "Ronnie?" She touched the dark archer''s warm skin. She was completely unharmed. "You sleeping, Ron?"


    The ranger stood up, her sharp eyes scanning the battlefield. "Holy crap..." More than a half dozen Inferno members were dozing peacefully on the battlefield. Mortimus yawned sleepily and lay next to his son before starting to snore loudly.


    /Allied Command: Vice Commander: Sulane: Nix, Jun Li, and Semmi are all down. Who is in charge?


    /Allied Command: Bali: That would be me.


    /Allied Command: Vice Commander: Sulane: Orders Commander?


    Bali''s pretty face lit up in a big smile, and she puffed her chest out.


    /Allied Command: Bali: Gather the clerics and start rezzing everyone. Move the sleeping Inferno members closer together and post guards on them until they can be moved.


    A few minutes later, Bali was humming happily to herself while she monitored the battlefield. Fajii and Hyai had taken Nix and moved him to the Turtle house. A hand on her shoulder startled her out of her bubble of happiness. The stoic face of Captain Locas stared at her.


    "Commander Bali?"


    Bali shrugged slightly. "I can explain everyth..."


    "Well done, Bali," Captain Locas interrupted her with a smile. "Carry on."


    **************


    [0900 Turtle House, 4 days later]


    Nix sat up slowly, stretching his arms over his head. He had been changed and cleaned up while he slept. The bedroom was empty, but the smell of breakfast wafting in told him he wasn''t alone.


    Quest has been Updated.


    Curse of the Ice Goddess.


    Objective: Report to Free Trader City at your leisure.


    The Ice Goddess is aware of your progress and has strengthened the Curse on you.


    Your Archon and Breach Commander Abilities have been disabled.


    "Lousy Ice Bitches..." Nix scowled at the message on his hud.


    "Finally awake, hun?" Hyai''s pretty face peeked into the bedroom.


    "Was I sleeping long?"


    "Four days, the rest of them woke up yesterday." Hyai favored him with a smile. "Take a shower, breakfast in ten minutes."


    A half-hour later, Nix was finishing his breakfast while Hyai helped Fajii sort through some of the natural spices she purchased. "Hey... Where''s all the loot?"


    Fajii shrugged. "There wasn''t any."


    Nix stared at her, Fajii had a tell when she was joking. "Where?"


    Fajii sighed, her lips curving in a smile. "How did you know I was joking?"


    "You bite your lower lip whenever you''re trying to fool me."


    "I see... The loot is at HQ. There are four separate chests and of course the wingless dragon puppet."


    "I''ll deal with that tomorrow."


    /Inferno: Nix: Guild party at the Turtle House, 1500 hours.


    /Inferno: Pon: Sleeping Beauty!


    /Inferno: Semmi: Party time!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m in!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Notify the party committee, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: On it.


    Nix turned to Hyai who was still talking with Fajii. "Party today."

 349 Dragon Ques

    Jun Li gestured to the four new faces that were present. "That''s Muncie from the Bandit camp; he was part of their ''forced labor'' group. I believe you already know Lu, Circa and Molls."


    Nix nodded, he''d already been briefed. As soon as Jun Li found out about the animator, she had Ducky question him using her abilities. He passed the Water Witches enhanced questioning techniques with flying colors. "Necroskeletal animation, it''s basically a Necromancer without the sorcery."


    "He admits that it isn''t likely he''ll be able to use the black dragon we killed at the mountain pass."


    Jun Li nudged Nix with her foot. "Deidra just arrived through a breach."


    Nix turned toward the closing breach; he could still sense them even though the ability was frozen again. "She''s bringing Shae for a visit, and I asked her to inspect the dragon puppet corpse. It seemed too much like the real thing."


    Jun Li didn''t trust the Solomon City dragon leader; her presence made her nervous. "Why don''t you take care of that first, then we''ll break open those chests and divvy up the loot."


    Nix stood when the Salamander approached; she was monitoring the salamander/dragon hybrid egg. "How''s everything back in Solomon City?"


    Shae kissed him and hugged him close for a few seconds before answering. "Couldn''t be better."


    Deidra had shrunk her horns to the point where she could pass for a dragon descendant. "That''s your house? Isn''t it a Turtle shell?"


    "Yes." Nix kept his face expressionless. Did dragons have a sense of humor? "Let''s check out the puppet."


    Leva approached them when Nix caught her attention. She opened up a breach to HQ so the trio could inspect the puppet.


    Deidra''s sudden intake of air didn''t match her calm face. The dragon puppet was laid out in the HQ courtyard, under the guard of several Scorched Earth Temple Acolytes. The wings that had been pulled off were sitting on the ground next to it, along with the severed head.


    Nix stared at the puppet; it had been a much harder fight than any of the depleted Dragons Inferno had faced before. They were forced to put their trump cards on display to kill it. "It only used two attacks; Fear and Dragonfire."


    "Not surprising, this closely resembles a dragon in its first century. Biting, fear, and fire are the first weapons my kind get." Deidra knelt and pulled apart the crushed scales to examine some of the wounds. She frowned at the severed pieces, pulling the wings off of a dragon would take incredible strength.


    "Titans, if you''re curious." Nix watched as she studied the sheared bones of the wings.


    Deidra pointed to the right-wing, "this one''s strength is amazing, you can see that it bit through scale and bone and then snapped off the thickest section of the wing."


    Nix was confident that the Flame Knights that Deidra assigned to him would have already given her a briefing on the fight. "That would be Mortimus, Warleader of the Titan Clans."


    "Its flesh, bone, and scales are identical to a young dragon. There''s only one thing missing."


    Nix already knew the answer, so it said it. "The heart."


    Deidra favored him with a smile; he''d already killed a handful of depleted dragons and was aware of the unique properties of the dragon heart. "Are you the one who removed the head?"


    "Yep." Truthfully Nix barely remembered it. Rage was like nothing he''d ever felt. A red haze settled over everything, and he felt a strength that far surpassed his own.


    Deidra stepped away from the corpse, finding it utterly distasteful. It did, however, give her an accurate measurement of Nix and his allies. If they were to face a younger dragon, in all likelihood, they would be able to kill it. "I want to ask a favor of you."


    Nix frowned immediately. Although she had done him a few recent favors, Deidra wasn''t hesitant about extracting a price. "If nothing else, I''ll hear you out."


    Shae coughed to cover a smile. Nix could be difficult when he chose to be. "I already know what she wants, Nix; it falls within your plans."


    "Bring the Dragon Cities together now." Deidra watched him for a reaction when there wasn''t one she continued. "You have Yandro''s City, the Master City."


    "Inferno City, the city of Elynmoor, was taken and renamed by us."


    Deidra nodded in agreement. "And so it was. I want you to use Inferno City to bring the Dragon Cities together."


    New Guild Quest Available.


    Nix considered her proposal; it did align with his own plans. "Doing it against the will of the other Dragon City Masters could prove problematic."


    "They''ve already agreed. Each time we use our marrow to fuel the cities, we are weakened. The spectrum you have would allow us to save our strength."


    Nix cursed in his head. The dragons would know that he has spectrum; it represented too much of a temptation for them. "What about the fallen cities?"


    "We would welcome all twenty-five eventually," Deidra answered truthfully. "However, the other City Masters have only agreed to offer you limited control until the eighteen cities are united with Inferno City."


    /Inferno: Nix: Deidra wants me to unite the eighteen Dragon Cities with Inferno City.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What about the Planar penalty?


    /Inferno: Nix: I hadn''t thought of that.


    Nix pursed his lips while he considered the issue. "Several Core citizens and humans are living in Inferno City. I can''t very well ask them all to take the planar tests."


    Deidra must have known he''d ask about the penalty because she was ready with an answer. "The planar penalty is a group spell that was cast by the original twenty-five Dragon Masters. We won''t even consider dropping it. However, it no longer affects the fallen cities."


    /Inferno: Nix: The planar penalty is a mass spell that only affects the eighteen remaining cities.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We were going to do it anyway. This way, we''ll get a price from them.


    /Inferno: Pon: Drain them dry!


    /Inferno: Wind: Make it hurt, Boss.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We just got a new Guild Quest, better take a look at the reward before you ask for anything.


    /Inferno: Nix: Right. I don''t want to ask for something I''m already getting.


    Quest: Unite the Eighteen Dragon Cities


    Description: The once-powerful Dragon Nation has been slowly weakening. When the dragons started to falter, instead of working together, they separated their cities so that only the weakest would fail.


    Objectives: Find a way to bring the cities together.


    Locate the lost city of Elynmoor. [Completed]


    Defeat Yandro and take the Master City Key. [Completed]


    Find an alternative energy source to power the Dragon Cities. [Completed]


    Become the City Controller for all the Dragon Cities.


    Reward: Flying mounts are unlocked for all of Everspire with the completion of this quest.


    /Inferno: Pon: F*cking kidding? What kind of shit is that?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I have to agree. We do all the cooking, and the entire continent gets to eat our rice?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Not the best outcome, but most of the humans can''t even afford a horse yet.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I don''t care if everyone benefits Nix. I want to fly places, walking and riding is for the birds.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Actually, flying is for the birds.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: HEY! You made a joke! Good job, Sis.


    /Inferno: Pon: Let''s do it. I want to fly my Nether mount.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Nix hasn''t even taken his out yet. It''s a special.


    /Inferno: Pon: Bastard Nix! Like the damn King''s Set Armor? What did you get?


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t use it because my Spirit Companion is a Drakon.


    /Inferno: Fey: Yep! Faster and better than some Nether Daiken.


    /Inferno: Nix: I only kept it because Fey does quests and isn''t always available.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Do it, Nix. We were going to do it eventually.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay. I''ll be back in a bit.


    Deidra and Shae were talking amongst themselves while Nix consulted with Inferno. He closed his hud and turned back toward them.


    Nix gave Deidra his best diplomatic smile. "I''ll accept it."


    Deidra nodded in satisfaction. "And the price?"


    "One dragon egg."


    Deidra stared at him for a moment, her eyes unreadable. "We can accept that price."


    Nix cleared his throat with a cough. "Per city."

 350 Time to Relax

    "It isn''t in our nature to form close attachments to dragonspawn. I believe only a few of us actually refer to them as our children."


    Nix understood perfectly. Dragons were an arrogant creature, not filled with sunshine and daisies. "Think of it as fostering."


    "You''re going to ask me for the hybrid egg." Deidra didn''t bother to put a question in the statement.


    Shae''s pretty face slowly broke into a smile, and she nodded her head up and down without waiting for a reply.


    "Yep. That''s my plan," Nix admitted.


    "Let''s make an agreement, with the understanding that you will continue to add your elements to my nursery in the future."


    Nix shrugged. "I don''t mind. If the Dragon Masters agree to my price, then we have an accord."


    Deidra offered her hand, and Nix shook it.


    "Not going to contact the other Dragon Masters?"


    Deidra shook her head. "Keeping the cities in the air has already killed seven of us. We will pay your price."


    Nix struggled to keep the frown off his face, the miser in him wanted to ask for more. "I will start the process after I wrap up a few things."


    "Thank you. I will give the two of you a few minutes before heading back to the nursery." Deidra walked to the far side of the courtyard and took a seat on the bench.


    Nix turned his attention back to Shae; her face was glowing with warmth. "You look pretty energetic."


    Shae grabbed both his hands, squeezing them gently. "Monitoring the egg is beneficial to me. Usually, a salamander only cultivates their meta-flame during a promotion."


    "If my fire-seed is emerald, how does it possess your meta-flame?"


    Shae shrugged her shoulders slightly. "It''s in there, the barest flicker that hides in your flames."


    **************


    A few minutes later, Nix was back at the Turtle house after saying goodbye to Shae. There was still a while until the party was due to start. Pon was using his flames to barbecue meat while Wind, Semmi, and Chael were putting tables and chairs together.


    "Where''d you get the tables?" Nix whistled softly, three long tables complete with chairs. A fourth table was piled with a half dozen barrels of Semmi''s Gold, complete with shiny metallic taps.


    "What''s with you showing up after the work is done?" Semmi smirked at him before answering, "Scarlett brought them."


    "Scarlett is here?" Nix glanced around the area but didn''t see the Titan Clan Leader.


    Semmi pointed toward the back of the house. "Yes, in the back with the rest of the Titans."


    As if on cue, Nix heard the loud booming laugh of Mortimus. "Glad they were with us on that one."


    Semmi nodded in agreement. "No doubt."


    /Inferno: Nix: Should we break open the loot?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes!


    /Inferno: Pon: Let''s hope it''s not crap.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s loot from a quest advancement. Considering the importance of the Quest, I think it will be pretty good.


    Nix walked around to the backyard, where Morti was splashing in the water with Soup. Gil was sitting with Mortimus and Scarlett on the stone ledge that bordered the pond.


    Scarlett noticed him first and stood to greet him. "Chevalier Nix," the Titan Clan leader hugged him without hesitation.


    [Whisper: Gillian to Nix] There are several Titans here that wanted to meet you firsthand. The Clan Leader intends to show off her son''s Chevalier.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gillian] I see. Thanks, Gil.


    "I haven''t had the chance to review the dragon fight with Morti yet, but I will update you on his progress in a few days."


    Mortimus stepped away from the person he was speaking to and offered Nix his hand. "That was a fight I''d pay to watch Nix! Armored knights, archers, cannons, and dragons!"


    "Morti did a great job with positioning and using leverage. It was a great experience for the battles to come."


    The War Leader nodded in agreement. "Did you see us playing tug-of-war with that flying lizard?"


    Nix spent a few minutes talking with Morti''s parents and a few of the Titans they brought with them. Finally, the preparations were set for the party, and it was time to open the chests.


    The group had moved to the tables; Nix sat a few meters away from them with four chests that were placed on the grass.


    Nix held his hands up, and everyone quieted down. "Before we get started. Let''s take a moment to recognize our two Tricksters and Ronnie for their out-of-the-box thinking at the end of our dragon fight."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Thanks!


    /Inferno: Floyd: It was fun being a bear, if only for a short while.


    /Inferno: Milat: That Titan Rage is serious.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: For real.


    /Inferno: Pon: No doubt.


    "Okay. The first two chests are from the Commanders of the Eastern and Western bandit camps." Nix opened them up and then linked the items.


    [Chest One]


    Elemental Seed [Wood]


    Description: This seed adds


    the Element of Wood to whoever


    consumes it.


    Teraphi: [Spirit Companion]


    A Melee companion comprised


    of metal.


    Ring of Deceit [Unformatted]


    Description: Use a simple hud


    interface to construct any human form you


    design. Once you have chosen, it becomes


    permanently assigned to this ring.


    Pristine Garden [Plot Needed]


    Description: Place this two-acre garden on


    any personal or guild land.


    Enhancement: Accelerated growth x5.


    [Chest Two]


    Elemental Seed [Shadow]


    Description: This seed adds


    the Element of Shadow to whoever


    consumes it.


    Portal Ring [Unformatted]


    Description: Save up to three


    slots that you want to permanently


    assign to this ring.


    Crystal Hammer [Crafting Item]


    Description: Blacksmithing hammer


    that adds a random enhancement


    to armor.


    Lighthouse [Guild Only]


    Description: Adds a Lighthouse


    to any coastal settlement.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay... Let''s start with the Elemental Seeds. We have Shadow and Wood.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''m interested in the Shadow Element.


    /Inferno: Wind: Same for me.


    /Inferno: Bali: Wood Element.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Shadow Element.


    /Inferno: Locas: Wood Element.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay. Random roll for Shadow.


    [Semmi] /Ran 100: 33


    [Wind] /Ran 100: 21


    [Jun Li] /Ran 100: 13


    /Inferno: Nix: All yours Semmi.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shitty rolls.


    /Inferno: Nix: Roll for the Wood.


    /Inferno: Locas: Gonna pass and wait for something better.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay. Yours, if you want it, Bali.


    /Inferno: Bali: Yes!


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, next is the metal spirit companion.


    /Inferno: Tess: I''d like it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, it''s all yours.


    /Inferno: Tess: Thanks, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll give the hammer to Moki, our Guild Armorer. One of our alchemists can have the garden, and we''ll throw the Lighthouse up in Ionova somewhere.


    /Inferno: Nansu: I''ll take the garden. Can I plant it on this property, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure. Okay, who wants the ring of deceit? It''s basically another face to wear around.


    /Inferno: Pon: Lame...


    /Inferno: Nix: You definitely should take it old bastard.


    /Inferno: Wind: Keep going, there''s a party to start.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, I''ll keep the ring until someone asks for it. Who wants the portal ring?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Me!


    /Inferno: Milat: Me too.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Same here.


    /Inferno: Nix: Roll for it, please.


    [Ronnie] /Ran 100: 88


    [Milat] /Ran 100: 91


    [Floyd] /Ran 100: 99


    /Inferno: Pon: Now that''s how your roll.


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. It''s all yours, Floyd.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Thanks!


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, last two chests.


    [Chest Three]


    Phoenix Feather [Weapon Enhancement]


    Description: Add Fire damage to any weapon.


    This stacks with any existing damage.


    Elemental Seed [Metal]


    This seed adds the Element


    of Metal to whoever


    consumes it.


    Elemental Seed [Shadow]


    This seed adds the Element


    of Shadow to whoever


    consumes it.


    Elemental Seed [Water]


    This seed adds the Element


    of Water to whoever


    consumes it.


    [Chest Four]


    Spire Cottage [Private Home]


    Elemental Seed [Lightning]


    This seed adds the Element


    of Lightning to whoever


    consumes it.


    Enhanced Siege Weapon [Guild Blueprint]


    Feign Death [Skill Stone]


    Description: Adds the Feign


    Death Skill to your ability list.


    After rolling and distributing the last two chests, Nix sent a readout to everyone''s huds with the rewards.


    /Inferno: Nix: Here''s what everyone has, if you want to trade, hit them up.


    [Guild Awards]


    Elemental Seed [Wood]: Bali


    Elemental Seed [Shadow]: Semmi


    Teraphi: [Spirit Companion]: Tess


    Ring of Deceit [Unformatted]: None


    Pristine Garden [Plot Needed]: Nansu


    Elemental Seed [Shadow] Wind


    Portal Ring [Unformatted] Floyd


    Crystal Hammer [Crafting Item] Moki


    Lighthouse [Guild Only]


    Elemental Seed [Metal] Jun Li


    Elemental Seed [Water] Sharl


    Elemental Seed [Lightning]: Fey


    Phoenix Feather: Mina


    Feign Death: Pon


    Private Home: Pinky


    Lighthouse [Guild Only]: Guild


    Siege Weapon: Guild


    /Inferno: Nix: There it is. If I forgot to list anyone, let me know.


    /Inferno: Pon: Party Time?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Let''s get started!

 351 The Second Blade part one

    "Nix!" A raspy voice whispered in his ear, followed by the crunching sound of the tiny demon biting the head off of a fish. Sasi shrugged at her brother, who climbed on the bed next to her. "He sleeps like an old man."


    Rabi frowned at the fish she held in her tiny hand. "You were going to share that."


    Sasi smiled sweetly, her tiny fangs flashing when she handed it to him. "Sure, Rabi. Take it."


    The demon hybrid begrudgingly took it from her hand. "You ate the head again, always taking the best part."


    Sasi shrugged, biting her lip to keep from laughing as she attempted to use the tip of her tail to tickle the side of Nix''s face. "I catch it."


    "Lies... Turtle man gave that to you." Rabi finished the fish quickly, licking his fingers before reaching for Nix''s pillow.


    "Rabi..."


    Rabi froze in mid-action and glanced at the Inferno leader, who now had one eye open. "Yes?"


    "Don''t wipe fish hands on my pillows." Nix used one hand to shove him off the bed before sitting up.


    The tiny demon squealed in protest and slid over the edge of the bed, the sound of his sister''s laughter filled the room.


    "Nix pushed you off, Dum-Dum." Sasi''s dark eyes danced when she laughed; she quickly let go of her own tail. "Special mission Nix."


    "Mission? Who and where?" Nix turned slowly until his feet were on the floor. He dimly recalled Fajii saying that she was going to Free Trader City with Nansu and Hyai.


    Sasi slipped off the bed nimbly, at just under five feet tall, her tail brushed the floor when she stood. "We go to Favi City in Dhou. Chiba requires your presence."


    He got up slowly, when everything seemed to still be working correctly; he made his way toward the bedroom closet. "Chiba? Is Beta already there?"


    Sasi nodded, her dark eyes watching curiously while he dressed. "Turtle house is fun."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Things do get a bit lively." The smooth roof of his home had quickly turned into a water slide as the entire guild took turns cannon-balling into the pond. Somehow Morti managed to get up there... Hopefully, there was still some water left.


    Rabi stomped into the closet, glaring up at Nix as he walked by to wash his hands. Unlike the Sasi, the male demons in the Qi family didn''t have tails. "Beta went to help, but now they want you too."


    Nix finished dressing and walked into the kitchen, Gil was sitting at the island waiting. "Coming with us, Gil?"


    Gil nodded, his round face watching as Nix pulled out a boxed lunch and started eating. "Hyai spoils you."


    Nix chuckled but didn''t deny it. "How do we get to Favi?"


    Gil pulled up a map of the four corners area, that included the provinces of Dhou, Mocai, Vespri, and Lana. "Favi is in Dhou, south, and west of Free Trader City. It should take an hour with horses."


    "Is this an emergency?" Nix hadn''t visited Free Trader city and wanted a chance to look around a bit. There was also a Taxidermist that he was hoping to see. One of Ever Flame''s crafters had given him the name Wallace.


    Sasi nodded. "She said to show up ready to fight."


    Nix stopped eating for a moment. "If it was that urgent, why didn''t you and Rabi handle it?" Although their personalities were friendly, the two hybrid demons were also very dangerous in any kind of a fight.


    Rabi moved beside him, his quick hands snatching a piece of food from Nix''s plate. "As part of her advancement, Chiba must demonstrate the strength of one of her students."


    Nix moved his plate away from Rabi while nodding slowly. "I better not let her down then."


    A New Class Quest is Available.


    Clash of Swords [Spellsword Only]


    Description: Your Master has been challenged, and


    so you must demonstrate your skill.


    Objective: Stand on the fighting platform at the


    Favi Fighter''s Guild and defeat as many fighters


    as you can.


    [Required Objectives]


    Defeat Beryl Vorn


    Defeat Borsha


    Defeat Malice.


    *****************


    Nix exited the Turtle house a few minutes later, closely shadowed by his three companions. The three mountain ponies that he purchased in Ever Flame were waiting for him. Molls, Lu, and Circa, enjoyed the victory party with Inferno before going back to the Neva province to continue questing. Since Nix had been incapacitated at the end of the Mountain Pass battle, the Breach Commander Interface had automatically rewarded all participants with a battle mount.


    Nix unsummoned the ponies and handed each of the Qi Demons a bridle. "We''ll take the Ionova Gate to Free Trader City and then ride to Favi from there."


    Sasi nodded, and the four of them joined hands before Nix activated Deep Blue. A moment later, they stepped into the busy City Center of Ionova.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nebula] It Looks like business is picking up.


    [Whisper: Nebula to Nix] Lots of business coming in from the four corners. We are also getting a lot of commerce from within Titania since we have access to Free Trader City.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nebula] Heading to Free Trader City on business. Need anything?


    [Whisper: Nebula to Nix] Yes, actually. One of our Smiths has paid for several shipments of steel. For some reason, it has been confiscated by the Free Trader City guard.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nebula] No worries, I''ll look into it.


    [Whisper: Nebula to Nix] Thanks. And bring a girl back something pretty from the big city.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nebula] Denied.


    Nix whistled in appreciation a few minutes later when he got his first look at Free Trader City. As a city that was built at the nexus of four provinces, it enjoyed a wide variety of shops and citizens. The town was made primarily from wood, but there were a few stone structures visible from the market square. The streets were paved with crushed rock, a practice that Nix personally found more efficient than the more expensive cobblestoned streets of bigger cities.


    "Crap, it''s hot here, Nix." Gil wiped his bald head with a bandana; the Turtle Titan kept his hair shaved close to the scalp. Sweat started dripping down his face as soon as they began walking toward the gate.


    "It''s humid." The moisture in the air surprized Nix. Although he''d experienced just about every kind of weather imaginable since starting Colonial, it was the first time he felt the thick presence of moisture in the air.


    The city itself was massive in size; the sprawling structures seemed to go in all directions as far as the eye could see. It was loud and crowded, a refreshing change from the relative quiet of Ever Flame.


    "If it''s this bad in the city, it will be way worse in the countryside." Nix tried not to laugh when Gil tied his bandana over his head, making him look like a short, squat pirate. "Shouldn''t a turtle do better in this weather?"


    "Sure. Want me to change right now? I''ll give you all a ride, and we''ll get to Favi sometime next year." Gil smirked and then stumbled when Nix suddenly stopped.


    Nix stared at the creature before raising a hand to stop his group from pulling their weapons. They were face to face with a rather large looking sea beast. Huge luminous eyes and bulging muscles caused everyone using the boardwalk to step into the street. "What are you doing here?"


    Nonoa''s dark eyes didn''t show the alarm she felt. Her beast had stopped in the middle of the walk-way and was staring at the group in front of it. When the Spiritualist stepped around to speak to the group, she was greeted with a very familiar face. "So... Mina must have found you."


    Nix switched his stare from the Sea Devil to the woman beside him. She was dark and very attractive. "Mina did find me. Why do you have this creature?"


    The Sea-Beast moved closer, not alarmed by Nix''s presence since it remembered him. More importantly, it recalled the bond from its previous owner. It made a soft yodeling sound but didn''t offer any sort of aggression.


    Nonoa kept her face calm; this was the person Mina searched for; she had called him the ugliest man she''d ever seen. The Spiritualist coughed once to cover a laugh. "I helped Mina track you to Nescari; this beast was my payment."


    Nix remembered how exhausted Mina had been when he found her. She had wandered directly into the Oblivion Spider. "I''m Nix, if Mina paid you with this beast then I have no argument."


    "Nonoa, it''s nice to meet you." The Spiritualist extended a dark hand and then greeted him with a slight bow. She had seen the Aquarion again a few days ago. She would have missed her, but the Sea-Devil charged across the street to greet his former master. Although it was her bond now, she felt its longing for the previous owner.


    "Same here. I have business in Favi; perhaps we''ll see each other again." Nix patted the Sea-Devil on the shoulder and then carefully stepped around the pair.


    "Okay, good day, sir." Nonoa watched him walk away; the Aquarion woman must have been joking with her when she called him homely.

 352 The Second Blade part two

    True to Nix''s prediction, the humidity increased and made travel worse for the Turtle Titan. Neither Nix nor the two Qi siblings seemed bothered by it. The hybrid demons enjoyed the trip. Sometimes they would ride double and chat with each other; frequently, they would jump in front of Nix or Gil and ride with them. Their presence made the long trip bearable.


    Sasi sat sideways across Gil''s saddle, one hand placed on his shoulder for balance as she talked with him. "Nope, never."


    Gil''s friendly face showed his doubt. "You''ve never been swimming?"


    Sasi shook her head for the second time. "I live in Sky City, Turtle man... Do you think we have oceans there?"


    Gil shrugged nonchalantly. "Suppose not. What about missions? Didn''t you say your family are operatives for the ...umm... Beach guys?"


    Sasi smiled slightly. "Breach, not beach. The Breach Commanders assign our missions. Nix is one of those too."


    "Right. Never fought in a water zone?"


    "We specialize in Nether Assaults." Sasi favored him with a smile. "How many times have you been to the Nether?"


    Gil''s round nose wrinkled slightly. "Why would I want to?"


    "Lots of good stuff to eat. Nether rats taste like candy." Sasi pursed her lips when Gil laughed at her expression. "We don''t go anymore."


    Rabi, who had been listening from his own horse, nodded in agreement. "Since Nix became Nether King, everyone travel back and forth, no more fighting."


    "Don''t drag me into this. I''m not the Nether King." Nix wished for the tenth time in as many minutes that he brought Bali with him. Lack of visibility and space gave him an uneasy feeling.


    "Huh?" Rabi turned entirely around and sat backward on his saddle. "All the Nether Overlords work for you."


    Nix shook his head. "Your info is bad."


    Sasi laughed from Gil''s horse, she blurred suddenly and in an instant later was back on her own. "King Nix... everyone says it. You killed the old Nether Emperor."


    Nix lowered his voice and leaned closer to Sasi''s horse. "Don''t tell anyone, but... Pon the Magnificent is the new Nether King."


    "Pon? Old Fire Bastard Pon?" Sasi heard Nix mention him before, even seen them talking.


    Nix nodded sagely. "That''s him, but you didn''t hear it from me."


    Rabi looked doubtful; suddenly, his eyes darted off-trail. "Company, three people." He slipped off the horse and faded into nothing.


    Sasi disappeared from her mount, leaving Nix and Gil riding together. They rode another minute before they were forced to stop.


    Several deadfalls were dragged across the road, making it necessary for them to either stop and remove the obstacle or ride off-trail to circumvent it.


    Three men with red singlets pulled over chainmail armor walked up out of the woods. All three of them held swords in their hands, the largest of the three men had a long blonde braid that hung down the center of his back.


    "A word, please." The braided warrior spoke, his manner and accent spoke of court life. "I am Curio from the School of Swords."


    "Curio?" Nix placed both hands on the pommel of his saddle. "Does being from the School of Swords entitle you to throw barricades across the road and force travelers to stop?"


    "We don''t mean any harm." Curio stepped closer while his two companions spread out.


    Nix drew Wrath and pushed flames into it. The white blade hummed and crackled when it emerged into the air. "Remove the barricade at once and step aside, or fight."


    Gil pulled both of his maces out and removed his feet from the stirrups.


    "Of course, sir, just as soon as you ans..." A half dozen emerald strands impaled the braided man''s chest a moment later, lifting him into the air.


    [Viper Strike]


    Sasi Qi has landed a critical strike on Seifert.


    [Quartered]


    Rabi has crippled Denxi Ru and exposed a vulnerability to Fire Attacks.


    "S-STOP... Surrender.. w-we surrender!" Blood sprayed from Curio''s mouth as he tried to speak.


    Immediately Nix released Curio and held up his hand to stop the Qi family before they finished off the other two. "Mount up."


    Nix targeted the trees that were dragged across the trail.


    [Balefire: Burst] The deadfalls incinerated instantly


    The group rode away a few moments later, Rabi sat backwards on his saddle, keeping an eye on their downed opponent. The demon hybrid looked disappointed that they were leaving. "I bet they had nice stuff, Sasi."


    Sasi nodded, "those red singlets were pretty."


    Gil glanced from one Qi to the other. They had gone from sweet and cheerful to deadly and back again in an eyeblink. "How''d you know they were there, Rabi?"


    Rabi''s fanged mouth split in a wide grin. "Smells them."


    The rest of the trip was uneventful, Favi was a mid-sized settlement with a tall white wall around it. Nix whistled when he glimpsed the city.


    Gil nodded in agreement. "Who spends that kind of credits on a wall? Marble instead of stone? What for?"


    Two guards with green singlets pulled over their armor stood in front of the open gate. They crossed their spear in an ''X'' when the group approached.


    "Dismount, please." The guard who spoke was a female with short brown hair; she was quite muscular, her face creased with a handful of scars.


    Nix slid off of Nightmare, making sure to keep a grip on the reins. "We''re traveling from Free-Trader City, enroute to the Fighter''s Guild to meet up with my Master."


    The brunette nodded and visibly relaxed when they complied with her orders. She raised the spear that barred their path. "Any trouble on the road?"


    Nix shook his head. "None to speak of. Some bandits attempted to stop us, but we were able to outrun them."


    "Glad you made it safely here. The Fighter''s Guild is on Academy Street; three blocks passed the Market Square."


    Nix bowed slightly. "Thank you."


    The group walked through the gates and tied their mounts at the hitching rail in front of the stables. A rail-thin young man came out when they arrived.


    "I''m Creeble, the stable boy here." Creeble pushed his bowl-cut hair out of his eyes and gave them a smile that was missing two front teeth. "I''ll water and feed your horses and keep them here until you leave, thirty credits."


    "Five credits." Nix patted him on the shoulder. "Nice try."


    Creeble laughed and shrugged. "Okay."


    The streets of Favi were tiled with three-foot squares that had been laid out perfectly. It was perfectly smooth and angled slightly for the rain to run off into the gutters. The boardwalks that lined both sides of the roads were made from a redwood that seemed to have been recently coated with varnish.


    "Damn... " Gil shook his head in wonder. "This place makes Nescari look like a shithole."


    Sasi whispered something in her brother''s ear, he shrugged, and both of them turned to stare at Gil.


    Nix witnessed the interaction and spoke up. "It''s a hole that you use to relieve yourself in."


    Sasi wrinkled her nose. "Is that a turtle thing?"


    Nix nodded. "Undoubtedly."


    Gil smiled good-naturedly. "Hey, Nix, how come you were so nice to those guards?"


    "Hmm?" Nix noticed a sign that said ''Alexa Tailoring'' and was only half-listening.


    "The guards, you did exactly what they asked."


    Nix shrugged. "Why wouldn''t I? They are just doing their jobs."


    Sasi nodded in agreement. "We aren''t criminals or anything."


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] I''m in Favi.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] My best apprentice has finally come to see his loving Master!


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] I''m your only apprentice.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix} Like I said, the best one. Come to the Fighter''s Guild.


    Half an hour later, Nix and his party walked through a large archway connected to a gray stone wall that completely encircled a large compound. An ugly older woman was waiting for them just inside.


    "Nix!" Chiba''s wrinkled face creased into a grin. "At last, my apprentice shows up."

 353 The Second Blade part three

    Chiba pulled him close to her flat chest. "I''m done except for your part."


    Nix walked with the old woman, while his companions fell in behind. They entered the lobby of a large building and exited almost immediately into a courtyard that had been made into a training area. "What''s my part?"


    Chiba held up her hands. "Not to worry, Nix, it''s merely a display competition."


    Nix laughed at the old woman''s expression. "You have no idea what I need to do."


    Chiba shook her head. "Not really, no."


    The old woman walked him to the edge of a raised platform where three old men waited with three younger people. Two men, wearing red, sat in chairs on either side of the wooden stage.


    One of the men in red stood up and gestured from everyone to clear the stage. He waited until everyone was off before speaking. "We are here to test the pupils of the Masters who are undergoing advancement. Master candidates, please take your seats."


    Chiba, who was dressed entirely in dark blue, followed the three older men and took a seat on the side of the stage. The second man in red stood up and joined his companion.


    "I''m Renlo, the judge for his demonstration. The first phase is the blade demonstration." Renlo looked at one of the old men. "Xesai, please send up your apprentice."


    A white-robed man in his mid-20s climbed onto the stage and awaited further instruction.


    "A minimal of three different blades are required here; they may be from the same elemental base." Renlo moved to the side of the stage and gestured for the apprentice to start.


    The apprentice was a lean man with short black hair. His movements were fluid and graceful. He raised a sword hilt, an instant later a blue blade extended.


    Renlo raised his flag. "Water blade, please continue."


    The apprentice nodded, and a moment later, a second blade appeared, parallel to the first.


    Renlo raised his flag again. "Dual Water blades, very good. Continue."


    The apprentice swung the blade once, making them vanish entirely, pausing for a moment he exhaled slowly, and a clear blade emerged from the hilt.


    Renlo raised his flag. "Air blade, you''ve passed."


    Once the apprentice left the stage, Renlo read the next name on his list. "Chiba, please send your apprentice to the stage."


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Do your best, Nix.


    Nix jumped on stage and waited for the judge to address him.


    Judge Renlo glanced at Nix. "Three different blades are required here, apprentice. You may start."


    Nix nodded and focused his thoughts on Wrath, slowly, the black ice blade emerged.


    Renlo stared at the blade for a few seconds and then moved closer. He sighed heavily after a moment and made a gesture to the other judge. "Wait a moment, please."


    The second judge ran into the building they had walked through; a few moments later, he returned with an old woman. Her hair was white as snow, and although she looked ancient, her stride had a fluid efficiency to it.


    She stepped carefully onto the stage and approached Nix. A quick glance at the blade made her wrinkled face break into a smile. "Black Ice blade, very nice."


    Renlo nodded and raised his flag. "Pass. Continue."


    The old woman walked to the edge of the platform before turning to watch.


    Nix pushed flames into the Wrath, the white crackling sound of his fury blade emerging seemed loud in the quiet courtyard.


    Renlo stared at the blade for a moment; without speaking, he glanced at the old woman again.


    The old woman studied Nix for a long moment before she spoke. "White Sonic Flame blade, exceptional."


    Renlo raised his flag and spoke, his voice barely audible. "Continue."


    Nix nodded and pushed Ice Flames into the blade. The bluish flames sending the temperature around him plummeting.


    Renlo looked like he wanted to throw his flags at Nix. "I don''t know this one either, Grand Master."


    The Grand Master moved closer; she gestured with her hand for Chiba to approach also. She glanced casually at Nix. "Why hold back now?"


    Nix shrugged and pushed lightning into the Ice Flame blade, a bolt of lightning escaped upward before it stabilized with the rumbling sound of thunder.


    "Ice Flame Thunder blade." The woman clapped her hands together before turning to Chiba. "Help an old woman back to her office. Ask your apprentice and his friends to accompany us."


    Renlo held up his flag. "Pass."


    The old woman stopped at the edge of the platform. "Chiba passes her advancement; you may continue to test the rest of the candidates."


    Renlo''s mouth opened and closed. "But Master, there are still.."


    The woman stared at him and waited for him to finish his sentence.


    Renlo''s face turned white, and he bowed low. "Forgive my words; I will do as you ask."


    A few minutes later, they were seated comfortably in the Grand Master''s Office. Nix and Gil sat with Chiba on the couch while the Qi siblings watched from behind them.


    "I''m Elena Sersao, the Grand Master of the Spellsword Order." The old woman was seated comfortably behind her desk; she poured herself a small glass of wine with rock steady hands.


    Chiba licked her dry lips, silently cursing the Grand Master for drinking in front of her. "Please introduce your friends to Master Elena, Nix."


    Nix nodded. "This is Gil, the two behind us are Sasi and Rabi."


    Elena sipped the wine, letting her eyes close for a moment. "I offer you a quest. The Sword of Kings was stolen from us centuries ago. I would like you to return it to us."


    "Of course, Master." Chiba nudged her apprentice with an elbow until he nodded in agreement.


    New Quest available.


    Sword of Kings


    Description: The Sword of Kings was


    stolen by a Swordmaster from the lost


    city of Eidengal. Enter the armory through


    the School''s secret entrance and search for


    this treasure.


    Objective: Enter the Eidengal Armory through Elena''s


    secret entrance. Find the Sword of Kings and bring


    it back to Elena Sersao.


    Nix kept his face expressionless as he read the quest objectives. He already had a quest involving the Armory of Eidengal.


    "When would you like to start?" Elena Sersao smiled amiably at her guests. She hadn''t expected the chance to get the sword back would come in her lifetime. Nix had fulfilled the requirements for being givenQuestquest, the formation of three God blades.


    Nix glanced at Gil, who nodded in consent. "We will start as soon as our last companion joins us."


    The group sat quietly while they waited for their last companion. It was only a few minutes before a soft knock sounded at the door, and the white-haired rogue stepped through. She greeted Nix and the Sasi siblings with a wave before bowing toward Elena. "Are we all done?"


    Nix shook his head. "We have a quest if you are willing to come with us."


    Beta nodded her consent. "Of course."


    A few minutes later, Elena led the group down a steep staircase that ended in a raised platform. "This is the gate to Eidengal. It may only be used to travel there; you will have to find your own way back to us."


    /Alpha: Chiba: This is a bad idea; we should opt-out.


    /Alpha: Beta: I agree, we know nothing about Eidengal.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ve been to Eidengal, it''s in the Great Desert.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Nix knows place? Let''s go!


    /Alpha: Beta: Yep, changed my vote.


    /Alpha: Chiba: I''m in then.

 354 The Second Blade part four

    Chiba bowed slightly. "Rest assured; we will do our best Master."


    Elena nodded slowly. "One last thing, many parts of the Armory are meant for larger groups. Yellow torches indicate small groups of 5-10. Blue torches mean that you will need 20-30 people to complete safely."


    The gating platform sent the group to a small staging area where they took a few minutes to prepare for the inevitable conflicts to come.


    [Summons: Morti]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Nix greeted his companions, both of the Qi demons immediately climbed on Morti''s back.


    Ducky favored the demon hybrids with a smile. "So nice to see you again. Uta isn''t here?"


    Rabi shook his head. "He''s teaching the course in Loki still."


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] How does the head of your Order reside in Everspire?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] The Spellsword Order has spread across all the planes. Colonial has no Spellsword ranked higher than me. Initially, my motivation for moving to the higher planes was to find other members of our Order.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] What do you gain from this advancement?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] A second blade.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Dual wield?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] I can already dual wield, but not with two Spellswords and not without penalty.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Let''s do it then.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] How did you learn the new blades?


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Must be the excellent instruction I''ve been receiving from you.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Teach your lovely master at once!


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Maybe... Let''s get going.


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone in the Great Desert region?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What are you doing here, Nix? Thought you were in Dhou.


    /Inferno: Nix: I was. We jumped into a quest that has a backdoor into the Eidengal Amory.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Think you can open the door from the inside?


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to send Ducky to look for the exit.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''ll bring some backup and meet her there.


    The staging area was a square room that exited into an archway. A long hallway lined with yellow torches led away from it.


    /Alpha Nix: Rabi, you''re in front. Morti, you''ll be behind him.


    /Alpha Rabi: Are we expecting traps?


    /Alpha Nix: No idea. Ducky, I need you to start searching for the exit.


    /Alpha Ducky: If I find it should I let Jun Li in?


    /Alpha Nix: Contact us first, the entrance is probably guarded. Be careful.


    /Alpha Ducky: Understood.


    Nix watched as Ducky walked away from them, her steps seemed casual, but the distance between her and the group widened very quickly, and within a few moments, she faded from view.


    After a few minutes of walking, the hallway finally ended in a large room that was nearly fifty meters wide and a hundred meters long. There were dozens of tables set up in exact rows, artisans of all shapes and sizes were busying working their craft.


    The group entered the room from the south hall; there was an exit directly opposite of them to the north. Two additional doors at the East and West also exited into yellow flamed hallways.


    Chiba whistled softly. Everyone in the room seemed to be a named boss.


    /Alpha Nix: This is a giant workshop like the Gladis Hub use to be.


    /Alpha Chiba: We should take one and see what happens.


    [Summons: Shadai, Cal, and Tor]


    Nix''s Arch Wings appeared in front of them, their sharp eyes darting around the room. The ceiling was several meters off the ground and more than high enough for them to stay airborne. "Morti is tanking, we''ll try for single pulls, but you never know."


    In the first row of tables, there were three possible targets¡ªIndir The Alchemist, Pulz Bor, a jeweler, and Qu Winz, a tailor.


    /Alpha: Pull the Tailor Rabi, we''ll see how lucrative this room is.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Ok.


    The team retreated into the hall and waited.


    Rabi has [Quartered] Qu Winz.


    Qu Winz has been crippled.


    The jeweler chased Rabi back into the hall, one leg dragging behind him as he left a trail of blood.


    When he arrived in the hallway, Morti turned him around and swatted him in the face with a massive paw.


    Qu Winz has been stunned.


    Nix has cast [Incinerate] on Qu Winz.


    Gil moved to one side and slammed both of his maces into Qu Winz.


    Qu Winz has been permanently crippled.


    [Viper Strike]


    Sasi has landed a critical strike on Qu Winz.


    Chiba has initiated the [Elemental Masterpiece]


    Each successive Elemental strike scores double the damage of the previous one.


    Chiba lands a critical strike with the element of Silver.


    Nix lands a critical strike with the element of Fire.


    Beta lands a critical strike with the element of Shadow.


    Qu Winz had been slain.


    A spool of platinum tread has been added to your inventory.


    "Wait here."


    Nix activated his stealth package and moved carefully to the table that the Tailor was working at.


    A complete set of Elemental needles has been added to your inventory.


    Elemental Needles[Tailoring]


    Description: This set of thirty needles


    represent every element in Everspire.


    NIx whistled softly and headed back to the group.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m not sure we can afford to leave any of these tables alone. Let''s take the Alchemist.


    Rabi nodded and approached the table of the Alchemist.


    Rabi has [Quartered] Indir The Alchemist.


    This time as Rabi retreated back to the hall, Cal and Tor peppered him with arrows. When the Alchemist aggroed them, a single taunt from Morti pulled Indir into the hallway.


    Chiba danced toward the Alchemist, [Ghost Step: Master Strike]


    Successful combination attempt.


    Chiba has landed a critical strike on Indir.


    [Double Strike]


    Sasi has landed a mortal strike on Indir.


    Sasi has landed a critical strike on Indir.


    Indir has been slain.


    Alchemy Recipe: [Ressurection] has been added to your inventory.


    /Alpha: Gil: These guys die so fast, I don''t get a chance to hit them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Well, you are a turtle.


    /Alpha: Gil: Don''t hate.


    /Alpha: Rabi: East hall torches just changed color.


    Nix glanced at the east hall, the torches that had been yellow now glowed with a blue light.


    /Alpha: Ducky: I think I found the Sword of Kings, there is a man named Phedor the Swordsman down the North hall. He seems to have created some sort of quest.


    /Alpha: Nix: Thanks, Ducky. No sign of the exit?


    /Alpha: Ducky: No, going to take a quick peek at the East hall again, I''ll tell you what''s changed.


    /Alpha: Nix: Okay. Let''s hold off on the next pull until we hear back.


    Nix activated his stealth package and moved to Indir''s table.


    The Potion of [Liquid Gold] has been added to your inventory.


    Liquid Gold: [Potion]


    Description: Grants you


    the element of Gold.


    /Alpha: Chiba: May I have that, Nix?


    Nix was tempted to tease the Swordmaster, knowing she already possessed the Silver element, but he refrained and handed it over. "You''ll use it for the second blade?"


    Chiba nodded, unlike the real element, a Spellsword blade made from Gold would be a highly effective weapon. "Gold is one of the rarer elements. I will personally make it up to everyone in the group with adequate compensation."


    /Alpha: Rabi: I want some fish.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Nether Rats, please.


    Alpha: Nix: One thousand head of horses, any Everspire breed.


    /Alpha: Sasi: I want to change mine to a herd of Nether Rats.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Same... A herd of fish for me.


    /Alpha: Ducky: The amount of people in the room off the East hall has tripled.


    /Alpha: Beta: We had to have triggered that by killing, is it still passable?


    /Alpha: Ducky: Not without a guild to back us up.


    /Alpha: Nix: Damn... I hate to abandon this room, but we are here for the sword. Thanks, Ducky, go back to hunting for the exit.


    /Alpha: Nix: Stealth up, let''s find the Swordmaster.


    Nix ruffled Morti''s ears before unsummoning him and the Arch Winds. The overly large Titan cub was not made for sneaking.


    "Call me back if you need to, Nix!" Morti pushed a big nose into Nix''s chest and then vanished.


    There was a large aisle down the middle of the room, so the group carefully moved toward the North hall.


    /Alpha: Beta: Nix, check out the crafter directly west of us, three tables down.


    Nix glanced west and nearly stumbled over Chiba. It was a Taxidermist; there were three complete puppets on his table while he worked steadily on a fourth.


    /Alpha: Chiba: We can take him quickly, Nix.


    /Alpha: Nix: Can''t risk making the North Hall unpassable. Let''s continue.


    /Alpha: Beta: You sure, Nix? The one he''s working on now looks kind of like a Phoenix.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Phoenix are way bigger than that, but I don''t mind taking the risk.


    Nix shook his head and motioned for them to continue. His heart was beating hard at the sight of the reddish-orange bird. The Taxidermist was obviously more advanced them him, taking it now would mean getting an unfinished puppet. Nix wasn''t sure he''d be able to complete it.


    The North hall led to a small training yard. A lone figure sat comfortably on a raised platform while attendants dragged away a corpse and wiped up the spilled blood.


    The Swordsman looked directly at them when they entered; his smile was filled with malice. "The line is on the left if you are challenging for the sword."


    /Alpha: Rabi: Ugly man can see us.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Oh... He''s taking all-comers. Let me find out the specifics.


    /Alpha: Beta: The last person in line is a Dragonspawn from one of the other Dragon Cities.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s see what Chiba finds out and go from there.

 355 The Second Blade conclusion

    /Alpha: Beta: F*ck... It''s a dragonspawn Nix, specifically Nihlus the Red. His mother is Tai''Qui, the Dragon Master of Houdinya."


    Nix nodded in reply. "I am Nix."


    Nihlus glanced at Beta, his face tightening slightly. "Does Deidra plan on making an appearance?"


    Beta shook her head. Although she worked for the Breach Commander, in Solomon City, everyone eventually answered to the Dragon Master. "I am here independently."


    "Interesting." Nihlus waved for his companion to come closer. "This is Sindi, a dragon descendent from Houdinya. He is here to challenge for the blade. In the event that he fails, I will challenge also."


    Sindi bowed slightly, his tone free of any arrogance. "I will not fail. Are you planning on fighting for the Blade Nix?"


    Nix shook his head, "No. My Master is." He pointed to the ugly old woman who was talking to one of the attendants.


    Sindi titled his head to one side. "That old man is your Master?"


    Nihlus stared at Chiba for a long moment before a smile widened his face. "That expert is not old, nor is she male."


    Chiba returned to the group a few minutes later. Nihlus and Sindi had stepped away to talk.


    /Alpha: Chiba: There''s good news and bad news.


    /Alpha: Nix: This sounds bad. Spill it.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Firstly, there''s a small portal in this room. If you came here through that portal, you aren''t allowed to leave this room. You can only use the exit portal to leave.


    /Alpha: Beta: That must be why everyone is staring at us. We came through the door.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Yep. Most of them have no idea where they are right now.


    /Alpha: Nix: Is that the good news or the bad news?


    /Alpha: Chiba: Neither, general info. The good news is that only 12 people are allowed to challenge, and I would be the 12th.


    /Alpha: Nix: Convenient. What''s the bad news.


    /Alpha: Chiba: This is a fight to the death, the loser is consumed by the blade.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''re leaving.


    /Alpha: Beta: Taking you out of here, Chiba.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Bad... That''s a bad deal.


    Sasi was shaking her head, the little demon''s face showing anger. "Why do that for a blade? It''s only a tool."


    /Alpha: Chiba: Seems like my friends are against it.


    /Alpha: Gil: I don''t know you, old man, but this seems like a bad idea.


    Chiba licked her lips suggestively and grabbed Gil''s hand before he could resist; she rubbed it against her crotch. "Old man? I''m a woman, you fool! A fabulously beautiful woman." Her cackle echoed in the room, drawing the attention of nearly everyone.


    Gil''s face slowly turned red; he jerked his hand away like it was in a fire. "The heck was that for? Just tell a turtle next time!"


    Chiba''s creepy smile made the amphibian shudder. "I''ll make it up to you after this. Never bagged a turtle before."


    /Alpha: Chiba: I really want my second blade. I believe in myself.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll stop you if you even attempt it, Master.


    /Alpha: Beta: Me too.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Yep... you''ll have to fight all of us.


    /Alpha: Chiba: They might get mad if I don''t challenge.


    /Alpha: Nix: Why?


    /Alpha: Chiba: There has to be 12 challengers since the blade has a dozen enhancement slots. He''s not even the Swordmaster who stole it originally.


    /Alpha: Beta: What?


    /Alpha: Chiba: The old bastard that stole the blade died on the third challenge after setting up an epic quest and getting the word out to other swordsmen.


    /Alpha: Nix: So this guy is one of the challengers? 12 slots? That''s crazy. Why didn''t he just leave when he won?


    /Alpha: Chiba: Greed, I guess. The blade gets stronger with every life it drains.


    /Alpha: Beta: Even so, you''re a great Sword Master, but you don''t have any magic or artifacts to speak of.


    /Alpha: Nix: Why not grab the blade and run off?


    /Alpha: Chiba: There''s an enchantment on it that transfers to the winner, only that person may leave with the blade.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Fine, I won''t fight. We should both watch, though, watching hard-fought sword duels is a great way to gain insight.


    /Alpha: Nix: As you say. Let''s stand to one side and watch.


    The battles were fairly quick. The holder of the blade dispatched three fighters in succession without taking a break.


    /Alpha: Chiba: He''s holding back. I can''t tell how good he is at this point.


    /Alpha: Gil: How many battles so far?


    /Alpha: Chiba: That''s the 9th.


    Sindi fought next, he moved quickly while fighting, causing Chiba to compliment his footwork. He managed to score first blood but then over-extended and took a deep slash to his sword arm. One mistake led to his death a few minutes later.


    Chiba shook his head angrily. "Losing such a young bladesman at that age, it isn''t right."


    Unfortunately, although Nihlus was game, he wasn''t quite as good as Sindi. He extended the fight to several minutes that saw both fighters covered in sweat and blood. The blade-holder slipped on the slick stage, falling to one knee. However, when Nihlus went for the kill, he was impaled when the sword was spun towards him.


    /Alpha: Beta: Feint?


    /Alpha: Chiba: Yes. Masterfully done with patience, I probably would have fallen for it also.


    Nix felt sick to his stomach, his blade skills needed to be improved. After seeing Masters battling to the death, he realized how shitty his own ability was. "Let''s get going. I need to absorb these fights a bit."


    "Not going to challenge?" The blade-holder was toweling off the sweat and blood that covered him. He drank a potion while walking toward them.


    Chiba shook her head. "It''s not worth it; thankfully, I have friends that care about me."


    "You sure?" The man handed Chiba the blade, letting the old woman feel it.


    Chiba stared down at the weapon, her eyes seeming to dull a bit. "It''s beautiful."


    /Alpha: Sisa: Cut silly mans head off, and the blade is yours.


    /Alpha: Chiba: I can''t raise it against him.


    /Alpha: Beta: Guess we can''t cheat this one. Give it back, and let''s go.


    Instead of handing it back, Chiba continued to stare at the blade in her hand. "If its a fight you w..."


    Beta punched her in the back of the head, knocking the blade out of her hands. The Albino rogue caught it and quickly handed it back to its owner.


    /Alpha: Beta: It has a desire geas on it, don''t touch it.


    Chiba''s old ugly face broke into a sweat. "F*cking bastard, handing me a blade that influences will."


    The Swordmaster shrugged nonchalantly. "It only amplifies what you want, one of the first victims of the blade had strong charm abilities."


    "Can I see it?" Nix put his hand out, a friendly smile on his face.


    /Alpha: Beta: Don''t touch it, Nix.


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t worry, I''m immune to control effects.


    The sword owner looked at him with a practiced eye. "You''re a spellsword also? Fire element?"


    Nix nodded. "And Lightning."


    Phedor smiled and handed Nix the blade. "You would make a good enchantment."


    "Probably," Nix agreed before turning and throwing the blade toward the rooms, only exit. The blade sailed end over end before clanking loudly in the hallway, the sound of it making everyone stare.


    Belzo''s eyes were wide with shock. "Y-You can''t leave with the blade!"


    Sasi was the first to recover, laughing loudly; she skipped toward the exit. "Nix didn''t leave with the blade; it left by itself."


    Rabi joined her in laughing. "Stupid man has shit on his face."


    [Thunderfist]


    Nix has stunned Phedor


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s go.


    The group quickly retreated out the door; a few seconds later, Phedor charged after them only to bounce harmlessly off of the barrier. "YOU F*CKERS! GIVE ME BACK MY BLADE!"


    The screams of rage followed them as they retraced their steps. Nix kept the blade in his possession so that it wouldn''t influence anyone.


    /Alpha: Chiba: My apprentice cheats best.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Nix would make great demon.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Heh... Demon Nix.


    /Alpha: Gil: Heading back now?


    /Alpha: Ducky: I found the exit, Nix.


    /Alpha: Nix: Can you come back to the crafting room without worries?


    /Alpha: Ducky: Yep. I''ll be there in a bit.


    The group waited a few minutes for Ducky to return; she smiled casually at many of the crafters who acknowledged her with friendly waves.


    /Alpha: Beta: You''re very impressive, Ducky.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Thanks, I think you are too.


    Nix handed Ducky the blade they took from the room. "I need you to bring this back to our Intrepid friend, Delia, the Beautiful."


    Chiba sighed when the blade changed hands again, although she wanted to touch it, she dare not. "Who is Delia the Beautiful?"


    "She is a recent member of Inferno, particularly good at separating essences and enchantments." Nix turned back toward Ducky, "Have Darsi make some new essence containers, they probably have to be Nemesis level to hold these."


    /Alpha: Beta: You''re going to disenchant the blade?


    /Alpha: Nix: We are only obligated to return the blade to the school; the enhancements are ours. If we could get another dragon on our side, that''s better than a few enchantments.


    /Alpha: Beta: You want to return Nihlus to Tai''Qui?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. I need to visit all the Dragon Cities anyway.


    Chiba threw an arm around Nix''s shoulders. "You''ve shown how much you care for me Nix, as your Master, I will work harder on your instruction."


    "Don''t be so clingy." Nix waited until Ducky left and then led the group back to the Taxidermist.


    /Alpha: Beta: He''s done and working on something else.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Let''s take him now. I want that Phoenix."

 356 Inferno Set Armor

    Nix chose the Eidengal destination, and a moment later, the small group stepped into the flower garden. "Let''s find Jun Li and the rest of Inferno; Ducky will open the door for us."


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re by the flower gardens, near the gating platform.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Take the path nearest the fountain; it leads to the old Market Square. Straight pass that is the Armory.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Woah... This is like a ghost town.


    The group walked down the pristine golden streets; every building looked like it was carefully maintained.


    /Alpha: Chiba: A perfect City in the desert, it''s like everyone just got up and moved suddenly.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Cursed probably.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Yep. Definitely cursed.


    /Alpha: Nix: No idea, but if this place weren''t in a desert, everyone would live here.


    Within half an hour, the group was able to find Inferno. Jun Li managed to bring twenty people, including the original Alpha team of Semmi, Fajii, Wind, and Pon.


    /Inferno: Nix: Still in there, Ducky?


    /Inferno: Ducky: Yep. Just waiting for you to ask me to open it up.


    /Inferno: Nix: Go ahead. Open it up.


    Nix grinned when the giant double doors opened up, and one plain wooden chest appeared in front of them. "One wooden chest?"


    Quest Updated.


    Part VII Temple of the Flame


    Part VIII Temple of Wood


    Part IX Temple of Metal


    Part X Elemental Origins


    Quest: Temple of the Flame


    The Temple of Flame is the birthplace


    of the Phoenix. Overlooking the majesty


    of this Temple are three Eternal Flames.


    To claim this Temple, all three flames must


    be extinguished. Only those without the element


    of fire may approach.


    /Inferno: Nix: Awesome, thanks, Ducky.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Should I bring the Sword to Delia now?


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Can you make higher level essence containers? We need something that can handle Nemesis level enhancements.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I have a bunch on hand as a result of crits while making the lower-level ones.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Can you give some of those to Ducky?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Guess that depends on you Trip-7.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Really? Going to hold me up for credits? I know you''re crazy rich.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Nope, I need some higher level fights. Bring me with you on the next set of Khione Quests.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Sure. I could use some ranged back-up. Just hand them over to Ducky.


    /Alpha: Nix: Escort Ducky back to HQ so she can get Delia to dis-enchant that Sword. It shouldn''t take very long; then, you can bring it back to Elena in Favi.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Thanks, Nix. Remember, you can''t advance as a Spellsword until you take on all-comers in Favi.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m going to head there as soon as I wrap up the Dragon City quests.


    /Alpha: Beta: Need help with those?


    /Alpha: Nix: Should be fine, it''s just going to be time-consuming.


    After Ducky and the rest of his group left, Nix hooked up Jun Li and Pon, who was waiting patiently by the door.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s open the chest first.


    Nix opened the wooden chest.


    You have received a Guild Voucher for The Inferno Set Armor.


    /Inferno: Pon: That''s it? What the hell is this?


    /Inferno: Semmi: In fairness, we took a shortcut to get here. Maybe that enters into it.


    /Inferno: Sharl: It shouldn''t. The quest was to gain access to the Armory.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s wait and see.


    "Get ready to fight old bastard." Nix clapped Pon on the shoulder and walked in through the open doors of the Armory. The sound of hammers pounding immediately filled his ears.


    You have entered The Eidengal Armory; please report to Black Smith Arbor in the Crafting Room.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Know where that is, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: That could be the big room Alpha team was in. The Armory is quite large; I doubt we''ll be able to explore it all in a few hours.


    /Inferno: Pon: After you, Nix.


    /Inferno: Wind: Yeah, lead the way boss.


    Nix walked into the reception hallway, immediately his hud popped up and displayed a map of the Armory.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Did you have a map before?


    /Inferno: Nix: No.


    Nix studied his hud for a moment and then headed towards the Crafting Room. After seeing it on the hud map, he was convinced that it was his entry room.


    /Inferno: Pon: You guys didn''t make up the difficulty of this place, did you?


    /Inferno: Wind: There''s no one here.


    Nix''s face grew more serious the closer they came to the Crafting Room. All the torches appeared to be normal orange flames, and there was no one in sight.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi and Wind, scout out the area.


    When Inferno arrived at the Crafting Room a few minutes later, Nix cursed his decision to open the doors. All the Crafters and their tables were gone. The tables were replaced with a huge forge that was being worked by three men. When Inferno entered the room, one of them looked up at him and waved.


    "Greetings, Inferno." A bronzed shirtless man greeted them when they approached. He had the rippling muscles that you''d expect from a blacksmith. "I am Arbor, the Eidengal Blacksmith."


    Nix approached him with Jun Li and Pon. All three returned the smith''s polite bow. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. These two with me are my Vice Commanders."


    /Inferno: Pon: About f*cking time you promoted me!


    /Inferno: Nix: I didn''t really, you''re still just an old bastard.


    Arbor flashed them a friendly smile. "Do you have the voucher for the Inferno Set Armor? This will be complimentary."


    Nix nodded and handed him the voucher. "Where did all the crafters go?"


    Arbor gave him a blank look. "There hasn''t been any crafters here for decades."


    Nix cursed in his head. He could have brought in more people and raided each of the Crafting tables.


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you check out the North Hall Wind?


    /Inferno: Wind: Yep, back in a bit.


    Nix waited until the Gemini thief trotted towards the North Hall before turning back to Arbor. "How do we claim the set?"


    Arbor gestured for him to follow. In the center of the forge was a circular platform about one meter across. It glowed yellow with enchanted light. "Each of your members will stand on the Dais. We will then take your personal thoughts on the details of your armor."


    "Just like that?" Nix didn''t require a new set of armor, having just upgraded the raid team''s gear.


    Arbor nodded. "It should take two weeks. We''ll take the first ten now, as the guild leader you are first."


    Nix stepped up on the Dais, the warmth of the enchanted light increasing slightly. Arbor''s brow creased somewhat while he studied the Dais hud. "Something wrong?"


    Arbor shook his head. "You have several amazing enchantments on your armor. Sadly, we won''t be able to transfer them. However, we can increase the number of enchantment slots on the new set and leave them empty.


    Nix nodded. "That''s probably best."


    /Inferno: Pon: Of course, the punk bastard has the best shit.


    "You can step off Guild Leader." Arbor looked from the hud. "You may design the look of the Inferno Set; this will lock in the design for the entire guild."


    Nix pointed to Jun Li. "She''ll be designing the guild set."


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you handle that, Junie?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Of course. Is pink flower engraving okay?


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure...


    /Inferno: Pon: Let me do it!


    /Inferno: Wind: North hall leads to an empty room and stops.


    /Inferno: Nix: Okay, thanks.


    Nix excused himself and then used Deep Blue to travel to HQ in Ionova. By the time he arrived, half of the enhancements were already removed from the King''s Sword while his group waited.


    Delia, the beautiful, favored him with a smile. "Ducky asked me to do the last two enhancements first, so here you go."


    Essence Diamond


    Description: Contains the


    essence of Nihlus the Red.


    Essence Diamond


    Description: Contains the


    essence of Sindi.


    "Thanks for the help, Delia." Nix activated Deep Blue and traveled directly to the control room at Inferno City.


    Nix had left Halla the Che from Core''Diem in charge of the city, but only he could make changes with the City Control Interface. He opened the interface and studied it for a moment.


    [Inferno System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key.


    Nix stared at the hud while considering the possibilities. "Display all sub-menus, make sub-menu display the default."


    [Inferno System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Enabled)


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Enabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Disabled)


    c) Residential Power (Enabled)


    d) Business District Power (Enabled)


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (Enabled)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Enabled)


    c) City Levitators (Enabled)


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Enabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Disabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Enable City Links and Intercity Communication."

 357 Dragon City: Houdinya

    The woman''s head was wrapped in a red silk scarf, and her clothes appeared to be standard leather. There was no sign of horns, nor did she give off an aura of strength. She had dark skin and light brown eyes that brimmed with intelligence. Where Deidra gave off a feeling of power, Tai''Qui seemed more like a scholar. "This is a surprise; I am Tai''Qui, the Dragon Master of Houdinya."


    Nix was surprised when she bowed slightly. Her face appeared to bear a hint of sadness. "I am Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno. I assumed that Deidra told you that I would be in contact."


    "Well met, Guild Leader Nix, Deidra did mention that, but I didn''t imagine I would be first."


    "Just Nix is fine."


    "Feel free to address me as Tai. Do you want to get started?"


    "Yes, assign me as the temporary controller, and I will bring Houdinya in."


    Nix waited a few minutes while she complied with his wishes. "Enable Direct Control, Houdinya."


    Direct Control of Houdinya has been established.


    As Nix understood it, the process was very straightforward. "Link Houdinya with Inferno City."


    Tai watched as her own Interface hud activated, and her city moved for the first time in decades. Moving a city around required a lot of energy, so in an effort to save their own strength, the Dragon City Masters never did it. "Link will be established in fifteen minutes, Nix."


    Nix nodded; he received a similar countdown. "When it does, assign the power grid to me, and Inferno City will assume permanent control of Houdinya''s power requirements."


    Tai nodded slowly. "Is travel to Inferno City going to remain restricted?"


    "It is."


    /Houdinya City Announcement: Tai''Qui: We are moving the city so that we may once again join with the other 18 Dragon Cities. Once we are connected, it will once again be possible to travel between the cities on foot.


    Nix watched as she made the announcement; she seemed less severe than Deidra. Comparing the two dragons, he decided that Tai made a much better first impression. "I wish to talk with you concerning a personal matter."


    The first hint of a smile crossed the woman''s face. "Doesn''t Deidra take care of your personal needs?"


    Nix couldn''t stop the laugh that roared up. "That makes it sound like our relationship is intimate."


    Tai shrugged comfortably. "There are rumors."


    "We are only allies, and I hope friends." Nix began to think that Tai was messing with him.


    "What do you wish to speak about? I will help you if I can. This city link will lift the death sentence that has been lingering over all of us."


    "I wish to speak about Nihlus and Sindi."


    Tai''s face lost all hit of humor or goodwill. "They have both been killed, although I haven''t made that public to anyone."


    Nix understood the sudden chill the Dragon Master was giving him. If it were still a secret, then he would have no way of knowing unless he''d been involved somehow. "I ran into them in the City of Eidengal; they were part of a quest to win the Sword of Kings."


    Tai nodded. "A stupid sword that wasn''t worth the life of either of them."


    Nix gave her a detailed account of the action, including the mistake each of them made during their fight with Phedor.


    Tai listened carefully. "That fits them. Sindi was the better swordsman, but he was entirely too impatient with his attacks. Nihlus was patient and smart; it doesn''t surprise me that he performed better."


    "I''m sorry for your loss."


    Tai stared at him for a moment before the cold look left her face. "Thank you for telling me, Nix. Such a thing is easier, now that I know what happened."


    Nix nodded in agreement. As someone who dealt with the loss of family members, he understood that the small comforts were important. "After the link-up, I''d like to visit you in person."


    "I will open a Breach for you to visit me in my Grove. I assume you''ve been to Deidra''s a few times?"


    "A few." Nix was hesitant to continue discussing a delicate topic over the holo.


    Tai waited while the cities established a link; the surge in power within the city was evident immediately. She found herself flooded with relief; she would have laughed had she not been grieving.


    She said goodbye to Nix and gave him a few minutes to wrap up things with the Controller Interface.


    Tai sat on the grass in her Grove. Unlike Deidra, she didn''t have a Majordomo. Her luck with offspring was substantially worse than other dragons. Nearly all of her eggs were unable to support life. Nihlus was one of two in the past five decades.


    After waiting a few minutes, she opened a breach for Nix to enter her Grove.


    Nix stepped through the breach that appeared next to his Control Interface in Inferno City. He wasn''t overly alarmed at her ability to open a breach inside of Inferno City. He stepped into her Grove a moment later.


    There was no pond filled with Dragon water in her Grove. There were a few very comfortable looking chairs along with what Nix could only call a mud-bath. The basin was about ten meters across and filled with a slowly bubbling brown mud. "Earth magic?"


    Tai didn''t seem as friendly in person as she had over the holo. Perhaps she felt the intrusion in her otherwise private retreat. "You wished to speak further?"


    Nix nodded. "It''s my understanding that sometimes the eggs in dragon nurseries don''t sustain life."


    The statement felt like a dagger in her side, Tai took a deep breath and only nodded. The human had touched a sensitive spot with his first words. "Did Deidra tell you this?"


    "She showed me." Nix apologized in his head to Deidra, it wasn''t a secret, but she considered it a private matter. Unfortunately, Nix needed to speak about issues that he couldn''t otherwise know about.


    "You''ve been to Deidra''s Nursery?"


    "Yes. In exchange for a personal favor, she asked me to seal my elements inside of her eggs."


    Tai shook her head in disbelief. Deidra must have a very favorable opinion of the human to even consider letting him in the nursery. "Unfortunately, your information is correct; I seem to suffer the most among my race in this matter."


    "I''m going to speak bluntly since there is no easy way to broach this subject."


    "Your candor is welcome." Tai used her senses to study him; he had none of the usual fear of her kind. It was just the opposite; he gave off a sense of danger that she felt immediately. He would have to have slain a handful of dragons for that edge to exist.


    "The sword that I mentioned. I had all of the enchantments removed and stored. I believe that I may be able to restore your offspring and his student."


    Tai kept her face free of expression, although her Dragonheart was pounding inside her human chest. "Explain."


    "The favor Deidra did for me entailed me placing the essence of my friend in one of her uninhabited eggs. I was able to animate it without issue."


    Tai reached for both of his hands, squeezing them in hers. "I will pay any price, Nix. Just name it."


    Nix shook his head. "There is no price for uniting a mother with her son. I will do my best."


    Tai opened a breach while retaining a grip on one of his hands. "Come with me."


    An instant later, Nix stepped into Tai''s nursery. It was similar to the one belonging to Deidra; he could feel the eyes of a dangerous predator watching him.


    Tai pulled him toward four eggs that were the long occupants in the nest area. They were half-submerged in bubbling mud. "These are the most recent, my nesting area will recycle them in a few months before my next cycle."


    Nix tried to keep the look of distaste off his face. The dragon woman had pulled him into knee-deep mud, although the intense heat didn''t bother him, the mud itself clung to his armor. "Hold the enchantments, please."


    Essence Diamond


    Description: Contains the


    essence of Nihlus the Red.


    Essence Diamond


    Description: Contains the


    essence of Sindi.


    Nix gave her the diamonds and then started setting up the first queue. On a whim, he took out two tuning forks. He pushed emerald flame into it and then tapped it softly on the side of the egg. It immediately changed into the white fury flame.


    [Dragon''s Egg] [Essence Diamon: Nihlus the Red][Fury Flame enhanced Tuning Fork]


    [Animate the Dragon''s Egg Containing the Essence of Nihlus the Red?]


    "Yes."


    The egg slowly started to change; the dim glow continued to increase as the seconds went by, and after several minutes it thrived with life. Not wanting to stop, he quickly set up the exact same queue for Sindi and animated the second egg. This one also slowly improved until it gave off a healthy glow.


    Nix slogged slowly away, struggling to move in the hot mud while Tai spent a few minutes inspecting each egg. "What was that enhancement you gave them?"


    "Fury flames," Nix replied. "They were both earth-based so that it won''t harm them."


    Tai smiled for the first time since Nix arrived. "I thought I lost my son, and yet somehow he is back."


    Nix nodded. "I''m not really sure how the dragon-egg-incubation works in animation. It could be a long time."


    Tai shook her head. "Two years for Sindi and a bit over three of Nihlus."


    "Damn... that''s a long wait." Nix was surprised to see that the wait wasn''t bothersome to the Earth-Dragon.


    "Come with me, Nix." Tai opened up a breach back to her Grove and unfastened her robe, letting it slide down her lith form to puddle at her feet.


    For the first time in a while, Nix felt speechless. She was stunningly beautiful even more so than Deidra. "What''s going on?"


    Tai offered him a smile. "Nervous? I''ve heard rumors that you were fairly adventurous."


    The sentence caused Nix to laugh suddenly, effectively breaking the ice. He watched as she slowly waded into the mud, she stopped in the middle and turned toward him.


    "Remove your clothes and enter Nix."


    "Famous last words," Nix muttered under his breath. Since he doubted her intent was seduction, he disrobed and approached her.


    They both stood facing each other in the bubbling brown mud, the warmth was comfortable, but Nix found the view fairly distracting. The mud was slightly below Tai''s full breasts; they jiggled slightly when she placed her hands on his cheeks and leaned forward to kiss his forehead.


    You have received the Blessing of Earth.

 358 Earth Mage

    Rock Fiend [Earth]


    Summons a Rock Fiend


    that will defend you.


    You have learned Stonefist.


    Stonefist [Earth]


    One or both fists become


    encased in stone. Melee


    abilities are doubled while


    Stonefist is active.


    You have learned Rock Shield.


    Rock Shield [Earth, Self-Only]


    You are protected by the


    power of Earth.


    You have learned Pelt [Air, Earth, AoE]


    Pelt [Earth, Air]


    Summons a storm of pebbles


    that pelt the area around your


    targets.


    You have learned Mire.


    Mire [Earth, Water]


    Your enemies become


    mired in a field of mud.


    When Nix emerged from the mud-pool a long while later, the mud ran off him easily, and by the time he returned to his clothes, it was gone entirely. "Nice trick."


    "I understand her fascination with you, Nix," Tai spoke from her pool; only her head was above the bubbling brown mud.


    Nix laughed at her words; he knew that she referred to Deidra. "It''s a mutually beneficial agreement; she has never done me any favors for free."


    Tai favored him with a smile. "On this day, I have made my first human friend."


    "Shae will visit you today with Deidra, I''ve tasked her with collecting the eggs." Nix nodded in agreement.


    Tai''s expression grew more serious. "That''s your mate? The Irridescent Salamander?"


    Nix nodded. "Don''t worry, although I want viable eggs, I will make an exception in your case."


    Tai breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Nix. Did you grant an exception to Deidra?"


    "Nope. I''m still pissed at her from dragging me off to Dragonvale for an entire week." Nix frowned at the memory; then, she had confiscated his Treehouse.


    Tai laughed at his expression, "Deidra has been known to be a bit heavy-handed."


    "Come visit us in Ionova. You can construct a mud-bath for me."


    "You''ll definitely need one." Tai watched him for a moment; the guild leader of Inferno was nothing like she imagined. "Do you really have a Turtle house?"


    Nix finished dressing. "Yes. Could you send me back to the Control room in Inferno City?"


    Tai nodded. "Going to finish uniting the cities?"


    "I am." Nix wanted to get it done; it was an unlock for flying mounts. "How did the Fallen Dragon City Masters move their cities to the other planes?"


    "Opening up a City Breach can only be done by a dragon. When the time comes, let me know, and I will assist you."


    "My Breach abilities are suffering the effects of Khione''s Curse again, but once it lifts, I will definitely ask for help in moving the remaining cities."


    Tai opened up a breach so that he could return to the Inferno City Control Interface. "I will take you up on your invitation to visit Ionova. If you need help, don''t hesitate to ask."


    "Thanks, Tai." Nix stepped through the breach Tai created and reopened up his Control Interface.


    He spent the next four hours reuniting the Dragon Cities, Solomon City was the second one that he brought in, but after that, it was completely random. By the time darkness settled on Inferno City, all eighteen dragon cities were linked to Inferno City in a large connecting circle. The uniting would have gone much faster, but he conversed with each of the Dragon Masters for a few minutes after each connection was made. He now had eighteen Dragon Masters on his friend list.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I''m about to start collecting the eggs with Deidra''s help. I plan on bringing them all to my Fire Palace world unless you have objections.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Sounds good, when you visit Tai''Qui, don''t take one of her viable eggs. We have made a deal.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Okay, Nix. I''ve already claimed the Salamander/Dragon hybrid egg from Deidra.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] How did that go? I can''t imagine Deidra was happy.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Fine, we''ve come to an understanding the past few days.


    Quest Updated.


    Quest: Unite the Eighteen Dragon Cities


    Description: The once-powerful Dragon Nation has been slowly weakening. When the dragons started to falter, instead of working together, they separated their cities so that only the weakest would fail.


    Objectives: Find a way to bring the cities together.


    Locate the lost city of Elynmoor. [Completed]


    Defeat Yandro and take the Master City Key. [Completed]


    Find an alternative energy source to power the Dragon Cities. [Completed]


    Become the City Controller for all the Dragon Cities. [Completed]


    Reward: Flying mounts are unlocked for all of Everspire with the completion of this quest.


    /Everspire: Announcement: Flying Mounts have been unlocked for the Everspire continent. A new stable that features Flying Mounts has been constructed in Free Trader City.


    By the time Nix returned to Ionova, the sun had already set. A familiar face was sitting at the kitchen Island when he walked in.


    Vooni stood and greeted him with a hug. The dragon descendant had been working hard at the academy while wrapping up loose ends. "All done, Nix. From now on, I can join Inferno full time."


    "Go spend a few days at Haven, Rico has been asking about you." Nix tried to keep a straight face when he said it. It wasn''t common knowledge, but his dad and Vooni were spending quite a bit of time together.


    Vooni''s pale face flushed slightly. "I do need a few days off."


    Hyai nudged him with an elbow. "Need to get cleaned up before dinner?"


    Nix shook his head. "Had a mud bath earlier."


    "I just popped in to say Hi Nix. Going to head back to Haven." Vooni ran her fingers through her short dark hair, and the three suffered through nearly a minute of awkward silence.


    Hyai''s light laughter broke the spell. "Just go, Hun."


    Nix took a seat at the island and watched as Hyai put the finishing touches on a private dinner. "Fajii isn''t coming back tonight?"


    Hyai shook her head. "She''s on some sort of quest. She took Mina, Milat, and the death squad with her."


    Nix whistled softly. The death squad consisted of Sori Dah, the Chief Acolyte of the Scorched Earth temple, and a half dozen of her strongest followers. "That''s a lot of firepower."


    Hyai nodded in agreement. "I was asked, but I need to figure out this companion possession ability first."


    Nix moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "You looked like a human torch, very hot."


    Hyai leaned back against him. "Why do you smell so nice today?"


    "The mud-bath was probably scented," Nix admitted.


    They sat together at the kitchen island, chatting while they ate. Hyai had enlisted the help of her daughter to run her Inns while she was in Everspire. Nix told her about Dragon Master Tai''Qui and how he was able to help her with her son.


    Hyai leaned against him, clucking her tongue. "How far did this go?"


    Nix laughed at the innuendo. "Not that far, she granted me the Blessings of Earth."


    "Fajii will love that." Hyai pushed her plate away and put an arm around his waist. "Don''t you get tired of always running around?"


    "The long quests that take up multiple days are tiresome, but I don''t mind the daily quick-quests." Nix grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the living room. "I''ll clean up the dishes after, let us relax a bit."


    "Before I forget, you received a message from Zinu." Hyai handed him a small piece of paper with a short note scrawled on it.


    Nix frowned slightly when he read it. Zinu was the Krayven cleric that he brought in during the Ashobel quests.


    Nix,


    Could you meet me at Free Trader City tomorrow?


    Zinu.


    "Trouble Nix?" Hyai had received the message second-hand through Pon.


    "Not really," Nix stowed the note in his inventory and then took out the items he had taken from the Taxidermist. "We messed up today, but I did manage to grab a few items."


    Hyai hid a smile; she had heard that all the crafters disappeared when the doors were opened. "You had no way of knowing Nix. According to Chiba, every crafter you guys killed caused the room aggression to rise."


    Nix shrugged. "I guess, even so, we already have great armor."


    Hyai watched as he placed the items on the floor next to the table. The last item was a beautiful reddish-orange bird. "You haven''t heard since you were gone. Those smiths in the Armory are not only making the guild a set of armor but from now on, they work for us. On commission, of course."

 359 Soups small Upgrade

    Animation Manual [Minaturization Skill]


    Description: Create smaller animations and


    puppets using this ancient technique.


    Miniature ratios come in .25, .5 and .75


    Phoenix [Minature Animation .25]


    Description: This Phoenix has all the


    capabilities of the full-sized version.


    Sand Snake [Minature Animation .25]


    Description: This Sand Snake has all


    the capabilities of the full-sized version.


    Shadow Sphinx [Miniature Animation .25]


    Description: This Shadow Sphinx has all


    the capabilities of the full-sized version.


    Activation Orb x 3


    Description: Permanently


    bonds a high-level animation


    to a target.


    Hyai reached for the Sphinx puppet. It was the size of her hand. "So small? What is a Shadow Sphinx?"


    Nix shook his head. "Looks like a tiny black rat to me. One good stomp, and he''s gone."


    Hyai held it up and studied it for a moment, "Its body is a bit too long and slim for a rat."


    Nix left the Sand Snake coiled on the floor. He could tell that it was roughly two meters long and the thickness of his arm. "The full-sized version of this should be around eight meters."


    Hyai stared at the snake for a moment before a slight smile surfaced on her face. "You definitely should give that to Pon."


    Nix nodded. "I know, right? That would freak Semmi out." It was common knowledge in Inferno that the blond officer had an aversion to snakes. "I wish I knew what the natural talent trees of these creatures are."


    Hyai considered the problem. "I''ll send Ronnie a message and ask if her library has any information on them."


    Nix stretched his arms over his head, letting one arm settle around the redhead''s shoulder when he dropped them. "I''ll see what Zinu wants tomorrow. After that, I''m going to find Goralpri."


    Hyai put the puppet on the table and leaned her head on his shoulder. "You know where all the fallen cities are now?"


    Nix used his hud to bring up his notes on the fallen cities. "No. I have no confirmation on Goralpri, maybe the information we received from the Cabal will finally be right."


    [Fallen Cities of Everspire]


    [Elynmoor: Yandro] Renamed Inferno City, currently connected to the Dragon Cities.


    [Chyanama: Zylanexor] Currently resides in Nether, under Leva''s control.


    [Dyrekstad: Hierophant] Renamed Alliance City, currently in the Elementia seed world.


    [Goralpri: Bo''raz] Western Mid-Spire.


    [Aquarius: Neptiphago] Renamed Filamina, presently in the Polar Ice Cap of Colonial.


    [Icaraphet: Tharaka] South of Inuit in Oasis.


    [Verynzai: Unaqoir] North of Titania.


    "Goralpri is next? When are you doing Verynzai?"


    Nix closed his hud and leaned back against the couch. "Verynzai is the one closest to Khione. Because of her proximity, we shouldn''t touch that one until we are ready to take her."


    Hyai stood up and pulled Nix to his feet. "Come on, let''s get some sleep."


    Nix put the brakes on slightly, making her slow down. "I''m not really tired yet."


    "Me neither." Hyai favored him with a smile when he stopped trying to hold her back. "Smart man."


    *********************


    [0900, Near the mouth of the Ionova River]


    Nix banked hard right, avoiding the outreached hands of the Water Witch, he dived down toward the dense jungle-like sea growth. If he made it into the weeds, Soup''s chances of catching him would dwindle away.


    The blue sea turtle chirped loudly when the larger turtle pursuing him moved to cut him off. Nix just made it into the weeds when they were blasted apart.


    [Sonic Boom]


    Thirty meters of dense seaweed disappeared, and Nix felt a giant flipper slap casually against his shell. "DAMN IT!"


    Ducky''s light laughter carried even in the seawater. "So close, Nix!"


    Nix slowed down and curved back toward shore. "That''s cheating, Soup!"


    Ducky held on to Soup''s shell as the three of them headed back to shore. As a Water Witch, she was fast and agile in the water. Unfortunately, she wasn''t quite up to turtle standards. "Make me a Turtle form too, Nix! Oh, and Soup says, it''s not cheating."


    Nix tried to scowl at them, but his turtle face was incapable of it. "Did she tell you that?"


    Ducky nodded. "Of course."


    "You can understand Soup?"


    Ducky shrugged nonchalantly. "Sometimes, mostly, I interpret her very strong emotions. Just now, she felt found your words funny."


    "Soup understands me?" Nix wasn''t completely surprised. He often gave her directions, and she would always carry them out correctly.


    A few minutes later, the three of them were sunning themselves on the sandy banks of the Ionova River. Ducky lay across Soup''s shell, while both turtles closed their eyes in the warm sun.


    "Is your turtle form going to grow, Nix?"


    "No. It doesn''t have any real attacks either, good armor and a basic beak-bite are all I have."


    "I think it''s beautiful." Ducky patted Soup''s shell. "She agrees."


    "This form is part of my armor set; recently, I received three puppets that I can assign as a permanent skill."


    Ducky sat up slowly, her blue eyes showing interest. "The ones from the Eidengal Armory?"


    "Yep. A Phoenix, a tiny creature called a Shadow Sphinx and a Sand Snake."


    "Are you keeping the Phoenix?" Ducky smiled sweetly; she had already guessed that he would keep that one.


    "Yes. The Shadow Sphinx would make a good scout, although I can''t know what its true abilities are until I activate it."


    "Show us the Shadow Sphinx." Ducky slid until her bare feet dangled over the sand. She wore a blue swimsuit that Nix created, and her short blue hair was slicked back on her head.


    Nix dropped his turtle form and handed her the Sphinx; the tiny creature was about a third the size of his Nether Rats. "All three puppets from Eidengal were miniaturized; after reading the manual, I understand why. It''s a horrible cheat."


    "You used the manual?" Ducky held the Sphinx in front of Soup so that she could see it properly. "Why is it cheating?"


    Nix considered the question for a moment. "The puppets have the same strengths of the full-sized version, at only a fraction of the material cost."


    "So, you could make two or three for the price of one?"


    Nix nodded. "Hypothetically, yes. My animation skills aren''t advanced enough to be able to make anything miniature."


    Ducky grinned suddenly. "Soup wants the Shadow Sphinx."


    "Huh?"


    "She wants it. The feeling is very strong." Ducky patted Soup''s shell. "Don''t worry; he''ll give it to you."


    Nix frowned at the Water Witch. "I will?"


    Ducky pretended not to notice his expression. "All the times that Soup has come through for us, she never gets anything."


    Nix experienced a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. As a sea turtle, he couldn''t really give her anything. He gave in without arguing. "Fine. Don''t blame me if it doesn''t work."


    Nix removed the activation stone from his inventory; he placed it in the same hand as the Shadow Sphinx.


    [Assign the Shadow Sphinx form to your Spirit Companion, Soup?]


    "Yes." Nix cringed slightly when both the stone and Shadow Sphinx disappeared from his hand.


    Ducky slid off Soup''s shell with an apology. "Sorry, Soup, go ahead."


    An instant later, the giant turtle disappeared and was replaced with a tiny black creature that closely resembled a mink. He looked around the beach with dark eyes; when it spotted Nix, it darted forward.


    Nix felt nothing when she climbed up his body and perched on his shoulder next to his head. A soft nose sniffed the side of his face. "Holy crap."


    Soup has used [Phase Shift]


    An instant later, Soup appeared on Ducky''s shoulder.


    The Water Witch clapped both of her hands together excitedly. "Nix! Summon, everyone!"


    "Is it a big deal?" Nix smiled when Soup shifted back to his shoulder. "That shifting ability is pretty nice. Wonder what the range is."


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Morti]


    Nix left his companions on the beach and walked toward the Turtle house.


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to Free Trader City today, anyone else in that area?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Alpha team, minus you, is doing a quest closeby in Mocai.


    Mocai was one of the four provinces that made up the four corners in Free Trader City. It wasn''t really that close.


    *****************


    [1100, Free Trader City]


    Gil and the Qi siblings were waiting when Nix and Floyd gated into Free Trader City. Each of the demon hybrids gripped one of the Turtle Titan''s hands and were pulling him in opposite directions.


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t pull too hard, or else we''ll end up with two of him.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Nix! Who is your friend?


    /Alpha: Nix: This is Floyd, one of the members of Inferno. He wasn''t doing anything, so I brought him along.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Hi.


    /Alpha: Sasi: So handsome!


    /Alpha: Rabi: Snake eyes? Do you have a snake form?


    /Alpha: Floyd: I''m a Naga.


    /Alpha: Nix: This is Sasi and Rabi; they are both from the Qi family. You''ve already met the lazy turtle guy.


    Nix scanned the area for Zinu and was able to pick her out immediately. She was the only woman in the market area that was covered in mud.


    Zinu has joined Alpha team.

 360 Clan Krayven

    Chelestias: Also referred to as the Che. The miners of the Core''dium, these fur-covered creatures have special senses that enable them to sense precious metals hidden in the core.


    Drahk''Dhassi: These Core''dium dhassi have evolved to live underground. They are an albino race of nomads that wander the core, hunting, and gathering.


    ******************


    Nix waved to get Zinu''s attention and waited while she walked toward them. The young woman''s features, for the most part, were indistinguishable. Her skin and hair were liberally smeared with reddish mud. Nix knew from experience that the mud had strong anti-magic properties and made it necessary to fight the Krayven Clansmen using general melee and ranged damage.


    [Whisper: Halla to Nix] I want you to open up portal travel between Free Trader City and Inferno City.


    Nix reread the message twice. Halla was the Che that Nix left in charge of Inferno City. He had initiated the exodus from Core''Diem that included not only the Che but also the albino race known as the Drahk''Dhassi.


    [Whisper: Nix to Halla] I was going to do that eventually, but why bring it up now?


    [Whisper: Halla to Nix] We have settled Inferno City, and our shopkeepers and business people are in place. If we are going to thrive, we''ll need more resources than just the ones coming from the core.


    [Whisper: Nix to Halla] I''m not against it. Security is active and more than enough to handle any issues that might crop up. Let me consult my officers, and we''ll talk about it after I speak with them.


    [Whisper: Halla to Nix] Thanks, Nix.


    Nix put Halla''s idea to one side and welcomed Zinu with a smile and a handshake.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nice to see you again, Zinu.


    /Alpha: Zinu: Thank you, Nix. Would you mind if I bring you to my Clan?


    /Alpha: Nix: You are talking about instant travel?


    /Alpha: Zinu: Yes, unfortunately, I can only bring one person with me.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Not good Nix, the Clans are a big part of the reasons why the Dragon Cities were built in the first place.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Mud covered crazies Nix. Don''t go.


    /Alpha: Zinu: Although Krayven used to be very powerful, we are now the weakest of the Clans. No longer a threat to anyone.


    /Alpha: Floyd: They fought beside us in Neva. I doubt there is any danger.


    /Alpha: Gil: I agree, you can always bring us in if there''s an issue.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll see what they want and then ask Leva to bring you guys in if necessary.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Be careful, Nix.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Yes! Be careful.


    Nix grinned at the two-hybrid demons, who were staring up at him. "Sorry to invite you and then leave, I shall make it up to both of you."


    /Alpha: Zinu: Nix is our trusted friend and ally; I will let nothing happen to him.


    Nix watched his group walk toward the market area with mixed feeling, Gil and the Qi siblings were powerful allies. With his Archon abilities frozen, he needed to be careful in his dealings with the Clans.


    Zinu grabbed his hand, effectively pulling him out of his thoughts. "We are traveling far to the west, to the lands of Clan Krayven."


    Nix nodded. He knew where their lands were; it was high in the mountains next to the peak that Elynmoor had been placed on. "I''m ready."


    The temperature dropped several degrees as Nix found himself in the foothills on the outskirts of Clan Krayven''s territory. They were inside a small circle of rocks; Nix was instantly reminded of the traveling circles that the Ashobel used in Colonial.


    "I will need a few minutes before we progress further. You will have to wait here." Nix stepped away from Zinu, although he trusted her, the ability to respond to problems required additional measures.


    [Nether Walker]


    Nix pictured Leva''s desk, and a moment later appeared in front of his surprised minion.


    "Nix!" Leva stood up and walked around the desk to greet him.


    "Ducky says hi." Nix handed her the Nether Rat puppet that they used to map new areas for Leva. "Maybe you should just hang onto that from now on."


    Leva nodded in agreement and took a seat on her couch. A moment later, the Nether Rat she inhabited looked up from her own lap. "Ready."


    [Nether Walker: Return]


    Nix arrived back at the Krayven Clan lands, the Nether Rat puppet perched on his shoulder. An instant later, a breach opened next to him, and Leva stepped through.


    She smiled slightly when Nix handed her the puppet. "I''ll take good care of it, Nix."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Nix watched as Ducky appeared, her face lighting up when she saw Leva. He motioned toward Leva, "I don''t need anything, figured you might want to hang out."


    Ducky nodded and grabbed Leva''s hand. "Take us to the Turtle House!"


    Leva opened a breach to Ionova and waved. "Thanks, Nix. Let me know if you need backup."


    A moment later, the two women disappeared, and Nix was left with Zinu. While she was waiting, she had summoned a small mountain pony.


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    Nix mounted the demon mare and turned toward Zinu. "Going to tell me what this is about now?"


    Zinu nodded and started walking her horse up the steep trail. "How much do you know about the Everspire Clans?"


    Nix had Nightmare walk beside the smaller horse so that he could converse easier. "Nothing really. You coat yourselves in that mud to ward off magic attacks, and you are the weakest of all the clans. No offense."


    Zinu shook her head sadly. "It''s true; we are pathetically weak in comparison to the other clans. They would have long since wiped us out if we hadn''t moved."


    Nix understood that much, but not the reasoning behind it. "Why did you move?"


    Zinu considered the question for a moment. "Our Totem was dying."


    Nix knew the term but hadn''t heard it mentioned in Colonial. "Explain Totems."


    "Each Clan has a powerful Totem. Essentially it is a powerful beast that looks over the Clan."


    "Normal beast? Or a magical one?"


    "Magical, sometimes elemental." Zinu paused a moment before continuing. "Ours was an Earth Elemental knows as an Ecclesia."


    Nix shrugged slightly, "sorry, no idea what that is."


    "Ecclesia resides in the earth; they can be hundreds of feet in length." Zinu glanced at Nix to gauge his reaction, but his face was expressionless. "You would probably say that it resembled a very large snake."


    "I see."


    "Our strength was tied to the creature. When it began to weaken, so did we." Zinu frowned at the memory. Slowly over several months, their natural protections and buffs failed one by one. They began to be targeted by the other clans.


    "I don''t see how I can help."


    "You see the mud that coats me? Do you know why my Clan uses it?"


    Nix nodded. "It carries protective measures against magic."


    Zinu shook her head slightly. "Although your words aren''t incorrect, the root of their meaning is. The mud we wear is taken from the area surrounding our Totem."


    The foothills leveled off for a while, and Nix spotted roving guards and a large camp. Zinu took him to a large wooden post that was intricately carved with symbols and letters that Nix didn''t recognize. The red-earth surrounding the Totem was disheveled slightly. A large ring of black rocks enclosed the area, and an older man stood outside the circle, slowly raking the ground with a long rake.


    Zinu gestured toward the wooden post. "This is all that remains of our Totem. At the end of its life, it saturated the ground with its essence. Even that is nearly spent."


    "Soon, the sacred ground around this totem will be plain mud, and Clan Krayven will be forced to live in the cities." It was the old man that spoke; he carefully placed the rake on the ground. It was easily the longest rake Nix had ever seen, capable of reaching to the center of the circle without crossing the ring.


    "Nix, this is our Clan Chief, Guyanar." Zinu placed a hand on the old man''s shoulder; it was apparent they were close. "This is Nix, the person that I''ve told you about."


    Nix bowed slightly and accepted the old man''s hand. Although his hands were small and weathered, there was still strength in them. "I don''t understand how I can help."

 361 Totem

    Suddenly Nix figured out his reason for being there. "You want me to replace your Totem creature?"


    Zinu nodded from her knees. "You''re a salamander, although it is fire-based, we would be able to adapt to those changes over time."


    Nix would have laughed had he not seen the anguish in the old man''s eyes. "I''m sorry Zinu, I can''t sit around on a post all day."


    Zinu shook her head in denial. "I know that Nix, our Ecclesia wandered quite a bit, only coming back once a month."


    Nix shook his head while helping the old man back to his feet. "Sorry, I carry too many expectations already."


    "We aren''t leeches, Nix" Zinu slowly stood up. "The benefits aren''t one way. It''s symbiotic in nature; our Ecclesia only weakened because it was at the end of its life cycle."


    "No."


    The old man''s dark eyes pleaded with him. "Perhaps a temporary arrangement until we can find a suitable replacement?"


    "Sorry. My answer is no." Nix kept his face free of expression, several of the Krayven clansmen had gathered around.


    "No." Zinu shook her head and grabbed one of Nix''s hands. "I am sorry. This was an unreasonable request; please forget my words and remain our friend."


    Nix nodded. "Of course."


    "I will bring you back." Zinu pulled him toward their horses, stopping when Nix shook his hand free.


    "No need."


    [Summons: Shadow Daiken]


    Nix had to bite his lip to keep the smile off his face. It was his first time summoning the mount. It was black as coal with smooth, scaled skin. It bore a slight resemblance to a drake, but its wings were more sturdy, and its body seemed wide and flat.


    Nix unsummoned Nightmare and climbed onto the comfortable looking saddle that his Daiken wore. Without speaking further, he shot into the air.


    "Holy crap." Nix patted the smooth skin of the Shadow Daiken, it gained altitude effortlessly and accelerated eastward toward Free Trader City.


    *****************


    Yarl chased down the last straggler and tapped it on its hindquarters to encourage it back toward the safety of the herd. Although the mountain goats were equipped to defend against predators, there were a few larger hunters that required the strength of numbers to deter them.


    The thin boy chewed on the last bit of jerky from his bag while watching over his flock. Darkness had fallen over the foothills, and so he noticed the disturbance very quickly.


    A ball of orange and red flames floated towards him; it moved in large lazy circles. The shepherd hesitated for a moment and then abandoned his goats. The safety of the clan always came first.


    Yaro sprinted over the uneven trail towards camp. They kept a small lookout post on the outskirts of the camp. Although the post was unmanned in times of peace, there was a battle horn there.


    The post illuminated just when he arrived, causing the boy to duck reflexively when the flames passed over his head. He felt the heat of the fire, warming him as he grabbed the horn and sounded the alarm.


    Across the camp, a young woman rolled quickly from her bed of furs. She jumped into her robe and grabbed her staff. She ignored the bucket of reddish clay next to the tent flap and ran outside.


    Several of her clansmen had already armed themselves and were carrying torches, Zinu scanned the camp carefully, there didn''t seem to be any fighting. Her sharp eyes picked out the glow next to the sacred ground. "The Totem! Our Totem is under attack!"


    The clan''s cleric was the first to arrive; her bare feet skidded to a stop on the red clay, her mouth dropped open in surprise. "Its... Beautiful."


    When Guyanar arrived a few minutes later, the area outside of the totem ring was crowded, although none dare approach too close. The old man''s face creased in a shocked smile.


    Zinu grabbed his arm when he continued to walk toward the Totem. "Stop, Papa... W-What is it?"


    "I have to activate the Totem." Guyanar ignored his granddaughter and approached the carved post. He removed his belt knife and made a shallow cut on each palm before placing them on either side of the Totem. His entire body glowed red for a moment before he released his hands and staggered backward.


    Zinu helped the old man to his feet, retreating before the heat of the great bird. "What is it?"


    Guyanar let his granddaughter lead him to the edge of the large circle. "Keep your distance; no one goes inside the ring anymore."


    By morning, the Totem had changed drastically. Wings emerged halfway up its length, and the head of a predatory bird could be seen at the top. The ground inside the ring had turned to liquid sometime before morning. It bubbled slowly like a gigantic pot of red stew.


    Yaro, the shepherd boy, remained awake, although it long passed the point where he should have rested after a night spent protecting the flock. For the first time in months, he felt strong and warm. His young face showed amazement when he examined the protections that were placed on him.


    [Protection of the Phoenix]


    + 200 to Attack.


    + 300 to Flame Resistance.


    [Winged Avenger]


    + 150 to all Stats.


    Nightvision


    [Phoenix Nest]


    In the event of your death,


    you will respawn at the


    base of the Phoenix totem.


    He glanced up to see Zinu watching him; his face turned red immediately. The cleric''s pale skin and light brown hair weren''t covered in red clay. "Where did it come from, Zinu?"


    Zinu shrugged slightly, her eyes staring at the majestic bird. Its feathers were a combination of red and orange, the flames surrounding it constantly flickered while distorting the air. "I don''t even know what a Phoenix is."


    Yaro watched the bubbling ground inside of the ring. "Do you think we''ll be able to use the clay?"


    Zinu nodded. Nearly all of the clan watched in silence; the normal activities of their life were temporarily put aside. "It''s beautiful, isn''t it? I''ve never seen anything like it."


    The entire clan waited and observed the Phoenix. Every few hours, the loud scream of a bird of prey would echo in the camp. After three days, the ground around the Totem solidified, and the majestic bird took to the air. He circled the camp a few times and then headed toward the distant mountain peaks.


    ****************


    Nix gained altitude quickly and let the winds carry him east. For the tenth time in three days, he checked his stats.


    Nix [Race: Phoenix]


    [Totem Enhancement: Clan Krayven]


    Level 75


    [Class Skills]


    Scorch


    Flaming Arrows


    Fire Storm


    Predatory Scream


    From the Ashes


    Rend


    Winged Avenger


    Cataclysm


    [Special Ability]


    Return to Totem


    Strength 124


    Endurance 1277


    Intelligence 65


    Speed 554


    Perception 258


    Agility 188


    Mana 75,500/75,500


    All of his regular stats were gone entirely, his access to guild chat, and his inventory was disabled. Three days earlier, he set up camp on a distant peak and notified his friends that he would be out of touch for a few days.


    In the three days since then, a lot of changes had taken place. When he first perched on the Totem, he had been level one, and his stats were much lower. The Totem started counting down as soon as his feet landed on it. It had taken three days to convert the earth Totem to a fire totem. According to the counter on his hud, the current charge would last nearly two months.


    Nix returned to his lofty camp and let the Phoenix form drop. Unlike his recent forms, it wasn''t a puppet. He had used the activation stone to assign himself the form permanently.


    You have learned Phoenix Fire.


    Nix stood up slowly, his body feeling hot while his head seemed to be spinning slightly.


    You are suffering from the aftereffects of Phoenix blood.


    Nix used Deep Blue to return to the Turtle House and then stumbled through the door. Shae''s welcoming smile quickly dropped when she noticed his condition.


    "Nix?" The Salamander supported his weight and helped him into the bedroom. Both Fajii and Hyai followed them in and helped her undress him.


    "I''m okay. Just a bit tired." Nix felt the bed flip-flopping and closed his eyes.


    He felt a warm hand placed on his head and opened his eyes to see Shae leaning over him. "You have Phoenix Blood poisoning Nix. Did you get into a fight?"


    Nix nodded slowly, "Kicked his ass sideways."


    Shae shook her head at him. "Its effect is lessening. Get some rest, and you can tell me about it when you wake up."


    "Sounds good." Nix closed his eyes and, within seconds, was asleep.


    Hyai sat on the foot of the bed, watching Shae examine him. "He found three advanced animations in the Eidengal Armory; he said they would be permanently assigned to whoever used it."


    The Salamander clucked her tongue at the sleeping guild leader. "One of them was a Phoenix?"


    Hyai nodded. "Yes."


    Fajii''s dark face didn''t seem worried. "I can feel the Earth element in him, too; he just does whatever he likes."


    Shae smiled while nodding her head. "Prey waits."

 362 A Brief Respite

    "You must be feeling better." Fajii'' sat on the beach with Mina, both of them wearing swimsuits that Nix had made.


    Nix held up a hand and shook his head slowly. "Amazing, isn''t it?" His hands and feet were both slightly elongated and webbed. His gills faded away when he left the water, but the other effects of his new Mariner''s ability lingered for nearly a minute.


    Fajii stared at him for a few moments before nodding. Mina looked away without answering; her pale face seemed unnaturally red.


    "I''ll shower quickly, and then we''ll get going." Nix smiled pleasantly and headed toward the Turtle House. It had been two weeks since he recharged the Krayven totem, he had spent most of that time recovering from the effects of Phoenix blood poisoning.


    Mina watched him walking toward the house, wishing for once that she could spend some time alone with him. "He used to be a lot less busy."


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "Everspire is pulling him a dozen different directions. He needed the time off."


    Mina smiled at her friend. "Don''t let him use that ''Mariner'' form around any Aquarion women."


    The dark-skinned Aquarion laughed good-naturedly. The beauty standards for the Aquarion race centered mostly on the hands and feet. "You were staring shamelessly."


    Mina bit down on a laugh but didn''t deny it. Her personality in recent weeks had significantly changed. She laughed and smiled much more than she used to. "I know."


    Fajii reached over and stroked her friend''s head, a regular occurrence between Aquarion friends. "How''s everything?"


    Mina smiled, her eyes moving toward Soup, who was sunning herself on the beach. "I already agreed to live in Haven with you guys; you don''t have to worry."


    Fajii shrugged slightly but didn''t deny her concern. "I can''t help it. You are important to me."


    *************


    After a quick shower and light lunch, Nix spent a few minutes updating orders for the Auction House. Although his taxidermy skill was maxed out, his animation ability needed to improve. His current knowledge couldn''t make anything near as impressive as the ones made by the Eidengal Taxidermist.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Don''t forget about the meeting today, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Fairly difficult since Semmi, Pon, and now you have reminded me this morning.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sorry for nagging.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll be there.


    *************


    Nix entered the HQ courtyard an hour later, Muncie was hard at work with the huge dragon puppet. "Progress?"


    Muncie nodded. "I can open its eyes."


    Nix covered a laugh since that was progress. The two of them were slowly repairing the Dragon puppet that Vega used in the Mountain Pass camp. The wings were still detached, but Nix had used his Taxidermist skill to repair the severed head. The cost of doing so had used nearly all of his personal stock of dragon scales, dragon blood, and dragon bones. When Nix attempted to use the puppet, he would receive a generic message saying that the dragon was dead. "Keep at it, Muncie."


    He ran into Pon and Wind when he walked into the conference room of HQ. "How did that quest from Mocai go?"


    Wind gave him a thumbs up. "We found what we were looking for."


    A breach appeared next to the table, and Leva stepped an instant later. She took a seat on the other side of Nix after bowing respectfully to Pon and Wind.


    /Inferno: Pon: Why is Leva here?


    /Inferno: Nix: I invited her since our decision on Chyanama will directly affect her territory in the Nether.


    Wind nodded in agreement, suppressing the shudder he felt. Beta had told him what was involved in creating a minion since the albino rogue also had one. "Nice to see you again, Leva."


    A second breach opened, and Tai''Qui stepped through. Since her first visit a week ago, she had been regularly stopping by Ionova to visit.


    Pon stood up when she stepped into the conference room, his old face creased into a smile. The Earth Dragon made a good impression on everyone at Inferno. She had taken the time to create two different mud baths, one at the Turtle house and the other outside of HQ. The Scorched Earth Elementals of Inferno absolutely loved them.


    Wind also stood and greeted Tai.


    [Whisper Wind to Nix] Since when is that old man so friendly?


    [Whisper Nix to Wind] No kidding.


    Shae was the last of the Officers to arrive; Leva gave up her seat so that the Salamander could sit next to Nix while she stood behind him.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Going to start a temporary channel so our guests here can discuss the topic.


    You have joined the HQ channel.


    /HQ: Jun Li: Welcome Guests, thank you for taking part.


    /HQ: Nix: The first topic today are the fallen cities. I invited Tai here since she will be the one helping us move them.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] I thought you wanted to hold off on that.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] I wanted to, but I have to recover the Spectrum I used in recovered cities. I can''t do that until they are linked with Inferno City.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Understood.


    /HQ: Tai: Moving cities through the planes isn''t especially difficult. No more so then sending troops through a Breach.


    /HQ: Nix: Filamina, Alliance City, and Chyanama are all ready to be moved.


    /HQ: Semmi: Filamina and Alliance City were formerly known as Aquarius and Dyrekstad.


    /HQ: Fajii: Chyanama is part of Leva''s territory in the Nether. Won''t this cripple her power base?


    /HQ: Leva: The Nether has changed dramatically in the last few months. With free passage throughout the planes, there have been no border skirmishes of any kind.


    /HQ: Nix: I won''t push it if you don''t wish to move Leva. However, I would like to link Chyanama with the other Dragon Cities and place you in the City Master position.


    /HQ: Leva: Wouldn''t creating a Nether City cause problems with the Dragon Masters?


    /HQ: Tai: A few months ago it might have, but since the peace treaty, there have been quite a few Nether citizens who have passed the planar trials and become residents of the other Dragon Cities.


    /HQ: Semmi: I worry that there might be some hold-over bad feelings.


    /HQ: Nix: You may be right, Sem. We can wait a bit longer on Chyanama.


    /HQ: Pon: There shouldn''t be any issues with Filamina or Alliance City. Many of the 12 Pillar Alliance members have taken up residence in Alliance City.


    /HQ: Mina: Filamina is empty.


    Nix laughed at her words; it spread to a few others before stopping. Mina''s Aquarion sense of humor wasn''t able to find the amusement in her own words.


    /HQ: Nix: Filamina is in Northern Colonial while Alliance City resides in the seed world of Elementia.


    /HQ: Semmi: What does moving them entail?


    /HQ: Nix: I will bring Tai to each of them, and then she will create the City Breach.


    /HQ: Jun Li: What about opening travel from our Sky cities to Free Trader City?


    /HQ: Nix: There''s really no reason to oppose it. Alliance City and Inferno City are already partially settled. They require more resources and commerce to grow.


    /HQ: Fajii: What about Filamina?


    /HQ: Jun Li: I recommend keeping it locked up until we need to expand.


    /HQ: Ronnie: We could use it as a party city.


    /HQ: Sharl: Or just give it to Ronnie and lock her up.


    /HQ: Ronnie: Yes!


    /HQ: Nix: Anyone opposed to connecting Alliance and Filamina to the other Dragon Cities?


    /HQ: Pon: What is the status of the Greater Houses in Inferno City and Alliance City?


    /HQ: Nix: I have them locked down.


    /HQ: Jun Li: I recommend opening up the Greater Houses in Alliance city for the 12 Pillar guilds.


    /HQ: Semmi: The Greater Houses are big enough for Guild Halls, it will go a long way towards strengthening our Alliance.


    /HQ: Pon: We should open access to Ionova also. The new commerce will help the city develop.


    /HQ: Fajii: I agree. It also gives the members of the Alliance the ability to move about in Northern Everspire.


    /HQ: Nix: Okay. I''ll open gate access from Ionova and Free Trader City to our territories in the Sky Kingdom.


    /HQ: Tai: I''ll need to be in Filamina and Alliance City to open breaches for them.


    /HQ: Nix: Leva has been to both. The three of us and Alpha Team will handle it.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Why are we going with you?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] I need you to bring one of the Spectrum pellets back to HQ before we head off in search of Goralpri.


    ****************


    An hour later, a massive Breach was opened up in the skies over the Polar Ice Cap in Colonial. Filamina was moved into the air and taken through the Breach without any issues. The entire team moved to Alliance City from there.


    Semmi watched the procedure repeat itself. She had already confiscated one pellet of Spectrum. Just holding it made her nervous, she could use none of her abilities while carrying it.


    Nix stood at the Control Interface of Alliance City, after linking it to the rest of the cities, he locked it the Control Interface up tight and removed the Spectrum pellet from the diffuser.


    Leva opened a gate for everyone to return to HQ.


    Nix waited while Semmi put the Spectrum in HQ''s vault. "I need to contact the Taxidermist in Free Trader City tomorrow. We can start looking for Goralpri immediately after that.


    Wind shared a grin with Pon. "Alpha team back together?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    /Everspire Announcement: Gate Access from Free Trader City to Alliance City in the Sky Kingdom has been enabled.


    /Everspire: Announcement: Gate access from Free Trader City to Inferno City in the Sky Kingdom has been enabled.


    /Everspire Announcement: Gate Access from Ionova to Alliance City in the Sky Kingdom has been enabled.


    /Everspire: Announcement: Gate access from Ionova to Inferno City in the Sky Kingdom has been enabled.


    **************


    Shae was the only one in the house when Nix arrived a few minutes later. She was sitting on the couch while browsing the Auction House on her hud. "Hey, Nix."


    Nix returned her smile and took a seat next to her. If both Hyai and Fajii were somewhere else this late in the evening, then they weren''t coming back. "You sent the girls away?"


    Shae nodded. "They are in Haven with Mina; I don''t get to spend much time with you since I''ve been busy with the eggs."


    Nix grabbed her hand and pulled her closer, "How are they doing?"


    Shae leaned against him, her soft red hair brushing against his cheek. "Very good, she is going to be very strong."


    Nix didn''t have to ask who ''she'' was. Shae immediately assumed motherhood over the salamander hybrid. "How long until they start hatching?"


    Shae pursed her lips while she considered the question. "More than a year for our daughter. The first will be in a few months and then continue for the next two years."


    Inferno needed the dragonspawn to increase their strength, but Nix hadn''t considered the care they''d require. "Should we hire some help?"


    Shae shook her head. "Nansu has already approached me regarding the first one. Semmi has also expressed interest."


    Nix nearly choked at the mention of the blond officer. She still fumed on occasion when reminded that Pon already fathered an Aquarion daughter. "Pon''s going to love that. You want to have Inferno members adopt them?"


    Shae nodded. "There are several couples within Inferno. Wylie and Banzi are willing to take one also. I think it will work out."


    "I suppose you''re right." Nix tipped her chin up with one hand and kissed her gently.


    "Hmmm... very sweet. Can I ask you something?"


    Nix nodded slightly. "Feel free."


    "You said her name several times while you were under the effects of blood poisoning for the last two weeks." Shae''s light brown eyes were gentle. "Do you still miss your younger sister?"


    "I suppose I do." Nix had made peace with the death of his sister; for some reason, the sickness caused by the Phoenix caused her memory to resurface.


    Shae''s soft hand stroked his face gently. "Bev has told me many stories about her from when you were children."


    "She has?" Nix found the statement puzzling. His older sister usually found a reason to change the subject whenever he mentioned Lisa. "She never wants to talk to me about her."


    "Is it surprising? Between the three of you, who had the closest bond?"


    Nix frowned slightly at the statement. They had often left Bev out because she was a bit too serious. "Lisa loved Bev, too; they didn''t get along very well."


    Shae nodded but didn''t say anything else. She grabbed Nix''s hand and pulled him to his feet.


    Nix let himself be led into the bedroom. "I''ll visit Bev in a few days."

 363 Pawn Broker

    Shae nodded. "Tai brought by a second non-viable dragon egg; she thought it might be useful to you sometime down the road."


    "Keep it with the other one we got from her, I''ll think of something." Nix leaned close for a kiss only to be wrapped up in the redhead''s arms instead.


    Shae kissed him a few times before stepping away. "I want you to stop by the nursery and seal your elements into a few of the dragon eggs. Several of them haven''t developed elements yet."


    Nix nodded. "As soon as I wrap things up with Goralpri, I''ll come by."


    [1000 hours, Free Trader City]


    Nix glanced at the time on his hud; he had two hours before he was meeting Alpha team. Plenty of time to run the two errands he had been putting off. The Taxidermist shop was nestled neatly in between a Blacksmith forge and a Pawn Shop.


    A bell sounded when he pushed open the door to the shop a few moments later. The inside of the shop was lined with shelves that displayed several impressive examples from a wide variety of puppets.


    "You have a good eye." A young man barely out of his teens walked through a curtained doorway that separated the display area from the crafter''s shop.


    Nix was studying a rather sleek looking aquatic bird that bore a stunning resemblance to a penguin. "This is an animation, right? Not an actual puppet?"


    The young man nodded. "Only another Taxidermist would know that. I''m Wallace, pleased to meet you."


    Nix shook the offered hand, hiding the surprise he felt at seeing how young the shop owner was. "I''m Nix. Lan, from Ever Flame, sent me."


    "He did? Do you have a coin?"


    Nix nodded and showed him the Crafting Guild coin he received while in Ever Flame.


    Although animations could be made to represent real animals, they were more often animals that didn''t exist in Everspire. Taxidermy required exact materials of the animal being represented, while animators could make substitutions and circumvented the puppet tiers. Once you maxed out Taxidermy, you were given the Animator title.


    Wallace moved behind the counter before returning the coin. "May I see an example of your work?"


    Nix took out his two of the animations he developed for the essences that have been taken in Elementia. Then he placed two of the Emperor puppets he made.


    [Air Raptor] [Sea Hunter]


    [Sand Leopard] [Shade Falcon]


    Wallace whistled softly, his young face showing his excitement. "These are very good, Nix."


    Nix didn''t hide the smile that popped onto his face. Everyone liked receiving compliments on their work. "I shored up these animations a bit since they were being released into Ionova."


    "Dragon scale, right? How many did you make?"


    "113 Air Raptors and 240 Sea Hunters." Nix already knew that both groups were staying close to Ionova, the Sea Hunters could often be seen sunning themselves on the docks.


    "Could I study these for a few days? They really are amazing." Wallace disappeared into the back room for a few moments before reappearing with a large book in his hand. He set it down on the counter before sliding it toward Nix. "This should help you continue your advancement."


    [Advanced Animation]


    Nix picked up the manual and opened it briefly before closing it up. "Thank you, Wallace. You may keep those two Animations if you like."


    A loud banging from next door echoed in the shop, causing Wallace to jump slightly. The young man glanced at his shelves. "At least nothing fell this time."


    Nix studied him for a moment. He was slimly built and was average in height. He wore his light brown hair pulled back in a single ponytail. Instead of looking angry at the disturbance, Wallace had a smile on his face. "Does that happen very often?"


    "Not nearly enough." Wallace''s smile slipped into a full grin, and he cleared his throat. "I better have a word those new shop owners."


    Since he was curious, Nix followed Wallace out the door and waited while the Taxidermist put his ''out to lunch'' sign up. An instant later, he entered the Pawn Shop.


    "Welcome to the R & B Pawn Shop!" A familiar voice spoke from behind a counter on the far side of the room.


    "Hey Wally, some help here, please?" A dark-haired woman was standing precariously on a bucket that she had turned upside down. She had a hammer in one hand and was holding up a shelf in the other.


    "...." Nix.


    "Of course!" Wallace moved to the center of the shelf and held it up while the woman nailed it into the wall.


    "Thanks, handsome." The dark woman stepped down from the bucket, pausing when she noticed Nix. "Hey, Boss."


    "Hey, Ronnie." Nix tried hard to keep the smile off his face, quick footsteps from behind him announced the presence of her partner in crime.


    "Commander? I bet you have a ton of things to pawn!" Bali stepped in front of him, looking up with an innocent smile on her face.


    /Inferno: Nix: The hell is going on here?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: This is our shop!


    Nix glanced around at the wares on display. Nearly every shelf was full. "I was next door with Mr. Wallace when his entire shop started shaking from your pounding."


    Ronnie turned her dark eyes on Wallace. "Our apologies Wally, we should do this after shop hours."


    Nix watched as the Taxidermist melted beneath the smiles of Inferno''s troublemakers. "Wallace has an interest in the animations we released in Ionova."


    Bali picked up the bucket and moved behind the counter. "The Sea Hunters? I can show you some of them; they are almost always on the docks sunning themselves."


    Wallace nodded his head in agreement. "Further study is required so that I can get a better grasp of Nix''s techniques. Hey... You know Bali and Ronnie?"


    Nix nodded. "We are all members of Inferno."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: This guy is fantastic! He gave both of us a free puppet when we opened up.


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t doubt it. This place is packed with gear. Are you doing good business?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Don''t tell... but we found a work-around.


    /Inferno: Nix: This should be good. A work-around what?


    /Inferno: Bali: Pawn Shops can reset the ''bound'' status on previously owned items.


    /Inferno: Nix: Holy crap.


    Nix glanced around the shop shelves, many of the higher-end items in Colonial would bind to the owner when they were equipped. Shops wouldn''t buy them, so players were often left with the option of either destroying them or letting them take up inventory space.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: You must have a lot of items that you aren''t using.


    /Inferno: Nix: Quite a bit.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Send me a copy of your list later, and I''ll give you prices.


    /Inferno: Nix: I will. Take it easy on this guy; he''s a valuable resource to my continued advancement in animation.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Of course, he''s in good hands.


    /Inferno: Bali: Yep, good hands.


    Nix stepped away from the two Inferno members while they chatted up ''Wally.'' The shelves were mostly stocked with average items.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Back in a bit, grabbing lunch for Bali and me. Want anything?


    /Inferno: Nix: No, thanks.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Are you in Free Trader City?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] I am at the Pawn Shop next to Wallace''s Taxidermy.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix} Wait for me!


    Nix spent a few minutes browsing the impressive inventory of the shop. Bali sat on the counter, talking with Wallace, who was in no hurry to leave. The door opened, and the guild leader from Salamander walked in.


    Gideon smiled when he saw Nix. "Hey, just the person I was looking for."


    Nix was always glad to see Gideon, although at times the situation was made slightly awkward by his awareness of the Assassin''s real gender. "What can I do for you?"


    "Do you still have the illusion ring that dropped from the Vega Campaign?"


    Nix nodded and linked her the item in question. "You mean this one? It really isn''t an ''illusion ring,'' while it is activated, you are someone else."


    Ring of Deceit [Unformatted]


    Description: Use a simple hud


    interface to construct any human form you


    design. Once you have chosen, it becomes


    permanently assigned to this ring.


    Gideon studied the effect for a moment. "Even better. I would like to purchase or barter for it."


    Nix considered the request before nodding. No one in Inferno requested it, so he felt comfortable selling it to Gideon. "I want two hundred head of horses. No more than a dozen stallions in that number. They can be a mix of the different Everspire Breeds."


    Gideon''s face showed his disappointment; the price would probably take a while to gather. "It''s a deal, Nix. You''ll hold onto it for me?"


    Nix tossed him the ring. "No, but I trust your word."


    ****************

 364 Missing Shipmen

    The town of Ever Flame had recovered entirely from the Vega campaign. He landed the mount outside of the stables and walked in. Thitz the Stablemaster wasn''t present, but his assistant Randa was.


    "Mr. Nix!" Randa''s face lit up in a smile when he entered. Although she didn''t know the Inferno Guild Leader very well, she witnessed first hand his strength and influence.


    Nix returned her smile. "Just the person I was looking for. Have you considered my offer?"


    Randa breathed a sigh of relief. She was angry at herself for not accepting Nix''s employment offer right away. She was worried that he wouldn''t return for her answer. "I accept the offer to manage your herd. I have two friends who will also join me if that''s okay."


    Nix nodded. "It''s fine. Make your way to Free Trader City and take the Gate platform to Ionova. Wait for me there."


    Randa has joined Inferno.


    "Thank you, Mr. Nix!"


    "Just Nix is fine." He left Ever Flame a few minutes later and headed back toward Free Trader City. Randa and her friends could live in the bunkhouse at his Haven Ranch.


    /Inferno: Pon: Where are you, Punk?


    /Inferno: Nix: Just landing outside the west gate. Meet me at the City Management Office.


    Since Free Trader City occupied four different provinces, the leadership of those provinces agreed that the City would maintain a neutral status. Free Trader City was governed by a Mayor who answered to an elected town council.


    Nix found his team waiting outside the Management Office by the time he found the place.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What''s going on here, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nebs asked me to look into something. It seems that Ionova paid for several shipments of metal, yet we haven''t received it yet.


    /Alpha: Pon: Why meet here then? You could handle this while I ate my lunch.


    /Alpha: Nix: You don''t need to eat all the time, old man.


    The City Management Office was a long set of windowed counters with signs hanging over each. Nix spotted the one that said Information and walked toward it.


    A bespectacled middle-aged man with male pattern baldness stood behind the counter. "May I help you, sir?"


    Nix nodded and handed him his Steward Crest. "Ionova purchased several shipments of metals a while back; for some reason, they''ve been delayed."


    The man examined the crest for a moment before handing it back. "Welcome to Free Trader City, Steward Nix. You''ll want to talk to Ian at the Import/Export Window. They would process that shipment."


    /Alpha: Semmi: I see it.


    Nix thanked the clerk and followed Semmi to the far side of the building. A tall woman stood behind the counter; her sharp eyes noticed them right away.


    "May I help you, sir?"


    Nix handed her his Steward Crest. "I''m the Steward of Ionova. I want to follow up on a shipment of metal that we ordered on paid for last month. We have yet to receive it."


    /Alpha: Nix: F*ck...


    /Alpha: Semmi: What is it?


    [Summons: Ducky]


    The blue-haired Water Nymph appeared in front of Nix a moment later. She was wearing her Nether Breaker armor that Nix had upgraded.


    Ducky has joined Alpha team.


    /Alpha: Nix: I want you to talk to this cleric. I sense something wrong with her. Ask about the metal shipment that was supposed to be delivered to Ionova. Nebs says the City Guard has confiscated it.


    Pon turned his head and stared at the woman behind the counter.


    /Alpha: Pon: I don''t feel anything.


    /Alpha: Nix: She feels similar to the Tainted.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Crap...


    The other members of Alpha spread out slightly while Ducky approached the counter.


    Ducky has [Bewitched] Elena Anders.


    The Water Witch smiled pleasantly.


    Ducky read the nametag that was pinned to the clerk''s shirt. "Elena, right? Recently a shipment of metals bound for Ionova was confiscated. Do you know anything about that?"


    Elena nodded. "Konin Tark has given the order that all metal shipments are to be routed through him."


    Ducky reached over the counter and grasped her hand. "I see. You''re very helpful. Who is Konin Tark?"


    Elena smiled, her pale face blushing slightly. "Konin is the Commerce Administrator that is appointed by the City Council."


    Ducky pursed her lips slightly and leaned forward. "Who does he really work for?"


    Elena''s forehead instantly beaded with sweat while she struggled to answer.


    Ducky held up a hand to stop her. "Forget, I asked."


    /Alpha: Ducky: If I push her hard on this, she''ll break. There''s a strong geas on her.


    "I want to spend more time with you." Ducky''s voice was smooth as silk; Nix felt the hairs on the back of his neck rising up.


    Elena wiped her sweaty brow with a handkerchief. "I would like that too."


    "Perhaps you could put in a good word for me. If I worked for your boss, I''d do a great job for him."


    Elena smiled suddenly, her eyes warming slightly. "If I talk to the Mog..." She broke off in mid-sentence, the warmth fading from her face. "Nice try."


    Without warning, the clerk drew a dagger and plunged it into her own eye. She collapsed face fist onto the floor with a loud bang.


    Ducky has cast [Illusion]


    /Alpha: Ducky: Take us out, Nix!


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Favi.


    A moment later, the group appeared outside of the Fighter''s Guild.


    /Alpha: Nix: Did she break?


    /Alpha: Ducky: No, she was going to tell us. Somehow she was being monitored.


    /Alpha: Nix: I have a quest here, might as well finish it since I''m back.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Group quest?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. Grab some lunch, and I''ll wrap things up quickly.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Want me to come with you?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure. That reminds me, I brought a new member into Inferno. Her name is Randa. Since she will be living in Haven, I want you to question her and the people with her thoroughly.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Okay.


    /Alpha: Nix: What Illusion did you cast when we left the Management Office?


    /Alpha: Ducky: Elena will appear to return to her work for a few minutes, and then she will kill herself with the dagger. Best I could do on short notice.


    /Alpha: Nix: Great job, Ducky.


    Nix made his way to the fighting platform and stepped onto it.


    Your Clash of Swords Class quest is active. Do you wish to start?


    Clash of Swords [Spellsword Only]


    Description: Your Master has been challenged, and


    so you must demonstrate your skill.


    Objective: Stand on the fighting platform at the


    Favi Fighter''s Guild and defeat as many fighters


    as you can.


    [Required Objectives]


    Defeat Beryl Vorn


    Defeat Borsha


    Defeat Malice.


    "Yes."


    /Fighter Guild Announcement: Apprentice Nix is challenging all-comers at the fighting platform. A fifty thousand credit reward will be given to whoever defeats him.


    /Alpha: Nix: The F*ck you say?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Problem Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. Enjoy your lunch.


    Nix drew Wrath and pushed flames into it, the white flame buzzed in protest as it extended into the afternoon air.


    A bald-headed man wearing dark blue stepped onto the platform. He was tanned and weathered from a life spent outdoors.


    Nix stared at him for a moment. "Are you really an apprentice? Look how old you are?"


    The man snarled at him, his face turning red. "F*ck off! It''s all comers."


    [Storm Rider][Thunderfist][Advanced Execution]


    Triple Combination attempt successful.


    The man''s head bounced onto the platform a moment later; Nix sidestepped suddenly to dodge the fountain of blood that sprayed upward from his neck.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "So it is. Thanks for the reminder."


    It was three quick fights before Beryl Vorn showed up. She was a muscular female that moved like a giant predator; Nix was instantly reminded of Vooni.


    The woman had blond hair that was cropped close to her skull; she wore basic leather armor with a green singlet pulled over the top.


    The woman bowed respectfully. "I''m Beryl Vorn, the Apprentice of Master Eri Vorn. Please advise me."


    Nix nodded and returned her bow. "I''m Nix, the Apprentice of Chiba. Please advise."

 365 Spellsword

    /Inferno: Ronnie: Sure. What ya need?


    /Inferno: Nix: A woman named Elena Anders killed herself in the City Management Office. I''d like you to examine the body.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Doctor Ronnie is in the House! What am I looking for?


    /Inferno: Nix: A dragon scale covering her heart.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: You suspect she is Tainted?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Don''t get caught.


    Nix has used [Ghost Step].


    Instead of using his foot movement to attack, Nix used it to retreat and manage to parry an all-out attack from his opponent.


    Stepping forward he locked blades with Beryl, the female apprentice smirked at him. "Trying to match my strength? Are you cra..."


    Nix picked Berly up and slammed her onto the stage; her sword clattered loudly off of the platform onto the stones of the courtyard.


    Beryl has been stunned.


    "STOP!"


    Nix backed away from his downed opponent and turned his gaze toward the speaker.


    A blond-haired woman bowed towards him; a single sword was belted across her back. "Honorable Apprentice, if you allow it, I will concede this match on behalf of my younger sister."


    Nix nodded. "Of course, we were only exchanging pointers as students of the blade."


    The next opponent made his way toward the stage; Nix waited patiently while his former opponent was helped away.


    A slim teen wearing red robes stepped onto the platform. He wore his black hair in a mohawk; his youthful face was covered in scars. "I''m Borsha; your progress stops with me."


    [Storm Rider][Thunderfist]


    Combination Successful.


    Borsha has been stunned.


    Nix sliced his blade casually across the back of his opponent''s legs and then dodged away.


    Borsha has been crippled.


    Borsha has formed [Ice Blade]


    Without moving, the injured apprentice swiped his blade at Nix, sending a half dozen shards of Ice at him.


    Nix has used [Rock Shield].


    [Ghost Step] [Pelt] [Execution]


    [Critical Intercept] Borsha has interrupted Nix''s earth attack.


    [Deep Abyss] [Ghost Step]


    An orb of water enclosed around Borsha, Nix appeared next to him and stabbed a single blade through the center of it. The orb turned red and then burst onto the platform, the wounded apprentice coughing water.


    "Please Hold." An older man wearing leather armor stepped onto the stage. "Thank you, Apprentice Nix, for giving Borsha instructions on real fighting. He admits his loss."


    Borsha coughed out more water, and accepted the healing potion his master handed him. "I apologize for my performance, Master."


    The old man shook his head slightly. "What you thought of as a performance, your opponent viewed as a fight. Apprentice Nix is an Arch Elemental, contemplate what you should have done differently, and we''ll discuss it once you''ve rested."


    Nix watched as two attendants helped Borsha leave the platform, the old man turned toward him and bowed slightly before leaving.


    The heavy steps of a large man warned Nix of his approach. Instead of entering from the challenger side of the platform, he brushed past Nix, nudging him with an elbow before preceding to his side.


    The black-haired man stood close to seven feet in height, his legs and arms were thick with corded muscle. Surprisingly he wore heavy plate armor with a single red singlet pulled over the top.


    Malice has activated his [Fire Aura].


    "I am Malice; my Master has promised me a reward if I deal with you."


    Nix shrugged nonchalantly, his thoughts on the red singlet, it was the same one that was worn by the group that ambushed them the first time he came to Favi. "Why are you wearing that shitty red singlet? Shouldn''t you be wearing a green one?"


    [Demonizaton]


    Malice''s eyes glow red as he activates his demonic bloodline.


    "This is the singlet of the House of Mogel. Your brash words have sealed the fate of you and your family."


    Nix laughed at the posturing. "Going to hurt me?"


    "After I tear your f*cking arms off, I''ll drag you back to Ionova and f*ck your women while you watch helplessly."


    Nix pushed lightning into Wrath, the white blade crackled with the sound of thunder as he casually pointed the sword toward Malice.


    [Lightning Strike]


    A single bolt of lightning struck down from the clear skies and tore a fist-sized hole through Malice''s plate armor and his chest.


    Blood poured out of the large man''s chest, the great blade he gripped in one hand dropped heavily to the platform.


    [Storm Rider: Advanced Execution]


    Nix appeared beside the giant man; an instant later, the sound of an overly large head bouncing off the platform echoed in the silence of the courtyard.


    Clash of Swords has been completed.


    You have been awarded Dual-Wield [Spellsword Blades Only].


    The crowded courtyard instantly erupted as everyone started talking at once while Nix made his way toward the Fighters Guild exit.


    [Whisper: Beryl to Nix] Well fought Apprentice Nix. Malice was sent to deal with you, retreat now before others from his House show up.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beryl] He mentioned the House of Mogel. Do you know where I can find that place?


    [Whisper: Beryl to Nix] Directly South of Favi, about an hour ride.


    [Whisper: Nix toBeryl] Thanks.


    /Alpha: Nix: Looks like the dots have connected.


    /Alpha: Fajii: What''s that mean?


    /Alpha: Nix: Last time I was here, a group tried to ambush us. It''s the same people who took our shipment.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You said the woman in Management Office felt like she was Tainted. Does that mean we''ve picked up the trail of Goralpri?


    /Alpha: Nix: Smart money says yes.


    *****************


    A stealthed Ronnie trotted after the wagon that headed toward the South Gate. She arrived at the City Management Office just as the clerk''s wrapped body was being placed in the horse-drawn carriage.


    Within a few minutes, the wagon left down with Ronnie following closely.


    /Hotness: Bali: I have them on track.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Good job, Bal. I will reward you later.


    /Hotness: Bali: Don''t even think about it!


    Ronnie laughed softly and increased her pace. The wagon moved slowly down the southern road for a few minutes and then turned off on a narrow path.


    /Hotness: Bali: Be careful, I''m in front of them.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Close in from that side, and we''ll pinch him between us.


    The wagon stopped, and the driver jumped down before moving around to the tailgate. He lowered the wooden barrier and then rolled the body onto the ground.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: I''m going in. Don''t attack unless I do.


    /Hotness: Bali: Okay.


    The dark archer left the safety of the tree-line and walked toward the parked wagon. Unexpectedly, the driver climbed back into the carriage and rode back in the direction of Free Trader City.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Close in, and we''ll investigate. Keep track on.


    Ronnie spotted Bali leaving the woods and moving toward her at an all-out run. Thanks to the sound dampening effects of Nix''s camo-overlay, she moved silently as a ghost. They stared at each other for a moment, from opposite sides of the corpse.


    /Hotness: Bali: Something isn''t right.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: It seems off... Think it''s a trap?


    An instant later, a breach opened next to the corpse. A cloaked figure stepped out and picked up the body.


    /Hotness: Ronni: GO!


    Ronnie sprinted toward the breach; she arrived there right as the figure stepped through. Without hesitating, she followed. The dark archer twisted agilely to avoid running into the person carrying the body. She felt Bali brush lightly against her.


    Bali grabbed Ronnie''s arm and pulled her to one side. They were in the back courtyard of a rather large estate. Two guards were looking in their direction as they walked along the top of a ten-foot stone wall.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Someone beat us to the corpse; we followed them outside the town a few miles.


    /Inferno: Nix: Did you get to examine it?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: No. A breach opened up, and someone retrieved the body.


    /Inferno: Pon: F*ck... It''s always dragons.


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s okay. Head back to town.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: No need. We entered the breach and followed them.


    /Inferno: Bali: I''m here too!


    /Inferno: Nix: Damn... Excellent job, guys. I''ll send you a group invite.


    /Inferno: Bali: Nope, we''re here first, so you have to join us.


    Nix has joined group Hotness.


    Semmi has joined group Hotness.


    Pon has joined group Hotness.


    Fajii has joined group Hotness.


    Wind has joined group Hotness.


    /Hotness: Pon: The hell is this?


    /Hotness: Semmi: I love it!


    Nix chuckled and summoned his Shadow Daiken.


    /Hotness: Nix: This is why you''re my favorite Ronnie.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: You know it!


    /Hotness: Nix: My hud says they are south of us. Mount up, and we''ll scout it out.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Be careful; we''re on our way.


    ************************


    [Authors Note]


    I''ll be taking the next ten days off so that I can help assist some of my elderly relatives that live in rural areas. We''ve been rotating the responsibility during the quarantine, and now it''s my turn. Be safe and cya soon.

 366 Goralpri part one

    [Whisper: Ronnie:] Put this clown on track, so we don''t lose him.


    [Whisper: Bali] Already done.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Coming in hard or soft?


    /Hotness: Nix: Hard, of course. Find cover; we''ll rendezvous in the courtyard in five seconds.


    Nix''s Daiken banked into the clouds, the difference between his Shadow and the other Daiken was instantly noticeable.


    [Summons: Fey]


    If anyone thought the thin teen felt uncomfortable being summoned in mid-air, the wild smile that instantly plastered her face would have told them otherwise. She calmly spread her arms, her long silver hair flowing downward¡ªlaughter filling the air when Nix plummeted passed her without his Daiken a moment later.


    /Hotness: Pon: The f*ck are you doing?


    /Hotness: Semmi: Holy crap Nix.


    The silver drakon appeared and lazily folded one wing, turning downward into a steep dive. Within seconds she caught her free-falling spirit companion. For his part, Nix formed an ''X'' with his body, his face completely calm when Fey eased past him and assumed her duties as his winged mount. They stealthed an instant later as the ground rushed toward them.


    /Hotness: Semmi: We starting a fight?


    /Hotness: Nix: Yep.


    The busy courtyard below remained completely clueless until gale winds swirled around them on a day that had been without any breeze.


    Fey targeted the caravan, a moment before all hell broke loose.


    [Carpet Bomb]


    Nix leaped off Fey''s back when she pulled out of the dive. The blazing inferno didn''t bother him; the sight of human torches running and screaming seemed oddly familiar.


    Nix has used [Execution] on Captain Durie.


    Captain Durie has been slain.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Nix, the guy carrying the corpse turned toward the east side of the courtyard!


    /Hotness: Nix: Understood. Let''s meet there.


    The only buildings other than the house were in the eastern courtyard. Nix sprinted towards the structure.


    Fey''s AoE hadn''t reached the wooden building; Alpha team was waiting for him by the time he arrived.


    It was a two-story dark building with skylight windows.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Bal, and I will go up top!


    Nix grinned at the old man whose entire body was engulfed in flames. Pon''s white hair looked orange as he stood in front of the double-doors.


    /Hotness: Pon: Can I say hello?


    /Hotness: Nix: Sure... Be polite.


    ******************


    [0800 Colonial Virtual Reality Lab, St. Paul, Mn]


    \"Good morning, Marshal.\" Her brown eyes settled on the ''jump room'' where they kept the VR capsules. \"You''ve had these guys for three months?\"


    Marshal nodded. \"Only three out of the group passed.\"


    Unexpectedly, the Director shrugged. \"Three isn''t bad for the first dive. It''s easy to mess up.\"


    \"I''ll bring them out.\" Marshal activated his wrist hud and waited a few seconds as the capsules slowly shut down. \"You want to talk to them?\"


    \"Yes, Marshal, I want to talk to them. Why else would I have them write down questions?\" The redhead walked to the front of the classroom and stood comfortably behind the podium.


    Marshal waited next to the massive Holo-platform that took up the entire front of the classroom. \"Please take your seats.\"


    One by one they filed in. They were the newest recruits in Colonial''s VR Drift program. The students arrived at the VR labs nearly four months ago; after thirty days of training, they were sent into a three-month dive.


    Marshal keyed up the results of the three who passed.


    Silas Jericho: Age 43 [Passed]


    Previous Occupation: Retired Navy Captain


    Clearance level: Top Secret


    Assessment Level: 84/100


    Neymar Deshmuk: Age 27 [Passed]


    Previous Occupation: School Teacher


    Clearance level: Top Secret


    Assessment Level: 82/100


    Glory Jones: Age: 34 [Passed]


    Previous Occupation: Corrections Officer


    Clearance level: Top Secret


    Assessment Level 96/100


    \"Welcome back.\" Marshal studied the wide variety of expressions his students were wearing. A few were crying, while others looked disappointed or angry. \"The reason this program is so long is because Deep Role-Playing (DRP) is very challenging. However, you will get better.\"


    Two of the students left the classroom without saying anything further. Marshal raised a hand to get everyone''s attention. \"This was a first-time jump for many of you. Don''t read anything into it; a good or bad first experience has little bearing on your success here. That being said, please give your attention to Director Obrien, who is here to answer some of your questions.\"


    The petite redhead stood in the front of the room, her fingers casually swiping her hud as she moved from question to question. \"As you know, I''m Sahara Obrien, the Director of the Colonial DRP program. I''ll answer the questions you''ve submitted, and then we''ll talk a bit more.


    [How old are you?]


    \"I''m 37, although my jump time amounts to a bit more than twelve years, so I look like someone in their mid-20s.\"


    [Have you had sex in Colonial]


    \"Yes. Many times. The easiest way for you to be successful at this job is to treat it like your life. Make friends, make enemies, love, hate, and everything in-between.\"


    [Who monitors Colonial?]


    \"Colonial is monitored by two separate Super Computers (SC). BALTO is a separate Virtual Intelligence that keeps an eye on our NPCs.\"


    [What is Colonial Drift]


    \"Colonial Drift is a phenomenon that causes NPCs in the game to become stagnant and uninteresting. The Virtual Intelligence that creates behavior modification is subject to falling into a repetitive pattern that creates a discernable difference between NPCs and players.\"


    [Can Colonial Drift be stopped?]


    \"Yes, that''s why you are here. We continually keep nearly a thousand NPC deep-role players (DRP) in Colonial. BALTO monitors their behavior and is able to use the data of their interactions to correct the drift before it happens.


    [How many NPC role players are in the game?]


    \"As I said, nearly a thousand. Over time we tried different numbers; this was the minimum that could achieve the results we wanted.\"


    [Why not have more NPC role players in the game?]


    \"Security. Our security has vetted each of you. You carry Top Secret clearance and are aware of the consequences of a leak.\"


    [What happens when you want to take a break?]


    \"The NPC you play will also have a VI that represents it. Your processes are carefully analyzed and predicted by this program so it can assume duties when you are gone. If your role is considered vital, then your character may be sent on a long quest to hide your absence.\"


    [Will a slip-up cost me my job?]


    Yes is the easy answer. This depends on the magnitude of the slip. Referencing the outside world without players around is considered bad, but won''t necessarily cost you your job.


    [Are you one of the NPC role players.]


    I am.


    [Is meeting a Deep NPC role player random?]


    Some of the time, we do use deep-role NPC role players as a way to manage players and the game.


    The redhead read the last question and noticed several hands go up. It was a common occurrence after a Q&A. Sahara pointed to a middle-aged man in the front row.


    \"How can using DRPs help manage the game?\"


    Sahara brought up a player on the class holo. \"This is the player on our manage list. He currently runs the strongest guild in Colonial. Early in his playtime, he came in contact with the elite members of two other guilds. Colonial rewards creative initiative, and this group has been nothing short of amazing. Nix and his inner circle have taken over.


    Glory stared at the familiar face on the hud; it was a person she often thought about. Immediately she raised her hand. \"Have you worked with this person?\"


    Sahara nodded. \"Yes, but I wasn''t assigned to him. Our initial meeting was random. The current expansion of Colonial is reactive to his actions.\"


    Glory continued the conversation, sensing Sahara wouldn''t mind talking. \"He''s your friend?\"


    \"I love him.\" Sahara smiled at the shocked faces. \"Listen, no one is telling you to be someone''s love interest or try and create important contacts. We want you to be the character and act accordingly; it''s the cornerstone of the DRP program. This is also how the colonial drift is corrected, the human factor.\"


    Marshal closed the hud and turned toward the class. \"Take the weekend off and get outside. Those of you who come back Monday will start the next phase of training. This is where you demonstrate your gaming ability.\"

 367 Goralpri part two

    /Hotness: Bali: A dozen guards are closing in on... Eleven guards are... Nine guards- HEY!


    /Hotness: Ronnie: What?


    /Hotness: Bali: Could you stop shooting long enough for me to report properly?


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Sure, sorry, Bal.


    /Hotness: Bali: Six guards are closing on our position from the courtyard.


    Nix nodded and searched the nearest body. A quick cut through the dead guard''s melted armor confirmed his suspicion. He held up the dragon scale that had been covering the heart of the corpse.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Tainted.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: We''ll check the courtyard bodies.


    Ronnie and Bal disappeared through the broken windows while Alpha team spread out and started searching.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s eyes turned deep orange as he started scanning the interior of the warehouse. The person that they had followed inside was no longer present.


    One side of the warehouse was stacked to the ceiling with wood crates Nix wrestled one of the insanely heavy containers to the edge before pushing it off with a loud crash, causing bright metallic ingots to spill everywhere.


    Nix picked one up; it was bright silver and very heavy. \"Fajii?\"


    The Aquarion alchemist knelt on the floor while removing a small kit from her bag. \"Give me a few minutes.\"


    /Hotness: Nix: Search a few more of the crates. How''s it look outside?


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Eerily quiet. Nothing is moving out here but us. All bodies are tainted so far.


    /Hotness: Nix: Back in a bit.


    Nix stepped away from the group and focused his thoughts on Leva and her office in Chyanama.


    [Nether Walker]


    Nix appeared in the tidy office a moment later; Leva did not seem surprised by his sudden appearance.


    The fallen chancellor smiled at Nix; her fanged expression wasn''t quite able to convey the warmth of friendship. \"Hey, Nix!\"


    Nix walked around the desk and took her hand \"Come with me please.\"


    [Nether Walker: Return]


    Alpha team was waiting when Nix returned a few seconds later. Several more crates had been pulled out and opened in that short period.


    Leva has joined Hotness.


    Nix whistled when he saw the ingots on the floor.


    An apologetic Fajii shook her head slowly. \"It''s a metallic element that I''m not familiar with. Compared to normal steel, it''s much stronger and has a higher resistance to other elements.\"


    Nix grabbed an ingot and motioned toward the huge stack of crates. \"There must be an exit in there, find it, and I''ll be right back.\"


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose a binding point that he had labeled as ''Grove.''


    *************


    \"That person reminds me of someone.\" Glory waited until the rest of the students and Marshal left the classroom. Director Obrien was still looking at her personal hud.


    Sahara smiled at the comment. \"Really?\"


    Glory nodded slowly, \"I use to call him Nix.\"


    Sahara''s face seemed to freeze suddenly, her brown eyes darting toward the door. \"Come with me.\"


    The Director escorted her to an office that had \"Director Sahara O''Brien stenciled on it. She closed the door after they entered and gestured toward the couch.


    Glory suddenly grew quiet; Nix was dead. It had been all over the news.


    \"Tell me everything you know. Starting with Nix.\"


    \"No.\" Glory stood suddenly, making up her mind.


    Sahara stared at her for a few moments. \"I love this man, anyone who deep dives will tell you that VR love is real. I''m the reason his account wasn''t deleted before this expansion. I only wish to protect him.\"


    Glory considered the words for few minutes before sitting down again. \"The person I know was a felon, I broke the rules and made sure he became part of the Gladis Work program.\"


    Sahara swore under her breath. \"The Nix I know, escaped from the Gladis Hub while still in their holding area.\"


    Glory watched as Sahara used her desk hud to bring up the character info on Nix. She looked at the date of his first log-in and when he logged off for the first time several months later.


    Sahara zoomed in on the dates. \"Does this match?\"


    Glory nodded. \"That would be when he was put into stasis at the Gladis hub. This second date corresponds with the accident at the Gladis stasis facility.\"


    Sahara pursed her lips while she considered the possibility. \"Nix may have testified against Gladis in return for his character card. Although that should have been destroyed in the accident.\"


    Glory slowly shook her head. \"Nix died in the accident; it made world news.\"


    Sahara brought up all of the log-on data associated with the Nix character. \"The character was part of the Gladis Hub program, after the accident it was attached to an anonymous client of Vasai Virtual.\"


    Glory remembered the arsonist was one of the quiet ones; he refused to speak until the last day she saw him. Because of this, they had many one-sided conversations where she talked to him about herself. \"Maybe someone bought the character or assumed ownership of it.\"


    Sahara shook her head slowly. \"Trust me when I say, the same person who logged off also logged back in. There would be no way to fake something like that.\"


    Glory didn''t comment; someone replacing Nix probably wouldn''t be able to fool his friends. \"I remember the Gladis trials; there were a handful of character cards presented as evidence. The legal team from Gladis tried to get them thrown out because they had been attained illegally.\"


    \"Nix must have attained his card during the accident.\" Sahara was still looking at her hud. \"Could the accident at Gladis be a cover-up for a theft?\"


    Glory shrugged slightly. \"That''s not something I would know. I did hear that Gladis lost close to a billion dollars because of it.\"


    Sahara stared at the former corrections officer; her face bore a remarkable physical resemblance to Ronnie''s character. Was that why Nix always seemed to back the crazy archer? Did Ronnie''s character remind him of this woman?


    The black woman''s lips curved in a smile, Nicholas Phire was still alive. There was no reason why it should make her happy, but it did. \"What now?\"


    The redhead used her hud for several minutes before answering. \"I deleted his old log history; the character''s connection to Gladis is gone.\"


    \"You said that the current expansion is reactive to Nix? Is this normal?\"


    \"No. He has created a variety of problems for Colonial since he started playing.\"


    Glory thought back to the quiet felon she remembered. He was calm through his trial, whatever rage he must have felt during his revenge had obviously been spent. \"Why hasn''t he been removed then?\"


    \"There are a few reasons. The first is that I won''t allow it. I have a lot of pull at Colonial, and I let them know that I would walk away if they touched him.\"


    \"You said that you love Nix? What''s the word I''m looking for?\"


    The redhead smiled and leaned back in her chair. \"Love interest or LI.\"


    Glory nodded. \"Are you his love interest?\"


    \"One of them.\" Sahara nodded her head. \"This can be blamed on Balto and me. As a DRP, I fell in love with Nix; it was meant to be a passing thing. My character was supposed to perish, but that damn VI stepped in.\"


    \"Balto is the VI?\"


    \"Yes. It''s constantly adjusting NPC behavior according to our DRPs and the player''s reactions to them. It''s given latitude to make small adjustments to events as they unfold.\"


    \"How did Balto step in?\"


    \"It governs NPCs almost exclusively. Nix reacts strongly whenever the NPCs around him are in danger, Balto has judged my DRP character as too important.\"


    Glory''s dark eyes showed her confusion. \"It''s a VI, can''t you just change its functions?\"


    \"Yes. However, player satisfaction is at an all-time high. NPCs are developing stronger characteristics and becoming a larger part of the game. I call it the ''Inferno Effect.''\"


    \"Inferno?\"


    \"It''s the guild I mentioned, the one that has been running amok in Colonial for the past year. Regular NPCs and players are living and exploring together. Balto considers Inferno vital to his mission.\"


    \"What is his mission? To create more realistic NPCs?\"


    \"To completely erase the lines between NPCs and players.\" Shae brought up the data so that Glory could look at it. \"For the first time in Colonial, Guilds are creating strong bonds with NPCs. Alliances, friendships, even marriages, and families. It''s the main reason why we are approaching a billion subscribers.\"


    \"Wait... You said one of his love interests. Does that mean there are more than one?\"


    Sahara didn''t bother to hide her amusement. \"It''s a position that I''d never thought I''d be in. I''m sharing him with three others.\"


    Glory laughed at the Director''s expression. It seemed more mischievous than angry. \"And everyone is okay with that?\"


    Sahara answered with a shrug. \"It isn''t just a game anymore. A lot of players have stopped adventuring and are taking up jobs in Colonial. We''ve become the biggest VR in the world.\"


    \"This is attributed to Balto and the DRP program?\"


    Sahara nodded. \"Directly.\"


    Glory stole one last glance at Nix before the Director closed her hud. \"What are the odds I''ll ever see him in Colonial? Given the size of the place and my position as a trainee.\"


    The redhead leaned forward, her voice lowering to a conspiratory whisper. \"Quite high.\"

 368 Goralpri part three

    Tai''Qui was standing knee-deep in mud, carefully forming mudpies with her hands. She looked up when Nix made a noise. \"Back so soon?\"


    Nix glanced at the large stack of mud-balls on the grass. \"Yep, couldn''t stay away.\"


    Tai laughed at his expression and waded toward the grassy bank. She wore brown leather leggings that were rolled up to her knees and a red scarf wrapped around her head that made her look like a gypsy. \"This is how rumors get started.\"


    \"I am aware.\" Nix walked toward her, stopping next to the pile of mud. \"These for me?\"


    Tai pursed her lips while considering the question. \"Half of them, I need your help, though.\" The mud ran smoothly off of the dragon''s brown legs when she stepped onto the grass.


    \"Perfect. I need your help also, we can exchange favors.\" Nix grinned and picked up one of the mudpies that were dried.


    Tai smiled slightly while rolling her pants legs down. \"This is so sudden, Nix. I don''t feel prepared.\"


    Nix laughed at the innuendo. \"Very funny. Why are you flirting with ants?\"


    Tai pretended to give him a stern look. \"I don''t consider you an ant Nix. I''m going to steal you from Deidra.\"


    Nix laughed loudly, the sound of it echoing in the Grove. \"Are you implying that Deidra and I are intimate?\"


    Tai nodded slightly. \"She told me so herself.\"


    Nix suppressed a shudder. \"No, she didn''t.\"


    \"Hmm? So it isn''t true?\" Tai moved closer and placed a hand on the mudpie that Nix was holding. \"Push one of your elements into this.\"


    Nix nodded and pushed ice flame into the fist-sized ball of mud; it hardened immediately and turned white. An inscription was visible on it. \"What does this say?\"


    \"Ice Flame,\" Tai answered quickly and hefted it in one hand while summoning a small earth creature. Without speaking further, she tossed it at the tiny rock fiend that was running in circles. It instantly froze in place; a pitiful wail came from it as the frozen flames ravaged it for a few seconds before it died.


    \"How do you make those?\"


    Tai gave me a slight smile. \"I can show you, but you''ll have to pay my price.\"


    Nix nodded. \"Now you sound like Deidra.\"


    Tai frowned at the mention of the other dragon. \"Fine, no charge.\"


    \"Damn... I came here for a reason.\" He handed her one of the ingots from the warehouse. \"Seen this before?\"


    Tai nodded calmly. She immediately knew what it was. \"Dragon Steel. Where did you get such a large amount?\"


    \"Huh?\" Nix stared at the ingot while she turned it over in her hand. \"That''s one of thousands, maybe even tens of thousands.\"


    Nix nodded. \"Where does it come from? Why is it so rare?\"


    \"Common metals infused with Dragon bone, only my kind is capable of making it.\" Tai shook her head at the thought. \"The amount you mentioned shouldn''t be possible.\"


    Nix shrugged. \"I''ve been seeing a lot of things regarding dragons that shouldn''t be possible, perhaps someone has raided Khalam''Zhur.\"


    Tai''s face showed her surprise. \"How do you know that place?\"


    \"Deidra mentioned it to me when we were discussing the Dragon puppet that Vega possessed.\" Nix gestured to a half dozen mudpies that were dry. \"I have to get going. Can we load up a few of these now?\"


    Tai nodded and started picking them up one at a time while Nix pushed different elements into each one. \"When you''re finished with your mission, I expect you to come back and help me with the rest.\"


    \"I will.\" Nix placed a half dozen of the mudpies in his inventory. \"Can you open me up a breach?\"


    \"Think about the place you wish to go to.\" Tai placed a hand on his shoulder, and a moment later, a breach appeared.


    \"Thanks for the help. Cya soon.\" Nix stepped through the breach an instant later, leaving the Earth Dragon alone.


    ************


    In the few minutes Nix had been gone, a large amount of the crates were moved to one side, exposing the entrance to an elevator.


    /Hotness: Pon: Done vacationing yet?


    /Hotness: Nix: Yes. Leva, bring enough people in to transport everything here to HQ in Ionova. As it happens, these ingots are precious.


    /Hotness: Semmi: If that''s the case, we can expect more resistance.


    /Hotness: Nix: Yes. Leva will stay here and strip this warehouse bare while the rest of us head down.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Should we come with you?


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    /Hotness: Nix: Yes. Prep for a fight.


    Morti waddled slowly over to Nix before sitting on the floor. \"Can you tighten my helmet?\"


    Nix nodded and cinched the belt tighter under Morti''s chin. \"Not sure what we are facing, let''s make sure we protect everyone.\"


    Morti''s big head nodded up and down. \"When we''re done here, can you come back to Nescari with me? Mom wants you to meet someone.\"


    Nix scratched Morti''s ears roughly. \"Of course.\"


    Semmi did a quick count of their numbers before giving Nix the thumbs up.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Looks good Nix, I think we are ready.


    Morti: Tank


    Rock Golem: Tank


    Nix: CC


    Ducky: CC


    Fey: DPS


    Ronnie: DPS


    Bali: DPS


    Pon: DPS


    Wind: DPS


    Semmi: DPS


    Wilo: Buffs


    Fajii: Buffs/DPS


    Eron: Heals


    Fajii buffed everyone and then moved beside Nix. \"Summon your Earth pet; I''m really curious.\"


    Nix nodded and walked toward the elevator. \"I will when we get down. Leva, come with me for a moment. I don''t like the idea of taking everyone in the elevator.\"


    The elevator was obviously built for the purpose of freight. When Nix and Leva stepped inside, the small control panel next to the door lit up. There were four buttons, two were designated as up and down, while the others were open and close. \"Seems easy enough.\"


    Leva watched as Nix pushed the close button and then the down arrow. \"After this, can Ducky and Fey come to Chyanama for a while?\"


    \"If they want to. Just make sure you take good care of them.\"


    Leva nodded her head. \"I will. Thanks, Nix.\"


    A few minutes later, the elevator finally came to a halt with a grinding of gears and a loud metallic bang. Nix didn''t have to pretend he was surprised when he stepped out; it was by far the most massive cavern he''d ever been in. Hundreds of torches gave the air a strong scent of fire and smoke.


    Leva stared at the vast open crater in the middle that seemed to want to swallow up the cavern. \"What is that?\"


    Nix walked towards the edge of the crater. \"It''s a pit mine. I''ve never seen one that was underground.\"


    Leva opened a breach to bring the raid team in while Nix watched the activity below. A single winding road pushed down into the dimly lit maw. It clung to the side of the crater, spiraling as far as the eye could see.


    Nix held up his arm and examined his blood-red tattoo. He hadn''t drawn the scimitar since he started using Wrath. He pictured the blade in his head, and instantly it appeared in his hand. It made a loud humming noise when he swiped it in the air; most of the blade was red except for the edge, which was black.


    Hell''s Vengeance [Soul Blade]


    Scimitar: Breach Commander''s Weapon


    Description: This blade doubles the effectiveness


    of all fire abilities.


    +100 to All Stats


    20 percent chance of a critical hit


    [Damage is based on Strength X Agility rating.]


    [Fire Shadow]: Become immune to all Damage for 10 seconds.


    [Sudden Death]: Instantly slay someone who is mortally wounded.


    He moved the blade to his left hand and equipped Wrath also. The white blade emerged into the air with a soft hum.


    [Dual Wielding Set identified. Designate current weapons as Dual Wield I?]


    \"Yes.\" Nix turned back toward the group that was approaching, a flash of black and a cold nose pressed against the side of his face announced the arrival of Eron.


    The black fox stood casually on Nix''s shoulder. \"I sense a strong spirit close by Nix.\"


    Nix turned his head slightly so that he could see Eron. \"Dragon?\"


    The small black head nodded. \"Splinters of one, I recognize the technique.\"


    \"Hmm... Keep me apprised.\"

 369 Goralpri part four

    /Hotness: Nix: Those ingots are called Dragon steel. According to Tai, it''s a fusion of metal and dragon bone.


    /Hotness: Fajii: You saw Tai?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Next time, bring me.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] I wouldn''t mind revisiting her.


    Nix ignored the whispers, Tai made favorable impressions on everyone she met.


    /Hotness: Nix: Yes. Since she''s a dragon, I figured she''d know what it was. Mount up; there''s no way we are walking down.


    /Hotness: Pon: Flying is too risky?


    /Hotness: Nix: Opinions?


    /Hotness: Fajii: I don''t mind riding.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Flying would be faster.


    /Hotness: Wind: Maybe have one person try it. I nominate Pon.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Seconded!


    /Hotness: Nix: Motion carried.


    Nix smiled pleasantly at the old fire mage. \"Do a quick circle while in stealth.\"


    Pon summoned his Daiken and took to the air. The creature stealthed and did a lazy circle around the edge of the crater.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Good enough. Come back.


    The group watched as the Daiken dipped one wing and banked back toward the edge. It happened so quickly; no one could react. A half dozen silver spears impaled the Daiken in an instant, the creature''s pitiful wail echoed in the cavern.


    /Hotness: Pon: F*ck me!


    Eron has cast [Blessed Life] on Pon.


    Nix extended a hand and sent a strand of emerald flame towards the fire mage; the old man made a desperate grab for it as his mount plummeted downward.


    /Hotness: Pon: Damn...


    Semmi and Wind helped Pon climb up from the edge of the crater. The old fire mage refused to release the emerald flame strand until both feet were on solid ground. He had a single spear sticking upward through the back part of his leg, just above the knee.


    Wind grinned at his friend and yanked the spear free. It was three feet long and an inch in diameter, one end had been sharpened to a fine point. \"Looks like the same metal.\"


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    /Hotness: Nix: Looks like we''re riding down.


    An instant later, the cavern echoed with a roar.


    /Hotness: Pon: The hell is that?


    /Hotness: Wind: Guess we aren''t sneaking in¡ªgood one old man.


    /Hotness: Nix: Mount up.


    ***************


    A few minutes later, the group was trotting steadily down the mining road. Fey and Ducky were riding on Morti''s back; neither seemed overly concerned as they spoke in whispered conversation. The descent took nearly an hour.


    /Hotness: Bali: There he is.


    /Hotness: Nix: I see him.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Somethings wrong.


    Eron jumped from Nix to Fajii. \"It''s an illusion.\"


    /Hotness: Nix: Ducky?


    /Hotness: Ducky: One moment.


    The Water Witch walked forward slowly, both her hands extended outward from her body. Ducky has cast [True Sight].


    The illusion broke suddenly without any warning.


    Bo''raz has cast [Elemental Infringement]


    You may not use your primary element.


    Pon may not use his primary element.


    Semmi may not use her primary element.


    Fey may not use her primary element.


    Ronnie may not use her primary element.


    Bali may not use her primary element.


    Wind may not use her primary element.


    Wilo may not use her primary element.


    Fajii: may not use her primary element.


    /Hotness: Pon: We''re f*cked.


    /Hotness: Nix: Pon, Fey, and Wilo get behind us.


    Bo''raz climbed slowly to his feet, thousands of dragon scales dropped to the ground where he stood. It seemed small for a dragon, only slightly larger than Fey was in her drakon form. Bright silver metallic skin was visible in the large splotches where scales were missing.


    Nix pushed black ice into Wrath and lightning into his soul blade. The dragon moved toward them, its tail destroying a half dozen wagons that were parked nearby.


    Bo''raz has cast [Javelin]


    [Critical Interupt] Morti has blocked an attack using [Shield Allies].


    The Titan Cave bear reared up on his hind legs and roared, its claws extended toward the dragon as two dozen spears stopped in mid-air before falling uselessly to the ground.


    [Titan Charge]


    Morti instantly covered the distance between himself and the dragon.


    [Ghost Step: Execution]


    Combination attempt successful.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on Bo''raz.


    Nix landed the blow and then dodged to one side as Bo''raz countered with his tail.


    [Summons: Rockfiend]


    An enormous Rock creature appeared in front of Nix an instant later. Without asking, it dived at the tail and held it to the ground.


    A Rockfiend Lord has cast [Rockpile]


    The Rockfiend morphed into thousands of large boulders, pinning Bo''raz''s tail to the ground.


    Bo''raz has been rooted in place.


    /Hotness: Pon: The hell... Where''d you get that you cheating bastard?


    [Critical Chain: Trueshot]


    Ronnie has followed up Nix''s attack with a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: First Strike: Double Backstab]


    Combination attempt successful.


    Semmi has followed up Ronnie''s attack with a critical hit X2.


    Morti slapped the dragon''s head to one side when it snapped at him, the Titan''s teeth sunk into the creature''s neck while he used his strength to pull the beast off balance.


    Without warning, the dragon''s head and tail snapped off, sending Morti stumbling to one side.


    Nix stared at the three separate pieces of Bo''raz. \"Eron?\"


    Eron has cast [Spirit Theft]


    A flash of white light was all the warning Nix received before the dragon''s body detonated. He felt his body picked up like a leaf in the wind as he was tossed into the air.


    You have been stunned.


    Bali has been slain.


    Fey has been slain.


    Pon has been slain.


    Ducky has been slain.


    Morti has resisted stun.


    Wind has been stunned.


    Semmi has been stunned.


    Ronnie has been stunned.


    Fajii has been stunned.


    Nix shook his head to clear it, his head still ringing when he managed to stumble to his feet. Eron hovered in the air; a brilliant white light surrounded him. A thick tendril connected him to the dragon''s main body. \"Eron?\"


    \"Kill it now; I can hold a bit of its spirit for a while.\" Eron''s calm voice flowed into Nix''s head, instantly breaking the after-effects of stun.


    The remains of the dragon corpse split open, the loud clang of metal on stone sounding when it took its first step.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Oh shit...


    The creature took a second step; its silver eyes seemed unfocused until it crossed Nix''s path. \"I''ve been awakened?\"


    The silver human spoke softly, shrugging its shoulders as if testing out its own movement. It was nearly as tall as Morti; its entire body glowed bright silver.


    \"What is this, Bo''raz?\" Nix still held both blades in his hands; he moved to one side while Morti stood directly in front of it.


    The silver eyes stared at him for a moment. \"Release my spirit, and I shall leave peacefully.\"


    /Hotness: Fajii: Don''t trust it.


    /Hotness: Semmi: Is this a fight we can win Nix?


    /Hotness: Wind: I''ll follow your lead Nix.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: He killed Bali, let''s beat his ass!


    [Whisper: Eron to Nix] I''m not sure what will happen if I release my hold. I sense that this creature is hateful, but that doesn''t mean he won''t leave.


    Nix shook his head slightly. \"You used your bones to create Dragon Steel. Where''d you get the rest?\"


    \"Fool... If you touched my Dragon Steel.\" Bo''raz''s threat hung in the air; a moment later, the rasping sound of blades being drawn whispered as long silver swords emerged from the ends of Bo''raz''s hands.


    \"You mean the crates upstairs? They''re gone, of course. Deidra Mtui kindly opened a breach to confiscate them.\"


    \"Deidra?\" The silver head shook from side to side. \"She can''t interfere; it isn''t allowed.\"


    Nix shrugged slightly. \"She said that someone has been raiding Khalam''Zhur, so the rules can be bent.\"


    \"DIE!\" Bo''raz darted around Morti and charged Nix, both of his blades slicing downward.


    Nix has activated [Chiba''s Apprentice: 1st Form]

 370 Goralpri conclusion

    "Well... at least your handsome." The ugly old woman extended a hand to help him up; both were shirtless and wore matching brown leather leggings. The woman''s chest was flat as a board, and her thin, bony build gave no indication of the speed and agility of her movements.


    Nix scowled at her and accepted the towel she had already wiped herself down with. "That form has fifty-something different steps that you showed me one time. I''d have to be a savant to remember all of them."


    Chiba didn''t bother to hide her gaze while she watched her apprentice wipe the sweat and sand off his well-muscled frame. She leered shamelessly while playing with a strand of her oily gray hair. "Perhaps we should take a sex break to recharge your mental focus."


    "Pass." Nix moved back into position.


    Chiba nodded and picked up her silver blade from the sand where it had been stabbed tip down. "You are my lovely apprentice, so I shall do my best to instruct you. Even if you can''t do it yet, you must remember it. Chiba''s first form, aka [the Great Beauties Blade.]"


    Nix stood silently and watched the swordmaster flow through the form again.


    ***************


    Nix shifted both of his blades downward and side-stepped the double-bladed slice in a single movement that ended with three double strikes to heel, hamstring, and spine. The giant silver man stumbled slightly, giving Morti enough time to plant two enormous paws on his target''s back that sent him skidding across the rocky surface.


    /Hotness: Fajii: I can''t BR anyone Nix, it''s part of my Scorched Earth Element.


    Nix has used [Ghost Step]. Without blocking, he flowed easily around a thrust that Bo''raz sent from the ground, giving chase he slashed both blades across the silver man''s back before he could respond.


    Bo''raz has activated [Escape]


    The giant silver man seemed to melt suddenly into the ground. The giant puddle pooled for a moment and then was absorbed by the rock.


    Elemental Infringement has worn off.


    /Hotness: Wind: Shit¡­ he''s gone.


    /Hotness: Nix: Start rezzing our people.


    /Hotness: Fajii: On it.


    Nix stared at the spot on the rocks where Bo''raz disappeared, the loud mouth-breathing of a certain Fire mage told him he wasn''t alone. "Didn''t see that coming."


    Pon shook his head. "Yeah¡­ That''s a nice trick. What now?"


    "We forced him to ground." Nix summoned his Shadow Daiken. "Let''s head back to the warehouse for now. We''ll regroup and prep for round two.


    Semmi approached the two; her sweet smile could have melted butter. "You can double up with me Pon, since your Daiken is down."


    The blonde officer scooted forward a bit to make room. "Nice bladework there, boss. You looked like Chiba for a moment."


    Fajii approached and stood next to Nix''s mount with her hand extended. "Let''s ride together. I wish to speak with you."


    Nix let the scorched earth mage slide in behind him; his Shadow Daiken was quite a bit larger than the normal ones. He waited until she wrapped two tanned arms around his waist before launching into the air.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: What''s the plan, Nix?


    /Hotness: Nix: I''m going to have Leva take me to Inferno so that I can locate Goralpri. You and Bal can head back to Free Trader City.


    /Hotness: Ronnie: Sounds good, we''ll wait in the warehouse until she returns. Cya Nix.


    /Hotness: Bali: Yep, cya boss.


    "So... What did you want to talk about?" Nix let his Daiken climb slowly, its long wings spread as it spiraled upward toward the edge of the mine.


    Fajii squeezed him tighter. "I made that up. After seeing Pon and Semmi riding together, it seemed nice."


    "You can just ask. I don''t mind." Nix glanced at the old man who was riding a few meters away. "Is something bothering the old bastard?"


    The alchemist shrugged slightly. "He always seems the same to me."


    Nix laughed at the diplomatic phrasing. "Always a crabby bastard."


    *********************


    Half an hour later, a breach opened in the infusion chamber of Inferno City. Leva led Alpha team through and waited patiently.


    The former dark chancellor watched as Nix approached the control hud. "Do you know where Goralpri is?"


    "I don''t have to know." Nix stood at the Interface in the Infusing Chamber. "Display System Menus."


    [Inferno System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key


    "Display Master Key Menu."


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Enabled)


    c) Direct Control (Enabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Display Direct Control Menu."


    [Direct Control Menu]


    a) Inferno: Nix


    b) Chyanama: Nix


    c) Alliance City: Nix


    d) Goralpri: Bo''raz


    e) Filamina: Nix


    d) Icaraphet: Tharaka


    f) Verynzai: Unaqoir


    "Access Goralpri."


    [A message has been sent to Bo''raz regarding the start-up procedures. He has three minutes to answer.]


    "Got some personal stuff to take care of after this." Pon stood next to him, keeping his voice low so the rest of the team couldn''t overhear. Semmi had recently trimmed his thick white hair, "might be gone a few days."


    Nix nodded in reply. "No worries, be careful."


    [Goralpri: Remote Controller Recognized: Nix]


    "Open Goralpri Security Menu."


    [Goralpri System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Disabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    "Enable City Gating Platforms between Inferno and Goralpri."


    [Gating Platforms between Inferno and Goralpri have been enabled.]


    Leva opened a breach to the Inferno City gating platform and waited until the team had moved through before stopping Nix with a hand on his arm. "I''ll head back and oversee the transfer of the dragon steel back to Ionova."


    "You can tell Ronnie and Bal to head back to Free Trader City. Be careful. If Bo''raz shows up, I want you to retreat."


    Your group chat has been changed from Hotness to Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Hey... Why the change? It was growing on me.


    /Alpha: Pon: I couldn''t stand it any longer. Plus, it really doesn''t fit me.


    /Alpha: Wind: Certainly true.


    /Alpha: Nix: He has a point, Pon is an ugly bastard.


    Alpha team activated the Inferno City gate and disappeared an instant later.


    ************


    /Alpha: Pon: The f*ck is this?


    Nix grabbed the old man''s arm before he lost his balance. The air was heavy with humidity, and the temperature had grown uncomfortable warm. Vines and green foliage of all kinds covered everything; a slippery looking green moss could be seen under the vines. "Weapons out."


    [Aura Ignition]


    A red blade flashed out and cut away some of the vines that were entangling his feet; the vines had tiny barbs that stuck to whatever it touched.


    Nix has cast [Tides of Flame].


    Less than a half-minute later, the immediate area surrounding them had been cleared down to a gray stone. Semmi brought her hud map on to zero in on their location. "We''re about a hundred miles south of the Great Desert."


    "That''s deep jungle." Pon swatted his arm and cursed. "F*cking mosquitos? Could we have done without those?"


    Clouds of insects harassed the group; Nix was unbothered as none of them made it past his flame aura. "Why hide it so far away?"


    /Alpha: Semmi: An entire city could disappear relatively quickly in this sort of environment. I remember reading that some vines will grow a few feet a day under the right conditions.


    /Alpha: Wind: No one has been here in years. Could that be why Bo''raz didn''t respond to the city query?


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe. Let''s find the infusion chamber.


    Pon and Nix took turns burning the path; neither were interested in destroying the buildings that hid beneath the vines.


    /Alpha: Pon: What kind of shape do you think the city is in?


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m seeing a lot of wood, so my guess would be that it''s mostly rotted away.


    Semmi nodded in agreement; she walked directly behind Nix since she was the one tasked with holding the spectrum pellet. As one of the non-mages in the group, she received the pellet from Leva before stepping through the breach.


    The group stopped a few minutes later, Nix had been in nearly every Dragon City and didn''t have any issues finding the entrance to the control room. He dropped his flame aura while Pon burned through the foliage that covered the grate. Eron jumped from Fajii''s shoulder to Nix''s and then settled down.


    The black fox pushed a cold nose against his face. "A splinter is present, Nix. Small and nearly insignificant."


    /Alpha: Nix: Eron says we have company. Be ready for anything.


    The tunnel downward gave them a brief respite from the overgrown city; it was exactly the same as the others. Nix spotted him first, a slender silver-colored man without weapons or armor.


    "Greetings. I apologize for the aggression. Those parts of me are quite fierce." The silver man was leaning against the infusion platform, his eerie eyes watching the group.


    /Alpha: Pon: Kill it?


    /Alpha: Nix: Talk first...


    "You are Bo''raz?" Nix moved forward with Pon, while the other three fanned out.


    The silver man shrugged. "Mostly, no. I was 1/7th of Bo''raz. Now I''m just a third."


    Eron stared at the creature, its tiny black eyes glowing as it studied the splinter. "Interesting... Bo''Raz has splintered his abilities as if they were sections of his spirit."


    The silver man nodded in agreement. "We are very good at that. Although you have destroyed most of us."


    Nix glanced at the fox on his shoulder. "Explain."


    The fox jumped nimbly to the ground and approached. "Initially, they were divided into seven equal parts. This was accomplished long ago, what we fought wasn''t one dragon, but seven parts of one dragon. Each of those parts imbibed with the same amount of knowledge."


    /Alpha: Pon: F*ck this... Let''s melt the bitch and go home.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Agree.


    Nix gestured toward the silver man who hadn''t moved. "So he''s part of Bo''raz?"


    The silver man sighed heavily. "Not the best parts, unfortunately."


    A peal of light laughter that sounded like the ringing of bells filled the air. Eron pranced on his four delicate paws. "He''s empathy. Completely useless in a fight."


    /Alpha: Nix: Nope. I don''t get it.


    /Alpha: Pon: I''m with ya boss. Let''s kill it.


    "Don''t hurt me." The silver man walked forward slowly, his hands held outward. "We recognized that a one-seventh division of us wasn''t capable of defeating your group. You were able to injury us badly, so we changed our division to thirds."


    Pon''s old face continued to scowl at the silver man, "let''s melt this third and then go looking for the rest."


    Semmi''s small hand grabbed the old mages arm before he lit up. "You said thirds? What are the other two thirds?"


    "Our marshal ability makes up one, and the other has our mage ability, along with most of the intellect." The silver man showed them a slight smile. "As your spirit catcher guessed, I am the empathy and conscience of Bo''raz. My section was deemed useless for our continued existence."


    /Alpha: Wind: Marshal ability? That''s a melee fighter, right? The other one is a mage?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Both will be cold-blooded killers if they weren''t already.


    "They can''t see or hear you, but they will be aware that we are communicating." The silver man stared at the black fox. "You will have to sever my connection to them or kill me."


    Eron''s black eyes continued to watch him. "I suggest killing him. He won''t put up a fight."


    The silver man nodded in agreement. "I don''t even know how to fight."


    /Alpha: Nix: Thoughts?


    /Alpha: Pon: Let''s wack him.


    /Alpha: Wind: Not sure, but regardless this would be an execution, not a fight.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Let''s give him a quick death.


    /Alpha: Semmi: He''s a potential resource if he can''t be used against us.


    "Eron..." Nix knelt down and waited while the fox approached him. "Can he be cut off completely from the other two?"


    The small fox nodded its head. "I''d have to take him with me; it''s not something I can accomplish alone."


    "You''d return to the Burrow?" Fajii interrupted their conversation, her calm voice showing excitement.


    "Yes. I would need a few of the elders to help me with such a task."


    /Alpha: Fajii: I changed my vote Nix. I''ll escort him back to the Burrow with Eron.


    "Can you tell us where the other two are?" Nix pushed flames into his red blade and approached the silver man.


    "They know who your enemy is. They will be joining Khione."


    /Alpha: Pon: F*ck...


    /Alpha: Wind: Our enemy grows stronger.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Don''t kill him, Nix. I have a feeling he''ll be useful.


    Nix let the flames drop from his scimitar and stowed the red blade with a thought. "Can you guarantee he won''t escape Eron?"


    "Yes, but he''d have to consent to a spirit shackle first." The intelligent black eyes observed Nix, waiting for his decision.


    Nix pursed his lips slightly; he was on the bubble. He trusted Semmi''s intuition; perhaps he could be a resource for them. "Listen carefully, Third. You have two choices in front of you. Consent to this spirit shackle, or die intact."


    "I give my consent, Spirit Snatcher." The silver man didn''t hesitate; he bowed slightly. "Thank you for sparing me."

 371 A Quiet Afternoon

    ****************


    1300 hours the following day. Goralpri City


    Nix should have been surprised when Beta and Commander Mtui stepped through a newly created breach in Goralpri, but he wasn''t. The albino rogue seemed to have no difficulty keeping tabs on him. Nix greeted the pair with a smile. "You''re trespassing."


    Mtui nodded in agreement. "Seems like you have some work to do here."


    Beta looked around at the overgrown city, Nix had joined it to the others, but the gating platform was not yet active. "What a mess. Was this placed in a jungle?"


    "Yep." Nix already knew why they were there. Tai had told him in no uncertain terms, once he started connecting the cities together, he would be approached. There wasn''t enough space to go around in the Sky Kingdom. "Let me guess; you want to buy the city."


    Mtui didn''t deny it, his face growing serious. "Not the entire thing."


    "No." Nix glanced around for his friends. After Alpha team had left, he brought in a second team to help him clear the city. He spent the last few hours burning large piles of foliage that the group was pulling from the buildings.


    "Cousin!" A slim, white-haired girl emerged from a large pile of vines. Yuli had been a scout in Core''dium. She was nearly identical to her cousin, Beta.


    Beta offered her cousin a reserved smile. "Official business, Yuli."


    "Hmm..." Yuli was curious by nature; she heard stories about her cousin''s boss. "You must be Commander Mtui?"


    Unexpectedly the Commander''s face creased into a wide smile. He shook the small hand that Yuli presented him. "Yes. It''s nice to meet Beta''s cousin finally."


    Yuli nodded in agreement. Beta was spending a lot of time with other Drahk; her demeanor was slowly changing. "Same here, Commander. Beta mentions you all the time."


    Mtui glanced at his operative, in the last few months she had been reunited with her best friend, found family she didn''t know she had and started seeing a rogue from Inferno. "After we talk with Nix, you can stay if you wish."


    Although Nix liked Mtui, he was on a deadline since he was supposed to meet Morti at the Nescari Fortress in Titania. "I''m in a hurry. What''s your offer?"


    "An Arena." Mtui stared a the few buildings the clearing team uncovered. All the wood was rotting away, leaving only the stone foundations. "Each of the Dragon Cities has smaller arenas. Since no one lives here yet, we could build something much bigger."


    "A partnership?" Mtui glanced at Beta; she told him earlier that Nix would say no.


    Nix nodded. "Jun Li will handle the details."


    Beta noticed that Nix''s naturally yellow eyes were deep orange, a sign that he was using Dragon Eyes. "Finding a lot of friends in the city?"


    Yuli laughed at the question. Nix had been attacked by different predators all morning. All sorts of jungle dwellers decided to make their home in the abandoned city. His thermal vision was the key to finding them. "Ask him about the goat."


    ****************


    1600 hours, Nescari Fortress Grounds.


    A dozen Titan cubs occupied the bright glade. Half of them were sleeping in the late afternoon sun while the rest played. Most of them were different shades of brown or reddish-brown.


    "Morti? Are you even listening?" A light brown male cub sat next to the Inferno tank, although they were the same age the giant black cub was near twice his size and already as strong as most adults.


    Morti huffed his nose once and continued to stare. "Hey, Toc... Who is that cub?"


    Toca turned slightly so he could see the object of Morti''s interest. "I forget her name. She''s too small and kinda weak."


    Morti tried hard to remember what his mother had said. A new Titan family had moved into the area; they were from the far edge of Titania, the polar region. They were the only white bears in Nescari. "Is my helmet straight?"


    Toca glanced up at the tiny helmet that was strapped to Morti''s head. "I think so. Why? Are you gonna pick a fight with her?"


    "Nope. I''m gonna go talk to her." Morti stood up and started waddling toward her. "You stay here."


    "Hullo."


    A low rumbling voice caused the smaller bear to jump slightly. Up close, the white bear wasn''t as small as she looked. Her fur glistened like snow, she was the color of winter, except for her nose, eyes, and wickedly curved claws; they were as black as coal. "Hello," she replied quietly, her dark eyes curious.


    "I''m Mortimer, but everyone calls me Morti."


    The white bear stood up, her black nose huffing. "Snow Lili, but you can call me Snow."


    "That''s pretty." Morti flopped down on his large butt, his head still higher than the standing bear.


    "Hmm... Thank you." Snow moved a few steps away, so she didn''t have to cock her head to look up. "You''re very handsome."


    Morti nodded in agreement. "It''s my helmet."


    Snow''s laugh caught him by surprise. It was light and pleasant to listen to. "I don''t think so. It''s too shiny and much too small for your head."


    An indignant Morti stood suddenly, "you''re too small!"


    "Hey... Where are you going? There''s no need to get angry." Snow called after waddling black bear, but he didn''t slow down. The white bear sighed loudly. "Great job Snow, you''ve made him mad."


    ***************


    "It''s okay to eat Nix." The auburn-haired Clan Leader smiled pleasantly and sat across from him at the table. There were several plates of meats stacked in front of them.


    Nix reached for one of the plates and pulled it in front of him with one hand while grabbing a fork with the other. Scarlett had asked to meet with him when he had some free time. He left Goralpri in the capable hands of Halla and had used his Steward medallion to travel to Nescari. "I am hungry."


    They ate in silence for a few minutes; Nix stifled a yawn while he ate. He woke early that morning to say goodbye to Fajii. She was heading to the Burrow, the home of the Spirit Fox race.


    "What do you think of my son?"


    "Morti? He''s awesome." Nix gave her an uncertain look. "Is there something I should know?"


    Scarlett paused for a moment to consider her words. "What do you know about the War Leader position?"


    "War Leader? It''s passed down, isn''t it? From father to son?"


    Scarlett shook her head. "No. The Clan Leader position is passed down from mother to daughter, but the War Leader of the clan is a challenged position."


    "Oh. Meaning that if you want it, you have to fight for it?"


    Scarlett nodded slowly. "Yes. You''re his Chevalier; it''s your responsibility to ensure he''s ready when Mortimus decides to step down."


    Nix gave her a deadpan look, not sure if she was serious. "Why are you worried about that? Is Mortimus stepping down soon?"


    "No, not for four or five years, probably."


    Nix had spent quite a bit of time with the Ground Pounders and had a relatively good idea of their strength. "You needn''t worry. If Mortimus stepped down today, Morti could assume leadership, and there isn''t anyone who could take it from him."


    "But, he''s just a cub."


    Nix didn''t comment further. Morti was battle-tested, a Titan tank that would hold his ground against anything. "Scar.." His words trailed off when he noticed the stealthed form silently making their way along the back wall.


    Scarlett''s nose twitched suddenly. Her acute sense of smell, picking up the scent of blood. A hand on her arm caused her to look up.


    "Assassin. Sound the alarm." Nix''s voice whispered right before he activated his stealth package and disappeared from sight.

 372 The Titan Serpent Clan

    /Inferno: Nix: Assassins in the Nescari Fortress, anyone close needs to come now.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Fey and I are here!


    /Inferno: Nix: I have to stay close to Scarlett, join me, and we''ll find Morti.


    Nix has cast [Daisy Chains]


    Dark Blade has been stunned.


    Rip Fang has been stunned.


    Nix has activated [Storm Rider].


    An instant later, Nix appeared behind the original assassin with his red scimitar in hand. He slapped a black hand on him, and then leaped away when he sensed sudden danger.


    Rip Fang has resisted Daisy Chains.


    Rip Fang has activated her Bloodline. [Titan Asp]


    It struck faster than Nix could move, an enormous black head sunk long fangs deep into his flesh as it clamped down around his back.


    Nix has resisted terror poison.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flame]


    Rip Fang is immune to fire.


    "F*cking shit." Nix swung his blade at the snake''s body, but it twisted him to avoid the strike. Quickly he reversed grip and stabbed through his own shoulder, the blade pushing easily through the flesh as it impaled upward through the snake''s mouth and out of his head.


    Rip Fang has received a [Fatal Strike].


    The black snake hissed loudly, a noise that made Nix''s ear''s ring as it morphed back into a human shape. Nix sliced through the assassin''s neck before it could attempt any life-saving measures.


    Rip Fang has been slain.


    Ducky has [Charmed] Dark Blade.


    Nix glanced up to see that two of his companions join him; Scarlett and Mortimus flanked them. The big War Leader growled when his eyes caught the assassins.


    "Serpent Clan." Mortimus''s voice was filled with dread, "are you poisoned?"


    Nix shook his head. "Question him, Ducky, I don''t care if he dies."


    Ducky nodded and placed a hand on the assassin''s shoulder. "Sorry about your friend."


    The assassin watched her with beady black eyes. "She was incompetent. None of us were supposed to change, no matter what."


    "I see. That''s too bad. You are much smarter than her." Ducky''s voice was soothing to the ears. "Will you get in trouble for letting your target slip away?"


    Dark Blade shook his head. "I don''t have a target; my mission was a distraction."


    Ducky''s blue eyes stared at the assassin. "He''s resisting Nix; anything further will probably kill him."


    "Doesn''t matter. I want to know why they are here." Nix summoned his three Arch Wings, Shadai healed his wounds while the two archers fanned out and covered the area.


    **************


    Yena nodded in agreement; the alchemist had been tasked with keeping an eye on the cubs. Even though they were on the Fortress grounds, someone needed to keep an eye out. "It might have taken ten years if Nix hadn''t pushed things along by throwing that fight."


    Dresa didn''t reply, but she silently agreed, Jaro had been in no hurry.


    /Nescari Fortress: Scarlett: Assassins in the Fortress!


    "Let''s go!" Dresa quickly extracted herself from the dense thicket they had been hiding in; a hissing sound caused her to dodge to one side, the arrow blurred by her and sunk into Yena''s left eye.


    Immediately she rolled to one side and drew her weapon; an instant later, a second arrow struck her in the throat, knocking her back into the brush.


    Three stealthed assassin''s padded passed them a few seconds later; two were armed with bows while the third held twin daggers. The knife-wielder stopped one of his companions when she started heading into the thicket to check the bodies. "No time. Kill the white cub; if we have time, the black one is a bonus."


    Yena groaned while easing her friend off of her; blood streamed down the left side of the alchemist''s face as she struggled to open her bag. She broke open a small vial and poured half of it directly around the arrow still lodged in Dresa''s throat, the rest she used on her own wound before struggling to her feet and staggering out of the brush.


    /Titan Clan: Yena: They''ve broken the perimeter and are going for the cubs.


    Yena notched an arrow on her bow and headed toward the clearing; an instant later, a thundering roar shook the glade.


    "GET BEHIND ME!" Morti reared up and then slammed his big paws onto the ground.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Teriff Sharpeye has been stunned.


    Ruthless Juka has been stunned.


    Gali Medo has been stunned.


    The Titan cub ignored the dagger wielder and charged the archers, a rumbling sound like an approaching thunderstorm made the nearest archer''s eyes widen in panic just before a huge paw slammed into her body and sent her skidding across the glade.


    Gali Medo has been crippled.


    Teriff Sharpeye has resisted stun.


    The second archer dodged to one side, his bow flashing up to shoot an arrow directly into the cub''s face. Massive jaws clamped down on his shoulder, a powerful wrench, and the assassin was tossed into the air like a ragdoll.


    The third assassin sprinted toward the cubs, his eyes zeroing in on his target as he downed a potion.


    Ruthless Juka has used [Accelerant]


    Snow could see the eyes of the last assassin pick her out of the group, she moved to one side, and he altered course to intercept. "Stay back! He''s after me!"


    Juka nearly stumbled in surprise when the white cub charged him, a quick kill, and he''d use his escape skills to retreat. His blade came up to slash at her throat, just as an arrow pierced his back, causing him to miss.


    Snow Lili has used [Razor Strike]


    Four parallel cuts appeared on Juka''s face, the surprising strength of the blow knocking him to one side.


    The assassin spun to parry an instant before two gigantic paws slammed down on him, he didn''t even have time to shout before all of his ribs shattered at once.


    Ruthless Juka has been slain.


    Morti stood on his hind legs, his sharp eyes taking in everything while his huge nose huffed the air. "Get back to the group, Snow."


    "Don''t be so bossy." Snow growled at him but did as he asked.


    ******************


    Jaro frowned his companion and let out a bit more line. "You cheating me, Gil?"


    Gil''s round face was the picture of innocence as he unhooked his fourth fish of the day and stowed it away. "How is that even possible? We''re using identical bait and the same fishing the spot."


    Jaro picked up his flask and took a long pull before handing it to him. "I wouldn''t put it pass you to use some sort of turtle power."


    Gil grinned widely and accepted the drink. "So... You admit that turtles have power?"


    "Didn''t say that, did I? I said you''re cheating again!"


    Gil''s sharp eyes caught a movement in the sky; a winged rider banked toward them. "That''s a Daiken, one of Inferno''s mounts."


    Jaro stood and watched as a silver-haired girl landed in a small clearing on the other side of the river. "Why would Fey ride a Daiken?"


    "Good question." Gil dropped his rod and started wading across the knee-deep stream.


    The girl was tall and seemed a bit thin; her baggy robes had been swapped out for brown leather leggings. Her ordinarily beautiful face was creased with worry. "Both of you need to get back to the Fortress. There''s been an attack."


    Jaro was halfway across the stream when she spoke; he paused and nodded. "We''ll take the horses and be there in a few minutes."


    Fey shook her head. "No, I''ll take your horse back with Gil. Ride my Daiken."


    Jaro''s tanned face showed his surprise. "Fly back? No thanks! I''m not getting on one of those."


    "Please, Jaro, you need to get back now. Dresa has been injured."


    "Dresa? My Dres?"


    Fey and Gil waited for a moment while Jaro mounted up and took off from the clearing. The Daiken circled once and then headed back toward the Fortress.


    Gil paused while Fey climbed into the saddle of Jaro''s horse. "You can fly back if you want."


    Fey shook her head. Nix had given her specific directions to make sure both Stewards made it back to the castle safely. "I don''t mind riding with you."


    "How bad is it?"


    "Poison arrow to the throat, seems like a fatal wound."


    Gil frowned at the words but didn''t blame the mage for saying them. They rode hard for a few minutes before he spoke again. "Who would attack us?"


    Fey''s sharp vision scanned the woods, her pale eyes taking in every movement. "Scarlett says it''s the Serpent Clan."

 373 Inheritance

    "Why are you still sitting with me?" Yena''s single eye watched him; it was dark brown like chocolate.


    Nix cringed inside at the weak sound of her voice. It sounded exactly like someone who was dying. Everyone liked Yena, but she had no family, and her only close friend was in a bed a few feet away. He had stayed because no one else came. "Well... I got a bit of a crush on you."


    "It''s a persistent poison Nix, with no antidote." Yena''s lips curved in a smile. "You don''t have to say something like that."


    Nix shrugged and squeezed her hand. Yena had hit her target from a hundred meters away, despite having an arrow sticking out of her shooting eye. Anyone else would have stayed down and died. "Fine, I''m here on someone else''s behalf."


    /Inferno: Ducky: Can you push them in dragon eggs, Nix? Like you did with Del Tali?


    /Inferno: Nix: Maybe. We have some time. I want all hands on deck. Have Captain Locas come and see me.


    "Hmm... One fib after another, I don''t mind, though." Yena''s smile faltered slightly when she heard the sound of Jaro sobbing quietly, Dresa''s bed was on her blind side so she couldn''t see them.


    "I''m working on a plan, but I need to know a bit more about the poison."


    Yena nodded slowly. "Could I have some water?"


    Nix grabbed a glass from the nearby table and poured it half full.


    "You want to know how long it takes to kill its victim, right?" Yena was an alchemist; she was well aware of the effects of the Serpent Clan''s terror poison. "Two days, if the patient is strong."


    Nix cursed under his breathe. "Can we do anything to extend that a bit?"


    Yena closed her eye, even to Nix''s untrained instincts, she seemed like someone who might not make it through the night. "There was a man named Rias; he was poisoned and disappeared into the north. We found him a few weeks later, frozen solid in a block of ice."


    "Does that help us?"


    "Shush, damn, you''re impatient. We were preparing him for burial when he woke up; apparently, he wasn''t dead."


    "Did the cold cure him?"


    Yena shook her head slightly. "No, he died two days later. You asked me how to slow it down."


    "Nix."


    A voice from the door caught his attention. Captain Locas had already arrived. The blond ranger still sported the mohawk that Ronnie had given him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Special mission Locas. I want you to sit with this woman; her name is Yena.


    /Inferno: Locas: Of course.


    Nix squeezed her hand and motioned toward the door. "This is Locas; he''s been admiring you from afar."


    Yena''s single eye looked skeptical. "Must be really far, since I''ve never seen him before."


    Yena frowned slightly. "That damned Bali. What an irritating little squirt."


    Locas laughed in agreement and sat in the chair next to the bed. "On that, we agree. If it makes you feel better, I can''t beat her either."


    "It does make me feel a little better."


    /Inferno: Nix: You got this Captain?


    /Inferno: Locas: Yes.


    *****************


    Two hours later: The Titan Clan War Room.


    "Lili was the target?" Nix considered Ducky''s words while she gave Mortimus a full report. The Water Witch had spent several minutes patiently questioning the assassin captive.


    After she finished speaking, the War Council debated the intel she had gathered. Mortimus, all of the Stewards and Scarlett, sat together at a round wooden table. Jaro was the only Steward absent from the meeting.


    Surprisingly Gil was quite vocal; he seemed to have a strong grasp of tactics and battle strategy. "We are missing something. Won''t they expect us to respond overwhelmingly and wipe them out?"


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I don''t like it either. It''s not adding up. Were they expecting a flawless mission that would leave them in the clear?"


    "What would you have us do?" Scarlett spoke directly to Nix, the rest of the Stewards, and her husband had already given their recommendations. Although the Clan Leader wasn''t an experienced fighter, she would offer common-sense advice.


    "How old are you, Scarlett?" Nix''s yellow eyes scrutinized the Clan Leader as if trying to guess.


    Scarlett''s warm features blushed slightly. "Asking such a thing, Nix... I''m 33."


    Nix nodded to himself, "I would have guessed 27 or 28 by looking at you."


    [Whisper: Gil to Nix] Nice save, at least you''re smart.


    Nix ignored Gil and continued. "My point is, still young enough to have more children."


    Mortimus coughed loudly, his eyes staring at the table in front of him.


    [Whisper: Gil to Nix] Forget my last comment, you''re an idiot.


    Nix kept his expression carefully neutral. "I''m close to figuring this out. Why don''t you explain to me who Lili really is?"


    Scarlett glanced at her husband and nodded slowly. "I need the room. Steward Nix, please stay."


    [Whisper: Gil to Nix] Nice knowing you. Can I have the Turtle house?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gil] No. Go check on Jaro.


    A few minutes later, the room was empty except for Nix and both of Morti''s parents. Scarlett opened up a table hud that showed an extended family tree, she pointed at a specific point and looked up at Nix. "This is me, the current Matriarch of the Titan Clans. In the event that I die without a female heir, there is a line of succession."


    Nix leaned closer. "She isn''t related to you? It''s a different family line?"


    Scarlett nodded. "In the beginning, there were two ruling families. For some reason, both families seem to birth males. Two generations back, their family held the Clan Leader position, a few generations before that it was ours again."


    "So it leap-frogs back and forth every few generations." Nix studied the family tree for a few moments before shaking his head. "We are missing something."


    The table creaked in protest when Mortimus leaned a massive elbow on top of it. "The Serpent Clan use to be different; they were reliable in the old days."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "I can only say this. Those were assassins that infiltrated the fortress, trained, and disciplined."


    /Inferno: Nix: Come back to the conference room, Ducky, bring Snow Lili with you.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Okay.


    Scarlett closed her hud, her eyes filled with concern. "We have fighters, maybe even a few with rogue abilities, but nothing like assassins."


    "You don''t go after the heirs unless..." Nix left the rest of the sentence unsaid.


    "You already have a plan to deal with the rulers." Scarlett finished the thought. Both her and Mortimus could conceivably like many decades longer.


    "We were lucky. Weren''t we?" Mortimus deep voice was lowered to barely a whisper.


    "Yes. They weren''t expecting the cubs would be able to deal with three assassins." Nix hadn''t worried about Morti when he discovered where the assassins were heading. He had used lamia leather when he rebuilt the Titan cub''s coat; his natural poison resistance would be quite high. "Give me two weeks, and I''ll make this go away."


    "You can do that?" Scarlett''s face was a mixture of disbelief and hope.


    Mortimus stared at his wife, although his heart was stout, the thought of losing her terrified him. "I''ll give you two weeks. After that, we''ll wipe the Serpent Clan from Everspire."


    Scarlett sighed with relief, getting Mortimus to listen was sometimes very difficult. "What do we have to do?"


    Nix glanced toward the door when it opened, Ducky ushered Snow Lili inside and then closed it behind them. "Go on vacation."


    "Vacation?" Scarlett had been ready for anything, but that took her by surprise.


    "Sorry in advance, but Ducky is going to have to vette all three of you. It''s standard for anyone gaining access to Haven."


    Mortimus nodded. "I understand. I''ve seen skin-wearers in the past, gruesome business."


    Nix handed Deep Blue to Ducky. "Just enough to make sure of their identities, then take them directly to Haven."


    "No time to pack?" Scarlett seemed alarmed by the idea.


    Nix gave them both an innocent look. "Rico is the best Tailor in all of Oasis. If you show up with nothing, he''ll take good care of you."


    /Inferno: Nix: Officer Meeting at the Gemini Temple, one hour.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Special mission boss?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.

 374 Team Viper

    ************


    Gil wrapped the blanket around his shoulders and exhaled slowly, the warm vapor of his breath pushed visibly into the cold air. "I can''t believe a fire mage did this."


    Jaro didn''t comment; his dark eyes stared at the block of black ice that used to be the infirmary. "Nix said it''s the coldest ice he can manage."


    Gil knew his friend well enough to guess he wasn''t going to leave. "I''ll start a fire, no sense in freezing to death before Nix gets back with the antidote."


    Jaro nodded and watched while he started gathering tinder from the steel box that was placed next to the fireplace. "Who was that Ice woman that helped Nix?"


    Gil looked up from the kindling he''d been stacking. "Her name was Shi, some sort of ice princess."


    "You''re stacking that all wrong."


    Gil scowled at his friend. "I''m a turtle. I know how to make a fire."


    Jaro''s frown faded for a moment. "What does that even mean? Turtles are water creatures."


    Gil blew on the small flame until it slowly caught hold. "Think about it, fur-nuts."


    ****************


    Haven: Nix''s Horse Ranch


    "You should head out, hun." Hyai had her arm looped through his while they both leaned their elbows on the railing of the balcony overlooking Nix''s horse ranch.


    Nix nodded, his eyes straying toward the sliding door. "Dad will get them settled; you don''t have to stay."


    The tall redhead shrugged slightly. "I''ll stay here until you get back from the mission, the break will be nice."


    Nix leaned closer and kissed her lightly before heading toward the stairs. "Fine, remember to enjoy yourself. You don''t have to wait on everyone."


    "Hmm... I like doing that."


    His long strides took him past the stable, where Randa and the two friends she brought from Ever Flame were inspecting the latest arrivals. "Damn, Randa... Are they all mountain ponies?"


    Randa looked up at the sound of his voice. "Hey, Nix! This is Nyle and Chez. Say hi to the Boss, guys."


    Nix nodded at the two young men, the three of them were as thin as rails. "How many horses?"


    "Twenty-five. Three stallions and the rest are mares." Randa''s short brown hair hung down in her face, from a distance she''d pass for one of the guys.


    "Did these come from Gideon?"


    "Yep. Call me Rand, Boss." Rand pushed back against one of the smaller ponies that nudged her. "You''ve got a great mix; we should talk about different breeding lines at some point."


    Rand jumped slightly when he raised his voice. "Problem boss?" The young woman trotted toward him.


    "The f*ck is that thing?" Nix pointed towards Nightmare''s stall.


    Rand''s face reddened slightly. "That''s your goat, Boss. Although technically, I believe it''s a mountain ram."


    "I know what it is! Why is it here?" Nix stared at the brown devil with its curved horns and missing ear.


    "Are you worried about him? His presence seems to calm Nightmare."


    Nix cursed under his breath. "How did it get here?"


    "Mr. Pon brought it by. I guess he bought it from someone named Yuli. Apparently, he paid a hefty sum."


    Nix scowled at the mangy goat and grabbed an apple from his inventory. Nightmare peered over the top rail at him, her nostrils flaring. "I bet he did."


    Rand offered him a shy smile. "They get along, but I''ll put him in his own stall if you like."


    "No. That''s fine." Nix fed Nightmare the apple and waited until Rand walked away. The annoying bleat of a goat echoed in the small stall. "Keep quiet bastard, or I''ll cut off your other ear."


    His pleasant mood had faded by the time Nix made his way toward the Temple a few minutes later.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Officer meeting at the Temple training grounds in five minutes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Almost there.


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] Any plans for tonight''s meal?


    [Whisper Hyai to Nix] We have some canned leviathan in the pantry, thought I''d make a stew.


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] I brought a mountain sheep back from Everspire, someone mentioned that they are perfect for grilling.


    [Whisper Hyai to Nix] Change of plans then, I''ll prepare it like deer. Where is it?


    [Whisper Nix to Hyai] It''s in Nightmare''s stall. Don''t turn your back on it; the thing is vicious.


    [Whisper Hyai to Nix] Perfect. Thanks, hun.


    A few minutes later, the Inferno officers sat in a circle in the center of the training yard. The mood was solemn; everyone was concerned about the events in Nescari.


    Jun Li had her hud map up and was displaying the lands belonging to the Serpent Clan.


    /Inferno: Officer: Jun Li: As you can see, the Serpent Clan is located in the southern section of Titania. They''re relatively close to the Great Desert, which means that things will be warm.


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: Only those with a Snake form and poison immunity on this mission.


    /Inferno: Officer: Semmi: That''s pretty limiting.


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: I know. Given that this Terror poison is persistent, I''m not taking chances.


    /Inferno: Officer: Sharl: I have the snake ring from the Desert King, does that count?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: Yes. Immunity also?


    /Inferno: Officer: Sharl: Yep. It''s listed as one of the ring properties.


    /Inferno: Officer: Milat: I have poison immunity but not snake form.


    /Inferno: Officer: Ronnie: So just the two of you?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: Floyd and the Lamia are immune to poison.


    /Inferno: Officer: Wind: You should take Sori Dah, she''s the best fighter among the lamia.


    /Inferno: Officer: Jun Li: Going in hard or soft?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: Soft, but might end up being hard.


    /Inferno: Officer: Ronnie: I like it when you talk that way!


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Sharl] Hey Sis... Can I have your snake ring?


    [Whisper: Sharl to Ronnie] No.


    /Inferno: Officer: Jun Li: That''s four then. Nix, Sharl, Floyd, and Sori Dah. Is that enough, Nix?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: Add Milat, we should be good.


    /Inferno: Officer: Milat: What about a snake form?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: I''ve got something nice for you.


    Sand Snake [Minature Animation .25]


    Description: This Sand Snake has all


    the capabilities of the full-sized version.


    /Inferno: Officer: Pon: I''ve seen those bastards in the Great Desert, they''re f*cking huge.


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: This one should be one quarter the size. It was made in Eidengal by their crafting experts.


    /Inferno: Officer: Pon: The ones that disappeared when we opened the front door?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: Yep, those ones. It will become a permanent form once you use it. You can pass if you like.


    /Inferno: Officer: Milat: I''ll take it. Thank you.


    /Inferno: Officer: Semmi: I''ve sent Floyd and Sori a whisper. They are both on their way.


    /Inferno: Officer: Jun Li: Anything else, Nix?


    /Inferno: Officer: Nix: No. I''ll take the team to HQ and finalize our plans.


    *****************


    1800 hours, Ionova HQ


    The quest map from HQ was by far the best anyone in Inferno had ever seen. Its 3-D topography could be edited only to show certain features.


    Nix had the Beliq river highlighted. "According to the map, the water levels in the river are close to 40 feet. No rapids or falls, and it basically takes a long arch around the desert once it passes through southern Titania."


    Sori''s verticle iris''s studied the map; every few seconds, she would hiss quietly, a nervous habit that Nix found disconcerting. "I''ve never been in the Dark Water crafts."


    Floyd smiled at the chief acolyte. "It''s fine, Sori. They only sink about half the time."


    Sori returned his smile, sharp upper fangs completely ruined the effect. Her red-streaked brown hair matched her eyes perfectly. "If that happens, make sure to get Nix out first."


    You''ve started the Viper Channel.


    /Viper: Nix: Gear up, we don''t know the length of our stay, so bring whatever you think necessary. We will leave at 0800, get some rest.


    /Viper: Milat: Two hours in the craft?


    /Viper: Nix: Yes. That puts us on the outskirt of the Serpent lands. It will be horseback from there.


    /Viper: Sori: Why not use the flying mounts?


    /Viper: Nix: They are still too uncommon. A group of fliers at this point would give us away.


    /Viper: Sharl: Drop your guild tag. Change your settings to anonymous.


    /Viper: Floyd: Got it.


    An hour later, Nix was eating dinner by himself at the Turtle house; Fajii was on a quest with Eron, Hyai was back in Haven, and Shae was taking care of the dragon eggs. A small flash of black across the kitchen island announced the arrival of Soup''s Shadow Sphynx form.


    "Just you and me tonight, Soup."


    The black creature zipped up the side of his arm and perched on his shoulder. It was less than a foot on and no bigger around than a person''s wrist.


    Nix used his pointer finger to stroke the soft fur on her head. "Going to inspect."


    Soup [Shadow Sphynx]


    No Statistics Available.


    [Skills]


    Phase Shift


    Escape


    Stealth


    Night Vision


    Nix nodded in satisfaction. "All good skills. I have some work to do, so hang out." He pushed the remains of his plate away and opened up his taxidermist queue.


    [Enhancement: Applied Miniaturization Text][Basilisk Leather][Camel Hair][Ceramic Needle][Platinum Thread]


    Please Verify the Scale. (.25, .50, .75)


    "Hmm... Desert Basilisk are about a hundred feet long. Verify Scale as .25."

 375 Into the Snakes Den

    "Don''t baby him so much." Ronnie was up early to beg her older sister for the snake ring she possessed, Sharl refused to waiver.


    "Are we talking about Nix or Floyd?" The usually severe Sharl couldn''t help but tease her younger sibling.


    "Very funny." Ronnie used all of her weight to unwedge the dark watercraft from its mooring. "You should have asked Nix to drag this down; his strength is double ours."


    Sharl nodded in agreement. "And then some. Have you ever wrestled him? It''s like sparring with a Titan."


    Ronnie made a face at her sister. "You wrestle, Nix?"


    Inferno''s Main Tank nodded innocently. "It''s part of sparring Ronnie."


    "Sneak... You''re a fricken sneak." Ronnie leaned on the side of the craft, her dark face showing concern. "Don''t get poisoned, Sharl. That persistent stuff causes players to reroll."


    Unexpectedly the older sister laughed. "I''ll reroll as a blue-eyed blond, maybe do the lifestyle thing."


    Ronnie shared a smile with her sibling; when they initially started playing, they decided to make characters that looked nothing like their real selves. "Nix''s companions are top-end because he uses them all the time, you hardly ever take Floyd when you quest."


    Sharl sighed heavily and nodded in agreement. "I''ll do better."


    Ronnie''s sly grin made Sharl turn toward the trail. Nix was slowly making his way down to the craft. "Captain Ronnie is here to chauffeur you to your destination."


    Nix returned her grin. "That''s a great idea. You can bring the craft back since our return trip will definitely be on flying mounts."


    /Inferno: Nix: The bus is leaving in five minutes.


    /Inferno: Sora: What''s a bus?


    /Inferno: Nix: The dark watercraft is leaving in five minutes.


    Nix climbed over the side of the craft and took a seat in the back. "Stayed up late, so I''m going to sleep on the way."


    Sharl pointed at the sleek brown gloves Nix was wearing. "You made those?"


    "Kinda. I modified gloves I already had with a Basilisk puppet." Nix linked them so they both could see.


    Ashobel Clawz [Faction Based]


    Must be an ally of the Ashobel.


    Description: A soft brown leather


    glove that is both comfortable and


    durable.


    Activation: Upon activation the user''s


    primary path temporarily becomes melee


    and the gloves become the hands of an Ashobel


    warrior.


    [Enhancement: Miniature Animation .25] Desert Basilisk


    Sharl whistled softly. "Shouldn''t those have disappeared?"


    Nix shrugged. Technically the gloves were awarded after the Khione fight. He had already stowed them away in his trunk by the time the patch rewrote everything. "I''ll ask Gid if he still has his."


    "I was thinking about something, Nix." Sharl was seated next to him at the back of the craft, Floyd and Sori were both sitting in the front with Ronnie, Milat was directly behind them.


    Nix gave her a sleepy frown; he specifically remembered telling her he wanted to sleep the next few hours. "What?"


    Sharl''s quiet laugh told him she knew he was irritated. "Last thing, I promise. Aren''t you a bit well-known to be doing this kind of mission?"


    "Just my name. For this mission, you can call me Styx."


    "Not just your name, but your fighting methods also. Those flame strands of yours are infamous." Sharl''s full lips curved slightly. "Unless you plan on not using them."


    "No spell-swords and no fire. I''m going to use the Ashobel gloves to go straight melee. I''ll compliment those with my Air abilities." Nix strummed his fingers on the back of his seat. "Anything else?"


    Sharl shook her head. "Get some rest."


    ****************


    1030 hours, outskirts of the Serpent Clan Lands, Southern Titania


    Nix led the progression on a small brown mountain pony that seemed to have an instinct allowing it to find the best footing. He left both Flash and Nightmare at the ranch since both horses were associated with him.


    /Viper: Sharl: I like these smaller ponies Nix, does mine have a name?


    Nix turned slightly since he didn''t remember which horse she was riding.


    /Viper: Nix: Toffee.


    The terrain surrounding the exit of the Beliq river was rock-filled lowlands, but within a few minutes, the first dunes started to appear. By the time they approached their target, the settlement of Seryndefi, there was nothing but sand.


    Nix glanced back at the only Aquarion in their party, Milat seemed to be doing fine, despite the waves of heat flowing off the sand.


    /Viper: Milat: I''m fine, Nix. I''ve spent the last few months questing in the Great Desert; this is much cooler than that.


    The Aquarian trickster had his head covered with a white shemagh; it served the dual purpose of blocking the sun while covering up his alien heritage.


    /Viper: Sori: I can see walls in the distance.


    Nix squinted his eyes in the direction the lamia was looking. He could see nothing but the whites sands and waves of heat that distorted the air.


    /Viper: Nix: How far?


    /Viper: Sori: Three miles.


    Nix slid off his horse and unsummoned her. "We''ll walk from here."


    /Viper: Floyd: Change now?


    /Viper: Nix: Yes.


    Nix waited while the rest of the group dismounted, Floyd assumed his natural Naga form while Sori quickly morphed into a lamia. He wanted to associate a snake origin to the group since it wasn''t general knowledge that the Scorched Earth Acolytes had lamia forms. Floyd switched out his usual attire with a sand-colored wrap that left his muscular torso bare.


    /Viper: Sharl: You okay, Floyd?


    /Viper: Floyd: Of course. I''ll stow my pistols and go with dual daggers.


    Sori nodded, her preferred shortswords peaked out from their shoulder harness, she held her bow loosely in one hand.


    The city walls of Seryndefi was made from white adobe. It was about fifteen feet high and thick enough for two guards to walk side-by-side. The black wooden doors of the city were open, and a black wrought- iron portcullis was drawn up.


    /Viper: Sharl: Seems like a pretty secure city, nothing like I was expecting.


    /Viper: Nix: Scarlett said that they didn''t have much contact with the Serpent Clan. Expect lots of things to have changed.


    /Viper: Sharl: Is everyone here going to be a Serpent Titan?


    /Viper: Nix: Thankfully, it''s easier to tell them from normal humans. They have vertical irises like Floyd and Sori.


    A single guard stood outside of the gate; he was slightly taller than average and moved toward them when they stopped a few meters away.


    "Welcome to Seryndefi; these are the lands of the Serpent Clan." The guard was shirtless like Floyd; his dark brown eyes showed the snake-like trait of verticle irises. "May I ask what kind of folk the two of you are? I''ve never seen such beauty and grace."


    Sori walked past him without answering. "You are too forward."


    The guard didn''t take offense, his dark face splitting in a wide smile. "Your voice is like the sweetest ambrosia. What is your name?"


    Floyd paused for a moment, "her name is Sori. She''s unattached if you''re interested."


    The guard''s booming voice followed them as they entered the city. "Yes... Yes, of course. Seryndefi welcomes Sori, the great desert beauty."


    /Viper: Sori: Why did you tell him that?


    /Viper: Floyd: It''s true. You aren''t attached.


    /Viper: Sori: I have you, and the temple champion.


    /Viper: Floyd: Not interested.


    /Viper: Nix: Me either.


    The city of Seryndefi reminded Nix of Phai City in Oasis. The streets were made from the same white-sand brick that protected the city. The buildings seemed solid, and in good shape, there was no wood in sight.


    /Viper: Sharl: There''s another one of those mounds.


    Nix turned toward the direction Sharl was looking. Every few blocks, large mounds of brown mud had been placed. They resembled up-side-down bowls with large holes in the center. A small group of women approached one, they morphed into snake-form and slithered inside.


    /Viper: Sharl: A second city beneath this one?


    Without asking, Floyd morphed into his snake form and entered the hole.


    /Viper: Sharl: Dammit Floyd, why do you jump first?


    /Viper: Floyd: Prey waits... Come down, it''s fine.


    Nix waited while the rest of the group changed into their snake forms. Sori was close to twenty feet in length; her snake body was decorated with an intricate pattern of spots. Milat was sand-colored, his scales were visibly heavier and seemed much more like armor that the other snakes. Sharl was the smallest, dark green and a bit over ten feet. After they entered, Nix changed.


    [Desert Basilisk]


    He couldn''t see himself, but his vision seemed to become heat oriented. He slithered naturally into the hole, noticing quickly that it was a tight squeeze for him. By the time he rejoined the group, a portly man in white robes was addressing them.


    "Newcomers to Seryndefi? This central area is the only place you can use your natural forms within Under-Seryndefi. If you leave the central bazaar, you must be in human form."


    Nix stared at the underground city, the passage in had only seemed like a few dozen feet, but the ceiling above was nearly a hundred feet overhead.


    /Viper: Sharl: The distance is wrong, almost a portal effect.


    /Viper: Milat: Where''s the exit?


    /Viper: Sori: East of us.


    Human and snake form intermingled in the crowded bazaar, Floyd and Sori reverted to their natural forms.


    /Viper: Milat: Change back Nix?


    /Viper: Nix: Yeah. Go ahead.


    /Viper: Sharl: NIX! Wait!


    Nix turned toward Sharl; the two of them were the only ones who hadn''t changed. "What?"


    /Viper: Sharl: Move to the vendor behind you. He has two customers.


    The desert basilisk slithered effortlessly through the sand toward the target; his thermal vision made it difficult to see the customers clearly. They were both females and arguing over a purchase.


    "I''ve had just about enough of this Tula. You owe me 2 thousand credits. Pay up."


    "Why so unreasonable? I''ll pay you eventually. I''m going to buy this rug; it would look perfect in front of my fireplace."


    The other woman''s voice was filled with humor; it wasn''t until he moved closer that he realized they were twins.


    /Viper: Nix: F*ck...


    /Viper: Milat: What''s wrong?


    /Viper: Sharl: Both of those women were executed in Jenzi.


    The woman purchased the rug, despite her sister''s protests and then gave the vendor directions on delivery. "We should get back; Shank has plans for us."


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Are you acquainted with Shank?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I was up until he was executed. Sorry Nix, I had nothing to do with having him run mid-level Salamander.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Have you used that ring yet? The one that modifies appearance?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Yes. Why?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Want to undertake a special mission?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Hell yes!


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Use the ring to change your appearance and come to Seryndefi. I''ll send you the coordinates.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Is it okay if I fly?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Yes, but only until you can see the city. You can''t miss it.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Anything else?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] You need to acquire a snake-form.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] One sec.


    /Salamander: Gideon: Anyone have a snake form I can use for a few days?


    /Salamander: Jiggs: I do. I''ll link it.


    Swam Queen: Artifact Necklace


    Assume the form of the dreaded Queen from


    the Illindir Swamp.


    /Salamander: Gideon: That''s the snake you were bragging about soloing? How big was she?


    /Salamander: Jiggs: That''s her. Around 20 feet in length, her poison was a paralytic. Kinda bad-ass.


    /Salamander: Gideon: Why haven''t you used it?


    /Salamander: Jiggs: Because it says Queen and not King, wrong gender!


    /Salamander: Nebs: That''s stupid.


    /Salamander: Gideon: Lend or sell it to me?


    /Salamander: Jiggs: It''s all yours boss. I am sending it now.


    /Salamander: Gideon: Thanks. I''ll get you something nice in return.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Okay Nix. I''m all set.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] I''ve sent you the coordinates and some brief directions. Remove your guild tag and use a different name.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Sounds good. I''m on my way.

 376 The Executed

    Jun Li nodded in agreement, her thoughts on the message Nix sent from the Serpent Clans. "What do you think about Nix''s message?"


    "I looked it up. In the entire history of Colonial, only six individuals have been executed by heads of state." Semmi reeled in a bit of line and then leaned back in her chair. "Shank was one of the original players in Colonial. I can''t imagine he wouldn''t light up the forums afterward if the account had been erased."


    Jun Li considered her friend''s words. "Suppose Shank and the twins are still around. What''s that mean?"


    "We shouldn''t be guessing what since our information is spotty." Semmi brought up her hud and sent a quick message.


    "Who then?" Jun Li reeled in her line and rebaited the hook. "Nix always puts the worms on for me; they''re so slimy."


    "Don''t look at me." Semmi laughed at her friend''s reaction. "We''re thinking the Cabal, right?"


    Jun Li Nodded, grimacing slightly while she suffered through rebaiting. "What''s the name of that Nether priestess that advises the council of five?"


    "Xia, we know she''s part of the Cabal. I''ve already messaged Ducky." Semmi exhaled and cast her line out again.


    "Ducky?" Jun Li shook her head slightly. "Does she know Xia?"


    "No. But she knows Leva, the two of them will ask some questions."


    **************


    1800 hours Chyanama City, Nether


    Leva sat behind her desk, her dark eyes watching Ducky while she briefed her. "Three people, that should be dead are in Seryndefi? Could they be minions?"


    Ducky shook her head slightly. "That doesn''t work on outworlders. It''s definitely some kind of cover-up, maybe a pipeline to Oasis or Everspire."


    "Should we be careful? Xia has a lot of influence in the Nether." Leva didn''t like the dark priestess; Nix told her not to trust her.


    "More than Nix?" Ducky looped a hand through her friend''s arm. "She''ll talk."


    The two were still sitting together when Xia entered the office less than an hour later.


    Leva gestured to the chair across from them. "Please have a seat."


    Xia''s wide-set eyes were staring at the two women. Leva had a reputation for being ruthless, while Ducky was part of Nix''s inner circle. "I don''t have long."


    Ducky smiled pleasantly. "That''s fine. Nix asked me to inquire about something. Has the Cabal targeted him? Or is it you personally?"


    Leva watched the dark priestess''s reaction; she was definitely hiding something. "Forget about porting out of here; you don''t leave my city unless I say you do."


    Xia''s pale face seemed to grow pasty, moisture oozing from her pores. "I assure you, nothing could be further from the truth."


    "Don''t waste your time." Xia''s dark eyes grew cold, "I''m immune to mind influences, and the moment you try it, the Cabal will be alerted."


    Ducky has bewitched Xia the Dark Priestess.


    Ducky moved toward Xia, her blue eyes staring. "You''re quite beautiful, Xia, and so powerful. I admit that I''m quite taken with you."


    Xia smiled tentatively. "Oh. I''m not sure what to say. Thank you."


    The Water Witch caressed the priestess''s face with the back of her hand. "Any safeguards protecting you from being questioned?"


    Xia shook her head. "No one would dare try."


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "Nix is in danger. Leva and I are just trying to protect him."


    "I understand. Nix is important to the Cabal; also, he''s a counterbalance to the dragon''s power base."


    "Can you help me solve a mystery?" Ducky''s smooth voice filled the room. "Shank, Vera, and Tula are three outlanders that were supposed to be executed in Jenzi last year; somehow, they surfaced in Everspire."


    Xia''s lips curved in a smile. "I don''t know those names, but heroes who are about to be executed are offered entry positions in the Assassin Guild."


    Ducky glanced at Leva, who was using her hud to record everything. "There''s an Assassin''s guild? How does it relate to the Serpent Clan?"


    Xia shook her head. "It doesn''t really. They''ve infiltrated all the Titan Clans, the human clans, and the Dhassi in Oasis."


    "I see. Thank you for telling us." Ducky walked back to her seat next to Leva. "What is their agenda?"


    Xia shrugged slightly. "Credits. They don''t have a political agenda. You pay them to kill someone, and that person dies."


    Ducky leaned over and watched as Leva sent the interview to Semmi and Nix. "That''s about it."


    Ducky has removed the bewitchment on Xia, the Dark Priestess.


    Xia''s dark eyes looked confused for a moment before she jumped to her feet. "You two bitches! You''re both dead! Once the Cabal finds out, the two of you are going to be hunted and put down like sick dogs."


    Ducky smiled slightly, covering her mouth with one hand. "That''s fine. We recorded the entire interview; our people already have the information."


    Leva nodded in confirmation. "The secrets out."


    Xia gritted her teeth, her pale face darkening. "I''ll have the two of you tortured until you beg for death. Nix won''t be able to lift a finger to help you."


    Ducky shrugged nonchalantly. "Send the entire Interview to that man Jun Li mentioned."


    "Right, the guy from the Cabal. Teal was his name. Just a moment."


    "WAIT!" Xia''s voice had an edge of panic. Her dark eyes seemed to be going through the different possible scenarios.


    Leva glanced between Xia and Ducky. "Send it?"


    Ducky shook her head. "Should she send it, Xia? What will your friends at the Cabal say?"


    Xia stared at the blue-eyed young woman for a long moment before she spoke. "Don''t send it. I''ve shared a bit of knowledge with you. Nothing too important, I trust Inferno will be discreet."


    Leva shared a glance with Ducky, "a mutual exchange of information. Nothing important enough to ever bring up again."


    Xia let out a deep breath that she''d been holding. "Right. Just a friendly visit."


    A few minutes later, Leva was sitting behind her desk; she sent Ducky back to Loki while Xia remained behind. The Fallen Chancellor lit a fragrant candle and leaned back in her chair to study her guest. "This going to work out for everyone?"


    Xia nodded. "It has too. We will all be dead if it isn''t."


    Leva grabbed two glasses from her desk and poured herself some wine. "Would you like some?"


    "No, thanks." Xia tried to smile pleasantly, the recent events seeming to make it impossible.


    Leva inhaled the scent of the candle she lit, her eyes half-closed. "Do you like that fragrance? It''s called cinnamon, a personal favorite of Nix."


    "It''s too sweet for my tastes." Xia tried to stand up and found that her legs were no longer working. "W-What have you done?"


    "Hmm?" Leva''s hud buzzed, and she took a moment to read the message. Her dark eyes turned back toward Xia. "You should have tried the wine; it''s the antidote for the paralytic effect of the candle."


    Xia''s wide-set eyes showed her panic. "What are you doing? If you kill me, there will be consequences."


    Leva nodded in agreement while she removed a locked box from behind her desk. "Which is why I''m not going to do that. This is your new heart."


    "Stop!" Xia felt her vision start to blur while Leva approached her with a dagger in hand. "Nix won''t like this."


    Leva sat next to Xia on the couch. "Your mistake is thinking that you know him."


    ********************


    Semmi and Jun Li watched the interview together; they continued to fish in silence for a few minutes afterward until Semmi finally spoke.


    "This changes nothing. I''ve always assumed there was something like that, I didn''t think players could join though."


    Jun Li shook her head. "Your mind is incredible, Sem."


    The blond officer offered her friend a smile. "That''s why you love me."


    "What''s up with Pon nowadays? He seems a bit out of sorts."


    Semmi sighed and shook her head. "I thought the whole goat incident would shake him out of it, but something is really bothering him."


    Jun Li gave her a blank look. "Goat incident?"


    Semmi grinned. "You didn''t hear this from me. Apparently, when Nix was clearing out Goralpri, there were quite a few animals in the undergrowth that covered the city."


    "Stands to reason."


    Semmi reeled in her line and started gathering her things together. "This mountain ram charged out of nowhere and nearly ran Nix over, but he managed to dodge to one side. Hot on its heels was one of those jungle cats, the fast ones that blend in."


    Jun Li smiled at her friend''s description, Semmi loved telling stories. "Then what? Nix killed it?"


    Semmi nodded, a bit of laughter bubbling over. "Yep, it attacked, and Nix had no choice."


    "That''s not the punchline. Right?"


    "Nope. Nix had just killed the cat when this ram slammed into his backside, launching him face-first into the street."


    Jun Li''s laughter echoed in the evening air. "Oh, god... I wish I were there for that. Nix didn''t kill the goat?"


    Semmi shook his head. "He tried, sliced its ear off, and that thing bolted into the undergrowth. Yuli said he burned through all his mana trying to find it."


    "How did Pon get the goat?"


    "When he heard the story from Yuli, he paid her 100 thousand credits to catch the goat for him."


    Jun Li''s face lit up in a big smile; she already heard that Pon had it put in a stall with one of Nix''s horses. "That''s funny, but once that can of worms is open."


    Semmi nodded in agreement. "Payback is going to be a bitch."

 377 The Firsts

    "I hope you appreciate this." Sharl smiled at the closed eyes of the Inferno guild leader. "You should be thankful I''m not Ronnie. There''s no telling what she would do in this situation."


    She replayed the message that Nix had sent to all the officers. Her experience with Shank and the twins was limited; she was confident that all three of them would recognize her. When she was the guild leader of the Daybreakers, her image was always on the forums. Finding the chair uncomfortable, she sat next to him on the bed.


    **************


    The Nether rat escaped for the fifth time in as many minutes; Nix cursed himself for using the primary food of snakes as his primary scout. Even in human form, the moment he was within a few meters of one of the Serpent Clan, they immediately changed and gave chase. "Who knew Nether rats were such a delicacy?"


    Nix crept through a small water pipe that was left half-full by several ruptures. There was no warning whatsoever, two bright green orbs blinked open directly in front of him, and he was swallowed whole.


    Instinctively he twisted his head, thinking he might gnaw at the insides of the snake that bit him. However, the muscles of the creature''s throat squeezed around him to the point where he could barely move. "Fuck... Now what?"


    Although completely immobilized, Nix was aware that the snake was moving very quickly. Not an expert on snake behavior, he didn''t know that usually, they would find somewhere to rest after a meal.


    Time passed, Nix had no way of knowing how fast, several times he was tempted to let the snake have the puppet, but in the end, it represented a large investment on his part and he wasn''t willing to part with it.


    Nix felt the movement of his carrier stop suddenly; the pressure on him increased for a moment, and he found himself spat out in what could only be described as disgusting bile. His first instinct was to flee, but the long term constriction on his puppet body made its limbs feel lethargic.


    [Don''t run Nix. You aren''t in any danger.]


    Nix blinked the slime out of his rat-eyes, his tiny black paws rubbing at his face. After a few seconds, his captor came into view. A long white snake with green eyes that glowed brilliantly watched him from a few feet away. "You say that name like your acquainted with that person. Who are you?"


    "I am Mari''Djinn, the Second." The snake''s voice held a hint of amusement, the tone of it reminded him of Ducky''s voice when she was charming someone. "You will lose the most important battle in history if you don''t come with me."


    "The Firsts require your presence; there is much to be done before you confront Khione."


    Nix straightened out his long whiskers. "Who is Khione?"


    "It''s difficult to converse with you." The snake-eyes moved closer; verticle lids blinked lazily at him.


    "Pon, the Rat King, will follow you." Nix reached out a rat paw and patted the snakes snow-white snout. An instant later, he sat upright in bed, jostling the sleeping Sharl who was leaning against him.


    Sharl blinked against the light and offered him a smile. "Where''s your puppet?"


    "That lousy snake ate me." Nix cursed loudly and swung his feet over the bed. He noticed that Sharl was wearing the flannel pajamas that he made her months earlier. "I can make you some new ones."


    Sharl shook her head. "I can''t part with these; they are too comfortable. The rest of the group isn''t back yet."


    [You have been summoned by Mari''Djinn the Second. Do you accept the summons?]


    Nix read the message twice before it sank in. "Tracing me through a puppet shouldn''t be possible. Call everyone back, Sharl, going to take a quick trip."


    Sharl nodded and opened her hud. "Where are... Nix? Shit!"


    /Viper: Sharl: Everyone back to the room. Nix just disappeared.


    Sharl looked at the guild roster; he was listed as unavailable. "The hell did you do now?"


    ********************


    Mid-West Everspire: The Fire Lion Clan


    *****************


    Jala kicked the serving woman when she evaded his attempt to grab her ass. "You f*cking bitch! Do you think your only job is to serve food?"


    The hulking brute was shirtless; scars crisscrossed his heavily muscled chest. His big hand grabbed her by one arm and squeezed, a vicious leer forming on his face when she cried out.


    "Release her at once, Jala." A slim, middle-aged man stood in the doorway of the tent, his apparent distaste for the bigger man was written on his face.


    "Father..." Jala flung the girl across the tent like she was weightless. Jala''s face was broad and flat, his square jaw bronzed from countless hours in the sun. He bowed low to hide his sneering expression. "The woman always spills food on me; I swear she does it on purpose."


    "You''ll address me as Clan Leader, or I''ll remove your black tongue." The older man moved across the tent, one hand caressing the hilt of his sword. He sat in an overly large wooden chair that sat near the back wall of the tent.


    "My apologies, Clan Leader." Jala backed away from the man, suppressing the raw fear that his father''s presence caused.


    Clan Leader Omen of the Fire Lion Clan studied his disappointing prodigy for a moment before speaking. "I saw one of your scouts riding up. Where have they been for the past few days?"


    Jala glanced at the doorway. He had left directions for his raiding party to report here when they returned. "I sent them into the mountains, Clan Leader. They are finishing off the Krayven Clan."


    Omen laughed at his son''s words. "A man is only as strong as his enemy, and my oldest son raids the weakest clan."


    Jala''s brown face darkened, he was saved from further embarrassment by the tent flap opening up.


    Scout Invak stood at the door and bowed deeply. "Greetings, Clan Leader."


    Omen removed his ceremonial headdress and pushed his fingers through his short black hair. "Invak, right? Why are you reporting? Where is Goli?"


    "Goli has been slain Clan Leader." Invak didn''t dare look at Jala, even though technically he was one of his raiders.


    Omen''s dark eyes stared at the scout. "You acted as the scribe?"


    Invak nodded quickly. "Yes, Clan Leader."


    Omen''s cold voice filled the tent; the younger generation would post often post a scribe far to the rear when they raided. The scribes'' job was to rush back to the Clan and report on the successes of the raid. They almost always lied or embellished the events. "Save the oral report for later, given me the written account."


    Invak nodded and placed the rolled-up parchment in the Clan Leaders'' hands. He didn''t dare make eye contact as he backed away slowly and resumed his post near the tent''s entrance.


    Omen read the scroll, his eyes occasionally looking up at the scout. "Twenty-five clan members and horses sent into the Krayven Clan Lands. All twenty-five of our people were slain."


    "What?" Jala''s tanned face darkened. "We lost everyone? Did another Clan ambush us?"


    "No, Jala," Invak answered quickly, suddenly relieved that the Clan Leader was present for the report. "The Krayven Clan has a new totem, fire-based defense, and jump-attacks."


    Omen''s laughter filled the tent. "Failure? Against the Krayven Clan? What is a jump-attack?"


    "Clan Leader, orange wings sprout out of their backs, and they cover distances of 20 meters or so." Invak wanted to make sure he gave the full report; his intent was to leave for a few days until Jala found someone to vent his rage on. "Our attack was overconfident, and they routed us within a few minutes."


    "Invak! You cowardly bastard..." Jala strode toward the scout, ax in hand. "You should have joined the fight if you as..." The words never finished, a silver sword emerged outward through the front of his throat, it retracted quickly, and the large man fell to the ground.


    "I should never have put you in a leadership position." Omen stared at the corpse for a few seconds before it disappeared. "This will be the last time you are revived at the Totem of the Fire Lion."


    Jala has been removed from the Fire Lion Clan.


    Scout Invak stood at the door; he kept his face carefully expressionless. "Orders, Sir?"


    Omen wiped his blade and returned it to the scabbard. "Join the Blood group under Rasta."


    Invak nodded and retreated from the tent with his head down. He ran across the compound, his face finally breaking out in a cold sweat. He and Jala would be the only survivors. You only revived at the Totem if you were slain on Clan Lands. The Krayven Clan had been run out of the heritage lands years ago.


    **********


    Personal Messaging and Guild Chat have been temporarily disabled.


    Nix stood calmly in front of the group. He had been expecting humans, but he was wrong. In a half-circle directly in front of him were six animals; the snake that ate him, a black bear, a turtle, a wolf, a scorpion, and a lion.


    "Welcome, Nix" Mari''Djinn, the white snake spoke quietly, her tone showing amusement.


    "Where''s my Rat King?" Nix frowned at her before taking a moment to study each of them, except for the snake, they were all enormous. "You''re Titans?"


    The big black bear in the middle nodded its humongous head; Nix guessed he would be double the size of Mortimus if it stood up. "We are the first Titans. I am Tautius."

 378 The Seconds

    Mari''Djinn hissed at him, the sound making his skin crawl. "Two of the Titan''s before you are firsts, the rest of us are seconds."


    Nix nodded as if accepting that the statement was reasonable. "Why am I here?"


    Mari''Djinn approached him; the white snake slithered gracefully before stopping within a few feet. Slowly her head rose until her brilliant green eyes stared directly into Nix''s yellow ones. "The Titans in front of you are the reason the Dragons no longer live in Everspire."


    Nix hadn''t paid close attention to the history of Everspire, but what he knew didn''t match up with her words. "I thought human clans were responsible for that."


    Tautius''s laugh sounded like a thunderstorm echoing in the distance. "There are no human clans in Ever Spire."


    "How is that possible?" Nix tried unsuccessfully to mask the confusion on his face. "I''ve met the human clans."


    Mari''Djinn swayed toward him. "Did you? Her eyes bore into him as her soft voice dropped to a low hiss. "Do they seem strong enough to have dealt with Dragons?"


    "Shit..." The word slipped from his lips before he could stop it. It had been staring them in the face since they first entered the Sky Kingdom. How could Clans like the Krayven defeat the Dragons?


    Mari''Djinn''s red tongue flicked at him several times before she spoke. "Generations ago, all of Everspire was inhabited by the Titan Clans. When the Dragons migrated from the Core, we waged war."


    "A War with Dragons?" Nix remembered hearing of it, but couldn''t remember the source.


    Mari''Djinn nodded. "Both sides paid a hefty price. It ended with the Dragon''s retreating into their Sky Kingdom."


    Nix glanced around the room for the first time. It was then that he noticed the empty seats. "Some of the Firsts died in the war?"


    The white snake''s head continued to sway in front of Nix; there was a long pause before she answered. "Benat the First Lion, Treia the First Scorpion, and Yuntil the First Falcon."


    "When you say the Second, what does that mean?" Nix suddenly wished that Semmi were with him, the blond officer had one of those minds that seemed to understand everything.


    Mari''Djinn turned back toward the group. "Seconds, please introduce yourself."


    A large black Dire Wolf stepped forward. "I am Wraina, the Second."


    A white female lion stood up. "I am Gai, the Second."


    Lastly, a sand-colored Scorpion skittered a few steps toward him. "I am Lucid, the Second."


    "Four Seconds? You mentioned that three died in the Thousand Year War. What happened to the other firsts?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "The two Firsts who died most recently. Is this related to the discourse within the Wolf and Snake Clans?"


    Mari''Djinn hissed softly. "You''re starting to understand. Keep going."


    "The three Titans who died during the Thousand Year War? What happened to their Clans?"


    Tautius sat down on his rather large backside; immediately, Nix was reminded of Morti. "Those are now the Human Clans. Within two generations of losing the First, the Titan form is lost to their Clan."


    Nix felt like the pieces were lining up, but something still felt off. "How do the Seconds fit in?"


    Tautius huffed his sizeable black nose at Nix. "We may nominate individuals to undertake the Trial of Firsts. The candidates are referred to as the Seconds until they pass the trial or perish."


    "The Wolf and Snake Clans are without Firsts, that''s causing issues for them." Nix glanced at Mari''Djinn and Wraina, the wolf. "Why haven''t the other Seconds taken the Trials?"


    New Quests Available.


    [Trial of the Serpent]


    [Trial of the Lion]


    [Trial of the Wolf]


    [Trial of the Scorpion]


    New Guild Quests Available


    [Restore the Clan of Lions]


    [Restore the Clan of Scorpions]


    [Restore the Clan of Falcons]


    Mari''Djinn chose that moment to morph into human form. She was as pale as Beta; if it wasn''t for her green eyes, she could have passed for a Drahk. "The City of Trials has been locked to us. There are many things we can''t speak of, Nix."


    "Eidyngal? The City of Trials is Eidyngal?" Nix recalled the trial to unlock the city gates. Why was it locked? Was it a Titan City?


    "No more questions," Tautius waddled back toward his platform and resumed his seat. "Will you help us?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. Anything else?"


    "Nix!" Mari''Djinn''s pale face turned red; the anger on her face evident. "Only three may enter each of the trials. If the trial is lost, then that Titan Clan is doomed."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Does that have anything to do with me? Haven''t I already helped you by opening Eidengal?"


    The Lion chose this moment to morph into human shape; for comparison purposes, she bore a striking resemblance to Chiba''s real form. "He may only participate in one of the trials. I have a peerless blade Nix. I will offer it to you if you help me."


    "Gai...." Mari''Djinn crossed her arms in front of her.


    "Enough, return to your seats." Tautius''s dark eyes watched the two until they complied. Apparently, neither wanted to cross him. "Will you help us, Nix?"


    Nix considered his mission for a moment. "I require the antidote to the Snake Clan''s Terror poison. I want it right now."


    Tautius nodded his big head. "Agreed. And the trials?"


    Nix shrugged helplessly. "Gai said I could only participate in one of the trials."


    "As the leader of Inferno and the 12 Pillar Alliance, don''t you have access to the strongest of your kind?" Tautius looked at each of the Titans, one by one, they nodded. "What say you?"


    "Agreed. Send me back to my room with the antidote I requested. I''ll assign someone to each quest as soon as I read the description."


    Mari''Djinn smiled slightly. "I will solve the chaos within the Serpent Clan once the trial is done."


    ****************


    Sharl shook her head slightly. When Nix returned to the room, he had two vials of Terror Poison antidote and a long story. "How do we restore the Clans of the Lion, Scorpion, and Falcon? Those are Human Clans now."


    "Human Totem Clans," Nix agreed. "Let''s help them complete the Trials first, then worry about that. Any volunteers?"


    Nix displayed the quests one at a time.


    [Trial of the Serpent]


    Quest Description: The First Titans have chosen a candidate to assume the mantle of First Serpent. Send two of your most powerful fighters to aide them in that quest. Failure to complete the quest will result in the loss of the powerful Serpent Clan. You may only take part in one Titan Clan trial.


    Reward Unknown.


    Recommendations: High Poison Resistance.


    Location: Once you start the quest, you''ll be transferred to the Trial of Firsts holding area.


    [Trial of the Lion]


    Quest Description: The First Titans have chosen a candidate to assume the mantle of First Lion. Send two of your most powerful fighters to aide them in that quest. Failure to complete the quest will result in the loss of the powerful Lion Clan. You may only take part in one Titan Clan trial.


    Reward Unknown.


    Recommendations: Melee DPS and Healer.


    Location: Once you start the quest, you''ll be transferred to the Trial of Firsts holding area.


    [Trial of the Wolf]


    Quest Description: The First Titans have chosen a candidate to assume the mantle of First Wolf. Send two of your most powerful fighters to aide them in that quest. Failure to complete the quest will result in the loss of the powerful Wolf Clan. You may only take part in one Titan Clan trial.


    Reward Unknown.


    Recommendations: High DPS.


    Location: Once you start the quest, you''ll be transferred to the Trial of Firsts holding area.


    [Trial of the Scorpion]


    Quest Description: The First Titans have chosen a candidate to assume the mantle of First Scorpion Send two of your most powerful fighters to aide them in that quest. Failure to complete the quest will result in the loss of the powerful Scorpion Clan. You may only take part in one Titan Clan trial.


    Reward Unknown.


    Recommendations: Crowd Control.


    Location: Once you start the quest, you''ll be transferred to the Trial of Firsts holding area.


    /Viper: Sharl: They are all worded the same except for the Recommendation. I could bring Floyd with me as a companion. That way, we would have an extra fighter.


    /Viper: Floyd: Up to you. I won''t get a share of the reward then.


    /Viper: Nix: Good point. Preferences?


    /Viper: Sharl: I''ll take the Serpent trial with Floyd, just the two of us.


    /Viper: Floyd: Works for me.


    /Viper: Milat: I''ll be one of the DPS in the Wolf Trial.


    /Viper: Sori: I''ll be the other if you don''t object.


    /Viper: Milat: No objections here.


    /Viper: Nix: I''ll do the Scorpion trial with Ducky. We''ll get someone else to do the Lion Trial.


    /Viper: Milat: What about the Restoration Quests?


    /Viper: Nix: Those can wait until we deliver the antidote. Those are guild level quests anyway.

 379 Trial of the Serpent part one

    "Return to the Gladis Hub and pick up Shi. She''ll be able to remove the Black Ice safely from the Infirmary. Administer the antidote as soon as they wake up." Nix was about to add more when a knock sounded at the door.


    "Nix?" A feminine voice spoke from outside the door.


    Nix glanced at the others and shrugged. He didn''t recognize the voice. "Come in."


    The door opened slowly, a petite female with short black hair that stood straight up entered slowly. She immediately locked eyes with Nix. "Miss me, boss?"


    "Damn..." Nix''s wide grin told his companions that he knew the guest. "It''s Gideon." His tone held the hint of humor, Gideon had chosen her real-world looks as a reference for the ring disguise. The resemblance was spot on.


    Gideon nodded. "Good job, you remembered." Nix was one of the few people who knew that behind the Gideon Avatar was actually an Asian woman named Mai. They met briefly in Virtuna during the Everspire Expansion patch.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] So... Now you''re a woman, pretending to be a man who is disguised as a woman.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Yep.


    Sharl nodded in approval. "Changing gender is the perfect disguise. Make contact?


    "She did," Floyd answered for her. The Naga had followed the twins to a cantina where they met up with Shank. After a few drinks, they exited the Under-City and spent an hour in the market before closing. When Gideon wandered into the area, Shank made a bee-line for her.


    Gideon nodded in agreement. "He actually approached me."


    Floyd studied Gideon for a moment; she had no apparent tells that would leave anyone to think she was a man in disguise. "Was it odd? Being hit on by another man?"


    Gideon bit his lip to keep from smiling. "Not as much as you''d think."


    [Authors Note: To avoid confusion, I will continue to reference Gideon as a male, even though his current disguise and RL gender is female.]


    Milat''s expression showed his skepticism. "I sparred with Gideon a few times. How did it go?"


    Gideon smiled sweetly. "I beat you three straight times."


    [Whisper: Milat to Gideon] I wish Pon were here for this.


    Milat frowned slightly. "That was before I added the Trickster Class, your assassin had too many advantages over my scout.


    Gideon patted his cheek. "Keep telling yourself that."


    Milat slowly turned red before stepping away from her.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Woah...


    /Inferno: Floyd: That''s impressive.


    /Inferno: Ducky: This is interesting.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Don''t use your feminine wiles on my Trickster. You''ll confuse him.


    "I''ll be back soon." Ducky activated Deep Blue and selected the Gladis Hub.


    Nix took a seat on the bed and leaned back against the wall. "How did the conversation with Shank go?"


    "Mostly, he bragged about how much he could help me. I told him I was a new player that joined at the Expansion cap of 125." Gideon shrugged slightly, Shank was handsome enough, but he liked himself too much.


    Nix smiled in approval. "Set up another meeting?"


    "Tomorrow, the three of them are going to a ruin called the Palisade; they offered to bring me."


    Sharl listened intently. "Be careful. It''s easy to slip up. What name did you give him?"


    Gideon gave her a deadpan look. "Mai."


    Gideon has joined the Viper Channel.


    /Viper: Nix: It''s getting late, dibs on the bed since I paid for the room.


    *******************


    0700 The Following Day. The Trial of Firsts, holding area.


    Mari''Djinn was in her snake form for the Trial. Her green eyes stared at the two who were going to assist her in the Trial of Firsts. One was a human female named Sharl; the other was a Spirit Companion from a race that Mari''Djinn had never heard of.


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: I''m Toxic Mage, I specialize in dps, but I can siphon health from the enemy to others in my group.


    /Trial: Sharl: So we have some heals? Great. I''m a Gemini Defender; my specialty is tanking.


    /Trial: Floyd: I''m a Gemini Trickster, I can CC and DPS, depending on the situation.


    Floyd was in Naga form, both of his daggers were gripped in his hands. Sharl held a green shield with the House of Inferno emblem painted on it; her customary spear was stabbed into the sand in front of her.


    /Inferno: Milat: Go get them, guys.


    /Inferno: Sori: Take your time Floyd, make sure to assist the Tank.


    Inferno: Floyd: Yep.


    /Inferno: Nix: What is that thing on your tail Floyd?


    A deadly looking serrated blade was attached to the end of Floyd''s snake tail by a leather harness. The Naga had designed it himself, the Master Armorer from Eidengal put the final touches on it.


    /Inferno: Floyd: I call it a tail sword, first time using it.


    /Inferno: Nix: What a crappy name. How about Stinger?


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: Fight hard, I will not hesitate to sacrifice both of you if it means I finish the Trial.


    /Trial: Sharl: Understood.


    /Trial: Floyd: The f*ck you say?


    Sharl led the trio into the instance; her shield held chest high with Floyd and Mari''Djinn directly behind her.


    /Trial: Sharl: I''m tanking, Floyd will be pulling. Mari''Djinn on dps, do some healing when you can.


    The instance entrance was at the base of a large sand dune; visibility was low due to the high winds. Ahead of them at the top of the dune was a group of three Titan serpents.


    /Trial: Floyd: On it. Stay in place, please.


    Floyd disappeared from view and approached the top of the dune; the heat and texture of the sand felt soothing against his scales.


    /Trial: Floyd: Marking the far left target with a blue star, and we''ll work left to right. No pulling on this one, take the target.


    Sharl has activated [Defender''s Leap]


    A Serpent Priest has been stunned.


    Floyd has used [Flash]


    A Serpent Archer has been blinded.


    Ignus Tox has been blinded.


    Floyd slashed across the back of the Serpent priest''s legs, the splatter of blood on the sand rewarding his first strike with the tail blade.


    A Serpent Priest has been crippled.


    Mari''Djinn has cast [Toxic Cloud.]


    A Serpent Priest has been poisoned.


    A Serpent Archer has been poisoned. Flash is no longer active.


    Ignus Tox has been poisoned. Flash is no longer active.


    /Trial: Floyd: No Area attacks mobs that I have CC''d.


    Floyd has activated [Turn Coat.]


    A Serpent Archer will now attack Ignus Tox for the next minute.


    Sharl Slammed her shield into the face of the Serpent Priest and then swept his legs with her spear.


    Floyd has successfully initiated a combination. [Viper Strike][Two-Fangs]


    A Serpent Priest has been mortally wounded.


    A Serpent Priest has been slain.


    /Trial: Floyd: Attack the named mob, the Archer is charmed.


    Sharl Shield Slammed the named mob, driving him away from the Archer, who was nearly dead.


    Sharl has successfully initiated a combination. [Gladiator Strike] [Spear Slash]


    Sharl has scored a critical hit on Ignus Tox.


    Mari''Djinn has cast [Poison Arrow]


    A Serpent Archer has been poisoned. Turn Coat is no longer active.


    /Trial: Floyd: The f*ck are you doing?


    [Critical Chain]


    Floyd has followed up Sharl''s attack with a critical strike.


    Ignus Tox has been slain.


    Mari''Djinn has cast [Pit Viper]


    A Serpent Archer has been poisoned.


    A Serpent Archer has been slain.


    /Trial: Floyd: Oi... Pull your head out of your ass. You assist the Tank. That means you use single-target attacks on whatever Sharl is hitting.


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: These mobs are weak, and you are moving too slow, I have to make up for the Tank''s lack of dps.


    Sharl placed a hand on Floyd''s shoulder and shook her head slightly. "Let''s keep going."


    Floyd nodded, his dark eyes stared at the white snake for a moment before he faded into the sands.


    /Trial: Floyd: That''s interesting...


    /Trial: Sharl: What?


    /Trial: Floyd: Come to the next dune, there are two named mobs here. I believe our objective is right behind them.


    After the group with the pair of named mobs, Floyd vanished into the sands to investigate the objective. A single boss stood alone on a raised platform. Two winding paths led away from him. There were four named mobs on each path. When the Trickster returned a few minutes later, he was ready to brief the group.


    /Trial: Floyd: The boss is called The Boa King, for now, he''s a large fighter standing alone on the platform. He has a ton of health, and he is currently carrying a single long blade with a bow.


    /Trial: Sharl: We can''t rely on that; he may spawn multiple mobs once we attack him.


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: Doubtful, this has been relatively straightforward until now.


    /Trial: Floyd: Each path has four named mobs, among those, are a flier and a stealthed archer. I only got close enough to the Archer to verify his existence; he was aware of me even though I was stealthed.


    /Trial: Sharl: High perception. He didn''t make a move to attack?


    /Trial: Floyd: No. Suggestions?


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: We''ll do one path and then the other. Don''t lose your nerve now.


    /Trial: Floyd: The hell are you talking about? We should discuss... Wait, idiot!


    Mari''Djinn moved toward the near path, her long white form flashed through the sand and arrived at the first mob.


    Mari''Djinn has cast [Poison Sands]


    Allegre the Bold has been rooted.


    Allegre the Bold has been poisoned.


    "WHO COMES TO CHALLENGE ME?"


    The Boa King has entered the battle.


    Floyd scanned the area, the boss had already stepped off his platform and was moving toward them.


    /Trial: Floyd: Boss is moving!


    Sharl has activated [Defender''s Leap]


    The Gemini Defender flashed toward The Boa King, slamming her shield into him repeatedly, driving him back toward the platform.


    /Trial: Sharl: I''ll hold the boss, help Mari''Djinn.


    Sharl stowed her shield and put both hands on her shield while she backed him up, without warning the Boa King retreated onto the edge of the platform. The Tank stumbled forward, only to find herself locked up in a suffocating embrace.


    The Boa King laughed loudly, his wide mouth locked in a cruel smile. "I shall crush your bones, lovely Gemini."


    /Trial: Floyd: Need help?


    /Trials: Sharl: No, leave this to me. Just hurry!


    Sharl worked an arm free of the Boa King''s embrace and slammed a heavily armored fist into his face, after three straight punches his grip loosened. The Boa King''s face blurred for a moment, an instant later thick black coils wrapped tighter around Inferno''s Main Tank, and she found herself facing thirty feet of heavily scaled snake.


    Feli, the Archer has scored a critical hit on Sharl.


    Trahti the Harpy has cast [Blinding Storm] on Sharl.


    Sharl has been blinded for the next minute.


    /Trial: Sharl: The other path is attacking!


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: You can hold for a few minutes.


    /Trial: Floyd: No, not with the other side attacking her. Finish this side, and I''ll pull them away from her. Don''t forget about the stealthed Archer.


    Floyd charged across the stage, targeting the flier.


    [Grounded] Floyd has brought a Trahti the Harpy to the ground.


    He slashed his tail across the back of her wings, sending black feathers everywhere.


    Trahti, the Harpy, has been crippled.


    Sharl struggled to bring an arm across her chest, pushing outward she created enough space to breathe. The leering face of the giant boa hung in the air.


    Sharl has cast [Gemini Companion Bond: Oil Slick]


    Without warning, both her and the Boa King tumbled to the ground. Sharl rolled to her feet just as the enormous maw struck at her, sending the shield she carried high into the air. Without missing a beat, her spear appeared in her hand, and she pierced through the thick body of the snake, pinning it to the sands.


    /Trial: Sharl: Best if you hurry!

 380 Trial of the Serpent conclusion

    Floyd has activated [Turn Coat]


    Mirax, the Silent Archer, has changed sides for the next minute.


    [Copyright] Floyd has assumed the Identity of Mirax, the Silent Archer.


    Mirax the Silent Archer as activated [Sunburst Arrow]


    Trahti, the Harpy, has been scorched by the power of the sun.


    Trahti, the Harpy, has been scorched by the power of the sun.


    Trahti the Harpy has been slain.


    [Assasinate] Floyd has landed a fatal blow from the darkness.


    Sri''ong has been slain.


    /Trial: Floyd: Watch your defense, the Archers have a one-shot kill.


    Floyd and Mirax burned down the last named mob on their side. The Trickster moved toward the Archer, quickly clamping both arms around him while pinning the bow against Mirax''s chest. The Archer struggled to get loose but didn''t attack since Floyd hadn''t damaged him. Without warning, the Trickster drew his blade and plunged it into the back of the Archer.


    Mirax, the Silent Archer, has been injured. Turn Coat is no longer active.


    Floyd felt his own copyright ability expire, grimly he clung to the Archer with both arms, slashing with his tail-blade until he collapsed into the sand.


    /Trial: Floyd: Hold on. I''m on my way back.


    /Trial: Sharl: Mari''Djinn is already here. Hurry up, and we''ll finish this.


    /Trial: Floyd: You''ve already cleared the other side? The Archer too?


    /Trial: Mari''Djinn: Of course.


    Mari''Djinn has activated [Vampiric Mist]


    Sharl''s health will improve by twenty percent of her remaining health.


    Floyd has struck with [Two-Fangs].


    The Boa King has been damaged by a critical hit.


    The Boat King has been damaged by a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: Leaping Thrust]


    Sharl has followed up Floyd''s attack with a critical strike.


    The Boa King has been damaged by a critical hit.


    [Critical Chain: First Strike]


    Floyd has followed up Sharl''s attack with a critical strike.


    The Boa King has been damaged by a critical hit.


    [Assassinate] Nevram, the Silent Archer, has landed a fatal blow from the darkness.


    Mari''Djinn has been slain.


    /Trial: Floyd: Shit...


    [Shield Wall] Sharl has activated her Inferno Shield.


    [War Armor: Sacrifice ] Sharl''s current health and defense have doubled at the expense of her armor.


    /Trial: Sharl: F*ck! Kill that Archer, Floyd!


    /Trial: Floyd: She said she finished that side!


    [Racial Memory: Desert Blossom]


    Floyd has called forth a Sandstorm.


    Floyd has activated [First Blood] and receives five seconds of damage immunity.


    The Trickster slashed at the hamstrings of the Archer, causing her to collapse to the ground. Without missing a beat, his tail blade stabbed through her shoulder and pinned her to the ground. Both daggers blurred as he sliced at the Archer, her warm blood spraying him. Pinned to the ground, the Archer''s screams were lost on the wind as her life force fed the dry desert sands.


    Nevram, the Silent Archer, has been slain.


    /Trial: Floyd: On my way back. Hold him!


    Sharl slammed her shield into the Boa King''s face, causing it to back up.


    The Boa King has been stunned.


    [Gemini Companion: Copyright] Sharl has assumed the identity of The Boa King.


    The dark eyes of the Boa King widened slightly, its snake-eyes showing surprise when Sharl''s fangs sunk into his the back of his head.


    The Boa King has resisted stun.


    The Boa King has been poisoned.


    When Floyd returned a few seconds later, the two Boa Kings were completely entwined, the slightly smaller King had its jaws clamped over the head of the larger.


    [Gemini Companion: Defender''s Leap] Floyd appeared next to the fighting snakes, both of his daggers stabbing into the larger King''s neck.


    The Boa King has been mortally wounded.


    The Boa King let out a muffled roar and spasmed suddenly, before going completely still.


    The Boa King has been slain.


    Sharl waited for copyright to expire before kicking her way free of the Boa King''s thick black coils. Floyd helped his spirit companion to her feet, where they shared a brief hug.


    /Trials: Sharl: You okay?


    /Trials: Floyd: Yeah. This isn''t my blood.


    Sharl spit the taste of snake blood out of her mouth and handed him a towel from her inventory. "Wipe some of that off; you look kinda scary."


    Floyd put up with the mothering; he knew it was her way of dealing with the sudden end of the battle. "You destroyed that awesome Armor Nix got for you?"


    Sharl looked like she wanted to cry when she nodded. "Hopefully, the set I get from the Eidengal Armorer will be as good."


    "Well... shit." Floyd checked the body of Mari''Djinn. "She was sloppy. Messed up everything I asked her to do."


    Sharl grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the platform. "Sloppy, and arrogant."


    Floyd nodded in agreement, letting himself get pulled along. A glowing sword appeared in front of them; hovering over the stone platform. "Is this how we end the trial?"


    Sharl reached for the hilt of the sword; her hand passed entirely through it. "Damn... I was hoping so. Let''s look for a way out."


    Floyd stared at the sword; it had flickered slightly when Sharl reached for it as if it was dodging her grasp. Tentatively, he reached for the sword; its worn grip felt hot when his hands closed around it.


    [Serpent Bloodline Acknowledged: Serpent Trial of the First has been completed.]


    A soft glow settled around Floyd, his Naga body lengthened and expanded, the smooth scales of his body thickened and turned black while he felt is strength level up.


    [Racial Heritage Unlocked: Naga King]


    "Holy crap..." Sharl stared at her companion, a silver crown hovered over his head for an instant before fading away. She whistled softly at his modified name. "Floyd the First."


    ************


    The small group from Inferno waited in the staging area. Ducky had returned with the news that both Dresa and Yena received the antidote after Shi removed the Black Ice. Both of the injured Titans were recovering from their wounds.


    Nix was standing next to Chiba, while he received pointers on how to use his new dual-wield abilities. "I''m surprised to see you returned with Ducky."


    The ugly old woman smiled slightly. "I must do my best, Nix. Only recently, I realized that the fate of Everspire might hinge on how much knowledge I can impart to you."


    Nix raised an eyebrow slightly. "Well... What do I say to that?"


    Chiba shook her head; her seriousness seemed to disappear instantly. "So... Let''s start this off the right way. Strip down, please."


    Nix peeked over his shoulder, where the Firsts and Seconds were waiting patiently on individual platforms. "No... Do you think they bring those stages everywhere?"


    Chiba pushed an errant strand of stringy gray hair behind one ear. She pointed to the empty platform. "That''s where the Serpent First normally sits?"


    Nix scowled at the mention of the white snake. "Yes... She owes me a Rat-King."


    Chiba nudged him slightly and gestured to a rippling in the air, a moment later Sharl and Floyd stepped out. Her sharp eyes instantly put everything together. "Floyd is the First Serpent..."


    Nix walked toward the pair that stepped onto the Serpent platform. Floyd calmly stood in the center, his long body coiled perfectly while his obsidian scales gleamed in the mid-morning sun.


    Sharl nodded her head towards Tautius. "We''ve completed the Serpent Trial of Firsts. Unfortunately, your candidate did not survive." She gestured toward her spirit companion, who stood silently with his muscular arms folded across his bare chest. "The Trial chose him."


    /Inferno: Nix: Shit... Be ready for anything.

 381 The Naga King

    Tautius studied the Naga for a few moments before speaking. "Welcome, Floyd, the First. The trials have chosen."


    [Whisper: Sori to Nix] May I use Deep Blue for a moment? It won''t take long.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sori] Yes. Ducky has it. Bring us back a healer.


    [Whisper: Sori to Nix] Do not let Floyd greet the Serpent Clan until I return.


    Ducky gave him a questioning look a few moments later; Nix nodded while he listened to the council greet, Floyd.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll have to settle the Serpent Clan, Mari''Djinn was going to do it.


    /Inferno: Chiba: How? We don''t have any contacts.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Do not worry. I will handle this.


    The Naga bowed low to the others on the platforms. "Please excuse me. I must introduce myself to the members of the Serpent Clan."


    Tautius nodded his head. "If you need assistance, the other Firsts will help you."


    Floyd''s face was expressionless while he thanked the council. He stayed in Naga form and joined the other members of Inferno.


    /Inferno: Ducky: You okay, Floyd?


    /Inferno: Floyd: No, I''m being overrun with the memories of my ancestors. I need a few moments.


    /Inferno: Milat: What''s that mean?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Floyd shares the racial memories of every Naga King that has come before him. Before now, only bits and pieces of it were easily accessible.


    Sharl placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. As his spirit companion, she could feel his strength growing. "Focus on the memories; we will handle things until you are ready."


    /Inferno: Chiba: I will do the Lion quest. I haven''t blooded my new gold blade properly.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sori went to get some back-up, you can team up with whatever healer is available.


    [Whisper: Sharl to Nix] Sori went to retrieve the Six.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sharl] The Six?


    [Whisper: Sharl to Nix] The Six best warriors among the Lamia. They have been trained for the sole purpose of protecting him when he claims his heritage.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sharl] There isn''t a Lamia nation, they are all Scorched Earth Acolytes.


    [Whisper: Sharl to Nix] The Serpent Clan will become his nation. This is probably the best outcome for us.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shar] We will give him whatever aid he requires.


    Inferno sat together in the market place; the scorching heat of the desert sun did nothing to prevent customers from looking for deals. In fact, it was just the opposite. Unlike the inhabitants of Phai City, the serpent city seemed to be bustling with energy.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sori] How come you aren''t one of the six?


    [Whisper: Sori to Nix] My responsibilities lie elsewhere.


    Nix slipped on his bracer without commenting further. He noticed that Pinkie was watching him, so he shook his head slightly. "Morti isn''t here, Pink. He is in Haven with his parents. I''ll probably summon him for the next trial, though."


    Pinky greeted him with a wave. "That''s fine; I just thought he'' be here."


    Pinky was one of the Inferno players who focused on the Embassy; months earlier, she formed a group with Sila and Morti. With Morti tanking, the three of them dominated the leaderboard and were pushing steadily toward the 100th floor.


    Nix kept tabs on the pink-haired cleric''s progress. A second group made up of Zhava, Nezbit, and Chael were the number two embassy group. "Do you mind joining up with Chiba for one of the trials? We need a healer."


    Pinky shook her head slightly. "With Chiba? No problem, she''s awesome."


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks to everyone for coming. We are here to back Floyd''s play. Get ready for a fight.


    The two Gemini thieves approached him; Nix could tell that something was bothering them. "What''s up, guys?"


    The frown on Semmi''s face deepened. "Pon is gone. No one has seen him, and he isn''t answering his messages."


    Nix opened his hud and checked the Fire Mage''s status; the old man was anonymous. "He told me he had something to take care of and that he''d be gone a few days."


    You have joined the Alpha Channel.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What? Did you speak to him?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. I''m sure he''s fine. No one''s going to mess with Pon.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Why wouldn''t he tell me?


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m sure he didn''t want you to worry. So... stop worrying.


    /Alpha: Wind: He probably has another woman on the side.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good point. It''s probably a side-woman.


    Semmi stared at her two teammates for a moment, before the beginnings of a smile started to show.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Who else would put up with that guy?


    /Alpha: Wind: No one.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''re a Saint Sem.


    /Alpha: Wind: Looks like a group is approaching Floyd.


    Nix turned to see two people walking toward Floyd. They were flanked by a half-dozen others.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Better get over there boss. We''ll stealth and provide back-up.


    By the time Nix arrived, the group had already left. Floyd was standing with Sharl; the six Lamia acolytes were standing behind him. "What did they want?"


    Floyd held up a small note written on parchment. "Those are the Serpent Clan leaders. The woman is named Thessa, and the male is Umbrik. I''m to present myself to the family heads tonight."


    Nix waited until the group exited through the snake mounds before he replied. "What''s your first impression of them?"


    "Both dickheads," Floyd answered.


    "Floyd..." Sharl sighed and looked like she wanted to smack him.


    "Fine... Sorry, Sharl. What I meant to say is that I don''t trust them."


    [Whisper: Floyd to Nix] I''m not sure how to handle this meeting, Nix. My racial memories seem a bit ruthless.


    [Whisper: Nix to Floyd] Either way, we''ll have your back.


    [Whisper: Floyd to Nix] No recommendations?


    [Whisper: Nix to Floyd] Well... I''m pretty good at diplomacy. If it were me, I''d go in hard and make examples of your enemies. Plenty of time to play nice later.


    [Whisper: Floyd to Nix] That''s what my racial memories are saying. The Clan Leaders gave me a meeting place in the Under-City.


    [Whisper: Nix to Floyd] Let''s get ready then. How long until the meeting?


    [Whisper: Floyd to Nix] It''s at 1600 hours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Feel free to do a bit of shopping; if you have a snake form, the under-market is even more impressive.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Under-market?


    /Inferno: Nix: The mounds with the large holes lead to a second city beneath this one.


    /Inferno: Wind: Really?


    *****************


    1540 hours, Under City.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Where do you want those of us without a snake form?


    /Inferno: Nix: Group up and stealth in the market. Be ready for anything.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nansu analyzed the Terror Poison antidote while Shi was unfreezing the infirmary. She''s confident that she can copy it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Great idea. Let''s hope we don''t need it.


    Sharl, Floyd, Milat, Sori, and Nix were flanked by the six as they made their way to the meeting hall. The streets and bazaar were notably empty when the Inferno Group passed through it.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Seems too quiet.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Whatever you decided, I''ve got your back.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Thanks.


    The meeting hall was a large dome building made from the same brown mud that the snake-mounds were made of. There weren''t any traditional doors, two round holes in the wall marked the exit and entry point. Nix morphed into his basilisk form and entered first. He slithered away from the entrance and quickly changed back.


    Floyd''s black snake was the next one through, he changed into his Naga form and waited with Nix. The circular room was packed with nearly a hundred people. Bench seating was set up in rows. At the from of the area was a raised platform. A man and woman from the Serpent Clan watched them along with everyone else in the room.


    Nix could feel the hostility in the building. The occasional whisper of ''outsiders'' and ''foreigners'' could be heard.


    Floyd took the lead and moved calmly toward the Clan Leaders. His dark eyes studied the audience while they watched him.


    Floyd has activated [Racial Heritage: Serpent Supression]


    Instantly the atmosphere in the hall changed from hostility to fear. The emotionless faces of the Clan Leaders paled with shock. Whatever they planned to say disappeared when Floyd moved onto the platform.


    "Outsider?" Floyd''s voice seemed shockingly loud. "Take a good look at me. I am the First."


    Nix watched the audience; the Clan leader seemed like she wanted to return to the platform. The large male with her whispered in her ear.


    Floyd moved as close to the audience as the platform would allow. "All serpents are descended from the Naga."


    "Ridiculous!" Thessa, the Clan Leader, finally found her voice. "Do you think you are a King?"


    Floyd nodded. "Without a doubt, I am a Naga King."


    Nix bit his lip to hide his reaction.


    /Alpha: Nix: Get ready out there. Shits about to get real.


    /Alpha: Wind: How''s our boy doing?


    /Alpha: Nix: Coming in like a f*cking boss.


    "First, let''s advance slower." Thessa moved beside him, one of the six shadowed her movement. "We have the same agenda; we wish the Serpent Clan to prosper."


    Floyd considered her words for a moment before answering. "Was it you who hired the assassins to kill the Titan Clan leaders?"


    "That was unfortunate. I am investigating..."


    "Enough." Floyd interrupted her. "Those responsible for the attack on the Titan Clan Leader''s family will be punished. We will stay united with the rest of the Titan Clans under Scarlet and Mortimus."


    "Why?" A low voice spoke from the back of the room. A large man, dressed in black and surrounded by armored men stood up. "Why should we continue to answer to the bear clan?"


    Floyd''s dark eyes focused on the speaker. "Why? War has come to Everspire. Khione sits in the north and waits. How will you fare when she covers this desert in a blanket of ice?"


    "She won''t do that if we ally ourselves with her now. We should step away from the other Titan Clans and join her."


    The air around Floyd seemed to darken. The darkness swirled around him before slowly rising upward. The entire room watched as a black seal formed over the Naga.


    [Racial Heritage: Enemy Divination]


    The black seal over Floyd''s head exploded outward in a burst of power. An instant later, black marks formed over the heads of several different people, including the man who was speaking.


    Redzik has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Hana has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Jopi has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Ylando has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Festir has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Semerat has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Merktaw has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Ulynn has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Tyce has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Malibut has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Rethryk has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Thrakis has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Omitzo has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    Umbrik has been marked as an enemy of the Serpent Clan.


    /Serpent Clan: Floyd the First: All enemies of the Serpent Clan have been marked. Slay them without mercy.


    Nix morphed into his basilisk form and shot into the crowd. He ignored the panicking clan members and went directly after the culprit.


    Floyd moved to follow but was stopped when Umbrik, the Clan Warleader, thrust a spear at him. Unexpectedly Thessa jumped in front of Floyd and defended the attack.


    "What are you doing, Umbrik?" Thessa''s own spear was held out in front of her.


    Umbrik''s face darkened with anger, his eyes staring at the black mark that hovered over his own head. "Step away from him."


    "Betrayer!" Thessa''s voice dripped with hatred. "I will defend the First!"


    Instantly the room erupted in chaos.


    Nix arrived in front of the man dressed in black; two men instantly stepped forward with shields raised.


    Nix has used [Tailwhip] to sweep his enemies aside.


    Thrakis leaped to one side. "Fools, everyone change forms now!"


    Thrakis has activated his bloodline [Hydra].


    Three serpent heads swayed in the air. "Welcome to the last day of your existence." The words echoed and hissed as all three spoke at once.


    Nix struck forward suddenly, his dark head a blur. [Petrify] The center head of the Hydra turned to solid stone and fell onto the floor with a solid thud.


    "Insolence!" Both hydra heads attacked at the same time. Thrakis has cast [Acid Blast] [Toxic Burst]


    Nix retreated before the fanged heads. [Basilisk Armor]. The solid scale flaps that lay flat against the Basilisk''s head extended and shielded his face causing both attacks to bounce off harmlessly.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Fighting has erupted out here, Nix!


    /Inferno: Sharl: Our enemy has black marks over their heads.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Well... That makes it easy.


    Moving forward over the broken pews, Nix advanced while Thrakis retreated.


    /Inferno: Sori: You need help with him, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nope. This form is bad-ass.


    Thrakis as activated [Volcanic Field]


    Nix ignored the burning puddle, slithering through it like it was water. [Viper Strike] The jaws of the Basilisk clamped down on the left head of the Hydra, his long fangs punching through the head while injecting poison.


    Thrakis has used [Great Escape].


    The Hydra morphed into human form before dropping an object on the ground; a moment later, it exploded, sending bodies flying into the air.


    Nix has been stunned.


    The Basilisk raised its head a few seconds later, its heavily scaled body unharmed. "Shit..."


    /Inferno: Nix: One of the ringleaders escaped. Be on the lookout.


    ****************


    Thrakis exited the under-city close to the city wall. The large man cursed as he made his way toward the south gate.


    "Hello, beautiful."


    Thrakis paused as an old man stepped forward to block his path. The old man carried a gold sword in one hand and a nearly empty bottle in the other. "Step aside, old man."


    The gray-haired figured scowled at him and finished off the bottle before tossing it to one side. "I''m a beautiful woman, asshat."


    Thrakis drew his sword. "I don''t have time for craziness." He struck suddenly, his blade thrusting toward the flat chest. He stumbled slightly when his target disappeared.


    "That wasn''t too bad." Chiba flowed in front of him, her blade flashing twice before she retreated. The man''s sword, along with both hands, dropped onto the paved road an instant later.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Found your missing ringleader.


    /Inferno: Nix: Really? You''re the best Chiba.


    The old woman''s face reddened slightly before she frowned at the screaming man who had dropped to his knees. "Would you keep it down? My lovely apprentice is complimenting me."

 382 Ayla

    Thessa, the Leader of the Serpent Clan, pushed a plate in front of him. "You must keep your strength up, First."


    After being nudged by Sharl under the table, Floyd smiled and thanked the woman. "You''re right, of course. Thank you, Thessa."


    Thessa nodded and opened up her hud. "I can''t believe so many were involved in this plot."


    Nix studied her while she spoke with the Gemini Trickster. She seemed young for a Clan Leader but also very smart. With the removal of the bad apples, the Serpent Clan should thrive again.


    Thessa shook her head slowly. "What will the First do now?"


    Floyd glanced at Sharl, who seemed to be deliberately avoiding eye contact. "I will stay here for a while to help rebuild the Serpent Clan. Tautius said that the clan would flourish because of my existence. It''s even likely that new abilities will start to manifest in the clan''s children. After that, I will rejoin Inferno and my spirit companion."


    /Alpha: Wind: I don''t get the First thing.


    /Alpha: Nix: Think of it as the Clan Spirit; without it, the clan withers and dies. That''s what happened to the human totem clans.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You know a lot about the totem clans boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: True. This was important, though. Bo''raz has already joined Khione, if the Serpent Clan were to join her too...


    /Alpha: Semmi: Do you think Khione is actively recruiting? Maybe even spying?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes.


    Sharl smiled at her spirit companion''s words. "That''s a great plan, Floyd.


    Nix reached for the drink in front of him only to bump hands with Thessa. "Hmm?"


    Thessa pointed to the drink on the other side of him. "That one is yours, Nix."


    Nix grabbed his own mug and slid it closer. "Of course. Sorry about that."


    Thessa smiled pleasantly. "So, you do speak."


    Nix nodded in agreement. He deliberately let Floyd do the interacting with the Serpent Clan Leader. "I do."


    "Your basilisk form is amazing, by the way." Thessa stole a glance at Milat, who was sitting at the bar with Sori. "From what I hear, Inferno also has a Sand Snake that is particularly effective."


    Nix saw the bodies throughout the under-city, most of them were put there by Milat''s snake form. The miniature sand snake puppet they had taken from Eidengal was terrifying. Did that mean the other two were equally impressive? "Does the Assassin Guild have a presence, Seryndefi?"


    "I wish I knew." Thessa frowned at the mention of the Assassin''s Guild; over the past few months, there had been many rumors.


    *******************


    /Inferno: Semmi: What''s our priority?


    /Inferno: Nix: I guess it would be the Wolf Trial? Since they collapsed most recently.


    /Inferno: Milat: Sori, and I will do that one in the morning.


    /Inferno: Nix: The restoration trials will have to wait. No idea how to proceed with those.


    /Inferno: Semmi: So do the trials first? How come there wasn''t a reward for Sharl and Floyd?


    /Inferno: Nix: The trial quests are all turned in at the same time. Guess that means we have to do them all first.


    /Inferno: Semmi: How come there isn''t a trial for the Falcon Clan?


    /Inferno: Nix: Because the council hasn''t found one they could appoint as Second.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You''re doing the Scorpion Trial with Ducky?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Inferno will knock out the remaining three trials and get out of this desert.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] And then you''ll go find the old bastard?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Correct. Then I''ll find the old bastard.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s get some rest. Long day tomorrow.


    *****************


    The old man kicked the smoldering embers; his brown custom-made boots bore a strong resemblance to cowboy boots, courtesy of Inferno''s cobbler. "How far are we behind them?"


    The Su''Dhassi tracker considered the question while he studied the old mage. The fire mage''s shock of white hair overlooked a weathered worn face that was creased with age. "Only a few hours, the tracks indicate they are moving west."


    "West?" Pon mounted his horse and pulled his hood over his head. "Let''s go then."


    Harek considered his words carefully. He had discovered very quickly that the old man wasn''t to be trifled with, two thieves who looked to steal his horse discovered that the hard way. "We''ll lose the light in another hour. They''re heading to Beco; we should camp for the night."


    "No. Mount up. If they are in Beco, then I can catch up to them."


    Harek nodded and grabbed a heavier cloak from his saddlebags. "Might want to grab something warmer, the desert is cold at night.


    Six hours later, the tracker spotted the lights of Beco in the distance. "I''ll bring you to the slave pens in the morning. Those marauders would have brought the women there, unless..."


    Pon shook his head and tossed him a leather pouch. "We''re settled up. If you''re smart, you''ll stay out of Beco."


    Harek caught the pouch but didn''t bother to check it. "They have wards in place that prevent using portals or gates within the town."


    Pon nodded his thanks. "Good to know."


    A few minutes later, the gate guard felt a sudden increase in temperature, an odd thing in the cool desert evening. A quick scan of the area showed nothing out of the ordinary, and so he resumed his watch.


    The Beco slave pens was a group of barred cages set into several large squares. The males and females were separated. Each cell was exactly the same, 6 feet wide and 10 feet long, with eight slaves to each pen. Although the top of the pens was covered, the desert wind cut through the barred sides, causing the occupants to huddle together.


    The old man walked between the two slavers that stood guard at the entrance; neither one took notice of the camouflaged mage. Pon walked through the pens where the men were kept and, within a few minutes, discovered a second guarded entrance that led to the female area.


    "I might bid on one or two of them water women myself!" The high-pitched voice carried in the quiet evening. He was a thin Su-Dhassi man whose long black hair was tied into a single braid.


    "They''d be wasted on you if you could even afford them, which you can''t." A larger man with a shaved head raked in the credits that lay on the table. "Pity, the boss, wouldn''t let us sample th..." His words trailed off as he spotted a cloaked figure that appeared out of thin air.


    Pon has cast [Fire-Nado].


    All four guards were jerked into the air, their bodies spinning in place while flames licked at them. Pon ignored the screaming men and waited, a moment later, the two slavers guarding the entrance charged in.


    A staff appeared in the old man''s hand. [Balefire: Advanced]


    Fregi, the Slaver has been slain.


    The second Slaver froze in place, the sword in his hand suddenly seemed like a bad joke. If he''d been a faster runner than Fregi... He dropped the sword and held his hands outward. "What do you want?"


    "Listen closely, boy. A handful of Aquarion women were brought here; I heard the other slavers call them water women." Pon walked toward the guard; his staff pointed at the man''s chest.


    "Yes! Earlier today, they are in the eastern corner. I can take you th..."


    [Incinerate]


    Shalo, the Slaver has been slain.


    "I can find it." Pon walked around the ash cloud and headed east.


    He found them a few minutes later, four Aquarion women together in a cage. Because of their impressive strength, the captives were also in shackles. "Move away from the door."


    An instant later, the latch mechanism melted like water, and the door was flung open. The old man grabbed the shackles of the nearest.


    "Who are you?" Baryn gritted her teeth when the shackles on her hands turned hot against her skin but suffered through it until they fell apart and dropped to the sand.


    "Pon?" The smallest of the women was leaning against the corner of the cage. Her face was beaten beyond recognition.


    The old mage nodded and started working on her shackles. "What happened, Panyu?"


    The Aquarion moaned softly while her shackled were melted away. Her lips and throat were swollen to the point that her words were nearly eligible.


    "Careful with her," Baryn whispered from the doorway. "They broke both her arms because she wouldn''t stop fighting them."


    Panyu sobbed quietly. "Pon... They took Ayla; they took her from me."


    "That''s her name? Ayla?" Pon picked her up gently and handed her to Baryn. "Keep watch while I free the rest. The guards will be coming."

 383 Trials of Inferno part one

    Morti''s long tongue lolled in the river. "I only said I wouldn''t splash you." One big paw slammed into the water, sending a wave over the top of the white bear that floated nearby.


    "Morti!" Snow Lily submerged herself and then bounced up with both paws extended.


    Fey has cast [Flashfire]


    The wave of water that hung in the air instantly evaporated into steam. Morti went back on the attack.


    "Stop!" Fey''s voice caused both bears to freeze in place. "Take me back to the shore, Morti; I want no part of your silly courtship."


    "Okay." Morti waddled back to the bank, where his mother and father watched. He kept a cautious eye on Lily, who seemed to have a knack for splashing. ''What''s courtship?"


    Fey slid off his back and walked towards her favorite sunning rock. "It''s what you do before getting married."


    Mortimus''s deep laugh showed that he was listening. "He''s much too young."


    Morti nodded in agreement. "I can''t do that anyway."


    Scarlett smiled and leaned against her husband. Morti always said whatever was on his mind. "You can''t?"


    "Nope." Morti flopped down on the water, sending waves bouncing up the bank. "I''m gonna marry Pinky first; maybe I''ll courtship someone after that."


    Mortimus jumped when his wife suddenly pinched his side.


    *Cough*


    "I see." The Titan War Leader avoided his wife''s eyes. "Who is Pinky?"


    "She''s my favorite person. After Nix and Ducky." Morti went on to list the qualities of the young Inferno cleric; it was a long list.


    "Nix is my favorite person too." Fey chimed in from her sunning rocking. "Ducky is a close second."


    Scarlet sighed and decided to let it go. "Do you think Nix will summon you today?"


    Fey shook her head. "No."


    Morti huffed his nose from the shallow part of the river, sending water spraying into the air. "Yep. Definitely gonna swat things today."


    *****************


    0830, Scorpian Trials


    Nix checked his hud, still no activity from Pon. "Ready?"


    Jun Li nodded. They had decided to let Juni accompany Nix and Lucid in the Scorpion trial. Nix would summon Ducky and Morti after they entered. "Let me finish."


    Nix smiled and watched as Jun Li tied her dark hair up in a ponytail. "Sure... just finish your hair, the rest of us will just wait."


    Jun Li made a face at him. "Last is best."


    "No argument from me." Nix had to make a few last-minute adjustments to Pinky''s armor. Both the wolf and the lion trials were already underway.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Good luck, Junie. Try and bring the boss back in one piece.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Will do.


    Nix nodded while trying not to stare. The sand-colored scorpion was the length of a compact car. Its carapace was heavily armored. "What class are you?"


    "Healer class." The scorpion raised its pincered claws and snapped them shut a few times. "I can mix it up if I need to."


    Nix shared a look with Jun Li. "How did you end up being chosen as second?"


    "I''m the last of my kind."


    "Damn... So no spare then?" Nix smiled pleasantly. "Good thing you''re a cleric."


    Lucid''s features were impossible to read. "Why is that?"


    Jun Li finished and gave Nix the thumbs up. "He''s bringing in the big guns."


    Lucid followed the pair toward the staging area. "Does that mean I''m going to survive this?"


    Nix nodded, "Yep."


    "Without a doubt." Jun Li replied.


    Jun Li stepped into the instance first and waited for the group. There were no paths or geographical features of any kind. Just a single elevated platform set in the middle of a vast expanse of sand. "Nice."


    Nix and Lucid followed a few seconds later.


    /Trials: Nix: Looks like waves?


    /Trials: Jun Li: That''s my guess. Stay off the platform until we are ready.


    /Trials: Lucid: Waves is good, right?


    /Trials: Jun Li: With this group, waves are perfect.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Morti and Ducky appeared simultaneously.


    The Titan cub pushed his big head into Nix''s chest. "I''m ready to go, Nix! Forgot my helmet, though."


    Nix made a face at the cub and pushed his damp head away. "Don''t do that when you''re wet. We''ll be fighting off waves today. Your number one priority is to keep our scorpion friend alive."


    Morti turned his head slightly to look at Lucid. "No problem. I''ll protect him."


    "Her," Lucid corrected.


    /Trials: Lucid: He looks like Tautius.


    Nix had the feeling that the scorpion was smiling. It was the typical reaction that all clerics have when seeing an apex tank.


    Lucid targeted the Titan cub. "Incoming buffs."


    Lucid has cast [Amored Carapace].


    Mortimer''s armor rating has been increased by twenty percent.


    Lucid has cast [Sands of Time].


    All damage to Mortimer results in the opponent being slowed by 30 percent for 30 seconds.


    Lucid has cast [Desert Fire].


    Mortimer''s fur has absorbed the heat of the desert. Fire damage will be reflected back towards all attackers.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Those are some nice buffs.


    /Inferno: Nix: Might have to steal this cleric.


    /Trials: Ducky: Hi everyone.


    /Trials: Jun Li: Waves of fighters today Ducky, it will be up to you and Nix to limit the numbers coming at us.


    /Trials: Ducky: Do we know how many waves?


    /Trials: Nix: When they throw some sort of big boss at us, that''s probably the last one.


    /Trials: Jun Li: Let''s move onto the platform together. Keep your head on a swivel; they could come from any side.


    *************


    Pon has cast [Sunfire].


    The solid wood wall that surrounded the eastern section of the slave pens exploded outward. The old fire mage stepped through the opening before signing to the group. "Follow me and stay close."


    Dozens of fighters swarmed on both sides of the opening, the sheer amount of flames made midnight seem more like noon.


    [Fields of Fire][Molten Lake][Inferno]


    Pon has successfully attempted a triple combination.


    The old man ran down the only path that wasn''t in flames. Casting three AoEs at once sucked through his mana.


    [Summons: Fire Imp]


    [Summons: Sun Devil]


    Two nearly identical flame spirits appeared in front of the group.


    "Time for you two shitheads to earn your keep." Pon gestured toward the open area. "Burn anyone carrying a weapon. For reference, a bucket of water is not a weapon."


    The fire imp scowled at the old man. "I curse your existence, Pon the Miserly."


    "You never pay us anything you cheap bastard," the second fire creature dodged too slowly and was knocked backward by a boot slamming into his backside.


    "Shut yer pie-holes and get moving." Pon wiped the sweat out of his eyes and turned back toward the Aquarion. "We''re leaving this city."


    Pon led the group through the back alleys, steadily moving toward the front gate. His terrifying flame-duo apparently decided that starting everything on fire would be a good distraction.


    "Won''t innocents be caught up in this?" Baryn still carried Panyu; the Aquarion woman had no issues keeping up despite her extra burden.


    "Innocent of what? Slavery is illegal in Oasis." Pon paused for a moment and handed Baryn his canteen. "They reap the benefits of doing business in a slave town. I say f*ck-em."


    The small group spent the next ten minutes trying to avoid everyone. The swarming slavers had been replaced with townsmen who were intent on putting out the fires. Pon ignored them unless then tried to slow him down.


    "In here." Pon led the way into the stables and started saddling horses. He spotted a stableboy hiding in the corner. "I''m taking these horses, boy. Tell your Master to send the bill to Nix at the Parliamentary Office of Inferno. Got it?"


    The boy nodded. "Nix at Parliament."


    They left town a few minutes later and headed east. Baryn carried Panyu in front of her. "Thank you, Pon."


    Pon spared a glance at the Aquarion. "I''ll take her now if you''re tired."


    Baryn shook her head. "This is my fault. I let my guard down."


    "That''s not important. How''s it your fault? You didn''t plan on being attacked." Pon pulled his horse up and checked his portal ring; it still wasn''t active. "Once I can port out, I''ll bring all of you to Loki. Then I''ll come back for Ayla."


    "They took her Pon. Before we got to this city." Baryn''s quiet voice was could barely be heard over the sound of the horses running.


    "Shit." Pon gritted his teeth in frustration. Ishna had contacted him and told him that a group of her people disappeared. "I need names and places."


    "Panyu was the only one who saw him. They beat her and left her for dead. She followed us and caught up the next night, that''s when they broke her arms." Baryn stroked the Aquarion woman''s head.


    "Why did they leave her alive?"


    Baryn shrugged. "They tossed her in the back of the wagon with the rest of us. I am sure they thought she was dead."


    Pon pulled up a few minutes later and helped Baryn dismount. "I need a moment with her."


    Baryn nodded and then led the others a few feet away.


    Pon wet a clothe with his canteen and wiped her face gently. "I''ll find Ayla, but I''m going to need a bit of information."


    Panyu stared at him from swollen eyes, fist and club marks were clearly visible. "Seibel... The man who took her was named Seibel. He wasn''t a Su''Dhassi like the others."


    "No? Was he human, like me?"


    "No, he was a Fir''Dhassi." Panyu gripped his hand. "Bring her back."


    Pon nodded. "I will. The Fir''Dhassi won''t want to mess with Nix. I''ll send him a message."

 384 Trials of Inferno conclusion

    /Trials: Jun Li: Incoming Northside.


    Five scorpion hybrids charged forward. Their lower half resembled a large, black scorpion, but the top was a human torso complete with arms and head.


    Nix has initiated [Daisy Chain].


    Lightning flashed and all five mobs froze in place.


    /Trials: Nix: Grabbing one.


    A half dozen strands encircled the nearest hybrid, Nix yanked backward and the scorpion landed on the platform in front of them.


    Morti''s big paw swatted the human head, resulting in the creature being spun around.


    A scorpion hybrid has been stunned.


    Ducky has established [Perfect Domain].


    /Inferno: Ducky: For the next ten minutes, I''ll bring them up one at a time.


    Jun Li circled behind the hybrid and attacked its armored carapace.


    Jun Li has attacked with [Gladiator''s Thorn]


    Jun Li has landed a significant strike.


    [Dual Chain: Slashing Blades: Nix].


    Nix has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual Chain: First Strike: Jun Li]


    Jun Li has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    Morti reared back on his hind legs and slammed both paws down on the target, the carapace cracked open with a noise that sounded like a gunshot.


    A Scorpion hybrid has been mortally wounded.


    A Scorpion hybrid has been slain.


    Ducky beckoned the next one with her finger, obediently it hopped on the stage.


    The trials group burned through the first wave and then the next one. On the third wave, the first-named opponent spawned, along with a dozen trash mobs.


    /Trials: Ducky: Leave the named for me.


    /Trials: Nix: Got it.


    After getting their feet wet with the first few waves, the group decided to push things along. Nix wrapped up two mobs in emerald strands and slammed them onto the platform next to Morti.


    [Ducky has charmed Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper].


    [Titan''s Challenge] All opponents must attack Mortimer for the next sixty seconds.


    The Titan cub sat on his large behind and started swatting everything that approached, Nix used his strands to pull mobs towards Jun Li where they would finish them off before Morti had a chance to launch them off the platform.


    /Trials: Nix: Let Morti take the load for a while, he''s getting bored fighting singles.


    "Take a paw!" Every swipe Morti took resulted in the target being tossed in the air like a ragdoll. The Titan cub gave a running commentary as he swatted non-stop through the next two waves. "Here''s one for you... Ooo. Left paw..."


    /Trials: Lucid: This is crazy, I haven''t had to heal him once.


    /Trials: Nix: Morti''s tanked dragons, handfuls of garbage mobs are like dried leaves to him.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We should recruit Lucid. With that carapace armor, she''s more like a paladin than a cleric.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m not against it. We can chat with her after.


    Morti was still sitting on his behind. After several minutes of multiple groups, he was panting a bit. "We done? Where''s the big boss?"


    Lucid was maintaining her place directly behind the Titan cub. "Not quite yet. Thank you for your hard work."


    Morti turned his big head toward the scorpion. "I like your pincers."


    "Thank you, Morti." Lucid''s voice was filled with humor.


    [Ducky''s charm has been removed]


    Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper has been augmented


    Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper has activated [One-Shot]


    Morti moved between Ripsaw and the Sniper, the shot impacted the thick hide of the Titan, taking away a chunk of his health.


    Jun Li looked around the area. "What''s going on?"


    Ducky''s blue eyes were scanning the skies. "There!"


    Nix has activated [Dragoneyes].


    A blueish humanoid creature with long elegant wings glided in circles overhead. Nix swore under his breath, they didn''t possess any real ranged damage. "What is that Ducky?''


    The Water Witch shook her head. "It''s a water creature, almost looks like a Nereid, but they don''t have wings and are usually female."


    /Trials: Nix: Kill the sniper, then we''ll worry about the Nereid.


    A dozen strands of emerald flames pierced the sniper''s chest.


    Seyath the Nerrialle has cast [Wings of Woe]


    Jun Li has resisted Woe.


    Nix has resisted Woe.


    Morti is immune to control effects.


    Lucid is immune to control effects.


    [First Strike] Jun Li had landed a critical strike on Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper.


    [Critical Chain: Execution] Nix has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual Chain: Double Strike] Jun Li has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    [True Shot] Ducky has landed a critical strike on Seyath the Nerrialle.


    Nix used his blade to sweep the back of the sniper''s legs, as soon as he went down Morti reared back and slammed him with both paws.


    Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper has been crippled.


    [Finishing Blow] Jun Li has landed a significant strike on Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper.


    Ripsaw the Scorman Sniper has been slain.


    Nix frowned at the flier circling overhead. Ducky had her silver bow out and was plinking away. Mostly she missed, but every once in a while, she would hit her target.


    /Trials: Jun Li: Damn. Can we even kill that thing?


    /Trials: Nix: I''ll bring it down.


    /Trials: Jun Li: How? Your strands won''t reach that high.


    Nix has activated an innate ability. [Phoenix: Totem Enhanced]


    The screeching cry of a predator filled the air, as the air around the group superheated to an uncomfortable level.


    The red-orange bird flapped its wings, slowly gaining altitude while the sky around it burned. The effect on the Nerrialle was instant, the water creature went into full retreat.


    Nix has activated [Flaming Arrows]


    Nix has landed a critical hit on Seyath the Nerrialle.


    Nix has landed a critical hit on Seyath the Nerrialle.


    Nix has landed a critical hit on Seyath the Nerrialle.


    The Phoenix banked and came around for another attack, it was obviously much faster than the larger water creature.


    Jun Li watched the rain of fire that seemed to instantly encompass the Nerrialle. She almost felt pity for the water creature who was doing everything it could to escape.


    Nix has cast. [Rend]


    Seyath the Nerrialle''s wings have been damaged, his flying speed has been slowed by forty percent


    /Trials: Ducky: Can you stop attacking for a moment Nix?


    /Trials: Nix: Huh?


    /Trials: Ducky: He wants to give up.


    Jun Li shook her head slightly. "Give up? We''re in a trial."


    /Trials: Lucid: As long as we can finish the trial, I am okay with it.


    The Phoenix landed a few meters away from the group. Nix understood that the heat from the Phoenix was uncomfortably hot. "Sorry, I don''t have perfect control over these flames yet."


    A few moments later the Nerrialle landed, his beautiful blue feathers were scorched in several places. He bore a notable resemblance to the Arch Wings.


    Morti put himself between the Nerrialle and Lucid while both Jun Li and Ducky closed in.


    /Trials: Nix: Our first priority is Lucid finishing.


    Seyath the Nerrialle has offered you a [Spirit Bond]


    Nix shook his head. "No. I cannot accept." Instead, he pointed to Jun Li and motioned for her to come forward.


    /Trials: Nix: Want another spirit companion Junie? It looks like he''s the CC type, I think it has two elements; Water and Air.


    /Trials: Jun Li: A CC companion would be nice.


    Seyath the Nerrialle has offered Jun Li a [Spirit Bond].


    A thing glowing web appeared between Seyath and Jun Li, it brightened for a moment and then faded completely away.


    [Scorpion Trial of the First has been completed]


    The air around Lucid grew heavy as her carapace darkened substantially and her size increased by nearly a third.


    ****************


    /Inferno: Semmi: You guys win?


    /Inferno: Ducky: Yes.


    /Inferno: Chiba: I expected nothing less from a group that Nix is in.


    /Inferno: Wind: What''s that blue feathered thing following you?


    /Inferno: Ducky: That''s Seyath. He likes being called Seya. He was the boss in the last wave.


    /Inferno: Semmi: And instead of killing him, you thought you''d bring him back?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Pretty much.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Both the wolf and the lion trials are already completed. Tautius has asked that we join him when the last trial is complete.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] We should be cautious about bringing Seyath to Haven until we understand him more.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] I agree. Doesn''t it seem like our trial was too easy? One boss in the last wave? Not even a very strong one.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Don''t complain about things being easy...


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Right.

 385 Back to Inui

    "Welcome new Firsts and Trial participants." Tautius''s deep voice rumbled through the small chamber.


    The large turtle that until now had remained silent, finally spoke. "I am Horatio, First among the Turtle Titans. Wraina, please step forward, and state your intent to become First."


    Wraina was a large black dire wolf. She was roughly the same size as one of Nix''s emperor puppets. The wolf bowed slightly. "I will become First."


    Horatio glanced at Tautius who nodded in agreement. "You must unite the Dire Wolf Clans. Nix will need your strength when he confronts Khione."


    The Black Dire Wolf moved to the empty platform and took her place. "When Inferno calls, we will answer."


    The Turtle Titan was nearly the same size as Tautius, his dark shell was covered in large scars. "Floyd, please step forward, and state your intent to become First."


    Floyd had come in human form, he stepped forward and bowed slightly. "I will become First."


    Horatio''s black eyes studied the Lamia."You have done well so far. Already the Serpent Clan is recovering from months of discord and deceit."


    Tautius stood up and approached the group. "Those who participated in the Trials of the Serpent and the Wolf may take their leave. There is a black chest for each of you, take it with our thanks."


    Horatio waited until they left before continuing. "Three Titan Clans have disappeared from Everspire. If you are to stand against Khione, you will need to restore them to their previous strength."


    /Inferno: Nix: I hate it when quests come with crappy directions.


    Inferno: Jun Li: No kidding.


    "How do we do that?" Nix kept his tone respectful, without a doubt he would need their strength in the days to come.


    Tautius extended his black nose towards Mortimer, his thoughts obviously not on topic. "Who are you, little cub?"


    Morti didn''t seem bothered by the attention of a bear twice his size. "I''m Mortimer, the cub of Mortimus and Scarlet."


    "Mortimer? You are very strong." Tautius turned toward Nix, "You gave him this coat?"


    Nix nodded. "I did."


    Tautius huffed his black nose, he could smell the different scents in Mortimer''s black coat. "I would like to instruct this cub for a few days. He is close to leveling up."


    Morti nodded his big head. "Almost to level 3."


    Horatio seemed surprised by the offer but didn''t comment. "Restoring the Lion and Scorpion Clans will first require the clans to accept Gai and Lucid as their totems. From there, I''m not exactly sure. It''s something that has never been attempted."


    "The Totem creatures must step away or be slain," Horatio spoke as if it was as easy as weeding a garden.


    "And the Falcon Clan?" Nix asked.


    Tautius found Nix''s comment amusing, his deep laughter reverberated from a few feet away. "As you saw in the Serpent Trials where a Naga replaced Mari''Djinn, there is some latitude."


    [Whisper: Horatio to Nix] You are already the Totem for one of the Clans. Unless you can find a suitable Avian replacement, you will have to step up.


    [Whisper: Nix to Horatio] Or take on Khione without a flying clan.


    [Whisper: Horatio to Nix] That is an option also.


    [Whisper: Nix to Horatio] It''s the most likely outcome, I like being a salamander.


    Horatio bowed respectfully to the group. "Thank you for your efforts. Lucid, in your trial, you chose to show mercy rather than slay."


    Lucid snapped her pincers together, as Nix was starting to learn, it was one of her nervous habits. "Yes. I am a healer. Since he surrendered, there was no need for slaying."


    "Well said." Horatio nodded in agreement. "Please collect your chests on the way out."


    [Lucid has earned the Title: Lucid the Merciful]


    *************


    Lucid has joined Inferno.


    /Inferno: Nix: This is a probationary membership, I won''t open up access to Haven until we''ve dealt with Khione.


    /Inferno: Lucid: Okay.


    /Inferno: Sharl: You guys open your chests yet?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No, we just left the council. Good stuff?


    /Inferno: Sharl: It seems like the rewards were chosen specifically for us.


    Nix watched as Jun Li opened the black chest. Immediately she clapped her hands together excitedly. He didn''t notice because two messages popped up on his screen. His expression grew more serious as he read the first letter. "Bastards want to f*ck with us?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Want to take a trip, Chiba?


    /Inferno: Chiba: Of course.


    Nix read the second note, it was from the Qi family.


    Nix,


    The House of Tempest wishes to ally themselves officially with the Inferno Guild. Please visit us at your convenience.


    House Speaker,


    Sasi Qi.


    ps. It would be nice if you brought me a few Nether rats.


    "You okay Nix?" Jun Li walked beside him as they made their way back to the Inn. They were going to have a quick meeting and then head back to Ionova.


    Nix smiled at the Gemini champion. "What did you get?"


    Jun Li linked her reward. "Check it out."


    Ring of Wonder: Spatial Magic Artifact


    Jun Li Only


    Description: Save up to six random locations


    and activate a portal to them whenever you want. You


    may delete and resave locations. You may be accompanied


    by five people.


    Nix whistled. "That''s pretty nice. Put all your favorite places on there.


    Jun Li nodded, her face split in a wide grin. "Spot number one is going to be our fishing hole. What did you get?"


    Nix opened his box and took out a turtle-shaped statue, slightly larger than his hand. "Damn... Really?"


    Turtle House Upgrade: Artifact.


    Description: This updates your current Turtle house to something with a bit more space. It also


    features increased security and hidden features.


    Jun Li patted his back in sympathy. "It''s fine, right? That place is way too small the four of you."


    Nix sighed heavily. "I guess so."


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Shank has brought me to a hidden assassin camp in the Great Desert. What''s my priority?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] I don''t care if the assassin''s guild exists, there''s probably a need for that kind of thing. However, I want to know if they are allied with Khione.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I may have to join them to get more information.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] You''re already an assassin, so you should fit in nicely.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I''ll update you in a few days.


    **************


    1600 hours, Turtle House in Ionova.


    Chiba sat next to Nix in his kitchen, her old face frowning. "That''s shitty."


    "I agree." Nix brought up his hud and zoomed in on Fir''Dhassi. "We have to leave now. We''ll head to Parliament and ask questions. Someone has to know this Seibel person."


    "You have a lot of favors you could call in Nix. Tura Rain or Umi Strom, both of them owe you their lives."


    "I''ll start with Umi." A light rapping on his front door caused Nix to turn around. "Come in guys."


    "You invited the Qi family?" Chiba knew that the Qi family and Nix were close friends.


    "Yes." Nix stood and greeted his visitors. "I hope you are ready to go."


    Sasi and Rabi raced across the room, skidding on the floor in front of Nix.


    Rabi clapped his dark hands together. "I win!"


    Sasi hissed at him. "Cheat!"


    Rabi shrugged. "Cheating is part of the rules."


    Sasi''s dark eyes turned to Nix. "We are ready."


    A few minutes later the left the house, Nix closed the back door and then pointed the artifact at his home.


    [Do you wish to upgrade this house? Upgrade time will be six hours.]


    "Yes."


    Rabi flashed Nix a smile. "Turtle house getting bigger?"


    Nix nodded. "Join hands please."


    Sasi grabbed Chiba''s free hand before latching onto her brother. "Sasi wants her own room."


    "No." Nix activated Deep Blue and chose Haven. "Giving the two of you temporary access to Haven. From there we''ll go to Parliament."


    Sasi elbowed her brother. "That means no taking stuff."


    *************

 386 Back to Parliamen

    Author''s Notes: Quick info on some old characters that are popping up in this arc.


    Tura Raine Xai: The leader of the strongest Fir''Dhassi Clan. Nix saved her life when she was abducted by rival factions within her Clan.


    Tura Delyn Xai: Master to Raine, he taught the Wrath course at the Loki Academy.


    Tura Umi Strom: Daughter of the Strom Clan Leader. Inferno protected her when an Archon Zar tried to restore the Fallen House.


    Bael Strom: Parliament Guard Leader.


    Cora Tali: Ain''Dhassi ranger that Eron performed a spirit heal on. She stayed at Haven during her recovery and is a trusted friend to Inferno.


    *******************


    Nix entered Parliament a short while later with Chiba and the Qi siblings in tow. The two demon hybrids had seen the occasional Dhassi in Solomon City, but never in such numbers.


    Rabi wrinkled his nose at a group of Ain''Dhassi that were staring at him. "Too many pointy ears here, Nix."


    Sasi nodded in agreement. "Way too many."


    "Hmm... Both of you have pointed ears also." Nix opened the Inferno Guild office door and ushered the group in. "Have a seat anywhere, while I figure things out."


    Chiba sat comfortably on Nix''s sleeping couch while the siblings shared Semmi''s chair. The old woman quietly slipped off her ring and started braiding her hair.


    "Old ugly man has become a goddess, Nix." Rabi stopped spinning the chair that he was sitting in with Sasi.


    Nix looked up from his desk hud, Chiba was brushing her long golden hair. "I like the other version better."


    Chiba ignored the stares. "We are gathering info, right? It just so happens that lovely women like myself are very good at that."


    Nix considered the idea while he perused his messages. "You might hear something if you head down to the courtyards. You''ll have to mind your manners."


    "I grew up in court Nix." Chiba''s beautiful face frowned at her apprentice. "I know how to act properly."


    Nix gave her a doubtful look. "That means you can''t spend your time trying to figure out how to make other people say masturbater in a sentence."


    Chiba gave him a confused look. "Wait... Since when is that a thing?"


    Nix''s desk hud buzzed, he picked it up immediately when he saw the name. "Cora!" Nix smiled at the Ain''Dhassi ranger, he hadn''t seen her since the Ever Flame battle. "How did you know I was here?"


    Cora returned his smile. "Are you kidding me Nix? The moment you entered Parliament, it spread like a wildfire."


    Nix considered her words for a moment before crossing his eyes. "So I''m kind of a big deal?"


    Cora laughed at the goofy face. "It''s nice to see you. Will you be visiting our compound?"


    Nix shook his head. "I''m here looking for someone."


    Cora lowered her voice. "I''ll help if I can."


    Cora''s reaction said that she knew the name. "I''ll come to see you. Don''t mention that name to anyone else."


    "Cya in a bit." Nix nodded and closed his hud.


    [Whisper Nix to Chiba] Don''t mention the name Seibel to anyone.


    [Whisper Chiba to Nix] Understood.


    Nix moved from his desk to the couch. The pillow and blanket he used often were still stacked neatly on the soft cushions. "I use to sit here and fly around Inuit. Back before Khione..."


    A knock on the door announced the arrival of Inferno''s favorite Ain''Dhassi ranger. After receiving permission to enter, she slipped in and shut the door behind her.


    Nix greeted her with a smile. "Thanks for coming."


    Cora was wearing her ranger armor. Among the younger generation, she had risen to the top. She took a seat on the couch next to Nix. "Did you talk to Tura Raine about Seibel?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. I was going to contact Umi Strom and then Raine. I figured someone probably knew him."


    Cora sighed in relief. "Umi would have been a better choice than Raine. Seibel is actually Tura Seibel Xai. He is the oldest son of Delyn Xai, Raine''s Master and main backer within the Clan."


    "Shit..." Nix didn''t know much about Delyn Xai. Even though the Wrath Master taught at the Loki Academy, they didn''t really discuss personal matters.


    "Sorry for the bad news." Cora comforted him. "It gets worse."


    "Really? What''s worse?"


    "Tura Seibel Xai is a Sun Devil." (Reference Ch 145) Cora shuddered slightly when she said it. Sun Devil''s were too much like vampires for her to feel comfortable around them. "I saw him in Parliament a few weeks ago."


    Nix withheld the string of curses streaming through his thoughts. "Sun Devils are immune to fire?"


    Cora nodded. "They drink blood like vampires and sleep during the evening hours. They are very difficult to kill, at least permanently."


    Nix considered Cora''s words carefully, not sure if he wanted to involve her further. There was a hundred percent chance that Seibel would be put down in the next few days. "Know where he lives?"


    "No." Cora thought about her last sighting of Seibel, "he comes to the market every few weeks. I''m not sure where he goes from there."


    Their conversation was interrupted by the return of Chiba and the Qi siblings. Chiba had already reverted to her old woman persona.


    Nix gestured to the Sasi and Rabi. "Cora, these are my friends from the Qi family."


    Cora didn''t know what to make of the two siblings. They had a combination of human and demon features. The female had a tail that swayed back and forth behind her. "Very nice to meet both of you."


    "Pretty!" Rabi moved closer, his dark eyes staring up at the young ranger. "Cora is pretty."


    Chiba snorted from behind them. "You didn''t say I was pretty you little rascal."


    Rabi shared a look with his sister before shrugging at the old woman. "Chiba is half pretty."


    Nix held his hand up to prevent further conversation. "Did you find out anything?"


    Chiba shrugged. "No, but one of the shopkeepers took an interest in my beautiful self."


    "How is that relevant?" Nix leaned back on the couch and gathered his thoughts. "Seibel is a Sun Devil."


    "Wait!" Chiba interrupted him, her wrinkled face creased with a creepy smile. "In that case, I did learn something relevant!"


    Nix gave her a doubtful look. "Continue."


    "The shopkeeper I mentioned, had a small bandage on her neck," Chiba recalled their conversation. "When I asked jokingly if she had been bitten by a vampire, she said. "Something like that."


    "Sun Devils feed like vampires but aren''t capable of turning others into their kind." Cora jumped slightly when the door opened again. "Pon!"


    The old mage''s face was creased with anger, however, he managed a smile for the Ain''Dhassi ranger. "Cora, it''s nice to see you."


    Nix didn''t comment when the two hugged. He hadn''t seen Pon hug anyone before, even Semmi. It was the old mage and Wind that found Cora being tortured at Saigon''s complex. "Time is important, so let me brief you on what we know so far."


    ************************


    In the interest of expediting matters, the team decided to split up. Nix took Sasi and accompanied Cora to Fraya''Selene, while Pon, Chiba, and Rabi investigated the Parliament shopkeeper.


    Sasi frowned at the massive amounts of snow and ice in the city.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Why did we come here again? Our target is in Inuit.


    /Qi Family: Nix: There''s a vampire expert here in Fraya''Selene. Although Seibel is a Sun Devil, our expert should be able to give us some insight.


    /Qi Family: Cora: And she owes Nix a favor.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Where we headed?


    /Qi Family: Cora: The Tali estate. Morana resides there.


    Nix had been surprised to learn that after working hard to reunite the Ain''Dhassi of the North and South, Morana left Isla''Fairbal. Apparently the memories of the place were too unpleasant to stay.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Why would Morana be at the Tali estate?


    /Qi Family: Cora: She has been helping with Del Tali.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Helping with Del? Del is in a dragon egg? Probably stuck there for the next few years.


    /Qi Family: Cora: You will see.

 387 Sun Devils

    /Qi Family: Nix: Why have a courtyard when it''s so damn cold? Do they come out here to freeze together?


    /Qi Family: Cora: Bonfires Nix, it''s a nightly thing here in Fraya''Selene.


    Nix shook his head slightly but placated the young ranger with a smile. "Takes all sorts. I prefer Haven."


    /Qi Family: Sasi: I like Haven too. Can I come live in your house?


    /Qi Family: Nix: We don''t have any rats.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: None? Not even one? Never mind.


    Cora led them up a half flight of stairs that stopped at the largest set of house doors Nix had ever seen. To his surprise, it glowed and then opened when Cora touched it. The doors opened into a large entryway at the base of a grand staircase. The warmth of the room was a welcome surprise.


    /Qi Family: Nix: The doors are enchanted?


    /Qi Family: Cora: Yes. The two of you have been cleared by Morai Sai Tali.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Oh. Is Grand Elder Sai here?


    /Qi Family: Cora: No. You will be received by Surai Yaven Tali. She is the older sister of Del.


    As if on cue, a tall woman moved at the top of the stairs. She wore a modest blue dress, her white hair was cut very short. Her blue eyes seemed intelligent, they were several shades darker than the Ain''Dhassi norm.


    Cora bowed her head. "Greetings Surai Yaven, may I present Guild Leader Nix from the Inferno guild and the Speaker Sasi Qi from the House of Tempest."


    Nix had expected someone who resembled Del, but Yaven was completely different. "Well met, Surai Yaven."


    The woman''s warm smile made Nix doubt her Ain''Dhassi ancestry. "Please call me Yaven, Guild Leader Nix, and Honorable Speaker."


    "Thank you. Just call me as Nix, please." Nix glanced at Sasi who managed to latch onto his hand without him noticing.


    "I''m Sasi. Greetings from the House of Tempest."


    Yaven flowed smoothly down the stairs, immediately Nix was reminded of Del and her troop of ghosts. "Sasi, would you mind if I bring Nix to visit Del by himself?"


    Cora placed a hand on Sasi''s shoulder. "I will show you around for a bit, then you can rejoin him before he speaks with Morana."


    Sasi seemed reluctant to let go of Nix''s hand. "Rabi will be mad at me if I don''t protect Nix."


    /Qi Family: Cora: His safety is guaranteed by the Tali family.


    /Qi Family: Nix: It''s fine. I''ll call you if I need anything.


    Sasi frowned and then handed Nix a black small rock.


    [Blackheart Token]


    Description: Summon Sasi Qi when you need her.


    One time use.


    Nix turned the dark rock over in his hand. "Where did you get this?"


    "Thank you, Sasi." Nix waited until Cora led the Tempest Speaker away before turning back toward Yaven. "Time is of the essence, I''m afraid I can''t stay long."


    "I understand, Nix. Follow me please." Cora walked back up the stairs and took a left down a long marble-tiled hall. "It happened about two weeks ago, since then Morana has been visiting her every day."


    Cora opened set of double doors and stepped inside. The wave of heat that pushed against him was surprising.


    "What happened two weeks ago?" The floor was covered with dozens of fur rugs. A fireplace was burning brightly along one wall.


    Yavin pointed to a large egg that sat on a red plush cushion next to the fire. "Del started speaking."


    "Speaking? From the dragon egg?" Nix walked towards egg, whoever decorated the room was fond of the color red.


    "Touch the dragon egg, Nix."


    Since Nix had carried the dragon egg before, he didn''t hesitate to do so again.


    [Who is there?] Del''s soft voice seemed to flow into Nix.


    "Del?" Nix spoke louder then he meant to. The surface of the egg was pleasantly warm.


    [Finally, you have come to visit me.] Del''s voice was tinged with humor. [Apparently, none of my family members know how to contact you.]


    Her words made Nix smile. "Perhaps they think I''m a bad influence."


    [Hmm... No doubt.]


    Yaven placed her hand on the egg. "I''m here also Del. Nix is here for information, but I''m not sure what."


    "I need to know about Sun Devils. Specifically, how to kill them." Nix thought it best not to name his target even though Cora mentioned there were plenty of Sun Devils among all the Dhassi races.


    [Morana would know about that. When she was a vampire, she used several Sun Devils to handle things during the day.]


    "I would stay if I could Del. Give me a quick rundown on how you are communicating."


    [I began hearing voices a few weeks ago, when I started focusing on those voices they became louder.]


    "That was me." Yaven interrupted, "I would come here every day and read to her. It eased my pain."


    [Her voice was louder whenever she touched my egg. I''m sure she was leaning on it.]


    Yaven nodded in agreement. "I would rest my back against it and read. A few days ago she started talking back."


    "I see. Why is Morana involved?"


    [Morana has several techniques that are helping me develop my mental energies.]


    Nix considered her words. Morana had several strong charm attacks when she was a vampire. Did that mean someone with similar abilities could communicate with people encased in dragon eggs? "I am glad you are doing well Del, but circumstances dictate that I must complete my objective quickly."


    [Okay. Could you step away for a moment Yaven?]


    Yaven''s eyes showed her surprise but she did as Del asked.


    [Thank you for saving me Nix. When I said those words to you...]


    "You thought they''d be your last words." Nix struggled to keep the amusement out of his voice. "So you take it back?"


    [What? No, of course not. I just wouldn''t have said it. I can''t thank you enough.]


    "Thanks isn''t necessary between friends. I''ll come see you once this mission is finished." Nix removed his hands from the eggs and stepped back. "May I see Morana now?"


    "Of course." Yaven placed her hand on the dragon egg for a moment. "I''ll be back later Del."


    ****************


    Comparably, the room Morana stayed in was much colder than Dels. The former Vampire Queen of the North sat comfortably behind a plain wood desk. Her long silver hair hung down her waist, unlike Yaven, she wore an ordinary white blouse with black pants. She stood and faced the door when Yaven entered with Nix and Sasi.


    "Morana, you have guests. I believe you already know Nix, his companion is Sasi Qi, the Speaker for the House of Tempest."


    "Nix." Morana frowned slightly at the sight of the Inferno leader, perhaps the reminder from her days as a vampire affected her mood.


    Nix waited for her to greet Sasi, but when she didn''t he pushed on ahead anyway. "I need information on Sun Devils. Recently one of them has hurt a member of Inferno. I wish to repay this action."


    Unexpectedly Morana laughed. The sound was a blend of humor and the smallest tinge of crazy. "You wish to know how to kill a Sun Devil."


    Nix didn''t bother to deny it. "Yes."


    Morana finally noticed Sasi, the former queen bowed her head slightly. "I apologize for my rudeness. Nix killed me once since then I find him somewhat unsettling."


    Sasi''s tail twitched slightly, her dark eyes darting from Morana to Nix. "Nix kills lots of people. Usually, they stay killed."


    "Fire won''t kill a Sun Devil, although if the flames are hot enough they can be injured. You''ll need to find an Ice Mage. Freeze the heart and then shatter it." Morana spoke fast, beads of sweat formed on her forehead while she spoke. "Please Nix. If there''s nothing else, I''ll bid you goodbye."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Calm yourself Morana. I want to know about the strengths and weaknesses also."


    Yaven watched without comment from the doorway. She had never seen Morana behave like this with anyone. "Just a few more questions. We are both in his debt."


    Morana nodded and continued, her breathing seemed to grow heavier. "Dangerous melee fighters, enhanced speed, and agility. No mental magic to speak of but some of them are mages. Their powers peak at mid-day. Ideally facing them at night is best, but dawn and dusk aren''t bad either."


    *****************


    An hour later, Cora left Sasi and Nix at the gating platform in Loki. She hugged both of them before waving. "I am available if you need help. Anytime or anywhere."


    "Thanks, Cora." Nix waited until the young ranger ported out before contacting Pon.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Any luck?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Yes. Meet us on the southern tip of Inuit. There''s a small peninsula there.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] On our way.


    [Summons: Fey]


    A moment later, the thin mage appeared before them. She looked around for a moment, her pretty face showing confusion. "Is this Oasis?"


    Nix nodded. "Can I get a ride?"


    "My favorite thing!" Fey morphed into her silver drakon form. "Are you riding also, Sasi?"


    Sasi nodded quickly. Although the demon hybrid was technically an Archon, Fey looked like a dragon to her, so any offer that involved riding met with an enthusiastic yes. "Can I sit in front?"

 388 Chasing Seibel part one

    /Qi Family: Sasi: Oasis is so nice. How come Dhassi hate humans?


    /Qi Family: Nix: It''s not that they hate us, we were strangers not that long ago.


    Nix remembered when Inferno first arrived in Oasis, at the time the Fir''Dhassi banned all humans from exploring Inuit. That ban was eventually lifted and now the members of the 12 Pillars quested and explored all over the continent. Nix''s reliance on the human guilds in several breach battles resulted in the 12 pillars having top-end gear. None of the Dhassi went out of their way to cause trouble for the human alliance.


    Rabi has joined the Qi Family channel.


    Pon has joined the Qi Family channel.


    Chiba has joined the Qi Family channel.


    From their vantage point on Fey''s back, Nix could see three small figures on the shores of the peninsula far below. "What were you doing when I summoned you, Fey?"


    "I was in the Infirmary with Captain Locas and Jaro."


    "Damn..." Nix meant to visit the infirmary but the business he was on was too pressing. "Locas was still there??"


    "Yes. He told me if I run into you, to say thank you."


    Nix smiled at her words. "Nix the matchmaker strikes again. Put us down on the shore, Fey."


    Fey banked into a steep dive, she leveled out about ten meters over the water and landed gently after she cleared the surf. "Want me to wait?"


    Nix climbed down and then helped Sasi, the demon woman was reluctant to let Fey go. "Could you pick us up something at the Parliament market?"


    Fey''s silver head nodded slightly. "What do you need?"


    "Cave Skiver eyes, last time I checked the market carried them. Half a dozen will do."


    "Cave Skiver eyes. Got it, want me to come back?"


    Sasi nodded her tiny head. "She could stay with us Nix. What if we need to fly out of here fast?"


    "No, it''s fine. Send them to me." Nix placed a gentle hand on Fey''s silver head. Because of the large sky predators in Oasis, Fey was one of the few flying mounts that didn''t have to worry about being attacked.


    Fey morphed into her human form, a beautiful girl who appeared to be around 16 or 17. "I''ll head to Parliament then, there are a few things I want to pick up."


    After Fey left, Nix and Sasi found their companions. They were huddled around a single Fir''Dhassi corpse. Sasi immediately knelt to inspect the body.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: This is Rabi''s kill.


    /Qi Family: Pon: How did you know that?


    /Qi Family: Sasi: His work is obvious.


    Nix watched while Sasi continued to examine the corpse. "Do we know who this Fir''Dhassi was?"


    Rabi nodded in agreement and pointed north. "He came from that direction."


    /Qi Family: Pon: Seibel surfaced in the Parliament market. He spoke with this Dhassi and then they both gated out.


    /Qi Family: Nix: If they gated, how did you know to come here?


    /Qi Family: Pon: Rabi shadowed them while they were talking, Seibel mentioned a placed called Pensive.


    /Qi Family: Chiba: Our hud map has this place labeled as Pensive Point, figured it was worth checking out.


    Nix glanced at the sky, it was nearly sunset. "Check his teeth, Sasi."


    Sasi peeled up the Dhassi''s lip, his teeth appeared normal. "No fangs." She turned his head to one side and pulled his shirt back to expose two old puncture wounds.


    Nix knelt beside her to study the wound, there was some discoloration around the marks. "Have you searched the area?"


    Pon shook his head. "Haven''t had time yet."


    "Fan out and search the entire area. There must be something here." Nix incinerated the corpse and took a seat on a nearby rock.


    The old mage nodded. "What are you going to do?"


    "We''ll need masks. You and I are known in Oasis, let''s not give the Xai Clan a reason to suspect us." Nix opened his crafting interface.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] This is a good group.


    Nix looked up at Pon who hadn''t moved yet. He brought Chiba and the Qi siblings because they could be cold-blooded when they felt it was justified. With Pon and himself added, it was the perfect group for wholesale slaughter.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] We''ll get the job done. How''s Panyu?


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] She''ll recover.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Sun Devils are resistant to fire, freezing their heart and then destroying it works.


    /Qi Family: Chiba: I''ll use ice blades.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] Are you at the market yet? I need those eyes now.


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] Sorry Nix. I seem to have forgotten my credits. Can you wait a few hours?


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] Damn... I''ll send you some.


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] Just kidding. Sending them now.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] Funny... Thanks.


    By the time Nix set up his crafting queue, his hud buzzed with the delivery of the skiver eyes. He took one out and examined it before placing it in the enhancement slot.


    Cave Skiver Eye


    Description: A small rodent found


    in dark areas. They use their enhanced vision


    to elude rats while hunting for prey.


    [Nightraid Mask] [Material: Camouflage Fabric V] [Enhancements: Cave Skiver Eye] [Needle: Silver][Thread: Bonded Spider webbing]


    Nix doubled checked the slots and queued up six masks before selecting the crafting icon


    Night Raider Mask


    Description: The perfect masks for Night Raids.


    This mask hides the wearer''s identity while granting


    them enhanced Nightvision and suppressing any sounds


    they make.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Sasi has found cave entrance.


    /Qi Family: Nix: On my way.


    /Qi Family: Pon: You should skip the flame strands Nix, they are too well-known.


    /Qi Family: Nix: I''ll use my Ashobel Claws and Ice Attacks. Neither is traceable to me.


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Nix has claws?


    Nix linked them in group chat.


    Ashobel Clawz [Faction Based]


    Must be an ally of the Ashobel.


    Description: A soft brown leather


    glove that is both comfortable and


    durable.


    Activation: Upon activation the user''s


    primary path temporarily becomes melee


    and the gloves become the hands of an Ashobel


    warrior.


    By the time Nix arrived at the entrance to the cave, the rest of the group was already there. He handed everyone the masks that he made. "Put these on, we want to make sure we aren''t easily recognized."


    The entrance was only a few feet high, a wall of stones had been stacked in front of it to hide its location. Nix slipped his mask on and then glanced at the pink-colored sky.


    /Qi Family: Nix: It''s a few minutes until sunset. We go in hard. If we find Seibel he stays alive long enough to tell us where the baby is.


    /Qi Family: Pon: Her name is Ayla.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Ayla is our priority.


    Nix entered the cave first, he was forced to crawl the first few meters before it grew larger. He took a moment to activate his stealth package, the combination of thermal and night vision would ensure nothing crept up on him.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Scout for us Rabi.


    Rabi nodded and trotted soundlessly down the corridor.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: I like the mask. Now I don''t have to sneak so much.


    Several minutes went by with no report from Rabi.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Rabi?


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Follow.

 389 Chasing Seibel part two

    /Qi Family: Nix: Where are you Rabi? How far does this go?


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Keep following. It finally stopped.


    Another five minutes and the group caught up with Rabi. He was crouched next to the wall, patiently waiting for them.


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Big room ahead, many people sleeping. Six guards in the middle. Lots of torches and a campfire.


    Nix nodded and moved forward through the archway that led to a large hollowed-out space. Cots were placed in orderly rows in the middle of the room.


    /Qi Family: Pon: This place was made. See how the walls are melted? Some sort of fire creature did this.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Fifty meters across, Shae could do something like this but it would take her a few days.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: A dragon could do it in a few minutes.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Move back out. I''m going to bring in Ducky. We need to know more before we make a mistake.


    The group followed Nix a few meters back into the corridor and waited while he summoned Ducky.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    The Water Witch glanced around at her surroundings, nothing seemed to ever surprise her.


    Ducky has joined the Qi Family channel.


    She smiled when she saw the Qi family siblings.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: Nice to see you two again. What are we doing?


    /Qi Famly: Nix: Know what a Sun Devil is?


    /Qi Family:Ducky: A daytime vampire.


    /Qi Family:Nix: In the next room is a bunch of them. Along with six guards. Can you bring us a guard?


    /Qi Family: Ducky: Yep. Be right back.


    Ducky returned a few minutes later, she was holding hands with a familiar-looking Fir''Dhassi female. The Water Witch stopped in front of the group and turned towards the Dhassi. "What clan are you from?"


    The female had slicked-back brown hair and dark eyes. She was leather armor and had a single blade on her back. "I''m from the Dar Clan."


    Nix frowned at the mention of the Dar Clan. They were the ones who propositioned Rhylia when she visited Parliament for the first time. They also attempted to stop Inferno from confiscating the Gemini Temple.


    /Qi Family: Nix: I remember her. It''s Nina, the Dar Swordmaster.


    The Dar Clan waited for several hours when Nix was upgrading to Nemesis. When they came out, Ducky charmed the Swordmaster, and Inferno was able to defeat them.


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "Why are you here, Nina?"


    "We guard the Sun Devils. Seibel has united them." Nina spoke gently like she was talking to a close friend.


    Nina shook her head. "Seibel is the leader of the Sun Devil group, I believe they intend to start their own clan. He doesn''t stay with the others."


    /Qi Family: Pon: Nice of them to gather in one place like this.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Feeling secure makes people stupid.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Ask about a raid that happened a few days ago. We need more on Seibel.


    "Thanks for the information." Ducky pursed her lips slightly as if considering her next question. Nina stared at her the entire time. "Do you know anything about a recent raid?"


    Nina nodded. "I took part. Seibel likes to collect things, he found a very peculiar race of water people."


    "I see. Did he collect any of these water people?"


    "The water people were much too strong. We were able to capture a group, but several of us were badly injured. Seibel took an infant and then sold the rest to Su''Dhassi slavers."


    Ducky looked at Pon, she could feel the rage building within him.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: You mustn''t attack her yet. Let me finish.


    /Qi Family: Pon: I understand but she''s talking about my daughter. Find out where she is.


    "Where did Seibel bring the infant?"


    Nina shrugged. "No one knows. The corridor continues onward, he goes in that direction but always by himself. No one is allowed to follow."


    /Qi Family: Ducky: Anything else?


    Nix has activated [Clawz], his primary path has changed to unarmed combat.


    Nix flexed his huge fur-covered claws for a moment and then slashed out. The front of the Swordmaster''s throat disappeared and she collapsed to the ground in a froth of gargling blood.


    /Qi Family: Nix: No, that will be all.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Five guards, each of us takes one at the same time. The sound suppression in your masks will cover any noise they make.


    Nix handed Ducky one of the extra masks he made and then led the stealthed group into the room. It felt strange approaching enemies without his blades out.


    A few moments later all of the guards slumped to the ground at the same time, each group member using a different method for a stealth kill. Nix stuck with his tried method of ripping the throat out.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: I think we should take them outside and incinerate them. The smell of blood may wake up these predators.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Good idea.


    After disposing of the guards in a flash of balefire, Nix returned to the room and approached the nearest Sun Devil. They looked peculiar under this thermal vision, much brighter than they should have been. Perhaps they had recently fed.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Kill them. No mercy.


    Nix focused his Ice abilities on his Clawz and struck down into the chest of the sleeping Su''Dhassi. Instantly the chest turned to ice and the Sun Devil''s eyes popped open. A second blow to the same spot shattered the organ underneath it. Without sparing a glance, he moved on to the next one.


    Each member of the team had been briefed on the Sun Devil''s weaknesses, Chiba used spellsword blades made of ice, while the Qi siblings borrowed black-ice icicles that Nix formed in a few seconds. The slaughter of the Sun Devils was complete within a few minutes.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Rabi, take Ducky and scout further down the passage. I want to know what we are dealing with.


    Nix grabbed the nearest corpse and dragged it to the center of the room.


    /Qi Family: Pon: Disposal?


    /Qi Family: Nix: Yep. No need to leave evidence. Pile them up.


    The mini-operation took about ten minutes. When they were done, only ashes remained behind.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: This corridor goes on for miles Nix. I think we might need horses.


    /Qi Family: Nix: You can''t see the end?


    /Qi Family: Rabi: No end. Dragon make this place.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Wait for us. We are on our way.


    Twenty minutes later the group reunited with their scouts. Rabi was holding Ducky''s hand while the two were chatting amiably.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Everyone gather around. We are getting out of here.


    /Qi Family: Pon: Shouldn''t we keep following?


    Nix brought up his hud and pulled up a map of Oasis. After studying it for a moment, he pointed to a location about two hundred miles south of Inuit.


    /Qi Family: Nix: I already know where he''s going. We''ll be able to get there in a few minutes.


    Pon''s old face creased into his first smile of the day. "You know where the bastard is?"


    Nix nodded. "Icaraphet."

 390 Chasing Seibel part three

    [Whisper: Nix to Halla] Bring a Spectrum pellet to the Inferno City platform. We are bringing up Icaraphet.


    [Whisper: Halla to Nix] Right away!


    /Qi Family: Pon: Are you sure he is in Icaraphet?


    /Qi Family: Nix: It''s a hunch, one that will only cost us half an hour if I''m wrong.


    /Qi Family: Pon: Your hunch is good enough for me. I want to thank everyone for helping me.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Something interesting happened recently. The Ain''Dhassi woman I enchanted into a dragon egg started communicating with the outside world.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui] How is that possible?


    [Whsiper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Physical contact with the egg and lots of talking. Del said the more she heard the voices, the easier it was to focus on them. Worth a try.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Yes! I will start immediately.


    Nix stepped into the infusion chamber after running all the way from the platform. He opened the familiar interface.


    [Inferno System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key


    "Display Master Key Menu."


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Disabled)


    b) Intercity Communication (Enabled)


    c) Direct Control (Enabled)


    d) City Links (Disabled)


    "Display Direct Control Menu."


    [Direct Control Menu]


    a) Inferno: Nix


    b) Chyanama: Nix


    c) Alliance City: Nix


    d) Goralpri: Nix


    e) Filamina: Nix


    d) Icaraphet: Tharaka


    f) Verynzai: Unaqoir


    "Change the city name Goralpri to The Arena."


    [Goralpri has been changed to The Arena.]


    Nix knew that Jun Li and Breach Commander Mtui were in discussions regarding a large arena for the new city. "Might as well get a jump on it. Access Icaraphet."


    [A message has been sent to Tharaka regarding the start-up procedures. He has three minutes to answer.]


    Nix activated his Nether armor and focused on Leva''s office in Chyanama. A moment later he appeared in front of the Fallen Chancellor.


    Leva''s dark eyes were unreadable, but her lips wore a slight smile. "What may I do for you, Nix?"


    "Need you to open gates again and then stand ready with a large force." Nix watched as she removed a Nether rat puppet from her desk and walked to the couch. A moment later, the Nether rat was perched on his shoulder.


    Nix activated the return feature on his Nether armor, bringing himself and Rat-Leva back to the infusion room. "How did it go with Priestess Xia?"


    The rat chittered on his shoulder. "Didn''t you read my report?"


    "I didn''t feel that she would respond well to the threat of exposure in the long term. So I made her your minion."


    Nix didn''t comment, Leva was exceptionally good at subterfuge. "Need another vial of my blood?"


    "Yes. I used it all on Xia."


    "The whole thing? That was a big vial. "


    Rat-Leva nodded, thankful that Nix couldn''t see her face. She had actually only used half and drank the remainder. His blood tasted very sweet for some reason.


    "Fine. Start taking reports from Xia. From now on, she reports directly to you."


    [Icaraphet: Remote Controller Recognized: Nix]


    "Open Icaraphet Security Menu."


    [Icaraphet System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Nix)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Disabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Disabled)


    "Enable City Gating Platforms between Inferno and Icaraphet."


    [Gating Platforms between Inferno and Icaraphet have been enabled.]


    Nix stared at the hud. "The shields are still enabled. Tharaka did say he put the city down while he still had strength."


    When Nix arrived at the platform a few minutes later, the group was waiting for him. "I''ll take the gating platform to Icaraphet. Immediately after, Leva will open a breach."


    Halla held up the spectrum pellet. "Who gets to hold this?"


    Nix pointed to Ducky who was busy stroking Rat-Leva''s black fur. "Everyone stealth up."


    Ducky accepted the pellet with a nod. "Thanks, Halla."


    /Qi Family: Nix: Be prepared to swim. The shields have been enabled all this time, there''s no telling if they failed yet.


    /Qi Family: Chiba: Everything else was shut down?


    Nix nodded and activated the platform, instantly disappearing from sight. The smell of moisture and decay hung stagnant in the air of Icaraphet, there was water beneath his feet but only a few centimeters. "It seems a bit damp. Something tells me we should hurry."


    Rat-Leva opened a breach between Icaraphet and Inferno, allowing transport for the entire group. Nix grabbed the pellet from Ducky and ran towards the entry grate, his feet splashing the entire way.


    /Qi Family: Chiba: Follow you, apprentice?


    /Qi Family: Nix: Everyone but Ducky needs to stay in place for a moment while I get systems up.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: What do you want me to do?


    /Qi Family: Nix: Find Ayla immediately and take her to Haven.


    /Qi Family: Ducky: I''m on it.


    Ducky placed a hand on the old mage''s shoulder. "Don''t worry Pon. I''ll get her out of here."


    After opening the grate, Nix discovered that as he walked downward, the water level climbed above his knees. "Makes sense I suppose. If there''s a leak, the lowest part of the city floods first."


    Nix waded into the infusion chamber and inserted the Spectrum pellet. According to the control panel, the shields were at 3 percent and would have failed sometime in the next three weeks.


    /Qi Famly: Nix: Powering the city up. That was a close one.


    /Qi Family: Rabi: How close?


    /Qi Famly: Nix: Less than a month.


    /Qi Family: Pon: Sometimes being lucky is better than being good.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Old man is wise.


    Nix set the cities defenses to active and established an energy link between Inferno and Icaraphet.


    "I''ll take that."


    Nix froze in place for a moment and then turned around slowly. A Fir''Dhassi man wearing black leather armor stood at the back of the chamber. "You must be Siebel."


    "Indeed. Are you looking for this?" Siebel held out a large wicker basket with a small blanket draped over the top of it.


    "Is that the Aquarion baby you stole?" Nix''s thermal vision picked up the heat of an infant.


    "I like new things. If your friends come down here, I will kill this baby." Siebel smiled slightly, his fangs protruding over pale bloodless lips.


    Siebel''s laughter filled the room. His light brown hair was worn in a short topknot. He moved like a swordsman, his cold eyes seemed devoid of any human frailties.


    Nix stepped away from the console but did not remove the spectrum pellet. "My friends won''t bother us."


    Siebel''s grin was filled with malice. "You want to fight me? Like you did Khione?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "The thought crossed my mind."


    "She told me all about you. All about the fight you had." Siebel''s dark eyes moved toward the entrance, he looked directly at the approaching Water Witch, but she flowed gently past him without his notice.


    Nix kept his focus on the Sun Devil, aware that any glance at Ducky might give her away. "Who told you? Khione?"


    Siebel nodded, the triumph visible in his eyes. "She said there was a city here and that sooner or later you would come for it. You are predictable."


    "I agree. There are times when I am very predictable." Nix reached into the interface, a moment later he held the tiny ball in his hands for Siebel to see.


    "She actually told me about both fights... her memory about that day is hazy to her. It''s causing her doubts."


    "I don''t care. Put the baby down and I will give you the spectrum." Nix rolled the pellet in his fingers, his yellow eyes boring into the Sun Devil.


    Siebel continued as if he didn''t hear. "In the first fight, she was defeated. However, somehow she ended up winning." The Dhassi laughed loudly, the sound echoing in the chamber.


    "She''s obviously crazy. Do you even know how to use this?"


    Siebel shook his head. "Our deal was that I''d bring it to her. I only know that it will increase her strength manyfold. Can you imagine that? Something that increases the power of a goddess."


    Nix frowned at words. "Now you want it for yourself?"


    "Of course. If someone like you can defeat her..." Siebel paused for effect, "then what could Sun Devil enhanced by spectrum accomplish?"


    "Nothing. It doesn''t work like that." Nix advanced a few steps and then stopped.


    "I would rule everything. First Oasis, then I''ll go back to that rathole that humans crawled out of and raze it to the ground." Siebel held out the arm holding the basket. "What would you give me for this baby?"


    "Anything," Nix admitted.


    Siebel''s expression was unreadable. "The Spectrum?"


    "Yep." Nix held up the spectrum and placed it on the flat console next to the interface. "Put the child down and we''ll exchange places."


    "You think you''re fast enough to stop me from taking it?" Siebel placed the basket on the water where it floated gently.


    The two men watched each other, both taking teasingly slow steps toward their objectives.


    Siebel put on a sudden burst of speed and snatched up the pellet from the console. "MINE! THE POWER IS MINE!"

 391 Chasing Seibel conclusion

    Nix gave him an innocent smile. "What baby?"


    /Qi Family: Ducky: I have Ayla, we are safely in Haven.


    /Qi Family: Nix: I have a present for you Pon. Come to the control room.


    Seibel''s eyes darted around the room. "NO! Where is she?"


    Nix shook his head sadly. "Gone, I''m afraid; just like your spectrum."


    "What are you talking about?" Seibel looked at the pellet in his hands, the triumph slowly fading from his dark eyes.


    Cave Skiver Eye


    Description: A small rodent found


    in dark areas. They use their enhanced vision


    to elude rats while hunting for prey.


    "Be honest... Did you see that coming?" Nix''s eyes were filled with humor. "No?"


    Nix has activated [Ashobel Clawz].


    Nix''s hands turned into white fur of ashobel, razor-sharp black claws emerged slowly from his fingers. "Gonna f*ck you up... but just until Pon gets here."


    "You..." Seibel drew two daggers from his belt.


    "Yep... Me."


    [Souless Approach: Two Fang] Seibel blurred and appeared behind Nix.


    [Flawless Counter: Ghost Step] Nix dodged to one side and lashed out with an open-handed slap.


    Seibel skidded across the surface of the water, with Nix in pursuit.


    [Hidden Weapon: Poison Dart]


    Seibel has landed a critical strike.


    Nix has resisted Kraga Poison.


    Seibel rolled to his feet, both blades slashing at the charging Nix.


    Seibel has initiated a [Double Strike].


    Nix crossed his arms in an ''X'' in front of him.


    [Ice Shield] has countered one of Seibel''s attacks.


    Seibel has landed a strike on Nix.


    Nix grabbed the wrist before it could be drawn back, yanking with all his strength he tossed Seibel across the room like he was weightless. The Sun Devil managed to spin in the air and land sideways on the wall. Kicking off with both legs, he shot toward Nix like an arrow.


    Seibel has initiated [Fatal Strike]


    Nix has initiated [Ice Fists]


    The two attacks slammed together, canceling each other out. Nix was pushed back several steps, however, both of Seibel''s daggers fell from his shattered hands.


    Nix shook his head at the twisted arms of his opponent. "It gets worse... Feel that?"


    The temperature in the room started to climb. He turned to see a raging ball of flame advance slowly toward them. At the epicenter of the flames stood the old man.


    Pon''s eyes had vanished into brilliant orbs of flame, his white hair looked like a forest fire. Around him, steam bellowed into the air as the stone beneath his feet glowed red hot. "Finally. You are in my sight."


    "We killed all your friends. If your old man finds out what happened, he''s welcome to protest." Pon''s back bent slightly, roaring in pain as a single orange wing pushed outward, the cracking of bones filled the air, and a second wing sprouted alongside it.


    [Pon''s bloodline has been activated, First Form: Flame Archon]


    Pon has cast [Balefire: Hex]


    A white flame burned through the air, striking Seibel in the chest before continuing through the wall behind him.


    Nix nodded in approval when the lower half of the Sun Devil flopped on the ground and spasmed. The rest of Seibel had been burned from this world, never to be seen again.


    The old man flamed out, his wings disappearing as he staggered suddenly. Nix flashed toward him caught him before he collapsed.


    /Qi Family: Nix: Let''s get you back to Haven old man. There''s someone waiting for you.


    Pon leaned heavily on Nix, knowing he was strong enough to take it. "Yeah. That''s a great idea."


    ***********


    Two hours later, the old man sat in Nix''s living room, a handful of adoring women cooing at him.


    Pon''s old face creased into a wide smile when the small hand gripped his finger. "Have you ever seen such a beautiful thing?"


    Nix shook his head. "Nope." He managed to hold the baby for about a minute before he was pushed out of the way by Scarlet, Mina, Hyai, and Nansu.


    Mina stared longingly at the baby, her hand automatically caressing her own stomach. "We should get her back to her mom."


    Pon nodded, although it was obvious he didn''t want to. "Your momma... She fought them even after they broke her arms. I bet you miss her."


    Nix stood and caught the old man''s eye. "Time to go Pon."


    "Yeah. I know it." Pon followed Nix to the door. "It''s not easy after seeing her."


    Nix could have used Deep Blue to bring them to Loki, but he sensed that Pon would appreciate the few extra minutes so they walked to the Gemini Temple instead.


    Semmi and Wind were just stepping off the platform when Nix and Pon arrived.


    Wind offered them a smile, he''d obviously been briefed. "Good job, guys."


    Semmi stopped, her blue eyes staring at the old mage. "You okay?"


    Pon nodded. "Yes. We''re going to return her to Panyu. Back in a bit."


    Nix and Pon walked through the streets of Loki, toward the Emerald Salamander. After being treated for injuries, Panyu was staying in one of the suites. She was sitting in the common area with Ishna when they walked in, the Aquarion mother spotted her child right away.


    Panyu met them halfway across the room, sobbing loudly, she wrapped up both Pon and the baby in a hug. "Ayla... Thank you, Pon. Thank you for bringing her back."


    Pon only nodded, not trusting himself to speak. He placed the baby in her mother''s arms and stepped away.


    Ishna stared at the humans, her pale eyes seemed tired. "This shouldn''t have happened. I should have taken steps to protect them."


    Pon shook his head slightly. "Bad people are gonna do bad things. Sometimes that''s all there is to it. "


    Nix and Pon stayed with the two Aquarions until it was nearly midnight. Pon was able to hold her for a long time.


    When the two returned to the Gemini platform, it was nearly deserted. Semmi was leaning against a nearby wall, obviously waiting for them.


    Nix pounded Pon the back. "Don''t stay up too late old man."


    Pon scowled at him. "The hell does that mean? I''m not tired!


    "Night Sem." Nix walked toward the door, happy he didn''t have to deal with an emotional girlfriend.


    "H-How come.." Semmi started speaking, her lips trembling slightly when she spoke. "How come you didn''t ask me to help you? Aren''t I someone you can count on?"


    Pon nodded. "You are."


    Semmi frowned at him, her blue eyes shining. "Then why?"


    "Nix and I... We both try to do good things but sometimes you have to be ruthless. You''re the best person I know, I don''t want to ever think about you doing something like that. Even if it''s for me."


    Semmi cried softly, her hands covered her face. Pon waited until she was finished. He didn''t know what to say, so he said nothing.


    "Pon... How come you didn''t ask me if I wanted to hold her?"


    "I didn''t think you''d want to." Pon sighed heavily, wishing for once he could turn time back a few hours.


    "She''s your daughter. Of course, I want to hold her." Semmi walked away without speaking further, leaving the mage standing by himself.


    Pon watched her walk away. "You messed that one up, old man. How the f*ck does Nix manage so many?"


    [The following Message is viewable by Players only. Colonial is coming offline for 2 hours for maintenance. We''ve been made aware of inconsistencies that must be addressed. All players will be transported to their private VR server quarters while the patch takes effect. Thank you for your cooperation.]


    [Logging Off: Colonial]


    [Logging In: Virtuna]

 392 Second Chances

    /Inferno: Wind: Oops. Here we go again.


    /Inferno: Pon: I don''t think we broke anything. Seibel definitely wasn''t some kind of demi-god.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: 2 hours isn''t enough to really do anything. I''m sure it''s some kind of cleanup patch.


    /Inferno: Nix: Seibel did say that Khione remembers being defeated and beating us.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I bet one of those super-secret NPC actors broke their cover.


    /Inferno: Nix: Gotta be that.


    /Inferno: Sharl: You made it nearly a week without saying anything ridiculous. Good job, Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Thanks, sis. Let''s go find Nix''s room and rock his world.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s one way to blow two hours.


    /Inferno: Sharl: "...."


    /Inferno: Pon: Be honest, more like ten minutes, followed by a long nap.


    /Inferno: Nix: Either way, it''s still 2 hours!


    Nix cracked open the fridge and peeked inside; it was stocked with all sorts of beverages, including beer. He popped one open just as someone knocked on his door.


    Mai offered him a smile when he let her in. "Seems like history is repeating itself."


    Nix nodded in agreement, watching the petite Asian woman walk into his kitchen. "Isn''t it kinda far for you to visit me?"


    "Yep, I started walking as soon as we patched." She helped herself to a beer, her bright smile put Nix in a good mood.


    Nix opened the cabinet above the sink, last time they patched, there were dominoes and cards stashed there. "Play cards?"


    Mai took a seat at the small dining room table. "What game?"


    Nix removed the cards from the box and shuffled. "Let''s see... War or War?"


    "War?" Mai bit her lip to keep from smiling. "That''s a kid''s game. Know any others?"


    Nix started dealing out all the cards. "Don''t be so picky; I gave you two choices."


    "That was one choice that you said twice."


    Nix nodded. "Same thing."


    Mai straightened out her cards and flipped one over. "War it is."


    Two hours went by quickly, with Nix dominating the game of War. He glanced at the clock on the wall. "Why aren''t there any clocks in Colonial?"


    Mai offered him a smile. "Isn''t there a clocktower in Glory?"


    "Right. I meant in the homes. My Turtle house doesn''t have one."


    Mai shrugged and started putting the cards away. "No idea. You think they changed anything?"


    "No. I think it''s basically a cleanup patch. At least I hope so. Last time I woke up in Northern Titania without weapons, armor, or credits."


    Mai laughed at his sad expression. "I don''t feel sorry for you."


    Nix smiled at her honesty. "You want to try being me?"


    "Yes," Mai admitted.


    [Thank you for your patience.]


    "See ya, Mai."


    "See ya, Nix."


    [Logging Off: Virtuna]


    [Logging In: Colonial]


    Nix found himself in the Gemini Temple, standing next to Pon. The old man gave him a blank stare. It was precisely where they''d been four hours earlier.


    Wind stepped off the platform, already chuckling. "I guess this is where I say, good job, guys."


    Pon looked down at the baby in his arms. "Sem?"


    The blond officer was obviously still mad at him. "I don''t thi..."


    Pon interrupted before she could finish. "Want to hold her?"


    Semmi stared at him for a long moment, her pretty blue eyes unreadable. "I... Of course, I do... Dummy."


    Nix smiled at the save. "Why don''t the two of you take her back? I want to see Hyai."


    Pon glanced at Semmi. "Want to?"


    "Sure."


    Nix exited the temple, whistling a tune while he walked toward his ranch. Fajii was on an important quest, and Shae was egg-sitting. That should mean that he could spend the next few days with Hyai.


    His good mood came to a screeching halt a few minutes later when he walked by Nightmare''s stall. Nix felt his palm itch for the feel of a sword. "The hell are you still doing here?"


    The ugly, one-eared goat bleated at him while brushing up against Nightmare.


    "Cheeky bastard. I''m going to put you in a pot."


    "Nix?" Hyai''s warm voice called out to him from the balcony.


    Nix narrowed his eyes at the devil-goat. "You survive, this time..."


    Hyai waited for him at the top of the stairs, hugging Nix close before raising her head for a kiss. "Scarlett and Mortimus went to bed, they wanted to talk to you, but it got too late."


    "Why is that goat still alive? I thought you were going to put him in a stew?"


    Hyai shrugged slightly, an action that made her bountiful chest sway enticingly. "I was leading him away when Nightmare started acting up. I thought it was a coincidence, but when I put him back, she calmed down immediately."


    Nix swore under his breath. "I won''t let that goat live."


    Hyai grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the sliding door."Shall I run you a hot bath?"


    Nix grinned at her."Hmm... Are we talking a full-service bath?"


    Hyai pretended to frown. "This isn''t that sort of establishment, sir."


    ****************


    0900 Fishing Hole


    Nix closed his eyes against the morning sun and leaned back in his chair while sighing happily.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: The face of a happy man.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: He does look pleased with himself.


    Nix opened one eye and checked his bobber. He reeled in some line, just enough to prevent his bait from drifting to the far bank.


    /Go Fish: Nix: We''ve been busy. A few days off would be nice.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Every time I see your pops, a certain Archon seems to be present.


    Nix smiled and sat up straighter. It wasn''t as if they were hiding or anything. Vooni and his dad seemed to get along pretty well. A small tug on his bobber derailed the thought.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: It''s an odd match, but it works for them.


    Nix ignored the chatter and waited, slowly he lowered the tip of his rod while reeling in the slack that the action created. Without any further warning, his bobber was yanked beneath the surface.


    He responded by yanking the rod end up and setting the hook. Immediately the rod bent obscenely; the reel howled in protest as the fish started taking line. Nix used his thumb to dial down the drag a bit and let the quarry run.


    Semmi and Jun Li both reeled in their lines, the blond officer grabbed the landing net and moved closer.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Don''t let it take too much line, you''ll be reeling all morning.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Isn''t that a new rod? Why''s it bending so much?


    After letting the fish run for a few minutes, Nix pulled back on the rod and then let it drop forward while reeling in line. The rod tip jerked from side-to-side as the fish continued to fight.


    A flash of silver in the middle of the river gave the fishing trio their first view of the fish. It shot into the air, twisting and yanking in protest before falling back into the water with a splash.


    "Holy crap." Nix.


    "...." Jun Li.


    Semmi favored her fishing buddies with a wide grin. "Hope our landing net is big enough!"


    After nearly twenty minutes of fighting, Nix finally reeled in the fish into the shallows where Semmi swooped in and landed it easily.


    Half of the fish stuck out of the net, the tail flapped from side to side. Semmi used both hands to hold the net out of the water. "Some help here, Junie!"


    Junie steadied net with one hand while deftly removing the hook with the other. She lifted the fish free and stepped onto the shore just as Nix finished reeling the rest of his line in. "Woah... It''s heavy, Nix!"


    Nix smiled happily and grabbed the fish, holding it up for his buddies to see.


    [Silver Chalet] 67 lbs, 49 inches long.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: We gonna eat that?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Looks like lunch to me.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Hey... You''re a taxidermist, couldn''t you mount that monster?


    Nix nodded. "I guess I could."


    /Inferno: Nix: Fresh fish for lunch Hyai...


    /Inferno: Hyai: You guys catch something? I''ll be down in a bit to pick it up.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Better bring someone to help carry it.


    /Inferno: Wind: Me and the old man are close. We''ll lend a hand.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You two just want a free lunch.


    ***************


    A fairly large group turned up for lunch. The fishing trio caught several nice fish, so for once, there was enough to go around.


    Nix was glad to see that was Semmi smiling all morning. "The first harvest coming soon?"


    Between Pon and Semmi, they had planted several dozen acres of different grains. Their fields were now nearly waist-high, the golden crops seemed to run on for miles.


    Semmi nodded and took a long pull from the mug in front of her. "We can finally make the real Semmi''s Golden." Until now, they''d been using market grain in their brewery.


    "What are your plans for the rest of the day?" Scarlett''s warm gaze fell on Nix, although the Serpent Clan issue was resolved, the Titan Clan leaders decided to stay in Haven until Morti finished his training with Tautius.


    "Going to check out the upgrades to my Turtle House and spend the next few days doing Steward duties in Ionova." Nix considered the list he made for himself; he also wanted to check on Yena and Dresa.


    "Hopefully, the kitchen is bigger." Hyai smiled at Nix; she loved to cook and take care of people. "At least big enough to start raising my Chef stats."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "And a bigger bed. That thing is much too small..." The sentence was out before he really considered it.


    "Nix..." Hyai''s pretty face showed a hint of red.


    Nix looked up from his plate; the entire table seemed to be watching him. "Maybe a bigger pond too. Soup loves to play in..." His sentence filtered off into an awkward silence.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Why is everyone staring?


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: You have food on your face.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Really?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Yep.

 393 Upgraded Home

    Nix and Hyai took the Gemini Gate to Ionova and then walked off lunch while they strolled towards home.


    Bali crouched in the middle of a thicket, watching the couple walk by hand in hand. She was the middle of deciding what she should do to them when Nix waved to her.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t even think about it, Bali.


    Bali hopped out of the brush, wearing a smile. "How''d you see me?"


    "Body heat. You need to be able to mask that too." Nix continued walking past before Bali could draw him into anything.


    "Hey, boss." Bali smiled at the strolling couple. "Am I interfering?"


    "Yes. Threes a crowd." Nix shoo''d her away with one hand. "Find something to do."


    It was a short walk to the ridge; the old town sight was visible over their left shoulder as they climbed the steep incline. Unexpectedly the old town was being vacated faster than anyone could have predicted and was nearly empty.


    Nix finally crested the hill, pulling Hyai closer as they paused to preview the home. "Woah..."


    Hyai matched his smile. "Now, I''m curious."


    From a distance, it was apparent that the upgrade was substantial. Not only did the turtle home sprout outwards in all directions, but a second floor had been added. The small pond behind the home now resembled a small freshwater cove.


    They approached the front entrance of the home, the front and back doors were replaced with a larger set of double doors. The shell had been raised to include a second-floor; six skylight windows were built into the roof.


    "I like the color." Hyai followed Nix as they walked around the outside of the home, the shell had an aquamarine tinge like Soup.


    Nix peeked in the back door; it still led to a bedroom. He twisted the knob and held the door while ushering Hyai inside.


    The back bedroom hadn''t changed much; it still sported a walkthru closet leading to the bathroom. The room, closet, and bathrooms were only slightly bigger.


    Walking out of the bedroom, they stepped into the kitchen area. There were two sets of double ovens and a refrigerator that sported four separate doors. The kitchen island was much larger, featuring a meal prepping area and a copper farm sink.


    The Innkeeper''s smile continued to widen as she walked through her favorite area. A room now bordered either side of the bedroom, one was a walk-in pantry while the other was a cozy looking study.


    "It''s a perfect kitchen." Hyai ran a hand over the black marble countertop of the kitchen island. They almost always ate here in the past. "I''m a bit nervous about seeing the rest of it."


    The living room was slightly larger, and an equal size dining area had been added. A long table accompanied by a dozen comfortable looking chairs meant they could seat all of their closest friends.


    Half of the second floor consisted of the lofted ceilings over the dining and living room. Nix climbed the stairs, the railing took a ninety-degree turn at the top and extended to the far wall. It gave you a nice view of the area below and would make communicating between levels easier.


    "Only one set of doors?" Hyai had been shadowing him while he explored. She grabbed the brass handles of the double wooden doors and pushed it open.


    Nix didn''t hide the smile that suddenly appeared on his face. "Now that... is a big bed."


    Underneath one of the skylight windows was the biggest bed, Nix had ever seen. It boasted a large wooden headboard that was carved with an intricate vine and leaf pattern. It was at least double the size of the bed downstairs and had six pillows lined up in a row leaning neatly against the headboard.


    "Nix!" Hyai opened a door into what Nix guessed was a spare room, but was actually a closet. A door on the far side of the closet led to a large bathroom. Its best feature was an over-sized circular tub and a separate shower.


    After checking out the bathroom, Nix walked back into the bedroom. There was a couch and two very comfortable looking chairs against the wall. A circular black table was centered in front of the sofa.


    Nix took a seat on the edge of the couch and touched the black table. Immediately a hud popped into view. It was projected from the center.


    [Welcome to your Enhanced Turtle Home]


    [Main Menu]


    1) Security


    2) Communications


    3) Crafting


    4) Exploration and Quests


    5) The Great Everspire Library


    [Two new users have been identified. Hyai and Nix. Is this correct?]


    "Yes," Nix replied.


    "Yes," Hyai replied.


    [In order to create an individual experience, we wish to download your friend lists, crafting skills, and personal stats. Is this acceptable?]


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    "Sure," Hyai scooted closer to Nix, leaning forward to view the hud better.


    [Hyai, there are currently four items available at different markets in Everspire that would be upgrades to your current equipment. Do you wish to purchase these now?]


    "No, thanks." Hyai stared at the screen; the items were saved as notes and listed at the bottom.


    [User Interface setup complete]


    Nix whistled softly. "From my friend''s list, add Fajii and Shae as users. They will set up their own interface when they arrive."


    [Understood. Hyai, Nix, Fajii, and Shae are listed as Primary Users.]


    Hyai kissed the side of his face, knowing that he would be messing with the interface for quite some time. "Any preference for dinner?"


    Nix shook his head; he was still full from lunch. "Bit early, isn''t it?"


    The redhead pinched his cheek. "Do you think everything takes ten minutes to prepare?"


    "No... Fine, some sort of fowl, and vegetables."


    [Hyai, there are three kinds of fowl available at the local market.]


    Hyai wrinkled her nose slightly. "Can I access this interface from the kitchen?"


    [User Interface is available from this location and the kitchen island.]


    "Going to buy a few things downstairs, hun, the pantry is currently bare." Hyai ruffled his hair and left the room.


    Nix waited until he heard her on the stairs before looked back at the hud. "I''ll check out the rest later. Contact Shae."


    [Direct HoloCom: Shae]


    An image of Shae appeared in the air above the table, her lips curved in a warm smile when she saw him. "Have your Breach Commander abilities returned?"


    Nix shook his head. "This is the new house interface; it''s a bit of an upgrade."


    Shae was standing next to a giant dragon egg; Nix could tell that she was eating ghost peppers. "Really? How''s the bed?"


    Nix glanced over his shoulder at the bed. "Come see for yourself."


    "In a few more days, I''ll feel comfortable leaving the eggs here at night. This is an important time in their growth cycle."


    Nix took a moment to explain about Del Tali and her ability to communicate from inside her egg. "Did you know that was possible?"


    Shae played with a strand of her red hair while she considered his words. "No. I''m not surprised, though. There''s an obvious difference between a dragon egg containing a newly formed dragon spawn and something like you''ve been able to accomplish with Nihlus, Sindi, and Del."


    Nix understood the difference. "The last three were fully mature people, complete with intelligence, skills, and communicative abilities."


    "Correct." Shae sighed. "Come see me; it has been entirely too long."


    Nix nodded. "I agree. I have some governing tasks to complete tomorrow. Once that''s done, I will be visiting the House of Tempest for some special training."


    "How long will you be at the House of Tempest?"


    "Chiba is going with me; she said to prepare for a week. We will be shoring up my spellsword defense."


    "Hmm... I don''t want to wait a week to see you." Shae''s lips curved in a smile. "Okay?"


    "After I finish in Ionova tomorrow, I''ll come by. It might be late."

 394 Shapeshifter

    For once, the ten o''clock sun wasn''t able to shine directly into Nix''s face through the bedroom window. Because of this, the Inferno guild leader slept peacefully, hours after Hyai was up. It was the smell of a late breakfast that finally motivated him to open his eyes.


    Hyai sat on the bed, she wore the comfortable work clothes that Nix made for her when she was the Inn Keeper in Cyphix, nearly a year earlier. "Didn''t you have a long list of things to do hun?"


    Nix rubbed his eyes, covering a yawn while she placed a breakfast tray on his lap. "I already knocked out the first two items on my list."


    Hyai looked skeptical. "Really?"


    Nix opened his personal hud with his free hand and showed her the days itinerary.


    [Nix''s List]


    1) Catch up on sleep.


    2) Catch up on sleep.


    3) Meet with Farmers.


    4) Meet with Merchants.


    5) Talk to Nebs.


    6) Visit the Infirmary in Nescari.


    7) Examine dragon puppet with Muncie.


    8) Pack for trip.


    9) Make sure to tell Hyai how wonderful she is before I leave.


    10) Spend the evening at the Fire Palace before heading to Solomon City.


    "I stand corrected." Hyai scanned the list, stopping at her name. "You''re going to be very busy."


    "I know it. Thank you for making breakfast." Nix drained half the glass of orange juice before sitting it down and licking his lips. "So good."


    "Welcome. I packed you a box lunch since you''ll be busy."


    Nix paused, his fork full of eggs hovered in the air. "You heading back to Haven when I leave?"


    Hyai shook her head. "Nope, staying here. I invited Mina and Nansu to visit while you are away. I can take the time to level up my chef skill."


    Nix sighed at the mention of Nansu, for a few weeks it seemed like she and Chael were on the path back to being a couple. Sadly they split permanently, deciding to remain friends. "If I''d only been quicker in realizing that Chael was being controlled..."


    Hyai ruffled his hair with one hand. "You aren''t at fault. It can''t be easy being attacked by the person you care about."


    Nix considered her words while finishing his breakfast. "Fajii stabbed me in the chest with a spear while we were in Shangri."


    "What?" Hyai''s reaction made it clear that she hadn''t heard the story.


    Nix nodded in confirmation. "Actually, I deflected it and it went through my shoulder. It was a damned butterfly that enchanted her."


    "How did Fajii react?"


    "I haven''t really talked to her about it. From her reaction, I assume she felt some guilt." Nix waved the topic off. "She was able to recover."


    Hyai smiled, without a doubt that recovery was aided by him. "And then you picked up Morti, and she found Eron."


    Hyai intercepted him and relieved him of the tray. "Get cleaned up, I''ll take care of this."


    *************


    Nix summoned his Shadow Daikon and instantly took to the air. Originally he intended to head directly to town for a meeting with the area farmers, but instead, he decided to take a few minutes to check out the crops.


    /Inferno: Bali: Hey Boss!


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix spotted a single figure waiting standing next to the trail that leads to the quarry. Although the distance was a bit too far to make out features, he could tell it was Bali. Three figures were running towards her, the one in the lead was much faster than the other two.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ranger training? Is that the Trams?


    /Inferno: Bali: Yep. Gotta have endurance.


    /Inferno: Nix: The one in front seems to be kicking butt.


    /Inferno: Bali: Aye. That''s Ginger, the girl runs like the wind, pretty good with a bow also. Reminds me of myself.


    /Inferno: Nix: Keep up the hard work.


    /Inferno: Bali: I want to bring them to Oasis in a few weeks, Loki forests have a lot of training opportunities for young rangers.


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s your call.


    Nix took a few minutes to circle over the farms, the crops seemed to be coming in nicely. He patted the Daikon''s smooth neck and turned back toward town. Since there were no clouds in the sky, he could see all of Ionova. "Hold on..."


    Even from a height of three thousand feet, the north bank of the river that bordered the Hanza farm was painted red in his thermal vision. His mount banked toward the river in a shallow dive before leveling off at ten meters.


    Nix wrinkled his nose in distaste when he was enveloped by a swarm of insects and a god-awful stench. "That''s nasty."


    /Inferno: Nix: Hey Bali, sending you coordinates. Seems like something was killed on the Hanza farm recently. Probably just a predator, but there''s blood splattered everywhere.


    Inferno: Bali: That''s perfect for training! Thanks, boss.


    **************


    An hour later, Nix was standing with Nebs in front of the Ionova farmers. As he noticed when he flew over, crops were good. Ionova was recovering well from the Thornwood curse from a few months earlier. Three of the farming families petitioned to acquire land adjacent to their farms.


    "Let me consider the land requests, I''ll get back to with an answer by next month." Nix had already considered that there were additional areas that could be farmed, he made a mental note to consult with Jaro later in the day. There were a lot more farms in Nescarai, so he might offer some valuable input.


    "Hopi!" Nix called out to the young woman whose family ran one of the farms in Ionova.


    "Steward Nix." Hopi gave him a friendly smile, she had the sort of natural warmth that Nix liked.


    "Keep any livestock on the farm?" Something had definitely been killed on their property, maybe a stray cow or hog.


    "A few milk cows and some workhorses. We do keep a small herd of goats, for clearing." Hopi noticed his confusion, so she explained. "Goats eat everything, saves us a lot of work if we send them into an area that we intend to clear. They''ll eat brush, vines, small trees and every sort of weed you can think of."


    ******************


    "That''s gross." Ronnie wrinkled her nose at the smell. Bali had brought the group in from the south so that the area was upwind of them.


    The petite ranger nodded in agreement. "Theo... Why didn''t we head directly there?"


    "You said it could be a predator. We want to approach so that our scent isn''t picked up." Theo was dressed in leather armor camo that Nix made for the three Trams. His red hair was cut short like his brother Mik.


    Bali brought up track and showed them the interface. "In a few months, I''ll bring you to a trainer that will teach you the tracking skill. There is currently nothing dangerous within a few hundred meters of us, just a few rabbits and a raccoon."


    Ronnie summoned her rock pet and nimbly climbed onto its broad shoulders. "I''ll cover you."


    Bali nodded and unslung her bow. "Just because nothing shows up on track, doesn''t mean we rush in. Single file, three-meter spacing. "


    The ranger breathed through her nose, even though the stench grew stronger as they approached. She paused and looked back. "Listen... hear that? Lots of flies buzzing." She pointed overhead where a half dozen birds were circling. "Want to find dead things? Follow the vultures."


    Bali stopped again when they reached the river, part of a bloody hoof was wedged between two rocks. She spent several minutes studying the area, her pretty face slowly growing grim.


    /Inferno: Bali: Not good. Come on in Ronnie.


    "What do you think?" Bali spoke to her trainees. She gave them ten minutes to study the scene, only Ginger managed not to retch.


    Mik spoke first. "Single set of tracks, we are looking for one predator."


    Bali nodded. "Acceptable. What else Theo?"


    "It kills for fun. Most of these corpses are mutilated but now eaten."


    "Passable answer. Anything you''d like to add Ginger?" Bali smiled at the female Tram.


    Ginger considered what she''d seen for a moment before answering. "Blood splattered and body parts everywhere indicates a frenzy, not rational behavior. Also, the tracks disappeared a hundred meters from here, why?"


    /Inferno: Bali: I love this girl.


    "Follow me." Bali took them to where the tracks ended and knelt on the ground. "Take your time and tell me what you see."


    Mik traced the outline of the track. "It''s two-legged, missing a toe on the left foot."


    Bali nodded happily. "Walks upright, now we can identify it. Anything else?"


    "Wait!" Theo looked at the last track. "Shapeshifter?"


    Bali clapped her student on the back. "Why?"


    Theo ran his hand over the ground where the next track should have been, only a light scuffing could be seen before it faded completely. "Usually when tracks disappear its caused by changes in terrain, weather, or someone deliberately covering their tracks."


    Bali glanced at Ronnie, "my kids are the best. It shapeshifted here, its size and weight changed dramatically. With this hard ground, it was no longer heavy enough to leave tracks."


    Ronnie clapped her hands excitedly. "It''s a werewolf right? Should I have some silver arrows made?"


    Bali''s pretty face showed her confusion. "A were-what? Why would you waste silver on arrows?"

 395 Dragon Puppe

    After the meeting, Nebs briefed him on town development and the need for better local roads. Three families in town wanted permission to buy land to raise livestock and several business owners from Free Trader City wanted to expand to Ionova.


    "I''ll have the quarry supply materials for making cobblestone, you''ll have to find the stonemasons."


    Nebs nodded and made a note of it. "I''ll put the word out locally first."


    "As far as the business owners from Free Trader City lets hold off. Encouraging commerce is great, however, I''m okay with slowing it down if it means our local businesses develop to the point where they can expand."


    Nebula smiled at her boss. From a financial standpoint, Nix did things backward. Instead of maximizing profit, he was more interested in maximizing the potential of local businesses. However, she liked his approach better. "Sounds good."


    ***************


    Nix arrived at HQ at exactly 1400. It was an accomplishment that gave him a great deal of satisfaction. "I''m on fire today!"


    Muncie looked up when he heard the sound of the gate opening, it broke his concentration, and the dragon corpse he was animating collapsed onto the ground. "Damn..."


    "You can get it to stand now?" Nix approached the dragon, he''d only managed to reattach the head, both wings were laying on the ground nearby, still unattached."


    Muncie nodded, when he last spoke with Nix, he could only manage to open its eyes. "Making progress, but it''s slow."


    "I have an idea, not sure if it will work." Nix grabbed one of the chairs placed nearby and moved it closer to the dragon.


    "More repairs? Did you manage to get more Dragon material?" Muncie helped Nix with the repairs, he knew that the Inferno Leader used nearly all of his personal resources just to put the head on and repair the damaged torso.


    Nix shook his head and showed him the manual in his hand. "Something better."


    Animation Manual [Minaturization Skill]


    Description: Create smaller animations and


    puppets using this ancient technique.


    Miniature ratios come in .25, .5 and .75


    Muncie''s eyes widened. "Where did you get this? Do the smaller ratios use fewer materials? How does being miniaturized affect strength?"


    "So many questions." Nix handed him the manual so that he could look at it. "It''s from Eidengal, the materials match the ratios exactly. In other words, half the size equals half the resources. Power isn''t affected by miniaturization."


    Muncie paged through the manual. "You were able to learn the miniaturization skill?"


    "Do you know how rare this manual is? Vega could have made four dragons if he had this skill."


    "I''m glad that he didn''t." Nix opened the animator interface and attempted to Queue the Vega dragon, a long list of resources needed came up. It didn''t help that all of them were super-rare; dragon bones, dragon scales, and so on. However, when he miniaturized it to .75, the list shrunk dramatically.


    Muncie clucked his tongue. "Still more than we have. I bet the smaller dragon would be easier for me to control."


    "Makes sense." Nix adjusted the queue repairs to a ratio of .50, the required materials dropped to a manageable level.


    "Now we''re in business." Muncie''s face showed how impressed he was. "You have enough to complete the repair."


    Nix nodded. "It uses the full-size dragon corpse as resources for the smaller version." When he dropped the ratio down to .25, a large surplus of materials was shown.


    Muncie wanted more than anything to be useful. "How big would .25 be? Maybe fifty feet? I think I could handle that!"


    Nix looked at the surplus and felt warm inside. All of his dragon materials could be recovered. A bit more actually.


    [You are attempting to repair a damaged dragon animation while decreasing its ratio to .25. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "Yes."


    [Animation complete, leftover materials have been placed in your crafting inventory.]


    Miniature Dragon


    Description: This dragon animation


    has been scaled to .25. It has been slain


    in combat and may only be activated


    by those possessing the Necro-Skeletal


    skill.


    Nix kept it stowed in his animator interface. "As of right now, we no longer can operate here."


    Muncie sighed unhappily, he didn''t even get the chance to mess with it. "Where then?"


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Fey]


    Ducky and Fey appeared nearly at the same time. Each laughed when they saw the other.


    The Water Witch smiled sweetly at Nix. "We were playing hide and seek in the Nether with Leva. She''d going to be mad when she can''t find us."


    Fey covered her smile with a pale hand. The Fallen Chancellor was exceptionally good at finding others. "We on a mission Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Want to join Inferno Muncie?"


    Muncie nodded without hesitating, although he had worked in the bandit camp, it was his master that took the job. He was forced to follow along. "Yes. What do I need to do?"


    "You''ll have to talk with Ducky. She vettes everyone who gains access to Haven."


    /Inferno: Ducky: I''ll have a chat with him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Be thorough with him, he''s going to given access to Haven, his mission may help us when the final battle arrives. If you find anything suspicious I want to know.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Understood.


    "Haven?" Muncie felt himself turn red, of course, he heard the place referenced by those who stayed at HQ.


    "Yes. I want to make something clear before you agree. You''ll be confined to Haven until we deal with Khione. I can''t risk letting anything happen to you."


    Muncie shrugged slightly. As he understood it, Haven was bigger than Titania and hundreds of people already lived there. "I would like to join Inferno."


    Nix nodded. "If Ducky clears you, I''ll bring you in and put you on the payroll."


    Fey watched the interaction, she actually liked Muncie, they talked in the courtyard on several occasions. "Why am I here?"


    "Remember that dragon puppet we had here? We shrunk it down to around fifty feet. You''re going to teach him how to fight like a dragon."


    "So it''s a bit smaller than me?" Fey smiled at the idea of a tiny dragon. "That Vega dragon only had fear, fire, and sharp teeth."


    Nix remembered that Deidra said it was a youth. "Get Muncie an acorn so he can construct his own apartment in the Dragon Fir Tree."


    Fey smiled pleasantly at Muncie, "Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of you."


    /Inferno: Nix: Get all the drakes involved. They''ve been freeloading in Haven long enough.


    /Inferno: Fey: There''s a sizable desert to the far south of the Gemini Temple, we''ll start training there.


    /Inferno: Nix: Good, over the mountain range and out of sight.


    ****************


    Nix used his Steward Meddalion and arrived in Nescari much earlier then he anticipated. As expected Jaro was sitting with Dresa, surprisingly Locas was lounging in a chair next to Yena.


    Both men stood up when he entered.


    "NIX!" Jaro''s voice boomed loudly in the small room. He wrapped Nix up in a bearhug and squeezed before sitting him down. "Thank you, Nix! I can never repay what you''ve done."


    Nix found Jaro''s mood infectious and returned his wide grin. "It wasn''t just me, but you are welcome. They were both injured while protecting my spirit companion, so there is no debt."


    "Hey Boss." The handsome ranger offered Nix a handshake before sitting back down.


    [Whisper: Nix to Locas] I didn''t mean for you to stay so long.


    [Whisper: Locas] I''ve decided that I like her.


    Nix felt like his face my break from grinning, he turned toward Dresa without commenting. "How are you feeling?"


    Dresa held out her arms and refused to put them down until Nix bent for a hug. She kissed both his cheeks before releasing him. "A few more days. The antidote worked great, but the poison left some aftereffects."


    Nix nodded, the persistent poison caused permanent damage, even though it was cured. Her voice had a slightly raspy sound, but it wasn''t unpleasant. "Guess you won''t be able to yell at Jaro anymore."


    Like an idiot, Jaro nodded. "Yep!"


    His smile collapsed suddenly under the weight of Dresa''s stare.


    He turned toward Yena and took a seat next to her on the bed. "Got you something."


    The Alchemist smiled sweetly. He had stayed with her when he didn''t have to, even making sure someone would keep her company. "A present?"


    "Yep." Nix was told by Scarlett that Yena would never regain sight in the damaged eye. The poison caused damage beyond what healers could do. "Made it myself."


    Archer''s Eyepatch


    Description: Camouflaged and


    enhanced with an Eagle eye, this


    eyepatch features distance magnification


    and 250-degree peripheral vision.


    +100 to Archer''s Skill


    Additional Features: Complete Camouflage


    and Sound Suppression.


    Yena grinned when she saw it and bent forward slightly. "Help a girl out Nix."


    Nix nodded and gently placed the patch over her recently healed eye. "Does it still hurt?"


    "No... I just have this huge blind spot that is.." Yena stopped speaking and looked around the room.


    Nix watched her as she focused on different parts of the room. "Looks good, like some kind of bandit queen."


    "My blind spot is gone! They said it was permanent, but I can see." Yena grabbed Locas and hugged him tightly. It was obvious that she was crying from the way her shoulders were shaking.


    [Whisper: Nix to Locas] That''s my hug you''re getting bastard.


    [Whisper: Locas to Nix] It feels nice too. I''ll have Bali pay you back.


    Nix didn''t reply but was tempted to send him the 9 million credit bill for the three eagle eyes he had to purchase. "While you''re recovering, I''ll take some of that booze you make for the Ground Pounders."


    "Okay." Yena gave him a muffled reply from Locas''s shoulder.


    Nix hung out with the small group for an hour or so. During which time he was cautioned by Jaro against granting more land to the existing farming families. Land was limited and necessary for many different kinds of expansions.


    Jaro hugged him again when Nix decided it was time to leave. "Send me your current allocations for land and I''ll take a look at it."


    **************

 396 Moonligh

    Gil''s round face looked traumatized. "Nix... I want to buy this house from you. It isn''t right that you live in a turtle mansion while a Titan Turtle stays in a normal place."


    "Heh... Hyai must have given you the grand tour." Nix patted him on the back. "All because I found your grandpa''s shell."


    "That''s right! I helped you bring it out of the lake! Let me stay in your old room!" Gil''s round face smiled at his own cleverness. "I''m a very quiet turtle."


    "Denied!" Nix walked past him, pausing long enough to kiss Hyai on the cheek before taking a look out the back door.


    Soup was basking on the shore of the new cove; her eyes popped open when Nix opened the backdoor.


    "Want to come on a trip? Change into your shadow sphinx form if you do."


    Soup disappeared from sight, and an instant later, a black streak scampered up Nix''s leg and perched on his shoulder.


    Her soft black fur tickled the side of his neck; Nix could feel her tiny claws gripping him. "You are so spoiled. Let''s go then."


    Nix returned a minute later with Soup riding shotgun. "What''s that I smell?"


    [Phase Shift]


    Soup appeared on Hyai''s shoulder, pushing a soft black nose into her neck.


    The Innkeeper stroked Soup''s soft fur. "I baked some of the Chalet that you caught yesterday. Get ready for your trip, and I''ll finish up."


    Nix nodded and headed toward the stairs; Mina gave him a quick hug when he walked by. "Want to thank you two for staying with Hyai while I''m gone." He paused at the stairs, noticing that Gil followed him. "Just don''t get too comfortable."


    Nansu shared a smile with Mina. "Seems like there''s plenty of room!"


    Nix shook his head vigorously and started up the stairs. The double doors leading to the master bedroom was open. "Have a seat, Gil. Gotta grab a few things."


    While he was gone, Hyai had moved everything from the downstairs bedroom into the new one. "I stopped by Nescari; the girls seem to be in high spirits."


    "I hear you fixed Yena up with that ranger Captain," Gil called from a comfortable chair by the window.


    "Jealous? How about I fix you up with Chiba?" Nix could hear his groan from the closet.


    "That ugly old man-woman? I thought we were friends."


    Nix wore a smile when he exited the closet a minute later. "You do know that''s just a disguise?"


    Gil shuddered when he remembered her grabbing his wrist and shoving it into her crotch. "Don''t say anything else, I plan on eating after this."


    Gil frowned and leaned back with an exaggerated sigh. "You''re an animator. Can''t you just make me a girlfriend? Green, maybe a few meters wide and likes to swim."


    "It''s creepy when you fantasize about my turtle." Nix stopped at the double doors. "Coming?"


    Gil nodded. "Yep."


    **************


    1900 Hours Haven


    After enjoying dinner with his friends, Nix spent some time with Hyai before porting directly to the Gemini Temple. He exited and walked up the steep stairs that connected the Dragon Fir Tree apartments with each other. The drakes from the core started on the top floor and built downward. There was a large flat overlook at the top floor where the drakes liked to hang out. He left the dragon puppet there.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] I left the dragon puppet on the top-floor platform where the drakes hang out. Make sure they know not to mess with it.


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] I''ll let them know. They''re probably too scared to go near it. Even small dragons smell like dragons.


    Nix used Deep Blue to gate to the Fire Palace and entered Shae''s Elemental world. He found her right away, standing barefoot next to an entire pond full of dragon eggs. "You trying to boil them?"


    Shae didn''t answer; she just waited patiently for him, her lips curved in a smile.


    "Hey, Sunshine." Nix wrapped her up in a hug and lifted her from the ground.


    "Sunshine?" Shae''s pretty face tilted upward for a kiss, which she lengthened until they were both breathless.


    "That''s a nice greeting. Been eating peppers again." Nix didn''t have to pose it as a question; his mouth was burning from the kiss.


    Shae nodded. "Just a few, Moonlight likes them too."


    "Moonlight is here?" Nix scanned the immediate area, spotting her next to Shae''s oversized pepper garden.


    "You haven''t seen her in a while. Come on." Shae grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the garden.


    Nix nodded in approval at all the changes Shae made. She brought in birds and a few smaller mammals to populate her world. "Did Rhy bring the birds in for you?"


    Shae nodded. "I talked to her yesterday."


    Nix did a double-take when Moonlight trotted up. As a cross between Flash and Nightmare, he expected the foal would grow fast. "She''s beautiful."


    The black filly nosed Shae''s hand until the salamander produced a handful of ghost peppers. Shae laughed and stroked its head until they were all gone. "You remember, Nix?"


    Nix held his hand out cautiously; the filly had teeth like her mom. She stepped forward unafraid and bumped him in the chest with her head. "Wow. She''s really friendly."


    "Super fast too. Is she big enough to ride yet?"


    Nix shook his head. "She needs to fill out a bit more. At this rate, maybe four months."


    The estimate made her smile, Shae wanted to race her on the plateau where Nix kept his herd. "Hot or cold?"


    Nix raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"


    "Hot pool? Or Cold one? Maybe something in the middle?'' Shae undid the back of her dress and let it slide to the ground.


    "Oh... Hot."


    An hour later, Moonlight approached the couple. The brown flames made her curious, but she didn''t approach until they extinguished.


    Shae watched her horse approached. Her arms were wrapped around Nix from behind; her chin rested comfortably on his shoulder. "Want to see something neat?"


    Nix nodded; the heat of the pool, coupled with Shae pressed against his back, made his eyes feel heavy. "I do."


    "Moonlight! Flame up!"


    An instant later, Moonlight''s yellow flame aura ignited. The black horse stood calmly, bathed entirely in fire.


    "That is pretty neat," Nix admitted. "You teach her that?"


    Shae smiled against the back of his neck, kissing his skin before answering. "I did."


    ********************


    0200 hours, Turtle House


    The double-doors leading to the master bedroom were open, only the moon shining in through the Skylights lit the interior of the room. Hyai, Mina, and Nansu talked for several hours after Nix left, chatting until midnight before deciding to turn in.


    Since Hyai didn''t want to be by herself, and the bed was quite large, all three of them slept peacefully in the master bedroom.


    *chime*


    [Alert: Hyai, please wake up]


    Nansu was the first to wake; she shook the redhead gently. "Your table is blinking."


    Hyai rubbed her eyes and sat up. Across the room, she could see the black table was lit. She hopped out of bed and touched the surface. Immediately a 3-D image of the area hovered over the table.


    [Hyai, an unidentified predator approaches, distance 433 meters.]


    By this time, all three women were wide awake, the image highlighted the intruder, it was moving slowly down the ridge.


    Mina leaned closer. "What is that thing?"


    [Hyai, the Turtle House is currently in lockdown mode. Do you wish to notify the City protection?]


    Nansu nodded and moved closer to Mina. "Can your Vilas handle that?"


    "Probably, but it might run." Mina looked at Hyai. "Bali is City protection."


    "Yes. Notify City protection." Hyai suppressed a shiver, there was something creepy about the way it moved.


    /Inferno: Automated Message: An unknown predator is approaching the Turtle House, please dispatch City Protection at once.


    /Inferno: Automated Message: An unknown predator is approaching the Turtle House, please dispatch City Protection at once.


    /Inferno: Bali: City Protection is on the way. Stay inside.


    [Hyai, City Protection is on the way. Please stay indoors.]


    Hyai looked at the table and then at Mina, an instant later they both started laughing.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Want some back-up?


    /Inferno: Bali: No thanks, we''re almost there.


    Nansu frowned at the two women, as a lifestyle player she didn''t have to deal with monsters. "What''s so funny?"


    Hyai grabbed a blanket from the bed and took a seat on the couch. "Our house just sent a guild message. It''s kinda odd."


    Mina nodded in agreement and joined her on the couch. All three women''s eyes were glued to the projection.


    Nansu squeezed between the two of them and pulled the blanket under her chin. "That''s Bali!"


    A single person darted into the image, she was bent low, like she was studying the ground. After a moment she moved slowly down the ridge.


    Hyai checked the distances again.


    /Inferno: Hyai: It''s still moving toward the house, 65 meters east of your position.


    /Inferno: Bali: Thanks. Keep me posted.

 397 City Protectorate Office CitPro

    The following is from Bali''s perspective, starting from when the automated message was sent from the Ionova Turtle House.


    ***************


    The top floor of HQ, also known as the Bird''s nest, consisted of a single large bedroom and bathroom. Initially, it was claimed by Bali, but a second troublemaker moved in shortly after that. It was comfortably decorated and featured a custom made bunk bed, most likely the only one in Colonial.


    On the bottom bunk slept a dark-skinned woman, her disheveled hair spread out on the white pillowcase. She wore black silk pajamas and slept peacefully with a devilish smile on her face. On the top bunk was a dhassi woman, she looked much younger when she slept. Pinned to the wall next to her were two hand-sketched portraits, ''Captain Locas'' and ''Guild Leader Nix.'' The artist showed remarkable talent and had signed both with a large "B."


    /Inferno: Automated Message: An unknown predator is approaching the Turtle House, please dispatch City Protection at once.


    Bali''s pale eyes popped open, she always set her guild alerts to chime. "Ronnie! We gotta go!"


    The ranger jumped to the floor and kicked the bottom bunk while she equipped her gear.


    /CitPro: Bali: TRAMS! Sound Off!


    /CitPro: Ginger: We''re up!


    /CitPro: Inhabit the black Orion puppets and meet at the ridge next to Nix''s house.


    /Inferno: Automated Message: An unknown predator is approaching the Turtle House, please dispatch City Protection at once.


    /Inferno: Bali: City Protection is on the way. Stay inside.


    Bali slipped on her boot while hopping toward the door, stopping before she ran into Ronnie, who was already ready to go. "Damn, you''re a fast one."


    The duo ran down the stairs and summoned their Daikens the moment they stepped outside. Within seconds they were airborne and flying toward the turtle house.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Want some back-up?


    /Inferno: Bali: No thanks, we''re almost there.


    /CitPro: Bali: What''s your status Trams?


    /CitPro: Ginger: Just left the old town gate, heading to the ridge.


    Bali pulled up her map as her mount approached the target. She glanced at it for just a moment before closing it and putting her Daiken into a dive.


    /CitPro: Bali: Ronnie, take the Trams and circle around the eastern perimeter of Nix''s property. I''ll flush it toward you.


    Bali dismounted, pausing for a moment while Ronnie met up with three Orions.


    /CitPro: Mik: Finally a hunt!


    /CitPro: Bali: Focus Mik. You guys follow Ronnie and get ready.


    Bali activated track and moved into the undergrowth. There were nearly a dozen different animals prowling, some of them were hunting while others were hiding. One of the names on the list stood out from the others, lycanthrope.


    Bali isolated the creature on her track, a single set of footprints illuminated themselves on the ground. The Dhassi ranger bent to examine them in the darkness before continuing toward the house.


    /Inferno: Hyai: It''s still moving toward the house, 65 meters east of your position.


    /Inferno: Bali: Thanks, keep me posted.


    /CitPro: Ronnie: What species did track say it was?


    /CitPro: Bali: Lycanthrope.


    /CitPro: Ronnie: AKA Werewolf! Just like I said! Don''t let it bite you, or you''ll become one too.


    /CitPro: Bali: Are you making that up?


    Bali increased her speed, the footprints were in a straight line, indicating that it already had a target. She notched an arrow and checked track, 22 meters straight ahead. A flash of light followed by an outraged growl sounded directly in front of her.


    /CitPro: Bali: It ran into a security barrier. Damn, that''s a nice feature.


    Bali broke into the clearing and fired three arrows, all three sunk into the creature''s left calf.


    [Lycanthrope Howl] A deafening howl filled the night air, freezing its enemies in place.


    Bali has been stunned


    The creature turned toward the ranger, red eyes filled with rage. It was a hulking beast with an overly muscular upper body that featured dagger-like claws. The creature was dark brown in color with a single silver splash on his back.


    [Predator Charge] The beast charged at Bali, running on all fours it covered the distance between them in seconds.


    [Elite Escape] Bali vanished a heartbeat before it arrived. She appeared two meters away and shot another arrow right next to the other three.


    A Lycanthrope has been slowed by thirty percent.


    Bali spun in place and broke into a sprint, the enraged creature right on her heels. She could feel its hot breath on her back, the heavy pants of its breathing seemed loud to her sensitive ears.


    /CitPro: Bali: It''s really fast. Even with four arrows in its leg.


    Bali dodged to one side, just as a claw slammed into the ground, she dodged the opposite direction a moment later when it attacked again.


    Wilo has cast [Air Impendence]


    A Lycanthrope has been slowed by eighty percent for the next thirty seconds.


    A buzzing noise sounded overhead. Wilo''s dragonfly-like wings buzzed steadily while she shot mini-arrows at the creature with a tiny bow. The sight nearly caused Bali to stumble as she struggled to keep from laughing.


    /CitPro: Bali: Did you get Wilo a bow?


    /CitPro: Ronnie: I did. It''s cute, right?


    Wilo continued to follow the beast that chased after Bali. Most of her tiny arrows missed, but she made loud "pew, pew" sounds whenever she fired.


    /CitPro: Bali: Yep. Got the net set up?


    Ronnie stood comfortably on her Rock Golem, just inside the woodline, a large net was spread out on the path leading away from them. Three Orions waited on the other side of the dark archer.


    /CitPro: Ronnie: Yes. Get ready Trams.


    Bali put on a burst of speed and leaped into the air, spinning she released two arrows in an eyeblink directly into the face of the beast.


    A Lycanthrope has been temporarily blinded.


    /CitPro: Bali: Sic em.


    All three black felines pounced at once, the combined weight of them sent the lycanthrope to the ground. Ronnie and Bali stood back and picked their shots. One of the cats was slightly quicker than the others and managed to sink its fangs into the neck of the beast, leaving the other two to settle for limbs. The struggle lasted for nearly a minute before the beast had enough and bolted in the direction of the woods, dragging all three Trams with it.


    /CitPro: Bali: Disengage.


    All three cats let go and fled in different directions just before the net was yanked up around the werewolf. Ronnie pulled net tight while the creatures howled and thrashed in anger.


    "Got ya Mr. Werewolf!" Ronnie tied the rope around her Rock Golems hands and walked toward the net.


    /CitPro: Bali: How''d your silver-tipped arrows work?


    /CitPro: Ronnie: Damn. Forgot to use them.


    Ronnie sighed and notched one of them in her bow. "Maybe there''s a second one."


    Bali checked track, it was all clear.


    /CitPro: Bali: Looks good, but Ronnie''s right, be ready.


    After a minute of thrashing and growling, the beast stopped and howled mournfully at the night sky. The cracking of bones accompanied by the stench of rot filled the air as the giant lycanthrope seemed to shrink down. Its fur faded into skin, while its exaggerated canines changed into normal teeth. Within a few seconds the change was complete and before them lay a bald man wearing bright red robes. He sat up suddenly, his head pushing through a gap in the net.


    "NIIIIXX! SHE WAITING FOR YOU! YOUR DAYS OF FREEDOM ARE COMING TO AN END! ALL HAIL THE COMING OF THE ICE GODDESS All HAIL THE AGE OF KHIONE!"


    Ronnie stared at the man, the eyes were still bloodshot and frenzied. "Your nuts, right? Want to spend your life on a polar ice cap?"


    /Inferno: Bali: Could someone ask Ducky to meet us at the Turtle house?


    /Inferno: Ducky: On my way!


    /CitPro: Bali: Trams, check the perimeter, and stay together.


    /CitPro: Theo: Let''s start on the eastern side.


    /CitPro: Ginger: On it.


    /CitPro: Mik: Yep.


    Bali waited with Ronnie, the two of them keeping an eye on the captive. Wilo sat comfortably on Ronnie''s shoulder.


    /CitPro: Bali: Did you teach her to make those pew-pew sounds when she shoots?


    /CitPro: Ronnie: Of course.


    A few minutes later, Ducky and Leva stepped through a breach near the Turtle House. The pair immediately headed toward the captive. When Ducky arrived she gave the City Protectors an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I was in the Nether until Nix had me come here."


    "Is Nix here?" Bali''s sharp eyes scanned the area. There were no fires, or sounds of people screaming in horror, the usual indicators of his presence.


    Ducky shook her head. "Hyai told him that you guys could handle it."


    Ducky has charmed Kodus Mora.


    Ducky knelt down, peering through the netting. "Are you okay, Kodus?"


    Kodus nodded. "I messed up."


    Ducky''s voice was filled with sympathy. "It can''t be that bad. What did you mess up?"


    Kodus gnashed his teeth, his voice filled with quiet rage. "I was supposed to support the effort in Free Trader City, but I was so angry! I wanted him to pay!"


    "What effort in Free Trader City?" Ducky stroked the man''s forearm gently. "I can secure your release, we can erase this mistake."


    "Y-You can?" Kodus''s eyes slowly resumed their natural brown color, his breathing slowed to a normal rate. "I can continue spreading the word?"


    Ducky nodded. "Of course, I want you to continue spreading the word."


    "When the Temple of Khione is constructed in Free Trader City, all of Central Everspire will feel her power." Kodus held his hand out, reaching for the Water Witch through the netting.


    /Inferno: Ducky: We''re going to take him.


    /Inferno: Nix: Do it. You and Leva find out everything.


    /CitPro: Ginger: Hey... Isn''t that Captain Mora?


    The Tram''s returned from their perimeter check and were watching the proceedings.


    Theo looked closer, his blue eyes staring. "Yep, that''s him. Haven''t seen him since Nix fired him."


    /Inferno: Bali: Apparently, this is the former Ionova Guard Captain that Nix fired when he took over Stewardship.


    /Inferno: Nix: Find out where his two buddies are and what they''ve been doing since they left Ionova.


    Leva opened a breach while Ducky freed Kodus from the net. "Thank you for your hard work. We''ll take it from here."


    [Whisper: Leva to Nix] Send me another vial of your blood.


    [Whisper: Nix to Leva] Done. I want a full report tomorrow.

 398 Serpent Revealed

    Nix said goodbye to Shae and gated directly to the Gemini Temple. He was a few minutes early for his rendezvous with Chiba, so he opened the file that Leva had sent him during the night. Covering a yawn with his hand, he took a seat on the platform and started reading.


    Subject: Temple of Khione


    Agents of Khione approached Kodus Mora after he left Ionova. He was brought to a secret Temple where he was indoctrinated along with dozens of others. He doesn''t know the location, only that it was surrounded by jungle and every day was hot and humid.


    The two guards he worked with in Ionova were also part of the program. The three of them are tasked with ''spreading the word.'' Basically, the word is that the world is ending and that Khione will save those who follow her.


    Kodus, his two friends, and two others are working Free Trader City. If they garner enough support, they are to build a temple. It''s obvious that he messed up when he went after you. Sometime after he arrived in Free Trader City, he was attacked by a lycanthrope. As he started to turn, he felt an irrational anger building. His intent was to find you and slay you.


    Recommendation:


    There''s a cure for lycanthropy, although it''s expensive. If we cure him and send him back to the other cultists, he could become a valuable resource. The other option is to kill him and the other four assigned to Free Trader City. Keep in mind that there were dozens of cultists going through the indoctrination. Some of them were heading to places he''d never heard of before; Jenzi, Safarza, Escavar, and Broyan.


    I say we turn him and use him. Until I hear back from you, he''ll stay in the Nether with me.


    [End of Report.]


    Nix turned to the shadow sphinx sitting on his shoulder. "What do you think, Soup? Lets answer her quickly, so we don''t have to worry about it while we are training."


    Leva,


    Thanks for the hard work. Cure Kodus before he becomes a minion. The lycanthrope blood may interfere with the process. Cure him, turn him, and put him to work. Find out what our dark priestess friend from the Cabal knows about the Khione Cultists. We need some options on how to deal with these people.


    Nix.


    ***************


    [0900 hours Colonial Virtual Reality Lab, St. Paul, Mn]


    Director Sahara Obrien''s Office


    Sahara closed most of the huds she had opened on her desk and turned her complete focus on the dragon NPCs. BALTO was the virtual intelligence that governs the actions of NPCs; however, this did not include the dragons. Initially, dragons were to be thought of as an overpowering existence that didn''t regularly interact with humans. They were programmed to be aloof, arrogant, and alien.


    Marshal Tucker''s face popped up on her desk hud. "Director Obrien, you asked me to let you know when my class completed their second dive."


    Hara''s eyes lit up with interest, smiling slightly while she scanned the results. "A perfect jump with no fails? That has to be some sort of record."


    Marshal let out a long breath. "I''ve never seen anything like it."


    "Give them the weekend off; the next jump is the hardest."


    "Understood Director. Do you still want to see Glory Jones?"


    Hara nodded. "Send her to my office. Thanks for the hard work Marshal."


    "Just doing my job."


    Hara was still considering her dragon problem when Glory stepped into the doorway, she motioned her in with a hand and closed the hud. "Looks like everything went well."


    "I''m getting used to it. Thanks for the special assignment Director, it was good to see him again."


    "We''re friends, so call me Hara." Hara brought her scores up. "It seems like you fought very well. Sometimes that can be the biggest issue in this program. Not everyone is a gamer."


    "My training as a corrections officer came in handy." Glory glanced at her rating. "Did I mess up when I defended Floyd?"


    Hara shook her head. "The bio on Thessa says her goal is to strengthen and unify the Serpent Clan. Had you acted against those objectives, Balto would have booted you out instantly and the Thessa NPC program would have taken over."


    Glory considered the statement. "What if I attacked Floyd instead? Would that have booted me out?"


    Hara shook her head. "Probably not. There''s a lot of room for interpretation here. Speaking objectively, siding with the Goddess of Winter could very well be the best thing for the Serpent Clan."


    "Wouldn''t that lead to their destruction when Inferno kills Khione?"


    "It''s not rigged Glory. Inferno could fail. Khione is an NPC programmed with an objective, that objective is conquest."


    "Is Khione part of the drift program?"


    Hara leaned back in her chair, her brown eyes studying Glory. "In the interest of fairness, I have recused myself from the Khione faction. I assigned one of my assistants to oversee things, with strict orders to not share anything with anyone, including myself."


    "What happens if Inferno is defeated?"


    "Defeat or Victory, both scenarios usher in the next expansion." Hara reopened the hud and let Glory see it."


    "Flight of Dragons?"


    Hara nodded. "That''s not the real title, just something the devs are calling it until it goes live."


    Glory''s dark eyes wandered around the office. Sahara Obrien had enough Doctorates and awards to fill an entire wall. The former corrections officer grinned when she saw a framed picture sitting on the corner of her desk. "Isn''t that a bit odd?"


    Hara raised a perfect eyebrow. "Hmm? What''s odd about having a picture of my boyfriend on my desk?"


    Glory rolled her eyes. "Nothing, when you say it like that."


    Hara nodded and handed her the frame in question. "It''s from a fairly intense battle, where Nix defeated an Ashobel Chieftain named Glacio."


    Glory laughed suddenly; the oddness was nearly overwhelming. "It was nice talking with him again. As I remembered, he wasn''t the chatty type. I told him every joke I knew for six months; the man was a stone wall."


    "Your next jump is the toughest for most recruits. If you can do six months, then anything longer than that will be cake."


    Glory didn''t have to pretend to be excited. The VR world of Colonial was beyond anything she could have imagined. "Will I continue as Thessa?"


    Hara shook her head. "Thessa has a huge role to play; an NPC program will play her."


    Glory sighed, "it was fun while it lasted."


    Hara leaned forward and lowered her voice to a conspiratory whisper. "It''s traditional for recruits to be given their permanent DRP during the six-month hitch. The best I can do is make sure you end up in Mid-Everspire."


    "I haven''t finished the questionnaire yet for the six-month assignment."


    "When it comes to permanent assignments, Balto is given the data from those questionnaires." Hara put the picture frame back in its place, her brown eyes staring at Glory. "Want a tip?"


    Glory nodded without hesitation.


    "Be vague in regards to things like species and abilities, but make strong statements regarding goals. Saying something like, I would like to be someone who is loyal and dedicated to a cause. It sounds corny, but Balto eats that up."


    "What if Balto sticks me in Khione''s faction?"


    Hara smiled sweetly while drawing a finger across her throat. "Do your best, but it was nice knowing you."


    Glory''s lips curved in a wide smile, although said as a joke, there was an undercurrent of seriousness. "I will keep that in mind."

 399 House of Tempest part one

    Nix normally would have noticed his Swordmaster being late, but he was too busy reveling in the newfound fact that Shadow Sphinx Soup was extremely ticklish. Nix tormented Soup by tickling the soft, black fur on her tummy. The sphinx would make squeaking noises until she had enough then she would [shift] away. Once shifted, Soup would only wait a minute or two before she shifted back and started it all over again.


    The smell of stale booze and body odor caused Nix to finally look up at 1015. Chiba had decided to sport a very short buzz-cut. She wore her Inferno armor and had sword hilts peeking over each shoulder.


    "Couldn''t you have spared ten minutes to take a bath?" Nix stood up and placed Soup on his shoulder.


    Chiba frowned at him. "I did bathe."


    Nix stared at the old woman. "This week?"


    "Um... What day is it?" Chiba clapped her hands together. "Time to go Apprentice!" She stepped onto the platform and paused for him. "Solomon City awaits!"


    Although Nix spent hours bringing the Dragon Cities together, he hadn''t walked through the streets of Solomon City in quite some time. It was vastly different then he remembered. According to Commander Mtui, hundreds of Nether folk passed the planar trials and now resided within the cities. An odd notion since they once tried to take Solomon City.


    The House of Tempest was second largest in Solomon City, only the House of Dragons was larger. It was bordered by a sturdy looking stone wall and a black wrought iron gate. A round driveway paved with white cobblestone led to an impressive manor that was both elegant and reserved.


    "Impressive right?" Chiba paused at the gate and spoke to a guard who ordered them to wait. "The House of Tempest is steeped in tradition and blood. Lots of blood."


    The main manor was a wood and brick estate, with three separate wings. This was where the main family stayed. There were also three other manors, only slightly smaller than the first. From Nix''s vantage point near the front gate, he could see a large fountain that partially blocked his view of the entrance.


    A wide-shouldered man in a black robe accompanied the guard when he returned a few minutes later. He carried a silver staff with a black stone mounted on the top. He was about the same height as Nix, but no one would confuse him with a human. Both of his cheeks possessed ridged plates that started at the lower jaw and extended all the way to his hairline where it became a serrated edge. His long black hair was tied up in a ponytail and he had beady eyes that were as black as coal.


    "Greetings Guests, I am Lugly, the invincible."


    Nix bit down on a smile. "Well met sir. I am Pon, the Magnificent."


    Chiba cackled loudly. "I''m Swordmaster Chiba. I believe Sasi is expecting me."


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] What''s with these stupid names Apprentice?


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] I know, right?


    Lugly led them around the manor to a circular training yard. The yard was covered in soft, black sand. Both Chiba and Nix grabbed a handful when then entered and rubbed it between their hands before letting it fall to the ground.


    Lugly pointed to a long weapons rack placed against the near wall. "Grab a training weapon and we''ll get started."


    Nix stripped off his upper body armor and grabbed a training blade. Although they looked deadly sharp, they were enchanted not to cut or pierce the skin. They would however, leave bruises, and on occasion break bones.


    "Regular swordplay to warm-up Apprentice. Then we''ll start working on spell defense." Chiba had stripped off her shirt, her pale white chest looked like it belonged to an old man. "Whenever you are ready, Apprentice."


    Nix nodded and immediately lunged in with a thrust, Chiba slid around it and tapped him on the shoulder with the flat of her blade. "Not bad, you have a gift for sneak attacks."


    Lugly made a noise from his spot near the weapons rack. "Hmph... A child would have seen that coming."


    Nix slashed with his blade, slowly pushing Chiba back, both their blades blurring in the sun of the early afternoon. Nix feinted with a thrust before bringing the blade upward in a difficult reverse slash, instead of finishing the move he stomped on Chiba''s foot and sliced diagonally at her shoulder.


    "OW!" Chiba hopped on one foot, easily evading the shoulder strike before tapping Nix on the thigh with her blade. "Sneaky... That was a thing of beauty. Did you pick that up from the fights in Eidengal?"


    "Yep." Nix nodded while cursing under his breath. He was sure that strike would land.


    Lugly laughed loudly. "Sloppy footwork, in a real fight both of you would already be dead."


    Chiba ignored him and faced his apprentice. "Warmed up enough?"


    Nix nodded, his skin was covered in a light sheen of sweat.


    Chiba moved away a few steps and faced Lugly. "I want you to watch his casting, from the release until it arrives at the target."


    "Why teach him such a useless trick?" Lugly hefted his staff in one hand. "Outside of training, you never see the release."


    "Focus Apprentice, put your sword away, and observe." Chiba lowered her blade until the tip brushed the sand. "Nether Mage right? Cast Uncilliary at me, it''s perfect for this sort of training."


    Lugly has cast [Uncilliary].


    A black streak erupted from the end of Lugly''s staff, only to be brushed aside by Chiba''s blade a moment later.


    Nix wasn''t able to see anything other than the flash. He shook his head at Chiba.


    Chiba lowered her blade again. "That''s fine. Again."


    Lugly has cast [Uncilliary].


    Again Chiba easily brushed it aside.


    Nix shook his head. "Nope, nothing."


    The drill went on for several minutes, each time it ended with the same results.


    Lugly tapped his staff on the ground, his face locked in a smirk. "Maybe you should find a better apprentice. This one is broke."


    Chiba motioned for Nix to approach. "Maybe the problem is your point of view. Stand behind me."


    Nix stood about a foot behind Chiba, facing the Nether mage. "Okay, go ahead."


    Lugly has cast [Uncilliary].


    Nix focused on the cast, his eyes following it until the moment Chiba brushed it aside.


    Chiba looked over her pale shoulder at him. "Anything?"


    Nix wiped the sweat out of his eyes with the back of his hand. "It turned."


    Chiba clapped happily. "They don''t turn, but it appears that way when you start grasping the concept."


    "What a load of shit. Buy your apprentice a good shield or he''ll die the first time he sees battle." Lugly laughed at the pair, an ugly old man and his pathetic apprentice.


    Chiba smiled at her apprentice. "Move closer to me, until your chin is over my shoulder. It''s okay if you want to rub up against me."


    Nix scowled at her, the constant heckling, and his failure to grasp the technique was starting to wear on him. "If I turn this entire training yard into a lake of flames, will you be able to block that?"


    Chiba pursed her lips but didn''t answer. "Why so prickly? Let''s go again, ignore the idiot, and focus on the spinning."


    Nix moved until his chin hovered over Chiba''s shoulder. "Okay, sorry Master."


    Chiba''s ugly face creased into a smile. "Again."


    Lugly has cast [Uncilliary].


    Nix watched it advance directly toward him, the spinning seemed to slow before Chiba blocked it.


    "What did you see Apprentice?"


    "A rune, then a gap and more spinning." Nix moved back into position. "Give me a half dozen of those."


    "Those are the spell runes." Chiba faced Lugly. "You heard my lovely apprentice. Six times, please."


    Nix continued to focus on the spell as it advanced, as time passed, more of the runes became visible to him. After the sixth one his face broke into a smile.


    [Spell Defense: Unlocked] Level One 1/15]


    New Spellsword Skill learned, Spell Defense.


    "I want to try." Nix walked around Chiba, he sword raised. "Ready when you are Ugly."


    "That''s Lugly."


    Lugly has cast [Uncilliary].


    Nix focused on the spell, but found his blade out of position and missed entirely. The spell impacted his shoulder.


    "Look at the gaps Apprentice. As you get more efficient, you can flick them away without effort. For now just swat them to one side."


    Nix nodded. "Again Ugly."


    "My name is Lugly!"


    "That''s what I said. Three in a row Ugly."


    Lugly cast again, laughing when the spell hit him in the face. Nix missed the second as well but managed to deflect the third.


    [Spell Defense] Level One 2/15]


    Chiba clapped loudly. "Well done! Well done!"


    Lugly laughed at the two of them, his face twisted in a sneer. "That was just luck!"


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Probably. Again Ugly."


    "My name is LUGLY!" Lugly spit when he spoke, his voice rising to a shout.


    Nix gave him a bewildered look. "That''s what I said."


    Lugly slammed his staff on the ground. "No you didn''t! You said Ugly!"


    Chiba held out both hands. "There''s been a misunderstanding here."


    Lugly shook his head, his face starting to redden. "No there isn''t!"


    Chiba gave him a deadpan look. "You see. My Apprentice can''t say ''L''s."


    Nix nodded. "True. I can''t."


    "Bullshit." Lugly took a deep breath while trying to calm himself.


    Nix raised his sword slightly. "Ets go again Ugly."


    Chiba coughed loudly from behind him.


    Lugly roared in anger and spammed the Uncilliary spell at Nix. "You want it? TAKE IT!" Over and over the spell zeroed in on Nix, although most of them landed, he did manage to block a handful of them. The Nether mage cast until his mana ran out, red-faced and gasping for air, Lugly refused to look at either of them.


    Chiba grabbed two towels and handed Nix one. "Want to grab some lunch Apprentice?"


    Nix nodded. "I would ove to."

 400 House of Tempest part two

    Lugly lay prone on the ground, his staff broken in half, and its black gem shattered. "I will apologize at once!"


    Rabi''s dark upper lip was curled in a snarl, his fangs showing as he spoke. "You are lucky; Nix isn''t mad! Uta wants to skin you alive."


    Lugly hid his face against the cool marble floor of the Speaker''s Office. Secretly he was relieved that Rabi was dealing with him. Sasi generally did her talking with blades and Uta¡­ The Nether mage shuddered. There were entire graveyards filled with people who made Uta angry. "I will send him a gift."


    Rabi wanted to stomp up and down on the prone mage, he should be having fun with Nix and Chiba, but instead, he was stuck disciplining Lugly. "Stupid Nether mage. Nix killed the Nether King!"


    The desk hud behind him buzzed since Sasi wasn''t present, Rabi answered it. Unexpectedly it was Deidra Mtui.


    "Good Afternoon Rabi," Deidra offered him a polite greeting. The House of Tempest was her strongest ally. "Is Speaker Sasi available?"


    Rabi shook his head. He didn''t like talking with the City Master because she made him nervous. "She is with Nix."


    "Nix is there?" An instant later, a breach opened in Sasi''s Office, and Deidra stepped in.


    Rabi froze for a moment before bowing deeply. "Welcome, City Master."


    Deidra offered him a slight nod. "Take me to Nix, please." The dragon noticed the prone mage next to the door. "What is he doing?"


    Rabi sighed. "He offended Nix."


    Lugly felt the dragon''s aura push against him, his blood heating in his veins as every muscle in his body screamed.


    "This way, please." Rabi moved toward the door, anxious to get the dragon out of Sasi''s office before Lugly was reduced to a smear on the floor.


    "Very well." Deidra exited into the hallway, utterly unconcerned about the mage who was suddenly leaking from multiple orifices.


    Rabi waited until she exited before turning back to the whimpering mage, his nose wrinkled in disgust. "Now, you know. Clean this mess up before you leave."


    ********************


    The hot water cascaded down the beauties pale skin, washing away the suds which seemed to caress the woman''s perfect form until it rinsed down the drain. This wasn''t the curvy body of a pampered lady, but rather the ideal blend of lean muscle and femininity that made up Colonial''s most dangerous swordmaster. She wrung out her dark gold hair before releasing it to lay against her smooth back.


    "Nix? Is it really necessary to get cleaned up before lunch?" Chiba could hear the water running in the room next to hers. They were sharing a two-bedroom suite on the second floor of the Main House.


    "Yes, you smell bad. Don''t talk to me while I''m showering. It''s creepy."


    "No. I did bring you something nice, though." Nix slid into the clothes he made for the trip, which consisted of comfortable black pants, a white buttoned shirt, and black leather shoes made by Dalton, the Inferno Cobbler. The outfit toed the line between casual and formal wear, with the added benefit of being comfortable.


    "Something nice? Is it another Demon penis?" Chiba clapped in appreciation when Nix strolled into the common area.


    "No, I''m fresh out of those." Nix checked the time on his hud, "if lunch doesn''t take too long, we should be back training in two¡­" He trailed off, his yellow eyes staring at nothing.


    "Nix?"


    "Deidra is here." Nix sighed unhappily, "so much for a fun lunch."


    Chiba stared at her apprentice. "How do you know that?"


    Nix slapped her hard on the back and pushed her toward the door. "I sensed a great disturbance in the force."


    "A what?" Chiba shook her head in confusion; sometimes, Nix said the oddest things. "What''s that mean?"


    The training partners walked down the grand staircase together, both in good spirits despite knowing about the dragon''s arrival.


    "It''s about time we had another party." Nix glanced sideways at the old woman, who immediately perked up. "Not that kind of party, Semmi want to have a Harvest Festival."


    "With a dance? Chiba likes to dance!" The old woman leaned closer, "I need a full-time man. Know anyone interested in me?"


    Nix laughed loudly, the sound carrying down the stairs. "No. However, I have had lots of success as a matchmaker."


    Chiba''s old face showed her interest. "My family already has a Babhd¨®ir; she''s tried to marry me off several times."


    "A Bab-what? Is that some kind of monkey?" Nix laughed at the sour look on her face. "Aren''t you already an old maid?"


    Chiba considered the question, pausing while Nix opened the glass doors that led outside. "Hyai is older than me."


    Nix grabbed his stomach like he''d been punched. "Oi. What''s with the cheap shot?"


    "That was a bit low," she admitted. "Find me a date for the Harvest Festival!"


    Nix navigated his way through the flower gardens, brilliant hues of reds and yellows that filled the air with a sweet smell. "It could be a challenge. Male or female?"


    "Male preferred, no Aquarions." Chiba''s old face creased into an ugly smile. "I''m flexible with the gender, but absolutely no Aquarions."


    Nix spotted the tables next to a large water fountain. Although they were on the far side of the courtyard, he could easily pick out Sasi. "I sense a story here."


    "Nix!" Sasi waved when she noticed his approach. The tiny demon hybrid wore a blue dress; her dark hair was up in a bun.


    Nix wondered where her tail was. Wouldn''t it be uncomfortable to have it tucked under a dress? "You look very nice, Sasi."


    The House Speaker grinned slyly, falling out of character long enough to hug him; Her dark face didn''t quite reach his chest. "Thank you. Sasi wears dresses when doing Speaker Duties."


    Nix released her just as two men carried in another table. "Deidra''s joining us for lunch?"


    Deidra''s dark eyes showed their surprise. "Rabi, tell you?"


    Nix shook his head. "I can feel when dragons are close." It was something he noticed when bringing the dragon cities together. He could sense them to a certain extent.


    Sasi grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the closest table. "Sasi can sense rats when they are close."


    "That''s because you eat them." Nix pulled a chair out for Chiba and seated her.


    "Thank you, Apprentice." Chiba grinned and reached for a bottle of wine that had been brought out.


    Sasi nodded in agreement. "That reminds me. Where is my herd of rats?" Sasi wagged her finger at Chiba.


    Nix laughed at the gesture. While questing in Eidengal, the gold element dropped. Chiba had asked for it and promised to pay everyone in the group back. "I haven''t received my horses either."


    Chiba chewed nervously on her lower lip. "I forgot. I''ll head to the Nether when we are done training."


    The arrival of Deidra and Rabi seemed to draw quite a bit of interest. The courtyard began filling with members of the House of Tempest, each coming to pay their respects.


    Deidra greeted Nix and extended a hand toward him. The inferno leader wasn''t completely sure what he was supposed to do, so he gripped it with his own and returned her greeting.


    /Inferno: Nix: Was I supposed to kiss her hand?


    /Inferno: Chiba: Not sure. She didn''t even look at me.


    Nix was seated between Chiba and Sasi, directly across from Rabi and Deidra. A plate of fruit was placed in front of each of them, and lunch was started.


    "Have you spoken to Tai''Qui lately?" Deidra picked at her fruit while she watched Nix''s reaction.


    "Yes. Just yesterday, actually." Nix bit into something that looked like a fist-sized blueberry, the juices from it ran down his chin as his lips puckered. The fruit tasted like lemon; he wiped his chin with a napkin. Why would Deidra ask about Tai''Qui?


    "I see." Deidra''s small smile faded. "May I ask what you discussed?"


    "None of your business." Nix smiled pleasantly and sampled the next piece of unrecognizable fruit on his plate.


    /Inferno: Chiba: My lovely apprentice is so brave.


    Instead of being bothered, Deidra changed the topic. "I overstepped. I''m concerned about your elements Nix. I only thought she might have mentioned them to you."


    Nix gave her a blank stare. "What about my elements?"


    "Ice and Air." Deidra paused; the entire table was hanging on her words. "Both are ready to be ranked to Nemesis. This needs to be done soon."


    Nix was aware that his Ice element was at the Nemesis level, but Inferno events kept him to busy to follow up. "I have an Ally in Colonial that will help me."


    Deidra shook her head slightly. "If you''ll allow it. I can assist you with both at the same time."

 401 House of Tempest part three

    "We are friends, it is expected that I help you." Deidra smiled slightly, "or is Tai''Qui helping you with this?"


    /Inferno: Chiba: You tapping dragons, Apprentice?


    /Inferno: Nix: No. It''s more like two wolves fighting over the same rabbit.


    /Inferno: Chiba: And the winner eats you with her va*ina?


    Nix coughed suddenly, choking on a piece of fruit. "Excuse me."


    "Eat slower, Nix." Rabi offered him advice from across the table. "Same thing happens to Rabi when he goes too fast."


    "Think about my offer, Nix." Deidra seemed unwilling to let the topic drop. "There is also something very important we must discuss."


    "Important?" Nix glanced at Sasi, she seemed to have no clue what Deidra was talking about. "I''m here to train."


    Deidra nodded. "I know that. It won''t take long and I will wait until you are finished for the day.


    Nix faked a smile, her politeness pushed him into a corner. "I will hear what you have to say. Other than that I''ll make no promises."


    ***********


    1500 hours, House of Tempest Training Yard


    Talbot the Conqueror bowed politely to Nix. "You are doing very well." Although Talbot was known to possess a bad temper, word of what happened to Lugly ran through the House of Tempest like a wildfire.


    Chiba stood next to Rabi at the side of the training yard. They both watched with interest as Nix started. Three Nether mages formed a triangle around him, they were to continually cast Uncilliary at him, one after another, for as long as they could manage.


    Rabi chewed on a sharp fingernail. "Won''t Nix get hurt with all of them casting?"


    Chiba shook his head. "He''s immune to Nether damage. Even the Nether King couldn''t touch him."


    Rabi''s dark lips formed an ''O''. "I would hunt all day in the Nether if I was Nix."


    "His time is not his own nowadays. I feel fortunate to be able to pull him here for a week." Chiba watched as Nix started defending the casts. Every move Nix made in Everspire seemed to be a reaction to Khione. She realized it in Eidengal, Nix must grow stronger.


    Nix took the first spell on his bare chest, the second on in the face, on the third he managed to swat it aside. He faced one mage, then rotated to the next in a neverending cycle of spells and blocks.


    Chiba watched silently, thirty minutes, then an hour, then two hours. The mages were gulping mana potions like water while her apprentice pushed himself. He was starting to streak, he would miss three or four times and then block a dozen straight. "Stop!"


    Nix looked up at the approaching swordmaster. "I can keep going."


    Chiba nodded. "I know it, apprentice, however, we need to make an adjustment."


    Chiba''s thin lips curved in a smile. "Since you asked so nicely. What are you seeing now when you focus on the castings?"


    Nix considered her question. "Runes and gaps. In Uncilliary, there are three gaps and four sets of runes."


    "Exactly right, each spell is unique, but you are seeing this particular one very clearly now." Chiba handed him a full canteen. "Drink."


    /Inferno: Nix: Deidra is still here, she only pretended to leave.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Really?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    Nix took a long pull from the canteen and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "What''s next?"


    Chiba took the canteen back and picked up the training sword. "What''s your Spell Defense at now?"


    "Level Two 20/25."


    "Climbing so fast?" Chiba whistled softly and faced Talot. "Watch closely, I''m going to stab my sword into the gap and then flick it away." She nodded at Talot.


    Talot has cast [Uncilliary].


    Just as she said, Chiba''s blade stabbed in and then flicked the spell to one side. She lowered her blade and faced Nix. "What did you see?"


    "You thrust into the rune gap and flicked it away."


    Chiba nodded. "Which gap?"


    "The first one."


    "Sharp eye, Apprentice. Why did I choose the first one?"


    Nix shook his head. "Not sure."


    Chiba patted him on the shoulder. "No reason at all. It''s just my preference."


    "Let me try." Nix sent the other two mages away and lined up in front of Talot. "Give me five consecutive spells, five seconds apart."


    In another two hours of training, Nix failed to block any of the spells. Chiba was happy with his progress since he was able to find the gaps with his blade a few times.


    "Todays only the first day, Nix. You are doing well." Chiba walked next to her apprentice as they made their way to the suite they shared.


    "Thanks for the Instruction." Nix held open the door that led back inside. "Why learn the second blocking method?"


    Chiba stepped through the open door. "That is a smart question, Apprentice. Only very basic spells can be batted aside. It''s nothing more than an essential step in the process of defending advanced castings."


    "Chiba!" Sasi called her name as soon as they stepped in. It was obvious that her and Rabi were waiting for them. Each grabbed one of the old woman''s hands. "Come with us while Deidra speaks with Nix."


    Chiba hesitated, not willing to abandon Nix to the dragon lady. "Nix?"


    "It''s fine. We''ll meet up later." Nix offered the trio a tired smile and dredged up the stairs.


    Deidra was sitting on the couch in the suite''s common area when Nix entered. The long horns shes sported at lunch were completely gone. "Did your training go well?"


    Nix nodded and took a seat on the chair directly across from her. "Yes."


    "I need sanctuary in Haven."


    Nix stared at her without speaking, unsure if he heard her right. After several seconds he found his voice. "Hell no."


    Deidra held up a hand. "Please hear me out."


    Nix crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned back in the chair. "You''re wasting your words."


    "Three of us Dragons have been granted Krelandur. Do you know what that means?"


    Nix shook his head. "No idea."


    "It means we''ve been selected to give birth." Deidra paused for a long moment before she continued, "to a dragon."


    Nix understood from Tai''Qui that this didn''t happen very often, it had something to do with longevity and the power of dragons. It made him curious, who told dragons what they could or couldn''t do? "Congratulations."


    Deidra shook her head. "It''s a tremendous responsibility. I can''t afford a repeat of..."


    "Repeat of what?" Nix considered what he knew about dragons, they didn''t really have natural enemies since the Titans had weakened considerably over the generations. Unless... "Will Khione target your nurseries?"


    Deidra nodded. "She ravaged them last time she rose to power. It was the catalyst that enabled the dragons to unite against her."


    Nix shook his head. "I''ll help you defend your nursery, but I''m responsible for the safety of my people."


    "I''ll swear an oath on my marrow that I will obey your will once I''m in Haven."


    "Your nursery is a private space. You''re saying Khione can get into it?"


    "Last time all the guardians in the dragon nurseries went crazy and rampaged through the nests. Her influence reaches everywhere."


    "What makes you think a nursery in Haven would be safe?"


    "I have investigated Haven, it cannot be breached. Most world-seeds can if enough power is expended."


    "No." Her words made Nix wonder when and why she investigated Haven.


    "Nix, you''ll refuse a mother trying to protect her offspring?"


    Nix sighed heavily, guilt weighing him down. Every creature has a natural instinct to protect their young. "No promises. I will discuss it with my officers."


    "That is more then I expected." Deidra handed him a plain gray stone with a single rune etched into it.


    Nix inspected the token he held.


    Transport Token: Draconic Artifact


    [Khalam''Zhur]

 402 House of Tempest: Chiba the Swordmaster

    "Nix!" Chiba called his name when she entered the suite, a quick glance into his bedroom told her that he wasn''t there. "Damn dragon, she probably whisked him off. This is training time, not f*ckaround time."


    She walked into her own bedroom and slipped the ring off her finger. More and more she''d been taking it off, even though at one point, she had gone several years with it on. She didn''t notice the large magnum bottle until after she had changed into sleeping clothes. It was placed on her pillow with a red ribbon tied to it.


    Chiba smiled and picked it up. "At least he pays attention to my interests." She unstoppered the cork and smelled the contents. "Woah." She blinked suddenly, rubbing her burning nose with her free hand. "That''s some serious hooch."


    An hour later, the woman lay face down on the floor. A third of the bottle was empty. Chiba rolled onto her side, even though the movement took a lot of effort and immediately made her head spin.


    She held the red ribbon in one hand, smiling at it while she attempted to tie it around her finger. "My dear old Mum loves red ribbons. She''d tie them in my hair before I went off to practice... "


    *******************


    15 years Earlier, Eastern Jenzi.


    "Is it really necessary to continue on this path, Ellisand?" The older woman ran a silver comb through her daughter''s golden hair a few more times before she started braiding it.


    "Milamber says I have potential, that I''m the best student he has." Elli waited while her mom tied the braid off with a red ribbon and then thanked her with a kiss on the cheek.


    "I just want you to be happy, Elli."


    ??This makes me happy. The sword feels comfortable in my hand. I feel different when I"m holding it. Not just a pretty portrait to be hung on the wall and stared at."


    "I don''t want you involving yourself with that man, Elli. He has a very sordid reputation." Cela frowned at the silver brush. "Why is this bent? Have you been combing Chiba with it again?"


    Elli winked at the large wolfhound laying across her bed. "Goodness no, Mother."


    The older woman frowned before shooing the dog. "Get off the bed, Chiba."


    The dog obediently jumped down and immediately flopped on the floor, her long tail wagging.


    "Don''t be late for dinner, Elli."


    "I won''t." Elli strapped her sword on and hurried into the hallway. The moment she left, the wolfhound jumped back onto the bed and went to sleep.


    ***********


    Mikael flushed, his pale freckled face turning red. "My hands are sweaty, that''s why I dropped it."


    "Elli seems to be able to hold onto hers." Milamber moved onto the next pair.


    The ginger-haired student swiped the air with his sword. He hated being paired with Elli during practice, she learned new things almost immediately and was faster than anyone he''d ever seen. "Again, Elli."


    An hour later the lesson ended, the students were all from wealthy families and left immediately after. Only one stayed behind to help clean up.


    Elli placed the last of the weapons on the rack and then started dragging the training dummies back into the corner. Her clear blue eyes stealing glances at Instructor Milamber who was writing in his account log. She finished her task and then replaced the used towels with new ones from the wooden box placed next to the wall.


    A pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist from behind, surprising her.


    "You did really well today. That idiot Mikael looked like he wanted to cry." Milamber hands pushed under her shirt, and spread out against her stomach, enjoying the feel of rippling muscles beneath her smooth skin.


    "Someone might come in!" Elli looked at the closed door. If her parents suspected that her weapons instructor had become her first lover, they would have this place torched to the ground.


    "Relax. I locked it." Milamber turned her around, his eyes staring hungrily. Never did he imagine he''d find such a beautiful peach in Jenzi.


    Afterward, they lay on the hard floor together. Two lovers, their limbs entwined and glistening with sweat.


    "When the summer is over, I want to come with you." Elli kissed the side of his neck, her trimmed nails lightly caressing his bare chest.


    Milamber nodded and squeezed her perfect breast in his hand, the soft suppleness of it reignited his passion. "We''ll travel together, you can assist me while continuing to learn the sword."


    And so they continued, through the long weeks of the Jenzi summer until the first day of autumn approached.


    "I love you mom." Elli waited patiently while her mom brushed her hair and tied it with a red ribbon.


    Cela smiled. "I know Elli, that''s the third time you said it today."


    "Can''t say it too much, right?" Elli returned her mother''s smile.


    Cela nodded in agreement. Her daughter was acting so odd lately, much more attentive to her parents and relatives. Perhaps, she was maturing. "I love it when you smile, Elli."


    The young woman didn''t reply, she understood that she was beautiful. Her radiance was reflected in the glances of the men and women who looked at her. Milamber was different, he saw her intelligence, and humor. He saw how hard she worked at becoming better, he loved her.


    "I had a great summer Mom. Thank you for letting me take sword lessons."


    Her mom waved off the thanks. "No more talk of swords, Eli. Your father is settling up with that fellow as we speak."


    Elli stared at her mom''s back as she walked out the door. Immediately she rushed to her closet and pulled out the bag she prepared. She peeked out the doorway before running down the hall.


    At the backdoor, she skidded to a stop and eased it open, pausing when a wet nose pushed against her. "Get back Chiba, you can''t come."


    Without glancing back, she sprinted across the backyard and into the orchard. A few minutes later, she stepped onto the path, her chest heaving while she gasped for air. "Thank goodness!" She spotted him walking toward town, waving with her free hand, she waited for him.


    "Elli." Milamber''s dark eyes seemed surprised to see her.


    "I''m ready!" Elli hugged him tightly. "I''ve been packed for days."


    Milamber shook his head slightly. "It isn''t going to work Elli. I barely make enough to feed myself."


    "That''s fine! I have some credits." Elli stepped away and hefted her pack over one shoulder. "Not much, but if we take it slow it will last a while."


    Milamber nodded in agreement. "We should be fine then, how much did your bring?"


    Elli''s face lit up in a radiant smile. "Three thousand credits." She reached into the side pouch on her bag and handed it to him.


    Milamber took the credits and placed them in his bag. "I was worried that I didn''t have enough to make it to Safarza. This will really help."


    "Safarza? I thought we were going to Broyan?"


    Milamber shook his head. "Listen... This was the best summer, I just can''t afford to be tied down."


    "W-What?" Elli felt her heart pound against the inside of her ribs, her stomach twisting at his words. "That''s not funny."


    "Don''t make this hard, Elli." Milamber stepped away from her. "Next time I''m in Jenzi I''ll pay you back."


    "Pay me back?" Elli stared blankly at him. "I love you. Why are you..."


    "Enough, Elli." Milamber glanced down the trail toward the house, all he needed was the old man to find him. "Your silly notions of love and romance are pathetic. Just call it what it was, a really good f*ck."


    Elli dropped her pack on the ground, her knees shaking to the point where she couldn''t stand. "This is a joke, a terrible joke."


    Milamber spared her one last glance and then stepped around her. He stopped a few seconds later at the sound of a blade being pulled from her scabbard.


    "Y-You bastard!" Tears were streaming down her face, her blade gripped tightly in one hand as she approached him. "FINE! You don''t have to love me, but I won''t let you rob me."


    Milamber pulled his own sword and dropped his bag. "Put the sword down. You can''t possibly beat me."


    Elli flashed forward and attacked with a slash across the face, he pushed the blade aside with his own and then buried his fist in her stomach. The young woman folded in half, gasping for air.


    "Stupid." Milamber shook his head and kicked her in the side. He was about to do it again when a deep rumbling growl caused him to freeze. An old gray wolfhound stared at him, its hackles were raised and teeth were bared. It moved slowly until it was in front Elli.


    "No, Chiba. Go home." Elli spoke quietly, gasping for breathe between sobs.


    The swordsman moved forward, slashing at the old animal, laughing when its blood splashed onto the dirt. He finished it off with a single thrust.


    "CHIBA!" Elli crawled toward the dog, pulling it onto her lap. "Why?"


    Milamber didn''t bother to answer, he picked up this gear and walked away.


    Behind him the girl sobbed quietly, her hands trying to stem the flow of blood, even though the animal was already dead. She looked up at the fleeing figure, tears blurred his form. "You didn''t have to do that. You didn''t have to."


    **************


    A breach opened in the suite just after midnight, Nix stepped through a moment later. "Chiba? Still awake?"


    He noticed her door was open, so he peeked his head in. The smell of strong liquor accosted his nostrils. He tried not to laugh at the figure sleeping curled up on the floor. "The hell Chiba."


    He pried loose the bottle from her hands and sat it on the nightstand. "What are you thinking? That''s straight-up moonshine."


    A cackling laugh sounded from the floor. "Nix... My lubley prendis returns."


    "Let''s get you up." Nix bent down and picked her up easily, surprised at how light she felt. Immediately she hugged his neck and kissed the side of his face, covering it will drool.


    She laughed against the side of his face. "Heh... my faithful dog."


    Nix chuckled while he carried her to the bed. He set her down gently and pulled the blanket over her. "You''re the one who''s slobbering."


    "Sorreee." Chiba laughed into her pillow. "Night lubley Prendis."


    "Prendis?" Nix used his sleeve to wipe her drool off his face. "Night, Chiba."

 403 House of Tempest: The Second day

    Talot has cast [Uncilliary].


    Nix focused and pushed the tip of his blade into the first gap, a flick of his wrist sent it away from him.


    "Well done, Nix." Chiba clapped from the edge of the yard. For whatever reason, Chiba wasn''t wearing her ring. Her thick golden hair was braided and tied off with a red ribbon. Talot had nearly collapsed in shock when they showed up for training.


    The streak of success continued for another dozen spells before Nix finally missed one.


    "Move the sword to your offhand, Nix." Chiba walked to the center of the yard and stood behind him.


    Unlike many swordsmen, Nix was ambidextrous. By lunch on the second day, he ranked up to Level Three 1/30. Chiba called a halt to the training as soon as he told her.


    "Take the rest of the day off, Nix. You need to absorb what you have learned." Chiba smiled at her apprentice''s obvious disappointment. "Starting tomorrow, we''ll work on dual-blade spell defense. Steady progression is the key."


    Nix nodded. "Fine. What are we going to do then?"


    Chiba shrugged. "Get away for a bit, maybe do some crafting. No sword work if you can help it."


    After cleaning up, Nix decided to stretch his legs by walking. He left the House of Tempest and wandered aimlessly. Market street was crowded, once the cities were connected again, foot traffic between them created an economic boon for crafters and vendors.


    Soup sat comfortably on his shoulder, taking in the view with a mixture of curiosity and nervousness. "You haven''t got out much, it''s the noise, right?"


    Unexpectedly after buying lunch from a street vendor, Nix found himself standing in front of the large empty space that used to be the Greater House of Oasis.


    "Kinda hate seeing it empty like that, boss."


    A familiar voice spoke from behind him, Nix turned to see Wind. "I''ve been thinking about that too. This Everspire expansion derailed some of our plans."


    Wind was wearing his upgraded Nether Armor. His dark hair had recently been cut much shorter, it made the lean Gemini thief look dangerous. "We gonna head to the 90th floor and finish it?"


    Nix nodded. "When I finish training at the House of Tempest, we''ll do it."


    /Inferno: Pon: The hell did you go, Wind?


    /Inferno: Wind: Am at the Empty lot where the House of Oasis used to be. Nix is here.


    /Inferno: Pon: On my way!


    Nix chuckled. "Should we bolt on him?"


    Wind nodded, "it would serve him right. The old man''s been walking around smiling all the time. It''s disgusting."


    Nix has joined Alpha channel.


    Wind has joined Alpha channel.


    Pon has joined Alpha channel.


    /Alpha: Pon: You slacking today, Nix?


    /Alpha: Pon: Is that still a thing? F*ck yeah!


    /Alpha: Wind: How big a raid is it?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nine in all. The five foundation stones and the four corner pillars.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shit... I can''t remember who they were.


    /Alpha: Nix: Of course not, you''re an old man. You''re lucky you remember where your dick is.


    [Five Foundation Stones] Nix, Shae, Vooni, Chiba, Rhylia.


    [Four Corner Pillars] Fajii, Wind, Semmi, Pon.


    /Alpha: Wind: Let''s do it!


    /Alpha: Nix: Put the others on call. If I get another break in training this week, we''ll knock it out. If not, we''ll do it when I get back.


    /Alpha: Pon: What are you going to do with Icaraphet?


    /Alpha: Nix: Join it to the rest of the Dragon Cities.


    Pon shared a glance with Wind before continuing.


    /Alpha Pon: What if you didn''t?


    /Alpha Nix: You''ve something in mind? Spill it.


    /Alpha: Pon: Move it offshore near Loki.


    /Alpha: Wind: The Aquarion Colony built an underwater settlement, but they aren''t exactly thriving.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''re talking about Ishna and her people.


    /Alpha: Pon: Yep. And my daughter Ayla.


    /Alpha: Nix: You do remember that Ishna tried to nab me?


    /Alpha: Wind: Old news boss. Ayla isn''t the only Aquarion baby there, a whole lot of daughters have been born recently.


    Nix remembered Gideon telling him that there was a list of preferred fathers, both he and Nix were on it.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m not against it. We currently have a lot of space.


    /Alpha: Pon: I''m not asking that you give it to them.


    /Alpha: Wind: Even with the elites from the Neptiphago fight, there''s less than fifty of them, including children.


    /Alpha: Nix: To tell you the truth, I forgot about the Archon Aquarions that were serving Neptiphago.


    *****************[Story Reminder]****************


    Aquarius City was hidden in the Polar Ice Cap of Colonial. A squad of Archon Aquarions under the Command of Aki was pretending to serve Neptiphago while their true master grew stronger. Nix freed them of Khione''s influence by baptizing them in flames. Afterward, Inferno placed the elite squad of Aquarions in Oasis with Ishna, the former Aquarion Matriarch who once tried to kidnap Nix.


    *************************************************


    /Alpha: Wind: That leaves a lot of space. We could open it up to some of our other allies.


    /Alpha: Pon: Just a thought.


    /Alpha: Nix: Talk to the other officers and see what they think.


    /Alpha: Wind: Damn... Fajii is still with Eron and that third Bo''raz guy. We can''t finish the Greater House quest until she gets back.


    /Alpha: Nix: I expect she''ll be back before this week is over. No worries, we''ll get it done.


    /Alpha: Pon: It''ll be nice to have a place here in Solomon City. These taverns have the best fights.


    The trio continued walking, enjoying the afternoon without the hassle of constant fighting.


    /Alpha: Wind: What''s the House of Tempest like?


    /Alpha: Nix: Hmm... What have you heard?


    /Alpha: Pon: That it''s loaded with smoking hot demon women who wear skin-tight black leather and carry whips.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s very solid intel.


    Nix stopped suddenly, his mind whirling. "Who are our top crafters?"


    Wind opened his hud and brought up the list of crafters. "Let''s see. The former Gladis Hub people are rated the highest. We can take out Lena, she switched from carpentry to shipwright.


    Pon hovered over his shoulder, scanning the list. "And Pinwall, he became a chef for one of the royal families in Colonial."


    Nix brought up a list, and sent it to both of them. "Did I miss anyone?"


    Dalton: Cobbler


    Sorbie: Jewelry


    Darsi: Artificer


    Blitz: Bladed Weapons


    Moki: Armorer


    Wind glanced at Pon, his face showing amusement. "You forgot Rico."


    Pon laughed at the look on Nix''s face. "You been to Colonial lately?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. Why?"


    "Sorry boss, but your old man has passed you up." Wind grinned widely when he said it, all of his white teeth on display. "Every shop, vendor, and traveling merchant are carrying his clothing lines."


    Pon nodded, eating up every sweet moment. "He has branched out into swimwear, undergarments, formal attire, casual clothes. His damn blue jeans are scooped up faster than he can make them."


    Nix chuckled. "I''m not jealous. He deserves that and more." When his dad starting playing Colonial, Nix sat him down and discussed all of his successes. He knew that a real-life tailor, with time on his hands, would flourish.


    /Alpha: Pon: You''re no longer the Underwear King.


    /Alpha: Wind: Or the Swimwear King.


    /Alpha: Nix: Fine, we''re getting sidetracked. Anyone else?


    /Alpha: Pon: How many do you want? Your dad and the Gladis hub crafters are the top in Inferno.


    /Alpha: Wind: Oh wait, and Nansu.


    /Alpha: Nix: That makes ten, which is the max I can bring.


    /Alpha: Pon: Bring where?


    /Alpha: Nix: Khalam''Zur


    /Alpha: Pon: The dragon graveyard?


    /Alpha: Wind: Let''s go now boss!


    /Alpha: Nix: Three of those players are lifestyle, I don''t want my dad getting ganked by some trash mob.


    /Alpha: Pon: This old man will protect your dad. My word on it.


    /Alpha: Wind: Right. Just a bunch of bones and scales, right? Darsi and the others are snipers.


    /Alpha: Nix: We should have enough firepower if something happens.


    Nix: Gemini Lord


    Wind: Gemini Thief


    Pon: Gemini Mage


    Dalton: Gemini Sniper


    Darsi: Gemini Sniper


    Blitz: Gemini Sniper


    Moki: Gemini Sniper


    Sorbie: Lifestyle


    Nansu: Lifestyle


    Rico: Lifestyle


    /Alpha: Wind: We gonna do it boss?


    /Alpha: Nix: Assemble the group and bring them to Inferno City. I''ll head back to the House of Tempest and get my gear. If we can''t gather everyone in the next hour, we''ll put it off until another day.


    /Alpha: Pon: An hour is cake.


    When Nix stopped by the suite to pick his gear, there was a note from Chiba pinned to his door.


    Lovely Apprentice,


    Going to hang out with Master Beta! Won''t be back until later.


    Chiba.


    Nix laughed when he read the note, Beta and Chiba seemed like odd friends, but he knew they were very close. He quickly scribbled a reply under her note and pinned it to her door.


    Chiba,


    Heading out with some crafter friends to farm materials. I''ll check in on you when I get back.


    Nix.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Assembled and standing by.


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Already?


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] What can I say, they are pumped to be going someplace cool with the boss.


    When Nix gated into Inferno City a few minutes later, the entire group was waiting. His dad stepped out of the group and approached him.


    "Is it okay if I go Nicky?"


    Nix nodded. During character generation all his father had done was make himself appear younger. It was the same old familiar face, without the wrinkles. "Love to have you with us Pops."


    Rico nodded, his handsome face smiling at his son. The two of them looked enough alike to pass for brothers now that they appeared the same age. "Great."


    /Inferno: Nix: Listen up. We''re heading to Khalam''Zur. That''s the dragon graveyard. I''m not sure what we are going to find, hopefully, bones, teeth, scales, and leather. It''s an unknown, so we are playing it by ear. Questions?


    /Inferno: Nansu: What if there is fighting?


    /Inferno: Nix: Lifestyle players will be partnered up with members from Alpha team. Nansu is with me, Sorbie is with Wind and Rico is with Pon.


    Nix turned when he felt a hand on his shoulder, Darsi''s pretty face appeared in front of him.


    "Question, Trip-7." The Gemini Sniper wore Inferno Armor, her trademarked blond ponytail rested on her shoulders.


    "Hey Dars. Go ahead and ask." Nix knew that the sniper squad was questing together in Everspire, since they enjoyed the same Gladis advantages that he did, he assumed they were very effective.


    "This doesn''t count as your promise take me on the next set of expansion quests, right?"


    Nix shook his head. "We will probably pick the Mid-Everspire quests up in a few weeks. Don''t worry, you''re in."


    /Inferno: Nix: Form a circle, place your right hand on the shoulder of the person next to you. Soon as we arrive, lifestyle players step into the center.


    Nix waited until the group was ready, his old man was directly across from him.


    Nix has activated a [Khalam''Zur Token].

 404 House of Tempest: KhalamZur

    Nix scanned the immediate area, an endless field of bones and carcasses stretched out in all directions. Some were bleached white from the passing of time, while others looked recent. He stepped away from the group, immediately the air in front of him shimmered.


    /Inferno: Wind: Damn. That was sudden.


    /Inferno: Pon: I want that cloak, a real f*cking grim reaper.


    "Greetings, New Arrivals. Welcome to Khalam''Zur." The Specter hovered in front of Nix, its facial features were cloaked in darkness, a long and wickedly curved scythe was held in one hand.


    Nix stared at the nearest corpse, it didn''t look like a dragon. "Is this the dragon graveyard?"


    The Specter shook its head. "This is Khalam''Zur, the dragon graveyard is only a small part of it."


    Nix glanced back at Pon and Wind.


    /Inferno: Wind: Don''t look at us. This is your show.


    Nix was tempted to fly them the bird, but since his dad was watching, he refrained. "How do we get to the dragon graveyard?"


    "Step to the edge of the platform and make your request. A transport disc will bring you to your destination."


    "You said the dragon graveyard is only a small part of the Khalam''Zur. What other creatures are here?"


    "There are too many variations to list. Please make a specific request."


    Nix nodded. "Titan Graveyard. Specifically, the Falcon first, then the Lion and the Scorpion.


    A large circular disc appeared next to the platform. The Specter spread its arms wide. "This disc will take you to your destination, it will return here in twelve hours. If you are not on it, you will become a permanent resident."


    /Inferno: Nansu: Oh god... I''m scared.


    Nix grabbed Nansu''s hand and tugged her toward the disc.


    The specter moved in front of him, blocking their way. "There is one last thing."


    /Inferno: Pon: Here it comes.


    Nix paused, not willing to touch the reaper. "What?"


    "You may not take any bones, teeth, scales, skins, or body components with you when you depart."


    Nix dropped Nansu''s hand and walked back toward the group. "That f*cks us. Anyone have a plan B?"


    "Excuse, Mr. Specter?" Nansu raised her hand like she was in a classroom. "If I make Dragil serum by using dragon blood and bone scraping, will I be able to keep it."


    "You may use the resources here to create new things. That is allowed." The spectral moved back to its original location, unblocking their path.


    /Inferno: Darsi: So... Game on then?


    /Inferno: Wind: Sounds like you can''t farm materials here, you must use them to create something new.


    Nix grabbed Nansu''s hand again and stepped on the disc. Immediately it started moving away from the platform.


    Pon watched Nix and the alchemist leave before turning back toward Rico. "Ready?"


    Rico nodded and stepped to the edge of the platform. "Dragon graveyard." A disc appeared and the two of them stepped on it.


    Within a minute, the platform was empty. With the exception of Nix and Nansu, everyone was heading to the dragon graveyard.


    Nansu was smiling to herself, enjoying the wind in her face. "Did I do good?"


    Nix nodded. "Very good."


    "Hmm. Thanks. Going to hold my hand the whole time?"


    Nix laughed at her expression and let go of her hand. "No, sorry."


    "Love the turtle home, by the way. It feels safe, even if there was a werewolf."


    "Don''t get too comfortable. Soon as I get back, you are gonzo."


    Nansu wrinkled her nose slightly. "Mina too?"


    Nix shrugged. "That''s a bit more complicated."


    "Why are we going to the Titan graveyard?"


    "Inferno is tasked with restoring the lost Titan Clans. Specifically the Falcon, Scorpion, and Lion Clans."


    Nansu brought up her hud, all current guild quests could be accessed from there. "You must have a plan. Right?"


    Nix nodded. "I''m going to make a puppet for each of them."


    Nansu didn''t know much about taxidermy, but she understood that it could be a lengthy process. "Do you have time to make all three?"


    "Not sure. Most important is the Falcon, since they no longer exist."


    "Sounds good. Tell me what I need to know so that I can help you best."


    Nix glanced sideways at the alchemist. "You don''t have to help me, you can gather your own things."


    Nansu shook her head. "Nope. If you are going to finish your task, you''ll need me. Just remember when you kick Khione''s ass, that it was a lifestyle player who paved the way."


    "Noted. We''ll have to move fast. Just follow my directions."


    Nansu gave Nix a crisp salute. "Yes sir!"


    The disc stopped next to a large brown bird, although its feathers were intact, the body was starting to decay.


    Nix froze for a second when he saw the first corpse, did legendary creatures decay at a slower rate than normal ones? Or maybe Khalam''Zur slowed things down.


    "Problem Nix? Time is burning!"


    Nix shook his head and gathered his thoughts. "These should be more decayed than they are. It doesn''t matter. I need feathers first. Pile them in one spot."


    The Titan Falcons looked to be about the size of Fey, which meant if Nix shrunk them down to a .25 ratio, they''d be close to twenty feet. Nix set up the animator queue.


    [Miniature Enhancement .25][Titan Falcon] [Falcon Feathers][Falcon Beak][ Falcon Bones][Enhancement Slot][Enhancement Slot][Enhancement Slot]


    "How many feathers do you need Nix?"


    "There isn''t really a set amount for animation. I go by the vitality rating, a lower rating means it will be very weak."


    "Like Semmi''s platypus?"


    "Yes. That has a low vitality and a life span of only a few years." Nix summoned his red scimitar and started gathering beaks.


    Nansu worked quickly, making Nix suspect that she may have butchered poultry at some time in her life.


    Nix tossed another beak on his pile. Then added Nansu''s pile of feathers into the queue. The animator interface automatically estimated the amount of beaks, and bones he''d need to match the feathers. "You currently have enough feathers for a vitality rating of 100."


    "How high can it go?"


    Nix shook his head while dragging another beak toward his pile. It was half his size and probably close to a hundred pounds. He smiled when he queued them. "5 beaks give it a vitality of 50."


    "Cheat!" Nansu grinned good-naturedly and added another armful onto her growing pile. "So you should only need 10?"


    Nix nodded and trotted to another corpse. "I think we were brought to the freshest ones. That probably favors us."


    Nansu worked tirelessly, her pile of feathers continued to grow until Nix stopped her.


    "No more Nan, the vitality rating in the feather queue is 1000."


    Nansu shrugged. "Let''s go for 2000 then."


    "Nope, it says its maxed out." Nix considered their logistical issue. "I"ll queue the feathers now. Start helping me with the beaks and then we''ll find bones."


    They quickly discovered that it was easier to queue each beak individually rather than dragging them back to a central location. They had to be removed from the head before they could be added in.


    The two worked in tandem, slowly figuring out the most efficient way to complete their grisly task. When they had enough beak, Nix jumped on the disc and helped Nansu up. "Take us to an older area of this graveyard."


    The disc lurched suddenly, causing Nansu to latch onto Nix, then it sped north. Within a minute, they could see the white of bleached bones. When the disc stopped they both hopped down and approached the nearest skeleton.


    Nansu made a face at it. "Do we have to break them? Or can you queue the entire skeleton?"


    Nix smiled widely, the falcon skeleton queued directly into the bone slot. The estimated vitality was 11. "I can do the entire thing. Looks it will take close to a hundred."


    "Not much I can do. Some of these are broken a bit. I''ll try and find the best ones while you queue them up."


    The entire process took nearly for hours. Nix added his own materials for the enhancements and then showed Nansu the final queue.


    [Miniature Enhancement .25][Titan Falcon] [Falcon Feathers][Falcon Beak][ Falcon Bones][Ice Dragon Leather][Kraken Leather][Lamia Leather]


    Nansu didn''t really understand what she was looking at, but she knew Nix was spending his own valuable resources. "Why Ice Dragon Leather?"


    "We''re fighting an Ice Goddess, I''m hoping the fliers will have a bit of ice resistance." Nix selected the [Animate Icon] but left the final product in his crafting inventory.


    Nansu frowned at him. "We don''t get to see it?"


    "Sure. If you want to drag a drake-sized bird around."


    Nansu shook her head and followed him back to the disc. "Eight hours left. It should go faster now that we know what we are doing."


    Nix chuckled at her confidence. "Do we know what we''re doing Nan?"


    Nansu shrugged and favored him with a smile. "I do. Not so sure about you."


    As predicted, the next two puppets were much easier to queue. The pair quickly developed solid teamwork and finished with two hours until the deadline.


    Nansu took out a canteen and took a long drink. "I earned some good favor today?"


    Nix didn''t answer, his eyes were looking at the horizon. "What if..."


    Nansu waited for him to answer, but he continued to stare into the distance. "What Nix?"


    "We could make something fast. What if I''m missing something. What do we know of the final battle?"


    Nansu shook her head. "We don''t know anything. Remember before we patched? Half of Inferno received notifications saying they might be the Cora''Zai."


    Nix nodded. "Mina kept attacking Aki for saying it was me."


    Nansu smiled, Mina had told her the story. "She''s my spirit companion, I could feel how much the idea of that scared her."


    "I forgot that the two of you were spirit companions. Our great Aquarion experiment. It was Shae''s idea."


    "What if she''s right, Nix?" Nansu pursed her lips while considering the patch. "Did the patch really change anything?"


    Nix nodded. "The whole Cora''Zai thing went away."


    "Did it?" Nansu shook her head slightly. "Perhaps all it did was remove the doubt as to who the Cora''Zai is."


    "Don''t share that bit with Mina. She''s convinced that the Cora''Zai dies in the last battle."


    "And if she''s right?" Nansu seemed unwilling to let the conversation drop. "We''ve seen deaths that can''t be fixed. What if the Cora''Zai dies in the last battle? Shouldn''t we create some sort of safeguard?"


    Nix nodded. "If I were smarter, I could probably think of something."


    Nansu laughed at his words. "You and me both."


    "Hey..." The serious expression on Nix''s face was replaced with a smile. "I do have an idea."


    *****************


    /Inferno: Pon: Ten minutes left Punk... You planning on staying here forever?"


    /Inferno: Nansu: Yes. Say goodbye to everyone for us. Nix and I are building a house here.


    /Inferno: Nix: Um... No.


    "There they are!" Wind spotted them in the distance. The group formed another circle and waited.


    When Nix and Nansu stepped onto the platform, the Specter moved toward the group.


    "All who are here, may now return." The Specter spread its arms wide and the entire group disappeared from the platform.


    ***************


    Nix yawned and thanked the group for their hard work. "It''s 0200, get some rest. Make an inventory of what you made and send it to Semmi."


    /Inferno: Pon: Heading back to the House of Tempest?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Back to the grind. Night everyone.


    Nix gated back to Solomon City and then made the short walk to the House of Tempest. The guard at the front gate already knew him by sight and let him in.


    When he arrived at the second-floor suit a few minutes later, he was greeted by the sight of Beta and Chiba sleeping on the couch. He was too tired to carry either of them so he covered them both with blankets and headed to his own room.

 405 Ice Boots

    Normally if someone were to wake up to the sight of two demons lurking over their bed it would be a cause for concern, not so much in this case. Two small heads, topped with tiny horns, peeked at Nix from the side of the bed. A tail could be seen swaying back and forth over the shoulder of the closer one.


    "Morning." Sasi perched her chin on the edge of the bed, her curious eyes were full of mischief.


    "I was supposed to say that!" Rabi hissed at his sister, his face looking downtrodden.


    Sasi patted his shoulder in a gesture meant to console him."Sorry, you can tell him about the ice on his feet."


    "Nix! Your legs and feet are completely enclosed in¡­" He trailed off, his lips curling in a snarl. "Sasi! You did that on purpose!"


    "Did what?" Sasi gave him an innocent look, causing her sibling to stomp out of the room. The Speaker for the House of Tempest hopped up on the bed and nudged the sleepy-eyed Nix. "Why are your feet frozen?"


    Nix shook his head, lack of sleep made his thoughts cloudy. He stared at his legs for a moment, letting the sight of their ice encasement register. "Good question, they weren''t like that when I went to bed."


    The fire mages hand glowed with flames and with a quick motion he freed his legs without lighting the covers on fire. He rolled out of bed, his yellow eyes continuing to focus on the ice. Last time something like this happened, it was a result of his curse. Was this another Khione attack?


    A loud banging from the common area drew his attention. "Nix! Hurry up and get ready! Rabi has brought you a breakfast tray."


    Sasi''s head turned toward the doorway. "We were going to eat downstairs!"


    Rabi''s laughter could be heard from the common area. "Rabi has changed the plans!"


    Sasi glared at the doorway for a moment before turning back to Nix. "He did that on purpose!"


    "Seems likely." Nix agreed and started getting ready.


    *****************


    0930 Colonial Virtual Reality Lab, St. Paul, Mn


    Six Month Assignment: Glory Jones [Probationary DRP]


    Name: Cadlyn Belle, "Cadie"


    Age: 24 [Level 125: Minimum level for Everspire]


    Skillset: Shotguns (42), handguns (45), and melee combat (53).


    Vocation: Freelance Caravan Guard


    [Biography]


    Cadie is from the Dhou province in Mid-Everspire. Her family are well-respected members of the Four Corner''s Merchant Guild. From an early age she decided that the merchant life wasn''t for her. When she was old enough, she started accompanying her family''s caravans as a guard. She enjoyed the work and soon sought employment on the larger Caravans servicing all of Mid-Everspire.


    Personality Traits: Strongwilled and Loyal.


    Glory continued reading, there were a lot of details regarding her childhood and family. "Is this a good one?"


    Glory continued to read while Hara briefed her. There was even a picture of herself with her family. "Oh. I''m cute!


    Hara nodded in agreement. "I''ll give you the same advice that everyone receives from me. Immerse yourself before you attempt anything."


    "Right." Glory read the guidebook a few times. Spend time with your NPC family, talk to your childhood friends, and get to know the area where your character was raised. "The skillset is perfect. I assume Balto took my background into account?"


    "It does to a certain extent. You must have said all the right things in your questionnaire." Hara fixed her brown eyes on Glory. "Be careful. I once had an assignment like this one."


    "You did? What happened?"


    "I was killed. My first three assignments were all terminated when my character died."


    Glory frowned at the thought. "Shit. I don''t want that to happen to me. Any preventive measures?"


    "Unlike player characters, DRPs [Deep Role-Players] operate without a safety net. " Hara handed her the packet. "Get your butt to the viewing room."


    Glory nodded. The viewing room was a collection of events from your assignment''s life that could be watched and studied. Everything from your first love to the kid who beat you up behind the barn. In the next week, she needed to saturate herself with information. "Cadie, 24 years old, caravan guard."


    Hara smiled and nodded. "Concentrate on the four-corners. Those are the provinces of Dhou, Vespri, Lana, and Mocai. Your character isn''t expected to have much knowledge outside of that."


    ****************


    0930 House of Tempest Training Yard Day Three


    Nix held a training blade in each hand, there were three Nether Mages directly in front of him, spaced at intervals of five meters. They were to alternate casting [Uncilliary] at him while he attempted to block.


    Chiba stood behind him, once against she chose to start the day in her ''goddess'' form. "I want you to alternate blocking, left blade then the right blade. Use your footwork to put yourself in the best position."


    Nix swiped the blade in his left hand and nodded. "Shouldn''t we switch to another spell?"


    "Yes, but not yet." Chiba''s lips curved in a smile, it was nothing like the creepy old man smile she usually wore. "There are steps Nix, Master Beta will be here this afternoon to lend a hand."


    The exercise started and very quickly Nix understood the need for footwork. Because they were working with three mages, he would often be obligated to attempt a left bladed block coming from the far right side. The trick of it escaped him and he continued to fail opposite side blocks throughout the next hour.


    Chiba watched patiently, not commenting. She could have told him the key, but learning and creativity were part of the process. Fifteen minutes into the second hour, he finally figured it out.


    Yelti has cast [Uncillary]


    After blocking the middle cast with his right hand, he found himself out of position and facing Talot on the far right side.


    Nix has activated [Ghost Step].


    His blade flashed into the gap and flicked the spell to one side.


    Chiba clapped from the side of the training yard. "You can use Ghost Step and Flight of the Gryphon to position yourself. This is the reason I developed the movement to start with."


    Nix paused and looked at his master. "You developed Ghost Step?"


    "Of course. I am the "Beautiful Genius" after all."


    Nix shrugged, developing your own movement technique was an impressive feat. "Let''s keep going."


    Nix worked until Beta and Wind showed up, unexpectedly the Gemini thief was accompanied by Wilo, the Air Lord companion to Ronnie. "Is Ronnie here?"


    Wind shook his head. "Wilo hangs out with the King quite a bit."


    As if to emphasize the point, the buzzing dragonfly wings of Wilo hovered in the air, the tiny gecko was sitting her shoulder. They circled overhead and then disappeared over the Manor. Soup stared at them as they flew away.


    "Looks fun right?" Nix scratched Soup''s soft tummy. Sasi assured Nix that Soup would be safe while in the House of Tempest, so Nix allowed her to explore freely. "I''ll take you flying later."


    The Qi family siblings were busy during lunch so the group ate in one corner of the training yard, helping themselves to a large platter of different meats, cheese, and fruit.


    Nix noticed that Beta would touch Wind often. Small gestures that ended with her hand on his arm or brushing her knee against his. It was no secret that they were a couple, but it was obvious that things were going very well. "What''s Mtui having you do nowadays?"


    Beta sighed unhappily at the mention of her Breach Commander. "Thanks to a certain guild, the threat from the Nether is gone. No more undercover assignments, or prison breaks."


    Nix laughed at her expression. Whenever she was bothered, her cheeks would turn red. "In all fairness, you didn''t break out of prison."


    Chiba frowned when she remembered being chained with Beta in the Nether prison and unable to ''self-soothe''. "He''s right, the Rat-King broke us out."


    Beta''s petite face wore a tiny smile. "Obviously, you''ve spent some time behind bars."


    *Cough, cough* Nix cleared his throat and drank from his glass of ice water. "Nothing going on today then?"


    Beta shot Wind a sly smile. "Well... How about you and Chiba accompany us after training? There is a parade planned. All sorts of dancers, and musicians will be making their way through the streets."


    Nix hated parades, ever since he was a child and got lost for several hours. "What''s the parade for?"


    Beta''s pink eyes sparkled with excitement. "Now that the cities are connected again, the Dragon City Masters are restarting an old annual tradition."


    "I see," Nix replied. "Is anyone from Inferno walking in the parade?"


    Wind shook his head. "Nope. No one even asked us."


    "Even though it was Inferno that put them back together." Nix shook his head slightly. "I''m out."


    Chiba frowned at her apprentice for a moment before facing Beta. "Fine, Nix is out but I''m in!"


    Wind let a slow breath out, a group of four was much better than three. "You sure Boss? I hear the Dragon Masters have had these elaborate costumes made, they''ll be the last group walking through."


    Nix shrugged. "Bunch of silly peacocks."


    Chiba raised an eyebrow. "A what cock?"


    Nix hid his interest by stuffing several pieces of cheese in his mouth. He had met each of the Dragon City Masters during the link-up process. They ranged from the amiable Tai''Qui to an incredibly arrogant ass named Jargon Kane. He happened to be the Dragon Master of the City linked directly to Solomon City.

 406 Parade of Dragons

    Chiba handed Beta a training dagger while she swiped a long blade in the air. "What is your spell defense at now?"


    "Level four, 3/50"


    Chiba swore under her breath. "Your ability to improve is uncanny. You should have ended the week at Level three by my estimation."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "What can I say? You are a great instructor."


    Chiba''s face reddened slightly, her lips curved in a wide smile. "I didn''t take that into consideration."


    Nix chuckled and moved into position. "Ready."


    This time Nix only faced two Mages, but both Chiba and Beta stood within striking distance. As Chiba explained it, he would have to defend a melee attack from one of them and then defend the casting.


    Talot has cast [Uncilliary].


    Beta leaped in and attempted a basic slash at Nix''s torso, he fended it off with one of the training blades just before the spell struck him in the face.


    Nix cursed and quickly reset.


    Vasi has cast [Uncilliary].


    Chiba''s blade thrust straight at Nix.


    Nix has activated [Ghost Step].


    Nix successfully avoided Chiba''s attack, his own blade flicked the spell aside.


    Talot has cast [Uncilliary].


    Again Beta leaped, this time stabbing upward at his throat.


    Nix blocked the attack with his right blade, instead of switching, the same blade stabbed into the gap and flicked the spell away. Unexpectedly it deflected toward Chiba, who was then forced to defend.


    Vasi has cast [Uncilliary].


    With Chiba out of position, Nix flicked the spell at Beta.


    Talot has cast [Uncilliary].


    Beta leaped straight backward, out of the path of the spell. Nix laughed at her expression and flicked Talot''s spell toward Chiba.


    [Spell Deflection: Unlocked] Level One 1/15]


    New Spellsword Skill learned, Spell Deflection.


    "STOP!" Chiba knocked the spell down, her eyes wide with shock. "Apprentice?"


    Nix did his best to appear innocent. "Yes, Master?"


    "Either you have impossible luck, or you are deflecting spells at us."


    Nix gave her a guilty look. "Sorry Master, I won''t do it again."


    Unexpectedly Chiba''s beautiful face lit up with a smile. "NIX! Spell Deflection is not a thing!"


    "Huh?" Nix brought up his stats and showed her the new ability. "It just popped up."


    "Show me. Everything you did, what your thought process was. Leave nothing out."


    The remainder of the day was spent trying to show Chiba the process he used in deflection. It took a few hours, but the Swordmaster was able to learn it. Afterward, the four of them walked back to the second-floor suite together. Chiba was humming happily to herself.


    Nix was tempted to say something like, ''I am the Master now!'', but instead he just nodded. "Maybe she''ll send us something nice."


    Chiba glanced sideways at him. "Speaking of something nice, where did you get that booze from the other day?"


    "You mean the one that put you facedown on the floor? An alchemist from the Titan Clan makes it."


    "Where were you? I wanted to have a toast with my apprentice."


    "I was with Deidra, she wanted to talk more about my elements."


    Chiba clapped her hands loudly. "I knew it! She whisked you away. Where did you go last night?"


    "Last night I took a group from Inferno to Khalam''Zur." Nix kept his expression neutral.


    The group sat in the suite''s common area and talked for an hour. Finally Chiba decided it was time to get ready and excused herself to her room. Wind and Beta tried their best to convince Nix to attend the parade with them.


    "Come on, Boss. The process passes the Greater Houses. We''re actually walking into Talumbir to see the procession."


    Nix tried his best to look like he wasn''t planning something nefarious. "Talumbir? Isn''t that Jargon Kane''s City?"


    Beta nodded. "He''s hard to deal with. Deidra doesn''t get along with him at all."


    "Neither does Tai''Qui," Nix stated while planning his own evening. "You guys have fun! I''m really tired, going to eat and then get some rest."


    Wind gave him an apologetic look. "Sorry boss, you must be exhausted. We didn''t get home until late and you trained all day."


    Nix waved him off. "No worries. Think I"ll grab a shower before dinner. Cya later."


    "Cya, boss."


    "Cya Nix." Beta waited until Nix closed the door before frowning. "Damn it. Know anyone else we can invite?"


    ****************


    Nix took a shower and then made a quick meal from the trays that were placed in the common area. He spent a few minutes playing with Soup. "Ya know soup... It''s okay to f*ckaround on occasion."


    He put Soup on his shoulder and quickly found the stairs leading up to the roof. Rabi had told him that there was a small observatory platform where he could see the entire city. Nix found the place relatively easy and sat in one of the comfortable chairs. "Want to know something interesting about dragons?"


    Soup stared at him with dark eyes.


    "Their hands are tied. They aren''t allowed to use offensive spells unless they are attacked."


    Soup continued to stare.


    "Sure, they can whisk you off to some distant place or use their aura to crush you, but in the end, they can''t do much." Nix pursed his lips slightly while thinking. "I suppose they could still bite..."


    Nix took the Falcon Titan out of his animator inventory and placed it on the platform in front of him. It was a golden brown color, similar to the golden eagles that fished the east coast waters around Nix''s home. Without considering the wisdom of his action, he inhabited the puppet.


    Soup watched from Nix''s shoulder as the Falcon stood up. Standing on its intimidating claws, the bird''s head was about a bit taller than Morti. Its curved beak was yellow, the same color as its eyes.


    Nix felt the difference immediately, this was an animation made entirely of the extinct Titan Falcon race. The strength of the bird seemed endless. The bird head swiveled while Nix tested its vision. He clicked his beak together several times. His Phoenix was impressive but it wasn''t a Titan, strength like he''d never seen flowed through him.


    Soup squeaked loudly when the falcon extended its wings, the wings were spotted underneath and slightly smaller than Feys.


    "You wanted to fly, right?" For a moment, Nix thought Soup was going to refuse, but instead, the shadow sphinx [shifted] and nestled down in the feathers on top of the Titan''s head. "Good girl. Shall we crash the party?"


    ****************


    Chiba, Wind, and Beta sat together on one of the fountain benches in Talumbir. The sidewalks were crowded with spectators, but the fountain area was relatively empty. Talumbir was not like the other dragon cities, there was only one Greater House, the House of Kane. The large area that should have been regulated to the Greater Houses had been turned into several squares filled with luxurious fountains and statues.


    Chiba took a drink from her flask, unhappy that her apprentice was absent. "Someone really likes fountains."


    Beta nodded in agreement. "I like them. Talumbir has many cultural landmarks that the other cities don''t."


    "Nix says that the City Master here is an ass." Chiba took another drink before handing it to Beta.


    "Shhh! Don''t say that out loud!" Beta glanced around, making sure no one was close enough to hear. "He also has the most followers, they are a bit on the fanatical side." The albino operative accepted the flask and took a small drink, immediately regretting the action. "Is that poison?"


    "A present from my apprentice." She handed the flask to Wind who willingly took a drink.


    Wind pursed his lips slightly after sampling it. "Not bad." He took another drink and passed it back to Chiba.


    The parade moved through each of the cities, scantily clad performers dressed in bright colors, danced to the music. Chiba stood on the bench, clapping and singing.


    Beta smiled at her friend. They had lost touch for several years when Chiba''s planar trials were sabotaged. It was nice having her back.


    The trio laughed and talked, pointing out some of the amazing acts that passed by. Finally, the Dragon City Masters came into view, the roar of the crowd rose to a deafening level.


    Beta pointed at the group. "There''s Deidra!"


    Deidra wore a dark blue gown that featured an elaborate silver headdress. The gown seemed to have texture and continually shifted colors between blue and green as she walked.


    Wind noticed that Deidra and Tai''Qui were walking with another female Dragon Master that he didn''t recognize. "Who is walking next to Deidra?"


    Beta made an unhappy face. "That''s Sinfaya." The albino rogue often worked with Sinfaya''s people. They liked to make fun of Beta''s coloring, gave her the dreaded nickname, Snowflake."


    **************


    Nix had flown before, on mounts, with his Archon wings and even in puppets; none of them could compare with the Titan Falcon. The titan had a long list of abilities that Nix skimmed before launching into the air.


    Generally speaking, because of the city shields and restrictions imposed by the City Masters, no one flew in the city. "Gotta stay low Soup."


    Nix banked between two greater houses before leveling out over the street that the progression was using. Two slight flaps of his wings sent him rocketing toward the entrance of Talumbir. He could hear Soup squealing with excitement. "I know. This thing is really fast."


    As soon as he entered Talumbir, he spotted his target. The Falcon had the ability to zoom in endlessly, it was like looking through a telescope.


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] Probably should move away from the fountains.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Move away from the fountains.


    The Falcon flashed overhead, banking slightly when it passed one of the larger fountains, the tip of one wing brushed against the surface, sending a wave of water into the street. It accelerated away, banking between two buildings and disappearing from sight.


    Deidra stared at the fleeing bird. A Falcon Titan?


    An angry roar sounded from the other side of the street. Jargon dried his soaked costume with a wave of his hands, effectively ruining the floating feather illusion. "FIND THAT THING!" The Dragon Master yelled at a dragon spawn who stepped out of the crowd.


    "Right away, Dragon Master" The heavily armored dragon spawn gestured to the group he was with. All of them assumed their Archon forms and took to the air.


    The surrounding crowds grew even louder, at first thinking the giant falcon was part of the spectacle.


    "You chose an opportune time to move away from the fountains," Tai''Qui spoke to Deidra, her voice barely a whisper.


    "As did you," Deidrea replied softly.


    The sound of a predator screamed through the city, the Falcon appeared again, leveling out over the road as it approached the procession at impossible speeds.


    [SkyKing Challenge] All fliers must resist the SkyKing or be rendered flightless for thirty seconds.


    The Archons fell out of the sky like raindrops, dropping into fountains, onto buildings, and into the streets.


    The Falcon sped away, disappearing through the entrance to Solomon City.


    Jargo Kane changed into his dragon form, roaring in anger as it shot flames high into the sky. "PURSUE HIM! I want that bird brought to me in pieces!"


    "Stop," Deidra spoke from the far side of the street. "You will not enter Solomon City."


    Chiba clapped loudly from her bench. Her beautiful face was blushed from drinking. "Nix is going to be sorry he missed this!"


    Beta nodded in agreement. Dragons doused with water and Archons falling of the sky. "I''m already looking forward to next year."


    Wind watched as Jargon tried to argue with Deidra, instead of listening she opened a breach and disappeared from sight. After a few moments, the rest of the dragons did the same until only Jargon remained. "That''s one big dragon."


    Beta nodded, Jargon the Gold was the largest of his kind. Even so, he wouldn''t dare go against Deidra. "I guess it''s over?"


    As soon as he entered Solomon City, Nix cast [Twisted Air], the Titan Falcon''s stealth ability. He returned to his original perch at the House of Tempest and landed neatly on the platform.

 407 Test Flights

    Soup was bouncing on Nix''s shoulders, her heart still racing from her first flight.


    "Yep... Now that I''ve taken it out of my crafting inventory. What do I do with it?" His regular inventory could hold a few dire wolf puppets, even some Ashobel, but stuffing this Titan back in would be impossible. His train of thought was derailed by two breaches opening nearby in succession.


    Deidra stepped out of one breach and Tai''Qui the other. The two dragons stared at each other for a moment before turning their gazes on Nix.


    "So... What brings you two here?"


    Deidra moved closer to the bird, kneeling down she touched the feathered head with the back of her hand. "These have been extinct for years. I always admired how beautifully they''ve flown."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Give it a try." He said it like a dare, not thinking she''d take him up on it.


    "Okay. What do I do?" Deidra felt a small bit of pleasure at his surprised expression.


    Nix considered the options, some more test flights would be good. "Not here. Open a breach to the North Side of Loki."


    Deidra opened a breach, sending the Falcon and Nix through with a wave of her hand. She paused and glanced back at Tai''Qui. "Coming?"


    Tai''Qui nodded. "Yes."


    The north side of Loki featured a high set of cliffs overlooking the ocean, the perfect spot for launching. There was still a few hours until sunset in Oasis, the aquamarine ocean made the perfect backdrop for a test flight.


    Nix took a seat on the rocks, enjoying the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks far below. "You should change, that outfit isn''t made for regular use."


    Deidra changed her clothes with another wave of her hand. "No? Maybe I should get a new Tailor."


    Nix frowned at her. "Or pay him properly."


    Deidra sat down on one of the flat rocks nearby. "My advice on your elements was meant as payment."


    Nix kept his expression neutral, "so much for free advice. Inhabiting puppets is easy, focus on it and will yourself in"


    Deidra closed her eyes, a moment later the Falcon stood up, its yellow eyes blinking several times. "Amazing."


    Nix didn''t know what dragon eyesight was like, but apparently it wasn''t as good as the Falcon Titan. "Times wasting, take it up."


    An instant later the Falcon launched, a hissing sound could be heard from the wings as they sliced through the air. The Falcon headed out to sea, very quickly disappearing from sight.


    "Nix?"


    Nix turned back toward Tai''Qui, who wasn''t watching Deidra fly. "What?"


    "You made Deidra''s costume?"


    "I did," he admitted. "Were you chosen for the Krelandur also?"


    Tai''Qui''s brown eyes stared at him. "Yes. I stopped by Ionova today, I was going to tell you then."


    Tai''Qui frowned slightly. "We are dragons, after all. I thought you''d be in Ionova, but Hyai mentioned you were training at the House of Tempest."


    Nix smiled at the mention of the Innkeeper. "My mudbaths were removed when I upgraded the Turtle House, I don''t suppose you..."


    "Don''t worry, Nix. I replaced them when I was there." Tai''Qui stepped closer, placing a concerned hand on his shoulder. "Is there something I should know?"


    Nix considered it for a moment, Deidra hadn''t specifically stated that her request for sanctuary was a secret, but he assumed it was. "My elements are overflowing. This morning I woke up in a block of ice."


    "You''re about to become an Arch Nemesis. The elements coursing through you are struggling to get out."


    The Falcon approached after several minutes, instead of landing, it banked and headed out to sea again.


    "I can feel the consciousness of Sindi and Nihlus, I believe that I will be able to converse with them in the next few days." Tai''Qui smiled warmly. "I can''t say how pleased this makes me."


    Nix wasn''t surprised. Tai''Qui was a dragon after all, with a strong connection to the two essences he placed in the eggs. "Let me know when you can. I would like to talk with them."


    Deidra landed a few minutes later, sitting the bird down right next to Nix. When she opened her eyes a moment later, she was smiling. "That was really amazing. No wonder they were called the SkyKings."


    "Me too Nix?" Tai''Qui motioned toward the Falcon puppet.


    Nix nodded. "Go ahead."


    Tai''Qui flew off a moment later, her interest seemed in gaining as much altitude as she could. She banked into a steep dive and headed toward the ocean at a terrifying speed.


    Deidra looked regretful while she watched. "I should have tested its diving speed."


    "It''s fine, you can go again." Nix kept his face expressionless, they were like children getting rides at an amusement park.


    She turned toward him, she was beautiful but her demeanor was too cold for his tastes. Although she did tone her arrogance down quite a bit from when they first met. "Where did you get the Titan puppet? As far as I know, this particular race is extinct."


    "Khalam''Zhur."


    Deidra''s eyes showed a hint of confusion. "Why would a Titan be in the dragon graveyard?"


    Nix smiled, so wide so that his cheeks ached. He knew something that the dragons didn''t. "Khalam''Zhur is not the dragon graveyard."


    "What?" Deidra shook her head as if denying his words. "All dragons are granted tokens to Khalam''Zhur. How could it not be the dragon graveyard?"


    Nix enjoyed the moment, wishing he could extend it for a while longer. "The dragon graveyard is located there, but so are the graveyards of other legendary beasts, including Titans."


    "So, my information is only partially correct." Deidra watched the Falcon fly out to sea again. "You made a Titan puppet while you were there?"


    Nix nodded. "The token transports you to Khalam''Zhur, if you don''t leave within 12 hours, you''re never leaving."


    Deidra favored him with a friendly smile. "It pleases me to learn this."


    "How will you go to Khalam''Zhur since your token is gone?"


    Deidra didn''t answer, she only stared at the Falcon has it went through different maneuvers.


    It was dark before they left Loki. The three of them took turns flying, after several hours of testing Nix was convinced that the Falcon Titan could be a huge asset in the fight against Khione. Inferno must restore the Titan Falcon Clan.


    When they finally finished, Nix inhabited the puppet and flew to Bev''s place that was located centrally on the island territory.


    [Whisper: Nix to Bev] So, this is the Territorial Governor''s house! How many people are living in this monstrosity?


    [Whisper: Bev to Nix] Nicky! You finally spare some time to visit me?


    [Whisper: Nix to Bev] Kinda, I landed a rather large puppet on the balcony of the western corner bedroom. Have someone pull it inside for me.


    [Whisper: Bev to Nix] Really? You''re not even staying?


    [Whisper: Nix to Bev] I can''t, busy with training.


    [Whisper: Bev to Nix] I''ll take care of it.


    [Whisper: Nix to Bev] I''m at the House of Tempest for the next four days. I''ll visit when I''m done.


    [Whisper: Bev to Nix] Say promise, Styxx!


    [Whisper: Nix to Bev] I promise, Froglegs.


    Nix opened his eyes and stood up. The breeze coming off the ocean was just starting to pick up, causing the Loki evening to cool down substantially.


    "Shall I send you back?" Deidra seemed to be in a good mood, she had nearly laughed when Tai''Qui recalled the shocked look on Jargon''s face. For her part, Tai''Qui laughed every time she thought about it.


    "Yes. Thank you." Nix gave the two dragons a quick wave and then stepped through the breach.


    Deidra waited until Nix was gone before facing Tai''Qui. "I have requested sanctuary in Haven."


    Tai''Qui''s eyes widened slightly. "Do you think she''ll attack the nurseries again?"


    Deidra nodded. "It''s a sound strategy. If Khione defeats Inferno and their allies, she will want to subjugate us."


    Tai''Qui''s warm face held a slight smile. "As strong as Inferno is, most of their strength is hidden deep. I believe they will defeat the Winter Goddess."


    Deidra didn''t comment. Could Inferno restore the Falcon Titan Clan? She had tested its abilities, they would own the skies over Everspire.


    Tai''Qui opened a breach to her own city, pausing to look back. "I am going to request sanctuary also."


    Deidra watched her disappear through the breach, her thoughts dwelling on the human guild. "I thought you might."

 408 House of Tempest: Black Water

    Sasi nodded. She was going to help Nix with training today so she was dressed in her black shadow armor. "On three, okay?"


    Rabi nodded, rubbing his tiny hands together in excitement.


    "Three!" Sasi flung open the door and charged in, her feet skidding to a stop when she spotted Nix.


    "SASI!" Rabi followed her in, collided with her back, sending them both to the floor.


    Sasi''s mouth fell open, her eyes staring. "Twister?"


    Nix slept soundly in the eye of the windstorm. His bed and immediate surrounding were unaffected. However, as you moved away from the bed, a current of air formed a wide funnel cloud. The smaller objects in the area were spinning slowly around the room.


    Sasi ducked an object that whirled passed her. "Nix''s pants?"


    Rabi nodded. "Think so. NIX!"


    Sasi pulled her brother''s arm. "Look at the airflow, I bet he can''t hear us."


    "NIX!" Rabi tried yelling louder, there was no reaction from the Inferno guild leader.


    Sasi climbed back to her feet, her eyes studying the air currents. "Stay here!" She leaped toward the bed, only making it about halfway before she was picked up by the current and sent spiraling around the room in a large circle.


    "Sasi!" Rabi reached for his sister''s arm, missing it by only a few inches. "Hang on! I''ll pull you out!"


    Sasi nodded and reached out her arms. "Okay!"


    Rabi missed her again, and then again. "Hey... Are you doing that on purpose?"


    Sasi shook her head, hiding a smile. "No! This time for sure."


    "Yes you are! Sasi is having fun!" Rabi jumped into the air current.


    Chiba checked her hud, she was supposed to meet Nix at 0930 for breakfast. She opened her own door, walked into the common area. The sound of pounding and laughter could be heard from Nix''s room. She stopped outside his door and knocked on it before flinging it open.


    The two Qi siblings were spiraling around the room while holding tight to one another. Occasionally they kicked out at objects that threatened to collide with them. Chiba knelt down and touched the floor. "It''s ice-cold," she mumbled. "Damn... cold air is moving down while warmer air is rising. It has formed a convergence in the middle."


    Chiba lay flat on the floor and slowly crawled toward the bed, when she was close enough she reached a hand up and grabbed his foot.


    "I''m up!" Nix bolted upright in bed, forcing his sleepy eyes open. Instantly the phenomenon halted, sending everything falling to the floor with a loud crash. "The hell is going on?"


    His room looked like it had been torn apart, clothes, towels, and blankets were strewn everywhere. Rabi and Sasi were laying on the floor, both seemed to be having some sort of fit.


    "Hmm? I didn''t hear a thing." Nix shook his head to clear it. "Although waking up in Air''Voilla might be fun."


    Sasi stood slowly, tilting one way and then the other. "Room is still spinning?"


    "Nope, it stopped." He bent down and picked up both siblings, one under each arm. "I have to get dressed."


    Rabi protested when he was placed on the common area couch. "Can Nix stay from now on?"


    Sasi nodded. "Nix stays!"


    Nix shook his head and shut the door. "Nix won''t stay."


    [1000 hours House of Tempest, Day 4]


    Chiba held the practice blade and swiped it in the air before facing her apprentice. "No spell defense today. Sometimes progressing too fast leads to problems. Work on something unrelated and let what we''ve learned sink in."


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his disappointment, training was going very well. He felt like his growth as a spellsword might be catching up with his other skills.


    Chiba threw an arm around his shoulders. "We are both learning new things. Today we work on weaknesses."


    "Don''t get so clingy." Nix nudged her arm off. "You are right, of course. I will show some patience and reflect properly."


    Chiba gave him a crooked grin. "My weakness is melee skills. Want to wrestle me?"


    Nix shook his head. "If we are working with weaknesses, then I should probably work my water abilities."


    Chiba motioned for Sasi to approach. "I bet Tempest has a water mage that can help you out."


    Nix dropped his weapon suddenly, it stabbed into the black sand between his feet. "F*ck."


    "Nix?" Chiba stared at her apprentice, he was staring off into space as if thinking. She didn''t speak or bother him, just watched as his mind worked. She held a finger to her lips when Sasi walked up.


    Sometimes people had sudden epiphanies. Especially when they were under extreme pressure. Nix was the hero that was destined to stand across from the Winter Goddess, failure would likely mean an ice age for the continent of Everspire.


    "I... I know how to restore the Titan Clans." Nix''s yellow eyes refocused and turned towards Chiba. "I can restore the Clans."


    Nix opened his hud and check the locations of his guildmates. Semmi was in Ionova.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Could I ask a favor?


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Of course. What do you need?


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Just a few minutes of your time. Semmi is in Ionova, I need her here at the House of Tempest Training Yard.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Right away. Could you visit me when you are done today?


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Yes.


    Sasi placed a concerned hand on Nix''s arm. "Are you okay?"


    Nix nodded. "Does the House of Tempest have a high-level Water elemental?"


    "YES!" Rabi interrupted, his face showing excitement. "Mimi is a water mage!"


    Sasi made a sour face at and wacked him on the head. "Quit drooling."


    Rabi gave her an offended look. "No hitting! I was only helping."


    Sasi sighed loudly, the air whistling softly between her teeth. "Sorry. You know that person vexes me. Ask her if she can come to the training yard."


    Rabi went from offended to happy in a heartbeat. "Right. I will be back!"


    "So no wrestling then?" Chiba played with the end of her braid.


    Instead of answering, Nix gripped her by the arms and picked her up like he would a child.


    "Huh?" Chiba tried to move her arms, it felt like they were clamped to her sides. A quick glance at her feet showed that she was being held several inches off the ground. "Why are you so strong?"


    "Shall we have a ''Chiba tossing'' contest?"


    Chiba shook her head and used a burst of strength to try and break free. "Holy crap... Why are you so strong?"


    Nix smiled up at her. "You already said that. Still want to wrestle?"


    Chiba nodded. "You''re restraining me. I didn''t realize my apprentice liked that sort of thing."


    Nix put her down and released her arms. "You should do something with the gold element you gained in Eidengal."


    "You''re right of course. I''ve only used it to form a blade, I need to devel..." Chiba''s voice trailed off when her sharp eyes noticed Rabi returning. "I may have to take the rest of the day off."


    "Huh?" Nix turned and focused on Rabi, the person trailing behind him instantly became the focus of the training yard.


    Rabi was followed by a dark-haired demon hybrid with short spiked hair. Her brown skin was visible everywhere, leaving Nix to wonder why she wore anything at all. She moved with sinuous grace, her hips swaying with every step she took.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Does Tempest have a succubus?


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] A suck u what?


    Rabi stopped in front of the pair. "This is Mimi, the Tempest Water Mage."


    Nix glanced at Chiba, who was staring shamelessly. "I''m Nix, this is my Master, Chiba."


    "Rabi says you wish to train your water abilities?"


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] I feel like we''re being f*cked with.


    Nix was inclined to agree. Mimi''s voice made the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. It had a smooth and comforting element, reminding him of Ducky''s tone when she was bewitching someone.


    "I recently gained the water element and was hoping to focus on it today." There was something odd about her, Nix couldn''t quite place it.


    Mimi smiled slightly, showing white teeth with small curved fangs. "Not sure what we can do in a day. Have you formed any water weapons yet?"


    Nix equipped Wrath and pushed water into it. The blade that emerged was a dark blue, the same color as the Ocean in Colonial. "Only a water blade."


    Mimi studied the blade for a moment. "You''re a Spellsword. That will make this easier."


    The water mage raised a hand and three orbs appeared in front of her. They were the size of a person''s head and dark as India ink. "Can you form the orbs?"


    Nix ignored her words, his eyes focused on the orbs. "Nether... Your water element is saturated with Nether."


    Mimi nodded in approval. "Can you sense Nether? Do you carry the element?"


    Nix shook his head. "Just an immunity to it."


    "Hmm... Could you touch one of my orbs?"


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] If you don''t grab her breasts right now, you aren''t my apprentice anymore!


    Nix sighed and touched one of the ink-black orbs. It disintegrated the moment he touched it.


    Mimi shook her head in amazement. "With that, you could take over all of the Nether."


    "It''s on my to-do list. Kinda busy with a goddess at the moment."


    Mimi bowed slightly. "I carry the Black Water Element. I believe I can help you."


    Nix formed a trio of water orbs. "Now what?"


    Mimi moved behind him, studying the orbs from over his shoulder. "Every water element is slightly different, yours is old. Did you gain this in Everspire?"


    "Yes."


    "This is an easy exercise Nix, stretch the orbs toward each other."


    Nix focused on her words, as soon as he attempted it his orbs combined with the middle orb and splashed to the ground.


    Mimi placed a hand on his shoulder. "Again. You have to focus on maintaining their verticle axis, don''t move them, stretch them."


    Nix formed three new orbs. He focused and slowly the middle orb elongated, stretching outward toward the other two.


    Mimi reached around his shoulder and touched the central orb her finger, causing all three to splash to the ground. "Not bad, you understand the concept. You''re focusing too much on the central orb. If you focus on all three at the same time."


    Mimi formed three black orbs in front of him, slowly they stretched toward each other. When they finally touched they resembled a long cylindrical tube. "From this point, you can form the melee weapon of your choice."


    Nix clapped his hands together. "Something cool then. What do you use?"


    "A water whip."


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Of course. We should invite her to Inferno!


    /Inferno: Pon: You punk bastard. I knew you were messing around here!


    Nix turned to see most of Alpha Team exiting a breach with Tai''Qui. He had only requested Semmi, but it didn''t matter. "I need to talk to you, Sem. Urgent matter."


    The old fire mage noticed the black orb floating in the air. With a quick gesture he turned it into a cloud of steam.


    "Hey." Mimi frowned at the old mage. "You have bad manners old man."


    Pon nodded happily. "I do. Teach me a lesson, if you can."


    Nix and Semmi talked for a few minutes on the far side of the training yard, unaware that two elementals were dueling behind them.


    Semmi''s blue eyes showed her interest. "That might work Nix. What about security?"


    "They''d have to be confined. I can influence the Krayven Clan."


    Semmi nodded. "When will you approach them?"


    Nix considered the question, he needed to recharge the Krayven Clan Totem is 9 days, that would be the best time. "Soon, better start prepping."


    /Inferno: Chiba: This person was helping us, you shouldn''t go overboard.


    Semmi glanced over her shoulder. The demon woman was in full retreat, the ground around her was covered in scorch marks. Pon''s fire wings flapped slowly as he hovered a few meters off the ground, the air around him spinning with fire.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Stop at once, Pon.


    Pon landed on the black sand and flamed out. He nodded his head toward the water wielder. "Well done."


    /Inferno: Wind: We can''t bring you anywhere.


    Mimi bowed slightly. "You must be Pon, the Magnificent. I am Mimicry. I have heard many stories about you.


    /Inferno: Wind: No she hasn''t. She''s heard of Nix.


    Pon returned her smile. "Yes, I am. Well met.


    ***************


    Alpha team ended up staying the rest of the day in the training yard. Several members of the Tempest House showed up to test them while Nix continued to work on his water element. Finally they called a halt to the training and Nix readied himself for a visit to Tai''Qui.


    /Inferno: Wind: I can''t believe how strong Sasi and Rabi are.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s cute how Rabi laughs while kicking your ass.


    /Inferno: Wind: That''s not cute at all.


    /Inferno: Pon: It was good training. I learned a lot.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Really? You spent hours with that Black Water mage. What did you learn from her?


    /Inferno: Chiba: Besides her cup size.


    **************


    Nix stepped through the breach that Tai''Qui opened in his suite. The Earth Dragon was submerged in her mudbath, only her bare shoulders and head showing. She wore a red cloth wrapped around her head.


    "Thanks for the help today." Nix''s eyes caught a large stack of mud-pies. "Those for me?"


    "Yes. They are all earth-based slows."


    Nix walked to the pile and started stowing them away. Tai''Qui could infuse spells into the mud. "Thanks. What did you want to talk about?"


    "Join me," Tai''Qui invited, turning slightly so she could face him.


    After gaining the earth element, Nix discovered the guilty pleasure of mudbaths. The earth dragon constructed two for Inferno, one at the turtle house and the other at HQ in Ionova. He quickly disrobed and submerged into the mud.


    "I wish to request Sanctuary in Haven." Tai''Qui watched his reaction with warm brown eyes.


    "You realize that Deidra has also made this request?"


    "I do. I will make a binding oath, to follow your will."


    "I''m not against it," Nix admitted. He liked the earth dragon, she was much easier to be around than Deidra. "Inferno is important to me, we are a family that fights together and protects each other."


    "I can strengthen your Scorched Earth Mages. Those Lamia acolytes, with training I could raise them all to the Archon level."


    "At the end of the week, I will meet with the other officers in Inferno. I will personally champion your cause."


    Nix spent a few hours relaxing before asking Tai''Qui to send him back. Dragons in Haven? He was curious as to what the rest of Inferno would think.


    Chiba was sleeping on the couch in their common area when Nix returned. He returned to his room without waking her.


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] I am back.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] How did it go? Was Eron able to separate Third''s spirit from the others?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Yes. Third is no longer part of the whole.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Are you ready to raise the Greater House of Inferno?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Yes.


    /Inferno: Nix: If you aren''t available, let Semmi know.


    Greater House of Inferno Quest: Embassay 1800 Hours Tomorrow!


    [Five Foundation Stones] Nix, Shae, Vooni, Chiba, Rhylia.


    [Four Corner Pillars] Fajii, Wind, Semmi, Pon.

 409 The Greater House of Inferno part one

    "That''s a good question." Hara sipped her coffee while considering Glory''s inquiry. "After the Khione quest has been completed, no matter the outcome, all the campaign quests after that will be instances."


    "How will new players gain access to the Khione campaign?" Glory spent two days reading about Cadie, but now she was after more lore knowledge.


    "Players will start the Everspire Campaign in the Polar Ice Caps of Colonial. After battling Khione, the campaign will place them in the role of Hero and toss them in the wilderness of Northern Titania."


    Glory''s face showed her surprise. "So the new version is actually following the trials of Nix and Inferno?"


    Hara nodded. "They''ll be scaled down quite a bit. It''ll be an instance campaign under the guise of [Insert Hero]. In the interest of advancing through the expansion, there will be a solo, group, and guild version."


    Glory couldn''t hide her disappointment. "So Inferno and Nix are tossed away? Their amazing accomplishments are forgotten?"


    Hara shook her head slightly. "We''d be doing ourselves and Inferno a huge disservice if we allowed players to forget about Inferno. In the updated Khione expansion, Game Lore will show that this is the resurgence of Khione, years after she battled a legendary force."


    "So... Follow in the footsteps of Nix and Inferno, uncover the truths hidden in Everspire, and fight your way to the Winter Goddess?"


    "Hmm... I like your version, maybe you should work in development instead of the DRP program."


    Glory smiled and shook her head. "No way, I''m so excited for next week. When are you heading back in?"


    "In a few hours." Hara leaned back in her chair and stretched her arms over her head. "This will be the start of a six-month dive for me also."


    "I thought you weren''t diving for a few more weeks?"


    Hara shrugged slightly. "Nix has suddenly decided to rehash an old quest and raise the House of Inferno."


    "Are you part of that quest?" Glory smiled widely, her dark eyes lit with humor. "I wish I could see you in action."


    "Yes, I''m in the quest." Hara closed the desk hud and pushed her chair back.


    "Do you think Inferno will complete the Khione quests before the six months is up?"


    "It''s likely, if not I will extend for another three months." Hara liked the former correction officer, unexpectedly the two had become friends. "Any more questions? I won''t be able to help you out after I dive."


    Glory tried to remember her list of questions, Hara had answered most of them already. "Do you run into other DRPs in the game?"


    "Few and far between. I don''t know all of them."


    "Don''t you interview everyone before their first six-month dive?"


    Glory winced slightly. "How often does that happen?"


    Hara laughed at her expression. "A bit more than 80 percent of the time."


    "What if I meet with someone who I suspect is a DRPer?"[Deep Role Player]


    Hara nodded. "You aren''t allowed to mention it."


    "So if we meet by accident, I can''t expect any aid from you?"


    "I know the rules better than anyone. I would help you, but not in a way that would alert Balto. Our program is working, its nearly impossible to distinguish between NPCs and DRPs."


    Glory covered her face with both hands. "It would be nice knowing."


    Hara nodded her head. "In the early days of the program, we had a code that we used."


    Glory dropped her hands. "Code?"


    Hara nodded. "It was like a challenge/password type code. You would say, ''the path of an elemental is filled with danger,'' and they would reply with a certain phrase."


    "What phrase?"


    Hara winked at her. "Not saying. We don''t do that anymore."


    Glory faked a frown. "Tease."


    "Sorry. Want to grab something to eat?"


    "Sure, I spent my lunch in the viewing room. Cadie had her heart broken by a cheating boyfriend. Would it be bad if I paid him back?"


    "Sounds like a reasonable response." Hara led her into the hall before placing a hand on the door''s sensor. "Director Sahara Obrien, signing out."


    [Good Day, Director]


    Hara offered her an encouraging smile. "Don''t worry, I''ll find a way to keep tabs on you. Cadie has a lot of potential."


    ************************[Author''s Recap]****************


    On the 90th floor of the Embassy, there is a quest to raise a Greater House in Solomon City. The prerequisite for starting that quest is the possession of a Foundation Stone. For a brief time in Solomon City there existed a house called the Greater House of Oasis. Because of infighting among the foundation members, the house ended up fragmenting.


    One of the members of the Greater House stole the foundation stone, causing its collapse. The search for the foundation stone led Inferno to the Vale, a sacred location within Inuit. They found that the stone had been implanted inside Juri Mtui, with the assistance of Breach Commander Mtui, they were able to remove the stone from his brother.


    Greater House deeds are linear in nature, after stopping Archon Zar''s attempt to restore the House of Oasis, Inferno completely destroyed the old house and gained the deed. Shortly after, five Inferno members underwent their planar trials in the Embassy and became the Foundation for the Greater House of Inferno. (Rhylia, Vooni, Shae, Chiba, Nix). The four corner pillars were added after that. (Fajii, Semmi, Wind, Pon). A total of 12 pillars were required, the four corner pillars and eight normal pillars. At that time, those who were ready starting attempting the trials. (Mina, Jun Li, Sharl, Ronnie, Milat, Tess, Gypsy Rose, Zhava) Nearly everyone has finished the planar trials, but only the first 12 are pillars.


    ******************


    1300 hours House of Tempest, Day 5


    Sasi held tightly onto Nix''s hand, her dark eyes watching him closely. "Back tomorrow for sure?"


    Nix nodded. "It''s only day five. I said we''d stay for seven."


    Thanks to the efforts of the Nether mages from the House of Tempest, both Chiba and Nix were able to make progression with spell deflection. With the Greater House quest looming, training stopped at lunch so they would both be well-rested.


    After lunch and a long nap, Nix left the House of Tempest through the front gate and headed to the empty plot that used to be the Greater House of Oasis. A small footbridge crossed over the narrow channel. Here he paused to study the area. If Inferno were successful, they would be fairly close to the House of Tempest, the drawback was that they''d be equally close to the House of Aquarion.


    "Aren''t you a bit early?"


    Nix turned to see Fajii walking toward him. She was wearing her Nether armor and held a trident loosely in one hand. "I may be a bit excited. After training the past five days, I''m spoiling for a fight."


    Fajii slipped a hand through his arm and leaned against him. "I really missed you this week."


    "Same here, we have to figure out how Third can help our cause." Nix pushed an errant strand of hair out of her face. "Why are you in Solomon City?"


    "Shopping with Shae." Fajii gestured toward the approaching Salamander who was being tailed by three individuals.


    Nix has joined Alpha channel.


    Fajii has joined Alpha channel.


    Wind has joined Alpha channel.


    Semmi has joined Alpha channel.


    Pon has joined Alpha channel.


    Shae has joined Alpha channel.


    /Alpha Team: Pon: Now it''s a party.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: I''m so excited! How do you think the Embassy Greater House will compare to these?


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Unsure, but there''s only one way to find out.


    Shae stepped close and hugged Nix close, before raising her chin and kissing the side of his face.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: How is the egg-sitting?


    /Alpha Team: Shae: I''ll only have to check on them daily now.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: With you and Fajii back, the Turtle House will be full again.


    /Alpha Team: Fajii: I can''t wait to see it.


    /Alpha Team: Shae: Me too.


    /Alpha Team: Semmi: Chiba, Vooni, and Rhy are all in Glory.


    /Alpha Team: Nix: Let''s join them and walk over to the Embassy.


    ****************


    1800 hours, Embassy on Glory Island. 90th Floor.


    Semmi read the mission brief aloud, while the rest of the raid followed along.


    [Greater House Embassy Quest: Brief]


    Once we start the mission, we''ll be sent to random places within the Greater House. The Foundations members will be sent to the lower floor, while the four Corner Pillars are sent to the upper. Both teams will fight there way to a central chamber, once united each team will fight the Foundation boss and the Pillar boss, respectively. The teams will then unite in the outer Courtyard and challenge the Greater House Boss.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Pretty straight forward. The Foundation team will be using Alpha channel, while the Pillar team uses Bravo. Once the two teams unite, we''ll all switch to Alpha. Questions?


    /Inferno: Nix: Summon your pets when you get inside. Shadai and Eron will be on heals. Here''s the raid sheet.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Incoming Buffs.


    [Foundation]


    Nix: CC (Shadai: Heals)


    Rhy: CC


    Shae: DPS


    Vooni: Tank


    Chiba: DPS


    [Pillar]


    Pon: DPS


    Wind: DPS


    Semmi: DPS


    Fajii: Buffs, DPS (Eron: Heals)


    A few minutes later, Nix stepped into the entrance of the Greater House Quest.


    [Do you wish to initiate the Final part of the Greater House Quest?]


    "Yes."

 410 The Greater House of Inferno part two

    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix pushed fury flames into Wrath, the white sonic blade humming in protest while it pushed back some of the darkness. He swiped the blade once in the air, smiling at the familiar noise.


    Two Humanoid figures wearing armor, charged toward him, while two others wearing black robes held back, their hands glowing with an eerie blue light.


    Nix activated [Daisy Chains], causing lightning to spider between the four combatants, immobilizing them for twenty seconds.


    He sent six strands of emerald flames at the nearest caster, the barbed ends stabbing into the chest of the mage. With a hard jerk, he pulled the caster toward him. At the same time, he targeted the second caster and used [vacuum] to summon him.


    Both casters arrived at the same time, Nix released the flame strands and sliced horizontally at the mages while already targeting the melee fighters.


    Nix has activated, [Master''s Strike: Spellsword] [Storm Rider] [Thunderfist].


    Triple Combination Successful!


    Niri Spindle has been slain.


    Tafeytte Choral has been slain.


    Both casters dropped lifelessly to the floor, one losing his head from his nose upward while the other was sliced in half at the shoulders. Nix noticed none of this, already behind the first Melee fighter, he slammed his fist into the head of his target, sending him careening across the room to bounce off the wall.


    A Wayfarer Knight has been stunned.


    Nix stabbed his blade into the throat of the second Knight, the sonic tip pushed through without resistance and then flicked to his right, causing the helmeted head to teeter obscenely to one side.


    A Wayfarer Knight has been slain.


    [Storm Rider][Rockfist]


    Combination Successful!


    Nix appeared behind the stunned Knight, his free hand transformed into a large boulder. He hammer fisted onto the back of the Knight''s helm, the second strike dented it while the third and fourth strike flattened it completely, sending a disgusting mush of bone and brain oozing out.


    A Wayfarer Knight has been slain.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    Green flames lit the room up, exposing the only door in the room. Less than a minute after entering the Greater House, Nix had cleared his first room and exited into the next one.


    The first step into the next room resulted in a three-foot drop, that caused Nix to stumble awkwardly to one knee.


    Thregfiell has cast, [Molten Earth].


    Nix reflexively swatted the sneak-attack spell to one side, the weight and momentum of the projectile caused him to spin off-balance.


    Nix has been slowed by 10 percent.


    A single creature faced him, at first glance, Nix classified it as a combination of an Ape and Komodo dragon. It stood a head taller than him, with a wide, heavily muscled body covered in black scales. It had the flat face of a primate, its impressive canines were exposed in a snarl. A long tail with three sharp spikes extended behind it.


    "Fire and Earth Beast?" Nix equipped one of Tai''Qui''s mudpies and flung it at the creature, seemingly unworried, it raised a huge fingered hand to block it.


    [Earth Slow: Dragon Master]


    Thregfiell has been slowed by 70 percent.


    A look of shocked outrage showed on the beast''s face. A large spear appeared in his hand and with a slow movement of its arm, he sent it toward Nix.


    [Dread Spear: Earth Advanced]


    Nix nearly laughed at the pedestrian-like movement. Apparently, Tai''Qui knew what she was doing.


    Nix threw up an arm and cast [Shield: Black Ice]. A large Kite-Shield appeared in front of him just as he dodged to one side. Unexpectedly the spear changed course with his movement and impacted dead center on the shield.


    "Enough of this shit." Nix moved in a large circle, he could feel that the ten percent slow was throwing him off.


    Nix has cast [Null][Lance: Black Ice]


    Combination Successful.


    Thregfiell has been silenced.


    The beast opened its mouth wide in a silent roar, stumbling back a step when Nix''s lance sunk deep into its side.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on Thregfielle.


    [Critical Hit: Racial Weakness discovered, Black Ice.]


    It dropped to all fours and started running toward Nix with a stride that could only be called ridiculously slow.


    Nix continued to run in a wide circle while spamming his only Black Ice Attack.


    [Lance: Black Ice] [Lance: Black Ice] [Lance: Black Ice]


    Triple Combination Successful!


    Nix has scored a critical hit on Thregfielle.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on Thregfielle.


    Nix has scored a critical hit on Thregfielle.


    Thregfielle has been mortally wounded and has activated [Rampage].


    Thregfielle''s size increased by about a third, its eyes glowed red as it slammed both fists onto the ground.


    [Earth Shatter]


    Nix has resisted Stun.


    Nix fled before the overpowering strength of the rampaging primate, although its ''enraged'' state increased its speed, Inferno''s guild leader was able to stay ahead of it until the creature staggered to the ground, its lungs heaving while blood spurted from its wounds.


    Nix pushed Black Ice into Wrath and flashed forward.


    [Execution: Black Ice]


    The blade stabbed through the chest of the beast, pushing into the ground beneath it before Nix extracted it.


    Thregfielle has been slain.


    Nix shook his head at the dead corpse. "What the flying f*ck were you?" It had the strength and size of a tank, coupled with Fire/Earth abilities. "F*cking OP bastard."


    Noticing a door on the far side of the room, Nix started walking toward it. Purposefully moving slowly so that the Molten Earth would have time to wear off. However, his plans were changed when he heard the familiar sound of an air burst.


    [You have discovered one of your team and may now use group chat.]


    "Rhylia!" Nix dashed toward the door and charged into the next room. The elevation of the room dropped again, but this time he was prepared and both of his feet splashed safely into the knee-deep water.


    The Air Elemental had her hands full, it darted through the air, fleeing from the gigantic head of a 40-foot Python. Rhy didn''t have any powerful attacks, her real strength was her ability to assist and support her allies.


    /Alpha: Nix: Did someone call for the Champion of the Air Palace?


    /Alpha: Rhylia: NIX!


    The black-winged elemental banked toward him, deftly dodging a strike from the serpent. Rhylia has cast, [Air Express].


    Nix''s speed has been increased by 30 percent.


    Nix raised both hands and sent a dozen emerald strands into the belly of the snake, the barbed ends pushed deep just as Rhy laid both hands on his shoulders.


    [Air Burst]


    Blood, bone, and flesh exploded outward in all directions covering both teammates in gore as the snake was blown into separate pieces.


    Nix spat into the water, his face wrinkled in disgust. "Shit, I had my mouth open... LOOK OUT!"


    Both teammates were caught by surprise when the head and ten feet of snake struck at Rhylia''s back.


    [Gemini Swap][Earth Shield]


    Nix changed places with Rhylia while managing to throw up a shield at the last second. The Inferno guild leader was sent flying into the bloody water, disappearing in a wave of crimson.


    Rhylia drew her blade and flashed by the Python, slicing a shallow cut across its face while managing to dodge another strike.


    [Balefire: Ice Flame] [Rockfist]


    A burst of ice blue flames struck the Python in the back of the head, its entire body slowed suddenly as it temporarily froze in place. An instant later Nix appeared behind it and slammed his boulder fists on either side its head. A sound like the shattering of glass echoed in the room, a moment before the snake ruptured into countless pieces.


    "You okay, Nix?" Rhylia couldn''t keep the admiration out of her voice, her champion had grown much stronger since Elementia.


    "Sure." Nix noticed that this room had three doors. "Which door did you come out?"


    Rhy landed beside him, resting a hand on his shoulder while she examined him for wounds. She pursed her lips slightly and wiped some of the blood from his face. "You need to level up your air abilities."


    Nix nodded, "I know it. Which door?"


    Rhy crossed arms, her dark eyes staring stubbornly. Although she had progressed to Archon since coming to Inferno, Nix''s progression was impressive. "As soon as we''re done, you are coming to the Air Palace with me."


    Nix held his hands up in surrender. "I have promised to train at the House of Tempest for a few more days, after that, I will come to see you. Promise.


    Rhy smiled in approval. "Good enough. I came through the south door."


    "That only leaves the north door." Nix started splashing toward the third door, while Rhy hovered above the water. "Is this your second room?"


    Rhy shook her head. "First." Her dark eyes showed a hint of amusement. "It must be difficult to be wingless. Bet you wish you had wings again."


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "Nope. I''m perfectly happy splashing through this disgusting water while you fly over it."


    Rhylia''s laugh echoed in the room. "I could carry you."


    Nix scowled at her and grabbed the door handle. "Pass."

 411 The Greater House of Inferno part three

    "F*CK!" Vooni knew many Aquarions, however, the inherent weakness of the stable owner variety prevented most of them from becoming Archons. She flung the corpse of the mage to one side and equipped her shield.


    Most stables were filled with water creatures and would be useless on both land and air. This Aquarion possessed a reptilian-hybrid stable, much like the Vilas that Mina used. They were slightly smaller and not enhanced like Mina''s but there were forty of them.


    Vooni has activated [Dragon Roar].


    When the creatures scattered in all directions, Vooni charged the remaining Aquarion. The first water mage managed to effectively ground her with a [Heavy Water] spell. The second Aquarion was starting to panic, the [Heavy Water] spell that her companion used would wear off soon.


    Vooni cut the distance between them in half, before the water creatures swarmed her again. Although not particularly dangerous to a top-end Tank, their sheer numbers made them troublesome.


    Vooni has activated [Aura Burst]. The dragon descendent''s aura erupted outward in all directions, scorching the pests attacking her.


    Vooni has resisted Heavy Water.


    A flash of black and the armored tank was back in the air, a moment later her target was split vertically from head to crotch as the razor-sharp halberd slammed down on her head and then continued its path all the way to the ground.


    /Alpha: Nix: Well done, Captain.


    Vooni looked up to see Vy and Nix entering her room. In her head, the archon trainer still referred to him as Pon the Magnificent. They enjoyed a close relationship that had developed a familial tie when she started seeing Rico.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Could have used your help a minute ago.


    /Alpha: Nix: Didn''t want to spoil you too much. First or second room?


    /Alpha: Vooni: First.


    Nix paused long enough to rid the dead Aquarion of her ricoli artifact, when he offered it to Vooni she shook her head so he stowed it away for the Inferno Aquarions.


    The trio headed toward the door Vooni indicated and were just about to exit when Chiba stepped through it.


    /Alpha: Chiba: The rooms rotate if you spend too much time, I''ve already cleared the three rooms this way.


    Nix swore under his breath. "Of course."


    Chiba was wearing her ring once again, the old ugly face wore a look of grim determination. Anything associated with the planar trials brought out the swordmaster''s serious side.


    /Alpha: Vooni: We should move faster, follow me.


    The group ran single file through three empty rooms before finding one that no one had cleared.


    /Alpha: Nix: I think we are supposed to stay here.


    /Alpha: Vy: Five doors.


    The room was pentagon-shaped with pair of torches on every wall. It was larger than any of the rooms that had previously been cleared and was tiled with black marble.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Yep, this is it. Check these out.


    The rest of the group joined her at the center of the room where five pictured tiles could be seen. An iridescent salamander, a black dragon, crossed silver swords, feathered black wings, and a golden crown.


    Vooni bent slightly and touched her hand to the dragon tile. "I''m glad we are finally raising this house."


    Chiba nodded in agreement. "Why now? With everything else we have going on?"


    Nix gave them a sly smile. "No reason."


    [You have been summoned by Shae]


    "Oops! Gotta go." Nix disappeared with a wave, leaving the group staring at each other.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Where did Nix go?


    /Alpha: Vy: Shae must have summoned him.


    Nix appeared a moment later in a room of fire. Flames licked at the walls and ceiling, making them glow, Shae wielded two flaming swords while trying to fend off three fire archons.


    "Thanks for coming!" Shae slammed both swords into the head of the nearest fire archon, sending it flying toward the far wall.


    Nix saw the problem immediately. It was similar to the issue Shae''s Fire group had during her Archon training. Most fire creatures were immune to fire damage, so battles against other flames beasts were often drawn out and would sometime end in stalemate.


    Nix pushed Black Ice into Wrath and sent a dozen strands of Ice fire into the closest Archon. The beast screeched in surprise at the pain of the ice-cold flames.


    Nix activated [Storm Rider] and appeared directly behind his target while dropping his strands. The Black Ice blade stabbed through the creature''s torso causing it to flail helplessly while it was lifted completely off the ground.


    A Fire Archon has been slain.


    While Nix was finishing off the first Fire Archon, Shae used her flame swords to bludgeon a second one toward him. She beat it back slowly, the booming sounds of her blades striking rock-like flesh echoed in the room.


    [Storm Rider] [Rockfist]


    Combination Successful.


    Nix appeared next to the second Archon, he grabbed it by the waist and slammed it headfirst into the floor. In a frenzy of blows, he hammered against its face until the creature''s flames burned out.


    A Fire Archon has been slain.


    Shae managed to corner the last Archon, her frustration was evident as she wacked away at it with her swords. Through sheer will, she managed to push one of her flaming swords into the shoulder of the Archon.


    Nix flashed toward her, placing both hands on her shoulders.


    [Air Burst]


    The creatures shoulder blew apart, wailing in misery it attempted to shield itself with its remaining arm but died with a pitiful wail when it was impaled by a Black Ice Lance and pinned it to the wall.


    Nix turned back toward Shae, only to be enveloped in a super-heated embrace. The redhaired salamander took out her frustration by squeezing him tightly.


    "How many rooms was this Shae?"


    Shae finally released him but maintained a grip on his hand. "This was my third room. The first was filled with water creatures, that was nice. The second room was a group of Air Wraiths."


    Nix squeeze her hand and pulled her toward the exit. "The rooms are shifting, so we might have to search a bit to find the others."


    "Were you with them when I summoned you?"


    Nix nodded. "Let''s get you a few spare weapons, maybe some ice damage ones."


    "Thank you, Nix."


    "No worries." Nix opened his hud, frowning when he noticed that Morti'' was still with Tautius. "Morti is unavailable, guess I''ll bring in the others."


    "Good thinking, our boss fight may start as soon as we join the others."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Fey]


    Ducky and Fey appeared a moment later. Ducky offered them a smile while Fey hugged the redheaded salamander.


    Ducky has joined Alpha channel.


    Fey has joined Alpha channel.


    /Alpha: Ducky: We were at the Turtle House Nix. Where''s Soupy?


    [Summons Soup]


    Soup appeared in his Shadow Sphinx form, he shifted immediately to Ducky''s shoulder.


    /Alpha: Nix: Morti is still with Tautius, once we find the other Foundation members, we''ll be taking on a boss.


    /Alpha: Fey: Understood.


    The group progressed through several empty rooms before they were able to reunite with the others.


    Nix walked toward the center of the room, pausing to summon his healer Arch Wind.


    Ea Shadai appeared in the air directly in front of him, her white wings flapping slowly. The vaulted ceilings gave her about thirty feet of space, more than enough to retreat if she was threatened.


    "This is a boss battle Shadai. You are the only healer, Vooni will be tanking. Make her your priority."


    "Okay, Nix."


    /Alpha: Vooni: Welcome back.


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t suppose you three took on the boss while we were gone?


    /Alpha: Rhy: No.


    Shae and Nix joined the others in the center of the room.


    /Alpha: Shae: Now what?


    /Alpha: Nix: You sure you didn''t kill the boss yet?


    /Alpha: Vooni: Pretty sure.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Awkward.


    /Alpha: Rhy: Step on your own tile.


    Nix waited until the others were ready, then he stepped onto his. Immediately a peal of loud laughter echoed in the room.


    "You''ve come to challenge us?" A deep voice spoke from the far side of the room. A figure cloaked in black watched them. On either side of him were two elementals.


    /Chiba: Elementals?


    /Rhy: Yes. Lightning and Air, not sure about the other two.


    /Nix: Nether and Black Fire.


    /Shae: Black FIre? Like Donri?


    /Nix: Yes.


    ***********Reminder******


    Donri was the tank that converted into a Black Fire mage and became the Seneschal to the royal family in the newly formed Central Kingdom. He was also in an early group with Nix when they killed Bulo the black bear. (Morti''s future pelt)


    **************************


    The Black Cloaked figured moved forward, his face was hidden in shadow. "I am Taro. We are the Embassy''s chosen. When we defeat you, it will be us that raise the Greater House of Chaos within Solomon City."


    /Alpha: Nix: Hold the boss, while we deal with the others.


    /Alpha: Ducky: I''ll CC the lightning element.


    Nix stepped forward and equipped a silver pole, stabbing it through the marble tile.


    Nix has placed Inferno''s Guideon on the Battlefield.


    Guideon: Inferno Battle Flag [Silver Standard]


    + 2000 AC


    +50 All Stats.


    +100 ATK


    +100 Defense


    Description: Plant your Guild Flag


    on the battlefield and reap the benefits


    of unity and loyalty.

 412 The Greater House of Inferno part four

    Essentially this is several fights going on at once. To properly show the action, I''ll be writing them in succession, even though they are not occurring that way. Rather than jumping back and forth, I feel this will make it easier to follow.


    ************************


    Taro has been charmed.


    "...." Vooni.


    /Alpha:Nix: I''m on the Nether Elemental.


    /Alpha: Shae: Fey and I will take the Air.


    /Alpha: Ducky: I''ll have Taro attack the Black Fire.


    /Alpha: Vooni: I''m on Ducky''s target.


    /Alpha Chiba: That leaves Lightning for me and Rhy.


    **********************


    Nix has activated [Storm Rider][Thunderfist].


    Combination Successful.


    Nix appeared directly behind the Nether Elemental and punched him in the back of the head.


    Lati''Ru has been stunned.


    Lati''Ru has activated [Dark Escape][Nether Tendril].


    Combination Successful.


    Lati''Ru broke free of the stun effects, dozens of black tendrils streamed from his hands and extended out toward Nix.


    Nix pushed Fury Flames into his aura and rushed through the tendrils, the black strands faded away when he touched them.


    Nix is immune to Nether Damage.


    A dozen Emerald strands wrapped around the dark mage, using both hands and all of his strength, Nix slammed his opponent onto the tiled floor; once, twice and then a third time.


    Lati''Ru has been stunned.


    Lati''Ru has been partially crippled.


    Lati''Ru has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    Nix has activated [Execution].


    A flash of the sonic blade and the Nether Mage''s head bounced away.


    Lati''Ru has been slain.


    /Alpha: Nix: My target is down, assisting Chiba.


    ************************


    Rhylia has activated [Null] [Vacuum].


    Combination Successful.


    The Lightning Elemental appeared in front of Rhylia, her translucent face showed her rage as she howled soundlessly.


    Chiba used [Ghost Step] to flash toward her target, wielding both a gold and silver blade, she slashed twice with both in an ''X'' pattern. [Double Strike]


    Chiba has landed a critical hit.


    Chiba has landed a critical hit.


    Geli has activated [Storm Wash] [Flash Strike].


    Combination Successful.


    All controlling effects have been removed from Geli.


    Chiba has blocked Flash Strike.


    Rhylia has been injured by Flash Strike.


    Chiba brushed the lightning bolt aside with her silver blade and then slashed across the legs of the fleeing Lightning mage.


    Geli has been slowed by 30 percent.


    Rhylia has cast [Air Force], a strong gust of wind sent Geli tumbling across the floor.


    Geli has been crippled. (Left Hand)


    Chiba has landed a critical hit on Geli.


    [Critical Chain: First Strike]


    Nix has followed up Chiba''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: Master''s Strike]


    Chiba has followed up Nix''s attack with a critical strike.


    Geli has been slain.


    /Alpha: Rhy: Our target is down!


    *************


    Ducky ordered Taro to attack the Black Fire Mage, the cloaked figure raised both hands, one smoked like it was burning while the other bathed in shadow.


    Taro has cast [Plague][Wither].


    Combination Successful.


    The Black Fire mage screamed in terror, hundreds of boils formed on his skin, expanding and rupturing. His hands and limbs started to twist obscenely, slowly shriveling like a balloon rapidly losing air.


    Peugeot has been Infected with a Plague.


    Puegeot''s ailment has been accelerated.


    Vooni was in the middle of charging in, instead, she skidded to a stop and raised her shield.


    /Alpha: Vooni: The boss is a Pestilence Mage.


    Taro as cast. [Vermin Wave].


    Hundreds of Black rats appeared out of nowhere and attacked Peugeot, his agonizing screams marked his struggle as they completely overran him. The horrified screeching finally stopped when his throat was torn out.


    Vooni backed out of melee range and waited while Black Fire mage was ravaged by his leader.


    Peugeot has been slain.


    *******************


    Shae ignited her aura and was on the Air Elemental in a flash. Purposefully Fey held back while the Salamander Archon pursued the winged Air elemental. Shae carried a flaming blade in one hand while flinging comet strike at her target again and again.


    /Alpha: Fey: NW corner...


    /Alpha: Shae: Aye.


    Hueli the Air Nemesis knew she was overmatched, her only chance was to keep her air shield active until one of her teammates could come to her aid.


    Shae has cast [Comet Strike][Comet Strike][Comet Strike]


    Triple Combination successful.


    Comet Strike has been deflected by an Air Shield.


    Comet Strike has been deflected by an Air Shield.


    Comet Strike has been deflected by an Air Sheild.


    /Alpha: Shae: Now!


    Shae has cast. [Balefire: Advanced]


    The thin teen extended her arms outward until they became wings.


    Hueli shrieked in terror at the streak of white flames coming toward her.


    Hueli has used [Charged Air] to evade.


    The Air Elemental breathed a sigh of relief, banking into the corner she flew directly into a wall of silver flames. Screaming in agony, her entire body erupted in flames just as a powerful set of jaws snapped shut over her legs. The Air Elemental gave a pitiful wail as she was bitten in half and then spat out onto the tile.


    Hueli has been slain.


    ************


    Ducky waited next to Taro, her blue eyes seemingly unconcerned. All the elementals were dead. "I wish I could keep him."


    The group studied the black-cloaked pestilence mage. There seemed to be something diabolical lingering in his dark aura. The vermin he had summoned scampered up his body, forming a rat cloak with hundreds of gleaming red eyes.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] Ducky is an Archon level companion?


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] At least, she''s holding a boss by herself.


    /Alpha: Nix: Why does everyone look nervous?


    /Alpha: Vooni: Pestilence Mages are pretty rare, even very strong dragon spawn give them a wide berth. Everything they have is disease-oriented. They even have a defensive shield that infects you when you strike it.


    /Alpha: Chiba: We can overcome him, but the odds are he''s going to take one or two of us.


    /Alpha: Ducky: We need Morti.


    /Alpha: Shae: Got a plan? Shouldn''t we kill the rats first?


    /Alpha: Ducky: The moment a rat is killed, he''ll aggro us, but they will have to be dealt with.


    /Alpha: Nix: I got a plan. This guy is easy. I''m gonna kick his ass sideways.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Pardon?


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m immune to pestilence.


    /Alpha: Shae: No you''re not, Nix.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Nope.


    /Alpha: Rhy: That would be pretty rare.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Of course he is.


    Ducky smiled sweetly at Nix as if to offer him encouragement. She had no clue as to what his immunities were, just the blind faith of adoring spirit companion.


    Nix walked to the far side of the room and sat down. He laid out three Nether Rats on the tiles.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Holy crap. Rats are immune to pestilence!


    /Alpha: Nix: I need two volunteers to inhabit the other two. Anyone with range damage, line up on the far wall and get ready.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Three Nether rats aren''t going to be able to kill this guy.


    /Alpha: Nix: His rats... are gonna be my rats. I am the Rat-King.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Your old title of Underwear King was better.


    /Alpha: Nix: I know. Unfortunately, that''s been snatched away.


    Nix waited while Vooni and Chiba sat down on either side of him.


    /Alpha: Nix: You two will inhabit the puppets and wait in the middle. If this goes upside-down on me, I expect you to do the honorable thing.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Fight to the death?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure.


    Nix inhabited the Rat-King and moved away from the others.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Now I remember, these bastards have a self-destruct!


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. I''m going to self-destruct if the fight goes bad. You two will rush in and do the same.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Understood.


    Rat-Nix gave them an innocent yellow-eyed stare.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Don''t say it, Apprentice!


    /Alpha: Vooni: Keep that thought to yourself, Nix!


    /Alpha: Nix: Fine.


    Rat-Nix scurried closer to Taro, stopping for a moment, he turned his yellow-eyed gaze on the rest of his group. "What could possibly go wrong?"


    /Alpha: Chiba: Damn it. He said it.


    /Alpha: Vooni: We''re doomed.

 413 The Greater House of Inferno part five

    The rat cloak flowed gently to the floor and moved toward Rat-Nix. Taro seemed unconcerned and didn''t notice since he hadn''t been attacked.


    The Dominate commands were fundamental, attack, and follow. Rat-Nix readied himself. "Get-em Boys!"


    The rats charged at Taro; they were halfway up his legs before the charm finally broke.


    "YOU DARE ATTACK TARO THE DREADED? YOU BODIES SHALL WITHER AND DIE!


    Taro has cast [Diseased Shield].


    Rat-Nix watched as the rats attacked since he wasn''t being threatened, he paced back and forth. The disease shield didn''t seem to affect the rats at all.


    Taro has cast [Plague][Wither]


    Combination Successful.


    An Emperor Rat is immune to Plague.


    An Emperor Rat is immune to Wither.


    Taro screamed in anger, producing a staff he charged at Rat-Nix, leaving a trail of blood behind him.


    Rat-Nix jumped nimbly to one side and bolted into open space while Taro vented his rage, smashing rats from his own body. Screaming in frustration, he targeted the Rat-King again.


    Taro has cast [Drought][Putrid Rot]


    Combination Successful.


    An Emperor Rat is immune to Drought.


    An Emperor Rat is immune to Putrid Rot.


    Taro held the staff high in one hand, staring at Rat-Nix with hate-filled eyes. "You will be food for my minions!"


    Taro as cast. [Vermin Wave].


    "Oh... Great, more boys." Nix has activated [Dominate.]


    The pestilence rats moved toward Rat-Nix, stopping suddenly they slowly turned and aimed their sites at Taro the Dreaded.


    "NOOOO!" Taro produced his staff again and charged Nix; he limped badly, smearing the tile behind him with his blood. The staff slammed onto the marble floor, missing the agile Rat-King as it circled, dodged and feinted like a caffeinated mongoose.


    After a few more minutes of agony, the gnashing of teeth, the chittering of claws, and the screams of Taro marked the end of the Dreaded Pestilence Mage. Without slaying or even injuring anyone, the boss of the Foundation floor died miserably. Unfortunately, when Taro died, the Rat-King lost his rat army.


    A single clapping could be heard across the room; the ever cheering Ducky was always sure to applaud the efforts of her companion.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Uh.. well, that was...


    /Alpha: Chiba: Lame. I felt like you were bullying him a bit.


    /Alpha: Nix: The Rat-King is mighty. Would it be better to lose a few of us in this battle?


    /Alpha: Shae: Good job, Nix.


    /Alpha: Rhy: Very nice, Champion.


    /Alpha: Fey: Looks like there''s a drop and an exit.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Why is your tile a Golden Crown, Apprentice?


    /Alpha: Nix: Because I am the Rat-King.


    [Query: Skill Stone]


    Description: Query is the ability


    to discover your target''s weaknesses.


    /Alpha: Vooni: I have never seen a query skill stone before.


    /Alpha: Shae: Very nice, Nix.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Congrats, Apprentice.


    Nix shook his head slightly, "this seems more like a scouting skill; we''ll save it for Wind or Semmi."


    A black door appeared on the North wall. The group walked toward it; spirits were high since the Foundation fight had proved less than awe-inspiring. They stepped through the doorway and disappeared from sight.


    *****************


    The Foundation group stepped out onto a brightly lit courtyard. The overhead sun seemed to indicate that it was mid-afternoon, even though it should have been closer to sunset. The courtyard was decorated by several flower gardens and fountains that shot streams of water high into the air.


    /Alpha: Pon: Well... Look who finally decided to show up.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Welcome, everyone.


    /Alpha: Nix: How could you guys beat us here? We went super fast.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We''ve been discussing that. This quest is meant for a guild just starting in the Sky Kingdom. We''ve been fighting in Everspire, which is a slightly higher tier.


    /Alpha: Pon: We''ve been killing dragons, and these aren''t dragons.


    /Alpha: Nix: How do we compare with the Greater Houses in Solomon City?


    /Alpha: Vooni: I estimate Inferno''s strength to be slightly stronger than the House of Dragons, which is the strongest House in Solomon City.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We got a pretty cool Query Stone, which I won the roll on.


    /Alpha: Nix: We have the same one. Want this Wind?


    /Alpha: Wind: For me? Awesome.


    /Alpha: Nix: If the same stone drops from both bosses, you can bet we need it for the next fight.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s a good point.


    /Alpha: Nix: Now what?


    /Alpha: Pon: There''s a platform behind that fountain, it says only the Greater House Leader may approach.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Go get em.


    /Alpha: Pon: Try not to get killed.


    The nine members of Inferno walked as a group to the platform behind the fountain. Nix approached by himself.


    [You have passed the Foundation and Pillar portions of the Greater House Trial. Please approach the platform when you wish to continue.]


    /Alpha:Nix: Here we go.


    Nix stepped onto the platform, instantly a man dressed in fine blue robes appeared in front of him. He had his hand on a large lever that rose up out of the stone.


    The figure had blond hair and blue eyes; he had a slight air of arrogance that Nix associated with Colonial nobility. The man pointed to the fountain on the far side of the courtyard where a group of people had appeared.


    /Alpha: Pon: Party crashers?


    "The lever will be pulled five times, and five battles must you win."


    /Alpha: Nix: This a f*cking riddle?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Pull the lever, I guess.


    Nix placed a hand on the round knob at the top of the lever and pulled it toward him. It moved about two feet and halted with a loud click before slowly moving back to its original position. When it finally stopped, a hud popped up, displaying an image.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What is it, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s Fajii.


    The blue-robed man stepped in front of the lever. "The chosen must now choose."


    /Alpha: Nix: Bullshit. I don''t like it.


    /Alpha: Fajii: I will fight.


    The Aquarion Alchemist placed a brown hand on his arm; her slightly webbed fingers felt soft against his skin. "Believe in me."


    Nix stroked her face and kissed her forehead. "Fine... This sucks, but I''ll put my faith in you.


    Fajii nodded slightly.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Hey! This is what the query skill is for! Fajii gets to choose.


    Semmi and Wind moved to the front of the group, both studying the nine people across the courtyard.


    /Alpha: Shae: Faji is Scorched Earth, so look for someone with a weakness to flames.


    /Alpha: Wind: All of them have average fire resistance.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What''s Fajii weakest against?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Lightning.


    /Alpha: Wind: There is a lightning Elemental, so we can rule her out.


    /Alpha: Nix: Look for someone weak against Melee. Fajii is strong, and so is her pet.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Found one, check him out.


    Grinder Umax


    Air Elemental


    Primary Weapon: Air


    Secondary Weapon: Blessed Bow of Air


    [Notable Weaknesses]


    Melee Fighting/Nether


    [Highest Resistances]


    Air/Fire/Silver


    /Alpha: Fajii: That''s the one.


    /Alpha: Shae: Go get him.


    /Alpha: Nix: Strike first and stay close to him.


    Nix moved closer and held out his hand. "Tai''Qui made this; it will slow him down."


    Fajii accepted the mudpie with a slight smile and walked out to the center of the courtyard.


    [Summons: Rock Golem]


    Fajii has activated an Earth Shield.


    Fajii equipped a brutal looking mace and pointed it toward her target. "Grinder Umax."


    The blue-robed man nodded in satisfaction. "Begin."


    Fajii has activated her bloodline. [Second Form: Scorched Earth Archon]


    A flash of brown wings and Fajii closed on her target. Grinder''s bow came up immediately and started firing. The Alchemist responded by raising her Earth shield in front of her.


    Grinder has used [Clipped Wings: Artifact]


    One of Fajii''s wings seemed to freeze in place, sending her spiraling downward at a steep angle. The Aquarion slammed into the courtyard, making everyone in Inferno wince.


    Fajii has been stunned.


    Grinder has activated [Trueshot: Burst]


    Fajii has been critically wounded.


    Fajii has been Injured.


    [Missed]


    Grinder pulled his string back again, but the Rock Golem moved in front of her and obstructed his shot. "Gotta finish her!"


    Grinder has activated [Air Accel].


    Grinder''s movement speed has been increased by 50 percent for 10 seconds.


    Grinder pulled out a dagger and flashed around the much slower Rock Golem. He slashed at the downed opponent, only to have his blade deflect off the rock shield that she suddenly raised.


    He retreated in a panic, switching out his dagger for his bow, just as he felt something strike him in the back.


    [Earth Slow: Dragon Master]


    Grinder has been slowed by 70 percent.


    Eron has cast [Healing Spirit] on Fajii.


    Grinder shouted in alarm, putting on a burst of speed, that lasted only a few seconds before he was put into slow motion. He spun and brought up his bow, but it was too late.


    [Rock Slam]


    Grinder was sent skidding across the courtyard, by the boulder encased fist of Fajii.


    Grinder has been stunned.


    The Aquarion charged the downed opponent and pounded him until he disappeared.


    [Winner: Fajii]

 414 The Greater House of Inferno part six

    /Alpha: Semmi: Were you playing dead?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Yes.


    /Alpha: Wind: What did you hit him with? I''ve never seen anyone run so slow.


    /Alpha: Nix: Mudpie.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I want one.


    /Alpha: Wind: Same.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll give them to those who are fighting.


    "Make your next choice." The blue-robed man was watching them, he stepped to one side, leaving the lever open.


    Nix stepped onto the platform and gripped the lever.


    /Alpha: Nix: Me, Me, Me.


    /Alpha: Pon: No me!


    He pulled the lever back and then let it release. Once again an image flashed in front of him.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Who is it?


    /Alpha: Chiba: Not so slow, Apprentice!


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s Semmi.


    /Alpha: Pon: You got this. Who are you going to pick?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Already chosen. A melee dps like me, My void dagger is her primary weakness.


    Karinda Ozu


    Rogue


    Primary Weapon: Dagger


    Secondary Weapon: Dagger


    [Notable Weaknesses]


    Void Damage


    [Highest Resistances]


    Water, Air


    /Alpha: Wind: Damn, We have the same dagger, I was going to choose her if I was selected.


    Semmi smiled at Nix and held a hand out. "Mudpie?"


    "Don''t use it too early." Nix handed her the mudpie and tousled her blond hair.


    Without saying anything further she walked out to the center of the courtyard and looked at her target. "Karinda Ozu."


    The blue-robed figured nodded. "Begin."


    /Alpha: Pon: Get em, Sem!


    Both rogues flashed forward, blades slashing and blocking as they performed an intricate dance death. After a half-minute, Karinda broke off contact and retreated, her blood dripping freely onto the courtyard from several deep cuts.


    Karinda has summoned [Veridian].


    /Alpha: Nix: F*ck.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Veridian? How did she get here?


    A turquoise-colored butterfly floated into the air, circling the two fighters.


    Veridian has cast [Captured Spirit].


    Semmi has resisted Charm.


    *******************Author Reminder************


    While Nix was searching for a suitable companion in Shangri, Veridian charmed Fajii, causing her to attack him. Shortly after, Veridian requested a spirit bond, which Nix rejected. This is where they found Eron and Morti.


    **********************************************


    Nix could feel the anger radiating off Fajii, her fists were clenched as she watched the butterfly floating in the air.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Kill it, Sem!


    Semmi ignored the butterfly and charged at Karinda.


    [Shadow Dance][First Strike]


    Combination Successful.


    Semmi has landed a critical strike on Karinda.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Beautiful approach. Where''d she learn that?


    Veridian has cast [Mesmerize].


    Semmi has been Mezzed.


    Semmi froze in place, her pretty blue eyes staring off into nothing.


    Karinda maneuvered behind her.


    [Exposed Target][Backstab]


    Karinda has landed a significant strike.


    Semmi has been stunned.


    [Exposed Target][First Strike]


    Karinda has landed a critical hit x 2.


    Semmi dodged to one side and brought her blades up. The two fighters engaged at close range, sparks flying in all directions as their blades slashed and blocked each other.


    Veridian has cast [Mesmerize].


    Semmi has been Mezzed.


    /Alpha: Pon: F*CK!


    Nix felt the air around Pon heating up. "Don''t interfere."


    Karinda slashed both blades across the back on Semmi''s legs.


    Semmi has been slowed by thirty percent.


    [Double Strike][Finisher]


    Karinda has landed a critical hit.


    Karinda has landed a mortal blow.


    Semmi has entered a state of high vulnerability.


    Semmi stumbled to the ground and rolled away from her attacker. Bleeding from several wounds she made it to her feet just as her opponent leaped in. The Gemini Thief dived to one side and tossed her mudpie at Karinda.


    [Earth Slow: Dragon Master]


    Karinda has been slowed by 70 percent.


    Semmi was bleeding from several bad wounds. Instead of retreating, Karinda just waited, her butterfly fluttering overhead.


    "I won''t lose." Semmi''s eyes stared through her opponent. "I SAID I WON''T!"


    The blond officer spat blood onto the ground, both daggers held low. "Did you hear me?" Air exploded outward from Semmi, her opponent was sent tumbling head over heels.


    Karinda climbed to her feet, squinting her eyes at the sudden brightness of the courtyard.


    Semmi has unlocked her bloodline. [First Form: Shadow Archon]


    Wings as black as night erupted from Semmi''s back, she blurred for a moment and then appeared next to Veridian. A quick movement of her dagger sliced the insect in half.


    Veridian has been slain.


    [Shift][Backstab]


    Combination Successful.


    Semmi has landed a critical strike on Karinda.


    Semmi blocked Karinda''s counter-attack and then gripped her arm before pulling her skyward. At 20 meters she let her go, slashing both blades across her back. The Gemini thief flashed in and out twice more, each time cutting deep into her opponent''s flesh. The rogue slammed into the ground with a bone-jarring impact.


    Karinda has been stunned.


    Semmi shot straight into the sky, she seemed to pause in the air for an instant, then her wings curved and she banked into a steep dive.


    [Summary Execution]


    At the last instant, the Shadow Archon leveled off, her dagger slashing completely through Karinda''s throat, sending a gruesome shower of blood into the air.


    Karinda has been slain.


    Karinda disappeared a moment later, but the splatter of blood did not.


    [Winner: Semmi]


    Semmi landed lightly on the ground, her wings fading away.


    Shadai has cast [Blessed Hands].


    Semmi approached the group, a smile on her pretty face.


    The old mage stepped in front of her, his hand shaking slightly as he pulled a cloth from his inventory and gently wiped some of the blood from Semmi''s face. He pulled her close and embraced her. "You okay, Sem?"


    Semmi nodded, her blond head tucked under his chin. "Yep."


    /Alpha: Wind: Beautiful wings, Sem. Now you''re ahead of me again.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Fraid so.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Thank you for killing that insect Semmi.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Least I could do.


    "Make your next choice." A familiar voice spoke from the lever.


    /Alpha: Nix: Fine. It better be me this time.


    Nix stomped up to the lever, scowling at the man in blue. Everyone was getting in on the action! He grabbed the lever and pulled it once again.


    By this time, no one was hanging back when he approached the platform. Nix made a sour face and stepped away from the lever.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Who?


    /Alpha: Nix: Chiba.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Thank you, Apprentice.


    /Alpha: Wind: Preferences?


    /Alpha: Chiba: Doesn''t matter as long as it''s not a cleric. Only a fool fights those. A silver or gold weakness would be fine.


    /Alpha: Semmi: There was a silver weakness in there, but...


    /Alpha: Chiba: But?


    /Alpha: Wind: Heavily armored tank with a shield and a ton of health.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Good be a difficult fight if they have a healer companion.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Show me.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Take a peek.


    Tokar


    Lupine Tank


    Primary Weapon: Sword


    Secondary Weapon: Shield


    [Notable Weaknesses]


    Silver Element.


    [Highest Resistances]


    Water, Air, Earth, Fire, Nether.


    Chiba''s ugly old face creased in a wide smile as she started walking toward the center of the courtyard. "Destiny awaits."


    Nix laughed while shaking his head. "Does destiny want a mudpie?"


    Chiba stopped suddenly and turned around. "Destiny does."


    /Alpha: Wind: That''s a lot of resistance.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Watch properly Apprentice, your Master is going to give a sword exhibition.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m watching.


    Chiba arrived at the center of the courtyard, her silver sword in hand. She pointed it at her target. "Come Tokar, dance with beautiful Chiba."


    "Begin."

 415 The Greater House of Inferno part seven

    /Alpha: Semmi: Does Chiba have an Archon form?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes, but we probably won''t see it today.


    /Alpha: Wind: Why not?


    /Alpha: Nix: Because Chiba is Chiba.


    The eight members of Inferno watched as the battle started. No one really understood the Spellsword Master. A stunningly beautiful goddess who walked around under the guise of an ugly old crone. Although she was close to Beta and Nix, even her closest companions didn''t understand the complexities of Chiba.


    [Bull Rush][Shield Slam]


    Combination Interrupt! [Simple Evasion]


    Chiba flowed easily around the shield, her blade flicked into the armored eye slot of his helm before she darted away.


    Tokar has been partially blinded.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Perfect... It''s already over, that''s the eye on the sword side.


    [Ghost Step][Avoidance][Parry]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Chiba flashed in while her opponent attempted to keep her in sight by circling. She side-stepped a sword thrust and moved behind Tokar. The tank responded by spinning with a shield strike but was too slow to stop the silver blade that stabbed into the back of his knee.


    Tokar has been slowed by 30 percent.


    Vooni applauded in appreciation. Chiba was fighting smart, staying safe while targeting the weak points of heavy armor.


    Tokar has activated [Blood Rage].


    A red glow enveloped the armored fighter, his strength and speed seemed to jump several levels, rushing in, he slashed horizontally at Chiba''s torso. The old woman bent backward, her body arching like a bow while the blade sliced harmlessly through the air above her.


    [Earth Slow: Dragon Master]


    Tokar has been slowed by 70 percent.


    "Using rage in this sort of contest..." Chiba clicked her tongue and moved away quickly. Tokar was forced to pursue, even slowed, rage gave him advantages in strength and agility. As rage counted down, his movements became more and more desperate.


    [Dust Cloud][Sword Throw]


    Tokar slammed a canister onto the ground, sending a cloud of dust in all directions, he paused until it enveloped Chiba then he threw his sword at her.


    The Spellsword emerged from the cloud a moment later, Tokar''s sword held in her off-hand. "Clever ploy."


    [Shadow Dance][Sudden Strikes]


    Combination Successful!


    Chiba appeared next to Tokar, striking waist-level with both blades. The tank defended one side with his shield and the other with a spear that he equipped. The spear was tapped aside by a silver sword and his own weapon stabbed into the armored shoulder joint of his shield arm.


    Chiba moved away as the shield clattered onto the ground, leaving Tokar with only a spear as rage finally expired.


    /Alpha: Pon: Sure looked like it.


    Nix watched but didn''t comment. Chiba had also picked up Spell deflection extraordinarily fast.


    Tokar frowned at his shield laying on the ground. With his left arm hanging useless, he was stuck with just a spear. The dizziness and fatigue that comes when Blood Rage expires slammed into him. After fighting with a shield his entire career, he felt exposed without it.


    [Ghost Step][Master Strike]


    Combination Successful!


    Chiba darted in, swaying to one side to avoid the spear throw her opponent attempted, she lunged forward with a single thrust, her silver blade stabbed under Tokar''s chinguard and through his throat.


    Chiba has inflicted a mortal wound.


    Tokar has been slain.


    [Winner: Chiba]


    Chiba saluted Tokar''s corpse with her silver sword, just it faded from sight. "Thank you for the lovely time."


    Chiba''s wrinkled face creased in a wide smile. She waved at her guildmates as she walked toward them. "That''s three! We should hurry, Nix and I have training tomorrow."


    /Alpha: Vooni: Well done, Chiba.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You made that look effortless.


    /Alpha: Pon: Enough applause, I''m next!


    Nix frowned at the robed man standing on the platform. The temptation to break the lever off and beat him with it was nearly overwhelming. Instead, the Inferno Guild leader faked a smile and pulled the lever for the fourth time.


    A moment later, his face broke into a wide grin when his own image appeared in front of him.


    /Alpha: Nix: Now we are talking.


    /Alpha: Pon: You cheated! Pull it again!


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let''s see... Well... Who should we match you up with?


    /Alpha: Pon: Punk... Why bother? He has too many strengths. Just pick one of them.


    Nix nodded to himself and walked to the center of the courtyard; Ducky, Fey, and Shadai followed along. He paused a moment to summon Cal and Tor, his Arch Wind archers.


    [Whisper: Wind to Pon] I just realized that Nix has an Army.


    [Whisper: Pon to Wind] It''s impressive when you see them all at once, and that''s without his Titan cub.


    /Alpha: Nix: I wish Morti were here.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Me too.


    /Alpha: Pon: The hell for? You plan on fighting all of them?


    "Tough looking group." Nix glanced at Ducky who was carrying Sphinx: Soup on her shoulder. "Preferences?"


    Ducky shook her head. "Doesn''t matter."


    Fey chewed on her lower lip while she studied the group in front of them. "How about that fire mage?"


    Nix found the person she was referencing. A rail-thin man wearing red leather armor. The Inferno Guild leader pointed the mage out. "Nathryn Xu."


    "Begin."


    Nathryn has activated his bloodline. [First Form: Flame Archon]


    Orange colored wings sprung out of Nathryn''s back and he soared into the sky.


    Nix nodded in approval. "I like it. Get em guys."


    Fey morphed into her Drakon form and shot into the air. She quickly gained on the fire mage who decided it would be best to retreat. Cal and Tor kept pace with her, both had their bows out and were already firing steadily.


    Ducky stood next to Nix, she stared up at the air battle, her silver bow held in one hand.


    /Family: Ducky: Can you bring him this way? That''s too far for me to shoot.


    /Family: Fey: Yes, sorry.


    True to her word, Fey forced Nathryn toward them. Ducky raised her silver bow and started shooting at him.


    /Family: Ducky: Let me shoot him a few times before you do anything, Nix.


    /Family: Nix: I know.


    Nathryn had his fire shield up to defend against the archers. Although he was immune to Fey''s flame, her teeth and tail would present problems if she caught him.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Apprentice? Shouldn''t you attack or something?


    /Alpha: Pon: Punk has too many options. Can''t decided what to do.


    /Family: Ducky: Fine, I''m out of arrows anyway.


    /Family: Fey: Going to turn into a Phoenix and come up here? Or should I ground him?


    /Family: Nix: Ground him.


    Fey accelerated and caught up to the mage, he changed course and banked away from her.


    Fey has used [Tailwhip].


    The silver drakon''s tail slammed into one of the Archon''s wings, sending him spiraling toward the ground, Fey banked and followed.


    Nathryn has been grounded.


    /Alpha: Wind: It''s like a bunch of cats playing with the same mouse. Hurry up! I want to fight.


    Nathryn has cast [Fire Blast][Volcanic Ash]


    Combination Successful.


    Nix is immune to fire damage.


    Nix is immune to fire damage.


    When Nix was within 10 meters, he skidded to a stop and activated [Desert Basilisk].


    The Basilisk lay coiled, its yellow eyes staring at the Fire mage. It struck an instant later.


    [Petrify]


    Nathryn has been turned to stone.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Oh, I like that one!


    /Alpha: Semmi: Is he dead now?


    Nix dropped the basilisk form and walked toward the stoned mage. There had been no declaration of the winner, so he wasn''t sure what to do.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] No wonder you''ve been nerfed. They should nerf you three or four more times.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Try breaking it open, Apprentice.


    Nix pushed Fury flames into Wrath and sliced horizontally at the statue, the sonic blade pushed completely through, slicing the stone mage in half.


    Nathryn has been slain.


    [Winner: Nix]


    The group clapped politely when Nix returned from the courtyard, even though he hadn''t really done much.


    [Whisper: Pon to Wind] We have to get stronger, so we can help him at the end.


    [Whisper: Wind to Pon] Agreed.


    /Alpha: Nix: Okay. Let''s finish this up.


    No one followed Nix back to the platform this time. Those who hadn''t been picked were crossing their fingers. He felt a bit nervous pulling the lever one last time. Although they had already won four, two of the battles were hard-fought. He sighed in relief when he saw the image.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s Vooni.

 416 The Greater House of Inferno conclusion

    Vooni arrived in the middle of the courtyard and pointed at a random person. "You."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Looks like a melee dps?


    /Alpha: Pon: Two swords and medium armor. It might be a good fight.


    /Alpha: Nix: No it won''t.


    /Alpha: Shae: It''s already over.


    "Begin!"


    [Dragon Leap][Shield Slam]


    Combination Successful!


    Vooni appeared in front of her target, her shield slammed through her opponent''s guard and into his face. The sounds of bones breaking could be heard as he was sent skidding across the courtyard.


    Black wings sprouted from Vooni''s back, she flashed passed the tumbling fighter, climbed suddenly, and then banked into a steep dive. Her sword traveled completely through her opponent and into the stone courtyard beneath him. It didn''t stop until her handguard slammed into his armor.


    Bracot Yu has been slain.


    [Winner: Vooni]


    /Alpha: Wind: Holy crap.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Woah... Is that the standard?


    /Alpha: Nix: A very high standard. Everyone did well here, 1v1 fights can be chaotic.


    The blue-robed man appeared in the center of the courtyard, his hands were holding a large scroll. "Please approach."


    Inferno walked to the center of the courtyard, to their surprise, all nine of their opponents appeared there also. The mediator turned towards the vanquished. "You have fought bravely, but have failed in your quest to raise a Greater House. House of Swords, you are dismissed."


    /Alpha: Nix: House of Swords?


    /Alpha: Vooni: It''s one of the normal Houses of Solomon City. I don''t know any of them but their reputation is solid.


    The blue-robed man paused while the members from the House of Swords gated out. Finally, he turned toward Nix. "Inferno has succeeded in its quest to raise a Greater House."


    Nix was staring at the empty space where their opponent had been standing. "How did we end up fighting them?"


    "They qualified to attempt the Greater House quest, they have been waiting for another group to do the same."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Single elimination battle? That''s brutal."


    Vooni''s dark eyes showed her interest. "Will they be able to attempt it again?"


    "If another Greater House falls, the chance will come again."


    "They were given two options. Win all five fights of their choosing, or one out of five that their opponents chose."


    /Alpha: Pon: They chose the better deal, there''s no way they were going to get five wins over us.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Agreed.


    /Alpha: Nix: Now comes the good part.


    /Alpha: Shae: What?


    /Alpha: Semmi: He''s got that look. What are you up to Nix?


    Nix smiled at the blue-robed man and held out his hand. "Anything else?"


    "You will need to appoint two individuals. A House Speaker to sit in on the Greater House Assembly Meetings, and a Battlemaster to train your members."


    Nix already knew who he wanted. "Rhy will be the House Speaker for the Greater House of Inferno and Vooni will be the Battlemaster."


    /Alpha: Nix: You two okay with that?


    /Alpha: Rhy: Yes.


    /Alpha: Vooni: It will be my pleasure.


    "Well done, may the Greater House of Inferno become a shining light in Solomon City." The blue-robed man handed Nix the scroll and then faded away.


    Slowly the afternoon sky above them began to darken, the ground beneath them started to shake causing the members of Inferno to cling to each other for support.


    /Alpha: Semmi: HOUSES!


    All around them the courtyard started to change. The light of the sun was replaced with darkness which quickly turned bright as several lamps grew upward from the courtyard to illuminate their surroundings. A large red-bricked manor appeared in the central courtyard. Directly to the east and west of that, two smaller manors formed.


    /SkyKingdom/Solomon City Announcement: The Greater House of Inferno has been raised in Solomon City!


    Nix is now the leader of the Greater House of Inferno.


    Vooni is now the Battlemaster for the Greater House of Inferno.


    Rhylia is now the House Speaker for the Greater House of Inferno.


    [The curse that binds you has been disrupted. All Archon abilities have been restored.]


    Nix smiled at the message that popped up on his hud.


    /Alpha: Vooni: All Inferno members should now have a new House icon on their huds. This enables you to return to this house, from anywhere.


    /Alpha: Pon: Can I go pick a room?


    /Alpha: Vooni: The five foundation members are assigned rooms on the first floor. The four pillars are placed in the four corner rooms on the second floor. The rest of the pillars are also on the second floor.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What about the non-pillar members?


    /Alpha: Vooni: Third floor of the central manor. Greater Houses always start with three floors, there is the option to increase levels but I''ve heard that it is costly.


    /Alpha: Pon: How did it get so late? It''s already 0200!


    A breach opened up directly in front of the Central Manor, a moment later Deidra stepped into the courtyard.


    "This is unexpected." Deidra''s expression told them that she was pleased. "I hadn''t expected that Inferno was still interested in raising a Greater House in Solomon City, considering that you are in the possession of several dragon cities."


    Nix smiled pleasantly. "I like it here and we shall do our best to strengthen Solomon City."


    Deidra stared at him for a moment before she realized. "Your Breach Commander abilities have been restored."


    /Alpha: Shae: What?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Is this true, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes.


    /Alpha: Wind: Can''t keep the boss down!


    /Alpha: Pon: We can strike anywhere once again. F*ck yeah!


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Soon as our Greater House was raised."


    Deidra''s smile widened slightly. "Greater Houses receive benefits in combat and trade skills from the cities in which they reside. The City Dragon Masters placed protections on all the foundation members of new houses. This was meant to give them time to grow roots and flourish without worrying about being dragged down."


    /Alpha: Semmi: You knew this Nix? How long is the protection?


    /Alpha: Nix: I found out recently. It lasts for 90 days. The protection overwrites the Khione''s curse, for the next three months anyway.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Let''s hope the devs don''t nerf you again. This will help our plans to restore the Titan Clans.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] I want to have an officer meeting when I finish my training at the House of Tempest.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] We''ll have it here.


    Nix could feel the eyes of Shae and Fajii watching him. "Feel free to explore our new digs, Chiba and I are going to return to the House of Tempest."


    "I''ll come to see you tomorrow, Nix." Deidra opened up a breach and left without saying anything else.


    Nix felt two arms hug him from behind, a glance over his shoulder identified the culprit. "What are you going to do?"


    Shae walked around him and gripped his face in both hands. "Remember to fix this Air and Ice problem. Rhy will help you with the Air."


    "I won''t put it off." He bent down and kissed her upturned face. "Could I open a breach for you?"


    Shae nodded. "We are going to see Hyai at the Turtle House."


    Fajii waited until Shae stepped away before hugging Nix close. "Thank you, Nix. For everything!"


    "Welcome." Nix stepped away from them and opened a Breach to Ionova. "Before we take on anything else, I''ll make sure we get a few days to relax."


    With a quick wave, Shae and Fajii stepped through the breach.


    "Must be nice to have the Breach Commander abilities back again."


    Nix turned to see Chiba standing behind him. Everyone else had either left or gone inside the house. "Shall we head back to the House of Tempest?"


    Chiba nodded. "Let''s walk."


    They exited the Greater House through the front gate and headed toward the House of Tempest. The evening was quiet and mostly dark with the exception of an occasion streetlight.


    "Why was Fajii thanking you?"


    "When I met Fajii, she was an Alchemist. She had never really seen battle. I started taking her with me, and eventually made her part of Alpha team."


    Chiba''s old face seemed content with the answer. "Smart move bringing Vooni in as the Battlemaster. Pardon me for saying it, but the rest of our guild needs to increase their strength."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I have a plan for that."


    Chiba glanced sideways at her apprentice. "Who knew you thought so much?''


    Nix laughed at the backhanded compliment. "Thank you, Master."

 417 Eggs and Puppets

    Originally the 25 dragon cities of Sky Kingdom were built and launched in an effort to escape the continuing conflict with the War-like Titan Clans. The Titan Clans viewed the Dragons as invaders and were more than willing to fight till the end. Once separated from Everspire, the Dragon Cities started to prosper. They raised up Greater Houses in each city, as their culture started to grow the influence of these groups increased. Together the dragons banded their strength and lay several enchantments on their cities. This was done to limit access, increase combat abilities, encourage trade skills, and protect the inhabitants. Some of the enchantments vary from city to city, but the strongest ones are the same everywhere. City enchantments are monitored and continually strengthened by the Dragon Masters. The seven cities that failed, lost all of their enchantments.


    [Enchantments on Solomon City]


    **House members may respawn in their houses if they are slain.


    **Newly Formed Houses are protected. [Standard House= 45 days, Greater House=90 days]


    Crafting and Tradeskill successes are increased by 20 percent.


    Armor Class Bonus for Standard House members +1500, Greater House members +3000.


    All citizens of Solomon City are granted [First Strike].


    [Note] City Enchantments that are marked with **; were put in place by the entire dragon populace and as such are the most powerful.


    *********************


    As promised, Nix spent the next two days training with the members of the House of Tempest. Chiba returned to the House of Inferno, where she decided to take up residence. With the guild officer meeting looming, Nix received a message from Mora Sai Tali, the Grand Elder of the Tali family.


    Nix,


    Could you please contact me at your convenience.


    Sai Tali.


    Nix scratched the Soup''s tiny black head. He was getting used to having her around. "Shall we call him?"


    [Direct Contact: Sai Tali]


    A life-size holo of Sai Tali appeared in front of Nix. This benefit of being a Breach Commander was one of the things Nix''s had missed most.


    "Good morning, Mora Tali."


    "Please call me Sai. I would like to meet with you, whenever you have some free time." The Grand Elder smiled pleasantly, although he was an important figure among the Ain''Dhassi, he had always treated Nix like an equal.


    "I can come now. Are you at the Tali Estate in Fraya''Selene?"


    Sai Tali nodded. Although he was quite old, his pale features seemed ageless. "Thank you, Nix. I appreciate it."


    "I''ll be at the downstairs entryway. Talk to you soon." Nix closed comm. "It''s nice to be a Breach Commander again."


    [Create Breach: Solomon City: Fraya''Selene]


    "Nix!" The Ain''Dhassi smiled when she saw him. Yaven was Del''s sister, he met her when he was chasing after information on Sun Devils.


    "Nice to see you." Nix smiled and accepted the hand she offered him. A movement from the rail above caused him to look up, Sai Tali nodded politely to him.


    "Please bring Nix up."


    Yaven nodded. "Right away, Grandpa."


    Nix followed Yaven up the stairs, Sai Tali had already disappeared. "Where we going?"


    Yaven stopped at a familiar set of doors. It was Del''s room. "Please go in, I''ll wait outside."


    Nix entered Del''s room, it looked much like it had a week earlier. The dragon egg containing Del still sat in front of the fireplace. Sai Tali sat on a comfortable look chair next to the fire and motioned for Nix to sit in the chair across from him.


    "Del has stopped speaking," Sai spoke calmly, but Nix could sense the fear in his voice.


    "How long?" When Nix visited last, Del was able to communicate with others who came in physical contact with her shell.


    "Almost a week."


    Nix glanced at the egg in question. Could something have happened? "That''s right after I left."


    Sai nodded. "Yaven had a short conversation with her and she hasn''t spoken since."


    Nix stood up, his face turning sour. "They had a fight? Why come to me over a family squabble?"


    Sai bowed his head slightly. "I''m sorry Nix. We are worried and thought you might be able to speak with her."


    "Have Yaven apologize for whatever she said." Nix bit down on his tongue to keep from saying harsher words.


    Sai frowned slightly, Nix was right, it wasn''t his job to mediate Tali family issues. "Del told me what she said to you before she was placed in the dragon egg."


    "You sneaky old bastard!" Nix felt his face heat up. He stomped over to the egg and placed his hand on it. "DEL!"


    [Nix? Why are you here?]


    "Because you''re acting like a child! Talk to your family so they''ll stop worrying about you."


    [They contacted you? I am sorry, Nix]


    "Just get over it already and talk to your family."


    [Are you mad?]


    "Well... You told your family that you confessed to me, and now the old bastard wants to make me feel guilty."


    [Did you call my Grandpa an old bastard?]


    "Um... maybe. You aren''t even my type. Why do I have to tiptoe around a bunch of damn snow elves? Do you know how busy I am?"


    Nix stared at the egg for a moment, then at Sai Tali. The Grand Elder''s face had turned several shades of red. Apparently he had never been called bad words before. "If this works, then I''ll loan the Tali family this puppet."


    Nix took an Orion Emperor puppet out of his inventory. It was one of a few emperor puppets he kept in his inventory for scouting. When it came to scouting, Nix preferred to use puppets rather than his shifted forms. The advantage of using puppets was that you stayed relatively safe, even if you were caught. He placed the puppet on the floor, making sure it was touching the shell.


    "Can you feel that, Del?"


    [What''s a snow elf?]


    Nix sighed loudly. "Can you feel that?"


    [No, I can''t feel anything. Us snow elves are like that.]


    "I placed a black Orion puppet against the lower part of your shell. I want you to try and inhabit it."


    Almost instantly the Orion moved, the ear twitched and it made a soft sound.


    "Wait... I''ll move it slightly." Nix picked up the Orion and placed it on the dragon egg so that it was straddling the top of it. "Try again, it''s laying across the top of the egg."


    This time the eyes blinked open, it lifted its head up and looked around. "Nix? Grandpa?"


    "Del?" Sai stood up, his eyes shining. "Del?"


    Nix stepped back, the Orion looked like it was trying to stand but it collapsed completely a few moments later and stopped moving.


    "What happened?" Sai had walked to Nix''s side, the harsh words forgotten.


    "It probably takes a lot of effort and energy." Nix placed a hand on the dragon shell. "You okay, Del?"


    [Yes. That was exhausting. I saw you and Grandpa.]


    "Keep practicing, even if you can''t progress passed looking around, it''s better than nothing." Nix glanced at Sai who had one hand on the Orion puppet. "This is a loan only."


    Sai nodded. "Thank you, Nix."


    "Hmm... I have to go. Del, don''t be such an ass-pain for your family."


    [I''m sorry. Thank you. Every time something happens, you''re there for me.]


    "Of course. We''re friends."


    [Create Breach: Fraya''Selene: Houdinya]


    Nix stepped into Tai''s sanctuary a moment later. He had a standing invite to visit whenever he wanted. Tai was sitting on the grassy banks with her bare feet soaking in the mudbath. She wore a common blue shirt and pants, along with a blue bandanna wrapped around her head.


    Tai seemed to be in a good mood. "I have a surprise, Nix!" She grabbed his hand and pulled him into a breach that she opened.


    Nix recognized the place by the sudden increase in temperature and the strong earthy smell. It was Tai''Qui''s nursery. "Progress with Nihlus and Sindi?"


    Tai clapped her hands together excitedly. "Yes! I''ve been speaking with them both for the last few days.


    Nix smiled at her enthusiasm, he had difficulty picturing Deidra acting the same way. "I''ve been visiting my other friend who we put in a dragon egg. She was able to inhabit a puppet."


    "What?" Tai''s pretty face was clearly shocked.


    Nix nodded. "It was only for a few seconds, but I figure with your ability and bond with the eggs; you might help them do better.

 418 Nihlus and Sindi

    Tai nodded, she lifted one hand, a single glowing tendril moved from her hand to the egg. As soon as it made contact, a blurred image of Nihlus appeared over the egg.


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his amazement. In a week, Tai managed to leave Del''s progress in the dust.


    "He can only hear me for now. The image you see is mostly caused by my longing for my son."


    The glowing tendril reminded Nix of a hair ribbon. It forked next to the egg and wrapped around the Nether rat. Slowly over the next minute, the tendrils grew brighter and thicker.


    "Holy crap." Nix stared in wonder as the Nether Rat stood up.


    "Mother?"


    Nix could hear the word plainly, it wasn''t like the weak mumble that Del made, this was like an inhabited puppet.


    "One-moment Nihlus. I will strengthen you." The tendrils pulsed with energy for several moments and then without warning faded away.


    Nihlus hopped down from the egg, his red eyes glancing from Nix to Tai''Qui. "Amazing. Simply amazing."


    Tai''Qui scooped up the Nether Rat and brought it to her face. "My son... It''s really you."


    There was something comical about watching Tai''Qui hug the rat close, but Nix didn''t say anything.


    Tai turned her brown eyes on Nix. "Whatever you want, if it within my ability I will certainly do it."


    "No mother." Nihlus stared at Nix. "This debt is mine. I owe you my life Guild Leader Nix."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Which is why I don''t feel bad about asking for payment."


    After discussing payment Nix''s payment option for the next hour, he was finally ready to leave.


    Tai''Qui placed a warm hand on his shoulder. "The meeting is today?"


    Nix nodded. "Come to the Greater House of Inferno when I contact you."


    ******************


    Nix entered the Greater House of Inferno through the front gates. There were no guards yet, they weren''t really required until the protections were lifted in 90 days. As someone who visited other Greater Houses, he knew exactly where his room was located.


    No one was around when he stepped through the large double doors at the main entrance. There was a large reception area with comfortable looking couches and warm fireplaces. The front of the manor had more windows than Nix had ever seen on a house. His room was actually a mini-suite. It started out as a large office, with a connecting bathroom. The bathroom connected to a walk-thru closet that led to a spacious bedroom.


    /Alliance: Commander Nix: Inferno has raised a Greater House in Solomon City, those who wish to take the planar trials and take up residence are free to do so. Contact Vooni if this is the case.


    Nix wasn''t overly interested in building a huge presence in Solomon City, but he didn''t want the Greater House to look like a ghost town either. With Vooni training small squads in the training yard, it was likely that only a few dozen Inferno members would be there. Tai''Qui would dispatch part of her elite troops to take over guard duty when the protections expired.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Nansu is the only officer who isn''t coming. She hasn''t passed the planar trial.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: That''s fine, we won''t discuss any lifestyle issues.


    Instead of heading to the Greater House Conference room, the officers of Inferno sat next to the fountain, chatting with each other while they waited for the last few members showed up.


    Shae and Rhy were the last arrivals. Rhy was preparing to move into the Greater House full time. She would handle the day to day operations while performing her Speaker Duties. She had already signed alliances with the House of Tempest and the House of Dragons.


    Shae squeezed in next to Nix, her small hand reaching down to hold his. "Hyai told us we better make sure to drag you back home when this meeting is over."


    Nix laughed at her expression. "I will definitely head back with you guys."


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Seems like everyone is here, let''s get started. We have a few important tasks to start in the next two weeks. The Mid-Spire quests that advance our Khione agenda and of course the Restoration of the Titan Clans.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: I know the restoration task seems daunting, however, we have a plan.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: We''ll start with the Scorpion Clan, since Lucid is already a member of Inferno.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Nix will be giving Lucid one of the Gemini Mage stones. She''ll remain a healer but we need her to be a Gemini.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: How does that help?


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Gemini sharing enables using each other skills, it also influences training and comprehension. It''s an experiment, each of these Clansmen has the Titan bloodline. We''re going to force them to unlock it.


    /Guild Officers: Sharl: Wouldn''t they all have to be Gemini then for that to work?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Yes.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: We are only allotted a few skill stones a month. How is that possible?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Phase I, Kidnap a dozen or so Clansmen and bring them back to the Gemini Temple.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Phase II, Our Temple priestess makes them all acolytes. Gemini Acolytes enjoy the same sharing ability.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Phase III, Lucid trains the Clansmen, constantly using her Titan abilities.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: If it works, then we have a way to reestablish the bloodlines.


    /Guild Officers: Fajii: Will this work?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I noticed last week while Chiba and I were doing endless reps, we were both learning things faster than we should.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: It''s worth a try. It''s the numbers that concern me. We''re talking about hundreds, eventually thousands.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Let''s see if we can unlock a dozen first.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: We''ll have to confine them to the Temple. Shouldn''t be an issue.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Ronnie can you research where the Scorpion Clan was located? Finding direct descendants might increase our chance of unlocking bloodlines.


    /Guild Officers: Ronnie: I can do that.


    /Guild Officers: Pon: I want to help with the Mid-Spire quests, Nix.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I will take you, Darsi, and Wind. It starts in Free Trader City, not sure what else is involved.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: What about the Khione Temples?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: We have solid intel on the locations of each Temple. Seems like we should deal with them.


    /Guild Officers: Wind: Eliminate the cultists and don''t let the Temples get built. Sometimes simple works best.


    /Guild Officers: Fajii: I will send my Lamia Acolytes after these cultists. If we know their locations, we can remove them.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: That should be everything on our agenda. Unless someone has something else.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I do. I ask first that everyone keeps an open mind.


    /Guild Officers: Pon: Now I''m interested.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Spill it Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Please join us in our courtyard.


    A few moments later, a breach opened in the courtyard and Tai''Qui exited with an enormous white-maned lion and a Scorpion.


    /Guild Officers: Pon: Why''s Tai here?


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: Are those Titans Nix?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: They are.


    The two Titans were both noticeably smaller than the Titans who had taken the trial of Firsts. Nix used .25 ratio on constructing both of them. However, they were built using the ancient powerhouses from the Titan graveyard and could match up against their full-sized counterparts.


    Nix stood up and moved next to the newly arrived the lion was a brutal looking beast and stood roughly the size of a mountain pony. Muscles rippled beneath its white coat when he moved. The scorpion was about the size of a large crocodile. Its arched tail hung over his head while its pincers were held out in front of him.


    Jun Li stood slowly and walked toward the Lion. "If this is a puppet, then who is inhabiting it?"


    The lion turned its gaze on Jun Li. "Allow me to present myself properly. I am Nihlus, son of Tai''Qui. This is Sindi, a member of Houdinya''s Elite guard."


    Jun Li reached out and stroked the Lion''s white mane. "The ones that Nix brought back from Eidengal and placed in Dragon Eggs? How did you get out?"


    "They didn''t," Tai''Qui spoke softly. Unlike Deidra, the Earth Dragon was on friendly terms with nearly everyone present. "They still inhabit the eggs in my nursery. I can assure you they can travel anywhere and will fight for you."


    Semmi had to bite down on a smile, Junie was being a bit forward. She probably didn''t even realize it since she loved cats. "You''ll help with the Titan training at the Gemini Temple?"


    Tai''Qui nodded. "They''ll follow your commands without question until their eggs are hatched."


    Nix held a hand up to get everyone''s attention. "Tai''Qui has requested Sanctuary in Haven."

 419 Sanctuary

    /Guild Officers: Semmi: If you brought them here, Nix, you must have an opinion?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: They can both swear oaths on their marrow to only act for the benefit of Inferno.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Both?


    /Guild Officers: Shae: Deidra too?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I wouldn''t consider it if the battle with Khione wasn''t looming in our future.


    /Guild Officers: Wind: Those oaths will bind them to us. Why would they do that?


    Tai''Qui didn''t know what Inferno was discussing, but she could guess. "When we battled Khione the last time, she attacked our nurseries. An entire generation of dragons hatchlings and dragon spawns were slain."


    Nix watched the faces of his officers. Bringing Tai''Qui seemed like the right choice. "Apparently some World-seeds can be broken into if enough power is asserted. Haven is not one of those, it might be the only secure location anywhere, once the final battle starts."


    Pon glanced from Nix to Tai; he knew the guild leader''s personality. He would have said no immediately if the dragons didn''t offer something. "Our fight with Khione is at least six months away. What can you do to help us?"


    "I can train all of your Earth-based members to the Archon level within three months."


    /Guild Officers: Pon: A dragon trainer?


    Fajii stood up, Tai was one of her friends also. "That includes all my Scorched Earth Acolytes?"


    Tai''Qui nodded. "Yes, my Earth abilities extend to Scorched Earth."


    /Guild Officers: Wind: That''s like 200 people.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: A bit more actually. Holy crap.


    /Guild Officers: Pon: Can we say yes to her and no to Deidra?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: We can do whatever we like.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Has Deidra offered to train our members?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: She has.


    /Guild Officers: Mina: I don''t see the downside here. They''ll take a binding loyalty oath, and the training they offer could tip the scales in our favor.


    /Guild Officers: Ronnie: It''s really not a tough sell. When would they come to Haven?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: Right away. They have to construct Nurseries. Both of them have been chosen for Krelandur.


    /Guild Officers: Ronnie: Giving birth to real Dragons?


    /Guild Officers: Sharl: How the hell do you know what that is?


    /Guild Officers: Ronnie: I''ve been building my library from books all over the Sky Kingdom, Everspire, and Oasis.


    /Guild Officers: Mina: What do you think, Nix?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: With restrictions, I''m for it.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: What restrictions?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: No using Breach abilities of any kind, unless cleared by me first. They can come and go through portals like everyone else.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Who would come with them?


    /Guild Officers: Fajii: I don''t see how we can say no. The benefits are too large.


    /Guild Officers: Wind: I agree.


    /Guild Officers: Sharl: Same here.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: If anyone opposes, speak up so we can discuss it.


    Nix waited a few moments, but no one offered any opposition.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Offer Deidra and Tai''Qui sanctuary under the guidelines we''ve discussed.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Jun Li] You do realize you''ve been playing with that dragon spawn''s mane for the past five minutes?


    Jun Li froze in place, her pale face turning red. She lowered her hands and stepped away.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Semmi] Why didn''t you say something before? I''m so embarrassed.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Jun Li] It was kinda cute.


    Nix offered Tai''Qui a friendly smile. "We''ve decided to accept your petition for sanctuary under the conditions we discussed earlier today."


    Tai''Qui nodded. "Thank you, everyone. Thank you."


    /Guild Officers: Nix: That''s everything for our meeting. I''m going to spend the next two days at the Turtle House.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: No fishing?


    /Guild Officers: Nix: My fishing buddies are welcome to visit. We can try out the new cove.


    /Guild Officers: Semmi: I''m in.


    /Guild Officers: Jun Li: Me too.


    Tai''Qui left with Sindi and Nihlus, leaving Inferno to slowly filter away.


    /Guild Officers: Nix: I''m going to contact Deidra, then I''ll be ready to go.


    /Guild Officers: Shae: We''ll wait.


    /Guild Officers: Fajii: Yep.


    Nix chuckled as he walked toward one of the nearby fountains. Did they think he was going to run off?


    [Direct Contact: Deidra]


    *****************


    Deidra was instructing two of her dragon spawn when she received notification that Nix was contacting her. "I''m expecting both of you to be ready for the planar test in the next few days."


    Solomon City''s Dragon Master opened a breach for her students and waited until they left before answering. A full-sized holo of Nix appeared in front of her.


    "Greetings, Nix." Deidra no longer displayed her dragon horns, she decided to emulate Tai''Qui and present her human form in a less threatening manner. "I hear you''ve completed your training at the House of Tempest."


    Nix nodded. "Yes, it was a very rewarding week."


    "When will you be presenting my petition to your officers?"


    "I spoke with my Officers. Your petition for sanctuary in Haven has been approved."


    Deidra''s beautiful face showed her surprise. "Already approved? I thought I might be able to address them myself."


    Nix shook his head. "Tai was here to speak for both of you. It went well, that''s all that matters."


    Deidra nodded in agreement. "Thank you for your efforts."


    "The provisions we discussed will have to be implemented."


    "I am very pleased. May I ask you a question, Nix?"


    "Sure."


    "Why did you have Tai''Qui there instead of me?"


    "No one likes you."


    Unexpectedly Deidra smiled at his words. "Except for you?"


    "Like may be an overstatement. Let''s call it a healthy tolerance." Nix paused for a moment, in case she had anything else to say. "Going to head back to Ionova, let me know if you need anything."


    "Of course. Good night, Nix."


    "Good Night."


    *************


    Shae waited until Nix closed contact before approaching. "Should you be rude to dragons?"


    Nix shrugged nonchalantly. "Probably not, it''s kinda fun, though. She did steal my treehouse."


    [Create Breach: Solomon City: Ionova]


    The trio stepped through the breach into Ionova a few moments later. They were close to the cove, so Nix walked down to the water and sat Sphinx: Soup on the shore. The tiny creature assumed its natural form and started moving toward the water.


    "Nix?" Fajii spoke his name quietly. The sun was just setting in Ionova, a brisk breeze coming off the sea was cooling the air quickly. "Perhaps you shouldn''t use your Archon abilities too much."


    "Huh?" Nix glanced at Fajii and at Shae. "Why not? My hands have been tied since we took down Vega."


    Shae pursed her lips slightly as if also considering the idea. "She does have people everywhere. If Khione thinks you have freed yourself permanently, she may be more proactive in trying to get to you."


    "Good." Nix started walking toward the Turtle House, pausing when he realized neither of them was following. "I''ll use portals whenever I can while in Everspire, and I won''t use my Archon wings here either. Good enough?"


    Shae smiled. "I''m just worried, Nix."


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "So am I."


    "I''ll show a little bit of restraint."


    Shae put a hand on Fajii''s arm. "Go ahead and say hello to Hyai. I want to talk to Fajii about something."


    Fajii waited until Nix was out of earshot. "Is something wrong?"


    Shae shook her head slightly. "Nothing really. That was good advice."


    Fajii smiled. "Sometimes Nix gets carried away. It''s the fire in him."


    Shae nodded solemnly. "I agree. Even without Khione, the path of the elemental is filled with danger."


    Fajii continued smiling without saying anything.


    Shae grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the Turtle House. "Let''s head in."


    They were almost to the door when Fajii stopped; her alien eyes were unreadable. "There is always another path."


    The two women stared at each other for a long moment, neither saying anything further. After a few seconds, they continued into the house.

 420 Easy Days

    "Shit..." Pon glanced down at his dominoes, he wasn''t even close to going out. "Guess I''m drawing." He picked up a tile and placed it in his holder. "Pass. My luck is crap."


    Wind nodded in agreement and sat a tile down. "Last domino."


    "Nice try, but too little, too late." Nix placed his last tile on the table. "We have a winna."


    Pon leaned back on the cushioned chair. "I use to be good at this game."


    "You guys going to eat lunch?" Hyai''s voice called from downstairs.


    Nix looked at the other two before answering. "Yes!"


    "Can''t say no to Hyai''s cooking." Pon frowned when he said it. "Semmi burns everything, and I''m worthless in the kitchen."


    Wind nodded in agreement. "She does, you''d think she was a fire mage."


    "Can''t have everything. She''s already smart and funny." Nix started gathering up the tiles and stacking them in a wooden box that the Guild carpenter Lena made for him before she became Shipwright Lena. She had also made the dominoes. "Any word how Lena is doing in Izzin?"


    Wind shook his head. "No word."


    "Same here," Pon agreed. "I bet Darsi knows, they both came from the Gladis Hub."


    Nix stretched his arms over his head. He spent the early morning fishing. Both Jun Li and Semmi had success, while he was blanked. When he emerged from his post-fishing shower, he discovered Pon and Wind playing dominoes on his ''black table.'' "How''d you choose that name, Pon?"


    The old mage shrugged. "It was either Pon or Cuppiecake Ninja." [Reader Shout-out!]


    Wind made a face. "I think you made the wrong choice."


    Nix chuckled and got to his feet. "I agree."


    *******************


    The three men came down the stairs a few minutes later. Fajii went with Ronnie and Bali to Free Trader City while Mina accompanied Nansu in a search for sea-herbs. Mina''s Vilas were very good at finding the herb, and they added security to what might otherwise be dangerous.


    "Dining room or kitchen island, Hun," Hyai asked?


    "Island, there''s only five of us." Nix motioned for Wind and Pon to have a seat while he walked around the island to the fridge. "What should I do?"


    Hyai shook her head. "You should sit, we got this."


    Shae scurried into the kitchen from the pantry. "Too many cooks isn''t good!"


    Nix made a face. "You''re letting Shae cook?"


    The salamander''s arms wrapped around Nix''s waist from behind him. "What''s that mean?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "I hope you confiscated her ghost peppers before you let her near the food."


    Hyai frowned slightly. "Should I have?


    /Men''s club: Nix: Be careful. Shae thinks ghost peppers are candy.


    /Men''s club: Nix: Yeah, it looks like a standard orange flame but they are higher-tiered.


    /Men''s club: Wind: That Djinn is a top-end companion.


    /Men''s club: Nix: Don''t even speak. You have the King.


    /Men''s club: Pon: Yeah... bastard.


    /Men''s club: Wind: Morti came back last night?


    /Men''s club: Nix: Yeah, Scarlett and Mortimus brought him to Nescari. I thought I''d give them some time together.


    *******************


    Nix was tempted to make Pon cover his eyes but he couldn''t look away long enough to say anything to him. Hyai''s companion summoning was like nothing anyone from Inferno had ever seen. Instead of a partner to fight alongside you, her companion melded with her.


    Hyai floated easily about ten feet off the ground. Her clothes disappeared during the summoning, her voluptuous form covered only in orange flames, even the hair on her hair resembled a forest fire. You couldn''t quite see her skin, but the outline was there beneath the flames.


    "What do you think, Nix?" Hyai''s normal voice changed slightly, it had the barest raspy sound to it.


    "Orange flames, but much higher tier than they should be. Almost like my Phoenix flames." Nix turned toward Shae who was studying them with great interest.


    The iridescent salamander seemed fascinated by the change. "The Gemini Djinn is breathtaking. Try using a flame strand on her."


    Nix nodded and moved closer. "Going to wrap a regular flame strand around your ankle."


    Hyai moved closer to him. "Go ahead."


    Nix shot out a strand of orange flames that wrapped around gently around Hyai''s ankle. The strands immediately matched the darker orange of her flames. "Flame absorption?"


    Shae nodded. "Try silver flames."


    Nix pushed silver flames into the strands, immediately the strands turned orange. "Her orange are rated higher than silver flames."


    Shae morphed into her Archon form and moved next to Hyai. "Try Gemini Flames."


    When the Gemini flames strand touched Hyai, her own orange flames turned into Gemini flames. Nix could see the pulsating flames flickering at her form. "She mirrored them."


    Nix shut the strands off and motioned for Hyai to follow him. He trotted into the house, Hyai and Shae followed.


    "Something wrong?" Hyai followed up him the stairs to the bedroom where he had brought up a map of the area around Khione''s territory.


    Shae and Hyai took a seat on either side of Nix, they were looking at a topographical map of the area that they would be eventually be raiding.


    Nix stared hard at Khione''s peak. "What''s that look like to you?"


    Shae zoomed in on the range. "It''s mountains Nix, covered in ice."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "You saw what Hyai did right?"


    Shae nodded. "Flame transference. The Gemini Djinn has a natural flame, but is also a conduit to higher-tiered flames."


    "They all feel the same to me." Hyai studied the map. "What are you thinking?"


    "You don''t burn any mana just holding the flames. That means you might be able to hold Fury Flames indefinitely."


    Hyai shrugged slightly. "Those are the sonic flames?"


    Nix nodded. "I don''t use them very often outside of my spellsword blade because they eat through my mana in seconds."


    "What''s your plan here?" Shae stopped looking at the topographical map and turned her gaze toward Nix. "What would Hyai do with Fury flames?"


    "Blow the top off of Khione''s peak, turn the whole area into a crater."


    "You''re talking about what Severence did at the Lapu crater? That was different Nix, that volcanoes still had the rumblings of power beneath it." Shae smiled at Hyai, the three women who loved Nix also shared a close bond. "Having that peak erupt would be an issue for us as well."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Khione is planning and building her strength, the same way we are. I mean to hit her now, but I need to speak with an Earth mage."


    "A preemptive strike?" Shae shook her head slightly. "Doesn''t that put Hyai in too much danger?"


    "I''ll do my part," Hyai spoke quietly. "I''m not as strong as either of you, but I''m part of this fight. I passed my planar trial, so if something were to happen I''d respawn at the Greater House."


    Nix used the black table''s interface to contact Tai''Qui. [Direct Holocom: Tai''Qui]


    A holo image of Tai''Qui appeared over the top of the table. The Earth dragon was obviously in her mud bath. Only her bare shoulders and red bandanna were visible in the dark brown bubbling mass.


    Nix got right to the point. "I''ve shown you my fury flames before, I have a plan, but I need an Earth elemental''s opinion."


    Tai nodded. "Give me a few minutes and I''ll visit you."


    [Alert: User Nix, Tai''Qui is attempting to open a Breach within the perimeter of this home.]


    Nix and Shae shared a look, could the Turtle House stop a dragon from traveling here?


    "I''ll allow it this time."


    **********************


    Jargon Kane studied Deidra''s image. Jargon the Gold was sitting in the House of Kane office, his fine golden robes and short black hair presented a rather impressive appearance, or so he thought. "Have you considered my petition?"


    "No." Deidra''s usual cold demeanor was on full display. As someone chosen for Krelandur, it was her decision on which dragon she would mate with. "You aren''t on my shortlist of candidates. You aren''t even on my long list."


    "Krelandur is your obligation to birth the strongest dragons, it is not subject to the foolish whims of attraction."


    "I refuse. Absolutely refuse. Is that clear?" Deidra held a strong dislike for Jargon the Gold, although he was must larger than her, she was confident that she was stronger. It had been one of the memorable moments of her life to see him splashed with water at the City Master parade.


    "I''m afraid I must insist. My champion will present my case for me."


    Deidra raised an eyebrow. Her champion was Elen Mtui, someone who had defeated Jargon''s champion several times. They weren''t on the same level. "Very well."


    Deidra closed the conversation without speaking further. Why would he even bother petitioning? She opened a direct contact to her son, but for some reason, it didn''t open.


    ***************************


    "That''s an interesting idea, Nix. You want to manipulate the pressures and reroute the molten rock beneath Khione''s peak."


    Nix nodded, Tai had understood his thought process as soon as he started talking. His Fury Flames were capable of super-heating the molten rock that existed deep underground. "Can we do it?"


    Tai shrugged slightly. "The area has to be scouted. Khione may have placed Ice Seeds or other deterrents beneath her mountain. I''ll send my Earth Worms into the area."


    Nix had never seen Tai''s Earth minions, but he knew these particular earth elementals were a few hundred feet long. "Thank you."

 421 Air Nemesis: Nix

    The peace of the tranquil day was broken a moment later when the Mariner flashed passed a group of Aquarions, quickly leaving them behind as he hugged the bottom of the cove, he darted towards the surface in a steep climb.


    [Air Burst]


    Fajii clapped her hands excitedly when Nix cleared the water by several meters, executed a somersault, and then vanished back into the depths with splashless dive. "I didn''t know he could do that!"


    Mina watched with interest; it had started with Nix was goofing around in the water with Soup and Ducky. Several Aquarions, including Zhava and Milat, started joining in. The Aquarions lived most of their Colonial lives underwater; in the past, they wouldn''t have dared play on the surface. "He''s using the Mariner form again."


    Fajii nodded. She''d already noticed that half of the group were Aquarion women. She grabbed her friend''s hand and dragged her to her feet. "We should play also."


    An hour later, Nix, Mina, and Fajii lay comfortably on Soup''s shell while Ducky floated nearby. Mina drifted off to sleep, giving Fajii and Nix some private time to catch up.


    "Going to see Rhy soon?" Fajii had her head propped up with one hand while the other rested on his arm.


    "Yes. I will be meeting her tonight in Air''Voila. According to Rhy, the process will be very simple with the Arch Winds helping."


    Fajii moved closer until their bodies were touching. The Aquarion wore a yellow one-piece swimsuit that matched well with her tan skin and red-streaked hair. "And the Ice?"


    "Right after that, I''ll be heading to the Gladis Hub. Tharaka has agreed to help me with the process." The Ashobel chieftain was thriving in his new form and had progressed to the Archon level blazingly fast. Being a former dragon apparently came with a lot of benefits. "You are going to start training with Tai?"


    "Yes. After today I''m going to spend some time at her sanctuary in Houdinya." Fajii smiled slightly; she knew she lacked real offensive skills as a Scorched Earth Defender. However, her buffs and CR (Combat Rez) were game-changers. "What''s your next step after settling your Ice and Air abilities?"


    Nix slipped off the side of Soup and started swimming leisurely toward the shore. "I''m going to visit the Krayven Clan. I need to recharge their Totem and ask their leadership some questions."


    *******************


    Nix sat on the couch next to the Black Table. Fajii, Shae, and Hyai lay comfortably on the overly large bed. They had already verified that all of them could easily sleep at the same time. However, non of them were sleeping now. "You sure you three are up for this?"


    Nix was letting them use all three of his Nether rats for a scouting trip to the Everspire Clans. According to Ronnie, the Fire Lion Clan were most likely descendants of the Scorpion Titans. "You''ll have to travel on foot for a few miles. Try not to get my rats eaten."


    The three rats stared at him, apparently unimpressed with his concern for the puppets he spent a fortune making.


    Nix patted each of them on the head. "There are bound to be rats in the camp, make them your minions, and use them to create distractions."


    [Create Breach: Ionova: Mid-Everspire Lowlands]


    Nix took one last look at the three of them on the bed. The temptation to prank them was very high, but in the interest of self-preservation, he decided to ignore the tiny laughing voice in his head.


    A few minutes later, Nix exited the Turtle House and walked outside. The last light of day was turning the sky pink, and the busy day was gradually turning into a quiet evening.


    Nix has activated [Air''Voilla].


    He watched as the wind tunnel formed; he''d only used this mode of travel twice before. Once on the way to Elementia and the other when he picked up his three Arch Winds; Shadai, Cal, and Tor.


    Nix approached the wind tunnel at a run and dived headfirst into it. He disappeared almost instantly; a few seconds after that, the wind tunnel disappeared.


    *************


    Everyone who enters Air''Voilla is given temporary wings unless they fly in on their own. "Not bad for loaners." Nix flapped the long black wings that sprouted from his back. Air''Voilla was a large world of endless sunny skies. Rhy told him that there were a few floating islands, but that he would have to travel for a few hours to reach them.


    A hand on his back caused him to look up. "Holy crap... Warn me first."


    Cal''s narrow face smiled. "We are here to escort you."


    Nix scanned the area and immediately found Shadai and Tor flying beneath him. "How''d you find me so fast?"


    Cal dipped a wing and moved in beside Shadai. "Arch Winds can travel anywhere in Air''Voilla instantly."


    "I wish you would have entered with your Archon wings, Nix. We never did finish our race." Shadai flapped her wings effortlessly; they both knew she was much faster than him.


    Nix cleared his throat. "Right... I guess I''ll give you a rematch sometime."


    Nix has activated [Air Burst].


    Nix rocketed ahead of the three Archwinds, leaving them far behind. Since he didn''t really know where he was going, he didn''t try to pull away from them any further.


    A few minutes later, the trio caught up with them; their stunned faces told Nix that something was wrong.


    Cal moved in beside him. "What was that?"


    "Air Burst," Nix answered easily. "I use it all the time."


    "Nix... You used it as an accelerant. That isn''t possible." Cal moved a few wingspans away from him. "Do it again, please."


    Nix has activated. [Air Burst][Air Burst][Air Burst]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Once again, Nix rocketed way from the Arch Winds; this time, they were completely out of sight. A structure floating in the distance came into his view; it literally looked like a huge floating rock. This time the Arch Winds didn''t try to catch up; instead, they reappeared right beside him. "Instant travel is such a cheat."


    Cal stared at him for a moment before looking at his two companions. "Contribution?"


    Shadai nodded. "Yep."


    "Definitely," Tor agreed.


    They landed a few minutes later on the floating rock island. It was littered with countless holes that served as entrances. Nix understood right away that this was the Arch Wind nesting ground. There was no vegetation of any kind, and the top was worn smooth. Rhy could be seen standing next to two other Arch Winds.


    "Greetings, Champion." Rhy bowed formally and gestured to the stone slab in front of her. "Please have a seat while we prepare."


    Nix cocked his head slightly. "Why does that look like a sacrificial altar?"


    Rhy''s dark eyes held the barest hint of humor. "Well... We are going to eat you."


    "Oh. Well, if it''s just that." Nix took a seat; he noticed that his Arch Winds were talking with the two who had been waiting with Rhy.


    Rhy placed a cool hand on his head; there was always a breeze flowing around the Air Nemesis. "The two Arch Winds I was talking to are Milabu and Oyette; the two of them are the High Rulers of Air''Voilla."


    Nix had never seen either of them, normally they would have been a bit larger than his Arch Wind companions, but the dragon blood he''d given Cal, Tor, and Shadai had strengthened them considerably. "They seem pretty friendly with my Arch Winds."


    Rhy nodded in agreement. "I should hope so. Milabu and Oyette are their parents."


    Nix sighed guiltily. It was something he should know; they fought for him all the time. "I gotta do better at things like this."


    Rhy pushed a small towel in his hands. "Disrobe and cover with this."


    Nix eyed the clothe skeptically. "The hell am I suppose to cover with this?"


    "The bare necessities." Rhy waited until he was finished removing his armor before pushing Nix flat onto the stone slab.


    "The hell are those?" Nix frowned when Rhy brought out dozens of sharp-looking needles from a leather pouch that hung from her belt. The bottom halves of the needles were transparent while the upper halves resembled a black feather.


    "Hold still, this doesn''t take long, but the accuracy of placement is vital." Rhy placed her pointer finger on the right side of his chest, moving it slowly until he sensed the right spot, without warning she stabbed the first needle in until the feathers brushed his skin.


    "F*CK! Why did that hurt? I thought it would be painless!"


    Rhy shot him a confused look. "I just pushed four inches of plume into your chest. Why wouldn''t it hurt?"


    "Damn it. Are you certified to do this? Those don''t look like they''ve been properly sanitized."


    Rhy bent over him and briefly touched her dark lips to his.


    [Nix has been silenced.]


    "I''ve seen you get your arm chewed off by a dragon without making a sound." Rhy bit her lip to keep from smiling, "no more talking."


    Nix spent the next few minutes cursing Rhylia Thundercloud in his head. Not only did they hurt when she poked him, but when each additional plume was added, they would all vibrate for several seconds.


    "So many aerial focal points?" Milabu had a surprisingly deep voice. "You''ve used them all?"


    Rhy nodded. "I shouldn''t be surprised."


    Nix turned his head slightly, his Arch Winds and Oyette could be seen circling high above him. Milabu watched while Rhy finished up and then joined them in the air.


    Rhy leaned over him for a moment, her dark eyes close enough for him to feel the cool breeze that constantly swirled around her. "I''m going to cast a simple air spell called ''flutter.'' It''s the air spell that Arch Winds cast on their hatchlings before forcing them out of the nest. I''m going to join our friends; it won''t be safe down here with you."


    Rhy checked each of the needles one last time and then patted his shoulder.


    Rhy has activated [Flutter].


    She reached down and snatched up the cloth she borrowed him. Nix continued cursing her as she quickly gained altitude and joined the others.

 422 Blessings of Air part one

    Nix gave her a disgusted look but didn''t comment. ''This will be easy,'' she said. He spent the better part of two hours being buffeted by gale-force winds. Black feathers had sprouted out all over his body and stayed like that long enough to scare the crap out of him. Finally, they were absorbed directly into his skin in what could only be described as excruciatingly painful.


    Rhy placed a hand next to his face, her slim fingers feeling the breeze that still swirled around him. "Nix... Air and Fire Nemesis have always worked well together. To have one person with both of those abilities is amazing."


    "I''m not sure I like you anymore." Nix started dressing, doing his best to ignore Rhy''s laughter.


    Cal, Tor, and Shadai landed nearby and approached with their parents. Milabu''s sharp eyes studied Nix for several moments before he looked at Rhy. "You didn''t finish the Manifesting?"


    Rhy shook her head slightly. "No. In order to get the best results, Air and Ice should be done at the same time."


    Nix frowned slightly. "What''s that mean? We aren''t done?"


    "Manifesting is when your abilities cause you to develop new spells. Right now, you would have had several Air Nemesis level spells."


    Nix was feeling mildly irritated with the Air Nemesis. "I don''t have them?"


    "Air Manifestations are set until you rank up to the next level. For instance, you will gain a spell called ''Breeze.'' If we manifested your air ability now, you would receive ''Breeze'' and the Fire/Air version called ''Sun Gusts.'' However, you wouldn''t get the Air/Ice version called ''Arctic Winds,'' because your Ice abilities haven''t been ranked to Nemesis."


    "My Ice abilities are still at the Lord rank."


    Rhy nodded in agreement. "Which means you''d get a version called ''Cool winds,'' which is vastly inferior."


    "I see. You''re trying to maximize my abilities because Air blends so well with both Ice and Fire."


    "Yes. There are going to be several overwrites as it is." Rhy laid a hand on his shoulder and leaned toward him. "I wouldn''t have known any of this if Deidra hadn''t told me. By waiting until after Ice is ranked up, you will receive the castings of three Nemesis elements."


    "Hmmm... She did volunteer to do both at the same time." Nix finally stopped sulking and offered her a smile. "Thank you for your hard work."


    Milabu handed Nix a small blue ring. "This is for you, Air Champion."


    Aerial Dominance: [Spell Bank, Air Only]


    Bound


    Description: Store up to five spells that can be


    cast instantly without being blocked or disrupted.


    Spell bank may be discharged while under controlling


    effects.


    Additional Enhancement: +100 to Flying speed.


    "Your contribution." Milabu handed Nix plain-looking amulet. "Wear this and cast the Burst spell that you used to accelerate."


    Nix grinned suddenly and equipped the ring first. "Don''t come crying to me if it''s a dud."


    He walked to the edge of the stone island when he was within a few meters. He felt the default wings sprout again. It took all of his will to not say, ''up, up and away!''


    [Air Burst]


    Nix rocketed away from the island. Apparently, the strength of the casting improved when he ranked up. He flew back leisurely while doing a bit of self-examining. He detected a breeze swirling around himself, much like his flame aura, he could turn it off at will.


    When he returned to the group a few minutes later, Milabu asked for the amulet back. "What does that do?"


    "Stores the processes involved in the casting. This way, we can pass it on to all of Air''Voilla." Milabu grinned widely. "Contributions are rare nowadays; an accelerated movement ability is very nice."


    "Can I name it? How about Turbo Charge? Or maybe Boosted! Or perhaps..." He stopped when Rhy shook her head.


    "The name is recorded already." Rhy grabbed his hand, "Fly with me for a bit before I send you back."


    Nix nodded and bid a quick goodbye to the Arch Winds. A few minutes later, they were gliding side-by-side in the clear skies of Air''Voilla. "Something up, Rhy?"


    "You may now grant someone the Blessing of Air; you should do this before you rank up your Ice abilities."


    "Really? I didn''t do that with Fire."


    "I''m not sure about that. You manifested in the Gemini Temple; afterward, you gave Jun Li the Blessing of the Gemini. The Blessing of the Gemini is stronger than the Blessing of Flames, so it took precedence."


    "If I don''t bless someone with Air before ranking up my Ice, I''ll lose it?"


    "Correct. The Ice blessing is considered stronger than air."


    "Damn... I could have given Wind or Semmi the fire blessing." Nix was silent for a few moments before he continued. "Who should I pick?"


    Rhy dipped a wing and bumped him playfully. "That''s up to you. It''s a great addition to the Fire and Ice elements, but can also be given to someone without an element."


    "I''ll consider the options carefully." Nix pulled into a hover while Rhy opened up a wind tunnel to the Glory Island. "Thanks for the help!"


    Rhy waved and watched as he flew into the tunnel. "Let me know when you are done."


    ****************


    /Ratpack: Shae: Nix has the best things.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: I thought these things were weak; night vision, stealth, and dominate. The three of us could walk into any city and turn it upside down.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Nix says that the self-destruct on an emperor pet will kill most bosses.


    Shae led the way through the growing darkness; the rats moved in single file about a meter apart. Quite a few times, they ran into smaller predators who fled from the scent of them. Rat-Shae stopped in a small gully; she could sense the presence of other rats.


    Shae has activated [Dominate]


    14 Rats are now under Shae''s control.


    /Ratpack: Shae: I''ll stay here. Fajii circle west around the camp, and Hyai will head east. Grab more rats and then meet back here. I won''t move until you get back.


    Hyai moved eastward, scurrying through the darkness, her rat senses on full alert. There was something terribly fun about inhabiting the Nether Rat puppet. Being safe in her bed in Ionova was also very comforting, with the element of danger gone, it was easier to focus completely.


    Rat-Hyai stopped suddenly; she could sense the presence of rats nearby, but not an overwhelming presence. It was the coppery scent of blood that gave her pause.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: I smell blood.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Fresh kill? Or maybe slaughtered animals from the camp?


    /Ratpack: Hyai: Human.


    Hyai shuddered slightly, not sure how she could discern the difference. The fur on the back of her neck was standing on end.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Coming from camp?


    /Ratpack: Hyai: No, the trail leads away from camp.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Our mission is to scout the camp.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: It feels odd somehow.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Finish getting your rat minions, and we''ll come to you.


    When Shae found Hyai half an hour later, Fajii had already joined her. Hyai had a dozen rats while the alchemist had twenty.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Let''s follow the trail. If it takes more than an hour, we''ll head back and finish scouting.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Agreed.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: Okay.


    Rat-Hyai sniffed the trail a few times and then headed south in a straight line. The blood splatter wasn''t like a bleeding wound, but rather like someone who had repeatedly fallen to the ground.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Drag marks. This person has been captured by someone.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: These Clans have been warring with each other since the Dragon Cities were brought into the air. Raiding and taking captives are part of their culture.


    Hyai followed the trail for several more minutes before she stopped suddenly. All three of them heard it at the same time, cruel laughter and moans of pain."


    A small river curved sharply, forming a nearly perfect ''U'' shape. It was in this mini-peninsula that the campfire burned. A woman lay in plain view, her face disfigured by beatings, she was bound securely around the ankles, knees, and wrists. A single rope connected the wrist and ankle bindings.


    /Ratpack: Shae: He hides from the camp.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: How do you know?


    /Ratpack: Shae: He''s torn up the brush and placed it on the north side of his Fire. Normally you could see campfires for miles at night, but he''s making sure the camp doesn''t spot him.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: I''m going in.


    /Ratpack: Shae: We''ll move closer and standby.

 423 Blessings of Air conclusion

    Shae watched from the far side of the fire, behind the brush. The man was one of the largest men she''d ever seen, his cruel eyes stared directly into the flames, something only an idiot would do.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Make contact, we''ll distract him if necessary.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Understood.


    Fajii moved close enough to nearly touch the woman''s blood-matted hair. "Don''t be alarmed; I am a friend," Rat-Fajii whispered softly. "If you hear me, move your fingers."


    The captive''s fingers bent slightly and then straightened.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: This would be where Nix would say something like, ''It''s a Rat-Rescue!''.


    /Ratpack: Shae: He totally would.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Agreed.


    "Don''t move, I''m going to have to chew through your bonds." Fajii''s black fur brushed up against the captive''s arm, causing the woman to shudder. "Don''t be scared," Rat-Fajii''s voice soothed her.


    She gnawed once on the wrist bonds; surprisingly, she nearly severed it with one bite. The Emperor Level Nether rat came with very sharp teeth. She sliced through the knee and ankle restraints within a few seconds.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Now what?


    /Ratpack: Shae: Her feet and legs will be numb, we''ll give her a few minutes, but she''s going to have to run while we distract him.


    Fajii moved back up to the woman''s head. "Don''t move yet; let the blood flow back into your limbs.


    *******************Author Reminder*******


    *******************************************


    Jala stared into the flames, the light danced on his broad flat features. He sat bare-chested, his scarred torso bronzed from countless hours in the sun. The Red Lion exile waited patiently; maybe tomorrow would be the day. He planned to sneak into camp and slay his father while he slept; however, the Fire Lion Clan leader left camp unexpectedly, spoiling his son''s plans. While retracing his steps, Jala had run into the serving girl filling water pots. Seeing the woman who constantly refused his advances caused him to deviate from the plan and take her.


    Beating her had felt good. After he killed his father and took over leadership, she would become his woman, until he tired of her.


    "F*CKING RATS!" He chased after them, his sword swinging wildly. A sharp bite on the back of his heel caused him to scream in pain as the second group of rats attacked him from the side. Shouting loudly, he hacked through three creatures and limped after the rest when they retreated into the night.


    The last group of rats attacked from the rear. Jala''s rage got the better of him as he roared and sliced half of his attackers with one swing. It was then that the other two groups rushed him. Although it took a few minutes, he managed to kill all the rats, his chest heaving under the exertion. "Why would they attack me like..." His voice trailed off as he noticed the missing girl.


    Ater Fajii sent in the last of her minions; she scurried toward after the captor who was struggling to run. Rat-Fajii managed to catch her reasonably quickly and assumed control of her escape. "Follow me; we''ll head to the river. Can you swim?"


    "Y-Yes," the fleeing captive whispered.


    Fajii entered the river where the ground was hardest. She swam downstream, staying in the middle, her rat body was surprisingly fast in the water.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Stay in the water, we''ll follow him and make sure he doesn''t pick up the trail.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Okay.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: I''ve picked up more rats.


    After another hour, the Ratpack reached their destination. It took two more Rat attacks to spook Jala to the point where he didn''t dare leave his fire. By that time, they were approaching their deadline.


    /Ratpack: Hyai: Well... we didn''t scout the camp, but I can''t say I''m not happy about it.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Nix will open up the breach before he heads to the Gladis Hub, we only have a few minutes.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Not enough to continue, we''ll come back another day.


    "You may go back to your camp. The man who was holding you captive is no longer chasing you." Fajii studied the girl while she spoke, she was young, perhaps only 15 or 16.


    "I-I don''t want to go back. I''m only a slave."


    Shae moved closer, her red rat eyes showing interest. "This isn''t your Clan?"


    The girl shook her head slowly. "I was taken in a raid three years ago. I''m part of the Desert Fox Clan."


    /Ratpack: Fajii: What should we do?


    /Ratpack: Hyai: Take her back. She might be a good source of intel.


    /Ratpack: Shae: I''m not against it, but only if she''s willing.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Same.


    ******************


    The thin white-haired mage knelt on one knee, her pale eyes showing surprise when Nix placed a hand on her forehead.


    Fey has received the Blessings of Air.


    Nix nodded happily and helped the Fire Mage to her feet. He offered the Air Element to Pon, but the old man turned it down. He did point out that Fey was probably the next strongest Fire Mage after him and would benefit two-fold since she was also a flier.


    "Thank you, Nix." Unexpectedly the skinny mage hugged him tightly. "I will definitely make a difference when we challenge her."


    Nix patted her head; he didn''t have to ask who "her" was. "Keep working hard."


    Fey''s pretty face was smiling as she examined her new abilities. "Shae didn''t want it?"


    "Irridescent Salamanders can only hold the Fire Element. I''m not sure why."


    "Are you heading to the Gladis Hub now?"


    "Yes. Want to come?" Nix''s hud buzzed at suddenly, notifying him that it was time to bring the Rat-Scouts back.


    [Create Breach: Mid-Everspire Lowlands: Ionvova]


    /Inferno: Shae: Home safe and sound. Want our report now?


    /Inferno: Nix: No. I''m already late because I stopped in Nescari to see Morti.


    /Inferno: Shae: How is he?


    /Inferno: Nix: Bigger. Fey and I are heading to the Gladis Hub. Back in a few hours.


    /Inferno: Shae: Okay, be careful.


    ***************


    Hyai covered a yawn and sat next to Shae at the Kitchen Island. They were enjoying a cold mug of Semmi''s Golden Draft while they discussed the excursion. Fajii was helping their guest clean up in the downstairs bathroom.


    The girl''s name was Kia, and she had been a slave in the Red Lion Clan since she was captured in a raid. Above anything else, she wanted to escape that place but never dared to try because those who attempted such things were made examples of.


    "She was pretty shocked." Hyai couldn''t help but smile. Kia''s dark eyes looked like saucer''s when the rats collapsed onto the floor, and the three women sat up in bed.


    Shae returned her smile. "She''s tough. I''m going to bring her back to her Clan."


    /Inferno: Fajii: Come in here.


    /Inferno: Shae: Everything okay?


    Hyai and Shae walked through the closet that led to the downstairs bathroom. The girl was submerged up to her chin in hot water and suds. The bruising on her face was already fading thanks to the alchemist''s tendings.


    Fajii was kneeling on the floor next to the tub, a smile on her face. "Could you show them your right foot?"


    Kia nodded and extended a suds-covered brown foot from the water. Fajii reached over and gently brushed the suds away.


    "That''s very pretty." Shae''s brown eyes showed her interest. "Where did you get such a thing?"


    Kia pulled her foot back shyly; the rat-women were very nice. For the first time in three years, she wasn''t scared. "It''s a tradition among the women of my Clan."


    Shae offered her a kind smile. "I see. Very pretty."


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "It''s very nice. She was taken in a raid with eleven others.


    /Inferno: Hyai: So the women of the Desert Fox Clan have Scorpion tattoos on their ankle?


    /Inferno: Shae: Get all the information you can and then let her rest.


    /Inferno: Hyai: We going to stage a Rat-Escape?


    /Inferno: Shae: Let''s see what the Rat-King says.

 424 A Different Path part one

    Tharaka: Former Dragon Master of Icaraphet that Nix put inside an Ashobel puppet.


    Cyan: High Priestess to Shi at the Gladis Hub.


    Banzi "Banz"- A tank with Inferno, he concentrates mostly on the embassy because it''s convenient for regular travel to the Gladis Hub. He''s in a relationship with Wylie. He''s Inferno''s back-up tank.


    Shi: Former Ice Spirit from Cyphix, she ranked up and has turned the Gladis Hub into her Temple.


    Wylie: Knight of Colonial that is assigned to Nix. Currently serving as the Ice Champion for Shi.


    *****************


    Nix stepped off of the gating platform in the Gladis Hub a few moments later. It hadn''t changed at all since his previous visit. Wylie and Cyan were training a small group of Acolytes while the rest observed them. Tharaka caught his attention right away, the Ashobel was by far larger than any of the Acolytes.


    "NIX!" Tharaka''s big booming voice drew everyone''s attention as he called out the Inferno Guild Leader.


    Nix smiled at the giant furred Ashobel. His coat was much whiter than it had been since they last spoke, the black claws still looked long and deadly. There was a power radiating from him that hadn''t been there since he left his dragon form. "Archon level?"


    Tharaka nodded. "This form is ideally suited for the element of Ice, with it I have managed to restore many of my old spells."


    "I''ll have to see what a flying Ashobel looks like." Nix followed him to a set of chairs overlooking the training mats on the far side of the hall. Shi and Wylie sat watching the group of acolytes, they had both already noticed him.


    "Commander." Wylie stood up and bowed respectfully when he approached. She stared at Nix''s companion for a few moments. "Have we met?"


    Fey nodded. "Many, many times."


    Nix kept the smile off of his face with a bit of effort. Shi, Fey, and Wylie had nearly identical features. Fey''s hair was actually silver instead of white like the other two. However, both Fey and Shi resembled females in their late teens. Wylie would never be confused with a teenager, she had the muscles and curves of a grown woman. "This is Fey."


    Wylie''s pale face broke into a wide smile. "Very tricky. You evolved a human form, congratulations."


    Fey''s thin face blushed slightly. "Thank you."


    Nix spotted three Ice Furies moving toward them, they were much larger than he remembered. "Holy crap... What are you feeding these guys?"


    Two of the furies held back, but the third pushed ahead and stuck a wet nose in Nix''s face. Alpha team accidentally wiped out a Fury pack while on a quest. The six pups that survived were brought back to the Gladis Hub and given to them.


    "It''s nice to see you again, Nix." Shi stood up and offered him her hand. Nix had personally defended her on a number of occasions and because of this, there was a bond of trust between them. "I''ve been doing as you asked, getting stronger. Everyone here has."


    "She is ranking up with me?" Nix turned to Tharaka who nodded in reply.


    "I need the two of you to follow me." Tharaka led them to a large enclosed room with high ceilings. From appearances, it looked like it might have been a gym at one time. It was the only room in the Gladis Hub that was cut off from the heat. The walls and floors were coated with ice while the ceiling presented a jagged collection of icicles.


    Nix was no longer someone that was bothered by the cold. He no longer needed to activate a heat ability to stay warm. A large Ice platform was the only object in the room, so both him and Shi took a seat on the edge of it


    "Could you display your spells for me Nix?" Tharaka already examined Shi so he focused on the Inferno Guild Leader. "I don''t need to see everything, just your paths, and elementals."


    "Sure. I ranked up my Air abilities earlier, but they haven''t been manifested yet."


    Tharaka nodded, thankful that his Ashobel features didn''t allow him to show expression. Nix was vastly different than he was the last time they spoke. He read through the impressive list while Shi and Nix chatted.


    Nix [Race: Human/Salamander Hybrid]


    Primary: Path of the Fire Lord [Salamander]


    Secondary: Spellsword


    Emerald Flame Strands 100 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    [Fire]


    Balefire


    Meteor Storm


    Combustion


    Comet Strike


    Tides of Flame


    Incinerate


    [Multi- Element]


    Fire Burst [Fire, Air]


    Balefire Burst [Fire, Air]


    Flame Throw [Fire, Air]


    Gusting Flames [Fire, Air]


    Pelt [Air, Earth]


    Mire. [Earth, Water]


    Lance [Elemental: Fire, Air, Ice]


    [Air]


    Null


    Vacuum


    Burst


    [Lightning]


    Storm Rider


    Daisy Chains


    Thunderfist


    Chained Lightning II


    [Water]


    Deep Abyss.


    Waters of Life.


    Water Seeker.


    Mariner.


    [Earth]


    Stonefist.


    Rock Fiend.


    Rock Shield.


    Tharaka finished reading, his sharp fangs showing when he smiled. "Some of these spells may be changed or overwritten. "


    Nix nodded. He''d been told a similar thing by Rhy. He''d already decided that he would give her the Blessings of Ice when he ranked up. Her Air abilities lacked offense, however, Ice had a number of impressive attacks.


    Tharaka directed the two Ice Elementals to sit cross-legged on the platform while facing each other. "Ranking up Ice Elementals is much easier when done in pairs. Focus your thoughts on your Ice seed, there will be a slight ebb and flow, the first step is to find that rhythm.


    The Ashobel move to one side and studied them. "I will let you know when it is time to move to the next step."


    /Inferno: Nix: Wonderful... that''s clear as mud.


    /Inferno: Fey: Hmm?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nothing.


    Nix focused on his Ice seed, he pushed it away from him, exposing it to the air. His yellow eyes watched and looked for patterns. He could feel nothing that resembled an ebb and flow. He did, however, find the smallest bit of darkness.


    Tharaka wanted to say something when Nix''s Ice seed appeared in the air, but he didn''t. Sometimes the path to Nemesis diverged from the normal. Shi appeared to be swaying gently back and forth, it was obvious that she was already lost in the gentle rhythm.


    Nix breathed out slowly, he found that he couldn''t look away from the blackness within the ice. Whenever he tried, his eyes faltered and reverted back toward it. It was here where he remembered Mina''s advice when he was caught in Khione''s trap, acceptance not resistance.


    The blackness expanded, turning the Ice seed gray and then black. If Tharaka''s face could have shown emotion, it was have been confusion. Within seconds, the white crystal seed transformed to utter darkness that seemed to absorb the light from the room. The effect caused Shi to open her eyes, almost immediately the tips of her white hair darkened.


    Tharaka cursed himself for putting them together. Nix''s volatile personality infused all of his elements, shadows dimmed the light to the point where the two Nemesis candidates seemed shrouded in darkness. Within seconds, Shi''s hair turned black as night, both she and Nix started to sway back and forth in identical rhythm. The Ashobel threw up an ice shield to block himself just as the dark seed blossomed outward in an expulsion of power.


    Nix struggled to his feet, his ears ringing from being slammed against the far wall. Messages scrolled across his hud so fast he couldn''t make sense of them.


    Balefire and Balefire Burst has been replaced by Hellfire


    Meteor Storm and Tides of Flame have been replaced by Fire Storm


    Combustion has been replaced with Elemental Healing.


    Comet Strike and Incinerate have been replaced by Salamandra


    Fire Burst, Flame Throw, Gusting, and Pelt have been replaced by Elemental Napalm


    Mire has been replaced with Scorched Earth Mire.


    Lance has been replaced with Elemental Spear


    Vacuum and Null have been replaced with Silent Summons.


    Burst has been replaced with Accel.


    Thunderfist and Stonefist has been replaced with Elemental Fist


    Rock Fiend. Has been replaced with Elemental Fiend


    Rock Shield. Has been replaced with Elemental Shield


    You have become a Black Ice Nemesis.


    You have learned Black Ice Field.


    You have learned Black Ice Sculptor


    You have learned Black Ice Armor


    You have learned Avalanche


    You have learned Black Ice Weapon


    A soft moan a few meters away from him caused him to turn. Shi had also be thrown by the blast. Nix helped her stand, for a moment the two stared at one another. Without a doubt, she had also become a Black Ice Nemesis, her once white hair shone like obsidian. She was slightly taller, and her cheekbones were more pronounced. The thin budding teen seemed older and stronger.


    "Black Ice Nemesis," Tharaka spoke softly, in his years as a dragon, he''d never heard of such a thing. He knew about Black Ice and a few uses of it, but this was a first. "Two of you."

 425 A Different Path conclusion

    Shi nodded. "Black Ice Nemesis? I''ve never heard of such a thing."


    Tharaka picked his way through the icy rubble until he stood in front of them. "This is unexpected; however, Black Ice is much stronger than its counterpart. Would you display your path and spells again, Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Sure."


    Primary: Path of the Elemental [Salamander]


    Secondary: Spellsword


    Emerald Flame Strands 100 [Flame Snare] [Fire Root]


    Fire Seed [Emerald]


    [Elemental]


    Hellfire


    Firestorm


    Elemental Healing


    Salamandra


    Scorched Earth Mire


    Elemental Napalm


    Elemental Spear


    Elemental Fist


    Elemental Shield


    Elemental Fiend


    [Air]


    Silent Summons


    Accel


    [Lightning]


    Storm Rider


    Daisy Chains


    Chained Lightning II


    [Water]


    Deep Abyss.


    Waters of Life.


    Water Seeker.


    Mariner.


    [Black Ice]


    Black Ice Field.


    Black Ice Sculptor


    Black Ice Armor


    Black Ice Weapon


    Avalanche


    Tharaka examined the changes. "Your path changed to Elemental. Fire and Earth spells have been overwritten. Amazing... If I''m right, you can use any of your elements for those now. " The Ashobel compared the list to what he read before the changes. "The Earth spell Rockfiend has been replaced by Elemental Fiend, try casting fiend with a different element."


    Nix has activated [Lightning: Fiend]


    Immediately a slender form appeared in front of them. It was half the size of a person but crackled with electricity.


    Nix couldn''t stop the grin that covered his face. "Okay. That guy is badass."


    ********************


    When Nix returned to the Turtle House a few hours later, it was well after midnight. A message on his hud notified him that they had a guest sleeping on the couch upstairs. A quick glance at the bed told him that Shae had left him plenty of room. Whether this was by design or accident, he couldn''t say.


    Although curious about his new abilities, fatigue sapped his motivation to examine them all in detail, so he settled for reading through the Black Ice ones.


    [Black Ice Field: AoE ] Jagged shards of Black Ice erupt from the ground causing damage and immobilizing the enemy


    [Black Ice Sculptor] Turn an enemy to Black Ice. This condition exists until the target is attacked. Only one enemy may be sculpted at a time.


    [Black Ice Armor: Group Buff] Coat your armor with the protection of Black Ice. Stacks with all shields and Buffs.


    [Avalanche: AoE Escape] Covers the Battlefield in several feet of Black Snow and evacs your team to the nearest binding point.


    "Underwhelming. The rest can wait until tomorrow." Nix stowed his armor in the closet and carefully inserted himself under the covers. The soft warmth of Shae''s body quickly put him to sleep.


    ********************


    As his body slowly woke up several hours later, Nix noted with sleepy satisfaction that this was the ideal way to wake up. He could feel the silky scented hair of Shae against his neck, while the smooth, inviting warmth of her skin rested against him. He opened his eyes, a smile already on his face.


    Shae moved her head slightly and propped her chin on his chest. "You''re finally awake."


    "Where''s our guest?"


    "Downstairs. I decided to stay here and enjoy you to myself." Shae placed a warm hand on his chest. "So many changes, you should consult Tai or Deidra about your new path."


    Nix shook his head slightly and wrapped her up in his arms. "How about I just figure it out as I go?"


    Shae''s lips curved in a slight smile. "We didn''t get a chance to scout the camp properly last night, but we did rescue a captive from the Desert Fox Clan."


    Nix tapped her nose gently with his finger. "Seems like mission failure. Now I have to punish you."


    Shae''s smile widened. "She has a tattoo of a scorpion on her foot. It seems like it''s a tradition among the women in the Desert Fox Clan."


    "The Desert Fox Clan? She was a slave?"


    Shae nodded. "Taken three years ago. There are more of her clan at the camp."


    Nix let his head sink back into his pillow. He''d have to contact Lucid and bring her to the Gemini Temple. "Fine. No punishment. That''s really good news."


    Shae nodded in agreement. "Now, we can stage a Rat-rescue."


    Nix frowned at her. "No, no, no. Only I get to say things like that. The Rat-King plans the Rat-Rescue."


    Shae covered a laugh by kissing the side of his face. "Can''t I be the Rat-Queen?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. That''s not a thing."


    The salamander slid from under him and straddled his waist; her long red hair rested against his chest. "We want to come."


    Nix nodded. "Ideally, this sort of thing can be done quietly. In and out before anyone even knows we were there."


    ***********************


    [Gemini Temple Training Yard 1100 Hours]


    Nix stood with Elune, the Gemini High Priestess, and Esta the Head Acolyte. Elune''s dual-colored face showed her interest while the Inferno Guild Leader explained his plan. Esta, however, was more interested in Nix''s new elements.


    The Storm Singer hovered in the air above him. "Ice, Lightning, and Earth added since going to Everspire. Do they give elements away?" Esta''s translucent form swayed closer to him. "If you become a Lightning Nemesis, I shall help you with the transition."


    Nix shook his head slightly and continued speaking. Esta had an extremely short attention span, but as Head Acolyte, she took good care of the Arch Winds. "I will bring two Scorpion Titans here, along with a dozen or so people. We will try to use the Gemini traits to unlock an extinct bloodline."


    Elune nodded. "Security parameters for the Temple have already been changed. The new Acolytes will be able to access the Training Yard and the first level of the Gemini Temple. They will be unable to exit into Haven."


    "Perfect." The regular Gemini Acolytes were all Arch Winds, so they would be dismissed to Air''Voilla until the training either failed or was completed. "Contact me if there are issues."


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Houdinya]


    Nix stepped through the breach and entered Tai''Qui''s sanctuary. Fajii''s familiar face smiled at him from the mud pool. "I thought you were going to be training?"


    Fajii nodded, her bare brown shoulders looked enticing. "This is training."


    Nix frowned at the two Titans lounging nearby. "You two better not have been sitting there when Fajii entered the pool."


    The white lion yawned slowly, its massive fangs on full display. "We turned around, Nix." Nihlus''s voice held a hint of amusement.


    "Hmm..." Nix turned to Tai''Qui, who was watching the interaction. "I''ll be needing Sindi. We may have located descendants of the Scorpion Clan."


    Tai nodded slowly. "Fajii has told me. I wish to visit the Temple also. Would this be possible?"


    "Yes. Use the portal from Loki, Fajii will escort you."


    Tai''Qui exited the pool, the mud running smoothly off of her brown skin as she made her way to the grassy bank. She clothed herself with a wave of her hand. "I sense that the elements within you have been calmed. May I inspect?"


    Nix nodded. Tai''Qui was someone he trusted. "Yes."


    A brown hand was placed on his shoulder, Tai''Qui''s brown eyes stared into his face for several moments before stepping away. "A number of your spells have changed to Elemental."


    "Is that odd?"


    "Very." Tai''Qui stepped back. "It means you can use any of your elements to cast them. If you were a dragon..." She adjusted the blue bandanna wrapped around her head. "I need a favor, but I''m hesitant to ask."


    "Go ahead." Nix exchanged favors with the Earth Dragon regularly; he didn''t feel like either of them incurred debt.


    "Jargon has petitioned to be my partner for the Krelandur." Tai''Qui kept her voice calm. The Golden Dragon had always been known for cruelty and she disliked him. "My champion is indisposed and cannot defend my stance."


    Unexpectedly the Whit Lion roared loudly, startling everyone in the sanctuary. "I can still fight him. The audacity of that dragon!"


    "Calm yourself. You do not know your form well enough yet." Tai''Qui turned her brown eyes back toward Nix. "Is it too much to ask?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Nope. I''ve got some spare time. How about now?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone in Solomon City?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''re at the training yard in the Greater House.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll be there in a few minutes.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Is that White Lion with you?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Nihlus? Yes, he''s here.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Bring him too.


    Tai''Qui''s smiled widened. "That''s rather soon."


    "Prey Waits. I''ll be in the Greater House Training yard." Nix turned toward the two Titans. "Come with me."


    Nix opened a breach and waited while the two Titans stepped through before following them.


    Tai''Qui watched the breach close. "Is he always so sudden?"


    Fajii shrugged slightly. "Nix is Nix. Can you arrange the fight today?"


    Tai''Qui nodded. "I choose the time and place."


    [Direct Contact: Jargon Kane]


    Tai''Qui crossed her arms, her mood immediately turning sour when Jargon''s holo appeared in front of her. "One hour, Greater House of Inferno Training yard in Solomon City. Have your Champion ready."

 426 Petitioners Challenge

    Pon nodded beside him. The two had first watched Semmi and Wind take on Sindi, then Jun Li abruptly challenged the white lion. "Jun Li is clever, she sets her attacks up several moves in advance."


    "She isn''t going all out." Nix knew what his Gemini Champion could do when she exerted herself, she was obviously using this as a training match. "Besides... she likes cats."


    Pon''s old face nodded sagely. "Semmi told me. Have you given any more thought to Icaraphet?"


    "Yes. I''m going to put it in the air above Loki and let Ishna move in with her people."


    Pon stared at him for several seconds, his old face creased in a smile. "Thank you, Nix. How are you going to secure it?"


    "You will bring Ishna to Parliament, where she will be able to register as a Clan." Nix had been considering the Aquarion issue since Pon first brought it up. "Then I''ll add that Clan to the 12 Pillar Alliance and grant limited access to Icaraphet."


    "Going to change the name?"


    Nix nodded. "Yeah. Suggestions?"


    Pon scratched his head while considering the question. "Avalon."


    "I don''t hate it." Nix gave the old man a sideways glance. "Final resting place of Arthur, right?"


    Pon nodded. "Semmi mentioned it the other day, I like the sound of it."


    "Me too." Nix waved when he spotted Rhy exiting the Great House. Since being named Speaker, she had moved into her room on the 1st floor.


    The Air Nemesis smiled when she saw Nix waving. Her black wings flapped once and she covered the distance in a few heartbeats. "Watching the spars? Or taking part?"


    Pon shook his head. "Watching today. Wind has been really hitting it hard since Semmi became an Archon. We''ve been taking turns helping him."


    "He''s fine, when we start the Mid-Spire quests he''ll probably advance." Nix stood up and faced the Air Elemental. "Take a knee, Rhylia Thundercloud." He waited patiently while she bent one knee, and then he placed his hand on her finely feathered head.


    Rhy has received the Blessing of Black Ice.


    The Air Elemental stood slowly, placing one hand on Nix''s shoulder. "Thank you, Champion, for this gift and the position you''ve given me."


    Nix gave her a sly smile. "Don''t think you''re off the hook for yesterday... because you aren''t."


    ***************************


    "Unknown at this time." Beta stood in front of Breach Commander Mtui''s desk. The normal occupant of the desk was missing.


    Deidra shook her head in frustration. "How does he disappear without anyone seeing or hearing anything?"


    The albino rogue shrugged slightly. "He''s a Breach Commander, if he wanted to go somewhere secretly, he could do it."


    "On an unrelated subject, Nix is about to face Jargon Kane''s Champion in their Greater House training yard." Beta learned the information from Wind, she also knew the reason behind it.


    Deidra leaned back in her son''s chair. "Why would he do that?" Her first thought was that Jargon may have somehow found out about the Falcon Titan from the Dragon City parade.


    "He''s claimed mating rights for Tai''Qui''s Krelandur." Beta paused for a moment, letting her words sink in. "Since Nihlus was slain, she hasn''t chosen another Champion, Nix is representing her interests."


    Deidra stood up quickly and opened a Breach. "No time to lose then. Follow me."


    A moment later, Deidra stepped through a breach into the Greater House of Inferno training yard. She spotted Nix right away, he was sitting off to one side with Pon and an Air Elemental.


    "Good Afternoon, Nix." Deidra made sure her tone was respectful, Nix''s temperament from one day to the next seemed dependent on random things. "I wonder if I could speak with you."


    Nix waved to Beta, the pink-eyed rogue smiled at the gesture before promptly running off in search of Wind.


    "Dragon Blood." Nix followed Deidra off to one side and spoke before she could say anything.


    Deidra stared at him for a moment, her beautiful face puzzled. "Dragon Blood?"


    Nix nodded. "That''s the price for me representing you against Jargon Kane''s Champion."


    Deidra sighed heavily. "What do you know?"


    "Only that your son disappeared and now Jargon is requesting mating rights. An odd coincidence considering that he also requested the same from Tai''Qui, whose Champion is also indisposed."


    "You think it''s a conspiracy?" Deidra considered the idea for a moment. "Let''s talk about this later. Will you champion my cause Guild Leader Nix?"


    "I accept the temporary appointment, Dragon Master Deidra." Nix bowed formally.


    /Inferno: Pon: The hell are you doing over there, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Seems like this Jargon dragon is really trying hard to get laid.


    [Whisper Tai''Qui to Nix] Are you cheating on me with another dragon?


    Nix laughed aloud and scanned the area, Fajii and Tai''Qui were both walking toward him.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] It seems that Deidra is in the same position as you. She has asked me to represent her against Jargon''s champion.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Is she paying?


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Yes. Where did Sindi and Nihlus pick up the Sword of King''s Quest?


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] It was sponsored by Jargon Kane.


    Fajii stepped away from Tai''Qui and hugged Nix for a moment. "Don''t forget to include me in the Rat-Raid!"


    Nix nodded. "Don''t worry."


    The noisy training yard went silent a moment later when a breach opened up in the center of the courtyard. The aura of a powerful beast could be felt exerting pressure as it stepped through. The beast in question wore human form. A tall man with wide shoulders, his gold robes shimmered in the sunlight. His black hair hung to his shoulders, his pale and coldly handsome face seemed devoid of any humanity.


    Nix has activated his aura [Raging Ignition].


    Fury Flames surrounded Nix as he moved toward the dragon, caught up in his wind aura, it swirled around him like an Inferno. The sand beneath his feet melted and splashed as he stepped on it. He could feel his own aura slice into Jargon Kane''s causing the dragon to lock eyes with him.


    "You will limit useless displays of strength if you expect to visit this Greater House of Inferno." Nix''s voice was calm, the white flames around him drove back the members of Jargon''s group. As house leader, he could expel anyone he wanted, this included any dragon that wasn''t the Dragon City Master of Solomon City.


    Jargon let his aura fade away, a fake smile on his face. "Guild Leader Nix, I haven''t seen you since the cities rejoined."


    Nix dropped his flames suddenly and bowed respectfully. "Actually I saw you recently, in the Dragon Master''s parade. You were swimming, I believe."


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] I knew it was you! Big f*cking brass balls!


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Nonsense. Chiba told me about it.


    "Tai''Qui! My champion is here on my behalf to forward my petition." Jargon Kane turned abruptly away from Nix and faced the earth dragon.


    Deidra stepped forward before anyone else could speak. "Guild Leader Nix will be representing the interest of Solomon City and Houdinya."


    Jargon stared at Nix. His dark eyes showing malice. "You''ve chosen a human as your champion?"


    Deidra nodded. "Yes. I refuse your petition. Nix will argue my case.


    Tai''Qui smiled slightly. "I also refuse. I will leave it to Nix reject your petition."


    Rhy used her hud to change the training yard option to a fighting arena. A platform rose up in the middle of the yard, while three rows of seating sprouted around the edges.


    /Inferno: Pon: Fancy.


    A dragon spawn stood across the arena from Nix. He wore emblazoned gold armor complete with a horned helm. A single great sword was strapped to his back. "I am Talon Kane, representing the interest of Dragon Master Jargon Kane. He has petitioned to partner with Tai''Qui and Deidra for their Krelandur."


    Nix cleared his throat and pushed flames into Wrath. The white sonic blade buzzed when he swiped it in the air. "Jargon Kane''s petition is denied."


    The air shimmered for a moment and a man in blue robes appeared.


    /Inferno: Pon: Hey... It''s the idiot from the Greater House Trial.


    /Inferno: Wind: The bastard with the lever.


    The man in blue studied each dragon in turn before speaking. "The specifics have been set. The petitioner will set the winning requirements and start the match."


    Jargon Kane stood in the first row, his face plainly showed the contempt he felt. "This is a deathmatch challenge. FIGHT!"

 427 Morti Returns

    An instant later, a towering Titan cub appeared in front of Nix. Leveling up had caused him to grow about two feet while packing on three hundred pounds of muscle. Morti stood nearly 17 feet tall on his hind legs, his sharp eyes staring at the dragon spawn. "Are we gonna swat him?"


    Talon has activated [Dragon Leap].


    The dragon spawn flashed passed Mortimer, his sword raised to strike directly at Nix. A moment later an enormous paw sent him skidding across the stone platform, his armor grinding against the tile in a spray of sparks.


    Nix has activated [Black Ice: Sculpture].


    Talon was instantly snap-frozen in Black Ice, his face locked in an expression of bewilderment.


    Nix walked towards the frozen dragon spawn while looking at his inventory. Morti waddled along beside him.


    "He looks dead, Nix."


    Nix shook his head and took out a white box. "Frozen."


    Morti huffed his nose several times, peering down into the box. "Hyai make that?"


    "Yep. Sandwiches."


    "Can I have one?"


    "I''ll give you two." Nix held up the sandwiches, magically they disappeared into the cub''s mouth without being chewed. The two of them studied the figure encased in Black Ice while they finished off the boxed lunch.


    "That''s lasting a long time. I should swat him again."


    Nix stowed the box and brushed his hands off.


    Nix has activated [Black Ice: Fist]


    Both of Nix''s fist turned into head-sized balls of Black Ice. "Go wait on the far side."


    Nix waited a few moments and then slammed his fist into the back of the frozen dragon spawn. A sound like the shattering of glass echoed in the arena as Talon was sent flying across the platform.


    The titan cub''s big tongue lolled out the side of his mouth as he charged at the dragon spawn. A crushing blow from his paw sent the target back in the other direction. "Swat!"


    [Burst]


    Nix appeared in front of Talon and punched the heavily armored knight in the chest as hard as he could. The stunned knight tumbled head over heels back towards Morti like he was shot from a cannon.


    [Sudden Escape][Dragon Roar]


    Combination Successful.


    Mortimer is immune to Fear.


    Nix has resisted Fear.


    Nix has activated [Black Ice: Sculpture].


    Once again, Talon was snap-frozen in place. His face held an expression of stark fear.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky smiled sweetly at her two favorite family members. Her all-blue eyes taking in everything before resting on the frozen sculpture. "That''s an impressive CC spell Nix. Indefinite?"


    "I''m too bored to find out." Nix bent closer to Ducky and whispered something in her ear. When he finished he punched Talon in the side of the head, knocking him to the ground and breaking the Sculptor spell.


    Talon has been bewitched.


    "W-We do?" Talon stumbled alongside Ducky, his eyes watching her every move. "You''re very pretty."


    Ducky offered him a smile. "Thank you. Where is Breach Commander Mtui?"


    "He''s locked up in the lower level of the Dra..."


    Jargon Kane has cast [Facade].


    Talon is no longer bewitched.


    "STOP!" The man in blue appeared in the air over the arena. "Outside interference is not tolerated in this contest. Talon Kane is disqualified and the petition has been denied.


    Jargon Kane roared angrily and disappeared in a flash of blinding light, the sound of his anger instilling a sense of dread in the already tense atmosphere.


    "He''s kinda scary." Morti pushed his wet nose into the side of Ducky''s face, making her laugh loudly.


    "He was," Ducky agreed. Her slim fingers stroking the titan cubs soft ears. "Were you and Nix playing a game?"


    Morti''s big head nodded up and down. "What do you call that, Nix?"


    "Dragon Pong." Nix spotted Deidra walking toward him. Her normally impassive face was red with anger.


    "He''s sealed off Talumbir." Deidra shook her head slightly. "Why would he do that?"


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] It''s his fall-back plan. Would you agree to accept his petition if it was the only way to save your son?


    [Whisper: Deidra to Nix] I would.


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] Don''t worry. Your son is my friend. I''ll get him out of there.


    [Whisper: Deidra to Nix] You can get into Talumbir?


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] It''s what I do.


    Nix opened a breach from the arena to Inferno City''s control room a few minutes later. Several of his guildmates accompanied him along with Deidra and Tai''Qui. "We have to move fast, strictly a smash and grab. Well... minus the smash part. We''re just going to grab."


    "I''m coming." Deidra sat next to Nix on the infusing platform. "Brief me."


    Nix paused for a moment and then nodded. "Several key things to know. As you remember, this used to be the marrow extraction platform. Probes were pushed into your bones and the marrow was sucked out and sent to a central storage bank directly beneath the city."


    Deidra nodded. "I don''t know much about the actual workings of the process."


    "The Dragon Cities would draw upon this bank for its energy needs. Guess what all the dragons did once all the cities were hooked up to the spectrum?"


    Deidra shook her head slightly. "I''m not sure what the others did, but I was able to reclaim some of my marrow."


    "Yes. All of you did that. Those lines that once held marrow were drained, some of those lines were rerouted when the cities were connected, while others remained empty."


    "I understand. We''re going to use these lines?"


    Nix nodded. "Inferno City now enjoys a direct link to each of the dragon cities, a spectrum supply line that runs from our bank here to the banks within each city."


    /Inferno: Pon: Can''t you just cut off Talumbir? That would bring their shields down.


    /Inferno: Nix: Even if I cut them off, their bank is full of spectrum energy. Who knows how long it would take for them to deplete?


    "We are going in through the central supply line. Once in the city, our objective is to locate Elan Mtui." Nix placed three Emperor Nether Rat puppets on the floor, along with six smaller ones."


    /Inferno: Pon: That''s a lot of rats. I''m in.


    /Inferno: Wind: Me too.


    /Inferno: Rhy: Same.


    /Inferno: Fajii: I''m coming.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yep.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Definitely.


    Nix considered the options for a moment before he started handing out puppets. "The six smaller rats are mid-level puppets. You''re going to detonate them within Talumbir."


    Pon''s old face creased into an evil smile "We''re blowing shit up? Lovely."


    You have joined the Ratpack Channel.


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] If you''re coming, you will have to follow my directions.


    [Whisper: Deidra to Nix] I will.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Here''s our layout.


    [Nether Emperor Rat] Nix, Deidra, Beta.


    [Detonation Rats] Pon, Wind, Semmi, Jun Li, Rhy, Fajii.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: How will we get Elan out once we locate him?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Unknown at this point. He''s probably being held in or near something that is disrupting his Breach Commander abilities.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] I''m being left out.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Sorry. You have the short straw. Next Rat-rescue we have, you can come. Stay here and make sure the puppeteers are safe. You can join the channel and listen in.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Fine.


    Nix leaned back against the platform and inhabited his Nether Rat.


    /Ratpack: Pon: Shouldn''t these lines be filled with spectrum?


    /Ratpack: Nix: The banks drain all the spectrum and store it for use. The lines will be empty, the residual spectrum won''t harm a puppet.


    Nix entered the line through the marrow probe, wincing when he thought of the object being jammed into dragon bones. It was about ten inches in diameter, more than enough for rats to sneak through.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Talumbir was one of the last cities we hooked up. We''ll follow the spectrum supply line right to their bank. From there we''ll enter the city through the infusion chamber.


    /Ratpack: Pon: Will you be able to find it?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Probably. If we can''t then it''s Plan B.


    /Ratpack: Semmi: You didn''t mention a Plan B.


    /Ratpack: Nix: We take down their shields by blowing up their spectrum bank. Then we go in hard.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: I''ve placed my House and the House of Tempest on full alert. If it comes to that, we will follow you in.


    Nix scurried through the main supply line, finding the correct route to Talumbir bank was fairly easy. The line opened into a small reservoir that fed directly into the spectrum bank. From there a half dozen lines exited to the different subsystems within the city.


    /Ratpack: Semmi: If these lines are fairly straight, then the control room would be one of these two.


    Rat-Semmi poked her nose into one line and sniffed, then she did the same with the other.


    /Ratpack: Semmi: The scent of marrow is stronger in one of these. Wouldn''t that make sense if it leads to the Infusing platform?


    /Ratpack: Nix: The theory is sound. Let''s go with it.


    /Ratpack: Tai''Qui: I''ve placed Houdinya on alert. If it comes to a fight, my people will assist also.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Thank you.


    Nix recognized the narrowing of the passage as it branched off from the main supply line. They were in the right one. A few minutes later, Rat-Nix entered the control room in Talumbir through dragon marrow probes. One by one they entered, nine rats in all.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Amazing. We entered a fully secured Dragon City.


    /Ratpack: Nix: We''ll head up the ramp and then separate. The detonation team will pick random targets and wait.


    /Ratpack: Semmi: Stay out of sight and act like a rat.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Good advice. If you''re caught, just die like any normal rat.


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] Do you know where they''d keep him?


    [Whisper: Deidra to Nix] I have an idea from what Talon said.


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] Lead the way.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Good luck. We''re going after Elan.

 428 Rat Rescue part one

    /Ratpack: Nix: Dragon Pong''s house? Great.


    Diedra scurried up the ramp with Nix and Beta following behind. After exiting the grate, the six lesser rats scattered in separate directions.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Stealth up, but stay hidden. The ability to see through stealth isn''t that rare.


    /Ratpack: Wind: I don''t know what I was expecting, but this isn''t it.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Problem?


    /Ratpack: Semmi: Streets are empty, no patrols or alert.


    /Talumbir City Message: Jargon Kane: The City has been locked down as part of a SkyKingdom exercise and will remain that way until further notice. You may resume normal activities.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: He''s keeping it quiet. I''d probably do the same thing, since breaking into a secured Dragon City is impossible. They aren''t on alert.


    /Ratpack: Pon: Where should I go to really make a bang?


    /Ratpack: Semmi: No idea. Pick any target.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Find where the tavern stores their booze. That shit will create a bang.


    /Ratpack: Pon: Yep. I''m on it.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Also anywhere that deals in alchemy. They have a large variety of things that can be problematic.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: I know what to look for! Thanks.


    Rat-Deidra slinked along the edge of buildings and across streets as the three Nether rats made their way towards the main house of Kane. There were no guards and although the gates were locked, the rat-trio easily passed through the spaces between the bars. They moved quickly under the cover of shrubbery and after a few minutes were within range of their target.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: What''s the plan?


    /Ratpack: Nix: There are four levels. I think we can rule out the fourth floor. We head down first.


    Nix took the lead and led the group around the edge of the house. There were no obvious entries like there would be in a normal house. After completing an entire circuit around the estate, he spotted an open window on the second floor.


    /Ratpack: Nix: It''s one of the corner rooms. We''re climbing. I''ll go first, wait for me to signal.


    The brick sides of the Kane House may have presented issues for a person to scale, but to a Nether Rat with curved sharp claws, it was only a few seconds of effort.


    Nix went straight up the wall at full speed. He paused on the window sill and peered in. It was definitely one of the four pillar rooms. Once inside he discovered three doors, two of which were open. One was obviously a closet and after taking a quick look, the third was the bathroom.


    /Ratpack: Nix: It''s a pillar''s room. Come up fast.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Nix?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Bathroom.


    Nix already knew that the teeth, claws, and physical strength of an Emperor Nether Rat puppet far exceeded normal rats. After seeing the metal drain that had been chewed up and then bent off, his companions realized it also.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Wouldn''t taking the hall be easier?


    /Ratpack: Nix: See a lot of rats in the halls of Greater Houses? There are dozens of rats in the area, but all of them are below us.


    Without speaking further, Nix pushed into the drain, using his sharp claws for traction inside of the slick pipe.


    Rat-Fajii waited patiently for Nix to navigate. Instead of all going at once, Rat-Nix found the best route and then passed on directions. The other two waited inside the pipe at the first intersection.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Right at the first intersection, then four meters will be a downward pipe, it''s easy to miss since it''s partially clogged.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: With what?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Um... Don''t ask. This pipe takes you to the first level, it continues down don''t go that way. Take the first right you can. That one angles downward and comes out in the basement.


    Fajii followed the directions, unhappy that her sensitive rat nose could easily identify a wide variety of scents. The basement exit that Nix mentioned was the drain of the basement utility closet. By the time they joined Nix, he was already digging a large hole in one of the corners.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Now we''ll go in the walls. A much easier method of travel.


    Deidra remained mostly quiet while Nix led them into the house. He was confident and resourceful, an entire raid team had entered a secured Talumbir without anyone raising the alarm.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Are we splitting up now?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Yes. Deidra will search this level. This is the outside wall, chew small peepholes at the corners. Fajii will stay on this level too, making her way from the other direction.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: What will you be doing?


    /Ratpack: Nix: I''m going up to the first floor to scout. Not sure what I''m looking for at this point. You two will be looking for Elan, and perhaps whatever is keeping him from creating a breach.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: I thought he couldn''t breach because of the lockdown.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Lockdowns should only prevent breaching in. Something else is preventing him from exiting.


    Nix entered the hole he created and then climbed straight up, the slight change in temperature, and the floor joists told him he was on the first level. It was here he abandoned his plan to use the walls and instead started chewing into the floor vent. Every room was likely to have a floor vent that he could scout from.


    The first vent he checked was obviously the entryway. Nix could see the front doors and the reception area. From there he easily scurried unseen from room to room, it only took a few minutes to find his target. The set up to the main office was exactly like his own room at the Greater House of Inferno. As he progressed forward, he scouted the bathroom and then the bedroom. The sound of voices made him slow his progress, he inched forward on his soft furred stomach.


    "-matter that you were enhanced? They played with you because you aren''t a threat to them." Jargon''s voice was easily distinguished, it dripped of arrogance, even when speaking to his own champion.


    "I should have summoned Delex and Bovin. I was caught unprepared." Talon Kane spoke respectfully, it was obvious to Nix that he was scared of the Talumbir Dragon Master.


    After several seconds of painstakingly slow movement, Nix was finally in a position to see Jargon Kane sitting at the office desk with Talon directly in front of him.


    "It wouldn''t have mattered, Talon. That was a Titan cub, he would have taken you and your companions by himself." Jargon drummed his fingers on the smooth surface of his desk. "That other one... the water creature. She would have made you kill your allies and then commit suicide. I was forced to lose the contest to stop you from confessing everything."


    /Ratpack: Nix: How can Jargon have dragon spawn? Who birthed them?


    /Ratpack: Deidra: There are two ways to create a dragon spawn. Females accomplish this with their eggs, while males use blood fusion.


    /Ratpack: Nix: So basically they overload them on dragon blood?


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Yes. Although the rate of death is very high if they don''t use a dragon descendent to start with.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: I''ve found him.


    Jargon stood suddenly and walked toward the door, his champion followed on his heels.


    Nix considered the options for a moment and then pushed against the floor vent cover. He might not ever get another chance to search Jargon Kane''s office.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Wait for Deidra, the two of you be very careful. Keep me posted. I just need a few minutes.


    The Rat-King was inside the room within a few seconds, after scurrying across the floor, he clamored up the chair and started using his paws to pull drawers open. The first drawer had a few items that seemed too mundane to bother with. There were two vials of a gold liquid in the second drawer. Nix thought they looked similar to the gold element that Chiba got from Eidengal, so he carefully put them both in his mouth.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: He''s unconscious Nix, there''s some sort of poison in the room.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Almost done.


    Nix opened the bottom drawer, a gold pen was the first thing that caught his eye. He picked it up with his front paws, cursing the fact that he didn''t have a backpack. "Damn... That''s a really nice pen." Under the pen was a small silver case with several rings in them. Some of them were plain, while others had elaborate jewels.


    /Ratpack: Nix: I wonder if the One Ring is in here.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: What?


    /Ratpack: Rhy: Ring? What are you guys talking about?


    It only took Nix a few minutes to reunite with his rat group. Together, Deidra and Fajii managed to chew enlarge a small hole in the corner.


    Elan Mtui lay on a single cot small room. There were no windows or lights, a large pan of liquid nearby cast a reddish glow in the room. A crimson tinted fog hung in the air.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Dragonsbane.


    /Ratpatck: Nix: That sounds ominous. Bad for dragons?


    /Ratpack: Deidra: No. However, it is very useful against dragon spawns and descendants. It was used against our forces the last time we fou...


    /Ratpack: Nix: Last time you fought Khione?


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Yes. We destroyed every bit that we could find.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Why is he wearing the House of Kane uniform?


    /Ratpack: Nix: My guess was that he was charmed and disguised. We''ll ask him later.


    Nix dug out one of the small flowers. They looked exactly like a red flower that used to grow in the fields next to the Camden apple orchard. His mom had called them ''devil''s paintbrushes.'' He fished another one out of the pan and dragged it to the hole in the wall.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Remove them?


    /Ratpack: Nix: It''s a good start. There''s only a dozen or so by the look of it. Leave them in the wall for now.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: None of Jargon''s people could come in here, he''ll have to do it himself.


    /Ratpack: Nix: I''m counting on it. Less of a chance that we''ll get caught.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: It may be rare in the SkyKingdom, but Colonial has an underwater variety that is quite abundant.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Uses?


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Remember those explosives that the Elite Aquarion''s made when they attempted to invade Lohai?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Sure, they looked like pineapples and had air sprites inside. Throw them at something and they blow up. (Reference Ch 61)


    /Ratpack: Fajii: That flower is one of the main ingredients.


    Nix jumped on the side of the pan, tipping it over and spilling the contents onto the floor. "This stuff is volatile?"


    Rat-Fajii nodded her tiny head.


    /Ratpack: Nix: You two get under the bunk. Is Elan immune to flame damage?


    /Ratpack: Deidra: Of course.

 429 Rat Rescue conclusion

    Rat-Fajii couldn''t help but sneak a peek at Nix when the grinding started. He held the rusty spring in his hand and was rubbing it vigorously against the frame. Time seemed to slow drastically, as the two Nether rats watched the third stubbornly scrape away with the spring. After several minutes, Fajii finally spoke.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Nix... What are you doing?


    /Ratpack: Deidra: That isn''t going to wor...


    Her sentence was interrupted when the first spark flew, and the entire room flashed in a brilliant red flame. Nix was thrown off the bunk onto the floor. A moment later, he sat up, his yellow eyes trying to blink away the spots in his vision. Small tendrils of smoke rose into the air from his fur.


    *Cough*


    Almost immediately, Elan Mtui stirred. He mumbled something and moved one hand.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Was that flash loud?


    /Ratpack: Fajii: No.


    Nix glanced toward the door. and scurried toward it.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: It''s barred from the other side.


    /Ratpack: Nix: The three of us should be able to handle it.


    Fajii led the team back into the walls, and with a few minutes, they exited into the connecting room. Nix could hear the coughing of Elan through the locked door, and although it took an effort, the three of them were able to unbar the door.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Detonation team, be ready.


    /Ratpack: Pon: Finally.


    Nix nudged Rat-Deidra with his nose. "Try and get him awake."


    /Ratpack: Fajii: He needs fresh air.


    Rat-Nix walked around the room.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: What''s the plan?


    A loud bang came from the room; the Breach Commander managed to roll off the bed and was on the floor.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Blow shit up, Elan leaves the house with everyone else. Then he finds someplace safe to wait until his abilities are accessible.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: He''s on the move.


    Rat-Nix turned toward the doorway; a pasty looking dragon spawn crawled through on his hands and knees.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Get back in the walls, and find the quickest way up.


    Rat-Deidra was keeping pace with her son; he managed to sit up and lean against the wall. "Let me know when your abilities can be used."


    Elan nodded groggily. "I will. Thank you for helping me."


    Rat-Nix watched with interest. Although Deidra was obviously not a doting mother, in this instant, her affection for her son was clearly evident. "On your feet. We''re on borrowed time; once we get out of here, we can find you someplace to rest."


    /Ratpack: Fajii: Rooms down here are just storage; there''s a clear route to the stairs.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Time to go. Does he know what he has to do?


    /Ratpack: Diedra: I told him. Walk out of the house with everyone else, then find someplace to hide until he can open a breach.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: There are a few people lounging next to the stair exit on the first floor.


    /Ratpack: Nix: In the walls, time to go.


    Nix scurried back into the next room and then entered the wall. Deidra was obviously unhappy about leaving Elan, but she followed along. The Ratpack trio reunited at Fajii''s location near one of the floor vents. It seemed to take forever, but only a few minutes went by before their Elan made it to the stairs.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: He''s in position.


    /Ratpack: Nix: We just need one explosion to start. Do it, Pon.


    /Ratpack: Pon: Bonzai!


    A moment later, an explosion shook the house; it triggered off a succession of explosions that were much stronger. Rat-Nix nodded in satisfaction when the doors and windows rattled in the House of Kane.


    Dozens of people emerged from multiple directions, all running for the exit at the same time. It was here where Elan Mtui emerged from the basement and fell in behind them. All three rats scurried across the floor as the House of Kane emptied out to investigate the disturbance.


    /Ratpack: Nix: We''ll head to the infusion platform and stay in place until Elan manages to leave.


    /Ratpack: Semmi: Can I go next? Pon took out the tavern and two nearby buildings.


    Elan Mtui kept his pace to a walk, although still dizzy, he managed to follow a large group of people from the House of Kane. He ducked into one of the fountain gardens close to the central square, after splashing water on his face he sat behind a large statue and waited. From the actions of the spectators, this was thought to be an accident.


    Nix led the other two Nether Rats back into the infusion probes, he squeezed in into the line and waited. Another five minutes went by before he received the news.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: He''s out Nix, Elan opened a breach directly into my sanctuary.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Detonation team, finish up.


    Nix scurried down the line, just as several explosions rocked the city at the same time. A few minutes later, they exited into Inferno City.


    /Ratpack: Pon: It killed me to blow up all that booze.


    /Ratpack: Wind: Literally.


    Rat-Nix stopped next to himself, opening his mouth to retch.


    *Blech*


    /Ratpack: Pon: The hell are you doing?


    After several tries, Rat-Nix managed to spit out the two vials of gold liquid. He uninhabited the puppet and picked it up along with the prize.


    "Nix?" Deidra was staring at the vials. "Where did you get those?"


    "Found ''em." Nix stowed them in his inventory and started removed the rings he had pushed up his rat legs. One by one, he gently removed them without damaging the puppet.


    /Ratpack: Deidra: You took Jargon''s heritage rings?


    /Ratpack: Nix: These are mine.


    Nix turned one over in his hand and examined it.


    Ring: [Unidentified].


    ******************


    "NO!" Jargon''s roar of anger shook the entire city. The dragon stared at the empty cell; his dark eyes lit with rage and confusion. "HOW?"


    He tore through the ceiling of the basement and burst through the front door before changing into this dragon form. The magnificent gold beast turned its eyes on his Talumbir. It only took a few seconds to verify. Gone... Elan Mtui was no longer in his city.


    For the next hour, all of Talumbir huddled in fear as the dragon rampaged in the street, dozens of buildings were leveled or burned in his anger. By the time he regained control of himself, the city was thick with the smell of smoke.


    Talon clenched his jaws together, to stop them from chattering. He knew without a doubt that Jargon could easily kill him in a fit of anger. He stood in front of the door to the main house when his master returned.


    Jargon walked by his champion without speaking. Somehow, Elan had escaped. Were their traitors in the House of Kane? A secured Dragon City couldn''t be breached into. He entered his office and sat behind the desk, immediately realizing something was wrong. His gold pen was sitting on top of the desk.


    He reached for the third drawer, a cold chill running down his spine when he noticed the empty container next to a hastily scrawled note. "My rings..." He glanced at the note; it had a rough sketch of a male appendage with the words "Jargon Sucks" written next to it.


    Talon was knocked down by the blast that destroyed the Main House of Kane. The Golden Dragon appeared in the middle of it, blanketing the compound in flames. Without thought, the dragon spawn ran for his life.

 430 Infernos Plans

    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Everything happened so fast that I forgot to thank you for representing me again Jargon Kane.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] You''re welcome. Know what''s in these vials?


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Draconian Element.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Hmm... Sound''s kinda important.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] It very valuable to dragons, I''ve heard that it can mutate a very strong dragon spawn into a dragon. However, I can''t substantiate the claim.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Know what my new heritage rings do?


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] Those are entry passes, Nix. I can''t really say more without violating an oath. Secure them in Haven, or you''ll have dragons after you.


    Deidra walked toward Nix and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you. For defending my Krelandur choice and freeing my son. I will send payment when I return to my sanctuary."


    Nix nodded. "Take care of Elan. Let me know when you will be coming to Haven."


    **********************


    Although it had already been an eventful day, it was only a bit after sunset. Inferno decided to grab a quick meal and then meet back at the Turtle House after dinner.


    Nix entered through the front door, Fajii was holding on to his hand while discussing the many possible uses for Nether rats. The smell of freshly baked bread filled the first level. Hyai and Shae were sitting at the Kitchen Island.


    Shae walked around the island to greet him with a hug, she did the same to Fajii with a big smile. "I hear you went on another Rat-Raid."


    The alchemist nodded happily and started telling them all the details. Nix chuckled at seeing the reserved Aquarion so animated. After noticing that both ovens were being used, a quick peek told him that they were having shepherd''s pie for dinner. "I don''t mean to interrupt, please tell me you put that goat in this."


    Hyai shook her head slightly. "It''s too much work to bring that animal here."


    Nix frowned at the redhead. "Next time we eat at the ranch, I''m barbecuing that bastard."


    A few minutes later, Hyai pulled two loaves of bread out of the oven. Nix cut them in thick slices and slathered butter on one of them. Hyai pinched him when he took a large bite.


    "So impatient. Grab some plates." Hyai rummaged through the utensil drawer for silverware while Shae used the Tap to pour everyone drinks.


    "You didn''t mention how your fight with House of Kane''s champion went." Shae had claimed the seat next to Nix, her leg would brush against his whenever she moved.


    Fajii shook her head. "Did you see how strong Morti looked?"


    Nix finally realized what was bothering him, their Desert Fox guest was missing. "Where''s the girl?"


    "Lucid came by and brought her to HQ," Hyai replied.


    "How''d that go? Lucid can be a bit scary." Nix finished the rest of his dinner and shook his head when Shae offered him a ghost pepper.


    "She was in human form." Hyai smiled broadly. To her knowledge, no one had seen Lucid as anything other than a scorpion.


    "That''s good. Lucid will start the process by making friends. We need to grab the rest of Kia''s people and bring them to the temple." Nix said it with confidence, if they could awaken dormant bloodlines, the Titans of Everspire would start to regain their old strength.


    "No rat-raid?" Shae''s pretty face showed her disappointment.


    Nix shook his head. "I''ll sneak in and get an eye on our targets. After that, we''ll see what''s necessary."


    "Tai will be coming to the meeting." Hyai had spent a large portion of her morning talking with the Earth dragon. "She said her scouts should get back to her today."


    Nix was hoping for a chance to hit Khione, anything they could do to slow down her preparation. "That''s on the agenda, the restoration quests, and my departure."


    All three women frowned at him. He would have to recharge the Phoenix Totem for the Krayven Clans. He also promised to visit his sister at Loki.


    "You always take on too much." Shae shook her head slightly. "No more solo missions. You are way too important."


    "The three of you will be way too busy to worry about me."


    *********************


    An hour later, the officers of Inferno were seated or standing around the kitchen island at the Turtle House. A 3-D topographical map of Khione''s stronghold was on display, the earthworms that Tai''Qui sent in had completely their scouting mission. The earth dragon was explaining the layout.


    "She''s anchored three Ice seeds deep under the earth''s surface. This isn''t normally a volatile area, but the presence of these seeds are creating havoc."


    Pon pointed to a large reservoir of molten rock. "Shouldn''t this have made its way upward and destroyed the seeds?"


    "Yes. There''s something else there, but my scouts could get no closer." Tai''Qui had changed her clothes since earlier. Her green bandanna made her brown eye seem warm.


    "I''ll head up that mission." Shae volunteered herself, and then glanced at Pon. "I know you were planning on helping Nix, but I could use your flames."


    Pon smiled good-naturedly. Shae was one of his oldest friends, their relationship going all the way back to her days with the Salamander Guild. "Of course."


    Nix nodded happily. With Pon in attendance, they''d be able to handle anything short of Khione herself. "Take Hyai, the three of you should be enough to handle whatever comes up."


    Fajii took control of the hud map and changed it to a Colonial Map. "Thanks to Nix''s sources, we have locations for twelve different Temple sites. Six of those are in Colonial, three are in Oasis and the last three are in Everspire."


    "Holy crap." Ronnie said what everyone was thinking. "Where did all this intel come from?"


    Fajii smiled at the dark archer. "We also have the names of all the disciples that are working each of those temples. The Temple of Scorched Earth has made wiping these cultists out our number one priority."


    Sometimes Nix had to be reminded that Fajii had a very strong acolyte force behind her. "Coordinate your attacks and hit all twelve at the same time. Even if one or two escape, it should hamper their progress."


    "What''s the special mission?" Jun Li had been told that she''d be in charge of a special mission, but Nix hadn''t said anything else about it.


    "The Ice Moon temple." Nix changed the hud map to a location just north of the Great Desert. "My intel gave me this bit of information this morning. It is where they are training Cultists."


    Jun Li nodded and zoomed in on the site. "How big a force should I bring?"


    "Leva will come with you. Take Mina, Captain Locas, and Vooni."


    "Leva?" Jun Li didn''t know much about the former Fallen Chancellor, but she did realize that her abilities made her a key component. "We''ll have support from her Nether forces?"


    "Yes." Nix brought up the missions for the rest of the group to see.


    [Khione''s Peak] Shae, Pon, Hyai.


    [Cultist Stronghold] Jun Li, Leva, Locas, Vooni, Mina.


    [Cultist Disciples] Fajii and her Acolytes.


    [Mid-Everspire Quess] Nix, Wind, Bali, Ronnie, Darsi.


    "Bali, Ronnie, and Darsi?" Wind smiled at the list. "That''s a lot of ranged damage."


    "I plan on using Darsi sparingly, keeping her out of sight until we need sniper support." Nix took out a Nether Rat puppet and placed it on the counter. "I''ll head into the Red Lion Clan and find the rest of Kia''s people."


    "I want to go." Tai''Qui spoke quietly, her eyes watching Nix.


    Shae''s lips curved in a smile. If Nix let Tai go, then he''d have to bring everyone. "Take out the rest of them Nix. It''s a rat-invasion."


    **********************


    A breach opened in the outskirts of the Red Lion territory, a moment later a large group of rats streamed through.


    /Ratpack: Shae: Why are these rats smaller?


    /Ratpack: Nix: Those are all Revenant level rats. I only have a few Emperor rats so I don''t want to risk them.


    /Ratpack: Fajii: You''re using one.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Right... I am the Rat-King. There are dozens of rats in a camp this size, spread out, and scout the area.


    From Kia''s description, Nix had a good idea where the servants were kept. He stealthed and headed toward the camp.


    /Ratpack: Bali: Let''s go blow that one guy up. Kia told me that he punched her.


    /Ratpack: Ronnie: That''s right! Where''s his camp at Shae?"


    /Ratpack: Shae: Follow the river, he was camping right off of it.

 431 Pheonix Totem

    The northeast part of the compound was considered the servant''s area. It butted up against a rock formation that made escaping in that direction all but impossible. The only way for one of them to flee would be through the camp.


    Rat-Nix was aware that Shae and Tai''Qui were both shadowing him closely, despite his directions to spread out. Kia told him what to look for, the third tent on the right side, slightly lighter than the others. He slinked in and immediately hugged the right side of the tent as he progressed deeper.


    He moved to the far right corner, where Kia told him that her people would wash before going to sleep. It was empty because of the hour, but for Nix, it was the ideal place to stash his rat.


    /Ratpack: Nix: I''m in position. Dropping my rat here.


    Nix stood up, carefully stepped around the puppeteers that filled his living room. He activated Deep Blue and selected the Gemini Temple.


    The first level of the Gemini Temple was accessed through the training yard. A group of people was waiting there, including Esta, Semmi, Kia, and Lucid. Nix did a double-take when he spotted the Scorpion Titan, she was tanned and completely bald. The cleric had multiple rings adorning her ears, nose, and lips.


    Nix gestured to Kia. "Time to go, keep them calm, and moving through the breach."


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Red Lion Camp]


    Nix grabbed Kia''s hand and pulled her through. He understood her fear; she spent three years wishing she could leave this place and now she had returned.


    Nix picked up his Nether Rat and stowed it away before pushing aside the privacy curtain. He watched as Kia shook an older woman''s shoulder.


    "Niasa, time to wake up." Kia waited until her eyes opened before kissing her forehead.


    "Kia? Why are you here? I th.." Niasa was interrupted by a finger on her lips.


    "Our moment of escape has arrived. A powerful group has come to our aide."


    Nix waited while Kia woke up the others in the tent. To their credit, no one was overly loud. Three years of slavery made them wary of causing discourse within the camp. "This breach leads to your freedom."


    Nix was surprised when they all rushed forward; he had expected doubts and questions. Apparently, anything would be better than their current situation.


    Nix picked up Rat-Shae and placed her on his shoulder. "Let''s get going."


    /Ratpack: Bali: We didn''t get to blow that guy up. He already moved on.


    /Ratpack: Nix: Everyone head back to the rendezvous point. I''ll open a breach there that will take you back in ten minutes.


    "I am glad to meet the members of the Desert Fox Clan because it means that I am no longer alone." Lucid studied each of them; most of them were young and healthy. "Generations ago, the Desert Fox Clan was known by another name. In a pivotal battle fought centuries ago, many of us died fighting the dragons. Our sacrifice led directly to their eventual defeat and retreat into the Sky-Kingdom." Lucid approached one of the younger men in the group. "Do you know why the women of your Clan have a scorpion drawn into their skin?"


    The young man was skinny, but his shoulders were broad and looked like he would grow into a strong man. "It''s for fertility."


    /Inferno: Nix: Bonus! We''re keeping this one.


    Lucid shook her head and stopped in front of the old man in the group. She was amazed that he was able to survive three years as a slave. "Are the old ways lost? You must have heard something different as a youth."


    The old man''s face was a shock of wrinkled brown skin and white teeth. "My Gram told me once when I was a boy. That we were Scorpions, mighty warriors that once ruled the Great Desert."


    Lucid placed a gentle hand on the man''s shoulder. "Your Gram was correct. That bloodline was lost with the passage of time; I am the last. What is your name?"


    "My name is Hostil."


    "I can see some of you have doubts. I will train you and live here with you. Together, we shall restore the Scorpion Titan Clan." Lucid morphed into her scorpion form; the group stared in shocked silence. "This is the Gemini Temple; at its core, it represents sharing and teamwork. If you work hard with me, your blood will recall what has been lost."


    Hostil moved forward, his old hand reached out to touch Lucid''s armored carapace. "How would we do this?"


    Esta moved forward, not many in Everspire had seen a real Storm Singer, but their strength was known. "You will become Acolytes of the Gemini Temple; the abilities given to acolytes will help you restore your birthright."


    The rat on Nix''s shoulder nuzzled his ear. "Let''s leave them to Lucid and Esta."


    *****************


    Nix said his goodbyes before dawn and opened a breach to his campsite in the mountains close to the Krayven Clan. By the time the sun rose over the Krayven Clan, the Phoenix Totem had returned.


    Yarl yawned sleepily as he made his way back to camp. His nightly duty of protecting the flocks ended with sunrise. He stopped suddenly, and his dark lips broke into a wide smile. "It''s back! The Phoenix has returned!"


    Zinu heard the cries of joy and hastily put on her robes. Its yellow eyes watched her approach; she stopped before the edge of the ring and bowed respectfully. "We welcome you back."


    For the next three days, the Clan happily went about their daily routines. Their powerful Phoenix had returned to recharge the totem. Zinu and Guyanar spent many hours watching and conversing.


    On sunrise, after three days had passed, the Phoenix flew into the sky and headed toward the mountains. Nix landed at his campsite a few minutes later. "That was boring as hell." For some reason, he couldn''t speak or use guild chat while sitting on the totem. He dropped the phoenix form and immediately felt a wave of nausea. "It must be that damn totem," Nix recalled feeling crappy last time he returned from the Krayven Clan.


    [Whisper: Nix to Zinu] I wish to speak with you and Guyanar. I''ll open a breach inside your camp.


    [Whisper: Zinu to Nix] Right away, Nix.


    Nix created a breach, and within a few seconds, Zinu stepped through with Guyanar. Nix had noticed it when he was on the totem; the old man looked tired and gaunt.


    "It''s good to see you again." Zinu bowed politely.


    "It better if I just show you." Nix stepped away from the pair and immediately changed into his phoenix form. He took to the air and did a quick flight around the area to show them. He landed a few meters away and checked his stats before dropping the form.


    Nix [Race: Phoenix]


    [Totem Enhancement: Clan Krayven]


    Level 127


    [Class Skills]


    Scorch


    Flaming Arrows


    Fire Storm


    Predatory Scream


    From the Ashes


    Rend


    Winged Avenger


    Cataclysm


    [Special Ability]


    Return to Totem


    Strength 124


    Endurance 1688


    Intelligence 65


    Speed 701


    Perception 355


    Agility 217


    Mana 103,500/103,500


    As before, his levels, and stats continued to grow when he was on the totem. What did that mean for the other Totem creatures? Were they over-powered also?


    "You are our Totem?" Zinu''s pale face showed her shock. "You refused us when we asked."


    Nix nodded. "I did. However, I can''t watch an ally wither away to nothing. There is no debt; the totem makes my Phoenix grow."


    "This makes me happy." The old man smiled at Nix. "My years are weighing me down; it''s good to know that you are watching my clan."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Sorry old man. I''m going to require several years of your time."


    Guyanar''s old eyes stared at Nix. "If I had those years, I would certainly give them to you."


    Nix nodded. "It''s good that you agreed."


    **************************

 432 Falcon Titan

    /Inferno: Bev: Can''t use the front door like everyone else? On my way.


    Bev smiled when she spotted Nix leaning against the railing of the balcony, he smiled more nowadays than he used to. She slid the door open and wrapped him up in a hug. "About time you visit Nicky."


    Nix squeezed her tight before releasing her. "This is Bev, the territorial Governor of Loki, and my older sister. Bev, this is Zinu and Guyanar, they are part of the Krayven Clan in Everspire."


    Bev greeted them both warmly. "Welcome to Loki."


    Guyanar''s returned her smile, his eyes scanning the horizon. "This isn''t Everspire?"


    Nix shook his head. "This is Loki. The home of the 12 Pillar Alliance."


    "Going to stay the night, Nicky?"


    "I need the Falcon, but I''ll hang out the rest of the evening." Nix spotted the huge bird sitting in the middle of the spacious bedroom. "Get the doors for me Froglegs." He dragged the Titan Falcon through the double doors and onto the balcony.


    "Magnificent." Guyanar touched the dark golden-brown feathers. "Can I see it fly?"


    Nix smirked. "It''s like you know my thoughts before I say them. Have a seat." Nix spent a few seconds telling him what he wanted to do. The old man looked skeptical.


    "Let Zinu do it. I''m an old man Nix, I can barely walk anymore." Guyanar sat back in his chair and despite his reservations, did what he was asked.


    Bev whistled softly when the falcon stood. "Fifteen feet tall?"


    Nix nodded. "A bit more probably, it''s the wingspan that''s impressive."


    "Papa?" Zinu jumped back when the Falcon stood up, her eyes showed a mixture of fear and interest. "You''re doing that?"


    "I am." The titan moved to the railing. "Now what?"


    Nix dragged two chairs out of the falcon''s path. "It seems hard but it isn''t. It''s windy so hop over the rail and extend your wings, that will start you gliding. One or two light flaps should be enough to start gaining altitude."


    Zinu shook her head slightly. "He''s never done something like this." She stopped speaking a moment later when the Falcon hopped over the rail and extended its wings.


    Nix watched it glide away, it hadn''t flapped its wings yet but it was already gaining altitude. "I wonder if the Air Element takes away the need for lift."


    When the titan finally flapped its wings, it shot into the clouds. The screeching scream of the Titan Falcon echoed over Loki.


    *****************


    "He''s been up a long time." Zinu clapped and shouted whenever the Falcon flew overhead. Her smile seemed to grow larger as the hours passed by.


    "He''s really improving fast." Nix watched as Guyanar improved from a conservative start to banks, dives, and hovers. "Seems to have a knack for it."


    [Whisper: Guyanar to Nix] Thank you, Nix. I never thought I would do something like this.


    [Whisper: Nix to Guyanar] It gets better.


    A few minutes later, the old man sat up in his chair, his eyes sparkling. "I didn''t think I could do that. I saw the clouds, and distant cities."


    Nix nodded. "The Titan Falcon has unrivaled vision and flying ability. It was called the SkyKing back when the totem clans used to be Titans."


    "What do you mean?" Zinu wanted to fly the giant bird also, but her grandfather spent too much time.


    "The totem Clans are the descendants of Titans. After the dragon war, the clans separated from each other and slowly began to lose its history. With the passing years, the ability to change faded, until only a few could still do it."


    "We were Titans?" Guyanar stared at Nix. "How do you have a Titan Falcon if they are extinct?"


    "I built it at the Khalam''Zhur, a graveyard of legendary beasts." Nix let it sink in. "We are tasked with restoring three Titan Clans, the Lion, Scorpion, and the Falcon."


    Guyanar''s eyes drifted to the Falcon down below. "All three of those are extinct?"


    Nix shook his head. "Only the Falcon is completely gone, the other two have one left."


    "You wouldn''t have brought this old man here and let him fly that magnificent creature unless you have a plan." Guyanar glanced at his granddaughter. "You want Zinu to become the Titan Falcon?"


    "No. I want you to become the Titan Falcon." Nix enjoyed the shocked look on both of their faces.


    "I enjoyed flying Nix, more than anything I''ve done in many years." Guyanar shook his head sadly. "I''m too old for this. Even now I feel tired from just sitting here."


    "I''m not asking you to use this as a puppet. I want you to become the Titan." Nix patted Guyanar''s shoulder and began to explain his idea.


    *******************


    [Direct Contact: Tai''Qui]


    A life-sized holo of the Earth Dragon appeared in front of Nix. "Nix? Fajii and I were just talking about you."


    "Got a non-viable dragon egg that I can have?"


    Tai''Qui immediately nodded without hesitation "I do. Do you want it now?"


    Nix nodded. "Remember that balcony where we stashed the Titan Falcon?"


    "Sure. On your sister''s estate in Loki."


    "Yes. On the grass beneath it. Soon as you can, please."


    "On my way." Tai''Qui closed com, leaving Nix staring off into space.


    /Inferno: Bev: They look a little scared.


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t blame them.


    "You''ve done this before?" Zinu looked more nervous than the old man. "I don''t want to lose my papa yet."


    "You can think about it for a few days. Sooner or later, I''m going to need someone." Nix wasn''t about to force anyone. If they couldn''t find a volunteer, then the Krayven would remain a Totem Clan.


    "I''ll do it." Guyanar gave his grandaughter an apologetic smile. "My days have become short. With this, I could continue to guide and influence our people. I can lead them into a new era where we regain what was lost."


    A breach opened a few meters away and a large egg came through it, immediately followed by Tai''Qui and Fajii.


    Fajii grabbed Nix''s face with both hands and kissed him. "You stay away too much!"


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I''ve placed people in dragon eggs in the past. I''ve also placed essences in puppets. This is an extension of those processes, I can do it."


    /Inferno: Bev: Can I make a suggestion? Do this in front of his Clan, with everyone watching.


    /Inferno: Fajii: That''s a good idea. Let the Krayven Clan watch him become a Titan. Instead of Zinu showing up with a Titan Falcon and a story.


    /Inferno: Nix: I don''t hate the idea.


    Nix nodded to himself and turned to face Guyanar. "I will do it tomorrow night, in front of the entire clan. Speak to them, convince them of their history. They were meant to be more than just a Totem Clan."


    **********************


    Nix and Fajii spent the evening at Bev''s home in Loki. Tai''Qui brought the egg back to her nursery with the promise that she would help Fajii deliver the titan puppet and the egg to the Krayven Clan at sunset the following evening.


    Fajii left the next morning to resume her training with the earth dragon, while Nix spent the afternoon with his sister. He stayed there until an hour before sunset, at which time he opened a breach to his mountain campsite.


    /Inferno: Fajii: The egg has been placed within the circle of the totem.


    /Inferno: Nix: Understood. I won''t be long.


    Fajii sat patiently with Zinu. The old man was sitting cross-legged on the ground, wearing only a loincloth. The wrinkled skin of his body was coated in the red Phoenix clay that surrounded the totem. The herds had been brought in and all were called to witness the turning. During the day, Zinu and Guyanar told the story of Krayven''s history as one of the Titan Clans. There were many doubters, some clansmen thought that their totem might be offended by such stories. Half of them came to see if it was true while the other half came to see them fail.


    "There!" Zinu pointed to the flaming phoenix as it descended from the clouds, it circled the camp twice before landing on the totem.


    Nix flapped his wings once and then reverted to his human form while jumping down. He approached Guyanar and placed a hand on his shoulder while opening up the Animator menu. "The great Titan King Tautius has tasked me with the restoration of the Titan Falcon Clan. As the Totem to the great Krayven Clan, you have been judged worthy of this honor."


    The Titan Falcon had been placed next to the dragon egg. Guyanar turned toward his clansmen. "The cycle of life flows in reverse. At the end of my life, I return to the egg and the egg returns to its mother. From this our Clan is reborn."


    [Guyanar][Dragon Egg]


    Animate the Dragon Egg with Guyanar?


    "Yes."


    The entire clan gasped at the same time. The old man disappeared leaving only the dragon egg. Nix kept the animator menu up and restarted the new queue.


    [Dragon Egg Containing Guyanar][Titan Falcon]


    Animate the Titan Falcon using the Dragon Egg containing Guyanar?


    "Yes."


    The egg disappeared, for a moment no one spoke or even breathed. The Titan stirred slightly and then got to its feet. Guyanar''s voice carried to every person in the clan. "I have been reborn. From this day forward we are the Falcon Clan."


    /Inferno: Fajii: He''s going to claim the totem?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. That will strengthen him and perhaps help us.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Then what?


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m not sure. First, we will worry about the Scorpion Clan. We''ll keep an eye on things here. I''m interested in seeing what develops when a Titan claims the Totem.

 433 Reporting In

    Ronnie shook her head in dismay. "Your crappy gear is better than anyone elses best stuff."


    Bali nodded in agreement. "We don''t have the credits on hand to buy more than a few pieces.


    "It''s fine. Take it all on consignment. We''ll settle up after it''s sold." Nix carried the chest in the back room and left it on their workbench. His old gear was bound to him, but as owners of the Pawshop, they could unbind his gear once it was in their possession.


    "Whats-his-name is going to be angry if you don''t pick up your armor soon." Ronnie equipped her weapon and armor, her dark lips curved in a smile. "What do you think?"


    Nix had already picked up his gear from Arbor, the Eidengal Armorer. It had impressive stats, but he found the Nether King set more to his liking. He could travel to the Nether at will, and it had the appearance of regular clothes.


    "Like it?" Ronnie did a quick turn to show off her new gear.


    "Yes." Nix smiled slightly; the dark archer wore medium leather armor just like he did; however, hers seemed built for the purpose of hugging her slim curves. It was green-tinted but built layered for full movement.


    "I had your dad put an enhanced camo-overlay on it, the sound suppressing one you invented." Ronnie gestured to Bali, who was wearing identical gear. "We''re both going to need a new shapeshifter enhancement."


    Bali''s pretty face watched him. "I need a new Orion and something that flies."


    "Look at the auction house and see what you like. I''ll make whatever you like, but the price of mats is on you." Nix headed toward the door, "meet up at the Red Crane Tavern in an hour."


    A few moments later, Nix stepped onto the boardwalk and opened his hud.


    [Curse of the Ice Goddess.]


    Objective: Report to Free Trader City at your leisure.


    Description: Report to the Mayor of Free Trader City.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m going to start my quest, let''s meet back at the Market fountain in an hour.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: No problem.


    /Alpha: Wind: Buying some things in Ever Flame but I''ll be there.


    /Alpha: Darsi: I picked up some standard ''Hunt Quests.'' Keep me in the loop, and I''ll stay close.


    Nix headed north through town toward the Mayor''s residence. As the elected ruler of a city located in four different provinces, the Mayor of Free Trader City enjoyed one of the more influential positions in Everspire.


    "Greetings, sir, may I help you?" The man said the right words, but his tone spoke boredom and long hours.


    Nix nodded. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader for Inferno. I am supposed to speak with the Mayor."


    "Guild Leader Nix? Follow me, sir." The man bowed respectfully and started up the stairs.


    "This doesn''t look like a residence." Nix couldn''t decide if it looked like some sort of ancient coliseum or a hotel with too much money to spend.


    "His Honor resides on the third floor. The first floor is for litigation, and the second is where the offices are."


    Nix didn''t comment further, whoever built it had no shortage of credits. The Mayor''s Office was on the far side of the second floor. It had floor to ceiling windows on one side that ran into a balcony large enough to host a dinner party. A surprisingly youthful man sat at the head of a long table.


    "Mayor Huelix, Nix has arrived." The clerk introduced Nix like he was expected.


    "Nix? I''m Inja Huelix; I''ve been expecting you for a few weeks now." Inja held out his hand in greeting.


    "I''m afraid my duties as Guild Leader and Steward have delayed this meeting. It''s nice to finally meet you." Nix shook the hand he was offered, immediately noticing that Inja had the calloused hands of a swordsman.


    "I will get straight to the point. The Provinces of Lana, Vespri, Mocai, and Dhou are ready to reunite under one banner. As the Mayor of the City that occupies all four, it stands to reason that I will be the one to accomplish this. I need someone to influence these Provinces on my behalf."


    You Quest has been Updated.


    [Curse of the Ice Goddess.]


    Objective: The Major of Free Trader City


    has requested that you help him build support


    with leaders of the Four Corners.


    Report to General Remis in Dhou.


    Report to Quartermaster Felid Sah in Vespri


    Report to the Thieves Guild in Mocai.


    Report to Madam Ravine in Lana.


    **********Author''s Note**************


    ************************


    Maia dodged to one side, blocking a slash with her own blade and then followed through to slam the hilt into her targets forehead.


    Rayobi has been stunned.


    She grabbed his hair with one hand and plunged her blade upward into his eye.


    Rayobi has been slain.


    "F*ck..." Maia glanced at the door; the fight had been relatively quiet, so there was a good chance that no alarm would be raised. "Was this all a setup?"


    After teaming with Shank and the twins for a few easy jobs, she was asked to report to Rayobi, the leader of the Assassin''s Guild. Evidently, they been watching her for several days and already had a good indication of her capabilities. That was when things went south. Maia admitted that she would have no problem performing assassination missions, however, first she had a message to deliver. The Assassin''s Guild was to remain neutral in the war against Khione. Inferno would not tolerate assassinations aimed at themselves or their allies.


    Maia turned the corpse over, searched it before taking a moment to ransack the office. She grabbed a thick book that was bound in red leather and readied herself to port out.


    The tiniest sound of cracking caused her to turn back toward the body of the Assassin leader. "The hell is that...


    The right eye of Rayobi had turned from brown to pale blue; this was accompanied by the room temperature dropping several degrees. Kneeling quickly, she dug out the discolored eye and placed it in her inventory.


    The frost was already forming on her skin when she activated her binding stone. An instant later, she arrived in Loki.


    [Whisper: Maia to Nix] I''m in trouble. Loki portal.


    A breach opened up directly in front of her almost immediately. Nix stepped through, accompanied by Wind, Ronnie, and Bali.


    Maia was laying on the sand next to the portal when Nix arrived, the ground around her was already starting to freeze. He picked her up and opened another breach.


    [Create Breach: Loki: Houdinya]


    Fajii and Tai''Qui were training when the group stepped into the dragon master''s sanctuary. Tai offered the newcomers a smile; her once private retreat seemed to be filled with newfound friends.


    "It''s Gideon. I''m not sure what the problem is." Nix slid the ring off Maia''s hand, changing her back to him. "He was on a special assignment."


    Gideon grimaced and removed the eye from her inventory. "It''s this thing." As soon as he dropped it on the ground, the ice on his body started to retreat.


    Tai''Qui immediately raised her hand and started casting. The eye spun in the air, slowly turning brown and then growing as the earth dragon encased it in mud. When she was done Tai picked it up and examined it.


    "Careful." A voice spoke from behind Fajii. A small black fox pranced into view. "That''s a spirit splinter, I''ve never seen a piece this small radiate such power."


    Tai''Qui shook her head slightly. "Where did this come from?"


    "From the Assassin''s Guild leader, their headquarters is hidden in the Great Desert." Gideon suppressed a chill. The cold from the eye seemed to have seeped into his bones.


    "It''s exactly what Eron said. An infinitesimal shard of spirit. It''s safe now, you may examine it." Tai''Qui handed Nix the ovular mudpie she formed around the eye. It was dry and warm, apparently, Tai''Qui could neutralize the effects.


    Mud Encased Eye


    Description: Caution, a piece


    of Khione resides in this eye.

 434 The Eye of Khione

    Tai''Qui nodded slightly. "With your perception, I could train you to the Nemesis level very quickly. You have an outstanding elemental adaption."


    Nix took out a low-level rat puppet and handed it to Tai''Qui. "Any chance she could see us through that eye?"


    "She probably could if she focused specifically on it. She may have hundreds of these implanted into her people."


    Nix frowned at her words. "Could this be done without someone knowing?"


    Tai''Qui shook her head. "No." The Earth dragon looked at the rat in her hands. "This a present?"


    Nix shook his head. "Whatever you did to that eye, I want the same thing done to this puppet."


    Instead of asking why Tai''Qui immediately formed a second mudpie around the rat puppet and then handed it to Nix. "There it is."


    [Mud Encased Nether Rat]


    Nix took a seat on the grass and focused on the puppet. A moment later he found himself in complete darkness. Instead of being bound and unable to move, the earth spell created a small space void of light or sound. He scurried several steps in one direction before running into a barrier. After following it around, he estimated the space to be about twenty meters in diameter.


    He uninhabited the puppet but stayed seated. "That spell created a small space?"


    Tai''Qui''s warm eyes showed her surprise. "You were able to enter?"


    Nix nodded. "No sound or light, perhaps twenty meters across." He opened up his animator menu and set up a quick queue.


    [Mud Encased Nether Rat][Mud Encased Eye]


    During this process, one of the Earth enchantments will be removed. You may choose which one remains. Nix selected the Enchantment surrounding the rat puppet and then finished the process.


    Tai''Qui watched as one of the mudpies vanished from sight. Her curiosity piqued, Nix came at things from unexpected directions, his intentions were hardly ever clear. "What did you do?"


    Nix held up the mudpie containing the Nether Rat. "I''ve placed the eye in this puppet."


    [Mud Encased Rat Minion]


    Description: Unidentified.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: What''s the play here, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m going in.


    Nix focused on the puppet, immediately the world around him vanished and was immediately replaced by room made of ice.


    A tall woman clothed in white robes was seated on an ice throne. Both her skin and hair was the color of snow, her crystal blue eyes shimmered in the torchlit room. "Where is Seibel?"


    A Fir''Dhassi man shook his head. "No word, your Eminence. There has been no sighting of him, his father has been searching for clues since his disappearance."


    The man who spoke turned slightly causing Nix to immediately recognize him, it was Tura Zen Dar. He smiled malevolently at her words. "I will do so immediately."


    Nix dropped the inhabitants and accepted Fajii''s hand up. "How''s the Pathfinder team doing nowadays?"


    Gideon had already completely recovered and was watching Nix. "Ready and willing."


    Nix handed the Assassin the mudpie. "Long term mission for you and your team."


    Gideon turned the pie over in his hands. "What do I do?"


    "When you inhabit this puppet, you can see into Khione''s throne room." Nix''s statement caused everyone to stare at him in shock.


    Tai''Qui seemed to be the most surprised. "You saw her? In her fortress?"


    Nix nodded and placed a hand on Gideon''s shoulder. "You will take this and monitor it regularly. Only for a short period of time each day, cycle the turns through the other members of your group."


    Gideon stowed the mudpie in his inventory. "Anything else?"


    Nix nodded. "I have a target for you. Tura Zen Dar, the Leader of the Dar Clan."


    Wind grimaced at the name. "I remember that idiot. He ambushed us when we exited the Gemini Temple. His idiot son wanted to take Rhy home."


    "That''s him. He''s going to meet with Delyn Xai, he must be killed before he''s had a chance to speak with him."


    Gideon slipped on his guise ring again and changed back into Mai. "And the parameters of the kill?"


    "He dies at all costs, even if you have to do it in Parliament." Nix paused to let his words sink in. "He''s going to implicate me in the disappearance of Seibel Xai, do not let that happen."


    Mai nodded slowly. "Find him and kill him, before he talks to Delyn. We got this."


    "Report in when it is done and we''ll decide what your next task is. As a reward, I''ll personally bring you and your team to Eidengal and have the Master Armorer equip Pathfinder."


    Tai''Qui''s tanned face showed her concern. "If you can see into the Throneroom, that means her minions are able to report in instantly. Did the Assassin Guild Leader have time to contact Khione?"


    Mai shook her head. "It took her completely by surprise. She was about to offer me a position in the guild when I gave her Nix''s message."


    /Alpha: Ron: Passing love letters to the Assassin Guild Leader?


    /Alpha: Nix: The message was that we expected her guild to remain neutral in the war against Khione.


    /Alpha: Wind: Probably not something one of Khione''s people wanted to hear.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s a good theory.


    Nix opened a breach to Parliament for Gideon and then said goodbye to Fajii. "We are headed to Dhou first, then we''ll break for a few days."


    Fajii embraced him quickly. "Contact me every night and I''ll report about how my acolytes are doing on their mission."


    Nix nodded. "Thanks for your help, Tai."


    ******************


    "Looks great Deffon." The slim woman smiled at the blacksmith and recovered her armor from him. It was just basic leather armor, but her father had given her turtle shell enhancement to add. "I appreciate your hard word."


    Deffon returned her smile. He was the quintessential blacksmith, huge bulging muscles on a man who seemed twice as wide as a man should be. "Your welcome Cadie."


    "Can we settle accounts after this trip? I can pay now, but that would leave me without travel credits."


    Deffon stared at the caravan guard, normally he would never give credit. Although he knew Cadie, he hadn''t spoken to her until a few weeks ago. He found himself attracted to her friendly manner and decisive nature. They had become good friends. "That''s fine. Just come back safe."


    Cadie nodded in agreement. "Good plan. Try not to blow up the Smithy while I''m gone."


    The Blacksmith''s rumbling laugh echoed in her ears as she walked away. The young man''s eyes showed his interest. She had a shotgun shoulder holster where a custom pump sawed-off peeked out. The handle of a bludgeon was visible over the opposite shoulder and twin holstered handguns presented the picture of a pretty woman armed to the teeth.


    Cadie continued walking, her mood a reflection of the bright cloudless morning. The caravan was lined up outside of town. It took her nearly half an hour before it finally came into sight. "Nearly a hundred wagons..." The guard whistled softly while recalling their route. They would hit three smaller cities within Dhou before heading into Vesper. She would be part of the rearguard and would follow the caravan on horseback along with three others. She packed enough rations for two weeks, but would definitely need to restock since the trip would last closer to a month.


    "Cadie!"


    The guard looked up to see the familiar face of the Caravanmaster waving to her. Suddenly, she was glad she took the time to memorize all the faces Cadie was supposed to know. He was a thin dark man with close-cropped hair. He was Beugol, the man who had hired her. "Good morning, Sir."


    Beugol smiled widely at the greeting. Cadie was always respectful. "Morning Cadie. Got some bad news, the rest of our rearguard got caught up by the town guard."


    Cadie frowned slightly. "Fighting again?"


    Beugol nodded. "Fraid so. You''ll be on your own until we reach Vesper. I''ll hire some help there."


    "I understand." Four mounts were tied to the last wagon in the caravan. The wagon contained various supplies and was assigned to the rear guard. She tossed her pack in the back of it and walked toward the horses. "I will work hard, Sir."


    Beugol nodded. "You''ll get a bonus when the trip is over."


    "Thank you, sir." Cadie studied the mounts. They were all mares, one black, and three browns. They were typical caravan horses, not overly fast but made for the long haul. She untied the black horse and swung easily into the saddle.


    After an hour, the long convoy slowly started moving. Cadie sat motionless on her mount, watching the dust rise up from the dirt road. Would she see Hara on this trip? Nix should be doing the Mid-Everspire quests by now. She kicked her horse into a slow walk and started following the caravan.

 435 Ambushed Caravan

    /Alpha: Wind: We''re heading west towards the camp of General Remis?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. There is quite a bit of discord in Dhou at the moment. The Mayor was adamant in saying that it isn''t a rebellion.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: We playing this straight? Or are we going to investigate?


    /Alpha: Nix: What''s that mean?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: What if this discord is because someone is being shat on.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nice phrasing. We aren''t anyone''s muscle. We''ll get the lay of the land and then act accordingly.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: This is going to be fun.


    /Alpha: Darsi: Take a look east of us Trip-7.


    Nix turned his gazed eastward; a large caravan could be seen winding its way down the narrow roads toward Zagingba. The town, referred to as Zags by the locals, was located on the only lake in the arid climate of Dhou.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s a caravan. So what?


    Darsi was holding some sort of optic device in her hand, while she studied the terrain.


    /Alpha: Darsi: Look further down their route, about two miles.


    /Alpha: Nix: Are those binoculars? I can''t see anything.


    /Alpha: Darsi: Monoculars actually, and before you ask, I made them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Handy... What do you see?


    /Alpha: Darsi: A group of people waiting in ambush.


    /Alpha: Nix: I hate that kind of shit.


    /Alpha: Darsi: There''s a really nice peak overlooking their position. I could discourage them a bit.


    Nix glanced over his shoulder at the sniper. Her blonde ponytail flapped side to side in the air like a dog''s tail. She wore medium camo armor and had a long sniper weapon resting across her thighs. He locked eyes with her for a moment and then gave her a silent nod of approval.


    Darsi banked away from the group and accelerated; within a few minutes, she landed quietly.


    [Darsi has constructed a Sniper Nest.]


    /Alpha: Darsi: Seven hundred meters from the ambush, ready to break it up Trip-7.


    Nix watched from above; he was curious about the other former Gladis Hub crafters. It stood to reason that Darsi''s stats continued to rise as she used them. He hadn''t seen her in action since she was a noob in Mermaid City. The other Hub crafters had the same advantages he did; completely stocked crafting inventories and a vast array of methods. She had stayed at the Hub longer than he had; her artificer abilities were maxed before she ever left the place.


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t wipe them all, spot the ringleader if you can, and make an example. Oh, and make me one of those monoculars, please.


    Nix grimaced at the price. Although expensive, how do you price the ability to see further?


    /Alpha: Nix: Let me use one for a few days, and then I''ll make a trade offer.


    /Alpha: Darsi: I''ll gift you one.


    Darsi used her monocular to scout the ambushers. At seven hundred meters, she could see the freckles on their faces. It only took a few minutes to figure out who was in charge.


    /Alpha: Darsi: Small problem.


    /Alpha: Nix: We shoot small problems.


    /Alpha: Darsi: What was the name of that guy we are meeting?


    /Alpha: Nix: General Remis.


    /Alpha: Darsi: My acquired target scans as Aledo Remis. He''s young, probably mid-20s.


    /Alpha: Wind: Relative, maybe?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Who cares? Cap-em Darsi.


    Darsi smiled. She had her share of run-ins with Ronnie; all of them were interesting.


    /Alpha: Nix: Stay in place, we are going to drop stealth.


    /Alpha: Wind: What are we doing?


    /Alpha: Nix: Circle over the ambush but stay out of range.


    Nix banked and unstealthed; he flew directly over the road toward the caravan. The spotted him right away but didn''t take action until he landed his Daiken. Immediately they pulled over to one side, alternating left and then right sides of the road. They armed themselves and prepared for action. Nix walked toward them with his empty hands held straight out and palms out.


    Three men walked towards Nix, the man in front was obviously in charge, the other two were armed guards. They stopped about five meters away. "I''m Caravan Master Beugol. May I ask why you are blocking the road?"


    Nix smiled pleasantly. "My team and I were traveling toward Belatora. We spotted your caravan and a group of raiders waiting in ambush." Nix turned and pointed towards the circling Daiken in the distance. "They are directly below my team."


    "Ambush?" Beugol swore softly. He didn''t know the man in front of him, but he did know what the market price on a Daikon was. If his entire group had them, they wouldn''t need to rob a trade caravan. "Might I ask your name, sir?"


    "Nix."


    /Alpha: Wind: They are bugging out Boss.


    Beugol studied the yellow-eyed man. He knew who Nix was, and the description he''d heard seemed accurate. Inferno cleaned up Ever Flame, and everyone knew who the Steward of Ionova was. "Thank you for the warning, Mr. Nix. Although we have guards, an ambush would have been costly."


    "No worries. They know we''ve warned you and are retreating." Nix paused for a moment, unsure how to advance. "Maybe you can share some knowledge with me since I helped you out."


    The thin man and his guards walked closer, Beugol offered his hand in greeting. "Ask away, Mr. Nix."


    "Just Nix is fine. I''m meeting General Remis in Belatora. I was hoping you could give me the lay of the land."


    Beugol nodded slightly. "General Remis is the head of the army. Seems pretty reliable, but the army has its hands full with the rebellion. The rebellion consists of a sizeable force under the leadership of Dacon Ravo; a former soldier turned farmer who now lives on the outskirts of Belatora.


    /Alpha: Nix: How were those men dressed Darsi? Like soldiers, perhaps?


    /Alpha: Darsi: No. They were dressed more like bandits after you unstealthed; they all put masks on. However, they didn''t move like a group of misfits. Everything was orderly; even their retreat seemed like it came right out of a textbook.


    /Alpha: Nix: Could they be military in disguise?


    /Alpha: Wind: You thinking deserters boss?


    /Alpha: Nix: Could be a couple of different things. We''ll keep our options open.


    "I see..." Nix stared down the long line of wagons; there were a lot of supplies if someone needed to front a rebellion. "You guys heading to Belatora?"


    Beugol nodded. "Eventually, first, we are going to stop in Zags."


    "Know anything about Remis''s family?"


    "Son and a daughter from what I remember. Both of them are officers in the army."


    From the rear of the convoy, Cadie watched the interaction. Her driver had pulled over to the right, and she moved to the back of the wagon to shoot from cover. When she saw the flying mount, she realized right away which group it was. Hara told her about the quest to open up flying mounts for Everspire. There weren''t many people who had them yet.


    "Damn... I need some binoculars." From her position at the back of the caravan, she could only see the dimmest outline of whoever was speaking to Beugol. Cadie suspected that it might be Nix himself. The temptation to ride to the front and see was nearly overwhelming, but she couldn''t very well abandon her rearguard position since she was by herself. She cursed and sighed heavily. "Next time, maybe."

 436 Assassination: Zen Dar

    /Alpha: Darsi: I''m on it. I''ll keep you updated.


    Darsi banked her Daiken and moved in the direction of the fleeing raiders. She stowed her rifle and was using her monoculars to scan the raiders.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] You ever plan on spending time in the real world again?


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Eventually, I would like to. My mother and sister are both buried in Camden; I want to visit them.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Just don''t forget you''re Henry Jones, the VR lifer. Remember my family cabin in upstate New York?


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Sure. I stayed there for a few days.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I just bought it out a few weeks ago, so it''s all mine now. Feel free to use it if you ever need a place.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] You''ve been logging off?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I spend quite a bit of time in Virtuna, as a customer of Vasai Virtual you can reserve ''out of game'' stays to take care of personal matters.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Virtuna? Those are the apartments we stay in during patches.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I''m guessing you didn''t try using the Com-station while you were there. Virtuna is plugged directly into the real world. You can watch the news, sports, contact friends and family. Originally it was set up for deep-stays to keep in touch with the outside world.


    Nix had been using the Vasai banking options since he came back from the Gladis Hub Incident. There were a few menus that he hadn''t explored fully.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] My family is here, and for obvious reasons, I can never contact my real friends again.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] It''s an option. You could catch a Bill''s game.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] How''d you know I''m a Bill''s fan?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] You''ve got that heir of depression that all Bill''s fans have.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Funny. I''ll probably schedule a few days in Virtuna to catch up on news and sports.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Take your family with you, they probably miss a lot of things and don''t even realize it. Ice cream, pizza, vodka... Let me know when you do; I might tag along.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Sounds good maybe after these Four Corner Quests are done.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I''ll keep in touch. Ciao.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Stay close to Aledo Remis. Cya.


    **************************


    1300 hours, Parliament Courtyards


    Nebula sat comfortably across from Mai in the Northern Courtyards. "You''re so cute, Gid. I can''t stand it."


    /Pathfinder: Mai: Report.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Delyn Xai is still in the Xai Clan Office.


    /Pathfinder: Roto: No sign of the target yet.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Nothing to report.


    Nebs kicked her companion under the table. "Three o''clock, target sighted."


    Tura Zen Dar entered the courtyard with two others. The small group paused for a moment while Zen used his hud to talk with someone.


    /Pathfinder: Mai: Target is in the North Courtyard.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Shit. Delyn''s on the move that Tura Raine is with him.


    /Pathfinder: Mai: Delay them. Under no circumstances are you to injure Rain Xai. Nix would have our asses.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: On my way to the courtyard.


    /Pathfinder: Roto: Same here.


    Jiggs moved around the corner and then dropped stealth. He pulled his hat off and smoothed back his mass of brown hair. He took two steps around the corner and then stopped as if recognizing the approaching Dhassi. "Tura Raine Xai?"


    Raine nodded at the thief, dressed in black. He had an heir of mischief about him, the kind of person you knew was always in trouble. "Yes?"


    Jiggs smiled and bowed deeply. "I''m here about an Alliance with the Xai Clan."


    Raine pushed an errant strand of brown hair behind one ear before glancing at her Master. "We are already allied with the 12 Pillars. Guild Leader Nix brought us in a long time ago."


    Jiggs nodded knowingly. "Of course. I''m talking about something different, this is an alliance of a familial nature."


    Delyn shook his head slightly; his instinct was telling him that the human was up to something. "Sorry, friend, I don''t have time for this." The pair neatly stepped around Jiggs and headed toward the stairs.


    Jiggs smiled at the fleeing Dhassi. "You are really unconcerned by a proposal of marriage from Guild Leader Nix?"


    Both Dhassi froze in place, they glanced at each other and then turned back toward the speaker.


    "Marriage proposal," Raine asked?


    ***************


    Mai was already stealthed and headed toward the target, while Paco and Roto moved in for support.


    /Pathfinder: Mai: They are in a tight group. I''m going to take Zen down, do no interfere unless it looks like I might fail.


    /Pathfinder: Roto: Understood.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Copy.


    Mai has cast [Wild Nectar].


    Mai''s attack rating has increased.


    Mai targeted Zen Dar and waited until she was within a meter of him before she used [Binding Barbs]. Thorned vines sprung up out of the ground to wrap around the three individuals who had been talking.


    Zen Dar has been immobilized by Barbed Vines.


    Gilyn Dar has been immobilized by Barbed Vines.


    Frami Dar has been immobilized by Barbed Vines.


    Mai slapped a black disc on Zen''s shoulder and then plunged her dagger into his right eye. She thrust upward with all her strength before withdrawing the weapon and stabbing him in the side of the neck. She ducked his outstretched arms and moved behind him, her blade slicing deeply across the front of his throat. A scream of horror echoed in the courtyard as a fountain of blood erupted from the Dar Clan Leader''s throat. Mai quickly used her dagger to gouge out his right eye before quickly stepping away and activating her stealth.


    Zen Dar has been slain.


    /Pathfinder: Mai: Everyone back to Loki!


    /Pathfinder: Roto: Nice scream, Nebs.


    /Pathfinder: Nebula: Thank you, been practicing that one.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Did you take out that bastard''s eye?


    /Pathfinder: Mai: I did. According to Tai''Qui, it''s the right one that will be seeded in her minions.


    A few minutes later, Pathfinder regrouped at Loki. Mai slipped off her guise ring again and became Gideon.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: We get him?


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Yes. Put a black hand on him as well, so he won''t be getting a rez.


    /Pathfinder: Roto: Nix give you that?


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Yes. Well done, everyone. Target was taken down without collateral damage. My Mai disguise won''t be tracked to any guild.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Is the eye freezing?


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: No. It appears to be a normal eye. Tai''Qui gave me a special earth container if I were to find another Khione seed.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Creepy.


    /Pathfinder: Nebula: Good job delaying Delyn Xai; if he''d joined in the fight, things would have turned out differently.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: How''d you delay Delyn?


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: I proposed marriage to Raine Xai.


    Gideon stared at Jiggs for a long moment. The thief was known for his practical jokes. "Why would she care about some clown from Salamander? She''d probably kick your ass for even suggesting it."


    Jiggs held up his hands in surrender. "That''s what I thought, which is why I used Nix''s name. Who''s going to try and kick his ass?"


    The rest of the group stared at him wordlessly for a few seconds before erupting in laughter. The normally stoic Gideon was chuckling as she walked toward the Emerald Inn. "He''s going to kill you when he finds out."


    Jiggs winced at the statement. "Good thing for me he''s doing those Everspire quests."


    Gideon smiled at her thief comic. "You know he has his Breach Commander abilities back? I fully expect you to disappear sometime tonight."


    Jiggs froze in place. "Wait? What about the curse?"


    Gideon shrugged slightly. "Seen him open Breaches recently."


    Jiggs took two long strides and clamped his hands on his Guild Leader''s arm. "Leave that part out, Gid! He doesn''t have to know. That Xai pair were convinced that I was just messing with them."


    Gideon nodded, his smile reflecting his mood. "I won''t mention it. Let''s find a room and monitor the eye again."


    *****************


    1430 hours, Dhou Province, Belatora


    Wind whistled softly from his mount. "I didn''t realize that Belatora was so large. "


    From the air, the capital city of Dhou looked large and orderly. The foothills that surrounded the city had been flattened out, and the rocks used to construct the framework of the city. Although the same tan rocks were used to build everything, the builders had painted the roads white and the city walls a reddish-brown.


    /Alpha: Bali: I see a tent city north of town. It''s huge.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: We going to see him now?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. First, we''ll get a room in Belatora and gather some intel.

 437 Belatora

    "Where''s Darsi," Wind asked?


    "I''m assuming she is staying wherever Aledo is. Let''s check for sure."


    [Direct Contact: Darsi]


    A life-sized holo of Darsi appeared on the balcony.


    "Hey, Trip-7."


    Nix could see that she was in a room of some sort. "Where are you?"


    "The Iron Boar in Zags. I watched Aledo and his group come into town, they are staying here also. They changed into army uniforms just outside of town."


    "We need to find out of he''s playing both sides or supporting the rebel forces." Nix considered the situation for a moment before making a decision. "I''m going to send Ducky in. What room are you in?"


    "Room 22 on the second floor. Going to grab a bite to eat, so tell her to look in the dining area if I don''t answer the door."


    "Thanks, Darsi. Join us tomorrow, we''ll make contact with General Remis then."


    Darsi nodded. "Got it."


    Nix closed com and then summoned Ducky. The Water Witch was wearing a blue dress that matched her hair. She smiled at the pair and hugged Nix from behind.


    "Special mission?"


    Nix nodded. "We intercepted some caravan raiders earlier today, although we didn''t engage them their identities turned out to be soldiers rather than rebels."


    Ducky pursed her lips slightly. "Maybe they are trying to make the rebellion look bad?"


    "There are a few possibilities, which is why I want you to question Aledo Remis."


    "Sure. What can you tell me about him?"


    "He''s the son of General Remis. It was Aledo that was leading the raid today. Find out everything you can."


    Ducky nodded. "Where is he?"


    "He''s in Zagingba, which is slightly southwest of here." Nix pulled up his hud and zoomed out until he found the city. "Locals call it Zags, Darsi is staying at the Iron Boar room 22, our target is staying at the same inn."


    Ducky studied the hud for a moment and then stepped away. "I''ll bring Fey if that''s okay."


    "Sure, want me to summon her?"


    Ducky shook her head. "I''ll do it when I get outside of town."


    Nix stared at her for a moment. "You can summon Fey?"


    Ducky nodded slightly. "Fey and Soup, but not Morti."


    Nix''s face creased into a smile. "I didn''t know that. Can you summon me?"


    Ducky returned his smile and hugged him tight before stepping back. "No, only Shae and Morti can do that."


    Wind watched the interactions without comment. He had the King, which was the ultimate trump card. It would be nice to pick up a few more companions. "I''ve seen Shae summon you, but I didn''t realize Morti could do it."


    Nix shrugged. "Neither did I." He could sense that his bond with the Titan cub was constantly growing stronger. Recently, when they grouped together, Nix received strength and stamina boosts while Morti''s elemental resistances climbed upward. "Doesn''t surprise me, because of his age we formed a closer connection."


    Wind turned his chair slightly and placed his feet on the rail. "Think Ronnie and Bali are staying out of trouble?"


    Nix grinned and shook his head. "How would that be possible?"


    *******************


    The two companions walked down the boardwalk leading away from the Belatora market. Several stares from both men and women followed them. One was a slender archer with dark skin, her hips swayed from side to side when she walked and she wore a bright smile on her face that seemed to welcome conversation. Her companion was nearly a head shorter, her platinum blond hair held up in a ponytail, pretty blue eyes filled with mischief were constantly darting as if she felt the need to see everything.


    "They don''t sell any art supplies here." Bali bit her lower lip. "I''m going to make a new painting of Captain Locas."


    Ronnie threw an arm around the ranger''s shoulder. "Locas has a girlfriend now."


    Bali shrugged, she kept sketches of both Nix and Locas next to her bed. She admired both of them but never really considered why. "Locas needed a girlfriend, sooner or later I would have stepped up, maybe in a year or two."


    Ronnie nodded knowingly. Her friend didn''t have experience with either gender, but she wasn''t shy about expressing her feelings. "Woah... check that out."


    Bali stumbled slightly, pulled off balance by Ronnie''s grip. She turned in the direction her best friend was pointing to. "Horses?"


    A team of horses pulling luxurious looking coach pulled up next to the Inn where they were staying. Their black coats shined in the late afternoon sun, rippling muscles moved just beneath the surface.


    Ronni stared at the horses, her smile widening. "Those look fast, right?"


    Bali shook her head and pointed to a nearly identical team just ahead of them. "I think the brown ones look stronger and that coach is a bit sleeker."


    Ronnie frowned at her friend and walked to the side of the coach. "No driver."


    Bali nodded in agreement. "Brakes on, the driver must be helping with the bags?"


    "A disagreement between friends... only one way to handle it." Ronnie extended her hand toward the Dhassi Ranger.


    Bali shook the offered hand. "It''s a race."


    *******************


    Nix fell asleep under the comforting rays of the last few minutes of sun, it was Wind who shook him away a few hours later.


    "Someone''s at the door, Nix." Wind rubbed his eyes slightly, it was obvious he''d logged some bunk time.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Where are you?


    Ronnie may not be contacted at this time.


    "They hell?"


    [Whisper: Nix to Bali] Where are you?


    Bali may not be contacted at this time.


    Nix checked their guild status, both were listed as unavailable.


    "Looks like the dynamic duo is in trouble." Nix motioned for Wind to follow as he walked toward the door.


    The door opened to reveal the innkeeper. A portly gentleman with a bald head and hairy forearms. "Mr. Nix!"


    Nix kept his face free of expression. "Yes?"


    "Sorry to bother you, sir. One of our patrons saw the town guard arrest two of your party members a short while ago."


    Nix frowned suddenly. "Arrested? Where would they be held?"


    "The city jail is located on Inger Street sir. If you exit the inn, the third right will bring you to it."


    "Thank you, I''ll take care of it." Nix led Wind passed the Innkeeper and headed toward the stairs.


    /Alpha: Wind: What do you think they did?


    /Alpha: Nix: You kidding? With those two it could be anything.


    /Alpha: Wind: What are you going to do?


    /Alpha: Nix: Get them released.


    /Alpha: Wind: What if they won''t release them?


    /Alpha: Nix: Not an option.


    Nix laughed aloud when he saw the jail.


    /Alpha: Wind: What''s so funny?


    /Alpha: Nix: The jailhouse is made of wood.


    By the time they arrived at the jail, the streets were mostly deserted. The large wooden paneled door screeched in protest when Nix pushed it open. Two men were sitting at table playing cards when Wind and Nix entered the jail.


    "We''re closed. Come back tomorrow." The man who spoke was a thin man wearing blue robes, Nix sensed immediately that he was a water mage.


    Nix ignored the words and walked forward. "Two women from the Inferno Guild have been arrested. I will pay all damages and you will release them at once."


    The larger of the two men stood up, he had long thick arms that nearly reached his knees. "You deaf or something? We don''t open until the morning!" His deep voice raised above a polite level. "Get the fuck out before I break your arms and tear..."


    The sentence was interrupted when Nix''s booted foot kicked him in the chest, sending the guard flying backward into the walk with a loud boom that shook the building. Nix raised one hand and six emerald strands wrapped around the water mage, pinning his arms against his body. He slammed the mage against the ceiling and then against the floor before flinging him against the same wall that his unconscious friend bounced off.


    Wind picked up a binder that was resting on the desk. "Looks like the incident report."


    Nix glanced at the two men on the floor. He had the feeling that the larger man was faking in order to preserve his dignity. "Charges?"


    "Theft of transports, endangering citizens, property damage, and resisting arrest." Wind smiled when he read the list. "Not a bad evening."


    Nix spotted the door leading to the cells. "Stay here and keep an eye on those two. I''ll find the girls."


    "Nix!" Ronnie jumped up from her bunk and gripped the bars in her hands when she saw the Inferno Guild Leader. Bali was sitting on the floor with her head on her knees, she got up slowly when she heard the door open.


    "Hey, Boss." Bali offered him a slight smile and stood beside Ronnie.


    [Aura Ignition]


    Emerald flames erupted around Nix, the two prisoners backed up against the far wall as he leaned against the locked door. The latching mechanisms immediately melted and Nix kicked the door open with one foot. He dropped his aura a moment later and gestured for them to exit.


    Ronnie kissed him on the cheek when she went by him, her face was devoid of a smile for once. "They hit her, Nix."


    Nix stopped Bali when she tried to pass him, there was a large hand-shaped bruise on her face. "You resist?"


    Bali shook her head. "He did that after I was shackled. Just cause I said not to pick Ronnie up by the hair."


    Ronnie smoothed back her dark hair and scowled. "We messed up, when they caught us we surrendered properly. Those guys were a bit rough but we''re fine."


    Nix nodded. "Drag those two guards from the next room into the street and then stay out there."


    Nix waited while the two men were removed. They were both awake but neither offered any sort of resistance. The water mage had a look of stark terror in his eyes, he realized he was facing a monstrous fire user.


    /Alpha: Wind: All done boss. Are you coming?


    /Alpha: Nix: Know what I hate about prisons?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: The smell?


    /Alpha: Bali: Bad food?


    Nix shook his head. "Everything."


    [Raging Ignition: Fury Flames]

 438 Aledo Remis

    Bali watched the white flames engulf the building she had been held in, after being ordered to stand down, she watched while he torched the building and tossed the guards around like a handful of dried leaves. The two buildings on either side of the jail were stone structures; however, Nix walked in and melted them into shapeless blobs. Long white strands of flames flowed around him, tearing through stone walls while destroying everything in his path.


    /Alpha: Wind: Want me to call the guild here? The army is approaching; this could get interesting.


    /Alpha: Nix: No worries.


    /Allied Command: Commander Nix: All forces, prepare for battle.


    "F*ck..." Bali whispered under her breath. It hadn''t really hurt when they hit her. Had she or Ronnie really resisted, the two of them wouldn''t have been arrested.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] Hey... I got your back in this, but perhaps its time to take a deep breath?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Hmmm? They think stone buildings are safe, that''s not really the case. Everything burns, everything.


    Ronnie approached slowly, as a Scorched Earth Ranged fighter, her tolerance for flames was quite high. However, nothing could stand before the Fury Flames. The sonic white-hot flames tore through everything. "Nix?"


    Nix turned toward the voice. "You shouldn''t be here, Ronnie, it''s dangerous.


    Ronnie nodded in agreement but moved closer anyways. She could feet the blistering heat on her face. Nix spoke quietly, but there was a rage in his eyes. His mana should have run out within a few minutes, but it didn''t. "Drop the flames, hun, for me."


    Colonial''s Apex Fire Mage stared at the Dark Archer for a moment before dropping his aura completely. "Fine."


    Ronnie offered him a slight smile and walked forward, the heat was still more than she could handle, but she forced herself to his side and grabbed his hand. "Come with me."


    Nix nodded and complied. "Let''s get you out of here; you''re taking damage."


    Ronnie stopped and shook her head before hugging him close. Slim hands cupped Nix''s face. "These people are idiots, but they aren''t the enemy."


    Nix considered her words for a moment before taking a deep breath and releasing it. "No, they aren''t. Any fatalities?"


    Ronnie shook her head. When she saw the anger on his face, it was like he was a different person. "Whatever that was, it''s not the man I adore. Save that side of you for Armageddon."


    "I''m not worried about the ''wives.''" Ronnie pulled him toward the street, her dark face creased in a wide smile. "Besides, it''s an easy fix. I''ll just seduce your women. I''m pretty sure at least Hyai would be up for it."


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] That''s never going to work.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] You telling me to drop it?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Nope.


    /Alpha: Wind: Pon is going to be pissed that he missed this. Went for a joyride, got thrown in the slammer, and ended up burning half the town.


    /Alpha: Bali: Sorry. I instigated this entire mess. It''s only five buildings, not half of the town.


    /Alpha: Wind: Looks like the army is coming, Boss.


    Nix walked out of the melted rubbled with Ronnie following close behind. The two of them joined the rest of their group before facing the approaching horses. It looked like 25 or 30 soldiers on horseback. At the front of the group was a heavily armored figure with a closed helm.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let me do the talking and follow my lead.


    /Alpha: Wind: Understood.


    *************************


    Darsi frowned slightly at the dinner tray that was brought to her room. The wine was stale, and the meat dry. "Not the best."


    [Whisper: Ducky to Darsi] I''m coming up the stairs.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Ducky] Room 22, it''s open.


    A few moments later, the door opened slowly, and Inferno''s Water Witch walked in. She smiled at the Sniper and greeted her with a hug. "I haven''t seen you in a while."


    Darsi nodded in agreement. All the snipers from the Gladis Hub were making an effort to grind levels and increase their strength. "Aledo Remis is in this Inn. We''ll have to find his room and question him."


    "I already know his room. I''ll bring him back in a bit." Ducky''s all blue eyes glanced around the room. "Can we share this?"


    Darsi nodded. There was only one bed, but it was wide enough for both of them. "I don''t mind. The food here is terrible; maybe we can find somewhere else to eat."


    A few minutes later, Ducky walked down the hallway toward the nicer rooms. She opened a set of double doors and entered casually. There were three men in the room, although they glanced at her, none seemed to find her presence threatening.


    Ducky has charmed Aledo Remis.


    The Water Witch gripped the army captain''s hand. "I can''t believe we''ve met again after so long."


    Aledo smoothed back his brown hair. He was young and handsome. "You do seem familiar. I must apologize, I''m bad with names."


    "I''m Ducky. Don''t worry about remembering. Our paths cross once or twice a year; we don''t usually do much talking." The Water Witch leaned closer and kissed the side of his face. "Want to come with me to my room?"


    Aledo nodded and turned towards one of the other men. "Ducky is an old friend, don''t bother us."


    Ducky held his hand as they walked toward the door; she noticed a large cart that was pushed to one side. "Is that dinner?"


    "Yes. We were going to eat after discussing our plans." Aledo took a step toward the cart. "Shall I bring it with us?"


    "Yes, please."


    Darsi waited patiently for Ducky to return; the Water Witch was well known through Inferno for her Overpowered CC abilities. Secretly Darsi found her beautiful and terrifying. She turned at a soft knock on the door. A food cart was pushed in by a slim man with brown hair; Ducky closed the door behind them.


    "This is Aledo; he was nice enough to bring us dinner."


    Darsi kept her face straight but felt the hairs on the back on her neck stand up; only Nix knew the full extent of Ducky''s abilities. "Thank you very much."


    Aledo pushed the cart over the rough wooden floor, stopping at a small table with four chairs. "Is this good?"


    Ducky nodded and let the Army Captain seat her. "Let''s talk while we eat."


    There were three covered plates on the tray; two were chicken while the third was fish. Ducky smiled apologetically and nabbed the fish for herself. "I can''t eat chicken; they are way too cute."


    Darsi smiled and nodded in agreement. "I think so too, but I''ll gladly eat them."


    Ducky used her fork to cut off a small portion of the fish. "How did the caravan raid go today?"


    "Not good." Aledo didn''t eat; he just stared at Ducky. "We were in position, but then an unknown group showed up and exposed us."


    Ducky clucked her tongue in sympathy. "That''s too bad. Has your father found out?"


    Aledo gave her a confused look. "My father died four years ago."


    Ducky placed a hand on his arm, her warm blue eyes showing concern. "Of course, I apologize for forgetting."


    Aledo waved a hand in the air. "That''s fine; we weren''t very close. To this day, I''m surprised my mother fell for a merchant."


    /Inferno: Darsi: I thought General Remis was his father.


    /Inferno: Ducky: I''ll ask.


    "How are things with General Remis?"


    Aledo frowned at the name. "My mother is the same iron-hearted bitch she''s always been."


    /Inferno: Darsi: That clears it up. The caravan master said that General Remis has two children in the military. He didn''t mention that Remis is a female.


    Ducky continued to eat while she considered the options. "Does General Remis know about the raid?"


    Aledo nodded. "She planned it. We were going to kill all but a few and then take the supplies."


    "I see... Why leave witnesses?"


    "Mother wanted to leave a few alive, so they could come back and place the blame on the rebellion."


    /Inferno: Darsi: Bingo. Find out about the rebellion and any raids he is planning.


    An hour later, Ducky returned Aledo to his room. She rejoined Darsi at the table, opened up the hud. "They plan to raid several farms and villages in the area."


    Darsi had listened while Aledo told them everything. "Will he remember us?"


    Ducky shook her head. "No, he and his friends will remember drinking too much and then going to bed late."

 439 Decisive Move

    The skinny fire mage laughed and wiped the side of her face. "Rand was right. They sell a lot of tack in Zags." (Note: Tack is gear associated with riding horses. Saddles, bridles, etc.)


    Darsi watched the interaction with interest. She knew that Rand was the person Nix hired to take care of his horses. "We should report our findings to Nix immediately. I can do it in guild chat."


    Ducky shook her head. "Fey will be heading that way in a few minutes. She will brief him."


    Fey nodded in agreement. "I picked up a few things for the ranch. I''ll be ready to go as soon as you give me the details."


    A few minutes later, Fey exited the Inn, her path away from the front door caused her to bump into someone on the boardwalk. A brown-haired woman with a handful of packages stumbled backward into the dark street. The skinny teen caught her one hand and kept her from falling. "I''m sorry! Are you okay?"


    "It''s my fault; I should have made two trips." Cadie picked up half of the packages and headed toward her wagon; her first road trip gave her a better idea of what she needed to take on the caravan.


    Fey picked up the remaining packages and followed. "You are part of the caravan that came in today?"


    Cadie glanced over her shoulder and nodded. "We got lucky; we were nearly ambushed by rebel forces." The young woman pursed her lips while she stacked her items on the flatbed of the wagon. She had almost become one of the statistics. A frown played on her lips; she didn''t want to lose this character. Without a doubt, it was her dream job.


    Fey handed Cadie the packages one by one. Her sharp eyes noticed the shotgun strapped over the woman''s shoulder. "I''m Fey. I''m a member of the guild that uncovered the ambush today."


    Cadie froze in place for a moment. Fey... Did Hara ever mention someone called that? "You are? Our Caravan Leader said a man named Nix warned him. It was his group that scared the rebels off!"


    The silver-haired mage smiled at the mention of the Inferno Leader''s name. "I am one of Nix''s Spirit Companions. I will pass on your thanks."


    Cadie''s pretty face split into a wide grin. "Thank you. My name is Cadie, by the way."


    Fey walked toward the center of the street and then morphed into her drakon form, her silver eyes glanced at the shocked caravan guard. "That''s a pretty name. Let''s be friends."


    [You have received a friend request from Fey the Silver.]


    Cadie accepted the request, shielding her eyes slightly when the silver drakon leaped into the air. Fey circled overhead once and then headed toward Belatora.


    *******************


    "He has been spotted in Belatora; there has been a disturbance." The man who spoke was human, he wore short sleeves in the frigid room, a sure sign that he possessed the ice element.


    The woman he addressed was beyond beautiful. Gideon shivered slightly, being a female in real life made her well aware of how men would look at the Ice Queen.


    "Tell Remis; she may kill him if there''s an opportunity." Khione walked slowly to her throne and sat down. "Nix would only be in Belatora for his own gain. At this point, my plans for Mid-Spire are intact."


    The man bowed and left the room. A moment later, Gideon sat upright in bed. "Shit... We have to warn Nix."


    ****************


    Nix summoned Nightmare and then mounted, with a wave of his hand, he produced a [Black Ice Halberd]. The rest of the group quickly followed suit, except for Ronnie. She summoned her Rock Golem and took a seat on its wide shoulders.


    /Alpha: Wind: What''s the plan?


    /Alpha: Nix: The old standby.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Diplomacy?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep.


    Nix watched as the horses approached; they stopped when they were about five meters away. The horses were mostly sleek brown, but there were a few blacks in the group; every one of them looked fast.


    The large armored figure at the front of the column pulled off a helm and shook loose her long blonde hair. She placed the helm carefully on her pommel while scanning the group in front of her. "I''m General Remis, the Martial Authority in Dhou."


    Nix smiled politely, letting the Black Halberd rest casually on his shoulder. "I''m Pon, the Magnificent."


    The woman stared at him for a moment, waiting for him to continue. She frowned when he didn''t. "What''s the disturbance here?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Not really sure, we only just arrived. Although I did manage to save this town."


    Bali nodded in agreement from her mountain pony. "Just arrived."


    A clear orb of water floated in front of Nix, with a wave of his hand he sent it toward the pile of glowing embers that used to be the city jail. A large cloud of smoke burst upward as the fire hissed in protest. "I''m a Water Mage; somehow, I kept the flames from spreading."


    "What happened to your face?" General Remis''s blue eyes narrowed, a perfectly manicured hand pointed at Bali, there was a clear imprint of a hand on the dhassi ranger''s pale cheek.


    Bali shrugged slightly, deliberately looking embarrassed. "It''s a birthmark. I''m known as Bali, the Hand."


    /Alpha: Ronnie: A sword user with a manicure? Who does that woman''s nails?


    Nix felt a breech opening nearby. He peered over one shoulder as Mai, Jiggs, Roto, Paco, and Nebs stepped through. He could also feel the presence of a dragon on the other end; it was definitely Tai''Qui.


    /Alliance: Commander Nix: Trouble?


    /Alliance: Mai: Remis is one of Khione''s minions.


    /Alliance: Nix: Thanks for the intel. Move to one side and prepare to engage.


    Nix watched as Pathfinder split into two groups, each taking a side of the street. Nebs winked at him and flashed a pretty smile. Although she basically ran Ionova for him, Nebs was also a top-end healer.


    /Alpha: Nix: Remis is Khione''s minion. Best if we kill her now.


    /Alpha: Wind: Plan?


    /Alpha: Nix: You hold her, she''s a tank with low dps. The rest of us will wipe out her support.


    /Alliance: Nix: Focus on her companions.


    Nix has cast [Scorched Earth Mire][Fire Storm][Elemental Napalm: Ice Flames].


    Triple combination Successful.


    The troops behind Remis became bogged down in the mud, while flaming rain fell from the sky. A large sphere of blue flaming gel flew from Nix''s hands and slammed into the middle of the formation. The gel stuck to everything, burning through both armor and skin. An instant later, the screams of soldiers and horses filled the night air.


    Wind kicked his heels into the flank of his mount, causing the mare to burst forward. He deliberately rammed the huge War Mount that Remis was riding. Although her horse was much larger than his, it staggered to one side, causing Remis to tilt precariously in the saddle. The Gemini Thief stood in the saddle and leaped at General Remis, his blade scored a deep stab to her neck, causing her to fall heavily onto the cobblestone street with a loud crash.


    Wind has unlocked his bloodline. [First Form: Stealth Archon].


    Transparent wings burst from the Gemini Thief''s back; as soon as they appeared, he vanished from sight.


    General Remis roared in rage and rolled to her feet, an impressive effort considering she was wearing a hundred pounds of armor. She covered the deep wound in her neck with her free hand while looking around for a target. "Where are you!!"


    A slash appeared across her face, causing her to step backward. A moment later, a second cut appeared across the front of her neck. Panic showed in her eyes when she equipped her shield and held it out in front of her. Without warning a dozen strands of emerald flame wrapped around her, an instant later, she was struck in her chest.


    Wind has landed a mortal strike.


    Wind''s dagger flipped out and dug into the General''s right eye. He felt frost instantly shoot up his arm. Screaming in agony, he forced the dagger deeper as half of his body turned to ice. The sound of cracking filled the air as his arms snapped off, and he fell forward onto Khione''s Minion.


    [General Remis has been slain.]

 440 Four Corners: Dhou part one

    Commander Mtui nodded. "I am fine. It seems like I owe Inferno a great debt."


    Deidra nodded in agreement. "As do I. They have proven themselves many times. Perhaps I should ask Nix to be my companion."


    Commander Mtui kept his face passive. Dragon companions were usually primordial beasts of great power. Those positions were meant for creatures of legend. "You have a good opinion of him. So do I."


    "Tai''Qui will probably ask him before long; I''d hate to lose out." Deidra pursed her lips slightly; she hadn''t known Tai''Qui very well before Nix came along. However, she was confident in saying they were now allies.


    "Jargon has reopened Talumbir. However, he has still not been seen." Elan relayed the latest intel to his mother. "Most likely, he has returned to the Fens."


    Deidra shook her head slightly. "He cannot return to the Fens without his tokens. What''s the report from the House of Kane?"


    Elan let a smile show on his face. He felt a deep resentment toward Jargon Kane; typically, he wouldn''t dare feel something like that. Jargon Kane could kill him without trying. "Much of the city was destroyed by Jargon himself in a rage. No one knows what happened to the exploded buildings. The House of Kane security feels they might have a trader in their midst."


    Deidra returned her son''s smile. Only the two of them and those who were on the raid knew that Inferno staged a Rat-Rescue. Nix had dared to rob Jargon Kane. "That''s good."


    "Repairs and construction are already underway; I believe Jargon left his Champion in charge of the city." Commander Mtui opened a breach to his office, pausing to glance at his mother. "How long until you take refuge in Haven?"


    "A few days, not until after I go through Krelandur."


    [0900 Belatora War Camp]


    Nix smiled in his sleep, the soft fur blankets formed a warm cocoon of comfort and peace around him. After wiping out Remis and her guard, Alpha and Pathfinder charged into the army''s tent city. It had been completely abandoned. They spent half the night scouting around for traps and surprises; Inferno agreed that they had left suddenly. Wind let himself die from his wound rather than continuing the mission with one arm. The Officer tents were all close together, so the group of allies chose to stay there for the evening.


    [A new Gemini Skill has been awakened: Skill Sharing.]


    Skill Sharing: Gemini Only


    Description: To strengthen the Gemini


    Temple, you may choose to teach another


    Gemini one of your skills. This may only be done one


    time per Gemini.


    /Alpha: Nix: Going to step out for a moment, back it a bit. I want to know where this army went.


    /Alpha: Bali: I''ll find them. Leave it to me.


    Nix nodded to himself. [Create Breach: Belatora: Gemini Temple]


    A moment later, Nix stepped onto the training grounds at the Gemini Temple. He waved at the smiling blonde who was working with Lucid and the rescued members of the Desert Fox Clan. Scorpion-Sin could be seen on the other side of Lucid. As a .25 puppet, he was substantially smaller than her, but as their training progressed, it became obvious that Sin was phenomenally strong. [Note: Sin is one of Tai''s people. Both him and Nihlus inhabit Titan puppets since they are both currently in dragon eggs.] "Looking good, everyone!" Nix clapped his hands together, then paused for a moment. There were three Scorpion Titans instead of two.


    /Inferno: Nix: What''s going on?


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s Hostil! When I woke them up this morning, he was like that.


    Nix stared at the third scorpion. The old man was the first to change. "Let''s talk about the new Gemini ability that I woke up to. Can we use this [Skill Sharing] to create more Titans?"


    Semmi nodded. "I think so; Lucid wants to try it on Kia.


    /Inferno: Nix: Go ahead and attempt to share the skill. If it can be passed from person to person, this part of our mission will be successful.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Leaving already?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Keep me, briefed. I have a thing.


    Nix gave Lucid the thumbs up and opened a breach.


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: Tai''Qui Sanctuary]


    Nix stepped into the Earth Dragon''s sanctuary a moment later, breathing deeply he closed his eyes for a moment. The fragrant scent of Tai''s mud baths seemed to have a positive effect on his energy.


    "Nix?" Tai was sitting on the grassy bank with the Lion Titan.


    Nix smiled at the sight of the Earth-Dragon. "Up for a fight, Nihlus?"


    The White Lion walked slowly toward him. "Of course. I''ve been using this form every day at our training grounds."


    Nix studied the white-maned Lion, this would be the first real test of the .25 Titans. "I will send you to the Red Lion Clan. I want you to kill their Totem Beast and take its place."


    The white Lion glanced at Tai''Qui while yawning widely. "Do you have any sort of report on the Red Lion totem?"


    "Sure. The Red Lion totem is fire-based and should possess nearly the same abilities that you have." Nix didn''t want to send Nihlus into the Red Lion Clan, but it was either him or Gai, the new Lion Titan first. If push came to shove, it was better to lose his Titan puppet than the real thing.


    Tai lay a hand on her son''s mane and stroked it softly. "Do your best, Nihlus."


    Nix waited until they were finished and then opened a breach.


    [Create Breach: Tai''Qui''s Sanctuary: Red Lion Clan]


    A moment later, Nihlus stepped through the breach, leaving Tai and Nix alone.


    Tai tightened the red bandana on her head and stared at Nix. "Alone at last."


    "I''m also going to send Sin into the Desert Fox Clan to take over the totem there."


    Tai''s face showed her surprise. "What about Lucid?"


    "One of the rescue group has already activated his Titan bloodline; Sin will pave the way for their eventual return."


    "If he can win," Tai had confidence in Nihlus, but sometimes Sin was a bit too rash. It was a trait that led to both of their deaths. Her warm brown eyes clouded slightly at the harsh memory. Nix had returned them to her, without any sort of payment request. "I would like to fuse your blood Nix."


    Nix frowned at the term. "Trying to eat me? No, thanks."


    Tai smiled and nodded in reply. "According to Deidra, you taste very nice."


    Nix already knew what blood fusion was; male dragons used the technique to create dragon spawns. "The only problem with that is that I have no dragon blood in my body."


    Tai''s full lips opened slightly. "How''s that possible? Deidra has given you plenty, and Inferno has killed a few dragons already."


    Nix shrugged slightly, "I''ve never used any myself."


    Tai placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned closer before breathing in deeply. "Not even the smallest trace... I didn''t expect that."


    "I''m kinda picky with regards to blood. My Salamander bloodline is precious to me."


    Tai offered him a smile before holding out a small metallic canister. "This is essence blood. I''ve been collecting it for years."


    Nix''s eyes widened slightly; it felt hot in his grip. "What''s the difference?"


    "Potency. Essence blood is many times more effective than regular dragon blood." Tai paused for a moment before continuing. "I want you to use all of this on yourself."


    Nix shook his head and handed the canister back. "I''m sorry, Tai. This isn''t the path I want to take."


    Tai ignored the canister when he tried to return it, instead, she embraced him. "You aren''t allowed to say no, Nix. I apologize for insisting, but you must be protected. Use the blood and afterward return for blood fusion."


    Nix tried to extricate himself from her grip, but he was unable to. Tai had many qualities that Nix liked; however, in the end, she was still a dragon. "I''m going to get angry if you don''t release me."


    Tai loosened her grip slightly and raised one hand until it rested gently against his face. "You''re a very stubborn person. As a favor to me, please do my bidding on this."


    Nix sighed heavily. Her hands were warm and soft. He had realized long ago that Tai was a strikingly beautiful woman. It was more than that, though, by nature, she was also very warm. It was this trait that won her many friends in Inferno. "I will consider it."


    Tai shook her head. "Please agree. I promise that it won''t affect your salamander bloodline."


    Nix made a sour face and pushed her hand away. "Fine." He stowed the canister in his inventory.


    Tai smiled warmly and let him step away. "Don''t be angry with me. You must defeat Khione."


    Nix ignored the smile and opened up a breach.


    [Create Breach: Tai''Qui''s Sanctuary: Belatora]


    Tai watched him step through the breach. Unexpectedly she felt unsettled by his anger. "I''m sorry, Nix. I''ll protect you, even if it means breaking the Accord."


    [1300 hours, Near the Cultist Training Grounds]


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Report.


    /Bravo: Seya: The compound is two miles north of your position.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Thank you. Please continue to monitor.


    [Note: Seya is the CC creature that surrendered to Nix''s group during the First Trials. It resembles a blue Arch Wind and has the Air/Water elements. It is one of Jun Li''s companions.]


    Locas wiped his forehead with the back of his sleeve. The Ain''Dhassi ranger was decidedly uncomfortable in the dense jungle that bordered the Great Desert. "Nothing on track, a few small predators."


    Jun Li took a long pull from her canteen before putting it away. Vooni, Mina, and Leva were all watching her.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: As soon as it gets dark, we''ll move into position and take them.


    Jun Li brought up the compound on her hud map. "Suggestions?"

 441 Four Corners: Dhou part two

    /Fire: Shae: You doing okay, Hyai?


    Not much was known about the Gemini Djinn; unlike other fire mages, mana wasn''t consumed when it fought. The salamander kept a close eye on her friend; the innkeeper was an important part of Nix''s inner circle.


    /Fire: Hyai: Yes. This is like walking for me, no problems at all.


    /Fire: Pon: Hold up...


    The group stopped while Pon studied his hud. "We''re close to where Tai''s scouts stopped. There are passages ahead."


    The iridescent salamander closed her eyes for a moment. "There are people close by, lots of them." Shae morphed into her human form and quickly found the entrance to the passage. The group paused for a moment at the sight of a large arched entrance.


    /Fire: Pon: Stealth up!


    The fire team stealthed up just as the passage glowed; a moment later, the sound of footsteps walking away could be heard.


    /Fire: Pon: I''ll go first.


    The old man stepped into the archway, his eyes darting in all directions. Unexpectedly he felt a bit of pressure from being in a group with Hyai and Shae. If something happened to either of them, he''d have to explain it to Nix.


    /Fire: Pon: Damn... A portal, wonder where it goes?


    /Fire: Shae: Oasis, perhaps? There''s no way to know without using it.


    /Fire: Hyai: It could be a one-way trip, we won''t know unless...


    Shae nodded in agreement. "Just this once, I''ll summon him."


    A surprised Nix appeared in front of the group a moment later, the angry look on his face quickly fading when he found himself among his friends.


    Nix has joined the Fire Team.


    /Fire: Nix: Need back-up already?


    /Fire: Pon: No. We need a Breach Commander.


    Pon pointed toward the portal behind Nix. "A group arrived through that platform and headed down this passage. It would be nice to know where they came from."


    "Makes sense." Without saying anything further, Nix stealthed up and stepped onto the platform.


    [You have entered Khione''s Stronhold]


    All Elemental abilities, with the exception of Ice, Water, and Lightning, have been disabled.


    Personal Communications have been disrupted.


    Nix opened a breach and returned to his previous location.


    Nix has rejoined Fire Team. He smiled at the group. "Guess where it leads?"


    /Fire: Pon: Oasis.


    /Fire: Shae: Colonial.


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Khione''s Stronghold."


    /Fire:Pon: F*ck... Really?


    /Fire: Shae: Understood. Cya Nix.


    /Fire: Hyai: Bye, Hun.


    **************


    Instead of creating a breach back to Belatora, Nix went to the old guardhouse in Ionova. All three Trams were sitting at a small wooden table busily fletching arrows.


    "Put those away and grab the Orions. I''m taking you into the field."


    Nix struggled to keep the smile off his face when all three of them exploded into action. Within a minute, three of the large black predators were standing in front of him. "Time to go."


    [Create Breach: Ionova: Belatora War Camp]


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Nix is back.


    Alpha Team was standing in a group outside of the Command Tent when Nix returned.


    Ginger has joined Alpha Team.


    Theo has joined Alpha Team.


    Mik has joined Alpha Team.


    /Alpha: Bali: My kids!


    The tiny ranger charged at the nearest cat and hugged its neck tightly. "Which one are you?"


    "Ginger..." The black pushed her soft muzzle against the side of Bali''s face, making her smile even wider.


    /Alpha: Bali: Thanks, boss. I''ll put them to work.


    /Alpha: Nix: What''s the latest on the missing army?


    /Alpha: Wind: Bali was able to track them to a dead-end valley a few miles from here. I sent Fey back to Zags to brief Darsi and Ducky, the three of them are going to keep tabs on Aledo.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good thinking. We have our first Titan convert. Hostil from the Desert Fox Clan has activated his bloodline.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Holy crap... Already?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. Also, I sent Nihlus to challenge the Red Lion Clan''s totem beast; with any luck, they''ll become the White Lion Clan.


    /Alpha: Bali: You''ve been busy, boss. Anything else?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. The Fire Team found a portal stashed in an underground passage. Leads directly to Khione''s Stronghold.


    /Alpha: Wind: Serious? Did you go there?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep.


    /Alpha: Bali: Fearless... That means you can breach directly in.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s what it means. There were a few issues. Most of my elemental abilities were immediately sealed.


    /Alpha: Wind: She''s an Ice user... What else was left?


    /Alpha: Nix: Ice, Water, and Lightning.


    /Alpha: Wind: Lightning? Can Khione use that?


    /Alpha: Nix: I think we''d be smart to assume that she can, or perhaps she has a minion or artifact capable of lightning damage.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Too bad she isn''t a Nether user, you could just waltz in and kick her ass.


    Nix summoned Nightmare and mounted up. "Show me where the army disap... The F*ck are you doing here?"


    Nix has used [Napalm: Ice Flames]


    A large blue orb formed in Nix''s hands, quick as a flash, he threw it at his target. Unfortunately, the beast dodged and charged into tent city.


    Ronnie frowned at the tent that was suddenly engulfed in flames. "Hey... I slept there last night."


    The bleating sound of a goat echoed in tent city, Nix''s aura lit up, causing Nightmare to do the same.


    Bali stared at Nix and then Nightmare, her pretty face blushing bright red.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Bali] It''s hot when he does that, right? You''re staring again.


    [Whisper: Bali to Ronnie] He really hates that goat.


    /Alpha: Wind: Problem boss?


    /Alpha: Nix: Problem? Why would there be a problem?


    Nix dropped his flame aura and waited while Bali mounted up. "Lead the way."


    Bali nodded. "Trams, I want you to establish a perimeter here at camp. Roving single guards, five minutes apart."


    /Alpha: Ginger: Understood.


    Alpha Team rode toward the far end of the valley, the tracks of the fleeing army were clearly evident, even to the untrained eye.


    /Alpha: Nix: STOP!!


    [Create Breach: Belatora: Solomon City: Greater House of Inferno]


    /Alpha: Nix: Through the breach now!


    Used to following orders, Wind charged through in without hesitating, Bali and Ronnie followed close behind. Nix slid off of the back of Nightmare and unsummoned her; a moment later, the breach closed.


    "Why are you hiding?" Nix stared into a large empty area before pushing white flames into Wrath. "Does a dragon need to hide from me?"


    There was no answer to his words. The soft summer breeze pushed gently at the knee-high grasslands. "Dragon Master Sinfaya, right?"


    "How did you know?" A lone armored figure appeared a few meters in front of him. She wore dark armor; her long black hair flowed down her neck.


    "You breached Remi''s army out of here. Why?" Nix walked toward her, closing the distance while he spoke.


    "You didn''t answer me. How did you know I was here?" A large two-handed hammer appeared in one hand. Unconsciously she took a step back; she could feel threat radiating off of him.


    [Elemental Shield: Earth][Ghost Step][Elemental Fist: Lightning]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    A rock shield appeared around Nix; an instant later, he appeared behind the startled Dragon Master. Lightning crackled around his free hand, he feinted with a swing and then swept her legs.


    Sinfaya landed flat on her back, her dark eyes showing her surprise as she tried to roll free. She screamed in agony when the white sonic blade stabbed through her armor and chest, pinning her to the ground.


    Nix put a knee on her stomach, his hand steady on the hilt of Wrath. "Attempt to change or move, and you won''t like it.


    Sinfaya grimaced in pain; she could feel the sonic blade vibrating next to her heart. "You dare attack me?"


    ************


    Breach Commander Mtui sat at his desk, a year earlier he would have been busy putting out dozens of different fires or even planning excursions into the Nether. Things had changed so much since Inferno arrived in Solomon City.


    [ALERT: DRACONIAN PRESENCE IN BELATORA]


    Mtui stared at the message in surprise. "Since when did we start monitoring the dragons?"


    An instant later, two holos popped up in front of his desk.


    /Breach Commander Renz: I received the alert from Belatora.


    /Breach Commander Polai: So did I. What is going on, Elan?


    Commander Mtui shook his head. "I have no idea."


    A breach opened up in front of his desk; a moment later, Deidra stepped through. "Nix is in Belatora. Send everyone in now!" The Dragon Master summoned her weapon and armor with a wave of her hand and then vanished from sight.

 442 Four Corners: Dhou part three

    "You are working with Khione?"


    "What?" Sinfaya''s pale face showed both pain and anger, she had one hand pressed to her chest. "That really hurt!"


    Nix stared for a moment, the dragon''s face scrunched up like she was going to cry. "The hell are you doing?"


    Sinfaya ignored him and healed her wound. "I''m part of the rebellion." She sniffed her nose loudly, her voice shaking with emotion.


    "Er..." Nix frowned and took note of his surroundings. They were no longer in the valley outside of Belatora. "Where are we?" A quick look at his hud map told him that he was somewhere in Southern Oasis.


    "We aren''t very far from Fraya''Selene." Sinfaya stowed her hammer and walked toward him. "I used a chasm stone to randomly send you to one of a dozen areas."


    "Right... You''re here too."


    Sinfaya sighed. "I''m actually not very good at most magic. I specialize in spatial casting, unfortunately, that puts me in a support role."


    Nix grimaced as he put his weapon away. "What kind of shit is that? Can''t you breathe fire? Do you even have a dragon form?"


    Sinfaya''s human form morphed into a white dragon. As dragons go, she about the same size as Fey and nowhere near Deidra''s size. Her scales glistened in the daylight and her lines were very sleek. An instant later Nix was bathed in white flames.


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "Are you even an adult? What''s with those weak flames?"


    Sinfaya morphed back into her human form, her face red. "You don''t have to say such mean things."


    Nix frowned when she turned her back toward him and slumped her shoulders. He found himself reminded of a moment when he hurt his younger sister''s feelings as a kid. Inexplicably he felt a rush of shame. "I said too much." He walked toward her and lay a hand on her armored shoulder, she was definitely crying. A movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention. Apparently, one of the Trams was caught up in the transport. "You okay?"


    "Yes." The black Orion answered with a distinctly feminine voice.


    "Stay close to me." Nix waited while the large black cat moved beside him. He scratched her ears out of habit before turning his attention back to Sinfaya, who was just managing to compose herself. "Explain your relationship to the rebellion."


    Sinfaya nodded. "My people aren''t very powerful, in order to contribute, I''ve been fostering a force here in Mid-Everspire."


    Nix didn''t have to fake a puzzled look. "Contribute to what?"


    Nix scratched his head while considering her words. "We don''t even know each other. Why would you get involved?"


    Sinfaya''s dark eyes watched him. "Do you think Khione will stop if she beats you?"


    "No." Nix understood Khione''s motivation, her conquest would never stop. "How did you build the rebellion?"


    "Half of them are my people in disguise. My champion is the leader of the rebellion." Sinfaya watched his reaction to her words. "I''ve been expecting your arrival for a few weeks."


    Nix''s guilt climbed slightly higher. "Where is Remis''s army?"


    "Dragon Fir Forest. I took advantage of their retreat into the valley to send them far away."


    "Dragon Fir? Isn''t that where the trials for the Provincial Dragon Academy were held?" Nix remembered the week he spent hiding in his treehouse there while crafting.


    "You know about the Academy?" Sinfaya smiled slightly for the first time. "I guess it''s true about you and Deidra."


    Nix frowned at the statement. "What''s true?"


    "That Deidra has taken a human lover."


    *Cough, Cough*


    "Really? Who would say something so ridiculous?" Nix felt a surge of nausea threaten to bring up his breakfast.


    "Jargon inquired about it during the parade. Deidra refused to answer so I assumed it was true."


    "No. Not true." Jargon''s name caused Nix''s mood to worsen. "Why would you say that just because I know about the Academy?"


    "Rumors said that Deidra brought a human challenger to the trials, but no one could confirm it."


    "Take me to the Rebel Camp. I''m already getting tired of Mid-Spire." Nix waited while she opened a breach, he gestured for the black feline to follow and stepped through.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] You okay boss?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Yes. I sensed a hidden dragon, so I sent everyone away.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Was it Jargon?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] No. It was Sinfaya, she walked with Deidra and Tai''Qui during the parade of dragons.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] How would you know that boss? Since you didn''t come with us?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Fine... I was flying the Titan Falcon.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Knew it! What should we do now?


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Have Tai or Deidra send you back to tent city. I''ll join up with you guys after I meet up with the rebellion.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Sounds good boss.


    *******************


    /Fire: Pon: I didn''t see that coming.


    /Fire: Shae: Same here.


    /Fire: Hyai: How''d they even build this?


    The Fire Team followed the passage until it opened up into a city-sized cavern. An entire city had been constructed far beneath Khione''s stronghold. Merchant''s hawked their goods in an open market while customers of all races walked through the streets.


    /Fire: Pon: Keeping something like this secret is even more impressive.


    [Pon has become the first player to enter Ice''Enguarde]


    [Pon''s World Reputation has increased by 100]


    [Pon has earned the Title "Ice Explorer," All Stats have been increased by 10]


    Pon''s old face cracked in a wide smile. "Free shit... I love it."


    The temperature of Ice''Enguarde was normal, with the exception of being underground, it seemed like any other city in Colonial. There were men and women of all shapes and sizes, children played in the streets while the city guard patrolled. Brillant orbs of light hung in the air, providing a ''daylight'' experience of the occupants.


    /Fire: Pon: This is trouble...


    /Fire: Hyai: Can we really destroy the ice seeds with this city here?


    /Fire: Shae: No, it would destroy this place. Let''s gather information, Nix will be contacting us soon.


    ***********


    The dragon spread its wings and shot into the clouds, leaving the pursuing drakes far behind. They''d been training for several days in Haven''s Desert, oddly enough the dragon puppet changed color to reflect the environment.


    The yellow dragon hid in the clouds and activated its dragon vision, the entire group of drakes became visible in the distances. Muncie discovered that he could use dragon vision and fear in addition to dragon flame. He wanted to show Fey, but she was on a mission with Nix.


    ***********


    Author''s Reminder: Fajii and her Acolytes have taken on the mission of eradicating the Disciples from the Temple of Khione, thanks to Leva and Ducky, they were able to find the locations of the future temple sites.


    *************


    Fajii waited patiently while the last team moved into position. She sat comfortably on the fountain bench near the Jenzi Market place in Colonial.


    /Scorched Earth: Fajii: Report.


    /Scorched Earth: Sori: Safarza team in position.


    /Scorched Earth: Chu: Escovar team in position.


    /Scorched Earth: Meca: Broyan team in position.


    /Scorched Earth: Fajii: Go!


    Fajii stood up, her brown eyes focused on her target. Three men stood in the center of the Jenzi Market handing out pamphlets and speaking to the crowd. They''d been coming to the market for a few days, but as of yet were unable to find much of an audience.


    "The great Ice Goddess sacrificed herself to save Colonial from the Aquarions! Don''t let the stories of the outworld Hero sway you from the path of truth! How would a team of a few dozen defeat a hundred thousand? You are being lied to! It was Khione who destroyed the Aquarion Stronghold!"


    Fajii accepted a pamphlet from the man speaking, carefully stowing it in her inventory without looking at it. "What Aquarion Stronghold were you talking about?"


    The man smiled pleasantly. "Are you from Oasis? You look like a Su''Dhassi."


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "I have heard stories about a Cai''Song Artifact, but there''s never been mention of a Stronghold."


    The man was young and quite handsome. His intelligent brown eyes were filled with confidence. "That''s just a story, Sister. Inferno has taken the credit for someth..."


    His words were cut off abruptly when a large leather bag settled over his head, it was pulled down to his ankles before being cinched tightly with a cord. The dull thunk of a club striking his head caused the bag to collapse onto the ground.


    Fajii nodded to her acolytes as they picked up the three bodies. She activated Deep Blue and chose Ionova HQ.


    "This way, Fajii." A familiar voice spoke to her when she appeared in the Courtyard of Ionova HQ. Tai''Qui offered her a smile and motioned to a small building that was being used as temporary confinement.


    Fajii stood outside the door, waiting while her acolyte teams appeared one by one. Within a few minutes, all of them had arrived. "Is this secure?"


    Tai smiled and nodded slightly. "I''ve placed enchantments on the building, no one is leaving without my permission. Make sure to keep the bags on them."


    "Understood." Fajii received the bags directly from Tai, they were designed to stop Khione from spying in case one of them possessed Khione''s Eye. "We have a meeting in a few hours. Want to stay with me?"


    Tai let a smile curve her full lips. "At the Turtle House?"


    Fajii nodded. "Everyone else is gone, it''s just me and Nansu."

 443 Four Corners: Dhou part four

    Semmi noted that there was a large group standing outside the door before cracking it open and peering into the hallway. "Yes?"


    "Semmi? Good to see you again."


    Semmi cocked her head to one side, her brow wrinkling slightly before recognition set in. "Tura Raine Xai?"


    "Just Raine is fine. Is Nix here?"


    Semmi shook her head. She rubbed her eyes with one hand, Tura Raine Xai was the leader of the Xai Clan. She was the single most influential person among the Fir''Dhassi. "I didn''t recognize you without the armor." Raine''s customary brown armor and single braid had been replaced with a flowing blue dress and hair weaved with white flowers; she looked absolutely beautiful. "Nix is currently on an important mission."


    "I see." Raine didn''t seem bothered by the news; if anything, there was a bit of relief on her face. "Could we leave these with you?" She stepped into the office and gestured for her small group to follow. One by one, they stacked boxes of assorted shapes and sizes on the floor.


    "Um..." Semmi faked a pleasant smile.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Anyone in Parliament?


    /Inferno: Bev: I am. What''s up?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Tura Raine Xai just showed up at our office with gifts for Nix. Did he mention anything about that?


    /Inferno: Bev: My brother is always in trouble; maybe he did something bad.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Then why would they give him presents?


    /Inferno: Bev: Nix is really good at doing bad things and then making other people take the blame.


    Semmi covered a laugh before turning back toward Raine. She needed to stall and figure out what Raine was doing. "Our customs are a bit different, so I''m not sure what is expected going forward."


    Raine''s pale face blushed slightly. "Ideally, Nix and I should spend some time traveling together for a while, to determine compatibility."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Oh shit...


    /Inferno: Bev: What?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Seems like Tura Raine might be proposing marriage.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Funny. No, to your brother.


    Semmi smiled brightly. "That is a great idea. Have you met Nix''s sister? She happens to be here in Parliament."


    /Inferno: Semmi: I love it when fun things happen. Can you come to the Guild Office, Bev?


    /Inferno: Bev: Sure. I''ll be there in a bit.


    *******************


    Nix watched as Sinfaya opened up a breach. He had one hand resting on the black Orion that was standing next to him. "You specialize in spatial magic?"


    Sinfaya nodded. Her eyes were still red and wet from crying. "I can shrink or enlarge inanimate objects. I can also form temporary dimensional spaces." She stepped through the breach when it became obvious that Nix wasn''t going first.


    Nix pushed fury flames into Wrath and stepped through the breach, the giant black panther padded slowly behind.


    The Rebel camp was nestled snugly into the side of a cliff. Nix spotted snipers on top, keeping an eye on the horizon; there was a makeshift tent city, nowhere near as organized as the one belonging to General Remis. A trio of armored men were already talking toward Sinfaya. Nix approached them, not bothering to put his sword away.


    "Guild Leader Nix." A wide-shouldered man in gray furred armor smiled pleasantly at him, his sharp eyes noticing the weapon. "I''m Cathor, the leader of this group."


    Nix noted the dragon spawn''s horns were hidden and that he didn''t carry a weapon. His armor was a blend of medium and light, a sure sign that he was some sort of caster class, perhaps a hybrid. "Greetings Cathor. I''ve been sent to stabilize Dhou." Nix didn''t reveal the man''s identity since he was playing the role of rebellion leader. "Is this all your people?"


    Cathor nodded. "We''ve been on the run mostly, using guerilla tactics to avoid direct confrontations with General Remis."


    "Remis is dead," Nix said it matter of factly, noticing the surprise on Cathor''s face. Apparently, his Dragon Master hadn''t briefed him yet.


    Cathor motioned for him to follow and walked toward a large tent with two armed guards standing outside the entrance. Sinfaya fell in step beside Nix, his black Orion shadow trailing them quietly.


    [Whisper: Sinfaya to Nix] I hadn''t had the chance to tell Cathor anything. Thank you for not giving him away.


    Nix remembered that only about half of the rebellion were Sinfaya''s men, with most of the army gone, they''d still have to contend with the troops of Aledo and his sister.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sinfaya] It''s fine. I want to talk to him, then head back to Belatora. I have people keeping tabs on Aledo.


    ****************


    [Seyath the Nerrialle has been Slain]


    [Filamina has been Slain]


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Shit... Fall back to the outer wall. I need those reinforcements, Leva!


    /Bravo: Leva: Incoming.


    The Fallen Chancellor was stealthed and sprinting along the top of the outer wall. Unexpectedly the area had been lined with dozens of different traps. Mina had died immediately, and when Seyath attempted to retrieve her from the air, archers stormed up out of the ground and killed him. She skidded to a halt on top of the wall, her dark eyes widening at the number of troops coming up out of the ground. Leva extended her dark wings and flew over the rapidly developing battlefield.


    /Bravo: Leva: They have at least two battalions here Junie, I''ll flank them and call in reinforcements.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: It''s fine, this is only the first round. Get me some ranged support on the walls and some front line guys.


    /Bravo: Leva: Right away!


    As soon as the sun dipped below the horizon, Bravo team killed the roving guards that circled the temple grounds and headed to the inner courtyards. The team advanced through the dense undergrowth on foot. Somehow Mina stepped directly into one of the fire traps, instantly removing her and all of her Villa from the impending fight.


    /Nether Command: Overseer Leva: Archers stay on the southern walls, provide support to Inferno and the front lines. Front Line, push forward, keep them backing up, away from our ranged fighters.


    Leva opened up two breaches in succession, the first breach at the top of the wall saw Nether Ranged fighters of all shapes and sizes pour out. Surprisingly disciplined, the Nether force continued to move away from the breach, enabling the flow of reinforcements to continue until the southern wall was completely fortified. The second breach formed in the courtyard under the wall, the first half dozen to exit were Dire Kings. Twice the size of a human and clad in black armor, the behemoths moved forward with Great Axes slung over their shoulders. As they continued their progress, the second wave of ground troops exited the breach.


    Jun Li nodded to herself. Losing her spirit companion and Mina before the fight started made her angry, but Leva was fulfilling her role perfectly.


    /Bravo: Juni: Locas, find a vantage point, and give us cover fire from this side.


    /Bravo: Locas: Already in position, move at your leisure.


    Jun Li caught Vooni''s eye and started to move toward the inner court entrance.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: We''re a bit light without Mina''s Vila, but we''ll make it work.


    /Bravo: Vooni: We could have Leva bring in some air sup...


    A flash in the air interrupted her sentence as a breach opened, and winged fighters streamed through. Vooni''s normally stoic composure dropped for a moment as her lips curved into a smile. "My guys..."


    Omak has joined Bravo channel.


    Nunzo has joined Bravo channel.


    Aja has joined Bravo channel.


    /Bravo: Aja: Captain!


    /Bravo: Nunzo: Dragon Master Deidra sent us. Reporting for duty!


    /Bravo: Omak: Hey... Where''s Pon the Magnificent?


    **************


    Author''s Reminder: Vooni''s original training team that Nix joined under the guise of Pon the Magnificent consisted of Omak, Nunzo, and Aja.


    **************


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Welcome! Classes?


    /Bravo: Vooni: Nunzo is a Flame Knight, Aja is a rogue and Omak a ranged fighter.


    A soft glow surrounded Jun Li, it swirled for a moment and then started to pulse until it burst outward in an explosion of power.


    [Jun Li has unlocked her bloodline]


    [Special Class Detected: Archon Gemini]


    Anyone grouped with the Archon Gemini may deploy basic Gemini abilities.


    Jun Li grimaced in pain when a pure white wing burst from the left side of her back; an instant later, a black wing sprouted next to it. She flapped her wings once and then rose into the air.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: On me, no more playing.


    **********


    [Brief Character Reminder]


    ***********


    Raine Xai: Leader of the Xai Clan. (Fir''Dhassi)


    Delyn Xai: Raine''s Master and supporter within the Clan. (Fir''Dhassi)


    Del Tali: An Ain''Dhassi Ranger that Nix saved in Ever Flame, currently residing in a Dragon Egg. (Ain''Dhassi)


    Sai Tali: Grand Elder of the Ain''Dhassi and Del''s grandfather. (Ain''Dhassi)


    Aja: A Wyvern Archon Rogue.


    Omak: Fire Drake Ranged Fighter.


    Nunzo: Flame Knight Tank.

 444 Four Corners: Dhou part five

    Author''s Reminder: Xia the Dark Priestess works for the Cabal and is a powerful figure in the Nether. She was also turned into one of Nix''s minions by Leva the Fallen.


    **************


    Xia the Dark Priestess has cast [Dark Heart]


    Vooni''s health has been restored.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: How''d you get Xia to volunteer?


    /Bravo: Leva: I asked nicely.


    /Bravo: Vooni: Teronxi is next!


    Vooni dived straight into the maw of the huge beast. It was nearly the size of Morti and had two sets of arms.


    Vooni has [Taunted Teronxi the Great Ape.]


    Teronxi must attack only Vooni for the next 90 seconds.


    "HIT HIM HARD!" Vooni slammed the sharp point of her dragon shield into the tiled floor of the inner courtyard and braced it with her shoulder. Spikes extended downward through the rock, fortifying her position.


    [Gemini Strike][First Blood][Asunder]


    Jun Li has successfully landed a triple combination.


    Jun Li has landed a significant strike.


    [Unbalanced Chain][Knights Reaver]


    Nunzo has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a significant strike!


    [Unbalanced Chain][Piercing Arrow]


    Omak has followed up Nunzo''s attack with a significant strike!


    [Unbalanced Chain][Double Backstab]


    Aja has followed up Omak''s attack with a significant strike!


    Aja has landed a mortal blow.


    [Unbalanced Chain][Champion''s Finish]


    Jun Li has followed up Aja''s mortal blow with a killing strike.


    Teronxi the Great Ape has been slain.


    The huge beast collapsed forward, nearly landing on the surprized Vooni who yanked her shield out of the stone and leaped to one side. All of the major players were dead, Teronxi was the boss of the Cultist Training Grounds.


    /Bravo: Aja: What the hell is Unbalanced Chain?


    Aja''s orange flame-colored hair was splattered with black blood. Nearly every time Jun Li attacked she created either a critical chain or and unbalanced chain.


    /Bravo: Vooni: It''s what makes Inferno so strong. Each strike can be followed up by one of their Gemini teammates. They can literally keep their enemies perma-stunned while hacking away at them.


    Aja shook her head in amazement. Her hud notified her that a follow-up strike was possible whenever Jun Li attacked.


    /Bravo: Omak: I like the multi-colored wings. You''re a Gemini Archon?


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Guess so. This is the first time I''ve been able to unlock my full ability.


    [Whisper: Aja to Vooni] Hidden dragons everywhere.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Aja] She''s not even the strongest.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Ask Xia to rez Mina, please.


    /Bravo: Leva: Okay Junie.


    Jun Li smiled at the Fallen Chancellor. It was her first grouping with her, she was just starting to understand how many powerful allies Nix held in reserve.


    /Bravo: Vooni: Understood.


    *****************


    Nansu sipped her tea silently while listening to Fajii describe her mission. "Shouldn''t you head to Belatora? I thought Nix wanted to have an officer briefing."


    Fajii shook her head slightly and started unraveling her braided hair. "The table interface in our bedroom is nearly identical to Nix''s Breach Commander Hud, it''s fine if we are represented by a holo."


    Nansu didn''t comment, her eyes glancing around the bedroom. She''d spent some time in the turtle house while Nix was away so she knew most of its features. "May I ask you something?"


    Fajii smiled slightly. "You want to know how we manage to share Nix?"


    Nansu''s pretty face blushed slightly. "That''s very personal. I''m sorry for asking."


    "It''s fine." Fajii pursed her lips for a moment as if considering the question. "It''s a very large bed."


    "Oh god..." Nansu covered her face, her ears heating up. "I use to get so jealous when other females would even talk to Chael."


    Fajii stroked Nansu''s head, something Aquarion women did to their close friends. "Do you still think about Chael?"


    Nansu shook her head slightly. "Not really. I mean I haven''t really moved on yet, but at the same time, I have no interest in spending time with him."


    Fajii smiled even though she didn''t understand, Aquarions were very straightforward when it came to relationships. "Gil seems to like talking to you."


    Nansu uncovered her eyes for a moment, "Gil the Titan Turtle?"


    Fajii didn''t comment further, Gil often escorted Nansu while she searched for herbs with the Ionova Gathering crew run by Tin-Tin. "You really should get your own place in Haven."


    Nansu and Chael shared a place in Haven before the incident. Chael now resided there by himself. "Can''t I stay here? There are plenty of rooms."


    "Nix won''t allow that." Fajii didn''t even have to ask, everyone who approached Nix about staying at the Turtle House was turned down immediately.


    *****************


    "We can speak freely here, the inside of this tent is my private dimension. No one can overhear." Sinfaya gestured toward a comfortable looking chair before sitting in an adjacent one.


    Nix raised an eyebrow, the inside of the tent had a fireplace and wood floors. Even the walls and ceiling appeared to be a comfortable room. "How big are the remaining forces?"


    Cathor stood directly behind his Dragon Master, his thin face looking somewhat grim. "Even with the General''s troops gone, we are still up against a superior force."


    Nix glanced from the dragon back to her dragon spawn. Undoubtedly they were much weaker than Deidra and her son. "Are you going to take on the mantle of leadership once the remaining forces are dealt with?"


    Cathor nodded slowly. "That is our plan. I will become the War Leader of Dhou and build our forces until you call on us."


    "Then I thank you for your efforts." Nix bowed slightly, his yellow gaze remaining on the pair. "Could I talk to Sinfaya alone?"


    Cathor nodded. "Of course. I''ll be outside."


    Nix waited until he left before speaking. "There is something odd about you."


    Sinfaya''s dark eyes stared at the floor for a moment before speaking. "Cathor is my son. You are aware of that?"


    Nix nodded. "I assumed so since he is a Dragon Spawn."


    Sinfaya shrugged slightly. "Dragons come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are stronger than others. However, even the least among us is still a dragon."


    "No." Nix stared at her for a moment, his head shaking slightly. "You''re not a dragon."


    "What does that even mean?"


    Nix continued to watch her, although he could sense her dragon heritage, it seemed faded compared to Jargon or Deidra. As if something vital was missing. "It''s a secret... Right?"


    Sinfaya''s pale face seemed almost sickly, her eyes shining with emotion. "Why are you so mean to me?"


    Nix accessed his inventory and removed a large vial of golden liquid. "Tai''Qui said that a very strong dragon spawn could mutate into a dragon if they took this. She also said that she couldn''t substantiate the claim."


    Sinfaya''s face scrunched up and tears streaming down her face. "I was to replace my grandmother as Dragon Master, my marrow would feed the city so that she could continue to live."


    Nix grimaced slightly, he could barely talk to Sinfaya before she started crying. "Then Inferno linked the cities with spectrum and suddenly there was no need for a quasi-dragon. Who else knows?"


    "Only my those in my bloodline, and..."


    "Jargon Kane?"


    "How did you know that?" Sinfaya''s face showed her shock. "How do you know these things?"


    "The other females that are participating in Krelandur have all been aggressively approached by Jargon Kane. However, I haven''t heard that he is pursuing you. Now I know why. He doesn''t consider you a dragon."


    "I... I could take part, but... None of the males have approached me." Sinfaya whispered the sentence, her voice shaking slightly. "We only had one vial of the draconian element, although the mutation was successful, I am too weak."


    Nix held up the vial, the gold liquid plainly visible.


    Sinfaya shook her head. "That only works on Dragon Spawn, not on dragons."


    "You aren''t a dragon..." Nix studied her for a long moment, the spatial ability could be overpowering if Sinfaya was only stronger.


    "Nix... Draconian element is like plain water to a dragon. I know you aren''t impressed with me, but I am still a dragon. That will have no effect."


    "Let''s make a deal." Nix leaned closer, his yellow eyes staring into hers. "I''ll make sure someone steps up and offers to partner you in Krelandur. You take this; if there is no effect then I will keep my word and we''ll carry on as is."


    "There will be no change Nix and you will have wasted an invaluable resource."


    "Hear me out." Nix held out the vial until she took it from his hand. "If this works, I need you to make a dragon''s oath, you will become Inferno''s secret ally. Our enemies will become yours, no matter who it is."


    ************

 445 Four Corners: Dhou part six

    Breach Commander Mtui nodded, secretly pleased at the chance to see some action. Since Inferno''s defeat of the Nether King, there was barely anything for him to do. "Right away. I''ll make sure Speaker Sasi stays..." His voice trailed off as a sudden surge of power drew his attention to the west.


    A brilliant column of white light shot upwards through the clouds, the night sky lit up and distorted as if someone was stretching it.


    Deidra''s eyes focused on the sky. "Spatial anomaly. Where''s the rebel camp?"


    Elen Mtui gestured toward the column of light. "In that direction." A whirlwind of dust and flying debris caused him and everyone nearby to cover their faces as two dragons assumed their natural form and headed toward the light.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The hell is this? Where did Deidra and Tai go?


    /Inferno: Wind: Toward that light.


    /Inferno: Bali: Never go toward the light...


    The two dragons approached the rebel camp at full speed, despite their enormous size both of them were nearly as fast as one of the SkyKings. They landed within a few meters of each other, the dragons staring at the mass of swirling dust and earth.


    Tai''Qui changed to her human form and made a gesture with one hand, almost immediately the earth element in the air settled back to the ground. She stared at the white dragon, laying unconscious amid the rubble. "Who is that?"


    Deidra moved closer, she also shifted into human form. Her sharp eyes taking in the remains of the destroyed camp. The white dragon was big, nearly the size of herself. "The only spatial specialist I know of is Sinfaya."


    Tai shook her head slightly. "She seems too strong to be Sinfaya. Have you ever seen her dragon form?"


    Deidra shook her head. "No."


    "Me neither." Tai examined the sleeping dragon. She didn''t seem to be injured. "No sign of Nix, I''m going to wake her."


    Deidra nodded. "Be careful."


    The white dragon stirred suddenly before Tai could cast anything. Her large eyes blinking open as it climbed unsteadily to its feet. "Deidra and Tai''Qui?"


    Deidra frowned at the familiar voice. "What happened here?"


    Sinfaya stared at the camp, her sharp mind working. "An attack... There was nothing I could do."


    Tai''s normally calm face looked angry. "What happened to the camp? Where is Nix?"


    "They are fine. I moved everyone to a protected dimension when I felt the danger." Sinfaya didn''t have to look at her own form to know that her strength had skyrocketed.


    [Whisper: Sinfaya to Nix] You can breach out, the danger is gone. We have company, I told them we were attacked and I sent everyone away.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sinfaya] Understood.


    Tai rushed forward and hugged Nix, her sharp eyes checking him for any injuries. "What happened?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Not really sure. It was an attack of some sort, before I could respond Sinfaya transported us out of there."


    Deidra sighed in relief. "I''m glad you are okay. I don''t sense any Ice."


    "I think we should assume that Khione can use multiple elements. I was in her compound earlier today, what I learned was troublesome." Nix shook his head slightly, the camp was completely destroyed.


    Deidra frowned at the Inferno leader. "This is probably a direct response to your intrusion. Why were you there?"


    "None of your business." Nix scowled at her and then opened a breach to Belatora.


    [Whisper Nix to Cathor] We''re moving our base to General Remis''s tent city.


    [Whisper: Cathor to Nix] Won''t we be vulnerable there with our numbers?


    [Whisper: Nix to Cathor] No. Reinforcements should have already arrived.


    Tai seemed surprized by Nix''s anger. Was he still mad at her also? "We were worried about you."


    Nix sighed and placed a hand on Deidra''s shoulder. "I''ll cover Khione''s stronghold in the meeting." Although he was often at odds with Deidra''s manner, it was nice talking to a dragon that didn''t cry every time he spoke.


    [Whisper: Sinfaya to Nix] I''ll return to my sanctuary and wait for your orders.


    [Whisper: Nix to Sinfaya] I''ll set up Krelandur for you.


    [Whisper: Sinfaya to Nix] Thank you, Nix.


    Sinfaya stared coldly at Nix. "I agreed to lend you my forces for the Dhou campaign, don''t involve me directly again.


    Nix watched her leave without another word, his face carefully expressionless. Not a bad bit of acting on her part.


    Tai''Qui opened a breach to Belatora. "Why is she helping you?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "She came seeking sanctuary in Haven. This is the price we agree upon."


    Cathor and his soldiers entered the breach, until only Nix, Deidra, Tai was left. "You guys go ahead. I need to do something quick."


    The two dragons looked like they wanted to protest, but both left without saying anything. Nix waited until the breach closed before kneeling on the ground. He scruffed the fur on the Orion''s ears. "You learned some secrets today. They are not to be shared with anyone. That includes family members."


    The Orion''s icy blue eyes stared at him. "I know, Nix. You are pretty amazing."


    Nix puffed his chest out. "Think so? Let''s get going, Bali is going to be worried about you."


    ******************


    A short while later, Nix sat comfortably in Remis''s Command tent with Wind, Ronnie, and Bali. The rest of the Inferno Officers were represented by holos from the Breach Commander Interface. Tai''Qui and Deidra waited outside since Nix wanted to meet without their influence.


    /Officer: Nix: I''ve read the update that Semmi posted on today''s actions, however, I''d like personal input from the teams.


    /Officer: Jun Li: The Cultist training ground hit a few snags, but we were able to call in reinforcements and bury the place.


    /Officer: Pon: There''s a city beneath Khione''s stronghold. I''m not sure how it is being kept a secret, but there are entire families here. We can''t destroy this place without a lot of collateral damage.


    /Officer: Nix: I have a workaround, prepare to engage tomorrow morning.


    /Officer: Pon: Does that mean you''re coming here?


    /Officer: Nix: Yes. The city gets destroyed and we neutralize the Ice Seeds anchored there.


    /Officer: Pon: Can''t wait.


    /Officer: Fajii: The Khione disciples were all dealt with. They are currently being held at our confinement area Ionova HQ. I''ll need Ducky to start questioning the prisoners.


    /Officer: Nix: I''ll send her as soon as we wrap up things here.


    /Officer: Semmi: Our Titan restoration project is advancing nicely. A second Titan has activated her bloodline.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Was it Kia?


    /Officer: Semmi: Yep. We''re moving slow but at least it''s forward.


    /Officer: Nix: We''ll send Sindi to challenge the Desert Fox Totem. Lucid can remain at the temple grounds for now.


    *************


    Author''s reminder: Sindi and Nihlus are part of Tai''Qui''s forces. They are both currently operating Titan puppets. Sindi is in a .25 Scorpion Titan while Nihlus is using a .25 Lion Titan.


    Chief Guyanar: Old leader of the Krayven Clan, when Nix stepped down as their Phoenix Totem he volunteered to be permanently placed into the Titan Falcon.


    Zinu: Cleric from the Krayven Clan who has accompanied Inferno on a few missions. She is the granddaughter of Guyanar and one of the leaders of the Clan.


    *************


    /Officer: Jun Li: Any word on the Krayven Clan?


    /Officer: Nix: I haven''t checked in on them since Guyanar assumed the Titan form. Let''s refer to them as the Falcon Clan from now on, we should send someone out to make contact.


    /Officer: Milat: I''ll do it. The constant grinding in the Great Desert is getting boring.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Noted. Vooni''s former Assault team has been assigned to us permanently.


    /Officer: Nix: My three amigos?


    /Officer: Jun Li: Yep.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Mina died in today''s mission, stepped into a hidden fire trap. She''s fine, I sent her to the Turtle House.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] I''ll talk to her. Thank you.


    /Officer Nix: For those of you who aren''t aware, the Rebellion here in Dhou is being run by Sinfaya''s people. She is part of the Krelandur and has volunteered her people in exchange for sanctuary in Haven.


    /Officer: Semmi: That makes three dragons now. Did she take the marrow oath?


    /Officer: Nix: She did. Anything else?


    /Officer: Bali: Who is that Orion standing next to you?


    /Officer: Nix: It''s Ginger Tram, she''s not in the channel so I don''t care if she is here.


    /Officer: Bali: Nope. All three Trams released their Orion puppets three hours ago. They are currently in Ionova.


    Nix turned toward the black feline. "That''s one of my creations, Orion''s don''t exist naturally in that color."


    Ronnie walked toward it, completely unconcerned. "Sharl maybe? How many armors did you add the Orion too?"


    Nis shook his head. "Not really sure. Gideon perhaps?"


    Ronnie placed at hand on the smooth black head. The feline was completely unconcerned. "Its fun to mess with Nix, right?"


    Bali pursed her lips slightly. "It''s Del Tali."


    The cat''s head swung toward the Ain''Dhassi ranger. "How did you know that?"


    Bali smiled and shrugged slightly. "They don''t call me the greatest Ain''Dhassi ranger just because I''m pretty."


    Her words derailed Nix''s thoughts. "No one calls you that."


    "I do," Ronnie disagreed.


    Bali nodded happily. "See?"


    /Officer: Jun Li: Del Tali? Isn''t she stuck in a dragon egg?

 446 Four Corners: Dhou part seven

    "Yes. I''ve been able to explore for a while now." The Orion looked unconcerned by the stares of Inferno. "You assumed I was one of your people, and I went along with it because I wanted to help."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "I''ll send you back when we are finished."


    "I refuse."


    /Officer: Bali: What''s the harm boss? Del is a seasoned fighter and she really can''t get hurt in this form.


    /Officer: Nix: Who cares about her? I''m worried about my puppet.


    /Officer: Semmi: Normally when inhabiting a puppet, you''re limited by the demands of your real body. This is a good experiment. She should be able to live as an Orion until she comes out the dragon egg.


    Nix nodded, there was no need to be stubborn. Inferno could always use more bodies. "You follow the orders of Inferno Officers."


    Del licked her paw without comment before turning her back on the group.


    /Officer: Ronnie: She can sleep in my tent.


    /Officer: Nix: Anything else? It''s getting late.


    /Officer: Semmi: I''ve got something neat.


    /Officer: Jun Li: What else is there?


    /Officer: Semmi: Tura Raine Xai, the Clan Leader of the Xai Clan has accepted Nix''s proposal of marriage. She stopped by the guild office today and delivered all sorts of betrothal gifts.


    /Officer: Nix: The f*ck is that supposed to mean?


    /Officer: Wind: The boss is so daring.


    /Officer: Shae: Nix?


    /Officer: Fajii: Raine Xai?


    /Officer: Ronnie: She''s the really pretty one right? I''m in too!


    /Officer: Semmi: She''s currently at your sister''s house in Loki.


    /Officer: Nix: Relax... I didn''t propose anything to Tura Raine. Just send her packing.


    /Officer: Shae: Even if it is a misunderstanding Nix, you can''t be so abrupt.


    /Officer: Fajii: If she accepted a proposal by accident, her feelings will be hurt if you don''t handle it properly.


    /Officer: Nix: Feelings? What a load of crap. I haven''t spoken to anyone from the Xai Clan about anything. They can go pound sand.


    /Officer: Fajii: It''s best if I handle it.


    /Officer: Shae: I agree. Speak with her on Nix''s behalf.


    /Officer: Nix: Fine. Apologize for the misunderstanding and return the gifts.


    /Officer: Pon: We done then?


    /Officer: Nix: Yes. I''ll join the three of you in the morning.


    ********************


    Nix left the Orion in his tent and opened a breach to the Turtle House. The lights were already dimmed for the evening when he stepped into the living room. "Min?"


    "Up here."


    Mina stood when he approached and hugged him close. "She took Nansu and left for Loki. What''s going on over there?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Not really sure. Some sort of mix-up with the Xai Clan. Fajii will sort it out."


    "You must have heard about today. I''m fine Nix." Mina sat on the couch and pulled him gently beside her, she gripped his hand tightly in hers.


    "No more missions for you," Nix spoke quietly, although she was the one who pushed to have a child, he wanted to ensure everything went well. "You''ll stay here or at our home in Haven."


    Mina leaned closer, her pale eyes watching him. "It''s a bit early for that, but I will do as you ask."


    Nix smiled warmly. "It''s nice that you decided to listen to me."


    *********************


    [0600 Ice''Enguarde Portal]


    Nix stood and watched the dragon patiently. He could tell that the draconian element had allowed her abilities to advance. "Can you do it or not?"


    Sinfaya nodded. "I can. However, I can''t stop them from discovering the truth eventually."


    "That''s no concern of mine, I just need them out of the way so we can deal with the Ice Seeds."


    /Fire: Nix: Come to the portal cavern.


    /Fire: Pon: Why so early?


    /Fire: Shae: We''re at the Inn, give us a few minutes.


    /Fire: Nix: No worries, I can wait.


    "Destroying anchored Ice Seeds is going to take some very hot flames." Sinfaya confidence had improved overnight. For the first time in her long life, she felt strong.


    "We''ve got a plan. Just do your part." Nix said it with a smile, the last thing he wanted to deal with a crying dragon again. He watched as she pulled out something that looked suspiciously like a crystal ball. "The hell is that thing?"


    "Spatial container, more than enough to hold this city." Sinfaya fixed her eyes on him. "You should hit the seeds and then retreat. I''m forbidden from using any offensive spells, this is the most I can do."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Who needs your weak-ass flames?"


    The fire trio showed up a few minutes later, although none of them said it, they were all relieved to have Nix with them while they were so close to the lion''s den. Nix activated his aura and focused his attention on Hyai.


    /Fire: Nix: Flame up, we have to hit the ground running. Once this city disappears, you head for the nearest seed. We''ll back you up.


    Nix nodded toward Sinfaya and quickly activated his aura. The dragon began casting while Hyai stepped closer to him.


    /Fire: Hyai: Flaming up, Hun.


    Hyai''s clothes seemed to turn into fire as her entire body engulfed in flames. Nix''s emerald aura changed to brilliantly white fury flames a moment later, causing the entire area to light up.


    Nix lean closed and kissed her gently, immediately turning the orange flamed Djinn into a fury flamed one.


    /Fire: Shae: Nice way to transfer flames, I approve.


    An instant later the ground shook beneath them and the city winked out of sight.


    /Fire: Pon: The f*ck was that?


    Sinfaya held up the crystal ball in one hand. "Go!"


    /Fire: Nix: Looks like a snow globe.


    /Fire: Pon: Let me shake it!


    The entire cavern where the city had been was now a vast open space, Hyai shot into the air for a moment and then headed down into the solid rock.


    /Fire: Nix: The first seed is three hundred meters straight ahead.


    Unlike the other flames that turned rock into a liquid, a large vacuum of heat formed around the Djinn, the solid rock offered no resistance as it was simply removed from existence.


    /Fire: Pon: Your girlfriend is really hot.


    /Fire: Nix: You don''t have to tell me. Shield UP!


    Hyai flew directly into the first seed, it was a large white sphere approximately three meters in diameter. When the Djinn disappeared inside of it, it darkened suddenly and then bulged outward. Nix threw up an earth shield around the group, a moment before the trio was picked up by the enormous force and flung away.


    /Fire: Pon: Holy crap...


    /Fire: Hyai: Heading to the next one!


    /Fire: Shae: We''ll catch up.


    Three archons regrouped and pursued Hyai, Pon gave Nix a wide-eyed look.


    /Fire: Pon: I''ve never seen that kind of power.


    /Fire: Nix: Let''s finish it!


    ****************


    Bali stared at the Orion who was sitting calmly in Nix''s tent. Del Tali was someone she was very close to. "We already invited you to share our tent, Del."


    The black feline turned her back on the ranger and circled once before settling down. "I refuse."


    Ronni scowled at Del Tali. "Now see here..." Her words were interrupted by the ground buckling beneath her feet, both her and Bali were tossed into the air. She climbed to her feet a moment later just to be tossed against the roof of the tent.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: What''s going on?


    ************


    Mina picked herself off of the floor, her pale eyes showed confusion as she glanced around the room.


    [Alert: User Filamina, the Turtle House has detected an unknown power increase and is activating the security shields.]


    Mina climbed to her feet, moving into the kitchen to look outside, the entire house shifted again, causing her fall against the window.


    [Alert: User Filamina, the Turtle House has determined that Ionova is no longer safe.]


    Mina''s pale eyes widened when a giant image of a turtle formed over the home, long thick legs emerged from the shell and started moving.


    /Inferno: Mina: Nix! Your house is running!


    Mina moved to the kitchen island, bracing herself when the third explosion hit. "My eyes!" A blinding flash followed by a massive release of power. The turtle house was picked off the ground like an errant fly and tossed into the air.

 447 From the Ashes

    **************************


    Nix blinked the smoke out of his eyes, rubbing them against the sting of ashes that hung thick in the air like a dense fog. All of Ionova, flattened by a cataclysm, felt throughout Everspire.


    /Inferno: Nix: Spread out, look for survivors. Call for a cleric if you find a body.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They''re all dead, Nix. Wiped out. None of them can be rezzed.


    /Inferno: Nix: Keep looking. We aren''t leaving them.


    "Sweet Mother..." Pon stared at the Khione''s peak in the far distance, ash and fire were still billowing out of it. Half of the mountain has been instantly destroyed. "Thousands of people in Ionova dead?" The old man shook his head and glanced at his friend. "This isn''t on you, Nix."


    Nix grabbed a broken column and rolled it off of the path. There were two bodies crushed beneath it. "Isn''t it? I''m the one in charge."


    /Inferno: Nix: Need a cleric at the southeast corner of the market square, two more bodies.


    A few hours earlier, the call had gone out that Ionova had been destroyed. Every member of Inferno and all of their allies had shown up to help. Unfortunately, there wasn''t much anyone could do. Digging the corpses out of the ruins was proving to be a gruesome task,


    "Over here." Nix waved at Pinky, who was searching through the rubble with Wind''s help. Gypsy and Tess arrived at the same time from the opposite direction.


    Tess knelt and checked the bodies. Her red hair hung in a face that was streaked with tears and ash. After a moment, she shook her head. "No."


    [Whisper Pon to Nix] Clerics are taking this hard, Nix. Can no one be rezzed? Maybe say something to them.


    Nix extended his hand and helped Tess up; he brushed some of the ash out of her hair. "I know this is difficult for you. Let''s keep at it. Our friends would expect at least this much."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Oh, god... Nix, come to the old town.


    "Old town?" Nix looked in the direction of the mostly abandoned old city of Ionova. There was already so much smoke in the air; he couldn''t tell if it was burning. A moment of clarity was followed by panic. "Oh no, the Trams... Follow me!"


    "NIX! MY KIDS! MY KIDS!"


    Bali''s terror-filled voice echoed in their ears as the group tore into the charred building, removing sections of wall and ceiling in an effort to clear the area. They found the blond-haired ranger there, clutching a badly mangled Ginger Tram to her chest with one hand while trying to dig deeper into the rubble with the other.


    "Find the other two." Nix gritted his teeth and tried to focus on the task at hand. He watched as Pinky checked the young girl, she shook her head at Nix and then burst into tears.


    "The brothers are over here." Pon''s voice came from the other side of the house. Nix followed Tess as she checked their status.


    "Anything?'' Nix waited for Tess to check them; instead of answering, she sat on the broken floor and started crying.


    [Whisper Shae to Nix] I found Mina, she''s not injured.


    [Whisper Nix to Shae] Thanks. Stay with her for now.


    Nix bent down and helped Tess to her feet, wrapping her up in a hug. They stood there for several seconds. Finally, he stepped away and gently picked up Theo Tram. "Help me out, old man."


    Pon nodded and picked up Mik. "What do we do now?"


    Nix shrugged slightly and opened up a breach back to his previous location. "Bali... Bring Ginger and follow us. We can''t leave these kids out here."


    He entered the breach without saying anything else. Grief was mostly a personal thing, parts of it could be shared with others, but other parts had to be dealt with alone.


    There was a small section of the square where Inferno members were starting to bring the bodies. Nix found himself unable to place Theo with them.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Over here works better.


    Nix turned slightly and spotted Pon standing next to a cleared off section away from the others. Without speaking, he placed Theo on the ground next to his brother. Bali tried to do the same for Ginger, but in the end, they needed Tess and Gypsy to help her. She lay over the top of the three Trams, hugging them.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] That girl is gonna take this hard.


    "This isn''t right... Aren''t we the good guys? Why?" Pinky spoke quietly to the other two clerics, her voice shaking as she struggled to compose herself.


    "Take a break, Pinky. Just breathe." Gypsy stroked her pink hair. "We''ll continue in a few minutes."


    Pinky shook her head. "I can''t come to terms with this. I can''t! This isn''t right!


    A brilliant light surrounded the cleric, her feet rising off the ground as a gentle wave of healing pushed outward in all directions.


    [Sajana has activated her Bloodline]


    [Gemini Sub-Class Detected: Archangel]


    An instant later, the same light twirled around Gypsy and Tess, their ash smudged faces shocked as they also rose into the air.


    [Gypsy Rose has activated her Bloodline]


    [Gemini Sub-Class Detected: Archangel]


    [Tess has activated her Bloodline]


    [Gemini Sub-Class Detected: Archangel]


    Three sets of gold wings sprouted from the backs of the Inferno Clerics. Golden light pulsed outward from them for several seconds before they landed on the ground.


    Pinky glanced over her shoulder at the gold wings and then at the other two clerics.


    Sajana has started [Heaven''s Chorus: 1st Verse]


    Gypsy Rose has started [Heaven''s Chorus: 2nd Verse]


    Tess has started [Heaven''s Chorus: 3rd Verse]


    [Area of Effect: Choir of Angels]


    Theo Tram has been resurrected.


    Mik Tram has been resurrected.


    Ginger Tram has been resurrected.


    Sterli Fare has been resurrected.


    Greni Sota has been resurrected.


    Mio Tunsi has been resurrected.


    Piya Bol has been resurrected.


    Trist Vonner has been resurrected.


    Silas Ora has been resurrected.


    Beltran Visa has been resurrected.


    Amri Visa has been resurrected.


    Ceddie Fare has been resurrected.


    Li Finn has been resurrected.


    The names scrolled across Nix''s hud faster then he could read them. It continued that way for nearly a minute before slowly trickling to a halt.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nix!


    Nix turned toward the fire mage, who was standing next to Pinky. The pink-haired cleric had her hands raised overhead, her face radiated beauty in an open-mouthed smile. Slowly her pale white skin turned gray, and her pretty eyes glazed over.


    /Inferno: Pon: Petrified?


    Nix touched her shoulder; her silk robes were hard and smooth. "I don''t know..." His words trailed off as both Gypsy and Tess turned into statues, their arms raised up in joy.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Nix] What has happened? All the corpses on the west side of town have been resurrected.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai''Qui] Come to the Market square.


    Nix stared at the statue of Pinky for a moment and then at the other two.


    [Angel of Ionova]


    Sajana sacrificed a portion of her


    life for the people of Ionova.


    Effect: Petrification


    Duration: Unknown.


    [Angel of Ionova]


    Gypsy sacrificed a portion of her


    life for the people of Ionova.


    Effect: Petrification


    Duration: Unknown.


    [Angel of Ionova]


    Tess sacrificed a portion of her


    life for the people of Ionova.


    Effect: Petrification


    Duration: Unknown.


    /Inferno: Nix: Officer meeting at my house. Two hours. Post a guard on these three, 24/7. No one touches them until we find out what''s going on.


    /Inferno: Locas: My people will handle it.


    /Inferno: Fajii: The Turtle House has moved.


    /Inferno: Nix: To where?


    /Inferno: Fajii: The Great Desert.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Join Secret.


    /Secret: Nix: What''s this for? We''re about to have a meeting.


    /Secret: Semmi: Player''s only Nix.


    /Secret: Jun Li: I asked one of our subscriber members to log-off and contact Tess. We need to know the status of their accounts.


    /Secret: Semmi: Have them log into Virtuna. Even if their character is cursed or sacrificed, they are still paying members and can use Virtuna.


    /Secret: Jun Li: Good idea.


    /Secret: Wind: That was some serious shit. What the hell was it?


    /Secret: Nix: No idea.


    /Secret: Pon: I was looking at Deidra when it happened. I get the feeling she''d never seen anything like that before.


    /Secret: Nix: I''ll log into Virtuna tomorrow for a few hours and talk with them.


    /Secret: Semmi: Want me to come?


    /Secret: Nix: No. Don''t be late for the meeting.


    "I can''t breathe with you lying on me." Theo tried to twist out of Bali''s grip, but the little ranger wouldn''t release them. She kissed his head and face while crying hysterically.


    "It''s okay." Ginger managed to sit up; she stroked Bali''s head softly. "Don''t cry."


    Mik put up with it without moving, his sharp eyes darting around the square at all the people who were suddenly standing up. He used the back of his sleeve to wipe the ranger''s runny nose. "If you cry too much, we''ll start to worry."

 448 Blood Fusion part one

    Tai glanced at Deidra warily, even his jesting words sounding like a sword being pulled from its sheath. "It was like we thought, a directional attack aimed at you in the event of that Inferno managed to destroy Khione''s stronghold."


    "I figured as much," his eyes strayed to the turtle house. Would Min have been killed if the turtle house hadn''t protected her? "Tell me how she did it."


    Tai nodded, with Khione''s wards destroyed, her worms were able to investigate the matter fully. "Think of it as a magical cannon. The runes were set in place to redirect any attacks capable of damaging her Ice Seeds."


    Nix swore under his breath. "Nothing like shooting yourself in the foot. If it was a defensive spell, why is half of her mountain destroyed?"


    "I believe it was because she didn''t imagine that her seeds could be destroyed, the destructive force generated by them, completely overloaded her defensive spell." Tai shook her head slightly, "I believe that Inferno will kill Khione."


    Deidra watched the interaction in silence, her understanding of humans was limited, but it was a limitation that Tai''Qui apparently didn''t share. "What will you do now, Dracora''Zai?"


    "Talk with the officers." Nix took a deep breath, more than anything he wanted to kill her himself, without endangering his NPC friends. "Don''t you mean Cora''Zai?"


    Deidra stood up without answering and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I will come to Haven tonight."


    Tai''Qui pursed her lips slightly before nodding in agreement. "Yes. I will also if that is acceptable."


    "I will arrange it after the meeting." He waited until they both left before opening a breach from Ionova to the Great Desert; a moment later, several members from Inferno walked through.


    /Officer: Nix: Let''s go inside, Shae, Mina, and Fajii are already there.


    Nix paused long enough for Hyai to catch up with him; without speaking, he enclosed her hand in his. He had discovered the power of fury flames when he first landed in the Titania Forest; its drawback was that it ran through his mana reserves very quickly; Hyai''s Djinn-sharing could hold it indefinitely. "You okay?"


    Hyai responded by leaning closer and kissing his cheek. "Don''t worry about me, Hun."


    The Inferno Officers gathered comfortably around the large kitchen island, some of them pulling chairs from the living room to sit down.


    /Officers: Nix: Guess we should get started. It looks like we dodged a bullet today, in hindsight, it wasn''t thought out properly.


    /Officer: Semmi: Our Titan forces are not prepared properly.


    /Officer: Pon: The Titan''s purpose was for the ground assault. I have to believe that we wiped out a large portion of Khione''s forces.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Probably true, but we can''t afford to believe it without proof.


    /Officer: Nix: I''m going to bring a group of outsiders into Haven today; Deidra, Tai''Qui, and the Pathfinder team from the Salamander Guild.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Are Deidra and Tai already moving in?


    /Officer: Nix: Yes. We can expect Sinfaya will come with them.


    /Officer: Pon: Why bring in Gideon and his group?


    /Officer: Nix: They''re trustworthy, and I want them to monitor Khione''s Eye from the safety of Haven. Maybe we can get some hint of how hard we hit her.


    /Officer: Wind: Today was hard, boss. Bali was still lying on the ground, crying when I left.


    /Officer: Shae: Bring those Trams into Haven also, until this is over.


    /Officer: Ronnie: She''ll be fine in a few days. We all will.


    /Officer: Mina: Perhaps we should take a few days to recover.


    /Officer: Semmi: That''s a great idea. We can prep for the Harvest Festival.


    /Officer: Nix: Two days. Then we''ll return to Everspire and finish the Free Trader Quests.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Let''s plan on the Harvest festival right after that.


    /Officer: Semmi: Our top three clerics are now statues. That''s going to be an issue moving forward.


    /Officer: Nix: We have plenty of cleric allies if it comes to that, but I''ll assign someone to look into it.


    /Officer: Jun Li: In the meantime, let''s bring them into Haven also. Having to assign guards will use up manpower that can be allocated elsewhere.


    /Officer: Nix: Anything else?


    /Officer: Fajii: My acolytes will be moving to Haven to work with Tai''Qui. We''ll have to ask our allies to take over security for Loki and Ionova.


    /Officer: Jun Li: I''ll contact Resolute, they can take over both locations. (Resolute is a member of the 12 Pillars and is also Inferno''s first ally)


    ********************


    [Haven 1900 hours, Nix''s Horse Ranch]


    "Where''s your little friend?" Nix opened the gate to Nightmare''s stable and led her out; apparently, the goat was still in Belatora. He swung easily into the saddle and patted her shoulder. "Gonna eat that bastard, the first chance I get."


    Deidra has joined Inferno.


    Sinfaya has joined Inferno.


    Tai''Qui has joined Inferno.


    Nix read the messages and let Nightmare break into an easy canter. "Looks like we have dragons in Haven. Let''s go, say hello."


    The Gemini Temple was a short ride from the ranch, horse and rider covered the distance in a few minutes, arriving at the entrance just as Pon and Jun Li exited with Haven''s new guests.


    Deidra stared at Nightmare for several moments before holding a hand out to her, obediently the demon horse approached her. "Nix? Perhaps I gave you too much dragon blood..." She placed a hand on the creature''s muzzle, immediately Nightmare flamed up.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Run Punk! You''ve pissed off a dragon.


    "She''s beautiful. May I have her?" Deidra continued to stroke Nightmare''s neck, not bothered by the flames coming off her.


    "No." Nix pulled back on the reins and backed his horse away from the group. "Follow me; we''ll put you up in the treehouse until the three of you build your nurseries."


    The dragonfir tree was many times wider and taller than any of the trees from the Vale. The top floors were taken up by drakes, but many of the Inferno members had large suites on the lower levels.


    Tai''Qui smiled when she saw the skyscraper tree. "You used dragon blood on a dragonfir tree?"


    Nix nodded, careful not to look at Deidra. "Many of us stay here, it''s very comfortable."


    Deidra''s eyes scanned the distance. "Is that your house, it looks quite large."


    "Yes, it is... and no, you three aren''t staying with me." Nix made Nightmare release her flames before quickly dismounting. He removed her saddle and bridle then released her onto the plains. His house was big, but there were already a lot of people staying with him.


    Tai''s dark lips curved into a smile. "Can''t you squeeze us in? I hear Captain Vooni is staying there."


    Nix frowned at the Earth dragon. "Captain Vooni and my father are together."


    "It''s fine, Nix..." Deidra''s brown eyes watched him without any hint of emotion. "We three would like to discuss something with you."


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Yep... They''re gonna eat you, Punk Bastard.


    Deidrea brought up a very detailed map of the Haven; it looked similar to the Breach Commander interface. After studying it for a short period, she pointed to a location. "This is a desert?"


    Nix nodded. "Our drakes use it for training, but no one is there at this time of the day."


    Deidre opened a breach and stepped through, immediately followed by the other two dragons.


    Pon''s wrinkled face cracked into a smile. "Go ahead... follow the three dragons to the far side of Haven. What could possibly happen?"


    "Shut-up old bastard." Nix stepped through the breach; it closed a moment later.


    The desert sand still retained some of the day''s heat, but it was cooling rapidly. The three dragons were standing in a triangle, rough thirty meters apart. Tai was the only one of the three who was smiling.


    "It''s time for blood fusion. Please agree." Tai bowed slightly, "this is all we can do to help you. I hope that you will allow it."


    Nix nodded slightly. After seeing Ionova wiped away, he''d take any advantage he was offered. "What do I do?"


    Tai approached him; the earth dragon gave off a strong sense of warmth. "This won''t turn you into a dragon spawn; your salamander blood wouldn''t allow it. However, it will increase your strength."


    Nix glanced around the immediate area, Deidra had picked the most desolate location in Haven. "Why are we here? Is this dangerous?"


    Tai considered the question for a moment before answering. "Not to you, but you could harm those who are close by."


    "Why would I do that? Does that mean the three of you are in danger?"


    Tai''s brown face showed her amusement. "We are dragons Nix; there is no danger for us."


    "Let''s get it over with. Brief me with what I should know."


    Tai held out her hand and received the canister of blood essence from him. "You''ll turn into a dragon for a short period of time. It happens to everyone. This form causes delirium. No one ever remembers this part."


    Nix watched as Tai opened the canister and handed it back to him. "No, shit? I''m gonna turn into a dragon?"


    Tai smiled slightly. "A very small one, not much bigger than a drake. Drink it down without worries; we will protect you and your friends."


    "Fine, don''t let me escape then. Although it''s fine if I smack Pon around a few times." Nix drained the canister quickly and dropped it into the sand.


    Deidra motioned for Tai to back away. "We don''t know what will happen. Give him some space."


    Nix''s yellow eyes stared upward; without warning, his body morphed into an emerald salamander. It expanded to a much larger size, its usual round body rippled with muscle.


    "That''s not a dragon." Deidra''s voice was filled with surprise.

 449 Blood Fusion part two

    Sinfaya collapsed to her knees, her teeth showing in a grimace. "What is wrong with his flames?"


    Deidra gasped for air, her dark eyes showing the pleasure she felt. "Don''t approach him!"


    The salamander stood at the center of the triangle, its yellow eyes showing curiosity as it flicked from one person to the next. When the flames surrounding it died down, its red-orange feathered wings became visible.


    "Phoenix wings... That shouldn''t be possible." Tai''Qui took a deep breath and focused. She''d heard that Nix''s emerald flames could be pleasant when used on another fire creature, but hearing it was completely different than the experience.


    "It''s calmer than it should be. Nix isn''t raging at all." Deidra approached slowly, "I sense no recognition from him either, as long as we don''t threaten him this should go well."


    The other two dragons closed in, moving slowly. If the emerald salamander was bothered by their presence it didn''t show any signs. They stopped a few meters away from him. Without warning an emerald fire strand appeared and wrapped around Sinfaya''s waist, lifting her off the ground.


    "It''s fine! He isn''t trying to hurt you." Deidra motioned for Tai to retreat slightly, they could both hear Sinfaya''s quiet moan.


    "NO! Don''t change forms, Sinfaya!" Tai shouted a warning when she felt the sudden build-up of power.


    "I... I can''t help it!" Sinfaya''s back arched and a moment later a white dragon appeared, instantly breaking the emerald strand.


    Deidra muttered a curse and prepared a ward, Nix could easily be harmed by a dragon trying to escape. "We may have made a mistake."


    The salamander''s warm yellow eyes slowly changed to malevolence. It roared again, this time thick plated scales formed on its skin, while wickedly curved talons appeared on both shoulders and at the end of his tail.


    "Leave now, Sinfaya. Deidra and I will handle the rest." Tai shuddered at the killing intent radiating off of the emerald fire creature. It showed no fear of dragons.


    "I''ll leave it to you two then." Sinfaya took one last look at Nix before flapping her wings and shooting into the air.


    Before either of the other two dragons could move, the salamander appeared directly behind the white dragon, hundreds of emerald fire strands wrapped around the wings of the dragon, causing it to fall back toward the ground. Just before impact, the phoenix wings flapped once and Sinfaya landed lightly on the sand.


    "Deidra..." Tai knew a moment of panic, it was strong. She had a distinct feeling that it could kill the white dragon if it wanted to. "We''re going to need to change, or Nix will kill her."


    "The f*ck is going on over there?" Pon leaned against the railing on the balcony of Nix''s house. The entire horizon was bathed in emerald light, sometimes steady and other times pulsing with power. The roars of several dragons could be heard echoing through Haven.


    Shae frown at the emerald light. Nix had told of her of the plan to help him undergo blood fusion, but she had reservations. He was a salamander hybrid, not like the dragon spawn that usually received the treatment. "As soon as the lights stop, I will investigate."


    Pon nodded slightly. "Alpha team will accompany you."


    It was nearly midnight before the flashing emerald lights finally stopped. The dragon roars that were heard throughout Haven stopped shortly before that. With Shae leading the way, Alpha team''s archon group headed in.


    /Alpha: Pon: Holy shit...


    As soon as they cleared the mountains, Haven''s desert came into view. As far as the eye could see, the brilliant sheen of emerald glass reflected the light of Haven''s moon.


    /Alpha: Shae: Superheated.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Dragon to the east of us.


    A large black dragon lay unmoving on the smooth surface. It had several shallow wounds but nothing serious. It lifted its head when they landed nearby. "He''s fine, we thought we could handle him."


    Shae shared a glance with Fajii and approached. "Deidra?"


    The dragon changed into human form and staggered to her feet.


    /Alpha: Wind: Something kicked her ass sideways.


    Deidra''s body was covered with scrapes that slowly started to heal, her dark eyes were still filled with shock. "The others are close."


    After several minutes of searching, they found Sinfaya and Tai''Qui. They were both completely entombed in several feet of emerald glass.


    Pon shook his head slightly. He could melt sand if he tried, but not an entire desert of it. With the help of Shae, he managed to free both Tai and Sinfaya.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Found Nix!


    After searching for the Inferno Leader for several minutes, each of the team picked a direction to search from the sky. It was Semmi that located him. She landed next to Nix and placed a hand on his brow. To all appearances, he seemed to be sleeping peacefully.


    /Alpha: Semmi: He''s fine, sleeping like a baby. Almost looks like the sleep Morti does after using Rage.


    ********************


    [0900 hours Fishing Hole, Haven]


    Semmi flicked the tip of her rod slightly, sending her lure into the middle of the river. She flipped the gate on her reel and leaned back in her chair.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Yep. Naked Nix. That''s your new name.


    /Go Fish: Nix: I''ve been called worse.


    After sleeping through the entire trip back from the desert, Nix woke early in the morning without any memory of the night before.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: More importantly, what is that you''re wearing?


    Nix flashed his two fishing buddies an innocent smile. "You mean this?"


    Golden Vest: Legendary


    [Non-combat: Nix only]


    +100 Fishing


    +100 Casting


    +20 Lure Attraction


    +20 Line strength


    +20 Rod strength


    Description: This custom made fishing vest is perfect for the Everspire Fisherman.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: A cheater!


    /Go Fish: Semmi: No wonder you seem so hot today. Make me one of those.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Me too. Don''t cheat the fishing club.


    Nix laughed at the sour looks. "I''ll consider it."


    /Go Fish: Semmi: What happened last night, Nix?


    /Go Fish: Nix: I honestly don''t know the details. You''d have to ask one of the dragons.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: What do you remember?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Drinking the blood essence and then waking up this morning.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: That''s a large gap of time.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Why were you naked? What happened to your armor?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Melted right off. Everything I was wearing was destroyed.


    Semmi set her hook suddenly when her rod tip dipped, her pretty face showing disappointment when she missed the bite. "Dang it. Give me that vest now, Nix!"


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Your armor was melted? By what?


    /Go Fish: Nix: My Emerald flames evolved into Emerald Fury flames.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: How did that happen?


    /Go Fish: Nix: It''s fine if you ask me that, but then who do I ask? The dragons probably know, but they haven''t shown up.


    /Inferno: Hyai: You guys catch enough for a group lunch?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yep. Have Pon and Wind help bring things down here.


    Nix stood up and stretched his arms over his head. His stats had elevated quite a bit, but besides his emerald flame evolution, he hadn''t noticed anything else.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    An instant later the large titan cub appeared in front of him. It bulled his chest with his head, pausing slightly when Nix barely moved. "You''ve gotten stronger."


    Nix nodded. "A bit. Caught you some fish."


    Morti plopped down his on his large butt and picked up the largest with his teeth. "You''re my best friend."


    Nix scratched the black fur while the cub started eating. "I think so too."


    It took only a few minutes for Morti to finish off his portion of lunch. The big bear pushed a wet nose into the side of Nix''s face. "I made a song about us. Wanna hear?"


    "Yep. Let''s have it." Nix watched as the riverbank slowly filled up with Inferno members, the only ones absent from the core group were the three assigned to keep an eye on things in Belatora.


    "Nix is my best friend, sometimes we swat things and have fun playing dragon pong." Morti''s deep voice rumbled softly causing everyone to look over. His big head swung back towards Nix. "That''s all I have right now, I''m still working on it."


    Nix squeezed an arm around the bear''s thick neck. "It''s a fine piece. Keep up the good work."


    The big head nodded up and down slowly. "Pinky helped me a little. Do you think she''ll be okay?"


    Nix nodded in reply. "Our dragon friends will help us some."


    Morti huffed his black nose at Nix, causing the guild leader''s hair to push backward. "You smell like dragon. Did you bath with them or something?"


    "Um... I don''t think so."

 450 Virtuna

    Mina smiled slightly and nudged Nix with an elbow. "I agreed to stay in Haven until after Khione is dealt with but after that, I''d like to return to the Sea World."


    Nix shrugged but didn''t say anything. He confiscated the second Deep Blue and changed the permissions so that no one but him could enter the Sea World. The water nymphs, turtles, and the rest of the sea life that Inferno brought in would remain undisturbed until Khione was slain. "Hopefully we''ll deal with her before Lisa is born."


    Mina smiled and leaned forward until her pale eyes were only a few inches from his. "Please see to it. Then perhaps a second daughter would be possible."


    "Hmm... No deal." Nix planted a kiss on her forehead and then stood up. "What do the Aquarions think of Khione?"


    "Those of us in Inferno, feel the same as you. However, that isn''t the same for the rest of my people." Mina placed a hand over her stomach and leaned back on the couch. Although she wasn''t showing yet, she could feel the growing life inside her. "You of all people should know. Khione caused the Aquarions to evolve into their current state."


    Nix knew more about the Aquarion evolution than anyone. "They should consider that she is also the reason for their inability to have daughters with their own kind."


    Mina considered the statement for a moment before replying. "Before we evolved and had to start relying on the Cai''Song artifact, our numbers were much higher."


    "Of course. There''s no way that Aquarion''s would be able to snatch enough human girls to maintain millions of people." Nix opened his hud and brought up a map of Colonial. He knew that there was a rift between the two races that might never be completely crossed. Forcing interspecies mating in order to survive was a good start.


    "I feel tired." Mina approached him while his back was turned and circled her arms around his waist. "I''m going to lay down. You may join me if you like."


    Nix stared at the Aquarion as she made her way to the stairs. He understood the meaning, her race said exactly what was on their minds. "I have a few things to do, Min."


    "Any sign of our dragon friends yet?" Pon walked in from the balcony, his eyes landing on Nix and the retreating Mina.


    Nix shook his head. "All three are building nursery sanctuaries somewhere in Haven. After they are done I''ll mark the spots as off-limits."


    Pon lowered his voice. "Heading into Virtuna?"


    "In a bit. Officially I''ll be visiting Tharaka in Colonial."


    "Question. When are the dragons suppose to do their mating? Or has that already taken place?" Pon''s face wrinkled in amusement. "You had a dragon orgy... Don''t deny it."


    "Pink, Tess, and Gypsy will be joining you. Have you used Virtuna before?" Pon opened his hud and displayed his Virtuna options. Although not part of Colonial, Virtuna was partnered with the Virtual Gaming company because many of the long term players regularly needed to contact the outside world. "Import your friend list from Colonial and you''ll be notified when they ask to visit."


    Nix watched as Pon demonstrated. "Who knew an old bastard could be so handy?"


    "Semmy showed me, jackass." Pon grew quite suddenly, elbowing Nix to warn him. "Hey, guys."


    Nix looked up to see Fajii and Shae standing in the kitchen, both of them were watching him. He closed his hud and smiled at the two of them. "Everything okay?"


    Shae nodded. "Sure."


    Fajii sipped from the glass she held. "Heading to the old Gladis Hub?"


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Sorry, Nix. I didn''t see them there."


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Don''t worry about it.


    Colonial lore stated that the heroes summoned into the world would sometimes return to their own worlds. Although not all guilds followed the role-playing guidelines, Inferno and most of the top guilds preferred it that way.


    "Yes. I won''t be gone long." Nix accepted a quick hug from each of them and then opened a breach.


    [Create Breach: Haven: Glory Island]


    A few minutes later he stood at the end of the dock. For some reason, he felt anxiety about leaving Colonial. He''d have to contact Deidra as soon as he returned.


    [Logging Off: Colonial]


    [Logging In: Virtuna]


    Nix whistled softly when he appeared in the spacious suite. This wasn''t the patch apartment that Colonial used for emergencies, it was part of his gaming package set up through Vasai Virtual. He grabbed a remote from the nearby table and clicked on the virtual screen that took up an entire wall. "Let''s see how the crappy Bills are doing."


    A large liquor cabinet caused him to freeze in place. "Hello, beautiful." He grabbed a bottle of 30-year-old scotch and poured himself a glass. It burned going down, just like the real thing. "Yeah... That''s really good." A knock at the door stopped his next drink, a quick glance at his hud showed that none of his friends were currently in Virtuna.


    Nix opened the door, a hesitant smile on his face when a woman he didn''t know smiled at him. "Yes?"


    "Not going to invite your girlfriend in?" The woman smiled at the surprise on his face and walked in through the open door.


    "It''s really you?" Nix closed the door, he could feel his face heating up. Suddenly he felt nervous, even though he knew the person well. The face wasn''t an exact match, but the voice and demeanor instantly gave it away.


    "Allow me to introduce myself. I''m Sahara Obrien, you may call me Hara." The redhead grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight.


    "Hara?" Nix stared hard at the woman, leaning close while studying her features. "You''re ..."


    "Gorgeous? Completely beautiful? The sexiest thing you''ve ever seen?" Hara nodded in agreement. "This is the real me, so feel free to continue." She reached her hand out and touched his blond hair. "Interesting look, but we''ll get back to that shortly."


    Nix nodded, vaguely recalling Ronnie''s theories on NPC roleplayers. "NPCs are played by real people?"


    Hara pursed her lips slightly. "I know your secrets Nix, it only makes sense if I share a few of mine."


    Nix listened while Hara explained the DRP program, the small numbers of actual people hired by Colonial to participate, and how Inferno has been changing NPC interaction for all of Virtual Reality. "How many others? From the ones close to me?"


    Hara shrugged slightly. "Unsure, that sort of information isn''t readily available, even for me." She didn''t care for his blond hair nor the blue eyes, but it was definitely her Nix. "Two of your wives for sure, perhaps a third."


    "Wives?" Nix felt his face heat up, something that never happened while in Colonial. Virtuna must process human emotions differently.


    "That''s what we call ourselves when we are talking about you..." Hara laughed when he covered his face. "How do you think we manage to schedule things?"


    Nix held up a hand, he could feel that his face was red. "No more. Why are you here?"


    Hara sighed loudly and leaned back. "Sorry... I was enjoying teasing you a bit. Colonial keeps a close eye on you and the rest of Inferno. There have been quite a few times that I''ve been forced to step in to stop them from tampering with you guys."


    "Really?" Nix grabbed his glass and finished it off. "What else?"


    "You have to make sure you do all the mid-spire quests and then advance into the Great Desert." Hara picked up the bottle and poured him another drink. "Face Khione at the end of the journey and Colonial will take care of Inferno. I can guarantee that."


    Nix swirled his drink with one hand, watching the whiskey sway in a lazy circular motion. "What if I lose you, or one of the people close to me?"


    Hara smiled sweetly. "I would come back to Colonial as a player."


    "Who is the other DRP that you mentioned? Wait... the one you were standing with when I left?"


    Hara shrugged slightly. "I don''t want to say too much. It''s okay if I give you my secrets because we both have skin in the game."


    "I guess." Nix watched as she stood up and headed across the room. "Where are you going?"


    "I''m guessing Gypsy, Pinky and Tess won''t be here for a few hours?" Hara opened the door to the bedroom with one hand and peeked in.


    "Maybe, I''m not really sure." Nix stood up when she disappeared into the room. When he entered a few seconds later she was already sitting on the bed.


    She patted the space next to her. "Come sit. I''ll keep you company until they arrive."

 451 Res

    Gideon took a deep breath and then inhabited the mud-encased rat; immediately he was taken into the enemy stronghold. The beautiful ice structures of Khione''s throne room were completely destroyed. A pale woman wearing an ice crown and a white, blood-splattered robe stared off into nothingness. Her thin icy fingers strummed lightly on the arm of her throne.


    "Nix..." The Ice Goddess spoke his name like a curse. "Bo''Raz! Bring me the Eidengal tome!"


    Gideon watched as a giant silver man walked into his view holding a gold-cased book, as soon as he handed it to her he shifted and became two smaller silver men. Immediately after, Gideon uninhabited the puppet. They never watched for longer than a minute, he glanced up at Nebs who was keeping an eye on him. "We got some Intel."


    "We''re meeting the Inferno Officers in the morning, we can submit it then." Nebs leaned back on the bed, her eyes darting all over the oversized room. "Did you know about this skyscraper? It reaches into the clouds."


    Gideon shook his head slightly. "Inferno has some serious shit. You know what the lifestyle players from Inferno call Haven?"


    Nebs shrugged and tossed out a guess. "Heaven?"


    Gideon nodded. "Bingo. Even the dragons had to bargain to gain entry. And now we are here!"


    Nebs laughed at the look on the assassin''s face. "I''m never leaving."


    ***************


    Fajii shared a smile with Shae when Nix walked in. "Back from the Gladis Hub already?"


    Shae popped a handful of ghost peppers into her mouth. "That didn''t take long."


    Nix kept his face expressionless and walked into the kitchen. "Tharaka briefed me on a few things, nothing really important." He inhaled deeply, smelling the scent of apples in the air. "Did Hyai bake something?"


    "She did." Hyai stepped out of the pantry, already laying out the items for the next day''s meals. "It''s hard to get used to Haven again after living in the Turtle House."


    Shae nodded in agreement. "Could you bring the Turtle House here?"


    "It is pretty nice." Nix grinned widely while the Inn Keeper cut him a large piece of apple pie. "I''ll keep it in the Great Desert, for now, we''ll end up there eventually." Nix''s Breach Commander interface buzzed at him, meaning that one of the other Commanders or a dragon was trying to reach him. He activated it and a moment later a life-sized holo of Deidra was standing in front of him.


    "Good evening, Nix." Deidra wore an elegant blue gown, her hair was down over her shoulders for once. "You wished to contact me?"


    Nix nodded slightly. "I promised Sinfaya that I would speak with one of your brethren regarding the Krelandur."


    Deidra bowed her head slightly. "If I may, I shall speak to one of my candidates on her behalf."


    Deidra waved off his words with a small gesture. "Let me do this, I will report back to you by the morning."


    Before Nix could say anything else, the holo closed leaving him staring into space. "Where you two going?" Fajii and Mina were heading toward the door, he hadn''t been paying attention because of the holo-call.


    /Inferno: Shae: We are going to Loki, party at Bev''s house.


    /Inferno: Bev: That''s right! Don''t be late.


    /Inferno: Nix: Party at my sister''s house? How come I wasn''t invited?


    /Inferno: Bev: Girls only!


    /Inferno: Nix: How come Pon wasn''t invited?


    /Inferno: Wind: Heh!


    /Inferno: Pon: Lame.


    Nix closed his eyes while enjoying another bite of warm apple pie. "How come you aren''t going?"


    Hyai sat next to him. "I wanted to spend some time with you."


    Nix grinned happily. "That''s very sweet. Want me to take you someplace nice?"


    Hyai smiled sexily. "Does this require clothes?"


    Nix struggled to maintain eye contact. "Clothing is always optional."


    The Archon glided effortlessly through Haven''s night skies a few minutes later, the bright glow of his companion illuminated everything around him.


    Nix dipped one wing and moved closer to the Djinn, Hyai''s curved figure could be seen through the flames. "This is you flying naked, right?"


    The Djinn''s flaming hair tossed in his direction. "I''m clothed in flames."


    "Here we go." Nix landed softly, a few meters before the sand started.


    "Goodness." The Djinn stepped from the sand onto the emerald-colored glass. "The entire desert?"


    Nix shook his head. "No... Eighty percent or so."


    "Beautiful." The Djinn''s light reflected across the smooth surface, although her flames were high grade the glass beneath her feet showed no signs of melting. "Can you show me your evolved flame?"


    Nix nodded and dropped his archon form.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Fury]


    A high pitched keen accompanied the flames, the emerald coloring was a few shades lighter and much brighter than his previous version.


    Hyai feet left the ground, her flames growing brighter as she moved around Nix in a slow circle. "This may be the most beautiful place in Haven." Cautiously she held out her hand. "May I?"


    "Sure, but be prepared to drop it in case things go sideways." Nix reached for her hand, the Djinn form could hold any flames. "You can tell me what it feels like."


    *****************


    [0900 hours, Gemini Temple]


    /Officers: Jun Li: The rest the group turned? That''s a dozen of your kind?


    /Officer: Lucid: Yes. I should bring the Scorpion Titans back to their Clan.


    /Officers: Nix: Sindi challenged the Desert Fox totem two days ago, it is now the Desert Scorpion Clan.


    /Officers: Semmi: Lucid and Sindi will remain with them, take the time to annex the neighboring Red Bull Clan.


    /Officers: Pon: How are they going to do that?


    /Officer: Nix: Lucid will challenge and become the totem for them. They will give us two Scorpion totems.


    /Officer: Semmi: Eventually we''ll start to use our converted Titans to take over all the Clans until they are evenly divided between the Scorpion, Falcon, and White Lion Titans.


    /Officer: Nix: I should check-in with our Falcon Titan, after we wrap up things in Belatora I pay them a visit.


    /Officer: Wind: What do we need to finish up with Belatora?


    /Officer: Nix: Darsi, Fey, and Ducky are still there. I''ll take you and the old bastard to wrap things up.


    /Officer: Ronnie: Me and Bali are being pushed aside?


    /Officer: Nix: She can train the Trams in Haven for a bit, you should take care of your friend.


    /Officer: Ronnie: Fine. We''re coming next time!


    Wind joined Pon and Nix as they were exiting the Gemini Temple a few minutes later. King Lubo was sitting on his calmly on his shoulder, its dark eyes darting everywhere. "We gonna wait a few days as we planned?"


    Nix glanced at Pon who shook his slightly. "Prey waits."


    Pon nudged Nix with an elbow and pointed toward the pair walking toward them. "Company, take your time we''ll wait on the balcony."


    Nix nodded and veered away from his two companions. Deidra had been acting weird since the blood fusion but this was the first time he''d seen Tai. "Good Morning."


    Tai had her brown hair tied up with a green bandanna, she smiled warmly when he stopped. "How are you feeling, Nix?"


    "I''m fine, thanks for the help the other night." Nix lowered his voice slightly. "Were you able to speak with one of your friends?"


    "Yes. Everything is already arranged." Deidra glanced at Tai who nodded slightly. "The three of us will be leaving for our Krelandur in an hour. We will return sometime tomorrow."


    "Great." Nix opened up his Breach Commander interface and brought up a detailed map of Haven. "I assume you''ve started your nurseries." According to Tai, they could use their abilities to build one in a few hours. "Just point out the locations for me and I''ll make sure you aren''t bothered."


    Tai pointed to a location that was in a swampy region of Haven while Deidra chose a mountainous area that was fairly close.


    "Let me know if you need anything else." Nix scratched his head slightly. "Is it odd if I say good luck with your Krelandur?"


    Deidra smiled for the first time since before the blood fusion. "No. Thank you for your wishes."


    Nix joined Pon and Wind a few minutes later on the ranches second-floor balcony. "All set?"


    "Got room for me?" A familiar voice cackled from the doorway, it slid open to reveal an old man carrying a bottle of wine.


    "That''s my wine, Master." Nix scowled at the swordmaster.


    "I''ll pay you back with my body." Chiba smiled and took a long drink from the bottle. "How much sex would that be?"


    "None... That bottle is free." Nix closed the door that she left open and then led them down the outside stairs. "Join Alpha."


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] What did you find out in Virtuna?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] All three of their accounts are locked "In Accordance with Game Lore." Whatever that means.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Is there a time limit?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Yeah. 90 days and it will unlock.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] That''s great f*cking news, boy! Anything else?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Tess and Gypsy Rose are both men.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Bullshit! Tess used to flirt with me all the time.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Just saying...


    /Alpha: Chiba: So... Khione is cooking us up something in Eidengal?


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s what Gideon told us. We''ll have to wait until the mid-spire quests are done.


    [Create Breach: Haven: Belatora War Camp]


    Nix opened a breach and gestured his group through. "Quick and ruthless, let''s deal with Remis''s faction."

 452 Remis Camp

    Del moved to a nearby cushion and sat with her back toward him.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Is that the Ain''Dhassi you saved in Ever Flame?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep.


    /Alpha: Wind: You said Sinfaya''s people are leading the rebellion? What was his name?


    /Alpha: Nix: Cathor. We''ll find him as soon as I get a report from Darsi.


    Raine Xai has joined Inferno.


    Pon''s old face split into a wide grin when he read the message. "Looks like Fajii had that talk with Tura Raine."


    "Shut up, bastard." Nix accessed his inventory and pulled out the Eidelgal armor. It was tinted green and had base stats superior to his Nether King Armor, but he hadn''t bothered to mod it since he wasn''t planning on using it.


    "New armor boss?" Wind smiled slyly, "or is that a betrothal gift from the Xai Clan?"


    "Very funny. My armor melted off... Damn it that still pisses me off." Nix sat on one of the cushions and applied a sound dampening, Camo-overlay onto his new armor. "Guess I should be happy I didn''t lose my weapons too."


    The black Orion slinked closer and sat next to him. Her crystal blue eyes watched while he worked. "Why would the Xai Clan give you a betrothal gift?"


    Nix shrugged slightly and kept working. "Just a misunderstanding."


    "Did you lose your puppet forms too?" Wind shook his head. "That basilisk form was bad-ass."


    Pon nodded his head in agreement. "It was f*cking awesome. I loved seeing ass-hats turned into statues."


    Nix let the scowl on his face slip into a grin. "Well... good thing I wasn''t wearing these bad boys during the blood fusion!"


    Ashobel Clawz [Faction Based]


    Must be an ally of the Ashobel.


    Description: A soft brown leather


    glove that is both comfortable and


    durable.


    Activation: Upon activation the user''s


    primary path temporarily becomes melee


    and the gloves become the hands of an Ashobel


    warrior.


    [Enhancement: Miniature Animation .25] Desert Basilisk


    "I lost my Sea King [Turtle] and Orion [Feline] enhancements that I placed on my old armor, but that''s it." Nix finished his work and then equipped the new armor. The beauty of the Nether King set was that it could resemble normal clothes, and had the Nether Walker ability. "I should talk to Leva; maybe she can find me the Nether Walker enhancement."


    [Direct Contact: Darsi]


    A holo image of Darsi lying prone on some rocks appeared in the middle of their tent. She held her sniper rifle in one hand while looking through the scope. She didn''t bother to look up when she accepted the call. "Thought you forgot about me, Trip-7."


    "Directly northeast of your position is a series of ravines that could offer coverage for a large force. I observed them traveling that way a few nights ago." Darsi mumbled something under her breath and turned slightly to look at Nix''s holo. "Aledo is there, and so is someone called Raya, both of them are guarded by a force I don''t recognize."


    Wind''s head turned toward the entrance as the gecko he''d been playing with disappeared. "Someone''s here, boss."


    A moment later, the tent flap was pulled to one side, and Cathor stepped through.


    /Alpha: Pon: This is Sinfaya''s champion, right? Her dragon spawn?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. I''m not sure what his strength is like, but probably not as strong as Commander Mtui.


    /Alpha: Wind: He a caster? Do we need to protect him?


    /Alpha: Nix: No, he and his forces will have to protect themselves.


    Del has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Del: Thanks.


    Nix stood and shook Cathor''s hand when he offered it. "We''re going to assist you by cutting off the head of the snake; however, you''ll be responsible for clean-up."


    Cathor nodded. "We received reinforcements from the forces you brought earlier."


    /Alpha: Pon: He means Breach Commander Mtui?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah. Cathor is incognito, Sinfaya''s forces will remain here in Belatora after we leave.


    /Alpha: Chiba: He''s handsome. Ask if he wants to come to the Harvest Festival with me.


    /Alpha: Nix: He''s not your type.


    /Alpha: Chiba: I see. Thank you for taking care of me, Apprentice.


    Cathor glanced at the holo. "Is this your scout?"


    "Yes, she''s pinpointed the location of our target. We''ll go in and deal with the heavies when that''s done; I''ll breach your people in." Nix closed comm and motioned for his group to get moving. "Five minutes, we''ll head out."


    A half-hour later, four stealthed Daiken circled over Darsi''s position. It was obvious from the air that she was using her monocular to track them.


    Darsi has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Any change?


    /Alpha: Darsi: Nothing important. Aledo is bunkered down in a small cave with only one entrance.


    /Alpha: Pon: Lame and stupid. Let''s leave the idiot for last.


    /Alpha: Darsi: Raya is across the compound in her command tent. As I said, I don''t recognize the elites protecting her.


    /Alpha: Nix: Figured out a starting point for us?


    /Alpha: Darsi: Yep. There''s a small peak slightly east of the camp, the backside of it butts up against a river. You should be able to land easily and sneak into camp.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Why not just land on top of them? Everyone here in is an Archon, let''s put the mounts away and speed things along.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s land where Darsi recommended. Then we''ll go in hard.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Me and three hard men... It''s like a party.


    /Alpha: Nix: On me then.


    Nix''s Shadow Daiken dipped one wing and banked into a dive; it lasted only a few moments before leveling off and landing lightly. Without pausing, he activated his Archon ability and sprinted toward the edge of their tiny peak.


    /Alpha: Pon: When did you become so fast!


    The Archon trio chased after him, Nix stooped in the air, hovering for a moment to give his companions a chance to catch up; then, all four of them dived at the command tent.


    /Alpha: Darsi: I provide cover. There are three inside the tent, including our main target, three more elites outside.


    /Alpha: Chiba: I''ll get the door!


    /Alpha: Nix: You hold the three outside, old man.


    /Alpha: Pon: Cake.


    The swordmaster''s silver wing''s extended slightly as she banked and sliced opened the top of the tent with the tip of one wing.


    Nix flashed through the top of the tent and dropped his winged form while casting [Black Ice: Sculpture]


    Raya has been locked in Black Ice.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Fury]


    A bright green light flashed in the tent, illuminating two charging figures.


    Chiba''s silver sword flashed out in warning, causing the nearest to skid to a sudden stop. They crossed blades a dozen times in a few seconds, the old woman casually circling until she put herself in front of Nix.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Careful, one expert for sure.


    Wind already committed to attacking the second target; before he could react, the man targetted him. An instant later, a thunderous boom filled the tent. The Gemini thief took the shot at point-blank range, his body blown into the air and out of sight.


    Pena has used [Scattergun]


    Pena has landed a Significant Strike on Wind.


    Nix extended one hand; an instant later, a dozen emerald fire strands darted outward and wrapped around the gunman.


    Wind has cast [Spatial Shift][Backstab]


    The Gemini thief reappeared inside the tent, directly behind his target.


    Combination successful.


    Wind has landed a critical attack on Pena.


    Nix pulled back on his flame strands and slammed Pena onto the ground, once... twice... and then a third time.


    Wind moved toward the fallen shooter.


    Wind has attacked with [Killing Strike]


    Wind has landed a significant strike on Pena.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Execution]


    Nix has followed up Wind''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Pena has been slain.


    Yiri has used [Accelerant].


    Yira has activated Evacuate.


    Chiba cursed when her target disappeared in front of her. "She''s gone, Nix, along with the Ice sculptor."


    Nix grimaced and charged outside. Three headless corpses surrounded a pissed-off looking Fire Mage.


    /Alpha: Nix: Lost our primary target, opening a breach to Darsi''s position.


    The group joined Darsi a moment later in her sniper nest, more than a mile away from the camp.


    /Alpha: Pon: Damn you, Darsi!


    Darsi smiled at the old man, the blonde sniper shrugged slightly and raised her hands. "Don''t be mad. You were a good assist!"


    Nix glanced from one to the other before noticing that Chiba was holding one arm. "You get hit, Master?"


    The old woman nodded, her hand clenched around a deep cut on her forearm. "I put a blade in her side, but she had enough skill to make me pay." Chiba held up an engraved dagger with her wounded arm. "She dropped this."


    "Bring it with us." Nix brought out his bandages and started dressing the wound. "I''ll summon Shadai to fully heal you, but I need the practice."


    Chiba nodded in understanding. "There was something familiar about her; I just can''t place it."


    /Alpha: Wind: Why are you staring daggers at our sniper, old man?


    /Alpha: Pon: I cast Fire-Nado, and she stole all the kills.


    Darsi stood up and stretched before stowing her rifle away. "Sorry, Pon, headshots for-the-win. How can I make it up to you?" The ponytailed blond winked at the fire mage, causing his wrinkled face to scowl.


    "You could have left me one!" Pon turned his back on her, his old eyes scanning the distant camp. It was now alive with activity. "What happened inside the tent?"


    "We killed one; the other two used some sort an evacuation skill." Nix exhaled the breath he''d been holding. "Let''s figure out where they went, and postpone Aledo since he knows we are here."


    Nix opened a breach back to their command tent and motioned for everyone to step through. "Round two will be in a few hours, let''s figure out our next move."

 453 Exi

    Nix offered her a smile and sat down next to her. "How did your wings cut through the top of that tent?"


    Chiba finished off the braid with a hairband before reaching for her ring. "They are metallic, like blades. I''m a Quick-Silver Archon." She slipped the ring back on, and instantly Chiba, the Goddess, returned to her preferred form.


    "Anything special about that dagger, our friend dropped?" Although Nix had his hands full in the tent, his sharp eyes noticed Chiba''s initial engagement with the unknown fighter.


    The old woman shook her head slightly. "No, I should have pressed hard enough to kill her. Now we have an expert running around." Chiba scooted closer to the black Orion curled up beside Nix''s bedroll and started stroking its sleek black fur. "There was something familiar about her, Apprentice... I can''t place it."


    Nix waited to see if Del would bite her, but instead, she closed her eyes and shifted closer. "I can."


    Chiba paused in mid-stroke. "You can?"


    Nix nodded. "Give us the tent, please."


    Pon glanced at Wind and motioned toward the door. The Orion stretched its long body for a moment and then padded after them.


    Chiba watched her apprentice as he walked toward the tent''s only table and picked up her sword belt. The silver blade pulled free with a dangerous ring. "Perhaps one day, I will give you that blade, not that you need it."


    Nix swiped the blade in the air and then stepped into the middle area. He turned and pointed the silver sword at her. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the tip of the blade down and raised the hilt to shoulder height while leaping backward.


    The old woman''s face seemed to freeze for a moment before paling noticeably. "The exit..."


    Nix nodded. "You showed it to me when I became your apprentice." There was nothing special or overpowering about the technique; it was simply one of many methods to disengage safely. He assumed it was one of Chiba''s moves since he''d only seen her use it. "That expert used it today. Where did you learn it?"


    "Milamber," Chiba said the name quietly, her eyes staring off into the empty air as if watching a distant memory.


    Nix sheathed the sword and set it back on the table, Chiba hadn''t spoken or moved. "I don''t know the name. You don''t have to talk about it."


    Chiba shrugged slightly and slipped her ring off again. "Back when I was a young girl named Ellisand, a traveling expert named Milamber taught me the blade."


    Nix frowned at the pained tone of her voice. Without speaking, he took a seat next to her and waited.


    Nix smiled slightly. "How is it possible that you haven''t hunted this guy down yet?"


    "Couldn''t find him," Chiba answered honestly. "He took my money, broke my heart, and then killed my dog."


    "Ellisand is a pretty name, but I like Chiba better." Nix stood up and offered her a hand up.


    "Me too." Chiba pursed her full lips. "You falling for me?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Whenever I see you, I think of vomit and piss."


    Chiba grinned suddenly, her beauty radiating outward. "Our first meeting... You remembered."


    "Are you bent on personally avenging yourself on this person? Or should I kill him for you?"


    Chiba handed Nix her ring, "Kill him. A swordmaster like myself is above petty emotions like revenge."


    Nix stowed the ring away for safekeeping. "Right, because you''re so mature.


    **********************


    The blue water wings flapped gently as she flew nap-of-the-earth, less than a meter from the rocky surface when the surface disappeared and plummeted straight down to the canyon below; she banked and dived parallel to the steep granite wall. With effortless ease, she pulled out of the dive and landed lightly in front of the large cave.


    "Hello, boys." The blue-hair woman''s voice poured forth like sweet nectar; she walked past the guards without slowing down.


    The wings disappeared as she walked into the cave, her sharp eyes immediately found her target. "Aledo!" She smiled and waved to the recently promoted leader.


    "Ducky." Aledo was surrounded by two of his advisors and a dozen of his elite guard. Unlike the men outside, they seemed alarmed by her presence. "It''s fine. She''s an ally."


    Ducky smiled at his words; her all blue eyes seemed to glow in the torchlit room. "Don''t mind me. I''m here to protect Raya." The water witch approached the table where several maps and scrolls were scattered.


    Aledo sighed heavily. "Thank goodness. I was worried for her safety."


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "The ambush by Inferno took her by surprise."


    "She''s overconfident because of Milamber and Pilate. I don''t get it." Aldeo shook his head in disgust. "If Khione is struggling to contain Inferno, how are a necromancer and a spellsword going to defeat them?''


    "She needs my help. Take me to her." Ducky leaned close and kissed the side of his face, her blue eyes staring at the advisors.


    Aledo handed her a small stone token. "Tell her I want her to lay low for a few days."


    Ducky studied the token for a few moments and then walked back toward the entrance.


    [Summons: Fey]


    A thin mage with baggy white robes appeared in front of her a moment later, her pale eyes glancing around the room. The teen clucked her tongue in dismay. "Hiding in an oven?"


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Summon me, please.


    Ducky waved, just as the mage''s body started to change. An instant later, she disappeared from sight.


    The peaceful atmosphere of the cavern changed to dread in an instant. The silver drakon barely fit inside, its mouth opened wide, exposing rows of razor-sharp teeth. Short-lived screams immediately died out as the inside of the cave filled with silver flames. It went on for several moments until only ashes were left.


    Fey returned to her human form, a long staff held in one hand as she turned toward the entrance.


    /Inferno: Fey: Summon me, please.


    *************************


    "You two..." Nix had his arms crossed in front of his chest while he stared at his two spirit companions. "Don''t go rogue anymore."


    /Family: Duck: Sorry, we wanted to help.


    /Family: Fey: I''m sorry too.


    /Family: Nix: It wasn''t the wrong move, but next time let me know first. The two of you are too important.


    Ducky handed Nix the token she received from Aledo.


    Simple Return


    Description: Stone token that


    returns the holder to the binding point.


    Uses: 6/10


    Nix studied it for a moment and then tossed it to Pon. "Seen this before?"


    The old man paused for a moment and then nodded. "That''s basically a single person port-stone. It''s already bound to a location, but there is no way to tell where."


    /Alpha: Nix: Gear up and standby. I''m going in.


    /Alpha: Pon: Seems a bit, dangerous boss.


    /Alpha: Wind: We jumped too quickly last time, look at what happened.


    Nix smiled and shooshed the Orion away from his bedroll before taking a seat. Without speaking, he pulled out one of his Nether Rats and sat it next to him. The rat''s head popped up the moment Nix laid down. Its yellow eyes stared at the group for a moment and then picked up the token from beside him.


    /Alpha: Pon: Return of the Rat King!


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll go in and scout around. Be ready to breach in.

 454 A Friend Resurfaces

    [Communications have been disrupted]


    [Hud use is disabled]


    [Personal Messenging has been disabled.]


    Rat-Nix instantly stealthed and scurried off of the small platform. "Of course. Why make it easy?"


    Rather than drop the rat puppet and come in hard, he decided instead to scout around. According to Ducky, there should be a Necromancer somewhere close by and Raya had to be located as well.


    "The hell is this..." Nix squinted in the bright light, he''d been expected darkness perhaps even another underground fortress of some kind. The portal platform was placed on another much larger square, when he moved to the edge and peered over into a vast empty sky, the rat-king felt his stomach sink.


    Movement from the portal drew his attention, two men stepped off the platform and started walking toward a wide rope ladder that descended into the clouds below. One of the men turned toward him and raised his arms.


    [Your Nether Rat Emperor puppet has been slain]


    Nix scowled and sat up, pushing aside the Orion that was laying beside him. "Bastard killed my damn puppet, one shot..."


    Pon glanced at Wind, both of them were holding back their amusement. Nix had a strange attachment to his rats. "One shotted it? With what?''


    Nix shook his head and climbed to his feet. "At first I thought it was a gun, but there was no noise so perhaps a crossbow of some sort."


    The old man shrugged slightly. "Time to go in then."


    "Nope." Nix grinned at the old fire mage, he was tempted to send him in. "Not a favorable matchup for you old man. Elemental abilities are disabled, and all comm is down."


    Pon grimaced slightly and raised his hands up in mock surrender. "I''m out."


    "Fey and Ducky will stay here also, if necessary I''ll bring Morti in." Nix turned toward Chiba who was already belting her sword on. "Want your ring?"


    Chiba shook her head. "No, if Milamber is walking around, I want him to see me."


    "I''m in too." Wind was all ready to go, he gave Pon a sly grin. "Put those flames to use and cook us something while we''re gone."


    Nix considered the group for a moment. When he became a Black Ice Nemesis a few weeks earlier, his primary path had changed from Fire to Elemental. Having his elemental abilities blocked was bothersome, but he wasn''t nearly as limited as Pon.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''d like to take one more, but who?


    /Alpha: Pon: Vooni, Shae, Fajii... all elemental based. How about Sharl?


    /Alpha: Nix: She''s still helping Floyd. Jun Li maybe?


    /Alpha: Wind: Semmi also. I think Ronnie and Bali need some time off.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] We''re supposed to be taking a few days off. If you ask Jun Li or Semmi, you''ll get an earful.


    [Direct Contact: Fajii]


    Nix could tell she was leaning against the balcony rail at his ranch. "Need a non-elemental for a short mission."


    "A mission? Aren''t you resting a bit?" Fajii glanced to one side, a moment later, a second holo appeared next to hers.


    Shae''s warm brown eyes stared at him for a moment. "A non-elemental? Semmi or Jun Li would be the best choice. Is this something big?"


    "Big?" Nix shook his head slightly. "Not really, just a personal errand."


    The two holos shared a look before Fajii nodded her head. "Open a breach to the balcony."


    Nix waved and cut comm before they could ask any more questions.


    [Create Breach: Haven: Belatora]


    A breach appeared in the tent and a moment later a woman with brown armor and a single braid hanging halfway down her back, stepped through. Her hair was slightly darker than last time Nix had seen her, somewhere between dark blonde and a light brown.


    Pon coughed loudly. "Welcome to Belatora, Tura Raine."


    /Alpha: Chiba: This the new wife?


    /Alpha:Pon: I''m so glad I didn''t stay in Haven.


    "Just Raine is fine." She offered Nix a hesitant smile. "Thank you for inviting me."


    "Raine..." Nix struggled to keep the frown off of his face.


    Chiba gestured toward the tent entrance. "We''ll be outside, Nix"


    /Alpha: Pon: I want to stay!


    /Alpha: Wind: Go, Nix has to sort this out.


    The Fir''Dhassi approached him and offered her hand. "I''m glad we had this chance to travel together so soon."


    Nix shook her hand, perhaps Fajii hadn''t spoken to her yet? "My errand is slightly dangerous, I can''t bring someone whose death would be permanent."


    Raine nodded as if understanding. "Taking care of your people is the sign of a good leader."


    Nix breathed a sigh of relief. "Then you understand."


    Raine held up a hand before he could continue. "I''m bound at the Greater House of Inferno, in Solomon City."


    "Er... You''ve completed the planar trials?"


    Raine nodded. "Yesterday, Shae set it up for me."


    "You''re a Wrath, right? Unfortunately the place I''m going seals elemental abilities." Nix shrugged helplessly. "Even Pon is taking a break on this one."


    "I don''t hold true elemental power. I can root, but I don''t use the wood element, the same way I can summon a sandstorm without having the air element." Rain frowned slightly. "Perhaps you underestimate me?"


    /Alpha: Nix: Come in here Master.


    Nix bowed slightly. "My Master will cross blades with you, she will determine if you can go. I feel like my judgment in this matter may be clouded."


    Chiba entered a moment later, she smiled at the young pair. "Are we done?"


    The soft ringing of a blade being drawn from its scabbard answered the question, Raine stood casually with her sword in one hand. "Nix requires a test."


    /Alpha: Nix: Just a quick spar, dissuade her from coming. I''ll wait outside.


    /Alpha: Wind: And there''s the boss... passing the buck.


    /Alpha: Pon: Lame. You gotta put your foot down boy! That''s how I handle my business.


    /Alpha: Wind: Remind us again what the name of your beer is called? Was it Semmi''s Golden?


    /Alpha: Nix: Get ready, we are going in.


    A few minutes later, Chiba and Raine exited the tent. The two women were chatting like old friends.


    Raine has joined Alpha.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] She''s coming.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] You were supposed to dissuade her. Maybe I used a strange word... It means to convince her to stay here!


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Her blademaster is Delyn Xai, I''ve never crossed swords with him but his abilities are well known. I would rate Raine and Jun Li at a similar level.


    /Alpha: Nix: Welcome. Follow directions and don''t hesitate to ask for help if you get in trouble.


    Nix had no reason for not allowing her to go, they needed a blade and if Chiba said she was good enough, he''d take her word for it.


    Nix opened a breach and motioned his team through. Pon''s shit-eating grin was the last thing he saw before he followed them. "Don''t fuck around old man, wipe out the rest of Aledo''s men."


    Pon nodded. "You got it."


    [All Elemental abilities are disabled.]


    [Communications have been disrupted]


    [Hud use is disabled]


    [Personal Messenging has been disabled.]


    Nix scowled at the place where his rat had died, whoever did it left it lying there with a bolt through its head. He picked it up and stowed it in his inventory. "Stay within speaking range."


    "That seems less than safe." Chiba motioned to the single rope bridge that descended into the clouds, visibly swaying in the strong winds.


    "Wind will take point, I''ll bring up the rear." Nix wanted to bring Morti in, but his size on the rope bridge seemed like it would be precarious at best.


    The group descended, placing a hand on the person in front of them when they could no longer see. The Gemini thief kept one hand on the rope rail to guide him. After several minutes the clouds slowly started to dissipate and the rope bridge ended.


    [Team and Personal messaging have been restored.]


    "Please present your tokens." A bald male wearing black armor stood under the arched exit of the rope bridge, two small horns coming out of his forehead announced his identity as a dragon spawn. Although his manner was professional, he was obviously struggling not to stare at Chiba.


    The blonde swordmaster smiled slightly. "Hey, handsome. We''re meeting someone, remind me what the tokens are?"


    /Alpha: Wind: Kill him?


    /Alpha: Nix: Wait.


    "Either you or the person meeting you has to show their heritage ring for you to gain access to Tembai." The bald dragon spawn rested one hand lightly on the hilt of his sword. "You will have to leave otherwise."


    Nix stepped forward and held out one of the rings he took from Jargon Kane''s desk. "I have it here."


    *******Authors Reminder***********


    *************************


    The man looked at the ring and nodded before stepping to one side. "Welcome to Tembai. I assume you are here for the tournament?"


    "I''ll take it from here. These people are my guests." A veiled woman, with elegant white wings, spoke from above them, she landed lightly in front of the group and furled her wings.


    [You have entered the Tembai Academy]


    [Elemental abilities have been restored.]


    [All Archon abilities have been disabled]


    /Alpha: Wind: Pon''s going to be pissed.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Do we know this person?


    /Alpha: Wind: She seems familiar.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. We know her.


    The veiled woman motioned for them to follow, one finger held up to stop any questions. She had bright green hair worn very short. She led the way down the path until they arrived at a heavy gate that was opened. A single table was placed across the entrance with two men sitting behind it.


    "Mistress Chelonia, it was my understanding that you weren''t bringing a team to this year''s trial." Both men were dragon spawn and looked enough alike that they could easily be brothers.


    The veiled woman motioned for Alpha team to advance past. "I wasn''t expecting them to arrive in time."


    Una Chelonia has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Did you regain dragon form?


    /Alpha: Una: It''s a long story, but if you know where Tharaka is, you should tell him to take the planar trials as soon as possible.


    /Alpha: Wind: I''m sorry, I don''t remember you.


    /Alpha: Nix: This is Una. When we defeated the Nighthag in Thornwood Keep, I animated her into the puppet made by Kellix Warden. She took the surname of Chelonia at that time.


    /Alpha: Wind: Right, now I remember.


    /Alpha: Una: It''s not safe to talk here. Follow me back to my compound.


    *******************

 455 Tembai Academy part one

    Nix listened to the story with interest, at one time Unaqoir had used all of her dragon marrow to keep Verynzai in the air. When her supply was depleted, she abandoned her dragon form and decided to live in Everspire as a human. She sent her dragon spawn to other cities to live so that her bloodline would continue. Eventually, she was able to assume the form of a lesser creature which was shortly before the time that she was captured and enslaved by Menial. "Why do I get the feeling that you can assume dragon form again?"


    "Not yet, but soon." Una poured each of them a glass of wine. "Before I get into that, where are Semmi and Pon?"


    "Semmi is working on an important quest while the old bastard is mopping up our current mission." Nix glanced around the courtyard, although it looked worn every was in good repair. The buildings were made from a red brick that seemed out of place when compared to the dark cobblestones. "What''s this trial for?"


    Una pursed her lips slightly as if considering her words carefully. "I already owe you too much, so I will not request your aide in this matter."


    Nix shrugged slightly, although he hadn''t spent much time with Una before placing her in elemental puppet, she made a positive impression on him. "We have our own interest here. We are after a swordsman named Milamber, Raya Remis, and unknown Necromancer."


    "The Necromancer would be Dotha the Black, both Milamber and Remis are on his team." Una studied Nix for a few moments while Inferno considered their options. "Dotha has no connection with Khione."


    /Alpha: Nix: Opinions?


    /Alpha: Chiba: I think Milamber and Raya have decided to leave the mid-spire forever. Let''s go back, we can consider the Dhou quest cleared if Pon cleared out Aledo''s army.


    /Alpha: Wind: Up to you guys, I''m itching for a fight after the last fiasco.


    /Alpha: Raine: Whatever you decide is fine with me.


    Four Corner Quest Updated: Report to General Remis in Dhou has been completed.


    Report to Quartermaster Felid Sah in Vespri


    Report to the Thieves Guild in Mocai.


    Report to Madam Ravine in Lana.


    /Alpha: Wind: Pon already wiped them out?


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe. Either that or they surrendered without any of their leaders.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Vespri next then?


    /Alpha: Nix: Not so fast. I''m not willing to let Milamber go. He treated my Master badly and killed her dog. What kind of Apprentice would I be if I let that slide?


    Chiba''s face reddened noticeably, pressing her perfect hands against her cheeks. "I have the best Apprentice."


    "I can reclaim my dragon form." Although Una''s pale face was expressionless, there was an undertone of excitement in her voice. "Do you know what a wildling is?"


    Nix shook his head. "No idea."


    Una leaned closer and inhaled slightly. "You know something about Krelandur?"


    "Why are you smelling me? Yeah, I understand Krelandur."


    Una shook her head. "No reason. Not all the dragons reside in the Dragon Cities, however, those are the most powerful ones." She swirled the red wine in her glass for a moment before finishing it off. "There are those who attempt to breed outside of the collective will of the dragons."


    Chiba''s pretty face broke into a wide smile. "Everything wants to fuck... Right? Even dragons."


    The green-haired elemental smiled at the statement. She didn''t know Chiba, but she already had a good idea of her personality. "It is never completely successful. When a dragon is born, the collective will of dragons gathers together to strengthen its soul."


    Nix understood that dragon souls were special, but he hadn''t known why. When Tharaka consumed his own heart while occupying a Nether-Rat puppet, its dragon soul was temporarily transferred. Unaqoir had done the same thing while in a Dire Wolf puppet during the Menial raid. "Does this have anything to do with why you consumed your own heart?"


    Una nodded. "My dragon soul is much more important than my consciousness. It represents the approval of the dragon collective. It is anchored to our hearts."


    Nix glanced at Wind who was looking as confused as he felt. "I''m missing something. What happens when dragons are born away from the collective will?"


    "A dragon body is special, it takes a powerful soul to reside inside it. Without the presence of a strong soul, half of them become mindless creatures sometime during their adolescence." Una''s face looked grim when she spoke. It was obvious that she found the idea abhorrent. "These creatures kill and burn everything in sight. The dragon collective hunts these creatures."


    "They become crazy because their soul detaches?" Nix remembered from their fight with the Diaz dragon puppet in Neva pass, adolescent dragons were very strong.


    "In simple terms, yes. Once the wildlings are captured, the body is preserved and a tournament is held. This time there are two wildling dragons." Una''s brown eyes studied the group for a moment. "There are two ways to be considered for insertion. One is to already have a soul suitable for a dragon."


    Nix nodded slightly. "Which both you and Tharaka already have."


    "The other is to prove your mettle in a qualifying tournament. Dotha and his team have advanced through the Provincial Dragon Academy."


    Nix swore loudly, the word slipping out before he could help it. Deidra had kidnapped him from Loki and marooned him during the Academy''s War Games for a week. Although he hadn''t done anything other than hide, he was still angry about being strong-armed. "I was an unwilling participant in the H \u0026 K portion of the games, Deidra released me after the week was over."


    "According to what I know, Dotha and his team progressed through that route." The surprize on Una''s face was evident. Why would Deidra invite Nix to the H \u0026 K? " Now that Dotha''s team is in Tembai, they will fight for the Wildling."


    ***********Author''s Reminder**********


    **************************************


    Nix glanced at Raine, the Fir''Dhassi was taking everything in stride. "What happens to you when you are placed into a wildling?"


    Una smiled, it had been years since she was in her own dragon body. "To claim a wildling dragon means that your elements and abilities will be removed. These will be replaced with basic dragon abilities and you will be sent to the Provincial Dragon Academy to develop properly."


    Nix asked, even though he didn''t need to. "You want this?"


    Una nodded. "Yes. I didn''t have a team ready, my extended family is influential but not overly strong."


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s vote, Aye or Nay. We leave unless it''s unanimous.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Aye.


    /Alpha: Raine: Aye.


    /Alpha: Wind: Aye.


    /Alpha: Nix: Aye''s have it.


    Nix clapped his hands together. "We''ll do it! How many does a team have?"


    "Six, including myself." Una smiled at the group. "Thank you!"


    /Alpha: Nix: Guess we''ll bring in the old bastard. Crap, my Archon abilities are disabled, I can''t breach him in.


    /Alpha: Wind: You can head back to the portal... I''m not going anywhere near that rope bridge a second time.


    /Alpha: Nix: Wait here.


    "I''m going to head back and grab Pon. This will be better with some fire support." Nix finished off his glass and stood up. "Do I need an escort?"


    Una shook her head slightly. "Not really, but I''ll bring you to the rope bridge and then wait while you get Pon."


    ***********


    It took Nix less than an hour to retrieve the last member of their group. By the time everyone was reunited there was only time for a quick meeting.


    /Alpha: Nix: We are one of four teams competing, the winning team claims two wildlings.


    /Alpha: Pon: Nix filled me in, what are we going to do with the second wildling?


    /Alpha: Wind: We haven''t won yet.


    /Alpha: Una: You don''t have to decide right away, you can wait.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s a 6v6 competition with four teams. The first round will be us against a random team. If we win, we''ll fight against the winner of the other match-up. Two wins get you into the finals. You are eliminated when you get two losses.


    /Alpha: Una: The team matches will be posted in the morning. I''ll have them for you as soon as I can.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll bring in Morti and Shadai for assistance.


    Nix: DPS/CC Heals: Shadai, Tank: Morti


    Wind: DPS


    Pon: DPS


    Raine: DPS


    Chiba: DPS


    Una: DPS/CC

 456 Tembai Academy part two

    "They make it through adolescence without going crazy and are not bothered. These dragons don''t develop the same kind of elemental strengths that normal dragons have. The soul strengthening offered by the dragon collective also increases their potential." Nix poured them both another glass of wine. "Did you enjoy Haven?"


    "It''s very nice, I''ve never heard of a seed world that large." Raine nodded. "I''m amazed, really. Inferno has outgrown the rest of us very quickly."


    "Did you meet Soup?"


    Raine''s pale face blushed slightly. "I thought you were joking when you said you have a turtle spirit companion."


    Nix smiled at her expression. "Is she scary?"


    "Yes!" The Fir''Dhassi covered her smile by sipping some of her wine. "You shouldn''t remember that conversation."


    "Hmm... Sorry, it''s not everyone who gets bitten on the bum by a turtle." Nix laughed when he recalled the conversation. It had been after he rescued her from two of her kinsmen who snatched her while she was taking a bath. She admitted that a childhood incident left her with an irrational fear of turtles.


    "You''re horrible," Raine said with a slight smile. "I feel disfigured."


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "Right... the tiny scar just ruins everything." For unknown reasons, he found himself grinning.


    Raine stretched her long limbs, finally shrugging out of her worn leather armor. "I should get some rest. Good night, Nix." Her underarmor clung to her skin, emphasizing sleek muscles that were offset by sleek, feminine curves.


    "Good night." Nix suspected she barely ever took off her armor. "Leave that here; I will make some improvements to it."


    The Xai Clan leader appeared hesitant; she was aware that Nix could improve armor. "I didn''t take it off as a hint."


    "We''re fighting tomorrow. I do the same for everyone I team up with."


    Raine set the armor down on the table, shrugging her shoulders slightly. "Thank you, Sir."


    Nix watched her walk toward her room, waiting until the door closed before examining her armor.


    Nature''s Wrath: [Raine Xai Only]


    Armor Class: 800


    +10 to all Stats.


    All incoming damage is decreased by 20 percent.


    All Nature''s Wrath Abilities are increased by 20 percent.


    Nix glanced up to make sure she hadn''t returned; he had an overwhelming urge to throw the armor in the trash. "This is total shit..."


    "Let''s see... we''ll start with the sound enhanced camo-overlay."


    Camouflage Fabric V


    [Enhancements]


    Complete Invisibility


    Sound Amplification: When applied to weapons.


    Lightning Resistant: Extra protection against Lightning-based attacks.


    Bonus: Material is completely immune to fire.


    Nix stared at the enhancements for a moment and then quickly set up another queue.


    [Sound Enhanced Camo-Overlay] [Nature''s Wrath] [Dragon Leather] [Kraken Leather]


    Nix selecting the crafting icon and then picked up the armor again. "Better... What kind of form shall I add?"


    Nature''s Wrath: [Raine Xai Only]


    Armor Class: 3800


    +60 to all Stats.


    +50 to Speed.


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    All Nature''s Wrath Abilities are increased by 20 percent.


    All incoming damage is reduced by half.


    Description: This armor is designed


    for moving silently. All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Bonus: Armor is Immune to Fire Damage


    Nix swore under his breath. He was only carrying the damaged Nether-Rat puppet and an Orion puppet; the Orion was only at the Revenant level. "Shit. Now I remember that I still have to fix this one."


    [Animator Interface Activated]


    [Do you wish to use the Revenant Orion puppet to repair the Emperor Nether-Rat puppet?]


    "Sure."


    [The resulting repair will decrease the quality of the Nether-Rat puppet. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "No. I''ll try shrinking it."


    [Nether-Rat Emperor] [Applied Miniaturization Text: .75] [Orion Revenant]


    [The resulting repair will mutate the species of the Nether-Rat puppet. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "Yes."


    [Mutator Animation developed]


    [Nether-Ravager puppet created]


    "Shit... I don''t want to give you away!" Nix studied the puppet for a few minutes; it had the size of an Orion. However, its black body and snout were elongated like a rat. "Fucking beautiful is what you are." Nix grimaced as he added the Ravager to Raine''s armor, he comforted himself with the knowledge that he had plenty of Nether Rat and Orion puppets in his storage. "Damn it. Why didn''t someone say you could combine puppets?"


    [Nature''s Ravager: Raine Xai Only]


    Ravager Shape Shifter Set: Evolving


    Armor Class: 4000


    + 100 to all Stats


    +100 to Speed


    + 200 Lightning Resistance


    +200 Nether Resistance


    +200 Ice Resistance


    All Nature''s Wrath Abilities are increased by half.


    All incoming damage is reduced by half.


    Description: This armor is designed


    for moving silently. All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Bonus: Armor is Immune to Fire Damage.


    Nix whistled softly, adding puppets to armor was something he learned he could do in Ever Flame. Those shapeshifter sets had never resulted in stat changes to the armor. "Is that what Mutator animation does?"


    ******************


    When Nix returned to the common area the next morning, only Una was absent. He handed Raine her upgraded armor and then squeezed in between Wind and Pon on the bench seating.


    /Alpha: Pon: Johnny-come-lately is finally here.


    /Alpha: Nix: Just call me John, old bastard. Where''s Una?''


    /Alpha: Wind: She went to pick up the match-ups.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s limit our skill set until the finals, I''m going with my Basilisk form and melee.


    /Alpha: Pon: Ice Wraith.


    /Alpha: Wind: Just me and the King.


    King Lubo snuck out from behind Wind''s collar and hopped onto Nix''s shoulder. Its round black eyes were calmly watching the group.


    /Alpha: Nix: Looks like the King is ready.


    /Alpha: Pon: It''s good to be King.


    "Nix!" Raine had finally picked up her upgraded armor; her face seemed frozen in shock. "This isn''t..."


    [Whisper: Chiba to Raine] You''ll embarrass him if you make too big a deal out of it. My Apprentice is this way.


    Raine donned her armor, the color starting to return to her face. "Thank you, sir."


    Nix waved her off. "We''re teammates, so it''s expected that we''ll help each other."


    /Alpha: Chiba: The rest of us will fight normally, hiding the fire strength of our group will give us a big advantage.


    The group ate a small meal from the trays that had been brought out, Una returned a few minutes later with the schedule.


    /Alpha: Una: Here is the first round.


    Team Una vs. Team Hades


    Team Dotha vs. Team Lariat


    /Alpha: Pon: We know anything about Hades?


    /Alpha: Una: Unfortunately for them, I know their strengths. They have a healing based dragon spawn named Durox; we''ll need to CC him. They are mostly fire-based damage, not really a threat to us.


    /Alpha: Una: I''ll use my Air abilities to CC, let''s go petless until the finals.


    /Alpha: Wind: Except for the King.


    Una stared at the tiny gecko, she remembered him from her time in Ionova, but she''d never seen him in action.


    /Alpha: Una: Just him then.


    An hour later, the six members of Alpha stood across a sand-covered arena from another group. They would face Hades first and then regather to watch the match between Dotha and Lariat.


    Nix walked to the forefront of the group as if to assume the role of the tank.


    [Basilisk]


    Twenty-five feet of reptile appeared on the sands of the arena; its scales appeared to be heavily armored, especially around the head area. Two curved fangs were visible when it hissed at the blonde beauty standing next to him.


    Chiba smiled and stroked its armor-plated head. "Such a lovely Apprentice."


    Pon changed into his Ice Wraith form and moved next to the reptile.


    /Alpha: Pon: Gonna stone the cleric?


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s the plan.


    /Alpha: Una: Sending everyone my scouting report. If you die in the arena, you''ll be rezzed in the holding area.


    [Hades]


    Durox: Cleric Known Elements: Wood, Water


    Bistro: Tank: High Regeneration and Heavy Armor


    Lula: Archer: Stealth and Poisons.


    Yenzi: DPS: Fire Mage


    Torn: DPS: Fire Mage


    Summit: DPS: Flame Knight


    /Alpha: Nix: Two fire mages?


    /Alpha: Pon: Lame...


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll CC the cleric, then kill all the dps while Chiba and Pon keep the tank occupied.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Understood.


    /Alpha: Pon: On it.


    Both groups stared at the large torch that stood high over the entrance; the signal to start was when it was lit. The packed arena watched quietly and then roared when it burst into magnificent blue flames.


    Nix moved to the right flank while Pon and Chiba engaged the tank.


    The air around Una swirled and then thickened.


    [Null][Vacuum]


    Combination Successful.


    Una has silenced Durox.


    A surprised cleric appeared in front of Una a moment later. He raised his shield to defend when Raine feinted an overhead slash.


    [Petrifiy]


    Durox has been turned to stone.


    Raine ducked under the shield.


    [Hardened Blade][Wrath Strike]


    Combination Successful.


    Raine''s blade has taken on a diamond edge.


    Raine has inflicted a mortal wound.


    The stone head of Durox fell into the sand a moment later with a soft thump.


    Durox has been slain.


    Lula has secured a firing position.


    [Trueshot Burst]


    Lula has wounded Nix.


    Trueshot has been deflected.


    Trueshot has been deflected.


    The armor that protected the Basilisk''s face raised after the first hit; Nix immediately flashed toward the archer.


    Wind appeared behind the archer an instant later.


    [Backstab][First Strike][Hamstring]


    Triple Combination successful.


    Wind had inflicted a critical hit x 2 on Lula.


    Wind landed a significant strike on Lula.


    Lula has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Desert Viper]


    Nix has followed up Wind''s attack with a significant strike.


    The Basilisk clamped its jaws around the archer, its long body twisting around Lula as it started a death-roll.


    Raine appeared in the air over the two fighters; her long blade slashed downward with razor-like precision.


    [Nature''s Fury]


    For the second time in as many minutes, a head rolled onto the sands of the arena.


    /Alpha: Nix: Holy crap! Warn a snake first!


    /Alpha: Raine: Plenty of room.


    A moment later, the entire arena was filled with orange flames.


    Yenzi has cast Ring of Fire.


    Torn has cast Ring of Fire.


    Ring of Fire has stacked and become an Inferno Domain.


    Nix squinted through the flames that sprouted up around them, Pon and Una were both in the air and were out of range. Everyone else had upgraded armor that gave them fire immunity. "Coming at us with fire... Kinda funny."


    "Should we run around screaming?" Wind vanished in the flames, only to reappear next to the fire mages. Lubo peeked his tiny head out long enough zero in on the nearest one.


    [Fear the King]


    Both mages instantly began screaming before taking off in separate directions.


    Summit has been feared.


    Torn has been feared.


    Yenzi has been feared.


    Bistro has been feared.


    /Alpha: Nix: Leave the tank and kill the dps.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Understood!


    [Master Strike][Weighted Thrust]


    Combination successful.


    Chiba has inflicted a critical strike on Summit.


    Chiba has landed a significant attack on Summit.


    [Backstab][Gutted]


    Combination Successful.


    Wind had inflicted a critical strike on Torn.


    Wind has landed a significant attack on Torn.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Viper Strike]


    Nix has followed up Chiba''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Ice Fangs] Pon has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Nature''s Dilemma: One Strike]


    Raine has landed a mortal strike on Summit.


    Summit has been slain.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Tail Whip]


    Nix has followed up Wind''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Frozen Spear]


    Pon has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Perfect Strike]


    Chiba has followed up Pon''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Torn has been slain.


    /Alpha: Una: Stop attacking, the torch has been extinguished.


    /Alpha: Pon: Huh?


    /Alpha: Wind: They say, Uncle?


    /Alpha: Nix Looks that way. Good job, everyone.


    [Match One goes to Team Una.]

 457 Tembai Academy part three

    Chiba frowned slightly when Milamber appeared a few meters away, but she didn''t look at him. The holding area was separated into four sections by an energy barrier; this kept teams from fighting between matches.


    "Ellisand?" A male voice called over from the Dotha area.


    Unexpectedly the old fire mage answered. "The fuck do you want?"


    Wind shook his head at the sword user. "You lasted nearly a minute. Impressive work..."


    Nix smiled at his teammates, Chiba was an odd duck, but she was their duck. He squeezed her hand and motioned toward Milamber. "Who''s this clown, Master Chiba?"


    Chiba shrugged slightly. "Not really sure, ignore him Apprentice, and focus on those still fighting."


    Nix nodded and immediately returned his attention back to the two teams, still fighting.


    "Chiba..." A cruel laugh escaped the Dotha swordmaster. "Wasn''t that the name of that mutt I killed?"


    Pon moved to the edge of the containment area, his old face pressed close to the energy barrier. "Why the fuck are you yapping, little dog?" He glanced over his shoulder toward Wind and used two fingers to flash the ''L'' sign at Milamber. "Remind me what this means again? LOO..."


    "SUH..." Wind finished before the pair started laughing.


    Milamber scowled unhappily, his face darkening as two of his more of his team joined him in the holding area.


    Pon shook his head sadly. "Too bad, little dog. It appears that being pathetic is contagious."


    Wind nodded sagely. "Good luck in the next round."


    /Alpha: Una: They held back too much, and it backfired.


    /Alpha: Nix: The Necromancer didn''t really do anything. I need to get a message to Ronnie.


    /Alpha: Pon: We win the next round, and we''ll be in the finals tomorrow.


    Nix brought up the guild interface and quickly sent a written message to Ronnie.


    Ronnie,


    I need some intel on Necromancers, specifically what kind of uses they may have for a dragon body. There''s something odd going on, but I''m not sure what.


    Nix.


    /Alpha: Nix: Do you think Dotha plans on becoming a dragon?


    /Alpha: Una: I''m not sure. Necromancers generally have no tolerance for the living. It''s not like he can enslave the dragon bodies and turn them undead.


    Alpha team watched as Lariat dismantled what was left of Dotha and advanced to the next round.


    /Alpha: Una: We face Lariat in the next round, and Hades will take on Team Dotha. Here''s the scouting report for Dragon Spawn Lariat''s team.


    Hilo: Ranged DPS: Ranger


    Buchot: Melee DPS: Rogue


    Goth: DPS: Fire Mage


    Viceroy: Tank: Guardian


    Lariat: CC: Wood Elemental/Fire


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t show anything this round that you didn''t do last time. We win this match, and we''ll end up fighting someone we''ve already beaten once.


    /Alpha: Pon: I love this kind of shit. No matter what, I''m starting some fires in the finals.


    /Alpha: Una: The Dark Knight is an off-tank class that heals by siphoning life from their target. They can redirect the stolen life to their team.


    /Alpha: Cheap bastards...


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Let''s change things up and get that CC out of there right away. Chiba and Pon can distract the Tank. Wind, I want you to pretend you''re targeting the cleric but then take out the rogue.


    /Alpha: Pon: Snaking it up again?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nope. Gonna do some melee damage first.


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] Got any special attacks that do a lot of damage?


    [Whisper: Raine to Nix] I have a leap attack that is very effective against a stunned opponent. Can I get a boost?


    [Whisper: Nix to Raine] A boost? My favorite thing.


    Alpha Team appeared in the arena a few moments later, all eyes on the torch overhead.


    /Alpha: Nix: Stealth up and spread out.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    All of Alpha team disappeared from sight and promptly moved in separate directions. Lariat team stared in disbelief for a moment. Lariat glanced at the rogue on his side, who shrugged and shook his head.


    "I protest!" The Dragon Spawn looked toward the judge''s seating area, three dragons in human form. "No spells should be allowed until after the start."


    The middle judge stood up, she was the only female of the group and reminded Alpha Team of their close ally Tai''Qui. "This would be considered a preparation spell and may be used since it is non-offensive in nature."


    [Hardened Blade]


    Raine''s blade has taken on a diamond edge.


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh... Fucknut.


    Lariat scowled, and his eyes glowed as he activated his own thermal vision. His face immediately turned red when he caught the thermal image of the old man giving him the finger.


    The torch went off a moment later.


    Lariat has cast [Fire Net]


    Nix is immune to fire spells.


    The charging Nix appeared next to Lariat faster than the dragon spawn could have believed. He dipped one hand toward the sand floor of the arena and threw an uppercut skyward. "SHOR-YU-KEN!"


    [Ashobel Strike]


    Nix has landed a crushing blow on Lariat.


    An instant later, Nix half-turned and caught Raine''s foot when she leaped toward him; he flung her into the air as high as he could before turning toward the Dark Knight.


    [Basilisk]


    The desert viper flashed toward the Dark Night.


    Rain shot into the air, her hand gripping her sword and lowering it when she hit the apex of her leap.


    [Wrath Strike]


    Her blade pierced completely through the armored chest of the prone Dragon Spawn, pinning him to the ground as her hilt impacted his chest.


    Raine has delivered a mortal strike.


    Lariat has been slain.


    "Bastards!" The Dark Knight''s hands glowed black as the Basilisk closed on his position.


    Visa has cast [Nether-Siphon.]


    Nix is immune to Nether spells.


    The Basilisk ignored the casting and closed the distance. [Petrify]


    Visa has been turned to stone.


    [First Strike][Backstab][Gutted]


    Triple combination successful.


    Wind has landed a significant strike on Buchot.


    Wind has landed a critical attack on Buchot.


    Buchot has been slowed by 40 percent.


    [Sniper Strike][Arrow Burst]


    Hilo has landed a critical strike on Wind.


    Hilo has wounded Wind.


    Hilo has wounded Wind.


    [Miss]


    [Vacuum][Null][Wind Tunnel]


    Una has summoned Hilo


    Hilo has been silenced.


    A pocket of air formed around the ranger, locking him in place as he spun around faster than the eye could follow.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Ice Spear]


    Pon has followed up Wind''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Nix fangs punched through Bochot''s leather armor a moment later; his long coils wrapped up the panicked fighter.


    [Unbalanced Chain: Master''s Parry][Beautiful Blade]


    Chiba has followed up Pon''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Buchot has been slain.


    Chiba''s second blade flashed out and removed the head from the nearby statue.


    Visa has been slain.


    /Alpha: Una: Stand down, they have given up.


    Nix glanced up at the torch that had gone out before checking his team.


    /Alpha: Nix: Great job... flawless win.


    /Alpha: Una: Thank you for the hard work.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shoryuken? Really?


    /Alpha: Wind: That was old-school, Boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: Had to be done.


    A few minutes later, they found themselves back in the holding area while Team Dotha faced off against Team Hades. With the possibility of elimination looming over their heads, Dotha pulled out all the stops and quickly put down Hades.


    /Alpha: Pon: The Necro has necro-fire also.


    Nix shuddered; a moment later, Raine''s cool hand rested on his neck. "Creepy, right?" Dotha had reanimated the slain Durox during the fight and used him to fight his own people.


    Raine''s pretty face smiled as she leaned forward slightly. "Please finish me quickly if that happens to me."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Same here. How was the boost?"


    Raine shrugged slightly, her lips curved in a smile. "I think you could have tossed me higher."


    Since Alpha team already had two wins, they watched the next match that pitted Dotha against Lariat. Neither team held anything back; in the end, it was the dual swords of Milamber and Raya that finished the match. Chiba watched the fighting with interest, one hand around Nix''s shoulders as she pointed out both strengths and weaknesses of the two sword users.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''ve caught up and passed him, Master.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Yes, I have. In tomorrow''s final, kindly leave him to me.


    Nix handed Chiba a small black disc.


    /Alpha: Chiba: A black hand?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah. I''ve got something special in mind.


    /Alpha: Una: The finals will be tomorrow at noon. Us versus Team Dotha. We''ve already faced them once, and we''ve seen most of their strengths.


    /Alpha: Nix: Go all out. Save Milamber for Chiba. I don''t care who takes care of the rest of them.


    Several hours later, the group was enjoying a relaxed dinner at Una''s compound; Fey and Ducky were both present.


    The skinny mage was sitting next to Nix, every once in a while she''d glance at him. "I''m going to fight tomorrow?"


    Nix nodded while he cycled through his inventory. He had Fey bring several of his puppets so he could do some experimenting. "Yep. I''ll summon you, Ducky and Morti."


    Ducky clapped her hands excitedly. She was sitting next to Raine, talking to her on occasion when the Fir''Dhassi had a question. "This is for the wildling dragons? What are you doing with the second one?"


    Una motioned to Nix with her wine glass. "Whatever Nix wants. I will only claim the first."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Not sure yet. It could be used for resources or even held for Tharaka."

 458 Tembai Academy: Short Break

    Ducky glanced at Fey, nudging her slightly while Raine was distracted. "He''s handsome too."


    Raine nodded. "I think so." It was a few seconds before she realized her words, her pale face blushed.


    The white-haired mage nodded in agreement. "For a human, he''s nice to look at. Although, I believe Floyd is best. Muncie is also very nice."


    "Everyone likes Floyd. Too bad there are two hundred Lamia Acolytes that follow him around." Ducky''s smile widened, "Muncie? Haven''t you been helping him with aerial combat?"


    "Yes." Fey opened her hud, her pale blue eyes showing confusion. "Why would she be here?"


    Ducky peeked over her shoulder, Fey had her friend''s list up. There were hundreds of names. "You have that many friends?"


    Fey nodded and pointed to one that was lit up, indicating they were in the same zone. "She shouldn''t be on any of these teams... How would she even get here?"


    Ducky shrugged. "Adventure takes you places, right?"


    "May I ask where you are from originally?" Raine found the two female spirit companions to be easy to talk with. Neither seemed shy around her.


    "I use to live in a swampy area in the Trifelez Kingdom, although at the time I didn''t know the name of it." Ducky noticed the confused look on Raine''s face and continued to speak. "I''ve evolved twice since then, my current form is fully sentient."


    Raine didn''t comment, she''d heard from Fajii and Bev about Nix''s companions. Ducky''s CC abilities were formidable. "You met Nix in a place called Dunham''s Cove? That''s in Colonial, right?"


    Fey pursed her lips slightly. "I was the drake companion to an Aquarion Mage." The white-haired teen shuddered slightly. "Then out of nowhere, this human/salamander roasts her and I''m left high and dry."


    Ducky leaned over hugged Fey tightly. "Nix does smart things."


    ************************


    The Fir''Dhassi leaned closer, her brown eyes watching the taxidermist as he experimented with different types of puppets. She pushed a stray strand of hair behind one pointed ear, her beautiful face showed her obvious interest. "Amazing. These are low-level puppets?"


    "Aren''t you tired?" Raine covered a yawn, it was already past midnight. Fajii had told her that Nix loves to sleep in, she was beginning to understand why; he barely slept at night. "Nix?''


    "Hmm?" Nix looked up from the winged Nether Rat he was trying to create. "Oh sorry. I''m not tired yet, still got an hour or two in me."


    Raine wagged a finger at him. "Shouldn''t you be well rested for tomorrow?" Instead of leaving she curled up on a large cushioned chair under the window.


    Nix watched as she grabbed a blanket and sunk down into the cushions. "Gonna throw you out of here if you start snoring."


    Raine popped her head up, her face showing a serious expression. "With no warning? First offense and I''m kicked out?"


    Nix nodded. "Gonzo..."


    *****************


    The group ate breakfast together the next morning. Nix read the message from Ronnie while the rest of Alpha team talked amongst themselves.


    Nix,


    Sorry for the delay, I spent most of the evening reading up on Necromancy in my library. The only related thing I could find that connected Dragons and Necromancers was a small story about Ayulla the Dragon Lich. There is a second story that contradicts the first, saying that Ayulla was just a normal Lich King. However, both agree that he was the most powerful of them all. My take-away on this is that dragons plus Necromancers are a lethal combination. On a side note, Bali and I want to take you camping when you get back. We can say we''re training! Remember the Turtle Cave where we found Soup? Let''s get more turtles!


    Ronnie.


    Nix chuckled and closed his hud.


    /Alpha: Una: We still have a few hours until the finals. Here''s the scouting report, although we''ve already seen three of their fights.


    Dotha: Necromancer: DPS, CC


    Raya: Spellsword: DPS


    Milamber: Spellsword: DPS


    Moktaw: Guardian: Tank


    Nini: Cleric: Heals.


    Shoman: Ranger: DPS, CC


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll let Morti play with their tank, we can play the rest by ear.


    /Alpha: Una: I think we should eliminate Dotha right away.


    /Alpha: Pon: He has that necro-fire, so odds are he''s immune to fire damage.


    /Alpha: Ducky: I will handle him.


    /Alpha: Wind: Raine and I can take out the ranger.


    /Alpha: Pon: That leaves the cleric, Fey and I will handle her.


    /Alpha: Una: I will jump in where needed.


    /Alpha: Nix: Relax a bit and walk around, I''m going to mess around with my puppets.


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] I have a concern.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] Let''s hear it.


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] My friend Cadie is here, she was part of the caravan that we saved from Aledo''s raid.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] Cadie? Could she be part of one of the teams?


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] I don''t know. We only met briefly but she was very likable.


    Nix grabbed Fey''s arm and pulled her to one side. "She''s in Tembai?"


    Fey nodded while bringing up her hud. "Sometimes humans trick me but the feeling I got from her was very warm."


    Nix nodded, his eyes serious. "Let''s take a ride then."


    Fey''s beautiful face broke into a wide smile as she spread her arms wide. "I''d love to."


    The drakon''s arms extended and became wings as her body increased in size many folds. Nix stepped onto her extended claw and vaulted into riding harness at the base of Fey''s neck. The silver drakon turned her head toward Raine. "I''m strong enough to carry you also."


    Raine froze for a moment before offering a polite smile. "You don''t mind?"


    Fey''s silver head shook from side to side. "It will be a short flight."


    Raine grabbed the hand that Nix extended down before vaulting upward behind him. "Thank you."


    /Alpha: Nix: Any idea on her location?


    /Alpha: Fey: The barest scent of her comes from the east.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s head that way and see if we can narrow it down. Don''t suppose you have track, Raine?


    /Alpha: Raine: No, sorry.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix scanned the compounds below as Fey slowly gained altitude. Tembai Academy wasn''t a proper city. It was kept in the air much like the Dragon Cities, but beyond that, the Academy was a mystery to the members of Inferno. There was a large central building that Una called the Academy, family compounds surrounded it in all directions.


    "Seems nice, right?" Nix turned his head slightly so that the second passenger could hear him. "No fishing though... That''s a big drawback."


    Raine had abandoned holding onto the harness and had her arms around Nix''s waist. "You could put a pond in perhaps?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "That''s what we call a fixer-upper."


    [Whisper: Fey to Raine] Don''t worry, Nix often says things that don''t make sense to anyone.


    /Alpha: Fey: This is about as close as I can get. She could be in any of these compounds.


    /Alpha: Nix: Make a few circles, while I check things out.


    Nix studied the different compounds below, the thermal images of the occupants stood out even through the buildings. In a smaller building near the northeast corner, there was a large red blob that was obviously under the first floor.


    /Alpha: Nix: See the smaller building? There''s either something really big or a bunch of people huddled together.


    /Alpha: Raine: Does Una know the area? We could ask her who that belongs to.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good idea. Let''s head back.


    A half-hour later, Nix sat across the table from Una while he brought up his hud and pointed to the building in question. "What can you tell me about this building?"


    Una took a moment to glance at the map before leaning back in her chair. "That''s where the Dotha Team is staying."


    Pon''s old face showed his amusement. "I''m in."


    Wind nodded. "Me too. It''s a rat rescue... Or maybe just a rat diversion."


    Chiba was back in her goddess form, her lips curved in a smile. "Ya know... A bunch of people huddled together like that. Could be an orgy. I feel like we should investigate, so I''m in."


    Nix clucked his tongue loudly. "Sorry... I find myself short of Nether Rat puppets, I just have the one."


    Pon watched as Nix stood up and walked to a more comfortable chair before laying the rat puppet on the floor. "You gotta be back in four hours."


    The Rat-King jumped to his feet, fixing the fire mage with a yellow-eyed stare. "Right... I''m not actually going anywhere, so if it gets close just shake me and I''ll dump the puppet."


    /Alpha: Pon: This is bull shit. I want my own rat puppet, I''ll pay for the mats.


    /Alpha: Wind: Same here.


    /Alpha: Pon: Four hours, Bastard.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s three more than I need.


    Rat Nix chittered his teeth at them and stealthed. "Get the door for me!"

 459 Tembai Academy: Life Siphon

    The Courtyard was easy to find, the small building had three stories, but instead of being a long rectangle, it was a perfect square, less than 20 meters across. A quick lap around the building led to an accessible entrance through the kitchen. The smell of burning food wafted out of a window near the stove that had been opened to air-out the room. Rat-Nix scampered up on the ledge and paused for a moment to check for kitchen staff.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m in. Time to look for the stairs down.


    Pon scowled at the Inferno Leader, sitting comfortably in the chair. "Shit... I want to be in!"


    ****************


    Rat-Nix slithered through the walls of the basement; occasionally, he would stop to gnaw a hole and scout out the room. His senses picked up no other rats nearby, but he''d been moving steadily towards the screaming that seemed to echo through the walls. It would last for a few minutes and then stop. Finally, he was able to pinpoint the room and crawled up toward the ceiling. Within a few seconds, his rat teeth chewed through the old wood and presented him with a view of the room.


    /Alpha: Nix: Found our friends. Dotha, Milamber, and Raya.


    /Alpha: Pon: What are they doing?


    /Alpha: Nix: Not sure. Wait a moment.


    Milamber was sitting calmly in a comfortable looking chair. Directly across from him was a male prisoner chained to the wall. Dotha had a long black chain in his hand; the ends of the chain were capped with sharpened red stones. He handed Milamber one stone to hold and then plunged the second into the chest of the prisoner.


    /Alpha: Nix: The fuck are they doing... He has some sort of black chain, one end attached to Milamber and the other to a prisoner.


    /Alpha: Una: Ruby daggers at the ends of the chains?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Know what it is?


    /Alpha: Una: Life Siphon is a Necromancer ability that can drain stats, abilities, and health from one person and put them in another.


    /Alpha: Pon: They steal your Shit?


    /Alpha: Una: It only lasts half a day, but the benefits are real enough. If you had a lot of people, you could steal enough to double someone''s ability.


    /Alpha: Nix: Come start a fight in the Dotha Team courtyard.


    /Alpha: Pon: Finally. This is how we do stuff.


    /Alpha: Wind: We''ll be there in a few minutes.


    /ALpha: Nix: Need you to find the basement, Ducky.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Okay.


    /Alpha: Nix: This one is already dead, going to check for prisoners.


    *************


    "Who wants to go next?" The man was large, broad shoulders with an exposed potbelly that stuck out from under his shirt. He smelled of body odor and blood. This was the game he liked to play, mentally tormenting them as he pretended to decide who wanted to take. "How about you?"


    Cadie shook her head slightly, her free hand creeping up to undo the top three buttons of her shirt. "How about we become friends instead? And then you let me go?"


    The man''s dark eyes seemed much too small for his yellowish face. His greasy black hair hung down around his shoulders, the floor creaking under his steps as he approached the cell door. "Sure... We can play a bit. Dotha has plenty of other prisoners that he can use instead of you."


    Cadie stood slowly and undid another button on her shirt before pressing against the bars. Her lips curved in a smile when the guard pushed down the front of his pants. The young woman extended her hand as if to grab his member.


    "Yeah!! I''m definitely going to let you go after this." He watched as her hand touched his stomach, her nails sliding against his sweaty skin until she gripped his shirt. Without warning, she yanked him forward and stabbed him three times in the throat. When the guard collapsed to his knees with a softly gurgling sound, she plunged the shiv into his eye.


    Cadie grabbed the keys from his waist and unlocked the cell. As a veteran prison guard, she was used to the dregs of society. Over the years, she had been attacked countless times and was no stranger to having to dodge body fluids or being flashed with private parts. More than anything else, she knew how to make a dozen different types of prison-yard weapons. "Your security is shit..."


    "Cadie, right?" A green-haired young woman stood up from the group of prisoners. She was one of three players that had been caught up when an unknown group attacked the caravan. "We can still fight, but something is affecting our abilities."


    Cadie glanced at the rest of the group; most of them were in pretty rough shape. The heroes seemed to be ready to fight. "Classes?"


    A tall athletic-looking man with curly brown hair stepped through the doorway. "Ranger, druid, and thief." He pointed to himself first, then the female and finally the third member of his group. "If we can get our weapons and disable whatever is limiting our abilities, we''ll be able to free these people."


    The thief confiscated a dagger that hung on a belt near the door. It was the only weapon in the room. He flashed a smile at the other three. "Guess my luck is good."


    Cadie nodded in agreement. "You get to lead, lucky."


    *******************


    The thief led the way out of the room and down the short hallway. Unfortunately, a second locked door barred their exit. After trying the door, he turned back toward his three companions and shook his head.


    "No lockpick skill? What kind of crappy jail-break is this?" A voice spoke quietly from above them, bits of wood fell to the floor as a hole near the ceiling expanded until a black-furred head push its way through.


    The thief stared at the rat for a moment, not sure what to say. "I... er."


    After another few moments, it scampered down the hole and landed nimbly on the floor. "My team will be causing a diversion outside while one of my companions fixes this mess. How many others are in here?"


    "Eight more inside." The female druid was the only one who didn''t seem surprised by the talking rat. "What should we do?"


    "Just wait while my people take care of Dotha''s cronies."


    "Cronies?" The tall, curly-haired man in back stepped around his companions. "Nix?"


    Rat-Nix nodded. "Why are you three always in trouble?"


    Lu Ban has joined Alpha.


    Circa has joined Alpha.


    Mollie has joined Alpha.


    Cadie has joined Alpha.


    ***************Author''s Reminder************


    *********************************************


    /Alpha: Nix: Oi... pick me up. I''ve decided to come in person.


    Mollie scooped up the rat when it collapsed lifelessly to the floor a moment later.


    /Alpha: Mollie: You''re getting us out? How?


    /Alpha: Nix: Going to try diplomacy.


    /Alpha: Lu Ban: How did you know we were here?


    /Alpha: Fey: We were looking, Cadie.


    /Alpha: Cadie: Fey?


    /Alpha: Fey: Don''t worry, Nix and Ducky will arrive soon. Stay behind Nix, and you won''t get burned.


    /Alpha: Cadie: I thought he was going to try diplomacy?


    /Alpha: Fey: Doesn''t that mean burn everything to the ground?


    /Alpha: Circa: No.


    /Alpha: Lu Ban: Nope.


    /Alpha: Mollie: Don''t think so.

 460 Tembai Academy: Feys Friend

    /Inferno: Pon: What''s our limit here?


    /Inferno: Nix: None... If they push, feel free to make their regret permanent.


    A stealthed Ducky and Nix arrived at the kitchen entrance to the compound. Ducky grabbed Nix''s hand and pulled him toward the door leading downstairs. The kitchen staff looked up when the door opened but otherwise acted like nothing was wrong.


    /Alpha: Ducky: They won''t bother us, even if we weren''t stealthed.


    Nix nodded and followed willingly; his spirit companion had a potent threat reduction. She could walk casually into just about any situation.


    A loud boom accompanied by the building shaking caused the two companions to hug the wall just before a half dozen people ran past them; both Milamber and Raya were part of the group.


    /Alpha: Pon: Knock, knock F*ck-heads!


    Nix stepped into the torture room a few moments later; Dotha was disconnecting the latest victim, unconcerned by the disturbance outside.


    [Dotha has been charmed]


    /Alpha: Nix: Ask him some questions while I get our friends.


    Ducky nodded and then favored the dark-haired Necromancer with a sweet smile. "Sorry I''m late, dear. Let''s talk about our plans."


    Nix opened the unlocked door and proceeded down the dark hall. He could see Lu Ban peeking through the barred door.


    /Alpha: Nix: Gear up and then grab the prisoners, leave the fighting to us for now.


    /Alpha: Lu Ban: You find the key for this door?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Best if you stand back.


    Nix took three quick steps and then slammed his foot into the center of the door; the thick wood buckled for an instant and then exploded outward into the prisoner''s room, taking the hinges, doorframe, and several chunks of brick with it.


    /Alpha: Cadie: Holy shit...


    /Alpha: Nix: There''s a wooden bin out here with gear, looks like the equipment I made you guys in Ever Flame.


    /Alpha: Mollie: My stuff!


    Nix turned back toward the torture room and broke into a trot.


    [Dotha has broken free of Ducky''s charm]


    /Alpha: Ducky: Unexpected resistance, need some help.


    [Death Walker][Grave Snare][Dark Shield]


    Triple Combination partially successful. [2/3]


    A Death Walker has been summoned.


    Ducky has resisted Grave Snare.


    Dotha has surrounded himself with the protection of darkness.


    [Flame Aura: Emerald Fury]


    "Wait... You''re a Fire mage?"


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    /Alpha: Nix: Change in plans. Kill them all.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Thank you, Apprentice.


    The emerald beast scampered into the room, taking a sharp turn Nix ran up the side of the wall,his yellow eyes staring at the charging Death Walker. He felt slight discomfort when the soulless eyes stared at him, dagger-like claws extended outward.


    A Death Walker has been charmed.


    For a moment, the Death Walker blocked Nix''s view of Dotha, causing the salamander to move along the wall. In that instant, the far door crashed open and two members of the Necromancer''s team returned to the basement.


    [Cover Fire][Pulverizing Shot]


    Combination Successful.


    The basement filled with the roar of gunfire, a brown-haired girl charged into the hall, firing the pump shotgun as fast as she could.


    Cadie has landed a significant strike against Shoman.


    Nini has been stunned.


    [Dreadfire: Emerald Fury]


    A single column of emerald flame blazed from the salamander''s hand, forcing everyone in the room to move away as the entire room lit up with a brilliant green flash. The top-half of Dotha''s body disappeared in an instant.


    Dotha has been slain.


    Cadie flipped her shotgun and slammed it across the cleric''s head before kicking her companion below the belt. The cleric collapsed onto the floor while the ranger stumbled backward after dropping his bow.


    Nini has been rendered unconscious.


    Before anyone could move further, a single strand of emerald flame punctured the rangers helm.


    [Air Burst]


    The ranger''s head exploded outward like a water balloon, covering both Cadie and Ducky in blood, bones, and brain matter. Nix dropped his salamander form a moment later, his eyes scanning the hallway, not noticing that the two women were staring at him in shock.


    /Alpha:Nix: Sorry about the splatter, let''s go.


    Cadie dropped the barrel of the shotgun toward the floor and fired, surprising both Nix and Ducky. The cleric''s head disappeared under the point-blank shot.


    Nini has been slain.


    Nix frowned at the woman for a moment. "She wasn''t going to wake up any time soon."


    "I know it." Cadie wiped some of the blood from her cheek; although her face looked grim, there was no trace of regret. "That cleric killed two of the girl''s in that pile of bodies, after torturing them."


    Nix placed a hand on her shoulder; Fey''s friend had warm brown eyes, definitely not the eyes of a killer. "Deserved then, let this be the end of it. You''re Cadie, right? I''m Nix."


    Cadie nodded. "That''s me. Nice to meet you."


    /Alpha: Mollie: We heading out?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Stay behind me.


    /Alpha: Cadie: I''ll bring up the rear.


    ************


    Raya has been slain.


    Chiba stepped back, her face expressionless as the sword wielder''s head flopped onto the ground. The blonde circled cautiously while her opponent stared at the corpse on the ground.


    /Alpha: Pon: We''ll leave him to you, but if things get squirrely, I''m going to roast him.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Fair enough.


    "Are you crazy? Her potential was unlimited." Milamber''s dark face was locked in an angry scowl. They two of them had attacked Chiba hoping to dispatch her quickly; the reality was they lacked the skill.


    Chiba''s beautiful face smiled slightly. "My condolences on the loss of your apprentice." The swordmaster leaped to one side; her silver blade darted in to slash a deep cut over Milamber''s eye.


    "Bitch!" Milamber cussed he former student and charged forward.


    Chiba laughed at the attempt; she knew Milamber could do better and had deliberately left himself open. The blonde goddess disengaged instead of pursuing. "Can''t we still be friends?" Her laughter floated on the wind as she used her footwork to keep her opponent off balance.


    Milamber wiped some of the blood from his eyes; his expression showed anger mixed with fear. He could no longer defeat her. "Of course... Let''s take a step back and ..." His words filtered off when Chiba flicked a black disc at him; it stuck to his shoulder and caused his heart to pound. "What is this?"


    Chiba shrugged slightly. "It''s a black hand. I put one on your Apprentice also. It will ensure that you are never rezzed."


    "Ellisand!" His voice was tinged with terror; he hadn''t truly feared death since their team was bound to Dotha''s compound. "I didn''t mean to..."


    Milamber has been petrified.


    Chiba stared at the statue, her blue eyes scanning the area. "Nix! I thought you were going to leave him to me."


    The basilisk stared at her for a moment. "He''s still alive."


    "Really?" Chiba stepped closer and stabbed the statue through the chest.


    Milamber has been slain.


    *****************


    A few hours later, Una''s group once again stood in the packed arena. Their opponent''s section was completely empty.


    /Alpha: Pon: This is awkward.


    /Alpha: Wind: Just a bit.


    "Team Una." A dark-haired dragon with long horns protruding from his head moved to the edge of the arena. "Your opponent has missed the deadline and, as such, have forfeited the competition. Please come forward."


    Una nodded and led her group toward the edge of the arena. It wasn''t uncommon for teams to sabotage each other during this event, so she wasn''t worried about repercussions. "Follow me up, Nix."


    Una and Nix walked up the three steps to the first level of the arena while the rest of the team waited. They were handed two identical ornate boxes.


    Ornate Gold Chest: Draconic Biological [Male]


    Description: Inside this spatial container is a living, breathing dragon. Only reinforced souls should attempt integration.


    Ornate Gold Chest: Draconic Biological [Female]


    Description: Inside this spatial container is a living, breathing dragon. Only reinforced souls should attempt integration.


    Una Chelonia has joined Inferno.


    /Alpha: Una: Thank you, Nix, A safe place is required for the melding.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s fine, what''s another dragon or two.


    /Alpha: Pon: Can we charge them rent?


    /Alpha: Nix: Of course.


    "You are Nix?" The horned man spoke to Nix after awarding the two chests.


    Nix nodded; the dragon had dark skin and eyes, instantly reminding him of Tai. "That''s correct."


    Unexpectedly the dragon stepped forward and extended his hand. "I''m Triston Yor."


    Nix shook the man''s hand; afterward, his companion also greeted him politely. "I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno."


    "Roz Yor, from the house of Yor." The second dragon offered him a greeting. "Could I trouble you to see the dread flame?"


    The second dragon looked like a male version of unringed Chiba. He had gold hair and sky-blue eyes, unlike his companion, he had removed his horns.


    /Alpha: Una: They mean the emerald fury flame.


    Nix glanced at his green-haired companion. The moment they returned from the Dotha compound, Una had questioned him regarding the flame he used. Apparently, she sensed it immediately. "Sure."


    [Flame Aura: Emerald Fury]


    The light green flame erupted around Nix; both dragons stepped back.


    "A dread flame... I shall have to tell her." Roz smiled slightly. "On behalf of the house of Yor, I would like to invite you to visit the Provincial Dragon Academy."

 461 Back to Haven

    The black cat''s ice-blue eyes blinked at him. "Maybe... You could have taken me with you to this Tembai place."


    The Inferno leader nudged the cat to one side and sat down heavily. Chiba had taken Una and the ornate chests to Haven, while Fey accompanied the rescued prisoners back to Belatora. Pon and Wind were briefing Cathor, starting immediately, Sinfaya''s people would be the ruling force in the area.


    "Next time, Del." Nix stowed his armor and slipped out of his shirt, he noticed whenever he used the Emerald Fury flames, he would feel lousy afterward.


    The Orion watched as he quickly changed clothes, slowly it licked the bottom of one paw. "Should you be undressing in front of me? You haven''t forgotten that I''m a woman, right?"


    Nix shook his head, a crooked smile on his face. "No... If it bothers you, get the fuck out."


    Del nudged him with her black nose, she was starting to understand him more. Surprisingly, he was more forthcoming with her since she started inhabiting the Orion puppet. "I don''t mind at all. When did you get the runes?"


    "Runes?" Nix gave her a blank stare. "Hey... Where did Raine go?"


    "She''s hunting," Del''s voice seemed like it was coated with ice. "There are runes on your back."


    "Huh?" Nix slid his shirt off and peered over one shoulder. He could barely see the edge of a black mark, it resembled a small tattoo. "The fuck is that? Can you read it?"


    "No." The Orion raised a paw and touched two other spots on his back, neither of which he could see. "There are three different ones."


    "Shit..." Nix suddenly wished Shae was here, she would know.


    [Direct Contact: Shae]


    A moment later, a life-sized holo of Shae appeared in the center of the tent. The Salamander greeted him with a warm smile. "Going shirtless now? I approve."


    Nix returned her smile and climbed to his feet. "Can you tell me what these are?" He turned his back toward the Salamander''s image.


    Shae studied his back for a moment. "Where did you get those?"


    Nix shrugged. "That seems to be a mystery. I didn''t put them there. Although now that I think about it, I can guess."


    The redhead nodded in agreement but held a finger up to her lips indicating he shouldn''t say it out loud. "Coming back tonight?"


    "Yep. Turning things over to Cathor as we speak. It shouldn''t be more than a few hours." Nix could hear other voices talking behind the Salamander so he assumed at least one of the dragons should be visiting.


    Shae nodded. "How''s Raine?"


    Nix didn''t bother to answer. Fajii was supposed to straighten things out with the Xai Clan leader but he had the feeling something else had happened. "See you soon."


    Nix closed comm and moved back toward his bedroll. "Move it, Del."


    The Orion moved to the edge of the bedroll. "What was that about?"


    "Dragons I think. Recently, I went through a bit of strength enhancement with them. Seems to be a few hours that I can''t account for." Nix took a seat next to her and reclined against the stacked pillows. "I''ll clear it up when I get back."


    "Going to sleep?" Without asking, the black cat moved closer and yawned lazily. "I''m tired too."


    Nix scratched the Orion''s head, his eyelids suddenly feeling heavy. He could feel the vibration from the big cat purring. "Just a quick nap."


    *****************


    The smell of roasting meat woke Nix up a few hours later. The Orion was curled up in a ball still sleeping, besides her purring, the tent was completely quiet. Sliding out of the bedroll, he checked the time on his hud. It was already 1700 hours.


    "Hungry?" Raine looked up from the campfire when Nix exited the tent. "Everyone already headed back to Haven. Pon said not to bother you."


    Nix nodded. Two long pieces of wood hung horizontally over the flames. Long strips of meat were wrapped spirally around the wood. The meat looked like it had been tenderized and then seasoned. "That smells good."


    Raine offered him a tentative smile. She was wearing the black underarmor that Nix had made for her. It was form-fitting and flexible. "It''s ready if you''d like to eat."


    He answered with a nod and took a seat on one of the larger rocks that someone had moved close to the fire. "Did Fajii talk to you before you came here?"


    "Fajii? She''s so sweet. It''s hard to believe she''s a water person." Raine produced a plate from somewhere and started stacking it up. "I only have one plate, so we''ll have to share."


    Nix scooted over on the rock. "I agree. Did she mention anything about you and me?" A small twig was visible in her hair, without thinking he reached out and removed it.


    "She said I should be myself." Raine unfastened the cap on a familiar-looking silver flask and was about to take a drink with Nix grabbed her arm.


    "Is that Chiba''s"


    Raine nodded. "She gave it to me as a present."


    Nix pursed his lips slightly. "I see. Did you try any of that yet?"


    "No, I was just about to." Raine''s brown eyes showed humor. "I know its alcohol, Nix."


    Nix chuckled and released her arm. "That''s not alcohol. That''s straight-up hooch."


    "Hooch?" Raine took a quick drink, almost instantly her face changed. To her credit, she didn''t spit it out. She offered no resistance when Nix grabbed it from her and took a long swig.


    "I know a Titan Alchemist that makes this stuff. It''s a bit on the strong side." He tipped it a second time before handing it back to Raine. "You should take it easy if you''re not used to it."


    "Worried about me?" Raine took another drink, her pretty face grimacing slightly. "I''ll pace myself accordingly."


    "Don''t say I didn''t warn you. I might have to carry you to bed." Nix helped himself to one of the strips of meat. It was tender and spicey, exactly the way he liked it. "What is this..." The question filtered off when he noticed how red her face was. "Everything okay?"


    Raine stared at him for a moment, before a slight smile showed on her lips. "Carry me to bed?"


    "Well... That came out the wrong way." Nix chuckled at himself and shrugged. "Still... It''s not like it hasn''t crossed my mind."


    Her smile widened as she helped herself to the meal she prepared. "You always say what you are thinking?"


    Nix nodded. "Less confusion that way. What kind of meat is this?"


    She slowly slid an arm through his while reaching for the flask. "It''s a mountain goat. It must have strayed close to camp, I don''t think they are indigenous to this area."


    Nix shot her a blank stare while he took another bite. "Mountain goat?"


    Raine nodded. "It was probably chased here by a predator, looked like something had bitten its ear off."


    ******************


    "Looks like they are back," Fajii called over her shoulder to the small group sitting at the dining room table.


    A breach opened on the outside deck and a moment later a black Orion padded softly through. The large predator was followed closely by Nix, who was carrying an unconscious Raine.


    Fajii slid the door open. "What happened?"


    "Apparently, the Xai Clan leader is a bit of a lightweight when it comes to booze." Nix chuckled at the Aquarion''s surprised expression and gave her a quick kiss before walking by.


    "Stixx!" Bev''s voice caused him to pause when he entered the living room. His sister was staring at him with her arms crossed in front of her chest. "Did you get her drunk?"


    "Um... No." Nix smiled innocently and headed for the downstairs guestroom. "She got herself drunk."


    /Inferno: Pon: Well said!


    /Inferno: Chiba: You guys have fun?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep, thanks for the hooch.


    Since she was already wearing under armor, Nix pulled back the covers on the bed and slid her inside. Shaking his head slightly, he patted her head and pulled the covers up. "Night, Raine."


    Shae was standing in the doorway when he exit, without saying anything she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the kitchen.


    Bev, Pon, Chiba, Semmi, Wind, Fajii, Jun Li, and Hyai were already seated around the table. Nix smiled at the group. "This a party?"


    Bev nodded. "It''s a ''kick your butt'' party."


    Nix chuckled at the reference, she used to say the same thing to him when they were kids. "Good luck with that."


    "Nix..." Shae''s pretty face looked serious. "The agreement was that we were taking it easy for a few days."


    "I know, sorry." Nix sighed and quickly apologized. The events of Ionova had impacted everyone. "I wanted to wrap up Belatora so that we could focus on the Harvest festival without worries."


    Chiba had her ring off, her golden hair was pulled back and braided. "Find me a date for the festival yet?"


    Nix nodded. "Didn''t I say I would?"

 462 Krelandur Runes

    Shae''s warm hand rested lightly on his bare shoulder. "Nearly... Explain again what this is?"


    Nix, Shae, and a troubled-looking Tai''Qui were behind the closed door of the ranch''s master bedroom. The Earth Dragon was wearing a green bandana, her normal warm demeanor was absent.


    Tai sighed, the sound of it was loud in the large room. "We aren''t trying to trick you or anything. The blood fusion did not go as planned."


    Nix waited until Shae removed her hand before frowning at the Earth Dragon. "I already knew that. What does this have to do with the runes? Are they debuffs?"


    "Nothing like that." Tai obviously didn''t want to talk about the subject. "You didn''t turn into a dragon, Nix." She stared at the Earth Rune in the center of his back. "I didn''t realize how others view us." Tai moved closer to the pair, her finger tracing her own rune.


    Shae watched the earth rune glow slightly at Tai''s touch, it hadn''t reacted when the redhead traced it. "Dragons typically consider other species to be lesser life forms. The power you wield is terrifying."


    Nix smiled in an effort to lighten the conversation. "Not a dragon? A salamander perhaps?"


    Tai nodded in agreement. "Something like that... only much more. To describe it physically, I''d call it a heavily armored salamander with phoenix wings. It handled the three of us easily. Even Deidra was helpless against it."


    Shae unexpectedly smiled and nudged Nix. "You shouldn''t pick fights."


    Nix shrugged. "I''m sure they started it." He stared at the earth dragon for a moment. "Tell me what happened. It seems like you don''t want to."


    "Krelandur." Tai lowered her voice to a whisper.


    Nix''s laughter filled the room. "Shit... That''s it? You got laid? Why is this a big deal?"


    Shae pinched his side as she struggled to keep a straight face. "Why didn''t you fly away?"


    Tai shook her head slightly. "He was too fast, and much too strong. In that form, he could use hundreds of emerald strands. When we went in to help Sinfaya, we were wrapped up also." For a moment, she looked like she wanted to hide her head. "It''s the emerald fury flames. I''m afraid all of us lost control and fell prey to our instinct."


    "Prey waits." A smirking Nix headed to the door. "If that''s it, I''m going to leave. I promised to make Chiba a nice dress for the festival."


    "Nix..." Tai''s stared at him. "Don''t you realize how serious this is? We were granted Krelandur to birth dragons."


    "Hmm... Go hook up with your dragon partners then. What''s the big deal?" Nix''s face said it all, he couldn''t care less.


    Tai shook her head slightly. "The Krelandur runes are only transferred when a dragon is conceived. Under the circumstances, the runes should have remained with us."


    ****************


    An hour later, Nix sat comfortably in his chair overlooking his favorite fishing spot. A long slow cast followed by a small splash near the far bank was all the energy he could manage. Darkness settled over Haven, the riverbank was quiet except for the chirping of crickets and the occasional splash as a fish surfaced to feed on waterbugs.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Our first-time night fishing!


    /Go Fish: Semmi: We should try the inland lake on the other side of the Emerald Desert.


    Nix watched his bobber while tilting back a bottle of Semmi''s Golden. Thanks to him, the large desert in Haven now had a name. On the other side of it was a freshwater lake where many of the Aquarions had settled, both Zhava and Milat built homes on the coast.


    /Go Fish: Nix: I''d like to check out their village. How many Aquarion daughters have been born so far?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Three in Haven, four if you count Ayla.


    Nix glanced at the blonde officer, she seemed to have come to terms with Pon having an Aquarion daughter.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: We going to see her at the festival?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Pon said he was going to pick her up for a few days. I can''t believe you guys went behind our backs and finished up the Belatora quest.


    Nix shrugged apologetically. Saving Fey''s friend ended up turning into an all-out battle against Dotha''s team. "Inferno is sponsoring the caravan since most of their leaders were sucked dry in Tembai." His thought wandered briefly to the caravan guard from the dungeon, she definitely could handle herself in a fight. On a whim, Nix financed their next route to Mocai. He would have plenty of time to check on them since that was one of their upcoming destinations.


    /Go Fish: Nix: I think we''ll tackle the Mocai quest next. I''m interested in seeing what the thieves guild looks like.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: You, me, and Wind?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Raine too. Four of us will be enough.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Raine? What''s going on there?


    /Go Fish: Nix: She''s not without her good points.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: I''m looking forward to Mocai.


    Semmi had been tasked with helping the Titan development recently, she was hungry to get back


    to some action. Since Wind and her were both Gemini Thieves, it made sense to bring them both.


    /Go Fish: I''ll visit the Aquarion village tomorrow, Soup will enjoy the lake.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: I''m coming with you.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Me too.


    ******************


    Gideon took a deep breath and then inhabited the Nether Rat. Instantly the world around him changed and the familiar view of the Ice throne appeared before him. Unexpectedly the throne room was crowded. Khione sat on the throne, carefully studying her people. A Su''Dhassi was speaking from one knee. His face was unfamiliar, and he had a long scar along his tanned jawline.


    "I could strike at Loki. We could hit them fairly hard." The Su''Dhassi opened a map and pointed to the human territory. "If we were fast, the town could be destroyed before Inferno was able to mount a defense."


    "Is that a joke?" An Ain''Dhassi man with an eyepatch over his left eye stepped forward. His young-looking face was twisted in a scowl. "Their Pillar Alliance is there. As soon as they are attacked Nix will send in their allies. You wouldn''t last an hour." The dhassi walked around the map and changed the display. "This is where we should hit them, an exposed ally that can''t call for backup." He highlighted the area in question."


    Khione stood slowly, her long white dress brushing the ice-cold floor beneath the Ice Goddess''s bare feet. "How big of a force would you need to take it?"


    The Ain''Dhassi considered the question for a moment. "One hundred at the bare minimum. I''d like a bit more."


    The Ice Goddess nodded. "Add the Ice Archers to your current command, that will give you one hundred and fifty fighters."


    ********************


    Gideon dropped the rat puppet and stowed it away. He didn''t recognize the place, but he knew it was in colonial.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] We got some intel regarding Khione''s next move.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Weren''t you sure she was setting something up in Eidelgal?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Definitely, however, this target is different. It''s in Colonial.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Did you recognize the area?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] No, but I can describe it pretty well.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Let''s met in Glory.


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi, Wind, and Chiba, please report to Glory immediately.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Sure. What''s up?


    /Inferno: Nix: Tell you when you get there.


    /Inferno: Chiba: A late-night liaison with my apprentice, I can''t wait.


    /Inferno: Wind: This going to take a while?


    /Inferno: Nix: Not sure. I want the entire guild on standby until we get back.

 463 The Forgotten Knigh

    [Whisper: Nix to Rico] Busy dad?


    [Whisper: Rico to NIx] Yeah, putting the finishing touches on a project.


    Nix''s laughter erupted from the doorway, causing both inhabitants to jump. "Making a dress for the Harvest festival?"


    Vooni wasn''t bothered by his sudden appearance and did nothing to cover up. "He was busy all day doing other things."


    Nix nodded while giving her a deadpan look. "I''m sure he was."


    Rico coughed once and stood up. "Something up, son?"


    "Raine needs a dress for the festival also. I''m not sure if I can fit it in."


    Rico waved at his son. "Don''t worry about it. I''ll talk to her tomorrow."


    "Thanks. A group of us are heading out."


    Vooni watched the interaction with interest. "Let me know if you need backup."


    "Will do." Nix left without speaking further.


    [Whisper: Nix to Rico] Make sure to take Raine''s measurements over her clothes.


    [Whisper: Rico to Nix] What''s that supposed to mean?


    [Whisper: Nix to Rico] Exactly what it sounds like, you old dog.


    ****************


    Nix dropped off some new products at the tailor shop in Glory. Since it was late, Maye was most likely sleeping upstairs. He left the boxes on the counter with a note and locked up behind himself.


    /Alpha: Wind: We are ready, Boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: Meet me in front of the Inn.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We are in front of the Inn.


    Nix waved to the group and exited the dock area. All three of them wore nearly the same armor. The Eidengal set that had been modified with cammo and sound suppression.


    /Alpha: Wind: What''s our intel say?


    /Alpha: Nix: One of our allies are being targeted. It''s either Shi or Tharaka.


    /Alpha: Semmi: How do you know?


    /Alpha: Nix: Gideon''s report showed the northern ice region. Those are the only allies we have north of Cyphix.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Been forever since I''ve seen Banz or Wylie.


    /Alpha: Wind: Yeah, let''s drag that bastard back to Haven. He''s shacking up with his girlfriend while I''m doing all the heavy lifting.


    ************Authors Reminder********


    *****************


    "Nix!" A dark-haired man dressed completely in black stepped out of the Inn.


    "Donri?" Nix had to look twice to verify.


    Donri''s body type altered slightly when he switched from being a tank to a hidden class. He was tall and lean, his dark eyes scanned Alpha team. In all truth, he only really knew Nix, the rest of them hadn''t interacted with him much. "I was actually heading to Haven. My services as Seneschal are no longer required."


    Donri has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Nice to see you again.


    [Whisper: Nix to Donri] Everything okay?


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] Got caught up a bit with a woman. It has created some issues.


    [Whisper: Nix to Donri] How big an issue?


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] It was Queen Festa.


    [Whisper: Nix to Donri] I see... Perhaps you should join us in Everspire.


    [Whisper: Donri to Nix] Those were my thoughts too.


    /Alpha: Nix: We are heading to the Gladis Hub. Grab hands.


    Nix activated Deep Blue and chose the Gladis Hub.


    ****************


    The group stepped onto the portal platform in the Gladis Hub a moment later. The sounds of violent sparring filled the air.


    /Alpha: Chiba: Darkness... I like it.


    /Alpha: Wind: Seems like somethings changed, Boss.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Weren''t you here a few weeks ago?


    Nix nodded and stepped off the platform. He watched a few of the spars, the former members of the Brahm harem had grown vicious. Not only that... Every one of them had hair as black as coal.


    "Nix!" A distinctly male voice called out from the far side of the sparring area, without exception, every head turned to see the new arrivals.


    /Inferno: Nix: What''s going on here guys? Wylie? Banz?


    /Inferno: Wylie: It happened after Shi became a Black Ice Nemesis. All the acolytes started growing in strength, even I''ve become affected.


    Nix led them toward the raised platform that Banz was using to demonstrate combat techniques. Had Wylie not said anything, no one from Inferno would have recognized her.


    "Do you hate it, Commander?" Wylie raised a dark brow, her eyes were still ice blue but she radiated power like never before.


    "Yes. It''s creepy." Nix stared for a moment, Wylie had possessed the water element. "Can you still heal?"


    Wylie shrugged slightly. "Just a bit, most of my abilities have become offensive in nature."


    Nix swore under his breath. He had hoped to scrounge up a healer. "Where''s Shi?"


    /Alpha: Semmi: When a female asks that, they don''t want the truth.


    /Alpha: Nix: Then why ask?


    Wylie''s pale face colored slightly but she recovered quickly and motioned for the group to follow. "I will take you to her."


    [Whisper: Nix to Tharaka] I participated in the tournament at the Tembai Academy and now possess one dragon wildling body. Interested?


    [Whisper: Tharaka to Nix] You actually won? Nix...


    [Whisper: Nix to Tharaka] Yes, once we deal with Khione I will give it to you.


    [Whisper: Tharaka to Nix] Thank you, my friend. In that case, I have something valuable that can be used as payment.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tharaka] We''ll discuss that another time. Are the Ashobel Clans united?


    [Whisper: Tharaka to Nix] Yes. Where are we fighting?


    [Whisper: Nix to Tharaka] Shi and her people going to be attacked sometime soon. I''ll need you to lend us some fighters. Give me fifty of your best and I''ll breach them in.


    [Whisper: Tharaka to Nix] Understood.


    Wylie led the group to a separate section that used to serve as the rec area for the members of Gladis Hub. Shi was battling a group of three acolytes, including her Chief Acolyte Cyan. When Shi noticed their arrival, the Black Ice Nemesis stopped the spar.


    "Nix." Shi smiled at the Inferno Leader and offered him a cool hand. Her change had happened during her promotion to Black Ice Nemesis, so he had already seen it.


    "It''s good that everyone is preparing. A fight is coming." Nix returned her smile and squeezed her hand. Her black hair glistened in the light, his personal opinion was that she pulled off the look well.


    A few minutes later, the members of Inferno sat in a comfortable conference room with the Ice Nemesis and her Chief Acolyte. The hud was zoomed in on the northern ice region, this included both Cyphix and the Ashobel territory.


    Shi has joined Alpha.


    Wylie has joined Alpha.


    Banzri has joined Alpha.


    Cyan has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Our intel says an attack is imminent. I want to use this knowledge to hit them hard.


    /Alpha: Shi: Do you have a timeline.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes, imminent.


    Semmi tried to kick him under the table but missed, the blonde officer stared at Nix under he got the message.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s all we have. I contacted Tharaka for reinforcements. I want the attackers to be crushed so badly that they return with more people.


    /Alpha: Shi: If they are beaten soundly, why would they return?


    /Alpha: Nix: The five of use will be using Ashobel puppets that I stored here. I assume you still have them.


    /Alpha: Shi: Yes. You don''t want them to know that Inferno is here?


    /Alpha: Nix: Correct. If they know that, then they definitely won''s send reinforcements. If they send more, then we''ll drop the puppets and bring in the calvary for the second wave.


    /Alpha: Wylie: You brought calvary Commander?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. That''s just an expression.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Are you in position?


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Fey, Leva and I are already in Cyphix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Perfect. You know what to do.


    /Alpha: Nix: There''s more... If we hit them hard enough, I want to move you and your people to Haven.


    Semmi nodded in agreement. "The final battle is approaching, we cannot afford to leave our allies exposed."


    Wind grinned at Banz. "You bastard! Finally you''ll have to do some work."


    Shi was silent for a long moment while she stared at Nix. "You''ve saved my life on several occasions. Does Haven have an Ice Region?


    Semmi nodded. "To the far south. It''s not as awesome as this place, but we''ll figure something out."


    /Alpha: Wind: We could take another Temple. Gemini can''t be the only temple in Oasis.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''ve read my mind.


    Shi nodded in agreement. "We will follow your lead."

 464 The Might of Ashobel

    The giant Ashobel smoothed down the fur on its hips. "Does this puppet make me look fat?" Chiba''s rubbed her muscular chest while showing a mouthful of sharp teeth.


    Nix glanced at her and shrugged slightly. "I like the look on you. Perhaps you should keep it."


    Chiba nodded in agreement. "Can you modify one of these into my armor?"


    "That''s an emperor puppet... Do you know how much time and credits it takes to make one?" Nix turned his back on her and started tightened the strap on Morti''s silver helmet. "Remember... You need to stay here until the second wave."


    Morti''s big head started to nod up and down but then paused. "Hey, Nix."


    Nix stepped back and viewed his work before giving Morti the thumbs up. "What''s up?"


    Morti stared at the stack of puppets on the floor. "How many extra Ashobels do you have?"


    "Five. Maybe I should get the acolytes to inhabit a few." After considering it for a moment, he shook his head. "No... They really need combat experience to temper their training."


    "Let me use one." Morti waddled over to the pile and nudged one with his black nose. "They smell pretty interesting."


    Nix smiled despite himself. "Think you can do it? Lay down, and I''ll try to walk you through it."


    Morti moved closer to the wall and flopped down onto the ground. "What do I do?"


    The Inferno leader knelt next to the Titan cub and placed a hand on his soft, black fur. "Stare at it for a moment and then try to imagine yourself in the puppet. It''s not as easy..." His words filtered off when the Ashobel in front of him sat up.


    "Woah..." Slowly the puppet climbed to his feet. "These legs are so nice!" It bent them slightly and jumped into the air. The entire room shook when he landed.


    "Careful, Morti." Nix followed the retreating Chiba out of the room.


    "Yeah. That''s me. I''m really careful." The Ashobel stared at his own body, resting comfortably next to the wall. "Was I always that good looking?"


    Nix chuckled. "Since you''ve had fur, yes."


    The Ashobel patted his own head and then ducked through the doorway. "Can we go outside? I want to practice jumping and kicking things."


    "Ashobel mostly use their claws to fight, although I''ve seen a few Axe wielders." Nix waited for Morti to catch up and started heading toward the exit. "Stay close, no wandering around."


    "Well, I''m gonna kick things." Ashobel Morti stopped in front of the door and nodded to himself. "Yep. I''ll stick close by."


    /Inferno: Chiba: Hey Banz, got any Great Swords?


    /Inferno: Banz: I have one, the damn thing is five feet long.


    /Inferno: Chiba: That''s perfect. I dislike biting and scratching things unless we''re both naked.


    /Inferno: Banz: Noted, I''ll get it for you.


    /Inferno: Semmi: When are you bringing the Ashobel in?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Thanks for the puppet.


    /Inferno: Wind: Same here. I''m gonna kick ass.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t try and wander off with them. I didn''t give them to you.


    **************


    An hour later, after giving Ducky last-minute instructions, he made his way back to the room where he created the puppets.


    [Summons Soup]


    Nix bent on one knee and rubbed the turtle''s smooth head. "Change to your Sphinx form, and you can accompany me."


    Soup flapped her front fin loudly on the floor, the sound of it echoing in the room. A moment later, a tiny black creature peered up at Nix, its eyes filled with curiosity as he took a seat on the floor and leaned back against Morti.


    "Over here, girl." An Ashobel stood up from the stack and climbed to its feet. As someone who spent hours in the form, there was no sign of awkwardness. Nix waited while she ran up his leg and settled in the thick fur of his shoulder. "When I drop this form, stealth your way back here and return to Haven."


    /Alpha: Nix: Report!


    /Alpha: Chiba: I''m in the north hall with two dozen acolytes.


    /Alpha: Wind: South Exit with leadership.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Eastern courtyard with the rest of them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Watch out for these guys. They may look good on the mat, but combat experience is a bit different.


    /Alpha: Chiba: My beautiful niece is here, I will take care of them.


    /Alpha: Wind: I''ll work with Banz and Wylie to keep an eye on the leaders.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We got this, I''ve got Morti with me!


    /Alpha: Nix: Noted.


    /Alliance: Breach Commander Nix: Ready Junie?


    /Alliance: Jun Li: I''m in Loki with the 12 Pillars.


    Ashobel Nix stood quietly on the snow-covered roof, his eyes scanning the ice fields. The Gladis Hub wasn''t defendable; it was never meant to be a fortress.


    [Whisper: Leva to Nix] In position.


    [Whisper: Nix to Leva] Understood. I''ll need you to open three breaches at the same time.


    [Whisper: Leva to Nix] I have the coordinates. The Nether is on standby.


    [Whisper: Nix to Leva] Thanks.


    A crash echoed across the frozen tundra; a moment later, the air shimmered, and a large group of armored fighters appeared on the ice.


    /Alliance: Nix: Contact, east fields, two hundred meters.


    Nix watched from the roof. The attackers marched in formation, heavy fighters in the front, and casters in the middle. Their white armor blended in perfectly with their surroundings.


    /Alliance: Nix: Let them get closer, more than a hundred of them. They brought a lot of ranged fighters.


    Nix Ashobel slid off the roof, jumping down the thirty feet to the ground without issue. He clicked his long claws together. It was time to kill shit.


    Shi has established a [Black Ice Domain]


    All Allies receive the [Blessings of Black Ice].


    All Allies receive [Black Ice Armor]


    All Allies receive [Black Ice Spear]


    All Allies receive [Black Ice Shield]


    All Enemies within the Domain will take continuous damage based on their resistances.


    All Enemies within the Domain are slowed by thirty percent.


    All Enemies within the Domain will suffer from [Impaired Vision].


    Nix paused in place, a long black spear and shield appeared in front of him, without thinking, he grabbed both of them. At the same time, if felt his torso encased in a protective layer of ice. "The fuck is this?" The snow and ice fields surrounding the Gladis hub turned black as night.


    /Alliance: Nix: Beautiful. Hit em!


    Ashobel Nix broke into an all-out charge, his long strides eating up the distance as he closed on the enemy. Ashobel-Semmi was leading a charge with the main force.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Guess we are throwing out tactics for this battle?


    /Alpha: Wind: Yep, it''s an old school beat-down.


    Nix lowered his spear ten meters before the charging heavies and braced his shield. He slammed into the front line with four other Ashobel that had caught up to him with a crash that sounded like a freight train; the heavy armor was slammed backward. Unable to resist, he threw the spear at the column of fighters, skewering three of them before wading into the foray.


    /Alliance: Wylie: Shields down, spears up. Advance and pair off!


    The sound of Ashobel''s howling was loud in Nix''s ears as he grabbed a mage by the arm and yanked it completely off; the screaming mage started casting an ice spell but was silenced when Nix''s shield crushed the bones in his face.


    /Alliance: Tharaka: We''re here, taking care of the archers!


    The Ice Archers managed to get off three volleys before Tharaka, and his group crashed into them. Within seconds, the battlefield was complete chaos.


    A blade-wielding Ashobel danced nimbly into the middle of the combat. Five feet of steel flashing in and out as limbs and heads were separated from their owners. She was followed closely by the sound of hot blood splattering on the cold snow and the screams of misery. "Beautiful Chiba has come to play!"


    Nix stumbled backward a step when an ax struck him, his long arms snaked out and gripped the fighters helm, twisting it until it popped off like a cork. Two fighters more charged into him, before he could brace himself, an Ashobel streaked past him. A long leg flashed up and kicked the first one in the head; its sharp claws tore through the second man''s face.


    "Kick in the face! And here''s a Swat!" Morti''s rumbling voice called out his strikes as he terrorized the middle of the collapsing formation.


    "SHIELDS UP! FALL BACK AND PROTECT THE CASTERS!" A masked man carrying a white bow shouted out directions to his fighters. He paused suddenly when a cloaked figure stepped in front of him.


    Ducky has charmed Sazo Tali.


    The Water Witch smiled and held out her hand. "Come with me, dear."


    A breach opened behind her, and she led him through.


    The battle lasted less than five minutes; without the support of the Archers, the heavy armor couldn''t protect their casters and was slaughtered in place. None of the enemies survived.


    Nix glanced around the battlefield, suddenly thankful for the black snow. He could imagine how grisly an image it would be if the landscape had remained white.


    /Alliance: Nix: Casualties?


    /Alliance: Semmi: Just them, we took a few light wounds. Nothing serious.


    /Alliance: Nix: Lets reset and wait. Hopefully, we''ll get a real battle.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shi] You didn''t mention you had an Ice Domain.


    [Whisper: Shi to Nix] It was a surprise, Nix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shi] Very nice.

 465 The Ice Queen Cometh

    /Family: Ducky: Yes. Shall we start questioning him?


    /Family: Nix: No, stick a Blackhand on him and stow him at the Nether Fortress. I want a cleric present when you question him.


    /Family: Ducky: Okay, we''ll be back in position in a few minutes.


    /Family: Nix: Be careful, and thanks for the hard work.


    Ashobel Nix trotted back toward the east entrance of the hub, shaking his head slightly when he spotted an Ashobel bounding across the snow like a kangaroo. "Having fun, Morti?"


    "Yep!" Without stopping, the Ashobel continued his progress.


    The Ashobel puppets of Wind and Semmi were both standing at the entrance. Since puppets were all the same, Nix couldn''t tell one from the other.


    "That Domain is impressive." Ashobel Semmi watched the frozen landscape while she spoke. "How long until they try again?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "If I had to guess, I''d say less than a day. We have everyone on standby, this time they''ll be facing the 12 Pillars."


    *******************


    Gideon sat comfortably on Nix''s couch while he waited for word of the Battle at Gladis Hub. "Damn, this is a nice place."


    "Can I get you something?" Hyai smiled at him from the kitchen; the smell of baked bread filled the house.


    Gideon shook his head; he spent the morning with the Inn Keeper and was half-tempted to never leave. "I''m getting spoiled."


    Hyai smiled. "Nix did say that I should take care of you."


    A life-sized image of Nix appeared directly in front of Gideon a moment later. "Check now."


    Gideon nodded and inhabited the mud encased puppet on his lap.


    ***********************


    "No contact? You are saying that they are all dead?" Khione''s cold voice cut through the room. She leaned forward on her throne; a single barefoot was visible under the long pale-blue gown.


    The Su''Dhassi leader who had recommended attacking Loki nodded slightly. It was Sazo who picked the Colonial target, a fact that caused the Su''Dhassi to breathe a sigh of relief. "We have to assume that Sazo is either dead or captured."


    The Ice Goddess closed her eyes for a moment; her slender fingers traced a complicated pattern in the air. A long Ice Sceptor appeared in her grasp a moment before her ice colored eyes blinked open. "I cannon reach him, either he is dead, or an artifact is preventing my contact. Nix must have been there somehow; it''s the only explanation. Time for this person to die."


    Gideon''s eyes opened suddenly, and he jumped to his feet. "We have to contact Nix!"


    ******************


    Nix placed the Ashobel puppet back in the storage room; he decided after this battle he would recraft all of his armor. The Eidengal Armorer could reset the base stats and salvage the puppets he had altered them with.


    /Alpha: Semmi: My least favorite part of this.


    /Alpha: Nix: Grab something to eat, there''s a...


    Nix''s words trailed off when a life-sized holo of Tai''Qui appeared in front of him. "Tai? What''s the matter?"


    "She''s coming to Colonial Nix. Khione is coming to kill you." Tai''Qui brown eyes had none of their usual warmth.


    Nix stared at the holo for a moment. "She coming by herself? Or with an army?"


    "By herself, it sounds like, but she has the ability to open gates if she needs too. I will contact Deidra and Sinfaya."


    Nix shook his head. "I invited you to Haven to safeguard your offspring, not so that you could be slain in a minor altercation. Do nothing."


    "Minor altercation?" Tai glanced over her shoulder; Hyai''s voice could be heard in the background. "The Ice Goddess is not a minor altercation."


    /Alliance Command: Tharaka: Eastern fields, she''s here.


    "Stay in Haven." Nix closed the communication and headed toward the exit.


    /Alliance Command: Nix: On my way.


    Nix exited the Gladis Hub and stepped out onto the ice. It crunched under his feet as he made his way to the edge of the field where Tharaka was standing.


    The Ashobel Chief carried a long spear in one hand. "It''s an Ice Dome."


    Nix summoned Nightmare and then swung easily into the saddle.


    [Battle Aura: Emerald Fury]


    Tharaka took several steps back, shielding his face from the intense heat. "A Battle aura?"


    "A small upgrade." Nix studied the space in front of them. A large translucent dome had formed on the ice field; it was about a hundred meters in diameter and thirty meters in height. The image of a lone figure could be seen inside. He patted Nightmare''s shoulder, causing her aura to flame up. "Stay close."


    /Alliance Command: Nix: Gonna see what she wants.


    /Alliance Command: Jun Li: Open a gate Nix, I''ll bring the 12 Pillars!


    /Alliance Command: Nix: She wouldn''t have come here if she was vulnerable to real death.


    Nix heeled his horse''s flank, and she broke into a brisk trot. Water splashed in her wake as they made their way toward the dome. When they were nearly upon it, an archway appeared, and the demon horse entered.


    [You may not open Gates in the Fighting Arena.]


    [Death in the Fighting Arena will result in a permanent reduction in Stats]


    Nix slid off of Nightmare as they both dropped their auras. He patted her gently on the hindquarters, sending her off to one side. Unaware of the situation, the demon horse moved toward the edge, content to lick the ice.


    "Fighting arena? Are we going to fight?" Nix smiled pleasantly and drew both of his weapons. He pushed Emerald fury flames into them, the cold air around him suddenly filled with the steady humming and crackling of fury flame.


    "Fight?" Khione held a long blue scepter in one hand. "I''m here to kill you."


    "That''s unreasonable, isn''t it? Perhaps we could find a diplomatic solut..."


    [Storm Rider][Silent Summons][Flame Root]


    Triple Combination partially successful.


    Khione has resisted Silence.


    Khione has resisted Flame Root.


    Nix appeared behind the ice goddess, swinging both blades at once.


    Khione has been hit for light damage.


    Khione has deflected your strike.


    Khione raised her free hand and cast [Ice Asunder].


    Nix brought his blades up as a three-meter long ice spear rocketed toward him. Stepping into the attack, he leaned away, and the last moment sent it back with a flick of his blades.


    Nix has used [Ice Deflection]


    Khione brushed the deflected spear aside with a bare hand. "Not bad." She raised her staff up when Nix suddenly vanished from sight, a flash of red and orange appeared directly in front of her.


    [Predatory Scream][Rend][Fire Storm]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Khione has been slowed.


    Nix has landed a critical strike.


    Nix has landed a normal attack.


    A bone-chilling scream echoed in the arena as the flames swirling around the Phoenix transferred to Khione. Several large slashes appeared on her blue gown just before she threw up an ice shield and retreated from the face of the inferno.


    The firebird pursued her, it flames snuffing out suddenly as it morphed into something else.


    [Petrify][Fanged Strike]


    Khione has resisted Petrify.


    Nix has landed a critical strike.


    Khione has been poisoned.


    The basilisk stopped the pursuit, moving quickly it lashed out with its impressive length.


    [Tailwhip]


    The scaled tail landed heavily on Khione''s shield, sending her skidding across the ice, her bare feet left deep grooves in the ice.


    "You have grown." Khione stood her ground when Nix broke off the pursuit.


    Nix dropped the reptile form and resummoned his blades. "Let''s just call this round two."

 466 Family Ties

    [Elemental Napalm: Emerald Fury Flame][Elemental Fiend: Emerald Fury Beast][Fire Storm]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    An elemental fiend has been summoned.


    A gelatinous blob of emerald goo splattered against Khione''s shield, melting through it almost immediately and causing the ice goddess to scream out in pain. At the same time, the area around her resembled a green sun as a firestorm raged throughout the dome. The Emerald fiend retreated to guard Nix; it was equipped with earth armor and a rock shield.


    Khione''s human avatar has been defeated.


    Khione has activated her second-tier avatar [Ice Maiden].


    A heavily armored woman gestured the flames away with a sweep of her blade. She barely resembled what Nix thought of as the ice goddess. She radiated physical power. "My turn..."


    [Ice Flash] [Shield Slam] [Champion''s Strike]


    Khione has executed a successful triple combination.


    Nix has succumbed to snow blindness.


    Nix has been Stunned.


    Khione has landed a significant strike on Nix.


    Nix''s vision changed to whiteout a moment before his limbs stopped working. He didn''t see the blade cut deeply into his shoulder, causing a large portion of his health to disappear.


    [Interference][Transferred Wrath] [Fiends Favor]


    An Emerald Fury Fiend has executed a successful triple combination.


    The Fiend blocked the followed up attack, pushing the heavily armored Khione back several steps.


    All direct attacks at Nix will be transferred to the Elemental Fiend for the next thirty seconds.


    An Elemental Fiend has given a portion of his health to heal Nix.


    Nix has resisted stun.


    Nis has resisted Snow Blindness.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    Dozens of emerald flame strands flashed outward, their barbed tips punched through Khione''s heavy armor, making her scream out in misery.


    Nix has activated [Burst].


    Khione''s body burst apart with an explosion that sent the Salamander skidding across the ice field until it slammed against the dome wall.


    Khione''s paladin avatar has been defeated.


    Khione has activated her third-tier avatar [Ice Goddess].


    The emerald salamander advanced while Khione''s essence reformed. The Ice Goddess hovered, her ice wings flapped slowly while creating a visible ice shield around her. Her cold blue eyes stared at the Salamander, the beautiful face showing obvious shock. "Without manifesting fully, this is the last avatar I can fight with. It is more than enough to end you."


    [Ice Trap][Lightning Strike][ Silver Spear]


    A box of white ice formed around Nix, not touching him but blocking his sight and earing. An instant after the box formed, it was shattered by a devastating lightning strike that shook the dome.


    An Elemental Fiend has been mortally wounded.


    Nix has been stunned.


    A silver spear blurred through the air, piercing through the fiend and its shield before striking Nix.


    An Elemental Fiend has been slain.


    Khione has landed a significant strike on Nix.


    The Salamander ignored the spear, impaling its shoulder. A half dozen emerald strands flashed outward, but instead of targeting the Ice Goddess, they stabbed into the ground and flung the Salamander forward.


    [Dreadfire: Emerald Fury]


    A single column of green flame blazed from the Salamander''s hand; it passed through the Ice Shield before striking the Ice Goddess, side.


    Nix has landed a significant strike on Khione.


    Before he could follow up the attack, she winked out of existence only to appear on the far side of the dome a moment later. Rivulets of light blue blood ran down her side and splashed onto the ground, her blue eyes were filled with pain and a hint of fear. "Now... I will kill you, but before I leave, the rest of your friends will die also."


    The threat hung in the air, chilling the atmosphere by several degrees.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Final Form: Dread Beast]


    Emerald green light flashed outward with an expulsion of power that melted everything in its path. A moment later, calm yellow eyes blinked once as the creature took in its surroundings. It had feathered wings that combined red and orange feathers, its scales appeared to be heavily armored and were capped off by long spikes that extended outward from the shoulders. The beast raised a green claw and pulled the spear loose from its shoulder.


    "A dread beast..." Khione''s words were barely whispered. "I wouldn''t have come here alone had I known, this will cause me one of my trump cards."


    The beast ignored her words, seemingly unconcerned by her presence. Its eyes took in the surrounding dome.


    "Disconnected consciousness?" Khione stopped whatever she was going to do and moved closer. "I''ve changed my mind. I will take you back and trap you in this form. Together we shall remake this world into something beautiful."


    The dread beast continued to stare at the arena; it huffed once, sending flames in all directions. Without warning, it flashed toward the ceiling, striking it with a sharp claw. It repeated the process a half dozen times; the dome was filled with the echo of powerful strikes.


    "I can free you from this place." Khione''s cold face took on a more kindly expression, and she moved forward. The beast ignored her until she was within thirty meters, then it faced her again. This time baleful yellow eyes stared at her. She stopped immediately. "I mean you no harm; let''s escape this trap together."


    Countless emerald strands flashed outward and wrapped up the Ice Goddess; her screams of agony filled the air as hundreds of them pinned her arms to her body. Her weapon clattered on the ice as she was pulled toward the beast.


    [Ice Seed: Sacrifice]


    Khione has forfeited part of her core seed to escape.


    "YOU DARE TOUCH ME!" The air around the Ice Goddess shimmered with power as she pointed at Nix. "DIE, FOOL!"


    [Death Blow: Silver Ice]


    A death strike has been partially effective.


    Half of the dread beast turned to ice; when it struggled to break free, the back rear leg and a portion of its body broke off. The accompanying howl of rage and pain caused Khione to throw up an ice shield.


    [Lightning Strike][Pierced Heaven]


    Khione has executed a successful combination.


    Lightning struck the wounded beast, slamming it down with enough force to create a crater. Thousands of silver spears rained into the crater in a stream of light that lasted for several seconds.


    [Ground Pounder]


    Mortimer has interrupted Pierced Heaven.


    Thirty feet of bear stood protectively over the crater; an instant later, two females appeared on either side of him; the Titan cub spotted Khione and charged.


    [Evactuation: Ice Fortress]


    Casting Interrupted.


    Ducky has charmed Khione.


    Ducky smiled at the Ice Goddess. "Let''s be friends."


    Khione has broken Ducky''s charm.


    Ducky''s smile didn''t waver. "No?" Her blue wings appeared suddenly as she took to the air.


    [Evactuation: Ice Fortress]


    Casting Interrupted.


    A Silver Drakon sent a column of silver flames at the Ice Goddess; Khione screamed and extinguished the flames with a wave of her hand. "You shall all die h..."


    Her words were interrupted with a large paw slammed into her, sending her streaking into the air until she crashed off the dome ceiling.


    Khione has been stunned.


    The Ice Goddess landed heavily on the ground in the middle of the dome. Immediately she struggled to her feet; her clothing and armor were badly damage. The beautiful cold face was covered in blood. The rage in her eyes converted instantly to fear when Morti caught her again. The titan cub reared back on his hind legs before coming down on her with both paws extended. Khione disappeared into the ground like a hammered spike.


    Ducky circled once, her bow held outward. She watched as Fey landed near Nix. She could tell by Morti''s size that he had been summoned in full rage.


    /Family: Ducky: Morti, move away from her before you collapse. We''ll take it from here.


    The bear lumbered toward Fey, not stopping until it was once again shielding Nix.


    The ground beneath them shook a moment before Khione burst from her hole. "ALL OF YOU WILL DIE!"


    [Ice Crisis: Extermination]


    Casting Interrupted.


    [Balefire: Hexed Spear]


    A spear made of pure orange flames impaled the Ice Goddess an instant later. Her face showed her surprise as she glanced up at the mage who hovered in the air. His old face glowed with the power of flame.


    "Don''t underestimate this old man."


    Pon has slain Khione.


    The dome faded from view along with an echoing scream from the vanquished Ice Goddess. Pon landed next to the Titan cub, who was already falling asleep.


    Ducky favored the old mage with a smile. "How did you get in here."


    /Inferno: Pon: Bring a cleric to heal Nix.


    Pon shook his head slightly; he''d never seen a creature like the Dread Beast. "Nix had me sneak in behind him and Nightmare. Pays to have a backup plan. Did Nix summon you guys?"


    Ducky shook her head. "When Nix''s life is in danger, we don''t need to be summoned."


    Fey had changed back into her human form. She picked up the long scepter that Khione had dropped.


    Winter''s Scepter


    Ice Elementals Only: Nemesis or Higher


    +200 to Ice Abilities


    +200 to Defense


    All Fire Attacks are reduced by half.


    All Earth Attacks are reduced by half.


    All Lightning Attacks are reduced by half.


    Special Ability: Summon Angel.


    [Unidentified]


    Pon whistled softly. "Too bad that isn''t the fire version."


    [Whisper: Semmi to Pon] When did you get here?


    [Whisper: Pon to Semmi] Been here the entire time.

 467 Harvest Fair

    The Ain''Dhassi''s pale eyes were filled with scorn, he mumbled something against the gag and then struggled against his restraints.


    "We''re waiting for Semmi, then we can start." Ducky smiled at the prisoner, "I''d like to start now, but I''m concerned about your endurance." The water witch traced the curve of his face with a single finger.


    The door opened a moment later, the blond officer walked in accompanied by an old fire mage.


    Leva''s dark eyes finally left the prisoner. "How''s Nix?"


    Pon scowled and shrugged slightly. "Bastards sleeping still, taking it easy while I do all the work. This the guy? Let me just heat up his nuts a bit, I''m sure he''ll talk."


    Semmi nudged the old man with an elbow and shook her head slightly. "Ducky will be doing to questioning. Ungag him please."


    "What?" Pon glanced from Ducky to Semmi. "The fuck did I have to come then?"


    Semmi smiled and pulled him to one side so that they could observe. "Because you get all squirrely when Nix isn''t around."


    Pon crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Let''s get on with it then. We''re in the middle of Harvest."


    Semmi nodded, all of Haven was hurrying to get their product ready. Most of Inferno brought in outside help during the season. They were thoroughly vetted and enabled the players to have experienced hands helping them.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Ducky] Let him say whatever is on his mind before you charm him.


    [Whisper Ducky to Semmi] Got it.


    Ducky released the prisoner''s gag and held up a canteen for him to drink from. "We''re going to ask you some questions, Sazo. How this proceeds depends on your cooperation."


    "You are nothing but Rebels." The Ain''Dhassi''s tone showed his belligerence.


    Ducky clucked her tongue softly. "Not the best start. Why are you working with Khione?"


    "She is the rightful leader of all Colonial. Once Khione is restored to power, the humans will be forced back to the hole they crawled out of." Sazo spit in the direction Semmi, before it could land, a tiny ball of flame intercepted it with a loud hiss. Saza grimaced in pain, his brows and lashes were scorched completely off.


    "Try that again fucknut... I''ll remove your eyes and testicles for the second round of questions." Pon''s hand glowed with orange flames, the crackling intensity of his flame warmed the small office.


    "The Ain''Dhassi will be spared when Khione cleanses Oasis. My Clan will thank me."


    "What would Sai Tali say about this?" Ducky''s blue eyes glanced at the Orion who seemed to be hanging on every word. Del Tali knew this man personally, which is why she was asked to sit in.


    "He would never believe it. The days of ice are approaching. Humans will be washed away." Sazo seemed like he was tempted to spit again, but he could feel the old man watching him.


    /Inferno: Pon: Enough of this. Have Del talk to him.


    The Orion walked around the desk and stood in front of the Ain''Dhassi. Its sleek black coat shimmered slightly with each graceful movement. "What have you done Sazo?"


    Sazo''s eyes stared at the black cat. The voice seemed familiar. "Who are you?"


    Instead of answering the cat turned back to Ducky. "After you''ve questioned him, I''d like him returned to my people."


    "No." Pon spoke quietly, his voice barely discernable. "He knowingly participated and even helped plan an act of war against Inferno. That doesn''t come with any benefits. By the way, shithead, after you failed miserably, Inferno kicked the shit out of Khione and sent her back to her Ice Hole."


    Semmi nodded in agreement.


    The black cat didn''t argue, she''d only made the request because Sazo was a member of her extended family. "Sazo... You shall be removed from the family book. Your accomplishments until now will be stricken from our records. The Tali family name will be revoked from you, your wife, and your children."


    "Who... Del Tali?" The Ain''Dhassi''s pale face looked sickly in the flickering light.


    The black cat turned away from him and sat on the floor facing the wall. "I will no longer recognize your words or name."


    Pon watched the interaction, involving the dhassi''s wife and kids seemed a bit harsh but it didn''t pass his bottom line. "Do you think Khione will provide for your kids? Cooperate and Inferno will make sure they have enough to survive."


    A gate opened in the office, Semmi waited while Pon and the Orion stepped through. "One word from Nix and your family could find refuge in Izzin."


    [Whisper: Semm to Ducky] Give him a chance to cooperate before you charm him. Verify everything he says.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Semmi] Sure Semmi, see you later.


    Leva closed the gate before walking around her desk to stand in front of Sazo. Her hand flashed out and a blade appeared in Sazo''s shoulder. She held it there while leaning over him. "I personally invited Semmi here, and you try to spit on her?" She turned the blade slightly, making the Ain''Dhassi scream.


    Ducky shook her head slightly. "Not too much, save some of that for later." Ducky waited until Leva stepped away, the blade was still protruding from the captive''s shoulder. "When did you first start working with Khione?"


    *******************


    Nix patted the demon horse''s back while brushing her sleek fur. He had woken up less than an hour before and had come out here to check on Nightmare. Morti was sleeping peacefully at the Gladis Hub. It had taken a dozen Ashobel warriors to move him inside. "I''ll get you a good companion, that damned goat wasn''t good enough for you... Although on a side note, he did taste good."


    "Want us to take her with the herd, Boss?" A voice called from outside the stable.


    Nix led Nightmare outside and then released her. Rand and her co-workers were taking the entire herd to the southern plateau to graze for a few days. "Yes, bring Moonlight also."


    /Inferno: Hyai: Nix? Why aren''t you in bed?


    /Inferno: Nix: Slept an entire day already.


    Rand sent the herd ledger to his hud and he started scanning it while he walked back toward the ranch. The dragons were nesting, Shi and her Acolytes were in process of moving into Haven and Inferno was taking the time to bring in their first harvest.


    /Inferno: Nix; Officer meeting at Jun Li''s in an hour.


    /Inferno: Pon: We''ve got a crop to bring in!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Can''t it wait?


    /Inferno: Milat: Not the best time.


    Nix laughed at the complains, perhaps they did need the time off.


    /Inferno: Nix: This isn''t Khione related, its Harvest related. I was thinking we''d have a Fair.


    /Inferno: Pon: With ribbons and contests? Yeah!


    /Inferno: Shae: What''s that?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''d have to come up with categories and judging.


    /Inferno: Rico: I can organize it if you want.


    /Inferno: Nix: Way to step up, Dad.


    /Inferno: Rico: I''ll have something drawn up by dinner time.


    /Inferno: Nix: No meeting then. Party at the Riverside tonight. Pon will supply the booze but bring food.


    /Inferno: Pon: Fine, but only because I love a good Fair.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] I love the idea. Have you chose a temple?"


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Not yet, just a team. You and Sharl will take a team to acquire a temple for Shi and her people.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Isn''t Sharl busy with the Snake Clan?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] She was, but now she''s done.


    /Inferno: Nix: No more Khione stuff until after the Fair and Harvest festival, enjoy the next two weeks.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Finally some time off, I can work in my library.


    /Inferno: Tai''Qui: Stop by when you get the chance, Nix. Bring Shae with you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure.

 468 Harvest Fair part two

    "Nix?" A dark woman holding a spear peeked around the corner of the stable. Her black hair was cut short and she held an ornate helm under one arm. A bright smile formed on her face when she saw him, he was hard at work, mucking out a stall. "Don''t your ranchhands do that?"


    "Hey!" Nix felt the same warm feelings he always had in Sharl''s presence. "Haven''t seen you in a while. Did Floyd come?"


    Sharl shook her head slightly and lay her equipment on a bin before wrapping up the Inferno leader in a hug. Her normal reservations always faded around him. "Did you miss me?"


    "Yep," he admitted. "Did you just get here?"


    "Stopped by the temple first to talk to your dad." Sharl stepped to one side when he grabbed the handles of a wheelbarrow and started heading toward the gate. The large pile of manure on the other side caused her to decide not to follow. "I''ll just wait here."


    Nix chuckled while tipping the cart over. "Everyone says that. Let''s head up to the house, I need to get cleaned up."


    Sharl smiled and waited while he put his tools away. She stowed her spear and helm and then fell in step with him. "Ronnie''s been helping me at the hive. I''m going to head over there after saying hi to everyone."


    Nix didn''t comment, she''d been gone a long time. Helping Floyd had been her choice but one that Nix believed was the right one. The Serpent Clan and Floyd''s personal growth had grown substantially through her efforts. This left her place in Haven deserted, her younger sister had been taking care of things while she was gone. "Ronnie has many talents."


    Sharl''s full lips showed the beginning of a smile. The Inferno leader would never say anything bad about her sister. Instead of being jealous, she was thankful. That steadfast backing caused Ronnie to become more reliable. "I hear you kicked Khione''s ass."


    Nix shrugged, he didn''t remember large portions of it. The Dread Beast form came with a lot of drawbacks. "We discovered she uses Avatars. If we want to kill her, we''ll need to draw the real Khione out."


    Sharl nodded. She had heard about the fight from Pon. If her Avatars were that strong, then how stronger was the real thing? "How''s Shae?"


    "Busy..." Nix shook his head slightly. The salamander was helping all three dragons in their Nurseries. "She should charge them day-care rates."


    /Inferno: Nix: One extra for lunch, Hyai.


    /Inferno: Hyai: Okay Hun.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Me too!


    /Inferno: Pon: I could eat.


    /Inferno: Nix: Denied.


    Sharl stepped into the house when Nix held the door for her, two women were sitting together at the kitchen island. Ronnie had already told her that Raine had somehow managed to get a pass into Haven. Sharl smiled fondly at Hyai and waved from the entryway. "Thanks for having me."


    Nix waved to Raine who had remained seated. "What''s for lunch?" Whatever it was smelled good, there was a large pot on the stove and from his vantage point, he could tell that the oven was on.


    "Roasted Chicken and wild rice soup." Hyai gestured for Sharl to take a seat. "Donri brought a bunch of chickens from Colonial. Looks like he finally going to settle in Haven."


    Nix didn''t comment, he hadn''t heard the official reason for why Donri left his Seneschal position, but he had the feeling there was some scandal involved. After the battle for the Cai''Song artifact, Donri claimed a large plot of land in Haven but had left it undeveloped. "He going to take up farming? We could use more farms."


    Hyai nodded in agreement. "Looks like it."


    "Do I have time to clean up before lunch?" Sharl noticed that Nix was already moving toward the downstairs shower.


    Hyai pointed her up the stairs. "Use the upstairs bathroom, Hun. Lunch won''t be ready for at least an hour."


    *****************


    Pon sat quietly on the back of his old brown mare. He''d been given the horse by Nix. Although not fast, it was perfect for getting around the farm. The large barn that they''d built housed the brewery, outside of it were a half dozen large grain silos. "You here Sem?"


    The door to the barn opened wide in answer as the blonde officer peeked her head out. "Just got back a few minutes ago."


    Pon nodded. They had both been spending a lot of time in Virtuna researching how to make beer. They decided to mirror the old German brewers which followed Reinheitsgebot; a beer purity law that stated only hops, barley, yeast, and water can be used to brew beer. "Where we at?"


    Semmi motioned him inside, waiting while he dismounted and climbed up on the platform that was just inside the door. The large open floor of the barn was filled with closed wooden barrels. "M?lzen."


    Pon brought up his land management hud to check on harvest progress. The two of them hired a family of farmers from Colonial to bring their crops in. M?lzen or Malting was the first step in the beer-making process where crushed barley is soaked in water to germinate. "We keeping the kiln temperature low for this batch?"


    Semmi''s pretty eyes sparkled with humor. Pon had given in to a lighter beer for the first few batches but she knew his preference. "The Gr¨¹nkern is already roasting, I set the kiln temp pretty high."


    Pon''s old face lit up. "Nothing like a dark beer!" As the malting process continued, the saturated, unripened barley or Gr¨¹nkern would then be dried and roasted in a kiln. Darker malts were a result of higher kiln temperatures.


    "It won''t be ready in time for the fair. We''ll go with our golden draft." Semmi favored him with a smile. "Think Nix can make me a pair of overalls? I always wanted some."


    Pon covered his amusement with a cough, imagining the tiny blond in a pair of farmers overalls made his entire morning brighter. "I''ll make him do it!"


    Semmi nodded in agreement. They could always ask Rico, but for some reason, they both preferred Nix''s work. Perhaps it was due to their loyalty, the Inferno leader was making her harvest dress even though he was busy. "Not until after the Harvest festival is over, he has enough on his plate."


    Pon shrugged, the dress tailoring process only took a few minutes of his time. Unlike brewing, it was instantly automated into the end product by game mechanics. Processes like farming, horse ranching, and breweries mirrored real-world mechanics. Although the field management for their farm was game enhanced, the rest was a result of their hard work.


    *********************


    "Buzz..... Buzzz" The miniature air elemental sang softly to the bees hovering around her. As if understanding, they created enough space for her to fly through. Her dragonfly wings buzzed softly as she hovered a few feet off the ground while her tiny companion sat comfortably on her shoulder. "See? They are friendly."


    The crowned gecko didn''t comment, its dark eyes darting everywhere. Initially, when they first came here together, the bees had swarmed them. He used his ability to show them why that wasn''t a good idea. Ronnie had nearly banned him after that.


    "You guys staying out of trouble?" Ronnie spotted the spirit companions coming toward her. She was standing next to a white wooden box approximately a meter across. "Seen my partner?"


    "Yes to both." Wilo pointed down the long line of white boxes. "She''s hiding behind the bee boxes."


    Ronnie''s sharp eyes spotted the ducking Ain''Dhassi ranger before she could make her escape. "Come on, Bali. It was one tiny sting!"


    Bali peeked up, it was obvious she was still retreating. "That really hurt! I don''t like bees."


    Ronnie bit her lip to keep from smiling, surprisingly she had found the tiny rangers weakness. "You were only stung because the King scared the crap out of them. This time we''ll be careful."


    Bali stepped out into the aisle. "Fine... Where are my kids?"


    The dark archer pointed north of them. "Picking strawberries... hopefully, they are gathering more than they are eating." The Trams were part of Haven now, Ronnie recruited them to harvest the strawberries and blueberries for Sharl while Bali helped her with the honey. "Got a date yet for the festival?"


    Bali''s pale face blushed slightly. "Yes. I''m going with Gil."


    Ronnie nodded happily. She approved of the turtle titan. His obvious good nature aside, when push came to shove, Gil could handle any trouble that faced him. "That''s a good choice."


    Bali didn''t comment, the turtle Titan had asked her out of the blue. She suspected that Ronnie put him up to it, but perhaps she hadn''t. "You going with someone?"


    Ronnie nodded. "I''ll find someone suitable."

 469 Harvest Fair part three

    Wind nodded. "Technically, this is wild rice; what we ate yesterday was white rice. I''m growing some of that too, but it''s in a different area." The Gemini thief was all smiles while he watched her. "I have an official meeting in a bit. Let''s go help Banz settle in."


    Beta''s pink eyes focused on him for a moment. "You said I''d get to play with the ducks first."


    "Right, forgot about that. Ducks first!" Wind lent her a hand and helped her climb out of the rice paddy. Without pausing, she hopped on his back for a ride. "How''d this turn into a piggyback ride?"


    Beta shrugged from his back. "Working hard makes me tired."


    Wind laughed at the lame excuse but let her stay. Given the amount in ponds in the section that he settled in, the Gemini thief had immediately brought in water poultry. Everspire and Oasis had a wide variety of geese and ducks available at various livestock markets. A few hours spent in Ronnie''s library was enough knowledge to get him started. In the following months, he had learned the rest of it with his own hands. The rice crops were started a few weeks after that. "Since when do you work hard?"


    Beta laughed at his words. "I have callouses on my hands... And you are complaining about me?"


    Beta''s pretty laugh brought a bigger smile to his face. " I shouldn''t complain, though, with free labor, you get what you paid for."


    Beta jumped down when they returned to the dock. "The hell? Aren''t you paying me? I quit!"


    Wind picked her up again and threatened to toss her into the pond. "Don''t use Pon''s expressions; it creeps me out!"


    Beta closed her eyes in mock fear until he sat her back down. She watched as he walked toward a covered barrel that was sitting on the dock. "Calling them in?"


    Wind nodded and scooped a large portion of feed corn out of the barrel. He had built his house on the water. The three-bedroom house was kept out of the water by long stilts. A large porch that doubled as a dock surrounded the entire house. It was made small because he didn''t like visitors. By his own admission, that had changed a bit since he came to Haven. He whistled loudly and then waited. From all areas of the swamp, the ducks and geese started making their way toward the dock.


    Beta clapped her hands happily. "I love it when they stick their butts up."


    Wind gave her a handful of the dried corn. "Me too." As an inhabitant of a Dragon City, she''d never seen ducks or geese before. The first time she saw how they feed off the bottom had made her laugh for several minutes.


    ************


    Nix peeked through the kitchen window at Jun''Li''s house and rapped lightly when he spotted her.


    The Inferno Vice Commander was filling a tray with empty wine glasses. She motioned for him to come in. "Why are you waiting outside, Nix?''


    Nix opened the door and grabbed the three bottles of wine that she had left on ice. "Everyone''s already here. They are sitting in the back."


    "What?" Jun Li stepped closer to the kitchen sink so that she could have a full view of her backyard. "Dang... I thought I had time. Let''s get going."


    Nix nodded and held the door for her.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Join Vineyard, please.


    Pon has joined Vineyard.


    Nix has joined Vineyard.


    Semmi has joined Vineyard.


    Milat has joined Vineyard.


    Wind has joined Vineyard.


    Sharl has joined Vineyard.


    Rico has joined Vineyard.


    /Vineyard: Jun Li: This is everyone for the Fair meeting, so let''s get started. Rico is running the setup. I''ll hand it over to him.


    Jun Li filled the wind glasses and started handing them out. "This is my first harvest wine, let''s call it Haven year 1."


    Rico stood up and gave everyone a polite smile. "Going to send something to everyone''s hud. Take a look, and then we''ll discuss it. Since it''s our first one and many of our members don''t know what to expect, I thought we''d start small."


    Nix opened his hud when it buzzed and started reading.


    [Haven Harvest Fair] No crafted items will be allowed. The following must be a result of Haven''s harvest and made by hand. We purchased several large tents to hold everything. Nix''s corral will hold the livestock while we are setting everything up. We''ll need volunteers to build pens and cages inside the tents.


    Livestock: Cattle, Horses, Alpacas, Pigs.


    Poultry Contest: Turkeys, Chickens, Ducks, Geese.


    Crop Gardening: Vegetables, Nuts, and Fruits.


    Harvest Spirits: Wine, Brandy \u0026 Beer.


    Harvest Sweets: Jams, Jellies, Honey, Syrup, and everything sweet.


    Cooking: Pies, Cakes \u0026 Bars.


    [Other Events]


    Calf Riding.


    Greased Pig Catching.


    BBQ


    Misc. Games: There are several booths we could make; I''ll leave it up to our members to decide for themselves. You want it; then you make it.


    /Vineyard: Rico: I made the categories after talking to everyone and getting a feel for what we are doing.


    /Vineyard: Pon: I see booze and pie. That''s all I need.


    /Vineyard: Semmi: So the Fair is one day and then the dance the next day?


    /Vineyard: Rico: Yes. We''re using Nix''s place as the Fair Grounds since it''s close to the portal, and his pastures are currently empty.


    /Vineyard: Semmi: What about judging?


    /Vineyard: Rico: I''m bringing in one judge from Colonial for each category. Ducky will vet each one personally before they are allowed temporary access to Haven. The rest of the panel will include me, Bev, Fajii, and Nansu.


    /Vineyard: Semmi: We should have a popularity award also, allow the folks walking through to voice their opinions.


    /Vineyard: Rico: I like that idea. We''ll call it the people''s choice award.


    *************


    Two days later, several long white tents were put in place while the members of Inferno began building pens. Rico had gone around to each area to let the builders know what was needed. Pon, Nix, Wind, and Banz were busy in the first tent creating small stalls for the bigger livestock. The sides of the tent had been rolled up to allow for airflow.


    Wind watched Nix while he finished the second stall. "You ever work as a carpenter?"


    Pon tilted back his canteen and waited for the answer. After spending the last few hours building, it was clearly evident that Nix was really good with a hammer.


    Nix shook his head slightly while putting the finishing touches on the last stall. "Just shop class and tree forts. Maybe the occasional repair around the house."


    "I took shop also, but it seems like you''re a bit more advanced." Banz offered him a good-natured smile. The large tank had missed hanging out with the guys after many months spent at the Gladis hub.


    Pon ignored the chatter while he watched the events a few meters away. "The hell is she doing?"


    Nix focused on where the older man was pointing, Tai and Fajii were barely visible within a cloud of dark dust. "Tai''s helping her advance her Earth abilities. They are creating a mudbath."


    Wind glanced and Pon, smirking slightly before stirring the pot. "Right in the middle of your pasture?"


    Nix nodded without taking the bait. "Yep."


    Pon shook his head slightly. "Where''re your balls, boy? Tell them to take that shit somewhere else."


    Nix chuckled at the old man''s words. "Normally I wouldn''t allow it, but this is special... I can''t say."


    Pon glanced over his shoulder before lowering his voice. "What gives? Let me in on it!"


    Wind and Banz both nodded and stepped closer.


    Nix sighed reluctantly. "You didn''t hear it from me... Mud wrestling."


    "What?" Pon''s head turned back toward the two earth mages. "Serious?"


    "Serious, Nix? Don''t fuck with us!" Wind''s dark eyes showed his obvious interest. "Like a winner takes all thing?"


    Nix kept his face carefully neutral. "No. Just a series of matchups. The votes have already been tallied."


    "What? The fuck you say! I didn''t vote!" Pon''s voice rose from a whisper to a near shout.


    Nix held a finger to his lips. "Only the participants got to vote. Quite a few interesting matches."


    Pon rubbed his hands together. "Like who? Sharl and Ronnie?"


    Wind nodded vigorously. "That''s a good one... Sharl and Hyai?"


    Nix frowned at the thief. "Happy with the way your face looks?"


    Wind held up his hands in mock surrender. "Right... Sharl and just about anyone."


    Banz watched as his two friends started discussing what matchups they would like to see. He already understood that Nix was messing with them. "Sila and Sharl."


    "Sila?" Pon''s face lit up. She was one of the members who were focused on completing the embassy floors. As if on command, Sila and Nezbit walked out of the next tent. The two of them waved at the group of men. Both were attractive, but Sila was a bit more on the voluptuous side. Sila was a scorched earth mage while Nez remained one of the few player clerics available for raids. "I''d pay money to see that."


    "Pay money for what?" Semmi''s cheerful voice announced the arrival of the blonde officer and Jun Li.


    Pon scratched his head for a moment. "Was just saying, those mudbaths seem pretty nice."


    Semmi''s sharp eyes followed their gaze. "Yeah, I used the one at Nix''s old house. This one is going to be bigger and more shallow, not really suitable for submersion. It''s for the greased pig contest."


    "...." Pon.


    "...." Wind.


    "Idiots." Nix laughed at the two disappointed expressions before stowing his hammer away. He noticed Rand and the other two ranch hands walking toward them with three foals. "First three stalls, Rand."


    Rand led Moonlight into the first stall and tied her up. "We''ll stay here in the first tent to make sure all the animals are behaving."


    Nix accessed his inventory and brought out an apple for the demon hybrid foal. She was the result of a pairing between Flash and Nightmare; she was six months old despite looking more like a yearling. "You guys ever visit Everspire anymore?"


    Rand shook her head slightly. Working in Haven was better than anything she could have imagined. Nix had already promised her that he''d give her a small starter herd after she spent five years with him. "We go to Glory when we need to blow off steam."

 470 Harvest Fair part four

    Nix smiled at his Sword Master and shrugged. "Fine, I was only asking. I''ll get one of the Trams to do it. Not everyone wants to be greased up and run around in the mud while a bunch of shirtless men try and capture you."


    Chiba''s pale face blushed slightly as her creepy smile widened considerably. "I''m sorry... What was that last part?"


    Nix held up a hand. "No worries. I just thought it would be more entertaining if we didn''t use a real pig."


    Chiba cleared her throat. "I was being too selfish. Of course, if my lovely Apprentice asks me, then I will definitely do it."


    Nix nodded to himself while keeping a straight face, she was way too easy. "I''ll grease you up myself."


    Chiba stepped closer and lowered her voice slightly. "Who''s my date for the Harvest dance?"


    "Elan Mtui... Is that acceptable?"


    Unexpected the beautiful swordmaster blushed, "B-Breach Commander Mtui?"


    Nix nodded. "He owes me a favor, but to be honest it didn''t take any convincing."


    Chiba stared at him for a moment and then nodded slightly. "Of course not, I''m a beautiful woman after all."


    "Hmm... If you say so." Nix stood up and spotted Shae standing next to the livestock tent. "Gonna walk around for a bit, we''ll meet up later."


    Chiba watched him walk away, her creepy smile not fading at all. "Make sure you don''t grease the pig before I''m in it," she called after him.


    "Did my dad make those?" Nix decided that the Salamander would look good in just about anything, and as one of the few people who''ve seen her naked, he could attest to her looking just as impressive wearing nothing.


    Shae nodded and pushed back the straw hat that was shading her face. She wore blue overalls, comfortable shoes, and a white shirt. Her twin red braids dangling from the hat completed the ''farmer girl'' picture. "I forgot what he called them, but Semmi and Junie both loved them, you''ll be getting their requests soon enough."


    "Overalls... No one really wears them anymore, but they were big when I was a kid. The straw hat is the topping. I like it!"


    Shae stood up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips. "As agreed, you are all mine today."


    Nix grabbed her hand, his yellow eyes taking in the crowd that was pouring in. At the last minute, Inferno opened the Fair up to all of the 12 pillars. Deidra herself personally spoke to everyone before they stepped into Haven. "Let''s walk around to the far side, and save the livestock for last."


    Shae clapped happily. "We''ll see my peppers!"


    "You entered your Ghost Peppers?"


    The redhead nodded and favored him with a sweet smile. "Of course! I''ve worked hard on them."


    Shae leaned against them while the couple walked along the outside of the tents. "You''re probably wondering where everyone is. Hyai is in the baking tent, Fajii is with the judges and Raine is in the Great Desert."


    Nix paused in mid-step. "Great Desert? Why would she be there?"


    Shae squeezed his hand slightly. "Are you worried? Mina has been staying there for the last few days, she says the dry air helps with her pregnancy."


    "How would a desert help and Aquarion?" Nix knew a fib when he heard one. "Does Raine even know Min?"


    "Don''t ask so many questions. She''s your date for the dance, but you''ve other obligations." Shae pointed at the mud-pit that had been roped off. "Are you taking part?"


    Nix knew she deliberately changed the subject. "Could we meet again? At the place where I went to check on my three friends?"


    Shae''s brown eyes widened slightly, a moment later she covered his mouth with both hands. As an NPC, her every move was carefully monitored. "In a few days, I''ll be doing a quest for the Fire Temple. Perhaps when I get back."


    Nix nodded, as they discussed in Virtuna; a quest for the Fire Temple meant that she was going to log out for a short while. "I''ll wait until you get back then, it''s no big deal, I thought we''d make you a garden here on the ranch."


    The first tent had three long aisles running the length of it, on either side of those were tables that displayed the entrants. A large sign that read ''From the Gardens of Haven," hung across the middle.


    Shae made a face when they stopped at the first table, it was her entry. "Nothing, I entered three different types."


    Nix chuckled at her expression. "I doubt the judges even dared try them."


    Shae nodded in agreement. "I''ve been cheated."


    "Nix! Come and try some!" Milat stood behind a table that displayed several different types of nuts. Zhava and a half dozen Aquarions took up nearly all the tables in the tent.


    Nix sampled one of the acorn sized nuts. "These were grown in the water?"


    Milat nodded, "water chestnuts, turnzic, and galapo."


    The chestnut was crunchy and much sweeter than he remembered. "You should give some of these to Hyai, she could bake something with them."


    Milat pointed at the box near the exit. "If you like them, be sure and vote."


    Shae pushed Nix toward the next table. "He''s already voting for my peppers."


    All three Trams sat behind the last table near the exit. There were three different kinds of berries and several jars of honey. A big blue ribbon was displayed next to the honey.


    "We have a winner?"Nix glanced at his Salamander companion who was frowning. "I should try some." He picked up one of the small wooden spoons that had been made for sampling.


    Shae watched his face slowly light up as he tasted the golden honey. "It''s good? Let me have some!" She grabbed another spoon and dipped it in the jar. "Oh... That is so... Well, I mean it''s not bad. Certainly a good effort."


    The three Trams glanced at each other but didn''t comment. Ginger pointed at the next table where dozens of smaller jars had been placed. "You don''t want the free sample?"


    "Sample?" Shae''s hand flashed out as she grabbed two of them. "One''s for Mina..."


    Nix didn''t comment, there was a small box with a notepad for voting next to the exit. Out of loyalty, he wrote down Shae''s ghost pepper entry."


    The next tent housed the Haven Spirits, both Pon and Wind were standing in front of a singular long table that housed an assortment of kegs, jugs, and bottles.


    Pon held a tall mug of beer in his hand, he grabbed one for Nix when they noticed him approaching. "Our best effort, although we didn''t win."


    Nix took a long drink, his face showing how much he liked it. "Junie''s wine win?"


    Wind pointed to the far end of the table. "Tess made several barrels of cider from her orchard. We entered them for her since she couldn''t be here."


    "Cider won?" Nix shook his head at was obviously bad judging. "We should have put more beer drinkers on the panel."


    Pon topped off his mug and followed the pair as they walked down the table. "All the baked goods are in the next tent, you lucky bastard. Hyai won just about everything. Best pie, best muffin, best cake." The old fire mage shamelessly came over to eat several times a week.


    Hyai was nowhere to be seen in the next tent, the group that consisted of Pon, Wind, Nix and Shae each grabbed a slice of their favorite pie and walked through while eating.


    "I"ll be damned if her pie doesn''t go good with my beer. I''ll have to get Semmi to start baking."


    Nix shared a glance with Wind but didn''t comment. Semmi was a notoriously bad cook. "Right, perhaps she can start with something easy."


    Wind gave him a deadpan look. "Like toast."


    "My girl won!" Shae took off toward the far end of the tent.


    The last tent they walked through was filled with an assortment of livestock. Nix hadn''t realized all the different ranches that had been started in Haven. Most of those were from Inferno''s lifestyle members, which numbered close to a hundred. In a relatively short amount of time, Inferno had become a guild where the raiders were severely outnumbered by the crafters.


    Shae was already playing with Moonlight by the time the three men arrived. There was a large blue ribbon pinned outside of her stall. Nix had given her the foal as a present, but in reality, it had come from his ranch. Nightmare hadn''t shown any interest in Flash since then.

 471 Harvest Fair: Mud Pi

    "Step right up! Twenty credits to gets you three balls. Dunk the fair maiden!" Bali''s humor-filled voice shouted loudly over the din of spectators.


    "The fuck are those two doing now?" Pon shook his head in dismay as they pushed their way through the line. He stopped suddenly without warning, causing Wind to bump into him and spill some of his beer.


    "Woah." Wind stared at the booth in question. "Who the hell made that?"


    Nix raised his hand as the guilty party. "I did. Dunk tanks are fairly easy to build."


    Ronnie sat comfortably on the wooden plank that kept her of the water. She wore one of the two-piece swimsuits that Nix had made, her dark legs swinging slowly as she cat-called the participants. "Don''t you guys know how hot it is today? Someone get me wet already!"


    Shae didn''t comment but followed as the group walked up. A completely dry Ronnie waved to them while four more women in white robes waited nearby to take her place once she was dunked.


    [Whisper: Pon to Wind] Sharl''s number three in line; I''m coming back later.


    [Whisper: Wind to Pon] Same here. Who is that behind her?


    Pon scratched his head before cursing under his breath. The first thirty people were all Ain''Dhassi rangers; the dark archer was a favorite among them. "How can they throw so badly?" The old man watched as each of them failed miserably; no one even came close.


    Wind shook his head in disbelief, "it''s like they''ve never seen a ball before."


    /Inferno: Ducky: Nix! Morti is awake! We''re coming to Haven.


    Nix couldn''t stop the smile from coming to his face as he left the group without speaking and started running toward the temple platform.


    /Inferno: Nix: On my way. Let his parents know. I saw them earlier in the second tent.


    /Inferno: Shae: I tell them. We''ll meet back at the mud-pit.


    Nix arrived at the temple entrance just as the overly large cub waddled out. Ducky and Fey were both riding his back.


    "Nix!" The Titan bulled his head into the Inferno guild leader''s chest, causing ruts to dig into the ground under Nix''s feet when he pushed back to keep his balance. "We swatted her down this time!"


    Nix scratched the cub''s ears while hugging him tightly. His arms could barely connect around Morti''s neck. "Yep, we evened the score."


    "Yep, one to one." Morti fell in beside Nix as the two started walking back to the booths. "I want to play some games at the fair. Can I chase the pig?"


    Nix had an arm on the cub''s shoulder as the four of them made their way toward the crowds. "Not sure the mud would do well with your fur; I''ll think of something fun."


    "Piggy!" Ducky pointed at mid-sized pig trotting happily toward them. It was pinkish in color and completely devoid of hair.


    "Apprentice! I am ready." The pig stopped in front of Nix and looked up at him.


    Morti exchanged glances with Nix before pushing a big nose into the side of the pig. "I smell bacon. How come?"


    "Bacon comes from pigs..." Nix studied the puppet; once activated, it would look and smell like the animal it represented. However, if it were killed, it would go back to being a puppet. He had made this one using the animator interface; it was not a true puppet. He also managed to enhance its speed and agility by a small amount.


    "It does?" Morti stared at Chiba for a long moment. "Can we eat this after someone catches it?"


    "Oi! Quit staring at me like that!" Chiba backed up a few steps; the cub was starting to drool.


    "I like the piggy tail." Ducky slid off Morti''s back and knelt beside the puppet. "Can I help grease it?"


    "I agree with Morti. Let''s just eat it." The white-haired mage spoke from her comfortable position on the cubs back. Fey played with the tip of her long braid with one hand. "Hyai cooks me bacon all the time."


    Nix picked up the pig in question and kept it under one arm. "We''ve been roasting several wild boars that were caught a few days ago. They''ll be plenty. This one would taste like Chiba."


    Fey''s pretty face scrunched up in disgust. "That would not be good."


    A few minutes later, Nix watched while Ducky and Fey oiled the pig up. Unexpectedly, Chiba was quite ticklish in this form and couldn''t handle Nix''s touch. Scarlett and Mortimus had joined them. Both Titans were wearing casual clothes made by Rico. He had crafted them several sets when they waited out the assassin threat in Haven.


    "Next year, I''m catching it." From his tone, Morti was decidedly unhappy about not being able to chase the greased pig.


    Scarlett shared a glance with her husband before smiling at her cub. "A bit longer than that..."


    "Nope... I can feel that it''s close." Morti ignored the alarmed looks of his parents. He hadn''t taken his eyes off the pig since they started rubbing it down. "It''s so shiny..."


    Ducky paused and looked up from her task. Her expressive blue eyes showed how much she loved the cub. "Are you saying you''ll be able to take human form soon?''


    Morti nodded. "Yep."


    [Whisper: Scarlett to Nix] This is years too early.


    Nix leaned back against Morti, who was still lying down comfortably. Tautius had told him that the cub''s potential was limitless. The ability of a Titan to take his human form usually manifested around five years. This protected the younger generation from accidents since cubs were notoriously hardy.


    [Whisper: Nix to Scarlett] Not a big deal. If he does develop a bit early, we can limit his human form to Haven.


    A half-hour later, Nix sat comfortably with Morti and his parents while the shirtless participants waded into the ankle-deep mud. It was decided that the winner would get their own temple. Since Inferno was already planning on grabbing one for Shi and her followers, the officers decided that there was more than enough room for a third in Haven.


    Morti''s brown eyes stared at the participants. "Do you think Pon will win?"


    Nix chuckled and shook his head. "No. It will probably be someone like Milat or Zhava."


    The cub eyed the skinny, pale torso of the old mage. "Why is he so skinny?"


    Although the participants were mostly male, quite a few females numbered among the fifty or so entrants. They weren''t shirtless like the males; a fact that could prove advantageous when grabbing onto the greased pig.


    It was a mystery to just about everyone in Inferno as to why Pon chose to make an old man avatar. In-real-life, the mage was a 35-year-old Texan that looked nothing like his Colonial character. Nix had learned why during the mission to kill Seibel, the Fir''Dhassi Sun Devil. The old fire mage was made in the image of Pon''s Grandpa, who had an undeniable influence on him when he was growing up. Although in Colonial, what you looked like had little bearing on your strength, Pon was neither overly strong nor fast as a mage.


    "He''s an old bastard. They are always skinny like that." Nix noticed Wind and Semmi both lined up in the mud. Perhaps their agility would give them a chance most days, but the Aquarion race had too many physical advantages over their human counterparts.


    Once everyone was ready to start, the greased pig slowly put its front hooves in the mud. The group spread out until most of them were at least an arms width apart. Unexpectedly the pig suddenly bolted. Instead of attempting to skirt around the edge of the group, it charged right at Semmi, who was in the middle.


    The blonde officer smiled and crouched lower; her arms spread wide. "Here, piggy!"


    Wind and Pon flanked her so she''d have a chance to make her play. Chiba-pig flashed between them, causing both Semmi and Pon to collide while she escaped untouched.


    Scarlett laughed at Semmi''s muddy face when she was helped to her feet a moment later. Instead of working together, the rest of the group chased after the pig. "Did she use a movement ability while using a puppet?"


    Nix nodded; his Swordmaster was enormously talented if nothing else.


    Chiba spun back into the group, weaving in and out while her creepy old-man laugh carried across the mud pit. "Come and catch the beautiful Chiba!"


    Milat was the first person to get ahold of her, although it took nearly ten minutes. As expected, when he stood up, the greased pig shot out of his arms and pranced away.


    "They are all muddy." Morti''s big body shook while he laughed. "Mudfaces... I can''t recognize some of them.


    As time went on, Chiba continued her shenanigans. It became evident right away that she was toying with them. Bogged down in the mud, even their sheer numbers didn''t overwhelm her. On several occasions, she let herself be nabbed, only to squirm free a few seconds later.


    After nearly twenty minutes, everyone participating was covered in the mud. Most of Alpha team waited in the middle for an opportune moment of capture. The Aquarions pursed the pig relentlessly and easily scored the most touches.


    The end came when Chiba darted into the middle of the group. This time the Aquarions dog-piled onto the oiled pig, with Alpha team somewhere near the bottom.


    "Goodness." Scarlett clapped her pale hand together. The mud-covered pile of bodies made it impossible to see who had the pig.


    The group was slowly detangling itself when a small body stepped out of the mix, the greased pig held tightly in her grasp.


    Mortimus stopped cheering and glanced at Nix. "Is that Semmi?"


    Nix shrugged at the Titan War Leader. It was definitely a smaller female. He stood slowly and picked up one of the large buckets of water that were waiting for the winner.


    Chiba stayed in the puppet and continued to try and escape until the winner stepped onto the grass near Nix. "This was fun, Nix. I shall be the pig next year too!" She uninhabited the puppet, causing it to slump in the woman''s arms.


    Nix pointed to the ground. "Just put it down while I get that mud off."


    /Inferno: Pon: Who is that?


    /Inferno: Nix: Isn''t it Semmi?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nope, not me.


    Nix poured the bucket over the woman''s head; she slicked back her short dark hair as her face was finally exposed. "No way... Great job!"


    Nansu smiled sweetly at the shocked guild leader. "Score one for the lifestyle group, alchemy for the win!"


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nansu?


    /Inferno: Wind: Super Nan is more like it. Well done!

 472 Harvest Fair: Titan Cub

    Bali nodded in agreement. "Horrible... Next!"


    A dark face stepped in front of Bali and flashed her a bright smile. "My turn!"


    "Floyd?" Sharl''s voice carried from her place beside the tank. "I thought you were too busy to come."


    "How could I miss this?" Floyd''s dark hair was cut in a tight mohawk, his verticle irises stared at the target. "Ready to swim?"


    Ronnie nodded. Although Floyd was relatively young, as a Naga he was already physically mature. "I taught you to throw, so you better show me something."


    Floyd tossed the ball up in the air casually.


    [Whisper: Sharl to Ronnie] Is Floyd your date for the dance?


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Sharl] Yep, he wouldn''t agree to come otherwise.


    [Whisper: Sharl to Ronnie] Good job then! I approve.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Sharl] Stick with me Sis! I have a plan to abduct Nix too!


    Sharl stared up at her sister who was grinning from the planked bench. The Inferno tank didn''t offer a comment but her lips did curve in a slight smile.


    The sound of a ball bouncing off of the target echoed by a loud splash caused everyone to cheer suddenly. Ronnie had spent the better part of an hour insulting the throwers, quite a few faces were smiling as the soaked archer climbed back up the ladder. The sight of the dripping wet woman caused quite a few of the Ain''Dhassi rangers to head back into the line.


    Nix chatted with the Titan leaders while his companions helped everyone get cleaned up from the mud-pit. The normally boisterous Morti was obviously disappointed in not being able to take part.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Can''t we do something?


    Nix glanced up from his Jack-n-Poy match with Mortimus, his yellow eyes contemplating the titan cub''s angst.


    /Inferno: Nix: Special event down at the mud-pit. Members of the winning team will get a legendary puppet, crafted by myself.


    /Inferno: Pon: Legendary? Like a Phoenix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Something close, but equally as cool.


    /Inferno: Wind: I''m in.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I just cleaned the mud off!


    /Inferno: Nix: The winners won''t get muddy.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Is there a limit on numbers?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nope, come on down.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] A lot of people are coming... Can you make that many puppets?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] I won''t have to. Only the winners get one.


    Shae showed up a few minutes later, dragging an impossibly long coil of rope that was bigger than her. The salamander dropped it on the grass like it weighed nothing. "This what you wanted?"


    Nix nodded and thanked her with a kiss. "Grab an end, Fey, and bring it to the other side of the pit."


    "Yep." Nix put a small loop on the end he was holding.


    "I want a Phoenix, just like yours. Maybe a bit larger," Pon added.


    /Inferno: Nix: All participants go to the eastern side of the mud-pit.


    /Inferno: Semmi: All of us? Aren''t we going to divide into teams?


    /Inferno: Nix: Teams are already made, it''s you guys against Morti.


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck is this? You better not skimp our prizes, Nix!


    Nix watched as thirty members of Inferno took their places on the grass across the pit. "Can you beat those guys, Morti?"


    Morti was sitting on his large butt, panting slightly in the afternoon sun. "Yep."


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s an easy contest, if you get pulled into the mud then you lose.


    Nix held out the looped end to the Titan cub, a moment later his powerful jaws clamped down on it. "Give them a chance before you embarrass them. I''ll make sure you get a tub of Sharl''s honey when you win."


    Morti nodded, not showing any reaction when the rope was pulled taut. "Hv dey sarded?" [Have they started?]


    /Inferno: Nix: Begin!


    Morti growled happily but didn''t make any effort to stand up.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit... We need more guys! Where are the Aquarions?


    /Inferno: Milat: On the way!


    The groans of effort started getting louder from the eastern side, every once in awhile Morti gave the rope a slight tug. A dozen Aquarions joined the contest and suddenly the titan cub was forced to stand up.


    Morti''s deep growl rumbled across the pit as his hug paws dug deep into the ground. "Ish at evun?" [Is that everyone?]


    "Almost." Nix grinned when Elan Mtui and a handful of dragon spawn joined the far group. Together they managed to pull the cub nearly a meter.


    Ducky clapped and cheered the Titan as he pulled against the combined effort of nearly fifty people. "Don''t let them push us around!"


    Nix placed a hand on the muscled shoulder of his spirit companion. "Show them a little."


    Morti''s sharp claws dug into the ground as he took a short step backward. The rope looked like a tightly wound guitar string as the first person in line was pulled a step closer to the pit.


    Jun Li''s face showed the effort she was putting in, she had the unfortunate position of being first in line. "Just hold him for a few seconds! He''s just a cub, he''ll tire out."


    Nix watched with interest as the Aquarions tried to pull in timed surges, unfortunately for them, they were competing against Morti. "Okay Morti, you can let them wallow in the mud."


    Morti''s big paws dug deeper to the ground as he yanked back with all of his power. The opposing team didn''t even have the chance to let go of the rope as they were blasted into the air like a flailing kite.


    Mortimus''s booming laugh echoed loudly when the bodies started landing in the pit. He shared a look with his wife, who was doing her best not to laugh. "They should have known better."


    "Not fair!" A disgusted Pon approached Nix. "You set us up!" A moment later his arm flashed forward, slinging a mudpie at the Inferno leader. Unfortunately, it missed and hit Morti right between the eyes.


    Nix laughed at the old man''s expression. "Now you''ve done it. Gonna let him do that, Morti?"


    "Nope!" Without hesitating, Morti charged into the mud-pie, his enormous girth stopping him from sliding too much. One swipe of his huge paw sent a wave of mud cascading over the retreating mage.


    "Morti..." Scarlett sighed loudly when an all-out mud-battle started up with her son at the center. His black fur was splattered with mud within a few seconds.


    Mortimus cleared his throat and stood up. "Well..."


    "Don''t do it!" She commanded too late as her husband jumped into the pit and picked up a handful of mud.


    /Family: Nix: Let''s go!


    Nix and his small group charged in. Very quickly it turned into a battle royale with everyone trying to get each other.


    A lonely Scarlett watched from the sidelines, hiding her smile carefully.


    An hour later, all of the participants made their way toward the fishing club''s favorite spot. They were a motley looking group that was covered entirely in red mud. Morti''s fur was matted with caked mud as he waddled happily beside Nix.


    The clear waters of the river turned into clouds of red as the members of Inferno finished off the events of the day with a swim. Nix ran his fingers through Shae''s hair, helping her rinse off. The salamander had been on his side, but he was sure she ambushed him at one point. "You have fun?"


    The redhead smile and slicked her hair back with both hands. "It''s nice to see everyone smiling."


    Nix nodded in agreement, glancing at Morti who was being helped by Ducky and Fey. The cub looked like he rolled in the mud, which of course he did. Alpha team was nearby, Fajii hadn''t participated in the tug-o-war but she joined the free-for-all afterward. Being a Scorched Earth mage gave her a huge advantage in a mud fight. She ruthlessly pelted anyone in her path with machine-gun-like speed.


    /Inferno: Pon: Damn... That cub is strong.


    /Inferno: Wind: Word.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: We should go fishing in the morning.


    /Go Fish: Nix: I''m in.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Me too.

 473 Dragon Haven

    /Go Fish: Semmi: Not using live bait this morning?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Nope. I picked this lure up in Glory City, wanted to give it a try.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: From that outdoor adventure shop? I heard they have everything there.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: We have about a dozen new players that started playing in Colonial in the past few months. Should we make a mid-tier Inferno?


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: No guild business while fishing!


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Sorry, Junie.


    Jun Li stared off into the distance, her brown eyes squinting slightly. "What''s that?"


    Nix reeled in a few meters of line before looking up. "Our three dragon friends."


    The frightening appearance of three full-sized dragons was in full effect as they took turns chasing each other and performing battle maneuvers.


    Semmi paused from her task of putting a worm on her hook. "Count em Boss, there''s five."


    "Must be Muncie and Fey." Nix created a scaled-down version of a dragon puppet from the corpse left from the Ever Flame battle. He had given this to Muncie who was their only Necro-Animator.


    "Make that seven." Jun Li pointed toward the east where two smaller brown dragons were flying toward the group. "Is that Tharaka and Una?"


    Nix nodded while he watched them. The two wildling dragons from Tembai had been given to Tharaka and Una. The Ashobel chieftain had been planning to wait since his leadership of the tribes was a big part of Inferno''s power. However, when Una took over the body of her wildling, she had unexpectedly retained the ability to change back to her previous form. Seeing this, Nix agreed that Tharaka should risk taking over his also. Wildlings were basically young dragons that hadn''t developed the full range of abilities yet, as such they weren''t covered by the Dragon Accord. The two of them, along with Muncie, Fey, and the drakes; gave them quite a bit of real firepower. The gamble had paid off, Tharaka also retained the ability to change to his Ashobel form.


    Jun Li whistled softly when the sky behind Muncie and Fey suddenly darkened with dozens of drakes. "Goodness... Is that our air power?"


    Semmi cast her line toward the far side of the river and took a seat. "Just wait until Sky King Clan takes to the air."


    Nix smiled at the name. The Sky King was the common name for the Falcon Titan. As someone who inhabited one of their puppets, he knew exactly where the moniker came from. Their aerial abilities were unrivaled, even against dragons. Guyanar had changed the name of Clan Krayven to the Sky King Clan. "How many of them have developed?"


    Semmi brought up her hud and glanced at the numbers. "Nineteen. It''s by far the most of any of the Clans."


    Semmi closed her hud and winked at Nix. "Sorry, Junie. No more!"


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I hear Nihlus is your date for the Harvest Dance?" He kept his face expressionless but his eyes bore the glint of humor.


    Jun Li''s pale face reddened slightly. "I don''t dance anyways..." She''d been spending a lot of time with the Lion Titan. He was stuck inside a dragon egg since Nix had saved both him and Sindi with his animator abilities. "That reminds me, Tai was looking for you yesterday."


    Nix felt the smallest tug on his line and transferred his attention from Junie to the fish. "Aren''t I easy to find?"


    A sudden heavy tug made the end of his rod bend downward, in one motion he stood and set the hook with a quick jerk of his wrists. The sudden whine of his line being dragged out brought a grin to his face. "Gotchya!"


    Semmi bounced up and reeled in her line before bringing out an oversized landing net. "Big one?"


    Nix nodded and tightened up the drag on his line. "Damn... it''s really running!" Suddenly the line went slack, frantically he reeled it in as the fish decided to change directions. "Smart bastard."


    Since the line was still far upstream, Semmi took a moment to slip off her shoes and roll up her leggings. "Haven fish are freakish." The fishing club had learned early on that some of the fish they caught were much smarter than they should be. They would turn toward the fisher and charge, after getting slack in the line they would turn back and attempt to snap it. The tactic worked until the fishing club switched to a much stronger line.


    After twenty minutes of fighting, the line stopped a few meters away. Despite his attempts to pull it closer, Nix was unable to reel the rest in.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Did you hit a snag?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Want me to go get it? It''s fairly close.


    /Go Fish: Not a snag, he''s dug in somehow. I''ll get closer.


    Nix continued to reel while wading closer. "The hell is that..."


    Semmi lowered the net into the water, the golden glimmer of a fish could be seen wedged behind one of the bigger rocks. "Did it do that on purpose?" She gripped the line in one hand and scooped it up with the other. She hoisted the meter-long prize into the air a moment later.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Good lord... What is that?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Golden Carp maybe?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: With legs?


    Four tiny legs stuck out from the fish''s long body. Its head was rounded slightly, giving it a blunt appearance. It''s bright blue eyes stared at the blonde officer.


    "Remove this hook from my mouth, or suffer the consequences, little man."


    Semmi. "...."


    Nix was the first to recover, he took out a hook-pliers from his belt and easily removed the lure. "A talking fish? Now I''ve seen everything."


    The blue eyes focused on Nix, squirming slightly when he picked it out of the net and walked toward the shore. "I''m a dragon, moron."


    Jun Li touched the scaled body with one finger, jerking back suddenly when it snapped at her. "Hey!"


    "Do I go around touching you?" The golden tail flicked with indignation. "Not that I''d want to, you are hideous."


    Semmi laughed at her friend''s expression. "Don''t kill it, Junie."


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] Can you take a break and come see me? Got something I want to show you.


    A moment later, the largest of the dragons in Haven landed on the riverbank. She quickly morphed into her human form and took a moment to shrink her horns before walking toward them. "I saw you earlier, but didn''t want to disturb your fishing."


    "What do you make of this thing? I caught it in the river." Nix held the golden fish in both hands. The body was about a meter in length and the thickness of his arm.


    Deidra''s eyes widened in surprise when she turned her focus on the fish in Nix''s arms. "This was in Haven?"


    The golden fish attempted to swat Nix with its tail. It ceased struggling when Deidra came into its sight. "Big sister? Make these fools release me!"


    Unexpectedly Deidra started laughing, her expression changing from curiosity to joy. "It''s a predecessor. I''ve never actually seen one but I''ve heard stories."


    Nix shared a clueless glance with fishing buddies. "A predecessor? So it''s a dragon?"


    Deidra shrugged slightly and held her hands out. "Perhaps in a few thousand years or so. May I take it?"


    /Go Fish: Nix: Either we eat it or give it to her.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Let''s eat that rude bastard.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Agreed.


    Nix ignored the general consensus and handed the fish to Deidre. "Good riddance."


    Deidra waved her hands quickly and the fish disappeared from sight. "I''m going to study it for a while, if you want it back just let me know."


    A moment later the woman turned back into a dragon and rejoined her flying comrades.


    [Whisper Tai''Qui to Deidra] What did Nix want?


    [Whisper: Deidra to Tai''Qui] He wanted to greet me and apologize for not visiting my nursery.


    [Whisper Tai''Qui to Deidra] Really? Just that?


    [Whisper: Deidra to Tai''Qui] No, he also asked me to attend their Harvest dance.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Next time we catch one of those, I''m starting a fire and we are eating it immediately. It called me a little man!


    /Go Fish: Nix: I''ll ask Deidra if he''s the only one. From her expression, it seems they are pretty rare.

 474 Dance and Abductions

    Raine returned his smile while tightening her grip on his hand. Shae''s advice to her was to keep ahold of him, there were a few members of Inferno who would sneak him away if given the opportunity. Although the Salamander hadn''t named anyone, the Fir''Dhassi glanced toward the area where Ronnie was sitting. She had noticed very quickly that the three women in Nix''s life kept tabs on the dark archer''s location.


    The mud-pit from the day before had been smoothed out and then tempered by flame until it shone like red marble. Although it took up a chunk of his pasture, Nix was tempted to leave it when the festivities were finished. It could very easily be turned into a guild gathering area with a few tables and benches.


    /Inferno: Ducky: The band''s here, we''re done talking to them.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay, escort them to the dance floor.


    Hyai knew several traveling musical troupes that could be brought in to entertain them, she had chosen one of her favorite ones and made the necessary arrangements. Aside from the smooth dance floor, there were three large tables where drinks and snacks had been set up. Several round tables and chairs were placed around the edges and a small stage that had been built for the band resided in the middle.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I heard these guys perform at the Emerald Inn. All of them are players who specialize in music.


    /Inferno: Nix: Music? Like crafting or lifestyle?


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s one of the new non-combat occupations that was introduced with Everspire.


    Semmi, Wind, Pon, and Beta joined spotted Nix across the dance floor. The small group sat at the nearest table and watched as people filtered in. The instruments for the band had been placed at the stage ahead of time.


    Semmi whistled softly. "Holy crap." She gestured toward the dance floor entrance where Jun Li was entering. Junie had one hand placed casually on the white mane of the large lion next to her. "You make her dress?"


    Nix nodded. His dad wouldn''t have made something so daring. Red velvet and cut low in front, a long slit on the sides showcased Junie''s long legs. She requested privately that he make her something sexy. The Inferno Vice Commander spoke casually with her small group that included Chiba, Elan Mtui, and her date. "I did, it wouldn''t look nearly that good on anyone else."


    "Agreed." Semmi waved at her friend but decided to give her some space.


    Wind glanced toward the Inferno tank, although neither he nor Pon was interested in Sharl, they could both agree that she was outrageously sexy. "Never seen him before. Nix?"


    Nix smiled slightly, instantly recognizing the animator. "His name is Wally. He''s an animator from Free Trader City."


    "Puppet guy like you?" Pon grabbed a pitcher of beer from the center of his table and started filling up their mugs.


    "Better than me. His shop is right next to the R \u0026 B Pawnshop. Ronnie probably fixed him up with Sharl."


    Pon frowned. "He looks odd. I don''t like him."


    Wind nodded in agreement. "Me neither."


    The music started a few minutes later, Beta was the first to stand up and pull Wind towards the dance floor. She was wearing a short, sleek black dress that ended quite a few inches above the knee.


    "I think he looks nice." Semmi rained on their hate parade and pulled Pon to his feet. "Let''s go!"


    Nix sighed heavily when the last couple from his table left. He stood and moved behind Raine''s chair. "Shall we?"


    The dance floor was dark, lit only by a few lights around the bandstand. The couple moved slowly with the music, gradually spreading out on the spacious floor.


    Raine swayed gently with the music, her arms linked around her partner''s neck while her chin rested on his shoulder. "I like it here. I wasn''t sure what to expect when Fajii brought me to Haven."


    Nix didn''t comment. The Scorched Earth Mage had definitely changed the mission parameters he''d given her. Instead of running off the Fir''Dhassi Clan leader, Raine had been invited into the Inferno Guild. As someone who was always honest with himself, he found that it really didn''t bother him.


    Raine leaned back slightly so that she could see his face, even in the near darkness, his yellow eyes seemed to catch the light. She paused for a moment and then kissed him, her lips lingering against his for several seconds before she broke it off. In the darkness, her deep blush went unseen. "Will you take me on the next quest?"


    [Whisper: Bev to Nix] Making out on the dance floor? Are you back in high school?


    Nix spun his partner around slowly, his eyes quickly finding his older sister. Donri, the former Seneschal, was accompanying her. Bev danced stiffly, her natural shyness making it difficult for her to relax around people she didn''t know well.


    [Whisper: Nix to Bev] Congrats Froglegs, the lifetime wallflower is finally on the dancefloor.


    [Whisper: Bev to Nix] Don''t make me beat you up in front of your friends, Stixx.


    As the evening wore on, dance partners switched fairly often. Nix danced with a dozen different members of Inferno as well as Deidra and Tai. Everyone recognized that it was a good time to unwind and no one held serious conversations regarding their missions. He was getting ready to call it a night when he received one last whisper.


    [Whisper Gideon to Nix] Did you save me a dance?


    Nix raised an eyebrow at the Salamander Guild leader. He knew he was actually a female in real life, but he also had no interest in being pressed up against another man.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] No way.


    Gideon grinned from across the dance floor and casually slipped on the ring that changed his appearance to Mai.


    [Whisper: Mai to Nix] How about now?


    Nix laughed and nodded. He excused himself from Raine and met Mai in the middle of the dance floor.


    Mai''s pretty face was lit up in a smile. "I didn''t think you''d say yes."


    "No? Why not?"


    Mai was a natural dancer and easily matched his steps. "Most of the people here believe I''m a male disguised as a female."


    Nix shrugged and spun her around. "Fuck em. Can''t live your life worried about stupid things."


    Mai nodded in agreement. "Want to meet up in Virtuna with a group of us?"


    "Sure. A real-life friend of mine has been wanting to visit." Nix thought of his salamander girlfriend and her real-life connection to Colonial.


    "Next week then, I''ll send you the date when we figure out when we can all meet." Mai stepped away from him with a wink. "Basically, we are going to party hard and watch some baseball."


    Nix watched as she walked back toward her seat. Bev and his dad were curious about Virtuna, it would be a good time to introduce them to a modern virtual world.


    ***************


    "What are you doing, little ranger?" Vooni''s amused voice spoke from the darkness, making the Ain''Dhassi ranger jump slightly.


    Bali calmed herself and took a deep breath. "Hey... Why are you naked?" The ranger''s eyes glanced toward the room Vooni had just left, immediately feeling her face heat up. "Be quiet!"


    Vooni raised an eyebrow and disabled her dragon vision. "Why do you have that bath mat in your hands?"


    Bali sighed and considered her options, sometimes a portion of the truth was best. "Operation Abduct Nix. Are you going to stand in my way?"


    Vooni covered her laugh with a quiet cough. Bali was a notorious trouble maker. If she was here then Ronnie was definitely involved. "Going to steal Nix?" The dragon descendant considered the timing. Shae, Hyai, Fajii, and Mina were all ''bonding'' at the turtle house. Essentially it was a group effort to give Raine time with Nix. It also was an opportune time for outside interference. "Sometimes successful missions are all about good timing. I approve."


    Bali remained frozen in place for a moment while Vooni went back to the room she shared with Rico and closed the door. With the mat in hand, she snuck out of the house without further incident.


    A few minutes later, Nix and Raine returned from the dance. The house was dark as the couple made their way to the kitchen.


    Raine leaned against him when he stopped next to the island. "Are you tired?"


    Nix shook his head, a slight smile on his face. "I''m going to take a shower. Join me if you like."


    Raine stared at him for a long moment. The Inferno leader always said what he was thinking. Although at times it was embarrassing, she found herself liking that quirk. "You go first. I''ll join you in a minute."


    She waited until after he left before opening a bottle of wine that had been placed on the rack. After taking a long drink she followed up the stairs.


    Raine had been in the bedroom a few times, she smiled at the pile of clothes in front of the bathroom door. He had obviously just tossed them off and gone in. She undressed and carefully placed her folded clothes on the nightstand. Wrapping herself in a towel that had been left for her, she walked toward the bathroom.


    "Everything okay?" Raine had planned to wait until the water came on before she entered, however, the bathroom was quiet. "Nix?" She eased the door open and peeked inside. There was no one there. "Nix?"


    ********************


    [A recently excavated cave, half a mile away]


    A naked Nix frowned at the sudden change of his surroundings. A quick glance around the torch-lit room showed him the careful planning involved. "This an abduction?"


    "Like it?'' Ronnie wore a white towel that was much too small for her. The archer''s dark skin seemed to glow in the soft light.


    Nix sighed, it was a good effort. She had gotten one of the fire mages to hollow out a large section in the cliffs near his ranch. They''d even gone as far as to make a small pool and fill it with water. From the steam in the air, he figured it had already been heated. "Who put the two-way in my bathroom?"


    Ronnie didn''t answer, the towel slid down her smooth body exposing her shapely backside as she entered the hot pool. "Does it matter?"


    Nix laughed at the expression on her face. Ronnie always did whatever she wanted. "I''m stepping back onto the two-way, it was a decent plan."


    Ronnie nodded in agreement, her dark lips curved in a mysterious smile. "Don''t you remember, Nix? We decided to call them three-ways."


    Nix chuckled and was about to step onto the mat when a third figure eased half-way out of the water. "Shit..." He stared for a moment before repeating. "Shit..."


    Sharl''s slicked-back hair made her smile even sexier. She reached for a large bottle of wine before sinking back into the water. "Not going to have a drink with us?"

 475 Mocai: Intro to the Thieves Guild

    /Alpha: Wind: Can''t you slow that thing down a bit?


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m flying with the brakes on as it is.


    /Alpha: Semmi: So... What happened at the Nix ranch last night?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nothing really... Why do you ask?


    /Alpha: Semmi: No reason; Raine seemed a bit out of sorts when we picked you up.


    /Alpha: Nix: I made her breakfast, perhaps she didn''t like it.


    /Alpha: Wind: Did Pon opt-out of this mission?


    /Alpha: Semmi: No, stealth isn''t his thing. Besides, he''s going to scout out potential temple acquisitions with Junie.


    /Alpha: Nix: Just the five of us.


    /Alpha: Wind: Five? Who else is coming? Fajii?


    /Alpha: Nix: Del and Soup.


    Soup stared out at the vast expanse of sky that was visible from her spot on Nix''s shoulder. Her shadow sphinx form was ideal for this sort of mission.


    /Alpha: Wind: Woah... That''s a lot of white.


    The capital of the Mocai province was aptly named Mocai City. It was a sprawling white city that was completely enclosed by a thirty-foot stone wall. Surprisingly enough, the safest city in Everspire was also the home of the Thieves Guild.


    Nix shook his head at the distant view of the city. It looked like someone had taken a white paintbrush to everything. The buildings, sidewalks, and streets were nearly all the same shade of white. "It''s a bit horrifying, right, Soup?"


    The tiny Sphinx didn''t answer, other than to close her eyes against the glare.


    /Alpha: Semmi: So this Mayor Huelix is asking for the support of the Thieves Guild? Any idea why?


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m not concerned about why. My interest is in what we need to do for the guild.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We''ll find out in a bit; the northern area of the city is where we can land our mounts. Our contact''s name is Pearl. She''s going to meet us at the serpent statue.


    /Alpha: Wind: I bet we''ll be going in a sewer. That''s always the case with these things.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Underground for sure, hopefully not a sewer. Best place to hide something like that.


    The group landed their Daiken''s and quickly unsummoned them while dozens of curious onlookers watched. Nix opened up a breach from Haven and waited while a large black panther padded through.


    Del Tali has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Welcome, Del.


    /Alpha: Wind: Nice to have you.


    /Alpha: Del: Thanks.


    The black cat fell in beside Nix, shadowing his movements as he headed toward the market area. Unable to help himself, he reached down and scratched her ears.


    Semmi admired the statue for a moment; it had a very ominous feel to it. "I''d have nightmares if I lived next to that thing."


    /Alpha: Wind: Um... Found the Thieves Guild.


    /Alpha: Nix: Really?


    Wind pointed to a round building with an abundance of windows. There was a large sign on the front that read ''Thieves Guild.'' "Just a guess, but perhaps that''s it."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Seriously?


    A bell rang loudly from somewhere nearby when they opened the door to the building. A grandmotherly-looking woman looked up from a ledger she was writing in. She was dressed entirely in black cloth, seemingly a direct contradiction to her appearance.


    "Greetings, customers. My name is Pearl. How may I help you?" The woman continued talking, not waiting for a reply. "We specialize in stealing items, recovering stolen items, and information. Keep in mind that we don''t recover items that we''ve stolen and vice versa."


    Nix gave her a deadpan expression. "You have a storefront in the Market place?"


    Pearl nodded and took a moment to push a stray strand of white hair behind her ear. "Why not? We pay taxes like everyone else."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Sweet. So no sewers?


    /Alpha: Wind: Fucking odd. Lamest Thieves Guild ever.


    Nix smiled like her words sounded reasonable. "We''ve been sent by Mayor Huelix, we are from the Inferno Guild."


    The older woman stared at him for a moment. "That jackass from Free Trader City? What does he want?" Her dark eyes darted toward Del. "That your cat? How much?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Free. Take her."


    Pearl''s old face showed the beginning of a smile. "Really?"


    "No... I''ll chew your old face off, Crone." Del answer in a huff, absent of her usual politeness.


    Pearl laughed loudly, instantly reminding the group of Chiba. "A Shifter? Very convincing. Go to the North Gate; my daughter will bring you to our Head Quarters."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Think Granny is the middle-man?


    /Alpha: Wind: Looks like it.


    After getting directions to the North Gate, the group slowly meandered through Mocai. Although somewhat smaller than Free Trader City, it had a wider variety of specialty shops. Nix spotted a Taxidermist sign, but made a note of its location rather than entering.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We''ll come back. That bakery next store smells like Heaven. Maybe they can teach me a baking skill.


    Wind shared a glance with Nix; neither of them dared a reply.


    /Alpha: Wind: I''m guessing our contact is that Ninja.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Nothing says Thief like a Ninja costume.


    /Alpha: Del: Ninja?


    /Alpha: Nix: High-level fighter, specializing in stealth and nighttime assassination.


    A slim person dressed in a black uniform with a masked hood waited calmly next to the gate. By the looks of things, she was chatting casually with the gate guard. She noticed Alpha''s approach and stepped forward to meet them.


    "Greetings customers. I''m LuAnne, the person delegated to bring you in. Please follow me out of town." The suspected ninja headed through the gate at a trot, not bothering to check if Inferno was following.


    /Alpha: Wind: So we''re running?


    /Alpha: Nix: Guess so.


    /Alpha: Del: Same person.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What?


    /Alpha: Del: Pearl and LuAnne are the same person.


    /Alpha: Nix: A disguise? Like the one Chiba has? Are you sure?


    /Alpha: Del: Yes. They smell the same.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good enough for me, thanks for the heads-up.


    Mocai was surrounded by a fairly dense forest, within a few minutes of the city the trees started growing higher and thicker. LuAnne stopped at the base of one of these. "We have to climb up."


    She pulled loose a rope ladder that was tied down near the base, with cat-like agility she scampered upward.


    /Alpha: Nix: Can you get up this, Del?


    /Alpha: Del: Yes. I don''t need the ladder.


    They followed her straight up for nearly a minute before arriving at a spacious platform. From there several buildings were visible in the trees.


    /Alpha: Wind: Okay, maybe not completely lame.


    They entered a round building with large open windows. Tables and chairs were scattered haphazardly throughout the room. LuAnne sat at one of the larger tables and then gestured for them to take a seat.


    "You''ve come here to help us with our problem?" LuAnne focused her attention on Nix, although he hadn''t said so, the other two obviously deferred to him.


    /Alpha: Nix: Anyone else in the building, Del?


    /Alpha: Del: Completely empty. Been that way for a while, no other scents but hers and ours.


    "Who is us and what is your problem?" Nix glanced out of the glassless windows, a warm breeze circulated through the room, keeping the air fresh.


    "My daughter and I are all that''s left of this branch of the Thieves Guild. Unfortunately, we violated the pact and were forced to pay the price." LuAnne continued when she noticed the clueless expressions. "We have sworn a pact to commit not acts of murder. During one of our group missions, one of our members killed the person we were robbing."


    "The Guild can steal whatever they like without worrying about the law, but killing is forbidden?" Nix''s tone said that he wasn''t buying it. "Going to take off that mask? I like to see a person''s face when they lie to me."


    "I''ve only told you the truth." LuAnne removed the hooded mask to show an attractive woman with short, dark hair. "I''ll tell you everything."


    /Alpha: Nix: Which is her real form?


    /Alpha: Del: No way to tell.


    /Alpha: Wind: Maybe she wears an old hag ring like Chiba. I didn''t notice if she had a ring on when we first met her.


    /Alpha: Nix: Me neither, disguises aren''t limited to rings. Suggestions?


    /Alpha: Wind: Let Ducky chat with her.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed. She''s not being truthful, despite her claim.


    /Alpha: Del: Perhaps we could hear her out first, then decide.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good idea. If we don''t like her story, I''ll bring Ducky in.


    Nix hesitated to bring in his spirit companion since she requested some free time to take care of a personal quest. "We''ll listen but if we aren''t convinced then we are out of here."


    LuAnne favored the group with a slight smile. "That''s fair."

 476 Sentence Reductions

    "I like the song." Raine was wearing the armor that Nix upgraded; she felt uncomfortable in normal clothes. "I''m Raine."


    The woman turned toward her, causing the Fir''Dhassi to gasp in amazement. She possessed an ethereal beauty that was similar to Chiba. "I am Delia, an Intrepid."


    Raine recognized the name from one of the stories Nix had told her. Delia the Beautiful had the ability to create magic-free zones. The drawback was that doing so would result in her death.


    "Why do you look sad?" Delia could sense the various emotions going through the Fir''Dhassi''s head.


    Raine forced a smile and shrugged. "Man troubles... As unlikely as that would be for me." She nearly laughed when she said it. A rival sabotaged the nice moment that she was about to share with him.


    "I''m sure everything will work out." Delia smiled and held her hand out to one of the Sea Hunters that was trying to crawl onto her lap. "Is this man trouble related to the Inferno Guild Leader?"


    "Indirectly, but I''m not afraid of a little competition." Raine knelt next to her when one of the Sea Hunters extended its soft nose.


    "If this is Nix, then you know it''s a bit more than a ''little competition." Delia smile widened, "rumors say you have the advantage."


    Raine clucked her tongue at the sea hunters, stroking the head of the nearest. "Normally, I''d be upset if there were rumors, but that particular one makes me feel better."


    "Ready?" Jun Li stood at the edge of the dock with Pon, an Aquarion male and a woman she''d never seen before.


    Raine nodded. She had asked Nix to let her come with them to Mocai, but admittedly being stealthy wasn''t one of her strong points.


    Raine has joined Bravo Team.


    /Bravo: Jun Li: Welcome.


    /Bravo: Pon: Hey, Raine.


    /Bravo: Nezbit: Heyas.


    /Bravo: Milat: Welcome.


    /Bravo: Raine: Thank you.


    ********************


    "Three deaths is a bit much." Semmi shook her head when LuAnne finished explaining the predicament of the Guild. "This affected 9 members of the guild?"


    LuAnne nodded solemnly. "Since the no-casualty pact was broken, we were obligated to compensate the families of those who were killed. Additionally, we have to serve fifteen years for each victim."


    Nix glanced at Wind, who seemed to be staring extra hard at LuAnne. "You''re talking incarceration? Each member of the mission team gets forty-five years?"


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Why are you staring at her?


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] She looks exactly like my first girlfriend. Even the voice is the same; it''s a bit uncanny.


    Semmi whistled softly. "Even five years will cripple the guild."


    "Cut to the chase. How can we gain your support?" Nix wasn''t sure how trustworthy she was but the quest obligated them to assist her.


    "Recruitment or City service," LuAnne paused before continuing. "Perhaps a bit of both."


    Nix shared a glance with Semmi, his pet peeve was people who talked in circles. "Define both of those for us."


    "Recruitment is exactly like it sounds. We need at least a half-dozen viable candidates to replace the ones in prison."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let''s just do a jailbreak! I always wanted to take part in your specialty!


    /Alpha: Wind: Yes! Let''s do it!


    /Alpha: Nix: Wait... My specialty is breaking out of jail?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Obviously.


    /Alpha: Wind: Fraid so.


    /Alpha: Del: Really? That''s so interesting!


    Nix gave his team a sour look before turning back to LuAnne. "Is jailbreak an option?"


    LuAnne shook her head. "No, then we''d be outlaws and never be able to work again.


    /Alpha: Wind: No jailbreak? This is lame.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed. You did bring rat puppets, right?


    /Alpha: Nix: Of course. I am the Rat King after all.


    Semmi nodded happily. "What is City Service?"


    "We are allowed to do jobs for the city. The reward for these tasks are reductions in sentence." LuAnne studied the group while they held private conversations. In addition to being well equipped, two of them walked like thieves. "With hard work, we are allowed to reduce the prison time significantly."


    "How significantly?" Nix felt a warm muzzle nudge his arm, without thinking about it he scratched the panther''s ears.


    "Down to one year for each member of the team." LuAnne felt the pressure of four pairs of eyes watching her. "I''m willing to be flexible on the recruitment portion, however, I must insist on the sentence reductions. Do that, and we have an accord."


    "I''ll work on recruitment." Wind spoke up suddenly, surprising the small group.


    /Alpha: Semmi: She just said we could pass on that.


    /Alpha: Wind: I know, but I don''t think we should do the bare minimum here.


    /Alpha: Nix: Is recruitment really your thing? You''re a bit gloomy.


    /Alpha: Wind: Thanks, I didn''t realize. Don''t worry, I can handle it.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We should be able to handle the jobs with three of us.


    /Alpha: Nix: Have at it then.


    "We agree." Nix stood up slowly, stretching slightly while waiting for his team. "Where can we find the job listings?"


    LuAnne pointed to a wall-mounted kiosk. It bore a remarkable resemblance to the Dragon City interface from the Infusion chambers. "Do you know how to use this?"


    Nix nodded. "Will you have to enable me?"


    LuAnne led them to the kiosk and opened the user interface, with a few quick keys she enabled User: Nix. "I''m only enabling you, and that will be limited to City Jobs."


    "Fine with us." Nix waited until she stepped aside before keying up the menu.


    [Welcome to the Thieves Guild, User: Nix]


    I. Job Search


    II. Performance Review [Disabled]


    III. Recovered Items [Disabled]


    IV. Stolen Items [Disabled]


    V. Active Roster [Disabled]


    LuAnne singled out Wind. "Let me show you around, and give you a few ideas regarding your task."


    /Alpha: Wind: Sweet... The seedy underworld beckons.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Don''t get arrested. Unless you want to.


    /Alpha: Nix: Keep in touch.


    "Sounds good." Wind followed her toward the door, nearly running into her when she stopped.


    "Our barracks is currently empty, the four of you can bunk there." LuAnne left without saying anything else.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We staying here? That seems a bit more fun than shuttling back and forth.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah, we''ll stay.


    "Open Job Search."


    [Welcome to the Thieves Guild, User: Nix]


    I. Job Search


    a) City Sponsored


    b) Guild Jobs [Disabled]


    c) Special Hirings [Disabled]


    "Open City Sponsored."


    [Welcome to the Thieves Guild, User: Nix]


    City Sponsored Jobs: Current debt: 45 years.


    (Seven tasks currently available)


    1) Free Trader City: City Production Scroll -5 years.


    2) Ever Flame: Flying Mount Stable Scroll -5 years


    3) Free Trader City: Mayor Huelix''s Journal -10 years


    4) Oasis, Inuit: World Seed, 2nd Tier -10 years


    5) Dragon City, Talumbir: Jargon''s Trident -15 years


    6) Oasis, Unknown: Chiba''s Bottomless Flask -25 years


    7) Oasis, Haven: Demon Horse -100 years


    /Alpha: Semmi: According to LuAnne, we can reduce the time down to one year each.


    "Mother fuckers... Damn bastard asses! Demon Horse in Haven? I''ll burn this place to the ground!" Nix keyed option seven while the air around him started to warm up noticeably.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Careful boss, this place is made of wood.


    [Task 7]


    A demon horse has been seen in Everspire and throughout the known realms. Several powerful figures have requested that we acquire the horse known as Nightmare. It has a flame aura and will aggressively defend its master. The current owner resides in Haven but has been known to leave frequently. This is a multi-guild event.


    [Difficulty Rating SSS]


    Semmi bit down on a smile. "Chiba''s on there also."


    Nix gritted his teeth, forcing himself to close the screen. "I know where to go if my horse ever disappears."


    Semmi gave him a questioning glance. "Seen Chiba''s bottomless flask? What''s that about?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Don''t even think about taking booze away from someone like Chiba. It''s an artifact level item that creates an endless supply of whatever alcohol is poured into it."


    Semmi laughed at Nix''s serious expression. She was aware that the master/student relationship was quite strong. His loyalty would forbid him from even considering it. "Lots of interesting jobs."


    /Alpha: Nix: Preferences?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Jargon Kane, that guy has it coming.


    /Alpha: Del: Anything in Inuit sounds good.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let''s start easy, up to you Boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: Free Trader City has two missions, we can knock them both out.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s 15 years between the two of them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Right... Unless we decide to keep it and never turn it in.


    /Alpha: Del: Is that an option?


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s always an option.

 477 The King and the Witch

    A small body crashed into his hip from his blindside; Wind felt the telltale touch of a swift hand darting into his cloak.


    "Sorry, Mister!" With a face covered in dirt and a shock of dark hair, the street urchin apologized quickly and then sprinted away with the group she was with.


    Wind smirked at the back of the kid; a group of them had been working the market for the last hour. He wasn''t good with ages, but he guessed them to be between 12 and 15. "That''s just a loan; he''ll come back when he wants."


    The urchin fled down the only alleyway on the south side of the market. The rest of the following group splintered off one by one to keep an eye on the backtrail.


    Token watched as his gang slowly filtered into the hideout a few minutes later. "Let''s tally up so we can give Uncle his cut."


    "He''s not our uncle." The youngest of the group was a snaggled toothed girl with black hair. She was known as Witchie because of her having one brown eye and one blue one. As the only female in the group, the others went out of their way to protect her identity. Orphan girls didn''t last long on the street; they almost always fell prey to miscreants and were either killed or sold off.


    Token shrugged. "You''ll follow my lead, or I''ll box your ears for you." As the oldest, he had no problems disciplining his group. He hated it, but it was a necessary part of keeping everyone safe. "You can''t just do whatever you like."


    The group members started tossing out assorted items, a few managed to get money pouches, but most were watches, rings, or small things people kept in their pockets.


    Token frowned at Witchie, who hadn''t placed anything in the middle. "You marked that angry-looking man. Don''t tell me he didn''t have anything; his armor alone was worth more than anything in the market."


    Witchie held out one grimy hand; a tiny gecko stood motionless on her palm as its dark eyes scanned the group. "He had a lizard. He''s cute, right? Look at his little crown."


    The group closed in, staring at the gecko in question. It scampered up Witchie''s arm and stood on her shoulder.


    Token swore under his breath. "It ain''t worth nothing so that we won''t show Uncle."


    Witchie smiled happily. "Maybe he''s a Prince."


    Token laughed as he divided their bounty. Half to Uncle and half to them. "Kiss him then; maybe you''ll turn into a princess."


    "Stay here with the Prince while I make the delivery to Uncle." Token waved to his gang and then exited their hideout. He pulled up his mask and broke into a run. His small group of pickpockets didn''t often have anything to smile about. Maybe the tiny lizard would bring them luck.


    An hour later, he knocked on the back door of the Flaming Swan Tavern; an instant later, it was pushed open by a thin, bald man with a pistol belt. A slender hand rested on the pearl-handled handgun. "Come in, Token."


    Token handed him the bag, pausing in the doorway; he was never asked to come in. He stepped in obediently and closed the door behind him.


    Uncle dumped the burlap bag on the table and quickly went through the items. "Not bad... your team is doing good work."


    Token nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Uncle."


    The bald man scooped everything back in the bag before looking up. Uncle had the darkest eyes anyone had ever seen. They looked like tiny pools of obsidian. "Tomorrow morning, I want you to return here with Witchie."


    Token knew a moment of dread but tried to keep his voice level. "Witchie? Why do you want to see him? He''s one of my worse pickers."


    Uncle scoffed at the gang leader. "Don''t try to fuck with me, boy. Any fool can see that Witchie is a girl. Tomorrow morning... Or else."


    Token swallowed his fear and forced a nod. "As you say, first thing in the morning."


    When Token returned to the hideout a short while later, the entire group knew that something was wrong. As he always did, Token told them the truth.


    There was a long moment of silence while everyone took in the news. The tiny girl was the first to speak.


    "If I try to run, he''ll take it out on the gang. I''ll go with you." Witchie stared at the ground when she spoke; although she was scared, this was the only family she''d ever known.


    Token shook his head. "Time to disband. I''ll take Witchie and leave the city. We can all scatter. Uncle doesn''t have the manpower to track us down."


    "No."


    "I''m staying with Witchie."


    "Not going to do it."


    "Let''s just kill that rotten bastard."


    One by one, they gave their opinions; Witchie sniffed loudly while trying not to cry. "I can''t let you guys risk that for me."


    "How fucking brave you are." A man appeared out of thin air, his bald head catching the torchlight. "Unfortunately, I''m not impressed with the rest of you." A blur of his hand was followed by the sound of a gun going off and a flash of fire.


    Token was grazed on the shoulder; he spun around and fell to one knee. "Run, Witchie!"


    Uncle pointed the gun at the young girl, causing them to freeze in place. "If you do, I will finish off Token and then kill everyone here."


    Witchie took a step forward, locking her legs to keep her knees from shaking. "I''m coming."


    "Stop... What the fuck is that?" Uncle pointed the gun at the tiny gecko that appeared on her shoulder.


    The gecko patted the girl''s cheek with a webbed hand as if to console her before it glanced at the gunman. It jittered loudly at the bald man.


    [Fear the King]


    **********************


    Wind waited patiently just down the alley from the hideout, cussing under his breathe when a gun sounded. Sprinting toward the entrance, he stepped over the trip line and was reaching for the door when it was blasted open by a wild-eyed man who looked like he''d seen the devil. The Gemini thief stepped to one side and stealthed, his sharp eyes noting the man''s path. A few moments later, a small group came out and headed in the opposite direction.


    /Alpha: Wind: You guys awake?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure. What''s up?


    /Alpha: Wind: Group of youngster pickpockets running toward the gate. The King is protecting them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Need a hand?


    /Alpha: Wind: Just round them up while I''ll clean up the loose ends.


    Wind caught up with the gunman a few minutes later; the man had his hands on his knees and was gasping for air. His polished boots were covered in his own vomit. "I see you met the King."


    To his credit, Uncle was a fighter. A gun appeared in his hand as he instinctively opened fire.


    [First Strike][Assassination]


    Double Combination Successful.


    Wind appeared behind the gunman, his blade flashing out as it was impaled deep into the back of the bald man''s skull. He fell lifelessly to the ground a moment later.


    Tristan Ichiro has been assassinated.


    Wind quickly went through the man''s pockets, picking up the gun and a few other interesting items before he re-stealthed and disappeared into the darkness. A single key engraved with a swan gave him his next destination.


    *****************


    Token led the group through the gate while a plan started forming in his head. They could go to Free Trader City, caravans left daily for the four corner city. His thought process was interrupted when a shadow stepped onto their path.


    Witchie stared at the large black panther standing in their way. She held up the gecko with one hand. "Get him, Prince!"


    A man''s laugh from behind them caused the group to spin around. "Did that girl demote the King?"


    The gecko in question darted from the girl and ran up the side of the man''s leg before coming to a stop on his wide shoulder. The panther padded past them, not bothering to give the group another look.


    "Hey... Calm down." Semmi''s gentle voice eased the tension as she stepped into view. "You''ve met King Lubo; he''s one of our companions."


    "King?" Witchie stared at the gecko; even though she was out of breath, her fear was fading fast. If they were friends with the gecko, then they were probably okay. "I knew he was royalty, " she muttered softly.


    Token held up both hands to show he was unarmed. As the oldest and biggest, he figured the man would find him the most threatening. "We''re being chased by someone very dangerous. It won''t be safe if you stop us."


    Semmi chuckled and shook her head slightly. "Follow us. Whatever problem you have is being pulled out by the roots."


    Nix nodded, his hand resting on the panther''s head. "This is probably where I should say something like... Welcome to the Thieves Guild."

 478 Symbols

    /Alpha: Wind: Found an underground entrance in Mr. Scumbag''s office. It''s located in the Flaming Swan Tavern''s back office.


    /Alpha: Nix: Want some back-up?


    /Alpha: Wind: No, just giving you an update. Do you get my recruits?


    /Alpha: Nix: Safe and sound. You know they''ll still have to pass an entrance test.


    /Alpha: Wind: Give them the Nix special. They''ll be fine.


    /Alpha: Nix: I thought my special was breaking out of prison.


    /Alpha: Wind: And making OP gear for undeserving people. Am out.


    Nix laughed aloud and turned toward the small group. "On that, we can agree."


    Semmi nudged him with an elbow and pointed to the recruits. They were huddled around Del, taking turns rubbing the soft black fur on her tummy.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You''re actually an Ain''Dhassi ranger... Remember?


    /Alpha: Del: Right now I''m a big cat... Please don''t bother me.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What do you know about the entry trial for the Thieves Guild?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nothing, other than there is one.


    Semmi brought up her hud and accessed the Local auction house. "What do you need?"


    Nix pursed his lips for a moment while considering his choices. "A dozen copper rings, they need to have at least one enchantment slot. I''ll make the rest from my own reserves."


    /Alpha: Del: That''s the camo cloth you invented? It looks different than the one you used on Cora''s gear.


    Nix showed her a small piece of the enhanced camo he designed when he was first marooned in Northern Titania.


    /Alpha: Nix: Upgraded it a bit using some new techniques.


    Camouflage Fabric V


    [Enhancements]


    Complete Invisibility


    Sound Suppression: When applied to armor.


    Sound Amplification: When applied to weapons.


    Lightning Resistant: Extra protection against Lightning-based attacks.


    Bonus: Material is completely immune to fire.


    Del stared at the cloth for a few moments; the reds, browns, and greens seemed to be constantly shifting. "They don''t have any armor; what are you going to apply it to?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Nothing. Since it''s a cloth and I''m a Tailor, it stands to reason that I don''t have to apply it to anything. I can use it as the base fabric."


    He brought up the pattern templates for different outfits. "Perhaps a one-piece jumper with a zipper down the front."


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll find out after the first attempt. If it''s crap, I''ll think of something else.


    /Alpha: Del: These kids are poor and live in a fairly dangerous environment. Should you give them something that will make others target them?


    /Alpha: Nix: You have a point. I''ll customize each one and bind it. No one else will be able to use the gear, and they can''t sell them later.


    Nix queued up the jumpsuit. Since he wasn''t adding any enhancements, he could list all six outfits under the same task. He merely had to change the custom target. One by one, he added the group to his friend''s list.


    [Custom Target: Token, Burr, Chozz, Scala, Forbes, Witchie] [Jumpsuit: Standard Pattern] [Fabric: Camouflage Fabric V] [Needle: Silver hooked][ Zipper: Ceramic] [Thread: Camel hair]


    [Create Customized Jumpsuit?]


    "Yes."


    [Critical Crafting]


    "I love it when that happens." Nix held up the first outfit, his keen eyes studying the results. "I can live with this."


    Shadow Thief: Unique


    Customized Jumpsuit: Token


    Binds on Pick-up


    Description: A sturdy outfit created for work in the shadows.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage activated at will.


    Enhancement: Sound suppression: All ambient sound within 3 meters is silenced.


    Bonus: Fire Immunity.


    Secondary Bonus: Hostility Reduction.


    Nix stood up and motioned for the group to come over. "You can change in the next room. I made one for each of you. They should give you an advantage when you take the trial."


    Token grabbed his jumpsuit, tossing his old clothes on the floor. "Trial?"


    Nix turned his back out of politeness; none of the kids bothered to leave the room. "Pass the trial, and you become an apprentice in the Thieves Guild. This ensures that you have a place to stay and something to eat. It will also protect you; according to LuAnne, no one will dare provoke the guild."


    Token nodded slightly. It was well-known that no one stood above the guild. Uncle had been allowed to operate because he supplied the Guild with intel. They were strictly small-time and didn''t garner much interest from the real operatives. "I know three people who attempted the trial; they were all former leaders of my group."


    Witchie was pulling the jumpsuit over her narrow hips. "Did they pass?"


    Token shrugged. "No. They failed and were given passage to Free Trader City."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Um... Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: What?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Witchie''s shoulder is glowing.


    Semmi placed a hand on the young girl''s arm. "Can I see your shoulder?"


    Witchie shook her head and started zipping up the front of her jumpsuit. "No."


    Semmi glanced at Nix, who was hiding a smile behind his hand. "What if I let you play with my companion?"


    Witchie''s multi-colored eyes stared at the Gemini thief for a moment. "Is your companion that gecko?"


    Semmi shook her head. "No."


    The disappointment in her eyes was obvious. "Maybe that big cat?"


    Semmi shook her head. "No."


    [Summons: Tilde]


    A moment later, a white fox appeared on the floor in front of them. It hopped effortlessly into the blonde officer''s arms.


    A wide smile, minus two front teeth, showed itself as Witchie nodded vigorously. "Deal." She unzipped the top of her jumpsuit and eased out her shoulder while holding one arm out for the fox.


    "Tilde, please watch out for this girl." Semmi handed the furry fox to the girl and motioned for Nix to come closer. The cause of the glow was immediately apparent. "Perhaps it was activated by the enhancements on the jumper?"


    Nix stared at the symbol for a moment. "Hexagram or Pentacle? I always get them confused."


    Semmi smiled at the Inferno Leader. "Neither. A hexagram has six points, like the Star of David. A Pentacle is a five-pointed star surrounded by a circle. Traditionally it''s used in witchcraft and sorcery."


    Nix gave her a blank stare. Semmi''s pool of knowledge extended to just about everything. "What is it?"


    "Not sure; it''s a variant of the Star of Solomon." Semmi brought up her hud and checked Ronnie''s location; she was in Haven.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Ronnie] Are you in your library by any chance?"


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Semmi] Sure. What do you need? It''s somewhat late for work.


    Semmi felt her face redden; she always struggled to handle the dark archer.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Ronne] Could you look up a symbol for me? Uploading it to your hud."


    Ronnie waited for a moment until the symbol appeared on her hud.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Semmi] I''ll see if I can match it with anything. Looks like witchcraft.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Ronnie] Thanks, let me know when you have something.


    Semmi pulled the jumpsuit back over Witchie''s shoulder and then helped her zip it up. "You can hold onto her for a while."


    "Really?" Witchie stroked the soft fur on Tilde''s back, dimples showing on both of her grimy cheeks.


    /Alpha: Nix: You concerned about the symbol?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Not overly so. Are we starting the first job tomorrow?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep, we basically have to earn 36 years. Inuit \u0026 Jargon is with give us 25 years; we can save those for last.


    /Alpha: Semmi: The journal is 10 years, and the city scroll is 5. That will give us enough.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s just clear the first 5 jobs; that''s 45 years. Then we can pick out what we want to keep.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I like it.


    *******************


    Wind gently lifted the trapdoor and set it quietly on the floor. A wooden ladder descended into the darkness. The Gemini Thief nodded happily to himself. "I love shit like this."


    At the bottom of the ladder was an unlit hall; the Gemini''s night vision worked well enough to enable him to navigate. He focused on his senses and drew his void blade. A slight glimmer in the darkness ahead caused him to slow his steps and proceed cautiously. Sensing no traps, he approached the symbol drawn onto the stone wall.


    /Alpha: Wind: I see a peculiar symbol. Going to send you a copy, Sem.


    Group, Guild, and Personal messaging have been disabled.


    Wind smiled in the darkness. According to Nix, that meant cool shit was about to happen.


    [Summons: King Lubo]


    The gecko appeared in front of him a moment later; without stopping, Wind scooped up the tiny lizard and placed it on his shoulder. "We should find a few more companions to keep you company."


    The gecko curled up behind his collar and closed his eyes.

 479 Bonded Demon part one

    She found him in the common area, with three rat-puppets in front of him. "You''re reputation for sleeping all the time is undeserved."


    Nix smiled at the blonde officer. "I do like to sleep in... However, I get a lot done in the late evening hours." He scooted over when she plopped down beside him. "You and Pon feel like a Virtuna excursion?"


    "Really? Sure! Who''s coming?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Perhaps Gideon, Darsi, Wind, and maybe a friend of mine from the outside."


    "Didn''t realize you had friends outside of Colonial. You never talk about them." Semmi picked up one of the rings that Nix had already finished. "You''re placing Emperor level rat in these rings? That''s not like you."


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "Really?"


    Semmi blushed slightly and elbowed him. "You know what I mean."


    Nix nodded slightly. "I do. However, these aren''t Nether rats, just the common ones you find in any city. You can buy 100 pelts for five credits, and there''s an endless supply of them at the auction house."


    Shapeshifter Ring [Emperor Rat]


    Custom: Witchie Only


    Description: The common rat can go anywhere without being noticed. Rat''s are immune to pestilence and have excellent night vision.


    1) Stealth: Common Rats have the ability to break off combat and immediately go into stealth.


    2) Dominate: Although Common Rats do not possess high intelligence, this one can directly influence up to 100 other common rats.


    Semmi noted the size difference and the much lighter color. Emperor Nether Rats were black and much larger. If more than three of them came at you, it would be wise to retreat. "You know... We aren''t allowed to kill anyone when we do these city missions. The pact still binds the Thieves Guild."


    Nix looked up from the crafting queue he was working on. "Yeah, I know. We''ll go the diplomacy route."


    A loud laugh escaped Semmi''s lips before she managed to suppress it. "Are we talking real diplomacy? Or Nix diplomacy?"


    "Is there a difference?"


    Semmi smiled widely, not bothering to hide her mirth any longer. "Maybe a bit... Just do your best."


    ********************


    A few minutes of walking brought the Gemini Thief to an intersection. The path had widened to become two separate walkways with a vile looking river trickling through. He had found the sewer. There were small wooden footbridges crossing the sewage at regular intervals; the only real issue was dealing with the stench. Lubo moved from Wind''s shoulder to the inside pocket of the cloak he wore, a sure sign that the gecko didn''t appreciate the smell either.


    "Fuck..." Wind ran his hands over the nearby walls, looking for obvious triggers. After finding nothing, he did the same with the floor and the low ceiling.


    Wind has activated [Shadow''s Path]


    No secret paths have been located.


    Wind has used a [Discover Illusion] scroll.


    For a moment, the outline of a door formed in front of the Gemini thief. Ignoring it, he spun around and quickly scanned the area behind him; a faint glow halfway down the passage caused him to break into a run. By the time it faded, he was already standing in front of it.


    "Clever." Wind touched the brick in question; his hands moved through the illusion and brushed against something metallic. He pulled the lever and walked back toward the dead-end passage as the sound of rock scraping against rock filled his ears. A second hall led from the sewers; this one was lined with torches.


    The steady beat of chanting caused him to hug one side of the passage, bent low with his dagger held outward; he advanced slowly. His steps took him to a large room that looked like it was used for food storage; lights could be seen pulsing in the distance. Instantly he was reminded of the old strobe lights from night clubs. He found the source in the next room.


    A moment later, Wind stepped into a large circular room that was adorned with glowing symbols. The chanting beat of an unknown language kept exact timing with the light given off by the runes. He tightened his grip on his dagger and stared at the shadows gathered in the center of the room.


    Wind has activated Shadow''s Vale.


    Wind''s brown eyes turned black as night, and the shadows that had been impeding his vision started to fade.


    "The girl will be here in the morning. We need her blood to ensure his cooperation."


    [New Quest Discovered: The Black Harvest]


    Black Harvest


    A coven of warlocks and witches have been operating in the shadows of Mocai. After discovering an ancient ritual they have summoned a powerful demon to their cause. Deal with this demon however you see fit.


    [Secondary Quest: Destroy the Coven]


    The Black Harvest has been responsible for the disappearance of dozens of innocents over the last few years. Their actions have been without mercy, destroy this menace once and for all.


    A voice from a nearby hallway echoed in his ears; Wind moved back to the wall''s edge and crouched down. Although still steathed, he was well aware that his presence could be detected in other ways.


    Three men dressed in hooded robes walked to the center of the room; they stopped just short of the large circle in which their captive was imprisoned.


    "In the morning, we will bring one of the blood. She will be our offering to you." The cloaked man pulled back his hood to expose and old wrinkled face that was covered in tattoos.


    The demon had a long leather belt in one hand; he was scraping the buckle against the floor. "Offering? Rabi doesn''t know what that means. Bring me some rats to eat... and some straw to sleep on." He scratched his head while trying to remember what else was needed.


    The old man bowed slightly. "As you wish. She is young and will make a beautiful bride. Her screams will show you our dedication."


    The tiny demon stared at the three men, his understanding of humans being somewhat limited. "Why would she scream?"


    "Humans always scream when they are consumed." The man backed away slowly, and led the other two back the way they had come.


    Rabi stared for a moment before his dark eyes moved toward the Gemini Thief. "What does consume mean?"


    Wind chuckled and shook his head slightly as he moved toward the center of the room. "It means to eat! What are you doing here, Rabi?"


    Rabi shrugged slightly. "I was playing with Sasi, and then someone called my name. Answering the voice seemed like it would be fun." The demon collapsed on the ground and moaned loudly. "Now, I have to make a rat so I can escape."


    "Are you a Taxidermist?"


    "No... I''m a demon." Rabi started scraping his belt buckle again, pausing after a few seconds. "They want me to eat my bride?"


    Wind stopped at the edge of the circle. "I''ve seen her, much too small to eat."


    Rabi''s head popped up. "Small like Rabi? Maybe we can play games and catch rats together."


    Wind didn''t comment; he was unsure what Rabi considered marriage to be. "What happens if I mess up this circle?"


    Rabi ran his dark finger over the edge of the buckle; Nix had made it look so easy. "They come back for sure... There are about two dozen of them."


    Wind whistled softly. "That''s a lot. Hmm..."


    Rabi banged the buckle on the stone floor before growling at it. "Stupid belt... Think of something; Rabi wants to go home."


    Wind walked around the circle slowly; it would take someone versed in old magic to read anything. "So, this is a group of magic users?"


    "It''s a Coven, but they are calling themselves a Black Harvest."


    "Coven?" Wind frowned as he considered the options. Without a doubt, if Nix were here, the Coven would have been filled with scantily clad witches with loose morals. "Any ideas?"


    Rabi shook his head slightly. "Sasi does all the thinking. Hey... Call Ducky here!"


    "Ducky? That''s Nix''s companion; I can''t summon her."


    Rabi made a face and decided to give up on making a rat puppet. His dark eyes watched Wind as he slid the belt around his thin waist. "Don''t you have a spirit companion?"


    Wind nodded. "He''s sleeping in my pocket right now... Try to keep your voice down."


    "Do you have a big bear? Or maybe a giant turtle?"


    "Again, those are Nix''s companions. I only have one."


    Rabi clapped his hands together excitedly. "I will be your companion!"


    Wind had sparred with Rabi on several occasions while Nix and Chiba were at the House of Tempest. The tiny demon was a peerless blade user. "I''m not against it... Maybe I could summon you out of there."


    Rabi jumped up and down on the edge of the circle. "That''s a great idea! Do that!"


    Wind stood on the edge of the circle and focused his thoughts on Rabi.


    [A Greater Demon-kin has offered you a Spirit Bond. Do you accept?]

 480 Bonded Demon conclusion

    Demons have tainted your blood.


    You have learned Battle Foresight.


    You have learned Quartered.


    You have learned Blood Bond.


    Your surname has been changed to Qi.


    Wind grimaced as the smallest of tendrils connected him with the Tempest demon. A sudden shooting pain in his head made him stagger back a step. "Fuck, that hurts..."


    Rabi seemed mostly unaffected; he yelped slightly when a rune burned itself onto his upper arm. He stared at it for a moment before deciding that he liked it. He grinned at the Gemini Thief. "I learned a few new tricks!"


    Wind smiled and brought up his hud. "Me too."


    Spirit Companions 2/4


    1) King Lubo


    2) Atharabi Qi


    "Looks good, by the way." Rabi''s stepped away from the edge of the circle and waited for his summons.


    "What looks good?" He rubbed his aching head, stopping suddenly when he hand brushed up against something. "Oh, God..."


    Rabi gave him a thumbs up. "Horns are best."


    Wind scowled at the tiny demon. He could feel two slightly curved horns protruding out of his head; they were only a few inches long. "Should this have happened?"


    Rabi shrugged. "Yours are curved; Rabi is so jealous."


    "I''m so dead."


    [Summons: Rabi]


    The tiny demon appeared in front of him a moment later, his fanged smile flashing in the low light. A moment later, the circle that he''d been in erupted into flames. Rabi shrugged slightly. "Not good."


    A loud grinding noise pulled their attention to the doorway through which Wind had entered just as a steel portcullis slammed shut in front of it.


    Rabi was skipping happily; finally, he was out of the circle. "What we doing now?"


    Wind glanced once more at the blocked exit. "Run and fight!"


    "Rabi likes to run and fight!" The dark demon bolted down an empty passageway, leaving his companion by himself. After a short pause, the Gemini thief followed.


    The duo ran silently, trying their best to avoid any groups. Their luck held for nearly a minute coming face to face with three running figures.


    Rabi has shared [Enemy Information].


    Wind dodged to one side as his hud was filled with enemy data. They were numerically marked with glowing numbers over their heads.


    I [Yama Ter] Kill: Sorcery, Heals.


    II [Bria Wizin] Detain: Sorcery: Offensive.


    III [Tripsi Fay] Detain: Sorcery: Crowd Control


    [Flare][Quartered][Backstab]


    Triple Combination successful.


    Yama Ter has been blinded.


    Bria Wizin has been blinded.


    Tripsi Fay has been blinded.


    Yama Ter has been crippled.


    Rabi has landed a critical strike on Yama Ter.


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Rabi''s attack with a critical strike.


    [Sudden Switch]


    [Critical Chain]


    Wind has followed up Rabi''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Yama Ter has been slain.


    [Spiritual Bond Attack Linked: Critical Chain \u0026 Sudden Switch]


    Bria Wizin has resisted Blind.


    Without knowing why Wind dodged to one side. A moment later, a bolt of energy blazed past him.


    [Your Battle Foresight has advanced to 2]


    [Shadowed Assassin]


    Wind faded into the shadows and appeared behind the caster; his blade plunged into the base of his target''s skull.


    Bria Wizin has been slain.


    Tripsi Fay has resisted Blind.


    Instead of continuing to fight, the woman turned and ran down the hallway. Her voice raised in a blood-curdling scream.


    [Quartered][Backstab]


    Double Combination Successful.


    Tripsi Fay has been crippled.


    Rabi has landed a critical strike.


    [Critical Chain: First Strike][Backstab]


    Wind has followed up Rabi''s attack with a critical strike.


    Wind has landed a mortal strike.


    Tripsi Fay has been slain.


    The duo stared at the intersection; the din of footsteps was getting louder behind them. Wind pointed to the right one. "Go, right?"


    Rabi nodded and darted in that direction, his tiny form speeding down the hall with impressive speed. The hall led to a large square room; the sound of footsteps closing on them came from every direction. "Oops... Now what?"


    Wind shrugged slightly. We fight it out, I guess." He patted the tiny demon on one shoulder while scanning all exits. As his spirit companion, Rabi should now be protected. "Good job back there, by the way."


    "Thanks. You did good too." Rabi crouched low, with a dagger in each hand. "I''ll create a distraction; make sure you escape."


    Wind grinned at the tiny demon and shook his head. "That''s my line."


    "What have you done!" A familiar old man entered from the North corridor; at the same time, dozens of cloaked figures entered through the other entrances. "You''ve bonded with the demon!"


    Wind did a quick count. "Only about twenty or so, get ready."


    Rabi gave him a blank stare before turning back to the speaker. "You have shit on your face! Rabi escaped your stupid circle! It''s your fault for not bringing me my rats!"


    Wind observed the group. They were all casters. "You''re all witches?"


    "And warlocks." The trio from the circle room moved closer. Two of them carried carved symbols in their hands while the third held a long staff. "Kill the thief, but make sure the demon survives. Our coven will rise once we have secured his backing."


    Rabi spat towards the old man. "You are stupid. Rabi will give you a stab in the backing."


    Wind felt the stir in his cloak pocket; a moment later, the tiny gecko crawled onto his shoulder. "Shit... That''s wicked."


    The tiny gecko glanced from Wind to Rabi; he had changed slightly. His greenish skin had turned slightly red, and two curved horns peeked out from under his gold crown.


    [Fear the Demon King]


    Screams of terror filled the room, as the coven scattered like brainless mice. Wind grabbed Rabi''s hand and dragged him down the hall that the elders had come from. "Let''s pick them off!"


    *************************


    A warm body shifted against him, causing Nix to open one eye. "I told you to stay off my..." His words filtered off when he caught the telltale glimpse of red hair. Shae tucked her head under his chin and pulled the blankets up. Instead of questioning, the Inferno leader drifted back into slumber with a smile on his face.


    When Nix woke two hours later, he was by himself again. Shae''s presence next to Semmi let him know that it hadn''t been a pleasant dream. "Why are you here?"


    Shae shrugged and stood up from her chair long enough to greet him with a kiss. "I missed you, so I popped in for a few hours."


    Semmi frowned slightly; it was the sort of thing that Pon wouldn''t even think of. "That must be a nice surprise. Right, Nix?"


    Nix gave the blonde officer a suspicious glance before nodding in agreement. "Very nice. Can you stay?"


    Shae shook her head. "I''ll be helping Tai today. She''s going to stop in and see you tonight."


    Nix grimaced slightly; he forgot that the Earth Dragon had asked to see him. "Damn... It slipped my mind. We''re heading to Free Trader City in a bit, have her meet me there."


    Shae nodded and stood on her tiptoes for another kiss before looking expectantly at Nix. "Gemini Temple, please."


    [Create Breach: Mocai: Gemini Temple]


    Nix waved as the salamander stepped through the breach. After the breach closed, he took the salamander''s seat at the table. "Where is everyone?"


    Semmi pointed out the doorway. "LuAnne is briefing them on the trial. She isn''t happy with us."


    Nix summoned Sphinx Soup and placed her on his shoulder. "Why?"


    /Alpha: Del: She says that none of these petty criminals will pass.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I gave them the rings already, don''t worry.


    /Alpha: Nix: They should be fine then; if they can''t pass, then it isn''t our problem.


    Del padded into the room from the hallway; the Orion''s sky blu eyes stared at Nix. "I need to tell you something."


    "I''m listening." Nix shot a glance toward Semmi, who was pretending not to listen.


    "My tracking ability has returned." Del walked slowly toward the table, stopping when she was directly in front of him.


    "Track is up? Holy crap... Anything else?" Nix shifted closer and examined Del; as the creator of the Orion puppet, he could pick them out fairly easily. "Interesting. I wonder if that''s a good thing."


    The Orion stared at him with unblinking eyes. "And I''m feeling hungry at times."


    "Really?" Nix leaned back in his chair and glanced at Semmi, who was definitely paying attention. Puppets could eat and taste things. They should not feel hunger or thirst because they didn''t need food or water to survive. It was the same thing with sleep. "Your case is slightly different. When was the last time you dropped this puppet?"


    "Since I came here, more than a month." Del pushed her soft snout against his leg while purring loudly.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Her actions seem puzzling at times. Are the Orion''s instincts leaking in?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] That should be impossible, but this is somewhat unique. Del is in a dragon egg back in Oasis.


    /Alpha: Nix: Do you want to release the puppet?


    /Alpha: Del: If you think I should, then after this mission, I will do so. Just as long as you provide me with another.


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t worry, we''re used to having you around. Let me know if any of your other abilities start to recover.

 481 Atilla the Warlock part one

    Galen groaned in pain. His tattooed face appeared chalk-white in the torchlit room. His right arm had been cut off at the elbow. "My ring opens his door. I''ve told you everything; release me."


    "Sure." Wind withdrew his blade before plunging it into the elder''s eye. "Any luck?"


    [Quest: Black Harvest has been Updated]


    [Quest: Destroy the Coven has been Updated]


    His newly minuted demon companion had a severed arm in one hand and was trying to pull the rings off of the fingers. "Rabi is trying; his fingers are so fat."


    "Just cut them off." Wind stared down the only hallway they hadn''t explored. He wasn''t interested in taking on a boss without a bit more back-up.


    "You''re smart like Sasi." Rabi sliced off all of the fingers and plucked the rings off without flinching. He handed them over without comment. The dark demon wore black leather gear and carried two daggers. It hadn''t occurred to him that his daggers would have been better for skinning rats than the belt buckle he had been trying to sharpen.


    Black Harvest Ring: Unique


    Description: Opens the Black Iron door.


    Ring of Graves: Legendary


    Description: Summons the last three people you''ve slain to fight on your behalf.


    Spirits: 0/3


    "Damn... I should have put that ring on before getting rid of this guy." Wind stole a quick glance at Rabi, who was busy playing with the Great Demon King Lubo. The tiny red gecko was sitting calmly on the demons bald head; his tiny arms wrapped comfortably around Rabi''s small, black horn.


    "Sasi is going to be so mad when she sees the Great Demon King." Rabi flashed the Gemini Thief a smile. "Should I try and bring her in again?"


    "Bring her in?" Wind had been considering their chances of dealing with a boss mob. "You can bring her in?"


    Rabi nodded and held out a small token.


    Qi Family Token


    Description: Summon one of the fighters from the Qi Family.


    Fighter: Anasasi Qi


    Wind found that it was impossible to frown at the smiling demon. "Why didn''t you bring her in right away?"


    Rabi shrugged slightly. "It wouldn''t work when I was in the circle; I thought maybe it was broken."


    "Probably due to the summoning circle. Any other things like this? I need to know since there''s a boss down here. If I call in Nix and Pon..."


    Sasi grinned knowingly. "Then, we have to shares!"


    "We''re going to get along great." Wind watched as Rabi pulled out a second token. "I have this one too, only..."


    Wind examined the heart-shaped token. "What''s up with the shape?"


    Demon Heart: Special


    you in times of need.


    Owner: Mimicry Zul


    Rabi chewed on a sharp fingernail while considering the question. "I stoles it from my rival."


    Wind kept his face expressionless. "You have a love rival?"


    Rabi moaned miserably. "Dozens... Everyone likes Mimi."


    "The name is familiar. Can she heal?"


    Rabi nodded. "She is a Black Water Mage, but she can heal demons too."


    "Guess my horns will come in handy. Let''s bring them both in."


    Rabi leaped forward and grabbed both of his hands before he could activate either token. "NO! Sasi doesn''t like Mimi, and if she finds out I stole the token she will be very angry with Rabi."


    "I see." Wind tossed the Qi family token back to Rabi. "So just Mimicry then."


    Rabi sighed in relief. "Yes."


    Wind shrugged and activated the Demon Heart token.


    [Summons: Mimicry]


    A demon hybrid appeared in front of him a moment later; instantly, Wind recalled where he''d seen her. The revealing black leather outfit and sinuous grace was all the reminder he needed. She had sparred with Pon at the House of Tempest.


    The beautiful demon''s dark eyes stared at Wind for a moment. "Inferno fighter?"


    "I''m Wind; picked up your token from a friend." The Gemini Thief pointed at Rabi, deciding that he''d leave it up to the little demon to explain things. Without another word, he handed the heart token back to Mimi.


    "Rabi..." Mimi''s face remained passive when she spied the Qi family thief. "I didn''t give this token to you. In fact, I haven''t given it to anyone yet."


    Rabi grinned widely. "Yes! Rabi stole it from Zexi, who stole it from Lugly, who stole it from Bano... I don''t remember who Bano stole it from."


    "Bano stole it from me." Mimi pulled loose the whip that was coiled onto her belt. "I assume we are going to fight something?"


    Wind pointed down the hall. "Atilla is the boss of the Coven that summoned Rabi. We''ve dealt with the members; now we are after the boss."


    Mimi smiled sexily at Rabi, causing him to freeze in place. "You were summoned by a Coven?"


    Rabi nodded and puffed his chest out. "I''m now a minion of the Great Demon King."


    The demon woman''s dark eyes stared at the tiny red gecko who was still sitting comfortably on Rabi''s head. "You''re a notorious liar; that''s what I like about you, Rabi."


    Rabi flashed his fanged smile. "Time to fight."


    Rabi has joined Gemini.


    Mimicry has joined Gemini.


    The red gecko darted toward Wind, scurrying up the Gemini thief to hide in the pocket of his cloak. The trio walked down the short hallway to a set of double iron doors. A small indentation was visible over twin bone handles.


    /Gemini: Wind: We''ll try the boss, let me and Rabi do the damage. Focus on heals.


    /Gemini: Mimi: I can CC also.


    /Gemini: Wind: Really? Perfect.


    Wind inserted the ring; the action was immediately rewarded with the sound of a mechanic click; the Gemini thief pushed the doors open and stepped inside.


    *********************


    Free Trader City, 1100 hours Mayor''s Mansion


    Nix landed his Shadow Daiken on top of the mansion''s roof and then opened a gate for Semmi and Del.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That was quick, that mount of yours fast.


    /Alpha: Nix: He is. Get track up, Del; since you have it, we might as well use it.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Want the news?


    /Alpha: Nix: News?


    /Alpha: Semmi: All six of them passed the trial. The Thieves Guild has some new apprentices.


    /Alpha: Nix: That was fast. What did LuAnne say?


    /Alpha: Semmi: She was shocked, but also satisfied.


    A tracking hud popped up in front of the Orion. Nix had been expecting it, but he still found it amazing. Was it because of the length of time Del had been using the puppet? Or maybe it was the dragon egg?


    [Track] Fifty meter radius, -20 meter elevation.


    Tiga Hu: 15 meters, -10 meters


    Hani Emmon: 12 meters, -20 meters


    Chael: 3 meters, -15 meters


    Shini Govoni: 3 meters, -15 meters


    /Alpha: Nix: Fuck... Seriously? Fuck...


    /Alpha: Semmi: What?


    /Alpha: Nix: Look who is here... although on a separate level.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Chael? Why would he be here?


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe he works for the Mayor? Regroup at the R \u0026 B Pawnshop.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed. I''m a bit curious.


    [Whisper: Del to Semmi] Why are we stopping?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Del] Chael is ex-Inferno. He has great gear, and he''s a sniper.


    /Inferno: Nix: Ronnie? You at your shop?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yep, been waiting for you. I have that information regarding the symbol Semmi sent me.


    [Create Breach: Free Trader City, Mayor''s Mansion: Free Trader City, R \u0026 B Pawnshop]


    Nix gestured for his group to step through the breach, then he followed.


    Ronnie has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: You on good terms with Chael?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Sure, we used to hunt together quite a bit.


    /Alpha: Nix: Our mission has brought us to the Mayor''s Mansion; I want to know what he''s doing there before we go in.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Could be a quest or something simple. I''ll send him a message.


    Ronnie left the shop, leaving Alpha alone with the co-owner of the store. The Ain''Dhassi ranger was busy writing in a ledger and hadn''t looked at them since they walked in.


    "This is a nice shop, Bali." Del''s voice made the petite ranger lookup.


    "Hey, Del!" Bali favored the Orion with a bright smile. Del was one of the few people she refused to prank. The practical joker was close to her fellow ranger but had never said why. "Feel free to look around; you guys get the Inferno discount."


    /Alpha: Del: Why did Chael leave Inferno?


    /Alpha: Semmi: An impossible chain of events caused the break-up of someone he was romantically involved with. They attempted to make amends, but the bridge of trust...


    /Alpha: Nix: It was a crapy deal all around. I should never have brought Chael on that mission.


    When Ronnie returned half an hour later, Bali was chatting happily with Alpha team.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Chael upgraded from Sniper to Urban Ranger... Have you heard of such a thing?


    /Alpha: Nix: Urban Ranger? Does that mean he has track?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: It does. He is working for the Mayor as security.


    /Alpha: Semmi: From Inferno Elite to a security job? Why would he do that?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: You ever see those huge compounds on the Northside of the city?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure. Where all the social bigwigs live.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: He was given one of those. A lot of other stuff too. He has his own security team.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Damn. Any other bad news?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Yep. He''s on high alert.

 482 Atilla the Warlock conclusion

    Ronnie took a book from her inventory, opened it on the counter. "It''s a Coven sign, of course. It has its roots from the early days of Everspire before the dragons came up from the core."


    "Is this group dangerous? One of the kids that Wind saved had that symbol on her shoulder." Semmi pulled up her hud, immediately noticing that Wind''s status was listed as unavailable. "Crap... Check this out."


    Nix glanced at the hud; he''d already known about the status. It had changed during the night; shortly afterward, Lubo had been summoned from the Thieves Guild. "Let''s give Wind a chance to make his play. If he hasn''t reported in by the time we''re done, we''ll bail him out."


    The blonde officer rubbed her hands together. "Maybe it will be a prison break."


    /Alpha: Ronnie: I''ll help with Chael. We should start now; no one will be expecting a diversion in the middle of the day.


    /Alpha: Nix: Got an idea? I don''t want to fight him or take anything of his.


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Sure. Chael has his own luxury coach; you should see the team of horses that pull it. They are big, like Clydesdales, and black as coal.


    Nix cleared his throat with a cough.


    /Alpha: Nix: Does he keep them at the mansion?


    /Alpha: Ronnie: Nope, sends them back to his compound until it''s time to pick him up again.


    /Alpha: Nix: Well... as the lesser of two evils, it seems as if stealing the horses could be a good diversion.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We won''t really take them, though, right? It''s just a diversion.


    /Alpha: Nix: Right. Right, a diversion.


    Ronnie glanced over at Bali, who was still writing in the ledger. "Why don''t you put that away, hun. We have some horses to steal."


    Bali closed the ledger, her blue eyes filled with mischief. "Finally... Give me the details.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] You want me to steal those horses? Or just cause a panic.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Borrow them. I''ll return them to Chael when he comes back to Inferno.


    *****************


    The heavy metal doors swung wide, causing all three group members to squint against the glare. Dozens of lamps adorned the room, causing it to be unnaturally bright. Beyond the doors was a large rectangular room; the sides were lined with pews like the ones you''d see in a church. At the front of the room was a large throne.


    /Gemini: Mimi: That''s made of bones. Can I have it?


    /Gemini: Wind: No. I''m taking it.


    /Gemini: Rabi: I was going to ask.


    /Gemini: Wind: I''m guessing that the moment we approach, he''s gonna wake up.


    /Gemini: Rabi: I fought someone like him before. He looks like a summoner.


    /Gemini: Mimi: I can CC up to three. You''ll have to deal with anything more than that.


    /Gemini: Wind: Understood. Let''s go.


    Rabi has shared [Enemy Information].


    Atilla the Warlock: Summoner


    Weaknesses: Fire Damage.


    /Gemini: Wind: Fire damage. It figures.


    /Gemini: Mimi: Huh?


    /Gemini: Wind: Nothing.


    [Quartered][Backstab][Double Strike]


    Triple Combination partially Successful.


    Atilla is immune to control effects.


    Rabi has landed a critical strike!


    Rabi has landed a significant strike x2!


    Atilla''s black eye''s blinked open as he sprang to the middle of the stage. A long and gnarled wooden staff appeared in his hands before sweeping outward in a wide arc.


    [Air Blades]


    Atilla has landed a strike against Rabi.


    Atilla has landed a strike against Wind.


    Atilla has landed a strike against Mimi.


    [Sudden Switch][First Strike][Backstab]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Wind has landed a critical strike.


    Wind has landed a critical strike.


    The gnarled staff of the Warlock raised upward and then struck the ground with a deafening noise. Atilla has cast [Summon Minions].


    Mimi has been stunned.


    Rabi has resisted stun.


    Wind has resisted stun.


    A dozen creatures appeared around the Warlock. Their bodies were covered in brown splotches of fur; the skin beneath was scarred horribly. Man-like hands that ended in claws dragged the ground next to their hooved feet.


    "KILL THEM, MY CHILDREN!"


    The tiny demon darted in, weaving through the minions. Rabi has activated [Blood Bond]


    All incoming damage is dispersed equally between any group member possessing demon blood.


    [Flare][Defensive Strike]


    Combination Successful.


    A Disfigured fiend has been blinded.


    A Disfigured fiend has been blinded.


    A Disfigured fiend has been blinded.


    A Disfigured fiend has been blinded.


    A Disfigured fiend has been blinded.


    Rabi''s strike has delayed Atilla''s next attack by 20 seconds.


    /Gemini: Wind: Fall back.


    Wind grabbed Mimi''s arm and dragged her toward the door, while Rabi''s dual daggers slashed at the pursuing minions.


    Mimi has resisted stun.


    [Dark Well][Blood Kin]


    A barrier of water surrounds your group; no attacks will land for ten seconds.


    Mimi has healed Wind''s wounds.


    Mimi has healed Rabi''s wounds.


    /Gemini: Mimi: That bitch...


    The demon moved to the edge of the dark well. An instant later, her whip flashed out with a loud crack and wrapped around Atilla''s gnarled staff.


    [Successful Disarm: Gnarled Staff]


    With a flick of her wrists, it arrived safely in her hands.


    /Gemini: Wind: Retreat through the doorway; we need to limit their approach.


    /Gemini: Mimi: I believe Atilla will reset, if we leave the room.


    /Gemini: Wind: Shit... There''s too many for an area this big.


    /Gemini: Rabi: Demon King! Demon King!


    /Gemini: Mimi: What?


    The dark well expired just as the red gecko crawled out of his hiding spot. His dark eyes stared fearlessly at the approaching fiends.


    [Fear the Demon King]


    Atilla is immune to Fear.


    The horrifying screams of terror echoed in the room as the fur-covered fiends mindlessly tried to escape; within seconds, they had all charged out of the room. Rabi followed behind them, pushing the door shut before bracing against it with his back. "Give Rabi the staff!"


    /Gemini: Wind: Bar the door!


    Mimi tossed him the staff, and turned back toward Atilla, who was still standing on the stage. Rabi pushed the staff through the inside handles, holding it in place with both hands.


    [First Strike][Piercing Shadow][Backstab]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Wind has landed a critical strike.


    Wind has used the shadows to strike directly at his enemy''s heart.


    Wind has landed a significant strike.


    Mimi has cast [Demon Blade][Demon Heart].


    Wind''s blades have become significantly sharper.


    Wind''s attack rating has been increased.


    Rabi''s blades have become significantly sharper.


    Rabi''s attack rating has been increased.


    /Gemini: Mimi: Let me hold the door, help him, Rabi!


    Mimi switched places with the smaller demon; a single bang against the door seemed to echo inside the room; it was followed by another and then another. The demon held stubbornly onto the staff, keeping it locked in place.


    [Sudden Switch][Backstab][Double Slash]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Rabi has landed a critical strike.


    Rabi has landed a damaging blow on Atilla.


    Rabi has landed a damaging blow on Atilla.


    /Gemini: Wind: Get ready for another summons; he''s at sixty percent!


    The strikes against the outside of the Iron Door grew louder, as the fight continued. Atilla stayed close to the stage; whenever Rabi or Wind took damage, they would drop back long enough for Mimi to heal them.


    /Gemini: Mimi: No, respawn?


    /Gemini: Rabi: Stupid witch-man can''t resummon them!


    The rest of the battle was relatively easy. With the first round of fiends trapped outside, Atilla couldn''t summon anymore. Since the group hadn''t left the room, there was no reset.


    [Double Stab][Backstab][Mortal Strike]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Wind has landed a critical strike x2.


    Wind has landed a significant strike.


    Wind has landed a fatal strike.


    Wind has slain Atilla.


    Messaging has been reestablished with the outside.


    Your reputation in Mocai has been raised to Ally.


    Inferno''s reputation in Mocai has increased.


    The House of Tempest''s reputation in Mocai has increased.


    Wind stepped away from the fallen Warlock. "Holy crap... The fuck was that about?"


    "I think I know." Mimi walked toward him, her lean hips swaying with each step. "I''ll take this as my cut, if you don''t mind."


    Atilla''s Gnarled Staff


    Summoning Staff: Legendary


    Description: Summon twelve, tier-one fiends to defend you whenever your health decreases by ten percent. If your fiends survive, you may not summon more. Atilla''s Staff will increase the tier of the surviving fiends as your health approaches zero percent.


    Mimi held her hand out, waiting for Wind to return the staff. "The banging on the outside of the door grew substantially as the fight progressed. It was obvious they were getting stronger."


    Wind handed the staff back to her. "You still managed to hold the door."


    Mimi favored him with a sexy smile, her dark eyes flashing with interest. "I''ve never seen anything like you."


    The Gemini Thief froze like a deer in the headlights. "Well... I..."


    Mimi extended a hand toward him, waiting patiently while Lubo stepped onto her dark palm. "So handsome too."


    The red gecko stood calmly on her hand, his dark eyes watching carefully.


    "A King of few words. Would you like to come with me?" Mimi''s voice purred forth. Her dark lips frowned slightly when Lubo jumped back to Wind''s shoulder.


    /Gemini: Wind: Don''t even think about it. He''s my Spirit Companion.


    /Gemini: Mimi: Fine. Come find me when you get home, Rabi.


    "Take this, and call me if you get in trouble." Mimi handed the heart token to the red gecko, who held it easily.


    /Gemini: Mimi: I''ll play with you again, Wind.


    The Black Water Mage ported out a few moments later, causing Wind to sigh with relief.


    "Great Demon King! Please give Rabi the heart token!" Rabi pleaded shamelessly with the gecko. However, the token was already gone. The tiny demon flopped onto the ground. "I''m filled with jealousy..."


    There was a single black chest sitting in front of the Throne. Wind picked it up and stowed it away. "We''ll split it when we get out of here."


    Rabi shook his head slightly. "Let me have the throne, and you can keep the stupid box!"


    Wind considered the request for a moment. "Fine."


    "Summon me anytime!" Rabi hugged Wind''s legs for a moment and then darted toward the throne. An instant later, they both disappeared.


    Wind stared at the empty stage for a moment, before stroking the gecko''s tummy with the back of his finger. "Good job, Lubo."


    The red gecko stared wordlessly at him, his webbed hands holding Wind''s finger.


    "You some sort of ladies man now?" Wind grinned at the silent Demon King. "Going to inspect you."


    Demon King Lubo


    Description: A tiny gecko-like


    creature, may change colors at will.


    Special Characteristic: Immune to Fire.


    [Attack Rating: None]


    [Defense Rating: None]


    [Special Ability: Mass Hysteria]


    Minions 1/4


    1: Mimicry Zul


    Wind has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Wind: We''re back.


    /Alpha: Nix: About time. Head back to the Thieves Guild, and I''ll open a breach.


    /Alpha: Wind: On it.

 483 The Mayors Journal

    [Quest Completed: Black Harvest]


    [Quest Completed: Destroy the Coven]


    You have been awarded the deed to the Flaming Swan Tavern.


    Inferno has claimed the Witches Sanctum as its own.


    The Witches Sanctum has been upgraded.


    You have been awarded Black Lightning.


    A new Title has been earned: Witch Slayer.


    A Flying Mount has been placed in your inventory.


    "I''ll sort this out once we wrap up Mocai." The dark-haired thief smiled to himself. "A quick peek at the mount won''t hurt."


    Black Lightning


    Flying Transport: Broom Type


    Description: They say that lightning is faster than dragons, but do you dare to use it?


    "The fuck is that?" Wind scowled in disgust at the sleek-looking black broom before exiting the Tavern through the back door. The Gemini Thief summoned his Daiken and headed toward the guild.


    /Alpha: Wind: I''ll be back at the Guild in two minutes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: See ya soon.


    *****************


    [Create Breach: Mocai Thieves Guild: Free Trader City: R \u0026 B Pawnshop]


    Nix waited for their last companion while Semmi studied the blueprint of the Mayor''s Mansion. "We have to be careful here, Chael will bring up track, and I''ve no idea what kind of capabilities an Urban Ranger has. We have to assume they hold some serious advantages while operating within a city."


    Ronnie stole a quick glance at Bali; the tiny ranger hadn''t stopped smiling since Nix first brought up the job. "Chael will assume I''m operating independently since this is the sort of stuff I like to..." Her voice filtered off when the new arrival stepped through the breach.


    "Finally... What took you so... The hell is on your head?" Nix stared at the sharp-looking black horns that were protruding slightly from the sides of Wind''s head. Unlike dragon spawn horns that were closer to the forehead, these had a definite demon look. The Inferno guild leader grinned at his fellow member. "I sense a story."


    Wind nodded, his expression showing only his normal stoic calm. "There was a witch coven in the sewers of Mocai. They summoned a demon and were trying to use it to strengthen themselves. When I spirit bonded with the encircled demon, it changed the bond slightly and caused a mutation in my bloodline."


    Semmi looked up from her hud. "Much nicer than the dragon horns. Wonder what Beta will say?"


    A tiny red gecko crawled out from Wind''s cloak and jumped nimbly to Nix''s shoulder; he almost always made a habit to greet the Inferno Leader. Standing quietly while placing a webbed hand on Nix''s cheek, he didn''t realize he had the room''s attention room.


    Wind nodded, letting a long breath out. "Let''s hope, Beta agrees."


    Nix chuckled at his friend and turned his eyes back toward the plans. "I was talking about Demon King Lubo; they look ridiculous on you."


    Ronnie and Bali had both advanced. The dark archer extended a hand and touched Wind''s horn. "I disagree; gives you a sinister look that matches that expression you always wear."


    Bali nodded in agreement. "Yep. I''m going to put you on my wall with Captain Locas and Nix."


    /Alpha: Nix: We have a new icon on our hud. It''s called Return to Sanctum.


    /Alpha: Wind: There were so many messages when I exited, there wasn''t time to read them all. I do remember something about Inferno claiming the Witch''s Sanctum.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Nice contribution, we should investigate after we do this job. That aside, why does the guild roster list you as Wind Qi?


    /Alpha: Wind: The demon in the circle was Rabi Qi.


    Nix''s grin widened until his face started to hurt. "The demon they summoned was Rabi Qi?"


    Wind nodded. "He''s my new spirit companion.


    The gears started turning in Nix''s head as he formulated a plan. Using Rabi for this mission would work here since Chael wasn''t acquainted with him. "Congrats, Rabi is really strong despite his antics. He also has great thieving skills."


    /Alpha: Wind: Add him in then.


    /Alpha: Nix: Done.


    /Alpha: Semmi: The Mayor''s bedroom is on the northwest corner of the top floor. It has a balcony, so that may be a good entry point.


    /Alpha: Nix: Chael takes his coach from his compound to the Mayor''s Mansion at 0900 every morning. The team returns at 0945 and stays with the stablemaster until the end of the day.


    Ronnie pointed at the only bridge on the route. "He takes the river route to avoid the crowds. We''ll take the team at the bridge while they are in transit back to the stables." The dark archer''s eyes watch Nix; her excitement was obvious. "They''ll be close to the west gate when they cross the bridge, two minutes after that, and we''re outside the gate."


    Semmi dropped her leather armor on the counter and flexed her lean muscles. "Chael will only take the bait if he believes his horses are being stolen."


    Ronni nodded in agreement. "He will since I plan on taking them if he doesn''t pursue."


    [Summons: Wilo]


    A moment later, the buzzing of the Air Elemental''s wings filled the shop. She hovered for a moment before landing next to Ronnie. She immediately spotted Lubo and held out a small hand so that he could join her. "Horns! Demon King?"


    Lubo hopped on her hand and took a seat on her shoulder.


    Ronnie nodded. "You remember Chael?"


    "Chael? Nansu''s Chael?"


    "Keep an eye on him tomorrow morning; make sure you aren''t seen." Ronnie had faith in her companion; the air elemental was the best scout she''d ever seen.


    Wind pointed to the West Gate. "I''ll make sure things at the gate go smoothly. Wouldn''t want the guards to close it on, Ronnie."


    "Risky." Nix shook his head slightly. "Chael''s methodical; once he''s notified of the team''s hijacking, he''s going to start tracking."


    Ronnie reached behind the counter and pulled out a set of two-way mats. "I''ll put one of these rights outside the guard post. Wind can step on it and be back here in a moment."


    Nix stared at the two-way mat; it was definitely the same one she used to abduct him. "That works. Inferno members frequent your Pawnshop so that he won''t think anything of it."


    "Rabi, Semmi, and I drop in on the balcony." Nix glanced up at the blonde officer who was watching her hud. "What''s your lockpick skill at?"


    "Level 3, 45/100." Semmi''s pale face reddened slightly. "There''s nothing to practice on unless I start breaking into houses."


    Nix waved her off. "No worries. Rabi can open anything. When this is done, I''m sending you to the House of Tempest. They have an entire wing dedicated to thief skills."


    "Works for me. The three of us enter the Mayor''s bedroom and find the safe. Do you think the journal will be with the city plans?"


    Nix shook his head. "Maybe, we grab everything in the safe, and then I''ll open a breach out."


    /Inferno: Tai''Qui: Could you meet with me, Nix?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Sure. Let''s meet in the market in five minutes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I''ll review our plan and try to find any holes. Are we staying in town tonight?


    /Alpha: Nix: Wherever you like. Just meet back here at 0700 tomorrow.


    *************


    "Nix!" Tai spotted the Inferno guild leader sampling the food vendor wares that bordered Free Trader City''s southern wall. He wore green armor and was laughing at something an older man had said.


    "That your girl?" The toothless old man took Nix''s money; his wrinkled eyes stared shamelessly at the dragon.


    Nix shook his head slightly. "I wouldn''t dare claim such a thing, Pops. Someone like her could raze this entire city, and none of us could do anything but flee."


    The old man gave him a doubtful look before turning to the next customer in line.


    Tai offered Nix a smile; seeing him eating one of the meat-on-sticks made him seem young. "Going to share?"


    Nix shook his head, noting that the bandanna that Tai wore had changed to a bright green, a color that brought out her warm eyes. "I don''t think you''d appreciate it, it''s dragon!"


    The smile on Tai''s pretty face widened considerably. "That''s not dragon."


    "Pops says it is!" Nix shrugged, "why would he lie?"


    Tai realized he was joking and let it go. She didn''t understand his humor but found that part of him interesting. "I want to talk about Nihlus and Sindi."


    Nix led her over to a row of stone benches that were placed against the city wall. "They exhibiting some of their old abilities?"


    Tai didn''t hide her surprise. "How''d you know that?"


    "Some of Del''s ranger abilities have resurfaced. This is a good thing." Nix waited for her to continue since she obviously wanted to say more.

 484 Demon Disappearance

    Nix nodded in agreement. "You want me to enhance the Titan puppets that Nihlus and Sindi are currently using with the dragon eggs they are encased in. That''s a horrible idea."


    The Earth Dragon pursed her lips slightly; she had expected as much. "I know they are using valuable puppets, but I''d be willing to compensate you."


    "Let''s put aside the fact that they are Titan puppets, and I can no longer access Khalam''Zur to make more. If either of them is in a fatal fight right now, we lose the puppets, but they remain safe in your nursery."


    Tai placed her hand on his, a habit she was prone to doing. "They''d keep the Titan bloodline and would probably develop their human form very quickly."


    Nix frowned at her words. "They could die when we face Khione."


    "I know. This is my request, not theirs. They would possess both the Dragon and Titan bloodline." Tai brought out a small stone token. "If it comes to that, I will add my Khalam''Zur token to your payment. That way, you wouldn''t lose anything."


    "I''ll consider it. In addition to payment, there would be at least two prerequisites. The first would be that we''ve already dealt with Khione. The second would be that they permanently join Inferno."


    Tai leaned closer and kissed his cheek. "You can be very diplomatic when you want to be."


    Nix crossed his eyes at her. "That''s what I keep saying."


    "I''m going to be keeping an eye on the Mayor''s Mansion tomorrow when you guys go in. There''s something odd about it." Tai stood up and opened a breach. "Stop by the nursery when the job is done."


    Nix nodded and waved, well aware that the entire market was staring. The ability to open a Breach was limited to Breach Commanders and Dragons. He caught the eye of the old food vendor who had suddenly turned pale. "Yeah... Remember what I said?"


    ************


    "Hun..." Hyai nudged him gently while using a pillow to shield her eyes from the bright light of the holo that had suddenly appeared over their bed. Fajii and Shae pulled the covers over their head and ignored the hovering dragon.


    "Deidra?" Nix sat up slowly, his eyes focusing on the life-sized image of the Dragon Master. "Something happened?"


    "Yes. Sasi Qi has disappeared from the House of Tempest. Her current status says that she can no longer be reached?"


    "Not be reached? That isn''t good." Nix carefully slid out of bed. "I''ll be there in a few minutes."


    "Thank you." Deidra showed a relieved expression; the House of Tempest was important to Solomon City and to her personally. She closed the direct contact, leaving the ranch bedroom in darkness.


    Nix finished gearing up and glanced toward the bed, where three sets of eyes watched him. "Heroes only on this one, until we figure out what is going on."


    Nix nodded. "I''ll keep you posted. Bring Mina and Raine back from the Great Desert; I don''t like the two of them out there by themselves."


    Shae smiled sleepily. "Of course. Go find Sasi."


    /Inferno: Nix: All available Heroes, report to the Gemini Temple.


    A few minutes later, Nix walked into the Gemini Temple.


    Nix has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Report.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: We''re ready to go, sending you our raid sheet.


    Sharl: Tank


    Donri: DPS


    Darsi: DPS


    Ronnie: DPS


    Del: DPS


    Wind: DPS


    Semmi: DPS


    Pon: DPS


    Nix: DPS: CC


    Jun Li: Off Tank/DPS


    Nezbit: Heals


    Nix nodded to himself, a bit heavy on the DPS, but they could bring in companions to make up for the shortcomings. He noticed Del on the list but didn''t protest since she was a puppet and would be protected in the event of unavoidable death.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m letting you come, Del, but keep in mind that if you get my puppet killed, the next puppet you get will be the pig from the Harvest Fest.


    /Inferno: Del: Noted, and thank you.


    /Inferno: Sharl: We are a bit light on heals.


    /Inferno: Nix: I can summon Shadai once we figure out what we are dealing with.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Eron is en route; he insists on coming.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, that works.


    A few moments later, the small black fox appeared in front of Nix. The Inferno Leader scooped him up and placed it on his shoulder. "Thanks for coming."


    Eron''s soft fur tickled the side of his neck as he yawned sleepily. "You are worthy."


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s go. We''ll make adjustments as we go.


    [Create Breach: Gemini Temple: House of Tempest]


    Nix stepped thru the breach and was nearly bowled over by a hysterical Rabi.


    "Gone! They snatched our Sasi!" The sobbing demon wrapped his arms around Nix''s waist, stopping the Inferno Leader in his tracks.


    A familiar figure placed gentle hands on the tiny demon and eased him away from Nix. Mimi offered Nix a slight smile even though her beautiful face seemed worried. "Diedra and Uta are upstairs in Rabi''s suite. That''s where Sasi was last seen."


    /Inferno: Nix: Semmi, come with me, the rest of you find out what you can down here.


    Nix made his way toward Rabi''s room. To his surprise, Sinfaya was also there when he arrived. "Why are you here?"


    Sinfaya forced a smile; the Inferno Leader made her nervous and was never overly friendly with her. "Deidra asked me to come when she noticed the presence of spatial magic." The dragon gestured toward the Bone Throne that was sitting in the center of Rabi''s room. "It''s centered around this throne."


    Nix stared at the throne for a long moment. "Nice chair. Where did it come from?"


    Uta chose that moment to step from behind Deidra. "Rabi brought it back from Mocai; Sasi was sitting on it when she disappeared."


    /Inferno: Nix: Need you up here, Wind.


    /Inferno: Wind: On my way.


    If Wind was surprised by the presence of the Throne when he entered the room a few minutes later, his face didn''t show it. Rabi had asked for the throne after they killed Atilla. "What''s up?"


    Nix gestured toward the Bone Throne. "This thing seems related to Sasi''s disappearance. What can you tell me about it?"


    "It belonged to Atilla, the boss of the Witch''s Sanctum." Wind considered the throne for a moment before taking an object out of his inventory.


    /Inferno: Wind: Let''s ask him; I''ll link the ring.


    Ring of Graves: Legendary


    Description: Summon up to three enemies you''ve slain to fight on your behalf. Enemy identities may be locked in. The Ring of Graves will permanently store any three of your fallen foes.


    Spirits: 1/3


    1: Atilla


    /Inferno: Pon: Damn, you''ve been holding out on us.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Wear that when we kick Khione''s ass, and you''ll be the next Overlord.


    /Inferno: Wind: I didn''t think of that; thanks for the heads up.


    Nix gestured toward a large empty space in the room. "Let''s have him. He should know something about what''s going on."


    Wind nodded and equipped the ring.


    [Summons: Atilla]


    A pale figure appeared in the room an instant later. His skinny body was covered in tattoos, and dark antlers protruded from either side of his head. He looked exactly the same as Wind remembered, except for the silver collar around his neck.


    Atilla scowled noticeably, his hand going to the collar around his neck while the other hand held a gnarled staff. He bowed his head toward Wind. "How may I serve you?"


    Wind ignored the malice in the Warlock''s eye''s and grabbed one of his antlers. "One of our friends disappeared while investigating this throne. Tell us why!"


    Atilla grimaced when his head was forced to one side, but he did nothing to rebel. "If someone not of ''the blood'' sits on the throne. They would be taken to the Bone Fortress."


    /Inferno: Nix: This bastard''s a witch?


    /Inferno: Wind: Yep. Weak against flames too.


    /Inferno: Nix: Perfect.


    Bright Emerald flames enveloped Nix, instantly heating up the room. Atilla''s black eyes stared at the Inferno Leader as he instinctively pulled back from the flames.


    "Listen, Shithead. I''m about to motivate you if you don''t explain everything in detail. I''ll start by burning off those branches that are sticking out of your ugly mug."


    Atilla panicked and stepped behind Wind, his pasty body instantly breaking into a sweat. "The Bone Fortress belongs to the Undead! Although by now, they should have been defeated."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Undead? Keep him talking. Ronnie, can you look up the Bone Fortress for us?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Accessing my remote interface now. I was hoping you could give me a bit more, but keep feeding me information through the guild chat.


    Nix let his flames go and stepped around Wind. "Continue."


    "The Bone Fortress resides on an isolated Seed World. It is the Undead''s ancestral home; several decades ago, they were invaded by the forces of the Ice Witch. She who leads all Covens."


    Nix smiled at Semmi; he could almost see the gears turning in her head.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Reference Seed World, Bone Fortress, and Ice Witch.


    /Inferno: Pon: Ice Witch? Would that be Khione?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Maybe, but not necessarily.

 485 New Recruits

    "You can''t. No one else may use the Bone Throne until the person who transported leaves or dies." Atilla''s dark eyes stared longingly at his throne. "Since it is currently inactive, the traveler must still be alive."


    Two flame strands shot out from Nix''s hand, each wrapping around a black antler before Atilla was yanked into the air. "If there is no way to get her back, then I will vent on you for a while."


    "The Coven!" Atilla''s voice raised to a high pitched scream until the strands released him to fall heavily onto the floor. "He has the key and may send reinforcements!"


    Wind grinned when the Warlock pointed at him. "I do?" The Gemini Thief knelt on the floor and took out a black chest. "Didn''t have time to look at the loot yet."


    Key of Solomon: Unique [Inactive]


    Description: Enables the holder to send reinforcements to battle the undead at the Bone Fortress.


    Caution: [Undiscovered Result]


    Black Cat Scroll: Familiar [Unbound]


    Description: This black cat can be difficult under the best of circumstances. The extent of her abilities is unknown.


    Black Dagger: [Unknown Rating].


    Description: Plunge this dagger directly into the heart of your enemy, and they will never return. You may only use this once.


    Cloak of Shadows: [Witch Slayer Only]


    Description: Instantly move between shadows; line of sight only.


    Witch Token: Hidden Class [Unidentified]


    Description: Set this token on any temple''s altar to add a random Witch Class to the Temple''s job list.


    Semmi whistled softly while she linked everything to guild chat.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What kind of classes do Witches have?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Never even heard of them.


    Wind grinned while examining his loot. "It''s good! What does this mean? Undiscovered Result?"


    Atilla shook his head slightly. "I do not know; it never said that before. We use to send reinforcements regularly, but it has been nearly a year since the fire was lit."


    "What fire shithead?" Nix scowled at Atilla; his patience for vague answers was running thin.


    "There is an eternal flame in the center pentacle of the Coven. It turns black when they want reinforcements, we can send up to thirteen at a time."


    /Inferno: Nix: Suggestions?


    /Inferno: Pon: Let''s light this idiot''s feet on fire. He knows more than he''s saying.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We need to relocate to the Coven.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sasi was sent recently, we should hurry.


    /Inferno: Nix: Agreed. She is resourceful, but I''m worried. We''ll head to Mocai.


    By the time they arrived at the Coven entrance a short while later, Ronnie had found a brief description of the Bone Fortress and linked it into Guild Chat.


    [Ronnie''s Library]


    The Bone Fortress is the last vestige of Undead within Colonial. They have been tirelessly battling the Ice Witch for many decades. Although their origins are unknown, unlike the denizens of ice, the undead numbers are limited. Slowly but surely, the army of the Undead is being defeated by the forces of Ice. When the last undead soldier of the Bone Fortress is slain, the Seed World will become part of the Ice Witch''s domain.


    Wind shook his head in wonder as he took in all the changes that had occurred within the Sanctum. The hallways'' maze had disappeared into a single square hallway that housed an enormous round chamber at the center. There were dorm-type bedrooms, a large kitchen, and common area big enough for a small force to live quite comfortably. Two spacious bath chambers finished it off.


    /Inferno: Pon: The hell is this? You setting up some kind of Harem nest?


    /Inferno: Wind: It looked nothing like this when I was here yesterday.


    Nix approached the flame at the center of the circular room. There were small pentacles drawn on floor near the outside wall, thirteen of them in all. "You said the fire turns black when they need reinforcements? How do we transport?"


    Atilla pointed at the thirteen circles. "We''ve never done it without the black flame, our people would each stand inside of a circle, and then the key of Solomon would be activated.


    /Inferno: Nix: Everyone step into a circle, unsummon that clown before we try this. We''ll take Mimi and Rabi with us.


    Nix stepped onto the first pentacle, the flame in the center of the room immediately turned green; when Pon stepped into the next one, it flared even brighter. However, when the third person stepped up, the flame died out completely. There were no further changes as the raid members took their place on the rest of the pentacles.


    Wind shook his head slightly. "No luck, boss. The key switched to Active when you and Pon were the only ones, but after that, it was deactivated."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s check something. Everyone off the circles except for Junie and me.


    Wind waited a few seconds before nodding. "Active again. Looks like we can only send two people through."


    The old fire mage clapped his hands together. Since it was undead and Ice creatures, the two fire users were the obvious choice.


    /Inferno: Nix: Quit looking so happy old bastard. It''s you and me; we''ll head in and then figure things out from there.


    /Inferno: Semmi: You will probably lose contact, so work fast and look for a way to bring more of us.


    /Inferno: Nix: Understood.


    Nix and Pon stepped onto the two nearest pentacles; both mages were obviously pleased with the choices.


    /Inferno: Nix: Time to burn shit, do it.


    Wind activated the Key, and flames flared up on the two pentacles. When the flames burned out a moment later, both mages were gone.


    /Inferno: Wind: Shit. Not good.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What?


    /Inferno: Wind: The key changed.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Link it.


    Key of Solomon: Unique [Inactive]


    Description: Enables the holder to send reinforcements to battle the undead at the Bone Fortress.


    Caution: If the black flames aren''t present, and the soldiers aren''t of the blood; the reinforcements will be sent to the Undead side.


    ****************


    [Guild and personal messaging have been disabled. You may not activate any portal skills or abilities. No companions may be summoned at this time.]


    All Class and Crafting skills are temporarily hidden.


    You have a new class.


    You have a new rank.


    Pon landed face down on the rocks; a moment later, someone crashed onto his back. "Damn... get off me, punk bastard!"


    "Heh... Thanks for breaking my fa..." Nix stared at the person beneath him. "Pon?"


    "The fuck else would I be, jackass?" Pon crawled from under him, scowling until they came face to face. "Nix?"


    The skeleton nodded. "Fraid so."


    "Holy crap." Pon looked down at himself; he carried a single staff with no other gear. His fire seed was clearly visible within the stark-white bones of his ribcage. "Bet I know what that caution said."


    Nix frowned and examined his own gear; unlike Pon, he carried only a sword hilt.


    Nix has joined Skelly.


    /Skelly: Nix: Funny... Link your stats.


    /Skelly: Pon: Sure.


    Nix


    Race: Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Spellsword


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Pon


    Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Fire Mage


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Nix could see his own emerald fire seed glowing brightly in his chest, so he knew he could still use some sort of fire magic. "Let''s see if we can..."


    Welcome to the Bone Fortress, new recruits. Your fellow undead welcome you! If you bring up your hud map, you can find the territory that your faction currently holds. The ground you are standing on will remain neutral for the next hour.


    Nix read the message that scrolled across his hud and quickly brought up the map. "Crap... Tell me we are the red guys."


    Skelly Pon shook his skull. "Doesn''t look like it."


    The map showed a large island that was colored entirely in red, the Ice Invaders'' faction.


    /Skelly: Nix: Looks like we stepped into a butt-kicking.


    /Skelly: Pon: Wouldn''t be the first time. There''s a single spot of black on the southern tip of this island. Fuck... look at the count.


    Ice Faction:13,340


    Undead Faction: 5


    Nix closed his hud and started checking out the surrounding terrain. It looked like a deep forest that had been suddenly snap-frozen; ice covered the trees, brush, and trails. As far as they could see, everything was white. "Let''s head toward that spot on the map."


    /Skelly: Pon: Think that five undead include us?


    /Skelly: Nix: Probably, let''s hope Sasi is one of them.


    Nix pushed emerald flame into the sword hilt, before clicking his teeth together. "Let''s get moving before the neutral ground timer expires."


    Pon nodded and trotted after the first skeleton as it ran southward.


    /Skelly: Pon: Hey, what did the skeleton say before serving dinner?


    /Skelly: Nix: Bone Appetit.


    /Skelly: Pon: Bastard.

 486 Cave of Bones

    /Skelly: Pon: They''re everywhere.


    /Skelly: Nix: Thanks for the update, Captain Obvious.


    Emerald strands shot out of Nix''s hands and lifted three of the Ice Soldiers into the air, while his blade flashed out and removed the head of a fourth. The three airbound soldiers were then slammed headfirst onto the icy path before being discarded.


    /Skelly: Pon: How many kills?


    /Skelly: Nix: Nineteen. You?


    /Skelly: Pon: Twenty-one.


    /Skelly: Nix: Let''s keep moving.


    The boned feet of the two skeleton crunched loudly on the winding ice path; in the distance, they could make out several more Ice soldiers grouped together. All of the Ice Soldiers they had met so far were common melee fighters, with medium armor and Ice weapons. Most of them were male, although a few were women.


    /Skelly: Nix: Fighting up ahead! Run faster, old man.


    Nix accelerated down the path, slipping slightly as they started heading uphill. A single smaller skeleton dodged and jumped between soldiers in the distance, two sharp daggers flashing out to strike at the enemy. Even from a hundred meters away, he could see two tiny horns and a tail.


    After dispatching the group''s last, the smaller skeleton scanned the landscape, instantly spotting her approaching allies. "SKELLIES!" The tiny skeleton waved happily at them, motioning for them to hurry.


    /Skelly: Nix: Arrows!


    Flames roared out from the Fire mage''s bone hands, creating an umbrella of heat over their heads. The Ice arrows melting harmlessly, but three larger soldiers moved forward to block their path.


    Nix moved around the spear thrust, his bone fingers puncturing the fighter''s throat before picking him up and slamming him on the ground.


    /Skelly: Pon: Down!


    Nix flattened out and rolled his target on top of him just as the flames roared around them, drowning out the screams of the last two enemies. Nix kicked free of the charred corpse and rolled to his feet. "Sasi?"


    The approaching skeleton skidded to a stop, her horned skull tilting sideways. "Sasi is me! Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Found you."


    Sasi leaped toward him, her arms wrapping around him while she hugged him tightly. "Is this Sasi''s rescue?"


    "Yep, me and Pon are the only ones for now." Nix gestured toward the skeleton mage, who was picking through the loot. Almost all of the fighters dropped items, but they were generally ice enhanced gear.


    /Skelly: Pon: Got a stealth ring!


    /Skelly: Nix: Awesome.


    Sasi has joined Skelly.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Thanks for coming! Follow Sasi, please.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Come inside, and Sasi will make introductions.


    The stacked rock entrance made walking single file mandatory; sweet warmth accompanied by the smell of smoke welcomed the new arrivals. Sasi led them deeper into the cave where an armored skeleton waited.


    /Skelly: Pon: Shouldn''t there be one more?


    /Skelly: Sasi: Alfie is on top of the cave, acting as the look-out.


    Sasi stopped in front of the skeleton and bowed respectfully. "These are the two recruits; both of them have come here looking for me. They are both strong."


    The skeleton''s armor was black; Nix spotted a shield and longsword leaning against the nearby wall.


    "I am Edi; thank you for coming." The armored skeleton bowed her head slightly. "Both of you are fire users?"


    Nix nodded. "In this form, I seem to be more melee oriented, at least for now. What''s going on here?"


    Edi smiled at Sasi; she was obviously prepared to explain everything. She brought up her hud map, eyes made from black flames stared at the numbers. "Sasi just killed four more, so the two of you accounted for forty-three this morning?"


    Nix nodded. "Twenty for me and twenty-three for the old bastard."


    "13,292 left!" Edi clicked her teeth together a few times, giving the impression that she was laughing. "I shall explain everything." She zoomed out on her hud map, enlarging it until it took up a large part of the cave. When she did, dozens of smaller sections became visible. "Sixteen Burroughs are surrounding the Ice Fortress. Each of these Burroughs is further divided into precincts. We are currently holding down a small section of the Sandcrab Precinct in the Xander Burrough."


    Nix waited while she zoomed in on their location. The Sandcrab Precinct was divided into much smaller sections. "How long have you been here?"


    "I was one of the last to arrive; that was twenty-seven years ago. We lost the Bone Fortress shortly before my arrival. My mission was to recapture the fort and turn this fight around. As you can see, I am a miserable failure."


    Nix shrugged slightly; her tone held no self-pity, only what she believed to be true. "Inferno is here. We don''t know how to fail."


    Pon nodded sagely. "Fucking straight up."


    Nix stared at the map. "You lost the fort nearly thirty years ago, and now you''re down to a small section of one precinct. Could be worse. How have you been managing with two people?"


    Edi pointed to a circle of stone surrounding two dark mounds of dirt. "We cheated. Two years ago, we lost our last graveyard and were nearly wiped out. Our last magic user sacrificed herself and a handful of others to create the sacred ground."


    Nix shared a look with Pon before refocusing on Edi. "Explain the significance of graveyards and this sacred ground."


    Edi pointed to an area on the north side of the Sandcrab precinct. "When you hold more than half of a precinct, you gain control of the graveyard. Our undead will respawn after two days if we have the graveyard. This is how we replenish our troops; the enemy gets theirs from the outside."


    "Yeah... We''ve seen the Sanctum. There must be a few more that we don''t know about." Nix continued to study the map while she spoke.


    "That ring of stones behind us is the sacred ground where Alfie and I are able to respawn. We had to choose two fighters when it was constructed."


    /Skelly: Sasi: Alfie and Edi were the two strongest. They''ve held this patch of land by themselves for nearly three years.


    Nix''s yellow eyes stared at the two mounds. "Respawn time on those?"


    "Four hours." Edi sighed heavily. "There have been many, many close calls where one of us stood at the entrance alone."


    /Skelly: Pon: Shit... These guys are badasses.


    /Skelly: Nix: Agreed.


    Nix glanced toward the entrance when a skeleton stepped inside. He had a bone longbow in one hand; his armor was the same black leather as Edi''s. "Could I see everyone''s stats? I need to see what we are working with."


    A low-growl sounded from Alphie''s skull. "This is not for you to ask! Edi commands here!"


    Edi held up one hand, shaking her head slightly. "I''ve failed Alphie. We both know that. I will step to one side and offer advice. At least temporarily, we will fight under their banner."


    Edith Eidengal


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Dark Knight


    Rank 20


    Kills: 20,323


    Alfred Eidengal


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Dark Archer


    Rank 21


    Kills: 21,101


    Anasasi Qi


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Shadow Thief


    Rank 1


    Kills: 37


    /Skelly: Pon: Shit... That''s a lot of kills.


    /Skelly: Nix: Yeah. Display your stats too.


    Nix


    Race: Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Spellsword


    Rank 1


    Kills: 20


    Pon


    Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Fire Mage


    Rank 1


    Kills: 23


    Edi studied their stats for a moment, before glancing at the archer. "They are both Elites."


    Alfie sat his bow down and moved next to her. "I''m unsure what that means."


    Edi moved toward the back of the cave where a small chest was hidden. She opened it with a key that had been chained around her neck. After removing two scrolls, she locked the box and returned to the group. "Please see if you can use either of these scrolls."


    Pon held out his hand and accepted one.


    Job Scroll: Golem Maker [Active]


    "It says active." Pon looked up at Alphie, who was suddenly clapping his bone hands together. "That''s a yes?"


    Alphie nodded and waited while Nix picked up the other one.


    Job Scroll: Bombadier [Active]


    Nix hid a toothy smile. "This is active also."


    /Skelly: Nix: Your choice, old man. Bomb building or Golem making?


    /Skelly: Pon: Fuck!! Why do I feel like yours is going to be OP?


    /Skelly: Nix: Pick whichever you like...


    The skeleton mage considered the two scrolls before switching scrolls with Nix. "This one!"


    Nix nodded happily and activated the remaining scroll.


    You have learned Basic Golem Making.


    Nix brought up his hud and turned his attention back to the precinct map. "With five of us, we aren''t going to be able to hold enough sections to give us back the graveyard."


    Edi nodded in agreement, her bone finger pointing to an area next to the precinct graveyard. "This is where their Precinct HQ is. Only new recruits are able to cross precinct lines."


    "They can''t get reinforcements from other precincts?" Nix waited until she nodded before continuing. "Tell me everything you can about the rules and the chain of command."

 487 Dragon Thief

    Ronnie sat across from the blonde officer while they both researched the Bone Fortress. As of yet, neither had been able to find any clue to the origin of the Undead. "What about the Mocai quests?"


    Semmi shrugged slightly. "I was told by Fajii and Shae that it would be handled."


    Ronnie glanced at the deployment roster, it was basically a list of the next five people to head into the Bone Fortress. "I should be higher on this damn thing."


    [Sanctum Deployment]


    Nezbit or Eron


    Sharl


    Jun Li


    Donri


    Ronnie


    ****************


    Deidra sat comfortably in the outside seating of the Ventura cafe. Across from her, two members of Inferno were planning the vault heist in the Mayor''s mansion. The dragon was listening while sipping a hot cider.


    "We''ll use the original plan of distracting Chael while Rabi breaks into the vault." The redheaded Salamander was tasked with the distraction, she and Bali were all set to steal the horses.


    Rabi nodded happily from behind the dragon. "Let''s finish this quickly so I can help with finding Sasi."


    Deidra nodded before standing up suddenly. "I agree completely." She walked gracefully into the middle of the street, and then without warning morphed into nearly two hundred feet of teeth and armor.


    "What are you..." Shae''s words filtered off as she was forced to shield her face from the gale winds that resulted from Deidra taking to the air a few meters from them. Screams and shouts filled Free Trader City as the dragon steadily gained altitude and then leveled off.


    /Inferno: Shae: Where are you going?


    /Inferno: Deidra: Meet me back at Nix''s ranch.


    The dragon banked toward the Mayor''s Mansion, flame gusting from her mouth lit the roof on fire before she landed heavily on it. Her impressive jaws opened wide and easily tore through the flames into the structure below. A moment later she was airborne once again, a large square object gripped tightly in one gigantic claw.


    Fajii glanced at Shae before standing up. "Did she just snatch the entire vault?"


    Shae pulled Rabi with her and gripped Fajii''s hand, a moment later all three of them winked out of sight.


    Deidra dropped the vault next to the stable on Nix''s ranch, where it created a fairly large crater. She waited patiently for the trio to catch up.


    /Inferno: Deidra: I''m rather good at thieving. I wish Nix were here to see it.


    /Inferno: Deidra: Of course, I could see everyone in the house. The top floor was completely empty.


    Rabi opened the vault within a few minutes before quickly disappearing inside. A moment later he returned, flashing a fanged smile at Deidra. "I am successful!"


    [Scroll: City Production]


    [Mayor Huelix''s Journal]


    Deidra opened a breach directly in front of them. "I believe the next item is in Ever Flame?"


    ****************


    [Bone Fortress 1400 hours, Enemy forces: 13, 287]


    Pon scowled at the skeleton sitting on the ground across from him. "You did that on purpose, so you could pull ahead."


    The yellow-eyed skelly shook his head, causing his jaw to rattle slightly. "I went outside for some air, these tight spaces are difficult for me."


    "And five of them attacked you right outside?" Pon''s tone told him that he wasn''t buying it.


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    The two of them were studying the map while considering their next move. They had already picked through the loot that Edi and Alfie accumulated during their time here. Although most of it was crap, they did manage to horde a large number of fairly useful accessories.


    Nix pointed at the enemy HQ. "Putting aside the rest of Xander Burrough for now, our first objective is to take the Sandcrab Precinct. Every Burrough has one graveyard, we''re lucky this Burrough''s graveyard resides in our current precinct."


    "It''s not luck," Alphie spoke from the other side of the small fire. Sasi and Edi were out on a scouting patrol while the archer rested. "When we began to lose ground, Edi planned a careful retreat in the hopes that we could start to move forward at some time in the future."


    /Skelly: Pon: Smart.


    Nix turned his attention back to the map. "If we successfully take back the Sandcrab graveyard, how long before they can attack us again?"


    "They can''t cross Precinct borders until all of Sandcrab falls into our hands. Once that happens, any bordering precinct can attack us." Alphie leaned back against the cave wall, the tips of his bone feet were nearly in the fire. "However, the Faction territory is updated every quarter-day."


    "If we plan it right, that will give us nearly six additional hours before we''re attacked after taking the precinct. As the southern-most precinct, only two precincts border us." Nix muttered a curse under his breath. The Burrough graveyard would reinforce them by a few thousand. "There is a choke-point here." Nix pointed to the center of the Sandcrab Precinct map. "Once we take the graveyard and these four smaller sections, we''ll have enough of the precinct get the reinforcements."


    Pon turned his attention back to the helmet that he was converting into a small basic bomb. A pile of rifle bullets that he disassembled was all that he needed to start the process. They currently had no gun-users but at one time the undead had an entire company of them.


    /Skelly: Nix: Edi says there are thousands of bullets buried around here. What''s your crafting skill at?


    /Skelly: Pon: Only 14, when I get to twenty I can learn a small grenade.


    /Skelly: Nix: Keep at it, I''ll start crafting golems once I figure out our battle plan.


    /Skelly: Sasi: We''re back, approaching the entrance now.


    A few minutes later the group of five talked over the fire while Nix presented the first phase of his plan.


    "Taking over the majority of the Sandcrab Precinct is our first objective." Nix brought up his hud map and pointed to the choke-point he marked earlier. "We''ll have to hold them here with just the five of us for two days."


    Alphie stared at the choke point. "How many people does the Ice Faction have in the Sandcrab Precinct?"


    Edi shrugged her boney shoulders. "Hard to say exactly, perhaps less than five hundred."


    "Not bad... That number is not bad." Nix glanced at the three helm explosives that Pon had managed to create. "Why aren''t they getting outside reinforcements?"


    "Could it be because Wind took the Sanctum?" Pon held his hands over the fire, more out of habit than anything else. He was never cold.


    Nix shook his skull. "That only happened recently. When was the last time the Ice Faction number changed?"


    "It used to happen regularly, but there has been no change to their numbers for a few weeks." Edi stared at the Inferno Leader. "We were no longer a threat, and more numbers would be useless."


    Nix felt he was missing something obvious, someone like Semmi would have figured everything out already. "Why are more numbers useless?"


    "They can''t direct fighters from other precincts into a precinct that is currently being fought over. Only new recruits can be sent into the Sandcrab Precinct. If we start to push them back, you can be assured that they will bring recruits in." Edi unequipped her armor and sat it against the wall. Neither of the Inferno members seemed daunted by the task at hand.


    Nix closed his hud with a quick gesture. "They''ll reinforce the two bordering precincts once their numbers here start to drop."


    Edi clicked her teeth together with a loud snap. "Definitely, since we''ll have to fight on two fronts, they will stack numbers in both before they become a battleground. If we can hold the majority of Sandcrab until our reinforcements arrive, that advantage will disappear as soon as we claim the rest of it."


    Nix could see a clear path to gaining Sandcrab. "Tonight we''ll take prisoners, I''d be happy with eight or ten."


    "What for?" Alfie''s only real joy came from sniping members of the Ice Faction. "We''ve never taken prisoners before. Neither do they."


    Nix would have been smiling had he still possessed lips. "Eventually all of Sandcrab will fall to us. Once that happens we''ll take time to fortify our positions in order to battle on two fronts."


    Sasi clapped her bone hands together. "As long as our prisoners are alive, the precinct borders cannot be crossed except for new recruits!"


    Nix nodded slightly. "That''s what I''m hoping, keep them alive long enough to prepare properly."


    Edi stared at the Inferno Leader. "That could work, but we''ll need somewhere to keep them."

 488 Bone Prison

    /Skelly: Pon: Why are Skeletons so calm?


    /Skelly: Nix: Cuz nothing gets under our skin.


    /Skelly: Pon: Heh... Why don''t Skeletons like spicy food?


    /Skelly: Nix: We don''t have the stomach for it.


    /Skelly: Pon: Damn you!


    Nix slowly sunk deeper into the rock, after several meters he started moving horizontally. "Oi... There''s an underground spring down here."


    Pon''s skeleton face peeked over the edge of the glowing crater. "That going to be a problem?"


    "Nope, just saying. Once I hollow out enough space for a prison, I''ll use my flame blades to make a wall ladder up the side." Nix glanced around the molten room, the excess lava was flowing slowly into the pocket of water with a steady hiss. He made a rough square 6x6 meters and then created a basin for the water to funnel through. When he finished the drain was smaller than his hand.


    Alfie sat near the entrance of the cave with Sasi and Edi, the heat from the interior of the cave had become too uncomfortable for anyone not versed in fire. "Are those two always like that?"


    Sasi nodded. "Nix is for sure, I''ve only met Pon a few times. No one is stupid enough to mess with either of them." The demon skeleton scanned the perimeter, she missed her family; they almost always did their missions together. "Maybe my brother will come soon."


    Edi glanced at Alfie but didn''t say anything. They sat in silence for nearly an hour before Nix and Pon exited together. Nix put his hilt away and took a seat next to Sasi, almost immediately the tiny demon jumped onto his lap.


    "All done?" Sasi''s fanged expression would definitely have been a big smile if she still had her lips.


    Nix nodded and patted her smooth skull. "Going to start crafting, the cave should cool down fairly quickly."


    Pon sat next to Alfie, facing outward. "Melted those rocks together that were stacked near the entrance, single file entry from now on."


    Nix nudged Sasi off of him and began scooping up the dark covered mud from nearby. "There are sixteen Burroughs with multiple precincts in each one. Each Burrough has its own graveyard. Through careful planning, we''ll get reinforcements from the Sandcrab precinct once we take over a few more sections."


    Edi watched him while he worked, he spilled a handful of empty rifle shell casings onto the ground beside him. "Is there a question in there?"


    Welcome to the [Golem Maker Interface] Current Crafting Level:1


    [Basic Golem]=[Composite][Bond Type][Elemental Source]


    Composite: This refers to the material the golem is composed of. [Basic Golem] requires Rock, Wood, or Ice.


    Bond Type: This refers to the material that glues the composite together. [Basic Golem] requires Twine, Clay, or Sap.


    Elemental Source: This is the driving energy that powers the golem. [Basic Golem] requires Fire, Water, or Ice.


    Nix stood and searched the immediate area for fist-sized rocks. After gathering a few dozen he sat back down. "Let''s see... Three rocks for each leg, two for the torso, three for the arms and one for the head; that means fifteen altogether."


    [Craft Queue: Basic Golem][Composite: 15 Rocks: Granite]


    Nix got up again and found several large chunks of ice, melting them into the dirt he started forming round balls of mud.


    [Craft Queue: Basic Golem][Composite: 15 Rocks: Granite][Bond: Clay: Black Silt Base]


    "Good... That''s good." Nix picked up one of the empty rifle shell casings that he had dumped on the ground. His hand glowed with emerald flames for a few moments before he placed the casing in the queue.


    [Craft Queue: Basic Golem][Composite: 15 Rocks: Granite][Bond: Clay: Black Silt Base][Elemental Source: Superheated Steel Core]


    [Do you wish to craft a Basic Golem?]


    Nix nodded to himself. "Yes."


    Golem Making has risen to 2.


    Nix grinned at the knee-high stone golem. It only had two commands, move forward and move backward. It took three shaky steps before collapsing and falling apart. "Not bad... I need more material." He looked up to see his four companions watching him."


    Pon gave him a thumbs up. "That was actually pretty awesome."


    Nix shot him a grin and jumped up. "I''ll gather a bunch more stuff, so I can put a long queue together."


    Six hours later, Nix was forced to move inside because of the growing darkness. He had worked tirelessly and managed to raise his crafting level to 20. The next project on his hud called for items needed to make an Intermediate Golem.


    Nix sat by the fire while studying his hud. Alfie was out on patrol, once he returned the Spellsword would do his first scouting.


    [Intermediate Golem]=[Composite][Bond Type][Elemental Source]


    Fortunately, you could make an Intermediate Golems using the same components as a basic, the result would use more materials and create a more streamlined version. The drawback was that using basic materials wouldn''t improve your crafting skill. Because of the lack of general materials, Nix decided to mix and match as best he could. He melted down several pieces of armor and gathered several small accessories that possessed minor elemental enhancements. Luckily, ice enchanted rings were the most common drop from the enemy.


    [Craft Queue: Intermediate Golem][Composite: 4 Steel Bars][Bond: Clay: Black Silt Base][Elemental Source: Ice Enchanted Ring]


    [Queue 30 Intermediate Golems?]


    "Yes." Nix glanced up when Alfie entered the cave. "How''d it go?"


    Alfie shrugged slightly. "No kills, they seem to be hiding from me today." He tossed Nix the stealth ring that he used since the group only had three; Sasi didn''t need one. "Be careful."


    Nix caught the ring and slipped it on. "Sure."


    "Take three of these!" Pon carefully handed him three basic grenades. "Works just like it should, pull the pin and release the plunger. Three seconds later shit is gonna blow up, haven''t had the chance to test their strength. These won''t be very strong."


    Nix placed them in his inventory. "Keep at it, I have a plan to combine our efforts."


    /Skelly: Pon: I''m on it. Go kill some shit.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Careful Nix!


    /Skelly: Nix: Hold down the fort.


    Nix picked through the miscellaneous armor stacked against the wall and found some boots and leather armor. "Good enough." He stepped into the darkness a few moments later and activated his stealth. Unfortunately, cold boots and icy paths weren''t conducive to silent walking.


    /Skelly: Nix: I''d give anything for my fucking sound suppression camo.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Walk on your tiptoes, it helps a bit.


    /Skelly: Nix: I''m gonna steal a pair of better shoes.


    Nix dropped stealth ten minutes later when a three-man patrol stepped onto his path. His emerald strands lit up the night as they wrapped around the necks of his enemies. Instead of using his sword, he slammed them onto the ice multiple times until their bodies were like ragdolls. After releasing them he searched the corpses, two ice-enhanced rings, and pair of black leather gloves. He slipped the black gloves over his bone hands and continued on his way.


    Two hours later, after dispatching two more patrols, Nix knelt on a ridge overlooking the Ice Invader HQ. After spending several minutes studying the routes of the camp patrolling guards, he moved directly into their path and then fell in step behind them when they walked by. The perimeter patrols were done in pairs, the two that Nix trailed were more content with chatting than actually keeping an eye out. He stayed with them until they walked close to the center of the camp.


    Nix waited next to the entrance of the tent while studying the area''s layout. A burly looking guard stood directly in front of the commander''s doorway.


    /Skelly: Nix: So close, where''s my luck tonight.


    /Skelly: Sasi: You okay?


    /Skelly: Nix: Yes.


    "Want some?" A voice called out from the campfire, a few meters from the guard Nix was watching. The camp cook was gathering up the remains of the pot that had been hanging over the flames. "Otherwise it''s going to the dogs."


    The guard nodded and trotted toward the fire, without pausing Nix slipped quickly into the tent. A figure rose up in front of him, he struck out with his fist and then tackled the person to the ground. After a brief struggle, his arm choked the person unconscious. Nix quickly patted down the commander and then relieved him of his life by pushing his emerald blade into the base of the skull. The moment he did, a loud wailing filled the air.


    ****************


    Wind finished off the last of his dinner and leaned back in his chair. Getting Hyai to cook for them was the best idea Semmi had ever come up with. "That was good! Thank y..." He interrupted himself when a glance at the Key showed that it was active. "NEZ! SHARL!"


    Two women rushed into the room an instant later and stepped onto the first two pentacles.


    Wind watched the key go inactive and cursed loudly. "Step off Sharl!"


    "FUCK!" Sharl stepped out of her circle, her eyes watching as Nezbit disappeared from sight.


    /Inferno: Wind: The key went active, we were only able to send one.

 489 Undead Cleric

    All Class and Crafting skills are temporarily hidden.


    You have a new class.


    You have a new rank.


    Nezbit pushed her way out of a snowbank, the first thing she saw was her bone-white hand silhouetted against the night sky. "Oh... I''m ..." Standing up completely, she verified her status.


    Nezbit Blue-Sky


    Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Unholy Cleric


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Welcome to the Bone Fortress, new recruits. Your fellow undead welcome you! If you bring up your hud map, you can find the territory that your faction currently holds. The ground you are standing on will remain neutral for the next hour.


    Nez brought up her hud, kneeling behind the snowbank to try and block the light from anyone watching. "Six people? Hopefully, that''s them." It was then that she noticed her only piece of gear was a silver mace. "Crap, I''m a nakey butt." The cleric closed her hud and then broke into an easy trot.


    /Alpha: Nez: Anyone here?


    /Bravo: Nez: Nix? Shit... I should have let Bulo eat you!


    She ran southward, her bone feet crunchy loudly on the icy path. A moment later she skidded to a stop when three loud explosions went off in the distance. It was slightly off course from her objective, but she made an adjustment and headed towards the disturbance. "That has got to be the boss!"


    ************


    The skeleton lit up the center of camp with its emerald aura. Three of the large tents were in flames while it directly attacked everything that moved. A half dozen emerald strands floated around him, while his blade crackled and hissed in the frigid air. "No need to lose your head!" Nix ducked under the commander''s personal guard and sliced through the back of his neck with an easy swipe of his blade. A sudden blow on his side spun him around. The blast gunfire reverberated in his skull and he slashed through one of the burning tents before diving inside.


    Nix crawled the length of the tent, originally he thought it was lodging but he had been mistaken. It was filled with several wooden crates of ammo. "Hello, beautiful." The sounds of bullets passing through the tent increased, to the point where it felt like a firing squad.


    "KEEP FIRING!" The camp sub-commander had finally arrived on the scene, she moved all of her riflemen into the center and waited. "Half of you take cover and face outward, he might have backup outside of camp!"


    An instant later, the night sky lit up like mid-day. The center of the camp disappeared in a brilliant flash of destruction as the sub-commander was thrown into the sky like a wayward kite.


    You have been received the Blessing of the Undead.


    Nezbit has cast Dark Crusader on you.


    Your wounds have been healed.


    "Found ya." A skeleton waved from behind a pile of burning rubble.


    Nezbit has joined Skelly.


    /Skelly: Nix: You are fucking beautiful, Nez!


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Sweet words! Let''s get out of here, then we can talk!


    Nix nodded and stumbled toward her, he slipped his stealth ring off and placed it in her hands. "Stealth up and run like hell, I''ll lead the way!"


    Nez nodded and eased around a moaning body, she raised her mace to finish her off, but was stopped by Nix. She frowned when he picked up the wounded soldier.


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Can you run and carry that person?


    /Skelly: Nix: You bet your sweet ass.


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Normally my ass is pretty amazing, but I seemed to have slimmed down a bit.


    /Skelly: Nix: Heh... Looks good on you.


    Instead of taking the direct route, Nix headed north and then circled around the burning camp. Eventually, he retraced the steps to the route he had taken earlier in the evening.


    /Skelly: Pon: What the hell are you doing Punk? Getting extra kills while I''m sleeping is bullshit!


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Hey Pon!


    /Skelly: Pon: Reinforcements? How many?


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Just me for now. I''ll explain when I see you.


    ***********


    Edi stared at the number, and then rechecked it. "Ice faction is down to 13,255? Is that right?"


    Alfie rubbed his hands over the fire, before glancing toward the entrance of the cave where Sasi and Pon were waiting. "Thirty-two in one night? When''s the last time that happened?"


    Sasi caught his look and waved. "You two join the Skelly channel!"


    Alfie has joined Skelly.


    Edi has joined Skelly.


    /Skelly: Pon: Where you at, Nix?


    /Skelly: Nix: Two minutes out, we stopped for a beer.


    /Skelly: Pon: Don''t say beer to me right now. I don''t even have a proper mouth to drink it.


    /Skelly: Nezbit: I''m glad you two are okay! Rabi and Semmi asked me to say hello.


    /Skelly: Alfie: Why were we able to get another person? I thought you guys said that only two of you were able to come through.


    /Skelly: Nix: Not sure, I did kill the HQ Commander. That might have something to do with it.


    /Skelly: Edi: The Sandcrab Precinct Commander is dead?


    /Skelly: Nix: Yar! Pretty sure I''m carrying his second in command.


    /Skelly: Pon: You punk bastard! Did you use my grenades? I bet those kills are all mine!


    /Skelly: Nix: The fuck you say... Those cheap things fizzled out, nearly got me killed.


    Edi laughed, despite herself. Shaking her head slightly when two skeletons entered the cave.


    Sasi hugged Nez around her waist, even though they had never met. "Is Rabi okay? Does he miss me terribly?"


    Nez nodded slightly. "A big yes to both of those. I was sharing a meal with both him and Semmi a few hours ago. Semmi says to tell Pon to listen to Nix and Rabi sends his love."


    "What?" Pon mumbled a curse. "I bet you got those backward. Semmi sends her love and Rabi is supposed to listen to Nix."


    "Hmm... I suppose that could be true." Nez winked at the fire mage before turning her attention back to Nix. "We have a deployment roster in place, the next person through will be Sharl."


    /Skelly: Pon: Sharl? That''s a great choice.


    /Skelly: Nix: Agreed.


    /Skelly: Alfie: Who is Sharl?


    /Skelly: Pon: She''s a badass.


    After getting briefed on recent Inferno events, Nix carried the prisoner down to the containment area and waited while Nez patched her up.


    /Skelly: Pon: How are we going to stop the prisoner from accessing her hud? Tie her up? Or blindfold?


    /Skell: Edi: I can do it. As the faction commander, I will change her status to POW. That will disable her hud functions.


    /Skelly: Nix: Will the Ice Faction know she is a POW?


    /Skelly: Edi: No. She''ll remain an active part of their roster until she dies.


    /Skelly: Pon: Tomorrow I''ll melt down some armor and make a barred hatch for the containment area. That way we''ll be able to secure them without keeping watch.


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Them? Do you have more than one?


    /Skelly: Pon: Not yet, but we plan to grab a few more.


    After talking for nearly an hour, the group turned in while Sasi took her turn on watch. The demon skeleton woke them shortly after sunrise.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Come outside!


    /Skelly: Edi: What''s wrong?


    /Skelly Sasi: Green stuff!


    Nix was the first to exit the cave, immediately he noticed the warm breeze pushing at his face. At the base of the trail leading toward the cave, he could see bits of green bushes. "That wasn''t like this last night!"


    Edi brought up her hud and studied the map. "They pulled back from the two closest sections. Our territory has expanded because of it."


    Alfie climbed onto a large boulder and scanned the distant horizon. "Why would they do that? There are only six of us."


    /Skelly: Pon: Cuz they are scared. Damn, I so pissed! You should have brought me with you, Nix!


    /Skelly: Nix: I was only scouting. It just sort of happened.


    /Skelly: Alfie: I approve. They are definitely reinforcing the graveyard guard.


    /Skelly: Nix: I have a plan for that. Since they pulled back, we have two sections? Give us four days and the graveyard will be ours again.


    /Skelly: Pon: Now we''re talking, spill it!

 490 Blinky

    /Skelly: Pon: Doing okay, Nez?


    /Skelly: I''m bone tired.


    Nix laughed from behind several dozen advanced golems. Although they were called advanced, he suspected that much more was possible since his crafting skill was only at 51/500. He spent the day working alongside Pon who was at a similar level.


    /Skelly: Nix: I feel ya, working my fingers to the bone here.


    /Skelly: Nez: Actually it''s very easy, cutting wood has never been so simple. This isn''t a crafting skill though, just an ordinary job. I''m already at 77.


    /Skelly: Nix: Still pretty handy. Save any of the hardwoods you find, and mark the sappy trees.


    /Skelly: Nez: There''s actually quite a bit of sap trees, kinda reminds me of the maple trees back home. Ya know, if maple threes were three feet in diameter and three hundred feet tall.


    /Skelly: Nix: We''ll try tapping some, later I''ll make a proper spigot.


    /Skelly: Pon: Can''t eat or drink while we skeletons.


    /Skelly: Nix: Yeah. I''m going to use the sap as a bonding agent.


    Hundreds of deadfalls littered the ground in the two sections that the Skelly faction now controlled. Edi, Alfie and Nez were busy clearing it out the obstructions, there were too many areas that could be used to approach their camp.


    /Skelly: Sasi: All clear, Nix! They''ve posted guards within visual range of the two sections they evacuated. The guards have some sort of beast with them, they can smell Sasi!


    /Skelly: Nix: Smell but not see?


    /Skelly: Sasi: Yes, when they were downwind, the beasties reacted to me, but when the wind changed directions my presence was ignored.


    /Skelly: Nix: Noted. We''re vulnerable to stealth measures.


    /Skelly: Edi: Alfie possesses Truesight, no one is sneaking up on us.


    The group worked until the end of the day and reconvened in front of the cave where Pon had started a large fire. They were all staring at products that the two fire users spent the day working on.


    Nezbit picked up one of the two-feet tall golems. It had the general appearance of a person, with feet, hands, and head. Its back was somewhat hunched and there was a peculiar object sticking out of it. "Why does it seem hunched over?"


    Pon held out one of his advanced [Fusers]. It was the size of a softball, with a nine-second fuse attached. "He used one of these as the power core, that''s the fuse sticking out of its back."


    Nix smiled and nodded. "We are calling them [Inferno Golems]. They can be directed to a specific point using our huds. The range is about 800 meters. We made forty-two of these bad boys."


    /Skelly: Edi: When will you use them?


    /Skelly: Nix: Tonight and then every night after that. Why let our enemy sleep?


    /Skelly: Pon: This shit is awesome.


    Edi zoomed her hud map to focus on the Sandcrab Precinct. It had nine sections, and the Burrough''s only graveyard. "With their superior numbers, they should try and overrun us or at least challenge us more directly."


    Nix nodded slightly. "The two of you were dug in, they obviously lost their taste for a frontal assault."


    Pon cackled from the far side of the campfire. "Taking down twenty thousand of them over thirty years can do that."


    A few hours later, shortly after dark, Pon and Nix stood together on a ridge within visual range of the enemy camp. Two dozen golems had followed behind them and were awaiting further instructions. Alfie and Sasi were scouting nearby while Edi remained behind with Nez to question the prisoner.


    Nix studied his hud and picked a point in the center of the supply tent.


    [Delayed Command: Advance to grid point 166.935: Wait 90 Seconds]


    Immediately six golems moved forward several steps and assumed a tighter formation.


    /Skelly: Pon: Damn, that''s awesome. When should we ignite?


    Pon entered in his group''s commands and then started setting up individual commands for his remaining six. The plan was to destroy the larger tents and then use individual golems to attack smaller groups that formed to either put out the fires or defend the camp.


    /Skelly: Nix: At the camp''s perimeter.


    Nix set up his last six individual golems with advanced commands and then put them on standby. As soon as he keyed a coordinate, they would immediately take off. He was just finishing when both his and Pon''s golems took off at a run.


    /Skelly: Nix: Showtime.


    The two used their huds to track the golems since the small, dark figures were too difficult to see at night.


    /Skelly: Pon: Now?


    /Skelly: Nix: Yep, Ignite them!


    Nix couldn''t see the burning fuses, but his hud was linked directly into the crafting interface and tracked all golem activities, including the countdown.


    /Skelly: Nix: A tad early, I suppose.


    Two separate groups of golems entered the target areas and stopped. There were a few seconds of confused shouts before two giant plumes of orange flame flashed outward. Nix felt the power of the explosions through the ground.


    /Skelly: Nix: Shit... Those [Fusers] hit pretty hard.


    The camp erupted in chaos, with several groups huddling together to assume defensive positions. Nix and Pon continued to watch and started picking smaller targets. The two skeletons chuckled as they continued to kick the anthill.


    Pon cursed a few minutes later when the groups started retreating from their golems. "Looks like the easy part is over, they''re bitching out."


    Nix nodded. "I snuck two into the back part of the camp. Got any left?"


    Pon pointed to his last Golem. "Just Blinky here, kinda useless to send him in. They''ll just run away."


    "I''m counting on it. See if you can herd them into the back southeast corner of the camp." Nix watched as Blinky took off at a run. Both him and Pon had come up short at the end of their crafting marathons. The last Golem didn''t have enough composite and ended up with one leg slightly longer. The [Fuser] on him was subsequently oddly shaped, giving him the appearance of a hunchback. Neither fire user could help but laugh at his limping run.


    /Skelly: Pon: Poor Blinky.


    /Skelly: Nix: Do your best, my son!


    Nix and Pon moved toward the camp while they monitored Blinky. As expected, two separate groups spotted the limping golem as soon as he entered the camp. Pon continued to input small corrections in course, making it appear like the tiny golem was pursuing them.


    "Close enough!" Both groups fell back toward the section where Nix''s golems were waiting. He activated their ignition and started toward camp at a trot.


    /Skelly: Nix: Let''s head in and clean-up. Be careful.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Understood!


    /Skelly: Alfie: I''ll cover the three of you from higher ground.


    Pon entered the perimeter at the same time as Nix, his first action was to start tossing his remaining inventory of basic and advanced grenades into the tents that weren''t in flames. Nix waded into the center of camp and pushed Emerald Flames into the hilt of his weapon.


    *************


    [Bone Fortress, 0645 Ice Faction: 13157, Undead 6]


    Nix picked through the burnt remains of the supply tent. The corpses had already been stripped of gear and then piled in the center of camp to be burned. A small movement from under a charred cot caught his attention. "Blinky!" Nix knelt down and examined the golem. Apparently, it had gotten stuck before reaching its objective.


    /Skelly: Nix: Found Blink.


    /Skelly: Pon: You did? How come he didn''t blow up?


    /Skelly: Nix: What was the order of your commands? Advance and then ignite? Or vice versa?


    /Skelly: Pon: Advance and then ignite.


    /Skelly: Nix: He got stuck, so never made it to the target.


    /Skelly: Pon: Right, so he didn''t ignite. Bring him back, I just canceled his commands.


    Nix chuckled and scooped Blinky up. "Hear that? You live to fight another day."


    /Skelly: Edi: Great job everyone! We''ve gained a third section.


    /Skelly: Alfie: We trimmed them by 98, thanks for the hard work!


    /Skelly: Nix: I leveled up.


    /Skelly: Alfie: What? It takes a thousand kills to level up. How many do you have?


    /Skelly: Nix: Exactly one hundred.


    /Skelly: Sasi: 48 for Sasi.


    /Skelly: Pon: 57 here.


    /Skelly: Edi: He''s an elite, perhaps the leveling is different. Has anything changed?


    Nix brought up his stats, his eyes instantly lighting up.


    Nix


    Race: Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Spellsword


    Rank 2


    Kills: 100


    [Crafting Skills]


    Golem Maker 51/500


    Spirit Companion


    1: Mortimer


    /Skelly: Nix: Hello, beautiful.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    An instant later, 20 feet of Bone Titan appeared in front of him. A row of sharp spines ran down the middle of its back. Powerful jaws snapped together, echoing throughout the camp. After a moment it settled on its hind end, its sharp claws sinking into solid rock like it was clay. The giant skull turned until it spotted Nix. Without pausing, the bone bear waddled toward him, placing its enormous skull against his ribcage. "Hey, Nix!"


    Nix''s two bone arms hugged the bone bear''s enormous skull. "About time you showed up."


    "The hell was that noise?" Pon skidded to a stop in front of them, causing a collision between Sasi and Alfie. The fire mage clapped his bone hands together when he saw the new arrival. "Now we''re talking! Welcome to the Bone Fortress, Morti!"


    /Skelly: Edi: What''s going on? Our faction just went up to seven.


    /Skelly: Alfie: He should count for ten, damn, that''s a big bear.

 491 Bone Bear

    "I think I''m bigger now, Nix."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Twenty feet at least, and that''s without rage. Perhaps your Bone form is bigger?"


    "Nope, this is how big I''m gonna be from now on." The Bone Titan waddled down the trail; every once in a while, he''d stop to smell something interesting. "Forgot my helmet."


    Nix grinned and patted his bone shoulder. "We''ll get you one for this form. Mind if I take a look at your stats?"


    "Nope, go ahead. I''m probably imposing."


    "No doubt."


    Mortimer


    Race: Bone Cub [Emperor]


    Class: Juggernaut


    Immunities: Ice, Fire, Control Effects.


    Special Abilities: Swat, Shatter, Trample, Bone Focus


    [Swat] A single paw strike resulting in a three-second stun stacked onto whatever damage is dealt.


    [Shatter] Shatter inflicts a five percent reduction of the target''s defensive capabilities. This effect will stack¡ªsmall chance to completely destroy the armor of your target.


    [Trample] AoE damage to all enemies standing within five meters.


    [Bone Focus] All nearby enemies must attack you.


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    "Holy crap, Morti. Why do you have special attacks? And where are the details?" Nix shook his head slightly and closed the stat window. He remembered that Morti''s real abilities had been lowered to reflect his own strength.


    "Dunno. Now that we''re skellies, who are we fighting?"


    "Good question; we''re battling against an Ice Faction. Haven''t seen who is running things yet."


    Morti picked up the pace, his huge paws tossing up chunks of rock and mud as he headed south. "Is it Khione? Maybe we''ll get to swat her again."


    Nix laughed at the cub''s confidence. "Hmm... I''m glad you''re here."


    "Yep, me too. I''m your best friend, so this sort of thing is expected."


    /Skelly: Pon: Holding the choke point just got a lot easier.


    Nezbit walked out of the cave just as the trio arrived back at camp. The cleric was obviously excited to see the titan cub. "My favorite tank has arrived!"


    Morti''s huge skull nodded up and down. After Pinky, Nezbit was his favorite healer.


    "Tautius?" Edi exited the cave; her lower jaw dropped open.


    Morti stood on his hind legs, letting her see his impressive size. "Nope. I''m Morti."


    /Skelly: Edi: Heavens... That''s an Emperor! An actual...


    /Skelly: Pon: Morti''s just a cub.


    /Skelly: Alfie: A cub?


    ****************


    Hyai stepped back from the stove, bracing against the counter, when a wave of dizziness hit her.


    "Hyai?" Semmi moved from the other side of the counter and helped the buxom redhead to a nearby stool. "Are you okay?"


    The blonde officer took the lid off of the pot the older woman had been checking. "Time to stir it?"


    Hyai smiled slightly. She''d been helping the Inferno Officer improve her cooking skills. "Just a bit, drag the spoon on the pot''s bottom, make sure it''s not skinning up."


    Semmi stirred the pot and then examined the large spoon. "Bit of skin on there." She held it up for the older woman to see.


    "Just a bit," Hyai agreed. "Turn the heat down a bit and leave the cover off."


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] Are you in the area?


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] Yes. Just leaving Ever Flame with Deidra. We have the [Flying Mount Stable] Scroll.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] Already? That was quick.


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] She landed next to the council hall in dragon form and then asked for it nicely.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] And they gave it to her?


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] Yep. Is something wrong?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] Hyai seems to be under the weather. I asked her to come cook for us, but now I''m worried.


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] We''ll stop by before we head back to Haven.


    "My Apprentice show up yet?" An old ugly woman stepped into the doorway, her sharp eyes instantly taking in the entire room. "Everything okay?"


    Hyai nodded. Chiba was an old friend of her daughters and someone she felt comfortable with. "Skipped too many meals and got a bit lightheaded."


    Chiba removed her ring, instantly turning into Goddess Chiba. "Hand it over."


    Hyai sighed and untied the apron; she knew by experience that Chiba was stubborn. "It''s just beef stew; there''s some pumpkin bread in the oven."


    Chiba nodded and tied the apron around her waist. "Give me some space."


    Semmi glanced toward Hyai. "This going to be okay?"


    The Innkeeper nodded. "Chiba is a great cook."


    Chiba winked at the blonde officer. "My dear Mum taught me everything. Our merchant family was part of the court, but there weren''t any servants in our household."


    ***********


    Nix leaned back against the sleeping Titan; perhaps his rumbling snore was comforting to the other members of their small band because the Inferno leader was the only one awake.


    /Skelly: Nix: Report.


    /Skelly: Pon: It''s quiet; the Ice Faction has pulled back to the graveyard.


    /Skelly: Nix: Perfect. Grab a prisoner or two if you get bored. Don''t get caught.


    /Skelly: Pon: Understood. Maybe we could use Morti to send a message back. Like you did with Soup.


    /Skelly: Nix: I considered it, but then what if I couldn''t resummon him? I know it''s unlikely, but I don''t want to risk it.


    Nix focused on the crafting queue, although the campfire was nearly always lit inside of the cave, none of them were affected by the smoke or struggled because of the lack of light.


    [Craft Queue: Freestyle Golem][Composite: Red Clay][Bond: Tree Sap][Elemental Source: Basic Shaped Charge x2]


    [Craft the Freestyle Golem?]


    "Yes."


    Nix had to stifle a laugh when he saw the final product. "I swear, it was an accident." During the day he spent most of his free time gathering materials. He queued the rest of his mats (Materials) and then exited the cave quietly.


    "Get yer ass moving fleshling... Or I''ll cook the meat right off your bones." Pon''s voice could be heard clearly as he cussed out the small group he was bringing back.


    Nix was just getting the outside fire going when they came into view, five prisoners walked in single file with Skeleton Pon following directly behind them.


    /Skelly: Nix: Everyone up, please. We have five prisoners to add.


    /Skelly: Edi: Five? How''d you manage so many?


    /Skelly: Pon: These five were digging an enormous hole on the far side of the Precinct.


    /Skelly: Nix: Why?


    /Skelly: Edi: I bet they were trying to dig under the Precinct border. It won''t work.


    /Skelly: Alfie: Nope. I tried that twenty years ago. Those five must be deserters, let''s toss them in with their Commander and see if they''ll give up some good intel.


    Pon''s cackling laugh sounded near the entrance of the cave. "Now, I''ve seen it all."


    Nix shrugged his bone shoulders slightly; Pon had noticed his golems. "It was an accident, I used two of your shape charges for each golem."


    Pon gave him the thumbs up, a definite sign that the fire mage didn''t believe him. He picked up the golem and showed Nezbit. "Nice, right?"


    Nez stared at the golem for a moment before turning her gaze onto Nix. "Been here that long?"


    Nix chuckled and nodded his head. "Um... Yes, but that wasn''t on purpose." He spent a lot more time smoothing out the freestyle golems'' features since clay was much easier to work with. Unfortunately, when he added the two shaped charges to the queue, he didn''t control the final product. Two large mounds appeared on the golem''s chest, giving it the appearance of overly large breasts.


    /Skelly: Alfie: I noticed that you make these golems small. Any reason behind that?


    /Skelly: Nix: Just something I picked up from the crafters in Eidengal. Although I can''t decrease ratios, making smaller products cuts down on material.


    /Skelly: Edi: Eidengal? Does Eidengal still stand?


    /Skelly: Nix: Yes, although it has been abandoned for many years. Inferno has been slowly exploring the city.


    Nix exchanged looks with Pon but didn''t say anything else when Edi suddenly dropped the topic. The fire mage brought his prisoners to the containment area and then returned a few minutes later to find the Inferno leader still crafting.


    Pon''s eyes drifted toward the entrance of the cave before lowering his voice. "They are both from Eidengal?"


    Nix nodded. "That would be my guess since that''s their last name."


    "Who the fuck shares the same name as the city they live in? Damn... the leadership?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Part of the royal family, maybe? There are too many unknowns here, which is why I didn''t follow up. In a few days, we''ll take back the graveyard. Perhaps we''ll get some answers. I think back to the curse Khione put on me and can''t help but think that this seems familiar."


    Pon sword under his breath. "She called Morti, Tautius. How does she know that name?"


    "More questions than answers at this point." Nix placed another piece of wood on the fire. "Remember the latest intel from Gideon? Khione mentioned going to Eidengal."


    Pon''s skeletons leered at him. "That was before we wrecked that Ice bitch''s ass."


    The two skellies laughed creepily, a sound that echoed in the darkness.

 492 Enguarde

    The man''s name was Rhu and he was a common foot soldier who had been sent to the Bone Fortress right after he finished his initial training. His snow-white complexion was completely off-set by his black hair. "With the addition of the fire users, we will definitely lose this precinct. Once that happens, we''ll end up dead."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Rules of the war, this isn''t a promise but at the very least, you''ll outlive the rest of your faction that are currently in the Sandcrab Precinct."


    "Don''t put me back with the Commander, and I''ll tell you everything I know."


    Nix glanced at Pon and gave him a slight nod. "Deal, making the prison larger is easy enough. Where do you get recruits from? And why has it suddenly stopped?"


    "There are a few covens that send us those possessing Witch blood. Over the years those have slowly filtered off. Most of the recent recruits have come from Enguarde."


    /Skelly: Nix: Fuck... That explains why the reinforcements stopped.


    /Skelly: Pon: Huh? How would you know about Enguarde?


    /Skelly: Nix: We both know it, only by a slightly different name. I believe we called it Ice''Enguarde.


    /Skelly: Pon: That place Sinfaya stuck into a snowglobe?


    Nix nodded. While they were destroying the Ice Seeds that Khione had hidden under her Stronghold, the team of Pon, Shae, and Hyai had discovered an Underground City referred to as Ice''Enguarde. (Ref. Ch. 446) Sinfaya used spatial magic to place the entire city into a special container. This was done as an act of mercy because the destruction of the Ice Seed would have certainly wiped them out.


    Nix studied Rhu for a moment while considering his words. There was always the chance that he was feeding them lies. "Know where the other Covens were located?"


    Rhu shook his head. "No, I did hear of one that was located under the ice."


    "Ice? Like Enguarde?"


    "Yes, but further away."


    /Skelly: Nix: If I got access to my Spirit companion after leveling up, then it stands to reason that you will also. Let''s go up."


    Pon was following Nix up the ladder, so the Inferno Leader didn''t see his scowl. "Lorenzo? That worthless Imp bastard!"


    Nix laughed loudly. Pon''s first two companions were Fire users who he only knew by reputation. Apparently, they could be difficult. "Let''s get your kills to one hundred, so we can get some communication going with the outside."


    ******************


    /Skelly: Nix: The heck are you doing to my bear, Sasi?


    Nix stopped suddenly when he stepped out of the cave, Nezbit and Alfie were laughing so hard that neither could stand up. "Hmmm... How''d that little demon taste?"


    "Yum!" Morti continued to laugh as Sasi tickled him from inside. She''d squeezed through the large gap in his ribcage and had propped herself up comfortably inside the bone cub.


    "Nix! Help, Sasi has been eaten!"


    Nix wagged his finger at Morti. "I was saving her for a snack."


    "Sorry, Nix!"


    "Hmm... Very humerus." Nix didn''t expect either of them to get the joke. He left them to continue their antics and brought out the inventory he spent most of the evening working on. He had nearly 60 of the chesty Freestyle golems. The queue took up most of the night and in the end, his crafting was raised to 74.


    Edi returned from patrol while he was laying them out. "Besides the impressive chests; What''s the difference between these and the others?"


    "The commands are a bit more detailed. I can have them attack a specific person or anyone in a given area. If no target is around, they will not follow the detonate order unless you override." Nix sat Blinky down next to the Freestyle golems. "I''m saving Blinky for something big."


    "Blinky?" Edi knelt beside him, Nix got the feeling she was smiling. "Can I have him?"


    "No... People always want my shit. I learned my lesson." Nix clicked his teeth together loudly, an expression that Alphie told him signified amusement.


    Pon chose that moment to run out of the cave, he was holding a round object that closely resembled a small dinner plate. "Nix! Got a new design when I got to 75!"


    Nix stared at the device for a moment. "Landmine?"


    Pon nodded. "Anti-personnel mine (APMs)."


    Nix whistled softly or would have if he possessed lips, the sound that came out was like a loud sigh. "Tripwire?"


    "Nope, pressure plate." Pon''s entire skeleton was nearly dancing. "I need lots of material."


    /Skelly: Nix: Send us all a list of everything you need.


    Nix waited for a few seconds and then opened his hud when it buzzed. "Looks like you need to make casings. Sasi and I will handle that."


    Edi was looking over Nix''s shoulder. "We can use APMs at the choke point. Alfie and I will start disassembling bullets."


    Nezbit nudged Pon with a bony elbow. "We''ll have to draw wire for the springs, gonna need your flames!"


    Sasi crawled out of Morti and waited until everyone went in separate directions. "What are we gonna do, Nix?"


    "Gather up all the crap armor and weapons that you can find and pile it here. I''ll start making a clay mold for the casing" Nix grabbed two large helms and headed toward the river, Morti fell in step beside him.


    /Skelly: Edi: Our friends set up a forward OP (Observation Point) near the edge of our territory. There are two of them and another four hiding nearby.


    /Skelly: Alfie: They think we''re stupid enough to walk into an ambush.


    Nix considered their next objective while he walked. With the retreat of the ice, the entire area was dripping and flowing like early spring. He started filling the helms with mud from the river bank.


    Morti stood on his hind legs and kept watch. "What should I be doing?"


    Nix finished his task and then opened up the hud map. "There''s an OP right here." He pointed at the map while Morti''s big skull moved closer. "There are a couple of others nearby. Just get rid of them and come back. Can you handle that?"


    "My own mission?" Morti pushed his skull against Nix and then spun away. Within a few seconds, he was at full speed, barreling towards his objective.


    /Skelly: Nix: Gonna have Morti take care of that OP. He''s getting bored.


    /Skelly: Edi: Is that okay? What if he gets hurt?


    /Skelly: Pon: Hurt? He''s a mountain-sized Bone bear! The fuck is going to hurt him?


    /Skelly: Nix: It''s not very far, I''ll know if he gets in trouble.


    The ground vibrated from the weight and power of the giant bone mass barreling down on them. Both of the lookouts were melee fighters, but instead of standing their ground they turned to run.


    "Nope!" A gigantic bone paw slammed into the back of one of the guards, catapulting him into the air. Huge jaws clamped shut over the torso of the second fighter, killing him instantly with a powerful wrench. Morti spotted the small group hiding in the low ground and charged them.


    [Trample]


    Cedi has taken damage.


    Gula has taken damage.


    Bonpok has taken damage.


    Dru has taken damage.


    A reflection of light on metal, followed by a flash was all the warning the bone bear received. He leaped nimbly to one side, as the heavy projectile slammed into the ground where he''d been standing. "Too slow!"


    He was in the middle of them before they could react, rearing up on his hind legs he came down on the field cannon with all of his weight, sinking it deep into the mud as the wheels popped off. "Let''s play!"


    Morti swatted the two nearest fighters with the same swipe, and then caught the second pair while they were in full retreat. Instead of hitting them, his big paws stomped them into the mud. Within a minute, the OP was silent once again.


    **********


    Nix used an old spoon to smooth out the clay mold. Using steel that he melted down with his aura, he created a second mold. The yellow eyes gleamed from within deep recesses of his skull. "That shit looks awesome." The familiar boom of heavy artillery caused him to drop his project on the ground. Instantly he was in a full sprint toward the sound. Pon blasted out of the cave immediately after.


    /Skelly: Pon: That sounded like a cannon.


    /Skelly: Nix: Sure did.


    /Skelly: Alfie: Want more backup?


    /Skelly: Nix: Advance to your forward sniper nest and wait. Sasi, you stealth up and follow.


    Pon and Nix arrived at the OP a few minutes later, Morti was in the process of digging out the cannon. He looked up when he heard Pon''s panting.


    "Hey! Look what I found!" Morti clamped his jaws on the barrel and slowly pulled it free. "Guess I stomped on it too hard."


    /Skelly: Nix: They got a cannon. How come we didn''t know that?


    /Skelly: Edi: They''ve never had one before. The only cannons here are mounted on the Bone Fortress wall.


    /Skelly: Alfie: They must have taken it.


    /Skelly: Edi: No. There are no cannons in the Sandcrab Precinct. Reinforcements, cannot cross the precinct lines.


    /Skelly: Nix: It has wheels. What if they found a nice hill and rolled it down. Without crossing the line themselves.


    /Skelly: Edi: I''m not sure, we''ve never tried.


    Nix started digging the wheels from the mud, the axel was broken but that could be fixed. "I used the same strategy in Eidengal when I stole a sword. You couldn''t leave the room with it, so I tossed it through the doorway and then walked out."

 493 Battle for Sandcrab

    Morti held the ten-foot iron cannon in his jaws like it was a twig. He nodded his head in agreement.


    /Skelly: Sasi: Sending updated enemy positions to our tactical map. There are setting up north of the choke-point.


    /Skelly: Pon: We starting something?


    /Skelly: Nix: Let''s get this stuff back and then decide.


    /Skelly: Sasi: There are several crates hidden in the brush a hundred meters from your position.


    Pon had been searching the immediate area for projectiles and powder charges. When he heard the report, he took off at a trot.


    Nix patted Morti''s shoulder. "Your first fight as a bone bear. What did you think?"


    Morti sat the cannon on the ground with a heavy thump. "Was pretty much like Tautius said."


    Nix froze at the mention of the Titan First. "Tautius? Did he mention this place?"


    Morti''s big skull nodded. "Not by name, but he referred to this place as the Hardening."


    "Hardening? Is that like seasoning or training?" Nix had allowed Morti to spend time with Tautius after they cleared the ''First'' trials.


    "No. Bone hardening. He said that fighting as a bone bear strengthens and hardens your skeleton. Titans use to go somewhere and do it. The way was lost; even my Papa couldn''t find it."


    /Skelly: Pon: Found the ammo and the powder charges. We are in business!


    /Skelly: Nix: We''ll save a few charges for firing the cannon, but the rest will go to Pon. APMs are our priority, at least for now.


    /Skelly: Pon: We going after them? What if they decide to bring another cannon?


    /Skelly: Nix: Let''s get you and Nez leveled up. Do you have a spirit companion, Nez?


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Sure. Rhylia Thundercloud.


    /Skelly: Pon: Really? When did that happen?


    /Skelly: Nezbit: Right after Nix gave her the Black Ice Blessing. Thanks for that one, by the way.


    Pon stirred the fire with his bone hand; this would have been a perfect time to have a cookout if skellies could eat or drink anything. "What''s the plan? We gonna thin the herd and get me to one hundred?"


    "Yeah." Nix glanced at Nez; getting a cleric to 100 kills might be challenging. "Let''s give Nez the Freestyle Golems to use. Getting some air support here, along with your fire companion, would be awesome."


    Edi was studying the hud map. "Perhaps it''s smarter to wait. We could thin them out before trying any too risky."


    Nezbit stifled a laugh with her hand, while Pon stared at the blue sky.


    Edi noticed the interaction and nudged Nix, who was over standing directly next to her, sharing the same hud. "Did I say something funny?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Tell her, Morti."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Prey waits."


    ***************


    [Bone Fortress, 1945 hours Ice Faction: 13151, Undead 7]


    Alfie: 21,109


    Edi: 20,323


    Nix: 100


    Pon: 57


    Sasi: 48


    Morti: 6


    Nezbit: 0


    /Alpha: Edi: Why did we switch to Alpha?


    /Alpha: Pon: Alpha is for killing shit.


    /Alpha: Edi: We''re really going after control of the precinct now?


    /Alpha: Alfie: Prey waits, Edi.


    /Alpha: Pon: See? He gets it.


    /Alpha: Nix: Well said. Let''s go, a quick rundown on assignments!


    /Alpha: Pon: I''ll wait in the woodline while Morti, Nez, and Edi move into position. I''ll use the rest of our [Fusers] and [Inferno Golems] to drive them beyond the choke point. Once that is done, I''ll start mining the west side of the choke point.


    /Alpha: Nezbit: Once the chokepoint is cleared, Morti and I will set up the perfect cleric/tank position.


    /Alpha: Alfie: While the golems are being used, I''ll be down for a few minutes while I establish a new Sniper Nest on high ground. From there, I''ll scout the battlefield and keep an eye out for assassins. My one-shot kill has a five-minute cool-down (cd). In the absence of any assassins, I''ll be using it regularly on the most viable target.


    /Alpha: Edi: I''ll be fighting alongside Mortimer. My mission is to speed up our kills and make sure no one sneaks in after our cleric.


    /Alpha: Nix: While this is going on, Sasi and I will sneak into the back lines with the [Freestyle] Golems. Pay attention to chat, Nez. I''ll be assigning golem directives but will be sharing detonation rights with you.


    /Alpha: Nezbit: Thank you in advance for Powerleveling, the poor cleric.


    /Alpha: Sasi: I''ll be with Nix, doing Sasi things.


    /Alpha: Edi: I should tell you ahead of time, if we manage to regain control of the precinct and claim the graveyard; we''ll gain a faction build order for an HQ.


    /Alpha: Nix: A real building? How come the Ice Faction don''t have one?


    /Alpha: Alfie: They do; it''s the Bone Fortress. Each faction is only allowed one HQ. We lost ours when the graveyard fell.


    /Alpha: Edi: We''ll see the rest of their specials, not sure how many they have left.


    /Alpha: Pon: Specials?


    /Alpha: Alfie: What you''ve seen until now are their common fighters. My sister and I were able to kill most of their Specials over the years. They learned not to send them at us; Ice Mages, Witches, Assasins, and even a few Paladins.


    /Alpha: Pon: So we''ve been fighting the dregs? Perfect, let them come.


    Morti stood at the edge of the woodline; he scouted the battlefield on his hind legs. A small camp had been set up near the chokepoint. Satisfied with what he saw, he dropped to the ground with a soft thump and glanced at his two companions. "Get on."


    Edi patted the cub''s large rib. "I''ll run beside you, Morti."


    The bear stared at her for a moment. "Nope. Get on."


    Nezbit hopped on, careful not to impale herself on the large spines. She held a bone hand out to Edi, who paused for a moment before accepting.


    Morti waited patiently while his passengers got comfortable. "Hang on. I''m gonna run fast."


    The fire mage watched from the west side of the woodline; as soon as Morti started moving, he ordered his golems forward and broke into a trot. The fires from a mini-tent city came into view just as the bone bear''s deafening roar shook the valley.


    /Alpha: Pon: Perfect!


    The camp instantly woke up, facing to the east as they started forming up. The gathering formation didn''t have time to react to the golems running up behind them. They disappeared in a blinding flash of light; the wave of power released knocked the fire mage on his bony posterior.


    "Damn... The fuck did Nix put in that batch?" Pon climbed to his feet, and quickly recalled his remaining golems, and placed them on standby.


    /Alpha: East side of choke-point is clear; I''ll start mining now while waiting for further targets.


    /Alpha: Alfie: Sniper nest is established. A small force has taken cover at gridpoint 565,344.


    The skeleton mage quickly used his hud to assign a dozen golems to the gridpoint before kneeling on the ground.


    Shur''icon has hexed you.


    You have been slowed by forty percent.


    Shur''icon has placed the [Seven Plagues] on you.


    [First Plague: Blood]


    Pon stood up, his flame aura flickering on as his focus turned to his attacker. A red mist rose up out of the ground and formed a crimson cloud around him.


    You have been cursed by [Blood] and will lose 3 percent of your health every 10 seconds for the next minute.


    Pon has cast [Balefire: Hex]


    A white streak of fire slammed into the witch, sending her spinning into the soft mud. A moment later, she staggered to her feet, her left arm charred to the bone.


    [Seven Plagues / Interupted]


    Skeleton Pon nodded at the expected result; the air around him started to distort from the swirling flames. "You''re defense is not bad..."


    Instead of casting another spell, the witch held up her good hand. "I accept your victory."


    Pon paused his next casting. "Huh? Accept my ... The fuck does that mean?"


    Shur''icon has requested a Spirit Bond.


    "Defend yourself or not; you''re still going to get roasted."


    Shur''icon has requested a Spirit Bond.


    ******************


    Sasi and Nix moved quickly into position, within view of the northern camp. Twice they had to stop and deal with stragglers when the golems were discovered.


    /Alpha: Nix: Get ready to detonate, Nez.


    Nix smiled when the Freestyle Golems charged into the camp. Unlike the other golems, he had made, these were powered by shape charges. Whatever was directly in front of them would take most of the damage. He placed a hand on Sasi''s shoulder and pointed to the west side of the camp. The demon skeleton nodded and disappeared from sight.


    /Alpha: Nix: Do it, Nez!


    Nix covered his skull with both hands and ducked just before the combined explosion of his [Freestyle] golems turned night into day. The ground shook under him as a wave of power pelted him with dust and debris.

 494 Incoming: Sharl

    /Alpha: Nix: No.


    /Alpha: Nezbit: 104! Nix is best! Morti is at 36!


    /Alpha: Nix: Continue the mission. How''s mana?


    /Alpha: Nezbit: Holding at 90 percent.


    Nix dodged to one side and then kicked the legs out of the Paladin that had attacked him from stealth. Before the pally could get back to his feet, a half dozen emerald strands wrapped around him and tossed him into the middle of a burning tent. Nix leaped into the flames without pausing and pinned the armored fighter to the ground with a knee. The screams of the burning fighter could be heard from nearly everywhere on the battlefield. After nearly a minute, the yellow-eyed skeleton kicked the charred corpse to one side and walked out of the tent.


    The skeleton pulled a pathetic looking golem from his inventory and sat him on the ground. Without looking back, the figure bathed in emerald flames proceeded further into enemy territory, followed closely by the limping Blinky.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Turn-down flame, Nix! Can see from another side of camp.


    /Alpha: Nix: Gotta have bait when you fish.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Fish is good, rat is better. Scary thing is here, come help Sasi.


    /Alpha: Nix: On my way.


    Nix walked through the burning camp, not bothering to hide. He spotted the ''scary'' person from fifty meters away. The scaled figure was hunched over, with two sets of limbs on the ground and a third set holding an impressive two-bladed weapon. The Inferno leader couldn''t decide if the middle limbs were arms or legs or perhaps something in between; several feet of snake body extended behind the rear limbs.


    "Where did you come from, Skeleton? Your presence here is new." The black scaled skin shifted colors slightly as it advanced on four limbs. The long pole-arms weapon he held had jagged, sharp blades mounted on either end; it spun slowly in his expert hands with a low hum.


    The yellow-eyed skeleton didn''t answer; his emerald blade hissed and crackled in the night air while several emerald strands floated around him. Staring at the beast, Nix suppressed a shiver. It''s wide shoulders flattened out to a rounded reptilian head that reminded him of a hooded cobra. "My presence?" Nix shook his head slightly. "You are the one who shouldn''t be here."


    "What are you going on about, Skeleton?"


    "Did your racial memories suddenly fade last year? " Nix swiped his blade in the air; he''d spent too much time with Floyd and the Scorched Earth Acolytes not to know what the reptile was. "Or doesn''t it work like that?"


    "How do you know tha..." His question was cut off when he saw the hunched over golem standing between his legs.


    "Boom." Nix keyed Blinky''s detonation. There was a brief pause, then a shower of sparks erupted from its back, followed by a loud fizzle.


    /Alpha: Nix: Damn you, Pon...


    Bronthir, the Naga King, has received a mortal wound.


    Sasi has pickpocketed Bronthir the Naga King.


    "You''ve been blinked, dumbass!" A dozen emerald strands shot out and encircled the snake-man''s weapon. With a vicious yank, the dual bladed staff landed in Nix''s hands.


    You have stolen Ice Wrath!


    New User recognized.


    New Abilities have been discovered.


    [Blast] Close Quarter Combat only. (CQC) Cool-down 1 minute.


    Ice Wrath has been converted to Emerald Fire Wrath!


    The skeleton pushed Emerald flames into the polearm weapon; the weapon immediately glowed with bright green flames.


    [Viper Strike][Quartered][Double Finish]


    [Combination Partially Successful]


    Sasi has scored a critical attack on Bronthir, the Naga King.


    Bronthir, the Naga King, is immune to poison.


    Bronthir, the Naga King, has been slowed by forty percent.


    Sasi has landed a mortal strike against Bronthir, the Naga King.


    Sasi has landed a mortal strike against Bronthir, the Naga King.


    Sasi has pickpocketed Bronthir the Naga King.


    [Bone Strike][Assasinate][Blast]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Nix has landed a significant strike on Bronthir, the Naga King.


    A fatal wound has been inflicted on Bronthir, the Naga King.


    Bronthir, the Naga King, has been struck down.


    A ball of green flame erupted from the end of Nix''s weapon, striking the Naga in the chest and knocking him backward.


    [King''s X]


    Bronthir, the Naga King, has staved off death.


    A faint blueish glow formed around the reptile, all of its limbs raised off of the ground as its beady eyes stared at the skeleton. "What is your name?"


    Bronthir, the Naga King, is temporarily invulnerable to damage.


    "Pon, the Magnificent." Nix showed him how bony his middle finger was; a moment later, the Naga disappeared from the battlefield.


    You have defeated Bronthir, the Naga King.


    Sasi has defeated Bronthir, the Naga King.


    Sasi froze in place for a moment, her tiny demon skull tilting to one side. "Nix! You hit the stupid, scary thing too hard!"


    Skelton Nix shrugged slightly. "Blame Blinky; I barely touched that slithering fool."


    The Undead Faction has claimed the Sandcrab Graveyard.


    The Graveyard will become usable in forty-eight hours.


    Nix scanned the battlefield; there was no other enemy in their section.


    /Alpha: Nix: How''s the choke-point?


    /Alpha: Alfie: It''s empty. No further contacts.


    /Alpha: Pon: The west side is mined, sending everyone the mine locations. Walk carefully.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s meet at the choke-point.


    ************


    "How old are you?" Deidra removed her hand from Hyai''s forehead.


    "Not saying." Hyai frowned at the dragon. "It must be a mistake; I already have a grown daughter."


    Tai''Qui shook her head slightly. "No mistake."


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Deidra] It isn''t polite to ask human women their age.


    Shae smiled at Hyai and kissed the side of her face. The Innkeeper was still staring at them in shock. "You''ll be fine."


    "That can''t be right. How did this happen?" Hyai was reclining on one of the comfortable chairs in the Sanctum common area.


    "Well... I could make a guess." Semmi bit down on a smile; she''d been worried about the Innkeeper. "Back to Haven for you."


    Hyai shook her head slightly. "I''m staying; it''s way too early to be taking it easy. Goodness... At my age? What''s Bela going to say?"


    "We''ll put the Thief Quest aside for now and stay here with you." Shae glanced at the two dragons, both of them nodded in agreement.


    "I don''t need help," Hyai started to protest. "Can you tell the gender?" The Innkeeper thought back to the story Nix had told her from the Black Gate. "A girl?"


    Deidra and Tai both shrugged.


    Shae fixed them both with a satisfied smile. "No, it''s a boy."


    Unexpectedly, Hyai''s smile widened, and she started to cry.


    "CRAP!" Semmi jumped up from her seat. "SHARL, JUNIE! The key is active!


    Sharl and Junie raced in from opposite sides of the room. Within seconds, they were both standing on the pentacle.


    Semmi shook her head quickly. "Off Junie!"


    Junie muttered a curse and stepped off, waving to Inferno''s main tank as she disappeared in a column of flames.


    *******************


    [Guild and personal messaging have been disabled. You may not activate any portal skills or abilities. No companions may be summoned at this time.]


    All Class and Crafting skills are temporarily hidden.


    You have a new class.


    You have a new rank.


    Sharl landed heavily on her feet, her shield digging deep into the soft ground around her. She glanced down at her bone feet. "Least, my diet is working..."


    Welcome to the Bone Fortress, new recruits. Your fellow undead welcome you! If you bring up your hud map, you can find the territory that your faction currently holds. The ground you are standing on will remain neutral for the next hour.


    Sharl checked her stats quickly. "Great... I''m a greek temple."


    Sharl Exodus


    Undead Skeleton [Elite]


    Class: Pantheon


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    /Alpha: Sharl: Hello? Anyone here?


    /Alpha: Nezbit: Sharl!


    ***************


    [Bone Fortress, 0100 hours Ice Faction: 12,733, Undead 8]


    Alfie: 21,134


    Edi: 20,336


    Nix: 187


    Pon: 155


    Sasi: 88


    Morti: 57


    Nezbit: 104


    Sharl: 0


    Sharl stood between Morti and Nix; the Inferno tank had received the Bone Fortress briefing and then gave them the latest guild news.


    /Alpha: Edi: You''re sure it was Bronthir you killed?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah, wanna-be Naga King, my poor Blinky kicked his ass.


    /Alpha: Edi: It''s too bad you weren''t able to capture him. He holds one of the tidal pool keys.


    Sasi helped up a tiny bone hand. "No! Sasi stole it!"


    [Key of Tides]


    Description: Once a day, the tides may deliver their bounty. The value of objects will decrease after each use. Only the faction that controls the Bone Fortress may use the keys.


    /Alpha: Pon: We can''t even use that.


    /Alpha: Alfie: No, but that''s one less key they can use. Each of the Burrough Commanders has one.


    /Alpha: Nix: Bronthir was a Burrough Commander?


    /Alpha: Edi: Yes, but he shouldn''t have been here.


    /Alpha: Nix: How''s the key work?


    /Alpha: Edi: It generates a random object. When they were ours, we never used any of them.


    /Alpha: Pon: Why the fuck not?


    /Alpha: Edi: The results decrease with use, but that statement doesn''t mention something important. It can be relied on to give you something useful. When you are at war, you will receive something you need to fight.


    /Alpha: Nix: It might have enabled you to keep the Bone Fortress.


    /Alpha: Edi: My father decided to win this war first and then start using the key during peace.


    /Alpha: Sharl: I''m new here, so pardon my ignorance. According to the rules, certain lines can''t be crossed. Reinforcements have to follow a system. Could these keys affect that?


    /Alpha: Alfie: They have used all of the keys, many times over. By now, the items they are receiving would have much less value.


    /Alpha: Nix: Put this aside for now. How many Ice Faction are left in Sandcrab?


    /Alpha: Edi: Probably less than a hundred.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nothings changed for now. Let''s assume that the border and recruitment rules have become more flexible. Nice job taking the key, Sasi.


    /Alpha: Nezbit: I can summon a companion now!


    /Alpha: Pon: I can''t.


    /Alpha: Nix: Really? Damn you, old bastard. Bring Rhy in, Nez.

 495 Two for One

    [Summons: Rhylia]


    Rhy appeared in front of Nezbit; although she was a skelly like everyone else, her wings were still beautiful black feathers. She flapped them once before furling them. "We''re undead?"


    Nezbit nodded. "It''s me, Nez!" The Inferno cleric offered her companion a hug.


    Rhylia Thundercloud


    Air Wight [Royal Court]


    Class: Pathfinder


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    The newly christened wight found Nix immediately and wrapped him up in a hug. "Nix! We''ve been so worried."


    Rhylia has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Rhy: I''m happy to be here!


    /Alpha: Sharl: What''s the plan now?


    /Alpha: Nix: Relieve Morti so he can get some rest. We''ll move to this location until the 2-day timer expires.


    /Alpha: Rhy: There''s no air power here? Will I be able to fly wherever I want?


    /Alpha: Alfie: Doubtful, but you should be able to get high enough to scout our two bordering precincts.


    /Alpha: Nix: Find us a tent that we haven''t burned out and send me its location. The rest of you get some rest. Sharl will take over duties as the Main Tank (MT).


    Nix and Pon headed toward the minefield since the fire mage insisted on showing the Inferno leader something.


    Nix stopped at the edge of the minefield, well aware that it was a ruse and that Pon had lured him away to talk privately. "What''s up?"


    "I can summon a spirit companion; the problem is that it isn''t Lorenzo."


    Nix thought about his own companions; if the order started with his first one, then Soup would have been first. The default companion in this instance must be the strongest, which, of course, would be Mortimer. "You have just the two, right? Isn''t Lorenzo the stronger?"


    Pon shook his head slightly. "He was until I picked up a third companion."


    "Shit... Don''t even say it."


    Skelly Pon shrugged slightly. "She surrendered and made a strong case."


    Nix felt the lack of lips at that moment; he would definitely have been grinning. "Fine. Let''s have her."


    Pon shook his head. "Bonded her and then killed her."


    "Er..." Nix stared at the fire mage for a long moment before speaking. "Not the best way to bond with a new companion."


    "It was her idea. She realized that we wouldn''t trust her. So the deal we made was that I would leave her unsummoned until we left the Bone Fortress."


    Nix laughed at the fire mage. "Damn old man... Fine, keep this bit of information to yourself. We''ll just skip the part where you summon companions here."


    Pon nodded. "Thank you, Nix. I''ll have Ducky present the first time I summon her."


    "No worries. Let''s get back to crafting tomorrow."


    "Nix... Did that Key of Tides explanation make any sense to you?"


    "That''s what I think too. We have too many unanswered questions."


    /Alpha: Rhylia: Two unburned tents at grid 565,943.


    /Alpha: Nix: Thanks, we''ll go pick them up.


    Pon followed Nix as he moved toward the gridpoint. The Inferno leader blazed his emerald flame aura as if daring anything to attack him. If there were any lingering members of the Ice Faction, they didn''t approach the two fire users.


    /Alpha: Nix: Help me pack up these up, then we can drag them back to camp.


    /Alpha: Pon: Sounds good.


    After several minutes, Nix rolled the two packed up tents onto a larger tarp and started dragging it back to the choke-point. The old man started to help but then quickly stopped.


    "Why are you still so strong, Punk?"


    Nix continued dragging the two tents, pausing to laugh at the fire mage. "We still have the same physical stats; we just can''t access them."


    "While we''re at it. How come you have five spirit companions?" Pon asked a question that always bothered him. Nix''s companions were all very strong; the issue was that there should only have been four.


    "The hell are you rambling about? Soup, Ducky, Morti, and Fey! That''s only four. My three Arch Wings are summoned with a bracer; they aren''t Spirit Companions."


    "What about Shae? I''ve seen you summon her." Pon brought up his hud and adjusted their path slightly. "We really could use her flames."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "That''s a mystery to me also. We have a close bond, but she''s never actually appeared on..."


    Pon stopped when Nix dropped the end of the tarp. "Tired?"


    Nix shook his head and placed a bone hand over his ribs, and pictured her. "Shae Balefire."


    A moment later, the skeleton form of a salamander appeared in front of them. It stared at the yellow-eyed skeleton for a moment before knocking him over when it leaped at him.


    "NIX!"


    Nix hugged her salamander skeleton, chuckling when she wouldn''t let him up. "I should have thought of this right away."


    /Alpha: Pon: Nix just summoned Shae!


    /Alpha: Nezbit: Really?


    /Alpha: Rhylia: Perfect!


    /Alpha: Alfie: Who is Shae?


    /Alpha: Sharl: Fire Salamander. Perfect for this kind of fighting.


    Shae has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Shae: So this is where everyone is hiding?


    Pon kicked Nix''s foot. "Get up already!"


    Nix carefully extricated himself from the salamander and took hold of the tarp. "I''ll brief you on everything we know. Then you can go back and tell everyone what to expect."


    "I want to stay, Nix." Shae easily kept pace with them as they headed back to the choke-point. The salamander moved easily over the soft ground, barely leaving any trace.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll bring you back by morning. Let''s see your stats, Shae.


    /Alpha: Shae: Sure.


    Shae Balefire


    Undead Fire Wraith [Royal Court]


    Class: Hades Salamander


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    /Alpha: Nezbit: So many classes I''ve never heard of.


    Nix read the stats while continuing to drag his cargo. "Still a salamander."


    "Of course. What else would I be?"


    ***************


    Shae did a quick headcount of the Inferno members. Hyai was the only one sleeping, even though it was 0400 hours. The rest of the Inferno Heroes were seated around the large table in the coven common area. "We''re fighting on the undead side. Predictably, Pon and Nix have cleaned things up nicely."


    Semmi had taken Shae''s briefing the first time by herself and had asked every question she could think of. Once she had a feel for what was going on, she woke everyone up and had the salamander repeat the story. "This graveyard will enable them to get reinforcements. Nix thinks that we might be able to send a larger group at that time."


    Wind had been staring at his key half the evening; holding onto it was a tiresome thing. "Killing commanders or higher-tiered bosses enables us to send bonus reinforcements?"


    Shae nodded. "And a spirit companion becomes available once you level up. According to Nix, heroes level up every one hundred kills. It''s much more difficult for the rest of us."


    "Sasi is okay? Did she say anything?" Rabi was standing in front of Shae; several times, he looked like he might start crying.


    Shae smiled. "Nix says to change the order of deployment. No matter what, Rabi goes through next."


    Rabi clapped his hands together. "Rabi loves Nix!"


    Shae patted his head softly. "Keep in mind, that might be the same time as the rest of us. Unless they find another boss."


    Semmi stood up and moved next to Shae. "We know what to expect. No armor and only a basic weapon. However, at least we won''t go in blind."


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] I almost forgot. Nix said to bring Mortimus and Gil. (Turtle Titan and Morti''s Father)


    [Whisper: Semmi to Shae] Do they get pushed up the line?


    [Whisper: Shae to Semmi] No. They come in after Inferno and only if there is room.


    ********************


    "How many times you going to check your hud?" Pon sat comfortably in the tent they had set up. Morti and Alphie were sound asleep, while the two fire users were both busy crafting. "Do you think we''ll lose these crafting abilities when we go back?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes. These are made specifically for this place. I''m not going to give up taxidermy or tailoring for golem making."


    Pon would have frowned if he had lips. He''d never taken the time to learn a craft before. "You changed everything around, right? What''s the new order of people coming in?"


    Nix sent him the list he gave to Shae.


    Rabi: DPS


    Donri: DPS


    Wind: DPS


    Semmi: DPS


    Fajii: Buffs: DPS


    Jun Li: Off Tank/DPS


    Darsi: DPS


    Ronnie: DPS


    Del: DPS


    Raine: DPS


    Chiba: DPS


    Mortimus: Tank


    Gil: Off Tank/DPS


    Pon went back to his crafting, glad to see that Semmi was high on the list. "Think we''ll get all thirteen of them in?"


    "I hope so." Nix shrugged. "We''ll find out in two days. Once we shore up our numbers, we can start building defensive barricades and fighting positions." He started queueing up the new golem he received when his skill reached 75. Unfortunately, they were going to be here for some time. Although they managed to take the Sandcrab Precinct, that was only a small part of the Xander Burrough. They would have to take all of the Burroughs before attempting the Bone Fortress.

 496 Bigger is better

    The Salamander skeleton glowed with beautiful orange flames, given it''s close proximity to Skeleton Nix''s emerald green fire, dark brown flames smoldered between them. Although they sat quietly together on the rocks, the relationship between them was obvious.


    Edi watched from just outside of her tent. She welcomed another fire elemental to their cause. Pon and Rhy had politely stopped her from approaching while the two were talking privately. After quite some time had passed, Nix finally waved her over.


    "Welcome to the Bone Fortress; I''m Edi."


    Shae was in salamander form, although no one really commented on it. "Well met, I''m Shae. We didn''t get a chance to talk earlier before Nix made me go back."


    Skeleton Nix didn''t comment, but it was obvious that he found her protest amusing. Sharl and Nezbit were settled into the choke-point while Alfie, Rhy, and Sasi were all scouting.


    "He and Pon have turned things around for us. I thank you for your patience." Edi bowed slightly; it wasn''t an exaggeration to say that the two fire users were the main causes of their sudden revival.


    Shae''s bone tail was wrapped around Nix''s waist like a spare arm. The brown flames that burned hot between them were comforting to the others in the camp. "Do you have many friends and family that will be resurrected when the timer expires?"


    "My closest family members are in another graveyard. However, my squad should be in this one." Edi glanced in the direction of the graveyard. It was a large rectangular area fenced in with wrought iron and large stone pillars. The area was sealed off with an unpenetrable haze.


    Shae let her flames fade before taking a few steps away from Nix. "You are talking about the ones that sacrificed themselves to make the sacred ground?"


    Edi nodded. "Cleric Emi, Rossa, Jubo, Mo, and Cymric. The seven of us retreated to the cave and made our stand. It was the beginning of the end for us."


    Shae nudged Nix with her head. It was obvious he was lounging about when he could be doing other things. "Don''t you have some crafting to do?"


    "Yep," Skeleton Nix nodded. "I''ll be down at the river collecting clay."


    /Alpha: Nix: They''re going to hit us today or tomorrow. I don''t see them letting this graveyard go so that we can wipe them out with higher numbers.


    /Alpha: Alfie: Two more prisoners to add.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good, keep rounding them up. If they don''t hit us by sunset, we''ll light them up tonight.


    Nix''s skeleton feet clicked softly on the rock as he approached one of the many woodpiles. These were cut about 10 feet in length and fairly universal, considering they were all done with an ax. He latched onto two of them and dragged them out of the pile. At nearly a foot thick, only he and Morti could have done so without assistance. After searching for a few minutes, he found one of the larger timbers that Nezbit removed while clearing up the camp''s viewpoint. These were four feet in diameter; although shorter in length, these weren''t movable by anyone except Morti. Nix did manage to roll one into the small clearing where he was working. After pushing flames into the hilt of his weapon, he started carving the wood.


    "The hell are you doing?" Pon was nominated to go looking for Nix several hours later after no one had seen him for a while. "The fuck is thing supposed to be?" Pon touched the large clay ball that sat on the rocky river bank. Its diameter was a bit taller than him, and there was a small hole near the middle. Skelly Pon lowered his head and peered inside. "This thing is hollow? You better not have picked up another crafting job, you slick bastard!"


    Nix shook his skull. "Nope."


    /Alpha: Nix: Busy Shae? Could use your help with something.


    The truth was the Nix felt severely limited without the wide variety of flames he normally possessed. The emerald flame he came to Bone Fortress was not the upgraded fury one. However, with Shae''s presence, he could do one better.


    /Alpha: Shae: You by the river? Be there in a bit.


    /Alpha: Nix: Hurry up, I''m feeling bonely.


    The more Pon looked at the clay ball, the more he was convinced it was for him. "I can''t put an explosive in this thing, Nix. Who the hell could throw it?"


    Nix shook his head and pointed behind Pon, where several small clay pots had been filled. As promised, Nix and Nezbit tapped several of the trees in the area with spigots that the Inferno Leader had made. Since he didn''t want to waste time making several large pots, he used his flames to create a basin underneath each one and let the sap flow freely. "You should grab some sap for your crafting. Their flashpoint is quite high; perhaps you could make a sticky bomb."


    Pon glanced from the pots then back to Nix. "What the hell kind of things did you do before you started in Colonial?"


    "College student." Nix smiled when he saw the skeleton salamander making her way through the woods. There was something nice about the way she slinked that would have put a smile on his face had he the lips for it.


    A few minutes later, Pon watched as Shae and Nix pushed brown flames into the clay ball; when they were done, he helped seal it with clay that had been put aside.


    [Craft Queue: Giant Golem][Composite: Wood Timbers][Bond: Wood Sap][Elemental Source: Clay Encased Brown Flames]


    Queue a Giant Golem?


    "Yes." Nix nodded, and immediately all of his materials vanished into his crafting queue.


    Pon shook his head at the size of the timbers Nix had dragged over. "This thing gonna be around ten feet in height?"


    "Nope, those were just the lower legs." Nix read the crafting timer, "Two hours to bake the new Blinky."


    Pon''s skeletal hands clapped together. "Blinky 2.0! I like it!"


    "Me too. Let''s get some of this sap back to camp, so I don''t show you up too badly." Nix ignored the one-fingered wave and picked up two of the larger pots.


    ******************


    [Bone Fortress: Sandcrab Precinct, 1400 hours Ice Faction: 12,733, Undead 10]


    /Alpha: Rhy: Movement on three fronts. They''ve split up ranged forces to the east and west edge. The main force is coming right down the middle; several shield bearers and heavy armor wearers are in the group.


    /Alpha: Sharl: They won''t break us. Nez will hang back while Morti and I take the brunt of the pressure.


    /Alpha: Pon: Don''t worry about the east side; they have a nice surprise waiting for them. Shae and I will help ease the pressure in the middle. About ready, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: Two minutes until Blinky is ready! We''ll come down the west side and try to hit the ranged fighters.


    /Alpha: Edi: Is Alfie with you?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep!


    Alfie stood on a large boulder, his empty sockets staring at the Inferno Leader. "Shouldn''t we get going?"


    Nix shook his skull slightly. "How''s that even possible without our ride! Here he comes!"


    [Critical Crafting: Forest Giant]


    Forest Giant


    Description: A finely crafted creation that stands forty-two feet tall and is made from the finest hardwoods. This golem has several different types of melee attacks, including kick and stomp. Its powerful heart is filled with the rage of upper-tiered brown flames. The Forest Giant will obey simple commands.


    Alfie''s mouth dropped open when he saw the golem rise up next to them. "Heavens..."


    "Binky! Give us a hand, please!" Nix dragged the archer onto the large hand that swung down. "On the shoulder!"


    Alfie jumped off on the shoulder while Nix scampered up to the head. At forty feet in height, Nix''s view of the surrounding area made him wish he had more archers. "We''ll switch places once the fighting starts."


    Alfie nodded while notching an arrow into this bow.


    Sharl lowered her shield and moved to the left side of Morti. He would take the brunt of the first charge while she assisted. She shook her head slightly when the cub''s long claws dug into the rocks beneath their feet like it was clay. "Let''s show-em!"


    Morti''s huge skull nodded up and down. "My favorite time is swatting time!"


    Pon deactivated all the mines he planted on the choke-points east side; this was done on Nix''s advice. The Inferno leader told him to wait until they were in the kill zone before he switched things on. This would ensure them a proper funeral. The skeleton mage clicked his jaws together and waited. "Gonna blow passed your kills like you were in revers..." A booming sound followed by vibration caused his boney neck to swivel. "The fuck is that thing?"


    /Alpha: Nix: We late?


    The golem''s giant strides appeared to be slow, but they ate up the ground between them and their quarry. Nix pushed emerald flames into his blade, hilt, and swapped places with Alfie. "Blinky! Stomp and kick all the bad guys in this section!"


    /Alpha: Nix: Where''s my lift?


    /Alpha: Rhy: Incoming, 10 seconds.

 497 Draemon

    "Very trusting, Nix!"


    Nix held tightly onto her bone hands as she climbed higher into the sky. "You aren''t going to drop your Champion. That''s just not going to happen, right?"


    "I suppose so," Rhy affirmed. "Where should I put you down?"


    "Behind enemy lines, time to pull these weeds out!"


    Rhy nodded but didn''t comment. The Inferno Guild leader had tank-like survivability.


    Nix readied himself when she banked suddenly and entered a shallow dive. She moved into the trees to mask their movement before landing softly on the ground. "I''ll keep an eye on things from above! Be careful, Nix."


    "Going to eliminate whatever cadre they have left." Nix waved a skeletal hand and waited until she was back in the air before equipping the stealth ring.


    From the air, Nix had spotted a lone tent that was somewhat hidden under the forest canopy. He was halfway toward his objective when he ran into the teams sent to find him. There were five of them; each of them had a beast leashed to their wrists. They advanced in a long line about fifteen meters apart. Without thinking it through, he scampered up a nearby tree; his boney hands and feet made climbing easy as he advanced up the rough bark trunk.


    According to Alfie, these groups were the elite fighters from the Ice Faction. They were referred to as cold shock teams and were a matched pair of witch and beast. Cold shock teams shared a deep bond that made silent communication possible. The beasts were furred animals with extended snouts and sharp rows of teeth. From his vantage point in the air, Nix thought that they resembled overly muscular wolf-hounds. The handlers all carried bows and a shortsword. He took out the small pouch he had prepared and let it hang loosely from his exposed vertebrae. It was filled with various herbs that Alfie gathered for him; he assured Nix that it would mask his undead scent.


    A stealthed Nix clung to the side of the tree while the cold shock pairs weave back and forth in a search pattern. Every few seconds, they would stop and cast minor ice flows. The Inferno leader watched the pair beneath him; had he possessed all of his abilities, he would have taken them all. Growling from the beast below pulled his attention from the caster. The animal''s low growl seemed to be directed at his partner.


    "Trouble in the ranks?" Nix watched as the beast snapped at its handler before being jerked backward by the leash around its neck.


    "You damned fiend!" The female kicked the animal once, only to have it latch onto her leg with powerful jaws and upend her.


    Nix has to clench his teeth together to keep from laughing as the beast shook its head from side to side.


    "Yes, Coven leader." The witch regained her feet and pulled the beast upward until the leash tightened around its neck. With difficulty, she started dragging the animal back to camp while the rest of her group continued their search; Nix quietly worked his way down the tree and followed.


    A small gulley that was overgrown with brush gave Nix the moment he was looking for. The shortcut put the pair out of camp''s view for a few seconds but also cut the struggling beast handler''s trip in half. A half dozen emerald strands encircled the witch''s neck and yanked her backward onto the rocky ground. Within moments she was staked into the ground by a flaming emerald blade.


    The beast''s low growl from a few meters away warned Nix not to approach; other than that, it ignored Nix''s presence as he searched the corpse. The lead she had been holding was lying on the ground a few meters away.


    Nix glanced toward the camp and then back into the direction they came from. "Can''t just leave you here. If you go running into camp..." The Inferno leader shook his head slightly and advanced cautiously. "You look like a dog, and I love dogs."


    The pair stared at each other over the corpse of the witch. Slowly the beast''s head cocked to one side. The skeleton knelt and held out a bone hand. "Come on, what kind of dog doesn''t love bones?"


    The beast advanced a step and then sat down on its hindquarters. Nix felt confident that it had no interest in going to camp with him. "Gonna leave you here, for now." He took one last look at the dangling leash, according to Alfie, that created the bond between the hunting pairs.


    Nix approached a large green tent that had been heavily camouflaged with branches and leaves from the surrounding area. Had he not already known it was there, he probably would have missed it. Emerald flames pushed into his sword hilt as he ran the length of one side, cutting through the branches and tent walls like they didn''t exist. "I need a catchphrase for moments like this." An instant later, he was picked up and flung several meters into the air as a corresponding explosion enveloped the area in a ball of orange flames. The skeleton bounced hard on the rocks, rolling several times before skidding to a stop close to the gulley where the beast was hiding.


    /Alpha: Rhy: You okay, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. The tent I was about to wipe out just blew up.


    /Alpha Pon: What did you do?


    /Alpha: Nix: Knocked politely. Clean up in aisle one... I''m hurt pretty bad.


    /Alpha: Rhy: Need me to pick you up?


    Nix rolled easily to his feet, his yellow eyes scanning the route he had come. With that noise, the cold shock hunters would be rushing back toward the camp.


    [Your kill count has just surpassed two hundred.]


    A new path has been uncovered.


    Hades Salamander [Emerald]


    A random piece of your active inventory has been returned to you.


    [Bridle: Nightmare]


    "About fucking time." Nix activated his aura and stowed his hilt before pushing flames into his twin-bladed staff.


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    Nightmare: Mount [Special]


    Draemon Skeletal Mount


    The Inferno Leader would have been wearing a huge smile as he took a moment to study his hybrid mount. "The fuck is a draemon?" He swung easily into the saddle, his aura immediately adding to hers as they were both engulfed in black flames. Nix noticed the color change; their combined aura had never been black before.


    "Capture him! That''s one of the new Elites!" An older woman''s voice shouted from the lip of the hidden gully. Her beast howled in rage, charging forward when she released it.


    [Fire Storm][Salamandra]


    Green flames enveloped everything with thirty meters of the mounted Fire Mage; three consecutive bolts of emerald fire tore thru the old witch, instantly turning her into a screaming torch. The creepy laugh of the Fire mage sounded above the roar of flames as emerald strands shot out of his hands and wrapped around the waists of the witches seeking to retreat. "Stay and enjoy the warm weather!"


    Mordryn Yi has been slain.


    Cadwix Sorshire has been slain.


    Trillix Verda has been slain.


    Within a few moments, the one-sided beatdown was over. Nix quickly dismounted and started searching the command tent.


    /Alpha: Rhy: Need that pick up, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. My salamander path reopened when I leveled up.


    /Alpha: Pon: Punk! You already have a class!


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s why it says Elite after my name, old bastard.


    Nix turned slightly at the sound of more fighting. Three beasts had managed to survive the inferno that wiped out their masters. All of them were attacking the beast who had rebelled earlier. He shrugged slightly and was about to return to his scavenging when Nightmare charged into the group. "Oi! The hell are you doing?"


    The beasts cowered from the stomping forefeet of the draemon, her black flame aura causing them damage before they could get close.


    Emerald fire strands wrapped around the beasts a moment later and lifted them off the ground. Nix raised them up and slammed onto the rocky surface a few times before discarding them. "Behave yourself..."


    After a few minutes of searching, Nix figured out why the tent had exploded. The splintered remanents of a few barrels and the blackened stench of burnt gunpowder told him that his flame blades had accidentally ignited a hidden cache of explosives. He swung easily into the saddle and headed back toward the choke-point.


    /Alpha: Nix: How is the battle going?


    /Alpha: Edi: We''ve taken a few more prisoners, but the fighting is done. According to the count, we killed nearly two hundred today.


    /Alpha: Sharl: Do you think that''s all of them?


    /Alpha: Edi: Maybe, there might be a few more small groups hiding.


    /Alpha: Nix: We don''t need to rush our search. Tomorrow we''ll stay here and protect the choke point. Here are our numbers as of right now.


    [Bone Fortress, 1820 hours Ice Faction: 12,566, Undead 10]


    Alfie: 21,140


    Edi: 20,350


    Nix: 211


    Pon: 198


    Sasi: 110


    Morti: 75


    Nezbit: 104


    Sharl: 7


    Rhy: 2


    Shae: 31


    /Alpha: Edi: Thank you for working so hard today!


    /Alpha: Nix: Those who were on the choke-point today should rest up. I''ll keep watch.


    /Alpha: Pon: They managed to take down poor Blinky.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah, but not before he tore them a new one.

 498 Infernos Arrival

    Alfie: 21,140


    Edi: 20,350


    Nix: 215


    Pon: 202


    Sasi: 121


    Morti: 75


    Nezbit: 104


    Sharl: 7


    Rhy: 2


    Shae: 34


    Over the next two days, most of the remaining Ice Faction in Sandcrab had been weeded out and either imprisoned or killed. The ''broken'' beast that followed Nix and Nightmare back from the enemy HQ was bonded by Nezbit. The Inferno cleric used her woodcutter skill tirelessly to create barriers and fortifications for future use. Pon was able to level up and receive his Fire Starter staff from his active inventory. The small group waited patiently as the timer slowly ticked down to reopen the Sandcrab Graveyard.


    Nix was crafting more golem soldiers using the red clay near the cliffs on the precinct''s western border. Nearly all the ice in Sandcrab melted over the last few days. The weather had turned warm and green could be seen sprouting up from the once frozen tundra; Rhy and Shae chatted nearby while he worked.


    "How''s the glue working?" The skeletal salamander glanced over at Nix, apparently, Sharl had some experience making homemade glue.


    Nix grunted but didn''t comment further as he focused on the queue. His skeletal fingers were coated with the sticky substance, something he found to be rather annoying. His first order of business once Semmi arrived would be to see about reclaiming their original forms. The novelty of being bones was starting to wear off. Although they didn''t need to eat or drink, those were luxuries that were missed by everyone.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] I''d kill for a fucking burger right now.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Quit reading my mind, old bastard.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] And a beer. Five minutes left on the graveyard counter.


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] We''ll start back in a minute.


    [Craft Queue: Miniature Soldier][Composite: Red Clay][Bond: Basic Glue][Elemental Source: Clay Encased Brown Flames]


    Nix stared at the crafting queue. Giant Blinky had lasted for most of the battle and had kept a large part of the enemy''s forces focused on killing him. In the end, he was too easy to kill. The truth was that the remaining Sandcrab Ice Faction were the dregs of their army. The upper echelon members had been killed by Edi and Alfie a long time ago. Edi explained it to him very clearly, the upcoming battles from other precincts would present a much higher tier of combatant. "I need to put armor on these little bastards..."


    "Shouldn''t you use granite or some other type of rock?"


    Nix glanced up at Shae''s words, his head shaking slowly. "When I tried that the joints became too rigid, making them easy to topple over. I''ll queue this later, we should head back to the graveyard. It''s about to open."


    ******************


    "It must be the Hardening, although it has been lost to us for some time." Mortimus''s deep voice held everyone''s attention as they ate together. "I only know a bit of the legend. Titans were rumored to serve Eidengal for a period of time. The result of this service was greatly beneficial to our race. We''d become stronger, tougher, and more resilient. If we died during battle, we''d be returned to our homes; never able to go back."


    Semmi glanced at her hud and then stood up. "Thanks for the meal, Hyai. Time to line up."


    /Inferno: Wind: We need to tell Nix about what Mortimus said.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Didn''t Shae say that we''d respawn in the graveyard?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ll figure it out if we get there.


    "The Key is active! Everyone get into position!" Hyai watched the key as the reinforcements stepped onto the platforms one by one. Gil was the last one to step up. "Still active, good luck!" Green flames roared upward from the platform and the thirteen fighters disappeared from sight.


    ****************


    Nix watched as the haze over the graveyard vanished into nothingness. Wrought iron gates swung outward with an eerie screech of rusted hinges. Hundreds of headstones lined up symmetrically in long rows. A pavilion with a small marble pulpit overlooked everything. According to Alfie, this would be the calling point.


    [Guild Messenging has been restored]


    Inferno has unlocked Sandcrab Graveyard.


    All awards will be withheld until the Bone Fortress Instance has been won.


    Thirteen skeletons appeared in the circle next to the calling point.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Woah... Thin is in!


    /Inferno: Pon: Welcome to the party, unfortunately, we don''t have cake.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks for coming.


    The smallest of the new arrivals scurried away from the group, his skull encased dark eyes darted everywhere. "Sasi? Sasi?"


    "Rabi!" A second skeleton with a long tail and horns charged toward the first, skidding to a halt before they collided and caught her brother up in a hug. " Rabi!"


    The two siblings held hands and spun in circles while jabbering faster than anyone could understand.


    Alfie has joined Inferno.


    Edie has joined Inferno.


    Alfie has been promoted to Recruitment Officer.


    Nix used his hud to make the necessary adjustments to their numbers. Using the guild interface would make things much easier for everyone. After discussing it with Alfie and Edi, he decided to make them temporary Inferno members. While they inhabited the Bone Fortress, the undead would be welcome in Inferno.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s see what we are working with. There''s a lot to do before we open up the next precinct.


    Atharabi Qi


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Shadow Thief


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Donri [Elite]


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Mage


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Wind Qi [Elite]


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Tempest Thief


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Semmi [Elite]


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Tempest Thief


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Fajii


    Undead Earth Wraith [Dark Court]


    Class: Dark Reaper


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Jun Li [Elite]


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Blademaster


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Darsi [Elite]


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Marksmen


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Ronnie [Elite]


    Race: Undead Skeleton


    Class: Archer


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Del Tali


    Phantom Beast [Special]


    Class: Shadow Scout


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Raine Xai


    Bone Wraith [Bishop]


    Class: Dark Wrathman


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Chiba


    Undead Rapture [Bishop]


    Class: Blade Savant


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Mortimus


    Race: Bone Bear [Royal Court]


    Class: Juggernaut


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Gil


    Race: Bone Turtle [Royal Court]


    Class: Defender


    Rank 1


    Kills: 0


    Nix''s eye caught his swordmaster and stopped. "Chiba?"


    The ugly old woman waved at her apprentice as he walked toward her. "At last, I''m reunited with my lovely apprentice!"


    Nix stopped within arm''s reach, putting a bone hand out to stop her from hugging him. "Why aren''t you a skelly like the rest of us?"


    Chiba glanced down at her flat chest and thin-looking form. "Because beautiful Chiba is already perfect. Nothing can change that."


    Nix considered her words without laughing and then quickly discarded them. "Hmm... Do you have your ring on? Normally you arrive here with nothing."


    Chiba''s smile turned creepy. "Naked? Shall I take off my clothes?" The old woman grabbed the bottom of her shirt and started to pull it over before being stopped by Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Anyone come here with items?


    /Inferno: Semmi: I have my main weapon.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: So do I.


    /Inferno: Wind: I have a bunch of things actually.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Just my bow.


    /Inferno: Darsi: My rifle.


    /Inferno: Nix: Does anyone besides Wind have more than one item?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Hmm... Link those items, Wind.


    /Inferno: Wind: Sure.


    Ring of Graves: Legendary


    Description: Summon up to three enemies you''ve slain to fight on your behalf. Enemy identities may be locked in. The Ring of Graves will permanently store any three of your fallen foes.


    Spirits: 1/3


    1: Atilla


    Black Lightning


    Flying Transport: Broom Type


    Description: They say that lightning is faster than dragons, but do you dare to use it?


    Black Cat Scroll: Familiar [Unbound]


    Description: This black cat can be difficult under the best of circumstances. The extent of her abilities is unknown.


    Black Dagger: [Unknown Rating].


    Description: Plunge this dagger directly into the heart of your enemy, and they will never return. You may only use this once.


    Cloak of Shadows: [Witch Slayer Only]


    Description: Instantly move between shadows; line of sight only.


    Witch Token: Hidden Class [Unidentified]


    Description: Set this token on any temple''s altar to add a random Witch Class to the Temple''s job list.


    /Inferno: Edi: That''s witch gear! Where did you get it?


    /Inferno: Wind: From the Witch Sanctum.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Perhaps witch gear passes through without limit? Can you take off that ring, Chiba?


    Chiba nodded and slipped her ring off, immediately she morphed into a skeleton. "Guess I''ll be boned with the rest of you for a while." She stowed her ring away. "Good thing I masturbated right before we left. Where can I pick up a sword?"


    /Inferno: Alfie: See me for armor and equipment.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take a few minutes to look around. We''ll meet up in an hour to start planning.

 499 Saboteur

    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] It''s nice that the brains of the outfit has finally arrived.


    Nix chuckled but didn''t protest the sentiment; Semmi and Jun Li were great at long-term tactics while he excelled in sneaky one-time maneuvers.


    "Nix?" Skeleton Raine took a seat on the same boulder that he was sitting on. "Are you used to this already?" The Fir''Dhassi held a bony hand in front of him and wiggled the fingers.


    The Inferno Leader nodded. Even without the guild tags over everyone''s head, he had no issues telling Ronnie from Sharl or Nezbit. Individual personalities seemed to shine through, even when smiles, frowns, and other expressions were impossible. His yellow eyes glanced toward Ronnie and Sharl, thankful that his own face was unreadable. After their recent escapade together, he had figured out the sister''s math. Separately they were both attractive and personable, but the closer their proximity to each other, the more difficult things became for him.


    "Do you like me, Nix?" Raine''s warm voice could have melted butter.


    Nix nodded and answered truthfully. "What''s not to like?" She was smart and very easy to be around. Besides that, she had killed and roasted that fucking goat; the bastard had tasted so good.


    Raine stared at him for a moment, her glance following his until Sharl and Ronnie came into view. "Same here. Once we get our bodies back, I''m going to handle things differently."


    Nix nodded again like he understood what she meant, but of course, he didn''t.


    Over the next hour, the small group talked quietly among themselves while the guild tacticians drew up their initial plans. When they were finally done, Semmi stepped forward and sent everyone a short brief on their first few objectives.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let''s ignore the precincts and talk about the individual Burroughs. There are sixteen of them that we''ve labeled 1-16. We must take all sixteen Burroughs before we can touch the Bone Fortress. In each of these Burroughs, there is a graveyard that we must claim. Thanks to the hard work of those who were already here, we currently hold the Sandcrab Graveyard in the Xander Burrough.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We should be able to move forward on our first three missions within 30 days. However, time isn''t really important here. We will only move when we are prepared for the next step.


    [Objective 1]


    Continue to fortify and build. The Sandcrab Graveyard means that we should be able to take all of the Xander Burrough. We''ll stay here for a few days and then take out the rest of the Burrough.


    [Objective 2]


    [Objective 3]


    Bear Creek Precinct Graveyard in the Fury Burrough.


    Dark Wood Precinct Graveyard in the Peril Burrough.


    /Inferno: Semmi: There''s one thing to keep in mind as we move forward. Currently, the Undead Faction is controlling most of the sections within the Sandcrab Precinct. Because our largest territory is a Precinct, only bordering precincts within the same Burrough may attack us. Once we claim the entire Burrough, all bordering Burroughs may attack, regardless of which precinct they come from.


    /Inferno: Nix: Here are our current numbers.


    [Bone Fortress, 1100 hours. Ice Faction: 12,545, Undead: 23]


    Nix would have been wearing a wide smile had his lips been present. The only thing they were missing was some clerics. The odds were good that Tess, Pinky, and Gypsy Rose would be revived before Inferno stormed into the Keep. He stepped onto the small platform and stood behind the pulpit. As soon as he touched it, a hud activated in front of him.


    [Sandcrab Precinct Graveyard: Undead Faction]


    Current Gravestones: 200


    Current Fighters ready for recall: 194


    Do you wish to activate Recall?


    Nix glance to one side where Alfie and Edi were watching. "Yes. Activate Recall."


    A screeching sound like fingernails running down a chalkboard reverberated in Nix''s skull. He covered his ear holes against the unpleasant sound and watched as a skeleton hand punched upward through the unspoiled turf of the cemetery.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Shit... This is making me excited.


    Dozens of skeletons clawed their way out of their graves, Inferno stood silently while their numbers increased gradually. Within a minute the skeletons were all standing in front of their freshly dug up graves.


    Alfie moved to the front of the stage. "Undead Faction, FORM UP!"


    Skeletons from all basic classes double-timed toward their leaders and formed up into three ranks. From front to back they were Melee, Mages \u0026 Clerics, and Archers.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It should be noted, that Undead who fall in battle will respawn here after one day. According to Mortimus, that probably only includes the native Undead.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Heroes will most likely respawn in Everspire and have to wait.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] What''s that mean for NPCs like Fajii or Shae?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Not sure.


    /Inferno: Nix: Try not to die... Mostly I''m talking to you, Pon.


    /Inferno: Pon: The hell does that mean? I''ll be the last one standing!


    Over the next three days, Xander Burrough was gradually turned into an active HQ for the Undead Faction. The prisoners were kept out of sight in the cavern prison. The scout team of Sasi, Rabi, Alfie, Del, and Rhy turned up no further enemy within their borders. All Inferno members had been briefed regarding the Ring of Tides and its ability to create rule-bending artifacts.


    With the help of Shae and Fajii, Nix created a large kiln that was capable of making large ceramic molds for golem making. Raine stopped by and helped with features, although Nix felt they were unnecessary, he liked some of the faces that the Fir''Dhassi was able to create.


    "I didn''t know you did some sculpting." Nix watched from his crafting queue as Raine carefully carved out a new head. She seemed especially gifted at making the scarier looking ones. Because of his Everspire experience in crafting, he was starting to pull away from Pon who hadn''t bothered with crafting before. His golem making had improved to 149 while the old mage was still in double digits.


    "I have many hidden talents." Raine used the edge of a sharp rock to carve out the cheekbones for the facial mask. Once put into the brown flamed kiln, it would become as hard as armor. "We could use this kiln to make real armor if we had an alchemist to treat the ceramic."


    "Thanks for the help." Nix stared at her for a long moment. "What''s wrong with your rib?"


    Raine glanced down at her left side, the tip of one rib had been neatly cut off. "I was stabbed once while undertaking my training. It''s a bit odd that I can see it now."


    "Must have been a close call..."


    Rained nodded. "Very... You shouldn''t stare so much."


    Nix sensed the humor in her words. "Feeling a bit exposed?"


    "Perhaps." Raine turned toward the south. "Do you smell that?"


    Nix smelled nothing on the air, but immediately sensed the presence of fire. The surrounding woods seemed to ignite within a few seconds, the flames quickly moving high into the trees while it expanded outward.


    /Inferno: Nix: Fire in the Woods!


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck is going on?


    /Inferno: Nix: Move to the east side of the woods and start backburning. I''ll head west.


    /Inferno: Pon: Honri is with me, we''ll work together.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Shae and I are heading to the north section.


    Nix put a hand on Raine''s shoulder when she stood to follow him. "Stay close to the river, we don''t have any water user who can put out these flames."


    Raine sighed heavily but didn''t protest. "I''ll wait here."


    Nix summoned Nightmare and rode her directly through the blazing woods. Backburning was an easy concept, you burn in the path of the fire, causing it to starve.


    After a few hours of work, the fire had finally been contained. The air was thick with smoke, but since no one had lungs there was no coughing or gasping.


    /Inferno: Pon: Accidental fire?


    /Inferno: Nix: On three sides at once? Doubtful. My question is why?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Check the barricades.


    Nix frowned at the message and turned Nightmare toward their storage area. With Nezbit''s help, they had been skinning and sharpening logs to assemble barricades in front of the Peril Burrough (14). These logs were stacked at the edge of the western forest line. The moment he cleared the woods, he could see the burning pile of embers. "Wonderful..."


    /Inferno: Nix: Our stockpile of barricade logs have been burned.


    /Inferno: Semmi: In the middle of the day? How did we not see them?


    /Inferno: Edi: Our faction number just dropped by one.


    Nix pulled up his hud and scanned the list of Inferno members. Halfway down he spotted the cause.


    [Whisper: Nix to Nezbit] Don''t say anything in chat. Can you summon Rhy?


    [Whisper: Nezbit to Nix] Oh no... It says she can''t be resummoned to the graveyard.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Rhy has been slain. She should respawn at the Greater House of Inferno in Solomon City.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I will look into it. Resummon me in two hours.


    ********************


    Two Days Later...


    [Bone Fortress, 1800 hours. Ice Faction: 12,545, Undead: 216]


    Shae returned in the evening to announce that Rhy respawned at the Greater House of Inferno. She had been killed after stepping into a witch''s circle. Similar to the one that contained Rabi, she was unable to move or see anything and was slaughtered without being able to fight back. In the days since then, several incidents of sabotage had taken place. Mostly they were small things like tents and stored resources. The cannon they''d been saving for the Burrough invasion had mysteriously disappeared. Since then, no one was allowed to move about in groups smaller than three.


    Alpha team was standing next to Nix''s Kiln while nearly everyone else was combing the woods in groups.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Right under our noses and we are clueless. If I didn''t know better, I''d suspect they were using your camouflage.


    /Alpha: Nix: Losing Rhy hurt, she was our only flier.


    /Alpha: Wind: I can fly with that broom mount.


    /Alpha: Nix: Not until we figure this out, she was probably targeted for that very reason.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The woods are on fire again! East and West sides.


    /Inferno: Shae: Send me Fajii to help on the east, the rest of you can take the west.


    /Inferno: Fajii: On my way.


    Fajii hugged Nix for a moment and then headed east at a run. Within a few minutes, she spotted the flames climbing steadily toward the sky.


    Fajii has been silenced.


    Fajii has been bound by witchcraft.


    [Bind Breaker]


    Fajii has broken her bindings.

 500 Easy Fix

    Fajii has been stunned.


    "FAJII!" Shae''s enraged voice filled the air a moment before the entire area was bathed in orange flames. The salamander waded through the barrier like it didn''t exist, scattering the remanents of power in all directions. The Aquarion skelly was slowly climbing to her feet, shaking her head as if to clear it.


    "I''m okay." Fajii rearmed herself and scanned the area around them. There was no enemy in sight. She held a finger to her lips to silence the salamander.


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] I was just attacked. The same circle that was used on Rhy. I would have been killed if Shae hadn''t interfered.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] Are you okay?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Yes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Looks like another ambush attempt. Thankfully no one was injured. Let''s continue our diligence. Formation in the morning, no exceptions. I want to take look at our troops. Let''s call it an official inspection.


    /Inferno: Alfie: I''ll make sure everyone is there.


    Nix made his way back to the kiln, Alpha knew better than to speak to him, his aura was burning so hot that no one except Pon could even approach. A few minutes later he stood at the edge of the river, clouds of steam enveloped him as it rose up over the rapidly increasing water temperature.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Don''t kill all the fish! I''m gonna make us some fishing poles.


    Nix let his flames wink out. "Hey, old man... Got any of those mid-range explosives? I want to try putting them in golems again."


    Pon nodded. "I do, but weren''t they too big for golems? As I remember they kept tipping over."


    Skelly Nix took a seat on the rocks and opened his crafting queue. "I have an idea."


    /Inferno: Nix: Put up guards on the camp perimeter, until further notice no one leaves camp without clearing it through me.


    /Inferno: Alfie: Understood, Nix.


    Pon unloaded the explosives from his crafting inventory. "Want us to head back too?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep. You guys head back, I''ll be fine.


    ******************


    Shortly after dawn on the next day, the Undead Faction stood in one large formation while they waited for Nix. He didn''t show up, but Semmi started removing individuals from the group. Mortimus, Gil, and Morti walked back toward the HQ together.


    "Probably something smart. Nix is always doing smart things." Morti glanced at his dad for confirmation. Unexpectedly they were the same size while in Bone form.


    Mortimus''s deep voice rumbled. "Everyone who faces Nix eventually takes a step backward."


    Gil watched the interaction with interest. It was the highest compliment a Titan could make. "I hope we start fighting soon..." Like his fellow Titans, Gil had come in his turtle form.


    The group stopped next to Alpha team and waited. It was another half-hour until Nix finally showed up.


    Nix waved to Alfie and Edi who were standing in front of the formation. "All hands on deck?"


    Edie nodded. "Going to inspect the troops? Inferno has returned to the camp."


    "I''ll inspect the rest in a bit, return and let them know." Nix motioned for them both to leave and then started counting troops in his head. He counted twice to make sure the number was right.


    Nix took ten paces away from the formation and then turned to face them. "I want to thank each of you personally for your hard work." He brought up his hud while looking at their numbers.


    [Whisper: Nix to Mortimus] Contain Alfie and Edi for the next minute.


    [Whisper: Mortimus to Nix] Understood.


    "Detonate," Nix said the word quietly, a momently later the entire field flashed into a giant ball of flames. There was a long moment of silence as he stared out over the smoking bones of the dead skeleton troops.


    [Your kill count has just surpassed three hundred]


    You have remembered a forgotten element [Black Ice].


    [Your kill count has just surpassed four hundred]


    You may summon an additional companion [Fey].


    "NIX!" An enraged Alfie pulled his bow and moved toward the Inferno leader, Mortimus swiped him down, pinning him to the ground with a giant paw.


    Gil moved in front of Edi, but she hadn''t moved at all.


    /Inferno: Edi: What is the meaning of this?


    /Inferno: Nix: Numbers. 194 summoned from the graveyard yet we have two hundred troops. I want you and your brother to take the Titans and check each grave.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Holy shit... You ganked all of them.


    /Inferno: Nix: Check the bodies here, I want to know how they were killing us.


    Edi walked toward the graveyard without speaking. Unlike her brother, she wasn''t overly concerned with Nix''s actions. He was obviously dedicated to retaking the Bone Fortress. She walked between two rows of gravestones, scanning each side before stepping to the next. The graves had been resealed with the fresh bodies of her people. Half-way down the rows, she found an empty one. "Alfie!"


    Alfie had been walking between the third and fourth row. He crossed over and knelt beside the empty grave. He pushed his bone fingers into the dirt before cursing under his breath. "Desecrated. It''s been salted."


    "Let''s continue looking." Edi stared at the empty grave for a moment, she had been duped.


    /Inferno: Edi: An empty grave here. All the graves should have been resealed.


    /Inferno: Nix: Good work, you should find six of them.


    "Nix!" Rabi stood up from the middle of the field, part of an actual leg held in one skeletal hand. "Rabi has found a leg!"


    "More body parts over here boss." Wind uncovered part of a hand with a kick before removing a ring from the dead finger.


    /Inferno: Wind: Bingo. Here''s the link.


    [Thine Enemy]: Ring, Tidal Artifact


    Description: Your form changes to match the enemy faction.


    /Inferno: Pon: Mother... Where did you get that?


    /Inferno: Nix: Find the rest of them.


    [Summons: Fey]


    Nix waited while a bone Draken appeared in front of him. Without speaking he jumped onto her back and shot into the air.


    /Inferno: Pon: How''d you summon Fey?


    /Inferno: Nix: Heh... Rank 5, old bastard.


    /Inferno: Pon: You damned, cheating punk!


    Over the next half an hour, Nix and Fey could occasionally be seen flying near the Xander borders. During that time, six rings hand been recovered along with the same number of desecrated graves. Semmi and Jun Li were talking with Alfie and Edi, trying to piece everything together.


    Semmi watched as Alfie helped Nezbit sanctify the open grave. "The six of them salted the graves and then buried themselves inside?"


    Edi nodded. "Smart move, all they had to do was wait for us to recall everyone and then claw their way out. Pretending they were part of our faction."


    Semmi slipped on one of the six rings she''d been given. Immediately she changed into her natural form.


    "Beautiful." Alfie looked up from his task to stare at the blond officer.


    Semmi''s face blushed slightly before breaking into a smile, quickly she slipped the ring off her finger. "Thanks... Will these graves be usable now?"


    Edi nodded, her eyes glancing upward at the Inferno Leader who circled the graveyard before landing on the far side. "Is that a dragon?"


    Jun Li shook her head. "Not quite, but she is formidable."


    They waited while Nix walked through the graveyard. The mount he''d been flying morphed into a skeleton mage and followed alongside.


    /Inferno: Nix: We sorted out?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Yes. They used the rings to become undead and then planted themselves in the graveyard.


    Semmi handed him the six rings that were recovered. "We could do the same thing to them."


    Nix slipped on one of the rings and let himself smile for the first time in days. "Hold that thought. I''m going to find Raine and get her to cook something."


    Pon shamelessly abandoned the group and followed Nix. "It''s only fitting. We''ve been here the longest."


    Nix paused for a moment and looked back at the siblings. "You coming?"


    "Real food?" Alfie ignored her brother''s glance and followed.

 501 Pathfinder Returns

    The group watched as Raine roasted a small deer over an opened flame next to the river. Alfie and Edi were both wearing [Thine Enemy] rings and were chatting amiably while the Fir''Dhassi cooked.


    "What race are you?" Alfie asked Raine as she basted the meat with herbs she had gathered. Since she was cooking, Nix had given her one of the rings to wear. Her pointed ears had drawn the archer''s attention.


    "I''m a Fir''Dhassi, from Inuit." Raine was used to the stares of both men and women. "If Nix and I get married one day, all of Oasis will unite under his banner."


    Nix coughed loudly from his place in the water, he was standing kneedeep in the clear stream while trying to catch one of the silverfish with his bare hands. "Oi... Don''t go deciding things by yourself!"


    "Right... Sorry, Nix" Raine''s expression said that she didn''t take his words to heart. "Some of the cuts are done, who wants it rare?"


    Nix shook his head. "No red for me."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "Same for me, burn mine."


    Alfie and Edie bore a strong resemblance to each other. They were both on the short side with dark hair and eyes. Alfie smiled a lot while his sister seemed to guard her expressions more carefully. Rain used a sharp knife to dish them both large cuts of the meat she was preparing.


    "Bone Fortress is a seed world. Where is it located?" Nix looked up from his task in the river, his understanding of seed worlds was that they must be attached to something.


    Alfie closed her eyes, savoring the first bite for a long moment before answering. "The Bone Fortress is attached to the armory in Eidengal."


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Didn''t Gideon''s last report from that eye thingie say that Khione mentioned Eidelgal?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Yes. Hopefully, those plans are delayed since she unexpectedly got her ass kicked.


    Pon laughed loudly, causing everyone to look at him. The old man shrugged slightly. "Sorry... Was remembering something funny."


    Raine stirred the glowing embers with the end of a blackened stick. "My rank says, Bishop. What does that mean?"


    "It does?" Alfie licked one of his fingers, not worrying at all about manners. "It''s a court rank within Bone Fortress. The strongest fighters of Bone Fortress fall into two categories, Royal and Dark Court. Bishop is a rare rank within one of those courts."


    Nix finally decided to give up on catching silverfish and waded toward the riverbank. "Chiba holds the Bishop rank also. What does the Emperor rank mean?"


    Edi shrugged slightly while scooting closer to the fire. The feeling of warmth was welcomed after so long as an undead. "Only Tautius has held that rank here. Had he still been here, we would have never lost the Fortress."


    Edi''s bare feet were nearly resting in the glowing embers of the dying campfire. "We should keep the rings secret."


    Nix nodded slightly and accepted a hand from Raine who pulled him to his feet. "Semmi probably already has it planned out."


    Alfie grinned at the mention of the blonde officer. "Semmi is very beautiful."


    Nix laughed at Pon''s sour expression as Raine led him away from the group. "On that, we can agree." He followed her deeper into the woods, enjoying the quiet solace of the evening. "Where we going?"


    "I found this a few days ago. Could you heat it up a bit?" Raine stopped at the edge of a small pool and started undressing.


    Nix watched until she entered the water and then knelt on the rocks. "Say when." His extended hand glowed with emerald flame and submerged into the water.


    Raine waited for several seconds while the small pool heated up. "That''s fine, Nix. Please join me."


    ***********


    Gideon listened to the brief while observing the four people sitting around him. Three dragons and a salamander, the last of which had requested his presence at Nix''s ranch. Shae reported everything she knew about the Bone Fortress. Their Solomon key was once again inactive, no one else could be sent through at this time. "Nix wants me to take my team and find this coven?"


    Shae nodded. Nix specifically told her to seek out Gideon and give him this assignment. The Pathfinder team had accepted multiple missions from the Inferno leader in the past. "There isn''t much to go on. Our only clue is that it is someplace cold."


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Everyone meet up at the Gemini Temple. We''ll discuss the mission there.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: On my way.


    /Pathfinder: Roto: Am already there.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Is this a loot mission? Because I need some new shit.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Waiting on you, Gid!


    ******************


    [Author''s Reminder]


    Pathfinder is a team from the Salamander Guild that Nix uses on occasion for special missions.


    Gideon: Assassin (Salamander Guild Leader, a rl female named Mai)


    Paco: Tank


    Nebula (Nebs): Heals (Nebs has been working in Ionova for some time.)


    Roto: Ranger


    Jiggs: Scout


    ********************


    Gideon arrived at the Gemini Temple a short while later. His group was sitting on the edge of the platform talking quietly while they watched the Titans from the Everspire Clans spar.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Inferno is making Titans now?


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: As I understand, it''s more like reawakening old bloodlines.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Surprised you could make it Nebs. Aren''t you busy with the Ionova rebuild?


    /Pathfinder: Roto: I hear Nix is looking for you Jiggs. Something about you engaging him to a Fir''Dhassi woman.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: We agreed not to ever mention that!


    /Pathfinder: Roto: You agreed... I only put it on the back burner until the next time you piss me off.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Yep.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Same here.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Hey! Don''t even kid about that.


    Gideon shook his head slightly. "Settle down, we have company."


    The group looked up to see their leader approaching with another person.


    Ducky has joined Pathfinder.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Hey Ducky! Welcome.


    /Pathfinder: Ducky: Thanks.


    Gideon waited until everyone greeted the newcomer before starting his brief. "We brought in some CC help for this mission."


    Nebs slipped a hand through the Water Witch''s arm, Ducky was someone she spent lots of time in Ionova. "If Ducky is coming, then this must be very big!"


    Gideon didn''t deny the statement. He had been told by Shae to find the second Coven so that they could bring more reinforcements in. Ducky was assigned to him until they discovered its location. "Our Mission is to search for a hidden Coven. Intel says that it is located someplace very cold."


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Like an Ice Cap? I only know of three.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Yep. Northern Titania, the Ain''Dhassi territory around Fraya''Selene, and of course Cyphix City in Colonial.


    /Pathfinder: Ducky: Shae said to leave Northern Titania for last.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: We will try Cyphix, the entrance to Everspire is close-by; perhaps the Coven is hidden there also.


    **************


    1700 hours, Cyphix City.


    The sun was already setting when the small group arrived in Cyphix a short while later. Despite the cold temperatures, the town was bustling with activity. A new Inn had been brought in to replace the one Hyai removed. The Temple that had belonged to the Ice Spirit Shi, was now the temple of a water spirit named Aquina.


    /Pathfinder:Nebs: I haven''t been here in a long time, but I don''t remember Cyphix being so busy.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: A lot of people are trying to level up in the area so they can enter Everspire. We have a lot of ground to cover, everything between here and the Gladis Hub.


    Jiggs stopped in place, causing Paco to run into his back. The scout ignored his cursing teammate and pointed to the Inn sign. "The hell is that supposed to be?"


    "The Cold Bitch Inn..." Gideon read the sign that hung over the door of a rather new looking Inn. "Gotta start somewhere, I guess."


    The warmth of an open fireplace coupled with the smell of baked bread made it welcoming despite the odd name. A striking blond woman with icy blue eyes waved at them from behind the bar. "Seat yourselves wherever you like."


    Gideon nodded and pulled up a chair at the nearest table. It was fairly early for dinner, especially for players who would grind until darkness overtook them.


    "Welcome to the Cold Bitch. I''m Trista, the owner." The blond stared at Ducky for a moment before a smile widened her lips. "Inferno member? Do you know, Nix and Sila?"


    Ducky nodded. "Yes. I have a few questions if you don''t mind."


    [Whisper: Jiggs to Gideon] Player-owned Inn, this thing must be a gold mine.


    Trista nodded. "Your meal is on the house. Let me take your orders, then I''ll try to answer your questions.

 502 Xander Burrough 16

    Golem crafting has improved to 250.


    A new golem blueprint is available.


    An additional enchantment slot has been added to your crafting queue.


    "Nix?" Fajii called from the trail; there was literally nowhere to step since the area was blanketed with tiny black golems.


    Nix glanced up from his task and waved at Fajii. "Be careful; don''t knock over the boys."


    Fajii''s skull nodded as she slowly made her way toward him. "These are Black Ice Golems?"


    "Yep. Well... 80 percent maybe." Nix waited until she made her way to his side before he picked one up to show her. "See this panel over the chest? It''s full of metal scraps."


    Fajii examined the golem. It was just over knee-high but more streamlined than his past golems. There was a small clay panel over the chest. "Why put scraps behind the panel?"


    "Pon gave me all of his low-level grenades. They will explode outward thru the weakest point, which in this case is the panel." Nix watched as she examined it, "those scraps will blast into whoever is standing in front of them. I call them Booming Bobs."


    Fajii sat the golem back down on the ground. "I just came from the Kiln. Raine is working on the project you gave her."


    Nix opened his hud and checked the Xander Burrough map. A long wood barricade had been built along the northern border that separated them from Peril (14), and Fury (15). The logs were built into six-foot-high X''s with sharpened ends. When pieced together properly, they could not be easily broken or climbed. The second row of barricades was erected a hundred meters to the south of the first. This was labeled as the killing field. It was heavily mined and lined with sniper nests.


    /Alpha: Pon: We''re waiting for you, Punk.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''re on the way.


    Nix queued the rest of his black ice golems and followed Fajii as she retreated back toward the main camp.


    Fajii paused at the trail and grabbed his bone hand with hers. "How many golems did you make?"


    "Bit less than seven hundred, if you count the queue." Nix summoned Fey when they arrived at a small clearing. Fajii moved behind him, her bone arms encircling his waist a moment before the bone Drakon shot into the sky.


    Pon waited with the rest of the Inferno Officers; Nix had barely been seen in the last few days. All two hundred of the Skeletons were once again in formation. The old mage could hear them talking among themselves.


    "Is Commander Nix coming?"


    "Think the Commander will blow us up again today?"


    "Is he going to lead the charge?"


    /Alpha: Pon: You''re late again!


    /Alpha: Nix: How''s that possible? I said we''d start after I arrived... I just arrived.


    Fey landed near the formation and waited while her two passengers disembarked. The moment they were clear, she morphed into a Fire mage and followed them.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s go over what we know. You''re up, Semmi.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Our long term mission is the Bone Fortress; in order to do this, we need to hold all sixteen Burroughs. According to Edi, three thousand troops must be garrisoned in the fortress. That means the other nine thousand members of the Ice Faction will be divided into the fifteen Burroughs the enemy now holds.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: In all likelihood, the Peril (14), and Fury (15) Burroughs are heavily reinforced. We may be facing the largest army available.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Once the borders are breached, the enemy will have to stay and fight. It''s in our best interest to surprise them.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Assignments are as follows.


    [Main Tanks Assigned to the Front Line]


    Sharl, Morti, Mortimus


    [Overflow Tank]


    Gil


    /Inferno: Semmi: Each Main Tank has three clerics assigned to them and two dps. Nezbit will heal our Over Flow Tank.


    Sasi, Rabi (Assigned to Sharl)


    Raine, Jun Li (Assigned to Morti)


    Del, Chiba, (Assigned to Mortimus)


    Edi (Assigned to Gil)


    /Inferno: Semmi: Ranged fighters already have their assigned nests. Your first priority is anything inside the killing field. Don''t worry about those who have already made it through until the field is cleared.


    [Sniper Nests] Darsi, Ronnie, Shae, Donri, Alfie.


    Nix studied their layout. Of the two hundred Eidengal fighters, nine were clerics. Those were numbers that were desperately needed. Eighty-five were melee fighters, thirty were mages, and seventy-six were archers. They would all respawn in the graveyard if they died. NPCs and Titans would be removed from the Bone Fortress upon their deaths. No one was sure what would happen when a player died.


    /Alpha: Pon: How come none of the Alpha members are listed?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Nix''s orders.


    /Alpha: Wind: Special mission, Boss?


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll punch into enemy territory and look for TOOs.


    /Alpha: Pon: The hell does that mean? Two what?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Targets of opportunity.


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck didn''t you say that then?


    /Alpha: Nix: I like seeing you confused.


    Nix handed each member of Alpha team one of the [Thine Enemy] rings. "Don''t use these until we are behind enemy lines."


    /Alpha: Pon: When we going in?


    /Alpha: Nix: How long do you need to complete those teardrop bombs?


    /Alpha: Pon: I''m nearly out of supplies; Darsi has confiscated all of the ammo for herself. I need a day to finish the current queue.


    /Alpha: Nix: Sometime this week. It would be great if Gideon could find that coven.


    /Inferno: Edi: Could you talk to the troops, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Three times a day, we''ll move into our battle positions and run through simulations. We are finalizing our preparations. Be ready!


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] How do the skeleton archers look?


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] Besides Alfie, there are no heavy hitters. They have two basic ranged attacks. As long as they concentrate their fire, we''ll be fine.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] I''m counting on you, don''t let me down.


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] Never have, never will.


    [Bone Fortress, 2230 hours Ice Faction: 12,539, Undead 220]


    "You''re a bit of a cheat, Boss." Wind shook his skull at the hundreds of Black Ice golems lining the riverbank.


    Pon looked up from behind a stack of teardrop-shaped bombs. "Understatement of the fucking century. He''s a massive cheat."


    Semmi and Fajii were stacking the teardrops in groups of five. Each member of Alpha team would take as many as they could hold.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Fey will transport us behind enemy lines. The good thing about being skellies is that we don''t weigh much.


    [All Ice Faction forces within the Xander Burrough have been eliminated. Occupied Burrough borders may now be crossed.]


    Nix stared at the message that caused his hud to pop up. "Shit!"


    /Inferno: Nix: The borders are open! All personnel report to your battle stations!


    [Summons: Fey]


    /Alpha: Semmi: Grab your teardrops!


    Nix started scooping up the fist-sized teardrops while using his hud to send two hundred of his golems closer to the frontline. By the time he was finished, all of Alpha team was mounted on Fey. The Drakon''s ascent was much slower than normal; it was obvious that she felt their combined weight. Her bone ribs barely cleared the trees as she flew toward the barricades.


    ****** Reminder***


    Darsi is a sniper in Inferno. She rescued Nix in the real world when the Gladis Corporation was sabotaged. Darsi was also one of the crafters from the Gladis Hub.


    *******************


    On the other side of the camp, Darsi was already in her sniper nest. The nest was an elevated platform that had been constructed to hold six ranged fighters. Her bone fingers flipped the setting on her sniper scope, immediately the night sky lit up with the glow of body head.


    /Inferno: Darsi: We have fliers coming at us from the northeast. Too many to count.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Fliers? Where''s Fey?


    /Inferno: Fey: Leave them to me. I''ll have to put you down.


    /Inferno: Nix: Do it! We''ll manage.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Alpha team is going in. Jun Li has Command.


    The bone Drakon banked into a steep dive, leveling off as she crossed over the killing field. Once into enemy space, she slowed long enough for everyone to jump off.


    [Ice Spear][Ice Entanglement]


    Combination unsuccessful. Nix is immune to Ice attacks.


    Four figures dived at Alpha team, their dark forms closing on them at impossible speeds. Six emerald strands stabbed into the first flier; a scream of agony was all the warning Nix received before he was yanked into the air.


    A stealthed Semmi leaped onto the back of the second flier; she disappeared in the darkness as she struggled for control of the mount.


    The fliers passed through the rest of the group, ascending into the darkness while the three remaining Alpha members backed into a triangle and watched the skies.


    /Alpha: Pon: South! Here they come!


    A hundred meters away, Nix dug himself out of the mud just as a weapon flashed toward him.


    [Black Ice: Sculpture]


    Hora Tui has been encased in Black Ice.


    Nix sidestepped the sculpture as it landed heavily in the mud where he''d been standing. A quick glance around the area turned up what he was looking for.


    Black Lightning


    Flying Transport: Broom Type


    Description: They say that lightning is faster than dragons, but do you dare to use it?


    The yellow-eye skeleton picked up the broom. "I''m gonna say, YES!"

 503 Fury Burrough 15

    [Balefire: Hex]


    Pon has slain Gi Woriz.


    Pon has slain Miko Salz.


    Pon has landed a critical strike on Teran Bul.


    [Grave Shatter]


    Fajii has stunned Teran Bul.


    [Backstab][First Strike]


    Double Combination successful.


    Wind has slain Teran Bul.


    /Alpha: Pon: They have some fire mages in the Ice Faction... That''s a bit fucked up.


    /Alpha: Fajii: You two okay?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Yes. Did you scavenge some mounts?


    /Alpha: Pon: This old man doesn''t ride brooms.


    *Strike Team Adder? Return to Base! They have a fucking dragon! It''s tearing through our fliers.*


    The skeleton mage turned toward the witch he had scorched. "You two hear that?"


    Wind held a finger to his lips.


    /Alpha: Wind: Some sort of communication device, careful, it might be an open mic.


    Pon nodded and started searching the corpse. Teran Bul was definitely a fire mage; his only mistake was using a flame attack on someone vastly superior.


    /Alpha: Nix: The comm device is located on the broom; you can''t use it in skelly form.


    Semmi and Nix approached from the North, both of them held brooms slung over their shoulder.


    *Strike Team Adder! Report back to base*


    All of Alpha team looked toward their own camp when they felt the ground shake beneath them. The entire southern horizon lit up for several seconds, and the rumbling explosions of landmines filled the air.


    /Alpha: Pon: Here that? It''s the sound of my kill number skyrocketing.


    /Alpha: Nix: Lame... Does the broom you scored from the coven have one of these?


    Nix pointed to a black metal ring near the end of the broom he was holding.


    /Alpha: Wind: No.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s where the voice is coming from. Should we try to say something?


    Nix slipped the [Thine Enemy] ring on, and gripped the base of the broom. A small circular hud map popped up near the black ring.


    *This is Dagger team, no sign of Adder.*


    Semmi leaned closer and studied the small hud.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Those blue dots are objectives! It marks every one of our sniper nests.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m curious as to how they would know that. The fog of war just lifted.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That red dot to the northeast could be their HQ.


    Nix cleared his throat and pressed his thumb against the black ring. "This is Adder team, returning to base."


    *Adder Team? Where the hell have you been?*


    Nix shrugged slightly and motioned for his team to gear up. "Fuck off... We were fighting a damn dragon."


    *Come see me when you get back, Team Leader.*


    Pon cackled and straddled his broom.


    Semmi motioned for everyone to gather around. "See this sleeve grip on the handle? Hold onto that to activate the mount. Sliding it forward to accelerate and backward to slow down."


    /Alpha: Pon: What about steering?


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t be such a baby.


    /Alpha: Wind: Agreed.


    Nix gripped the sleeve and slid it forward slightly. The steering ending up being very simple. Pull up or down to elevate and left or right to steer. It was a bit touchy, so Alpha team spent a few minutes moving around slowly in their area.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What should we tell Inferno?


    /Alpha: Nix: Direct contact with Jun Li only. I want to know how the borders were opened.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Understood.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Jun Li] Alpha team has commandeered some brooms. We''re going to try and scam our way into the enemy camp.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Semmi] Really? I want to come!


    [Whisper: Semmi to Jun Li] Next time, Junie. Find out what happened with the border opening.


    /Alpha: Wind: You can shut off that broom hud by rotating the comm ring.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good to know. Let''s head out.


    Nix moved forward slowly, elevating until they were clear of the trees. He left the broom hud on to navigate.


    /Alpha: Pon: This will be the shortest undercover ever. We wack the boss and then trash the camp.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s a dumb idea. This calls for diplomacy.


    Alpha team flew in a straight line, a few meters above the trees. The eerie full moon cast a dim light on the group as the flashes and rumbling continued from the border behind them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Since we don''t have details, I''m going to use aggressive diplomacy.


    /Alpha: Pon: That''s not a thing.


    /Alpha: Nix: No? Watch and learn.


    *What team is approaching camp from the south?*


    Nix put a hand up to slow their group down; the lights from several fires were visible in the distance.


    *Adder team, returning from the front line.*


    *You trying to get shot? All teams are required to call in before crossing the outer perimeter.*


    *Fuck your call-in. Shoot and watch what happens.*


    /Alpha: Fajii: Um... Should you be more polite?


    /Alpha: Pon: Go hard or go home. I love it.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Looks like everyone lands in that small area, but... we''re going to ignore that?


    /Alpha: Nix: See? You do know how diplomacy works.


    Semmi smiled slightly and followed as he swooped toward the ground near a small ring of campfires.


    Nix stowed his broom and scanned the camp. Three gray stone structures could be seen north of the small group of tents. "Why have tents if there are permanent structures?"


    Semmi studied the area while making mental notes. "They''ve already been here for years, so the buildings make sense. Perhaps the tents are recent reinforcements?"


    "Where the fuck is the Adder Team Leader?" A thin blonde man caring a wood staff stomped toward them from one of the larger tents. "Who the fuck authorized you to fly directly in?"


    Nix offered the man a polite smile. "Me... On both accounts." Up close the mage''s eyes were purplish in color.


    /Alpha: Pon: Not a mage, witch blood most likely.


    The purple eyes glowed slightly as his grip tightened on the staff he carried. "I don''t give a fuck if you were sent here from the Fortress. You''ll follow orders or I''ll have your head."


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s our in, Boss. Don''t push him too hard.


    Nix smiled apologetically. "We got off on the wrong foot, perhaps I should take a step back."


    "Damn straight you should. The rest of your fucking Fortress reinforcements are dead... Didn''t even last an hour."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let him vent, he isn''t really talking about us. Seem like there might be a rift in the faction.


    /Alpha: Pon: Fucknut needs an adjustment! I''m good either way.


    /Alpha: Wind: Same.


    /Alpha: Fajii: His tone is mildly irritating.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "An hour isn''t long. What was your name again?"


    "Sub Lieutenant Pelos! I''ve been fighting here for five years." He sneered at the group, letting his eyes linger on Semmi and Fajii for a moment before moving back to Nix. "Get your asses back to your tent and wait for orders."


    "Five years?" Nix took a step toward the Lieutenant. "Weren''t there only two of them until recently? Yet somehow, you managed to survive. Very commendable.


    Pon cackled loudly.


    The staff Pelos held glowed suddenly, the thin-faced man scowled and attacked.


    Pelos has cast [Ratface].


    [Interupt]


    An emerald flame blade flashed out and flicked the spell back toward the caster. Pelos tried to step aside but it struck him squarely in the chest and knocked him to the ground.


    "STOP!" A booming voice, filled with strength commanded. A heavily armored figure strode toward them. He carried a long spear in one hand with a shield strapped to his back.


    Nix let his weapon flame out. He could feel the newcomer was a threat.


    "Commander! This man attacked me!" Pelos''s face seemed to morph slightly, his nose and mouth elongated into a furry snout with sharp rat teeth.


    The armored man ignored the accusation as he studied Nix for a moment. "One of the fire users from the Fortress?"


    /Alpha: Nix: Be ready.


    Nix nodded in affirmation. "Yes Sir."


    A slim individual cloaked in shadow stepped from behind the large figure, the air around her solidified until she came into view. An older woman with gray hair a longbow in one hand gestured toward Pelos with a weathered hand. The rat-faced witch immediately retreated toward his tent. "I''ll get these people settled properly, Commander."


    The Commander nodded and left without speaking further.


    "I''m Cyra, the Commander''s second. What a mess. Going to need to debrief you, walk with me." The woman gave them a friendly smile and turned toward one of the nearby tents, she peeked inside the flap-door for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "This one will do. I assume you don''t have a tent yet?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "We don''t."


    Several lamps lit up when Alpha team walked in, allowing the group to see each other in a spacious tent with a half dozen empty bunks. The floors were lined with animal skin and a large metallic box stood in on four legs in the center of a structure.


    /Alpha: Pon: That a fucking heater? What a bunch of pansies.


    /Alpha: Wind: Speak for yourself, I don''t mind a heater.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed.

 504 Undercover part one

    /Alpha: Semmi: She doesn''t know anything, Boss. Be vague; less is more.


    "I''m Nicholas. We were told at the last moment that our enemy was vulnerable to air attack and that we were to end this once and for all."


    Cyra swore softly under her breath. "That was obviously misinformation. Was it really a dragon?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Two bone drakes, we were able to put one down."


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] I don''t know the specifics yet, but the officer we were holding prisoner managed to get out of her cell and kill all the prisoners. It''s a bloodbath down here.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Did she escape?


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] No, her body is covered with dozens of minor cuts, but no one had any weapons. Best guess is some sort of ritual was involved. News from the front is good. We lost eleven melee skellies compared to 345 of theirs. No other casualties.


    Jun Li stared at the puddles of blood, glad for once that she didn''t have a nose. The underground prison walls were splashed with red like someone had taken buckets of paint to them. "What a mess. Thanks for the lift."


    Fey held the hem of her white robes with a bony hand; the sight of copious amounts of blood didn''t bother her in the slightest. "The marks on the other prisoners suggest she transformed into something with sharp claws."


    /Inferno: Sharl: Their frontal attack retreated a few minutes ago; everything is quiet.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Scout team head out; we''ll maintain skeleton crews at the border.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Skeleton crews... Funny stuff.


    Jun Li knelt beside the dead prisoner and turned her over. "We''ll examine each of these prisoners for clues and then clean up."


    Fey eyed the corpse; one slash had opened it up from neck to navel. "Do I have time to change? I don''t want to get my robes dirty."


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Going to stay out for a while?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Maybe... Let you know it a bit.


    "How did your group get here?" Cyra leaned her bow against the bunk and removed one of the daggers from her belt so that she could sit comfortably.


    "Tidal artifact, I''m guessing. Unfortunately, I wasn''t privy to that information." Nix motioned for his team to relax as he took a seat on the same bunk as the older woman. "How did you open the border?"


    Cyra shook her head slightly. "I assumed it was done from the Fortress, or perhaps even the Undead. Fucking bone bastards."


    Nix didn''t comment; the woman didn''t seem angry despite her words.


    "We didn''t see much of the battlefield. My team was able to deal with one of the drakes. By the time we finished, the other one was chasing us."


    "You killed one of them?" Cyra studied each of the team members for a moment. "Two mages, two thieves, and a spellsword? What did you hit it with?"


    /Alpha: Semmi: Careful, she''s using some sort of identifier skill.


    Nix held out his sword hilt and pushed Black Ice into it. The dark blade emerged smoothly, causing the temperature around it to drop suddenly.


    Cyra smiled when she saw the blade. "Black Ice? That''s pretty rare. I''m surprised you were allowed to come here."


    Nix returned her smile and let the blade retreat. "Strictly speaking... I may have snuck into the group."


    "We''re glad you did. Reports are coming in slowly; today wasn''t a good day for us." Cyra glanced at the rest of the group. "Anything to add?"


    /Alpha: Semmi: We should give her something, but nothing important.


    "I''m Windal; just call me Wind. Something crossed the border and hid in the trees when we were fighting. By the time we were finished with the drake, it completely vanished." Wind surprised everyone by speaking up; the Gemini thief shrugged slightly. "It looked like a fiend, only much larger."


    /Alpha: Pon: Are you talking about Bigfoot? Who allowed you to speak?


    /Alpha: Wind: I have a plan.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good enough for me.


    "Settle in and get some rest. You may be going back out soon." Cyra gathered her things and walked toward the exit. She paused at the door and glanced back at Nix. "No more trouble with Pelos; we need every person we can get."


    Nix grinned suddenly. "No promises, but I won''t do anything permanent."


    "Good enough." Cyra chuckled at his words before exiting the tent.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Has Jun Li contacted you?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. The officer we had in custody escaped and wiped out the rest of the prisoners. She''s investigating the ''how'' part.


    /Alpha: Semmi: If we could get our hands on an active roster and possibly troop movements, that would be really good.


    /Alpha: Fajii: This Burrough is as surprised as we are that the border fell tonight. I''d like to ask around.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I''ll go with you. Nix, that Commander...


    Nix nodded without saying anything. It would take a small raid to deal with him.


    /Alpha: Pon: Cyra too, there are some strong people here.


    /Alpha: Nix: What''s your plan, Wind?


    /Alpha: Wind: My ring companion, Atilla, can summon Fiends.


    /Alpha: Nix: Are they strong?


    /Alpha: Wind: Weak as hell.


    /Alpha: Pon: Lame... We need something strong.


    /Alpha: Wind: We can kill them, perhaps even bring a few back without weakening our faction''s position.


    Nix laughed at the smug look on Wind''s face. "I like it! That antlered freak will come in handy for something.


    Semmi and Fajii left the tent a short while later; Nix reclined on his bunk, thankful to have eyelids for once.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shouldn''t one of us go with them?


    /Alpha: Nix: Know what''s better at finding intel than an attractive woman?


    /Alpha: Wind: Two of them?


    /Alpha: Nix: Exactly. Who''s going to talk to them with an old bastard standing behind them?


    With nothing pressing, Nix considered their position and what they should do next. The rules of the Bone Fortress was operating in their favor for now. Somehow the command at the fortress managed to send reinforcements directly to the frontline while also making sure their prisoners were dealt with.


    /Alpha: Nix: Summon your witch companion, Old man. She may know something.


    /Alpha: Wind: What was that?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Witch companion?


    Nix smiled at the look on the old mage''s face. He''d obviously kept that information to himself. Semmi may have been distracted with a side-mission, but she was still monitoring team communication.


    /Alpha: Pon: Thought we agreed to keep it quiet, you Punk!


    /Alpha: Nix: Times have changed. Let''s talk with her.


    Pon stepped away from the bunk.


    [Summons: Shur''icon]


    /Alpha: Nix: Woah... You old bastard.


    /Alpha: Wind: Semmi is gonna love this.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What?


    "Hey!" Pon scowled at his two teammates. "Keep it down! I can''t help how she looks."


    "This is your real appearance? What happened to your skeletal form?" A dark-haired witch stood in front of them. She wore a simple black tunic and trousers. Her shiny hair hung down her back, stopping short of her waist, black boots that ended near her knees completed the goth look. "Still in the Bone Fortress?"


    Pon nodded. "Unfortunately. We have taken Xander Burrough and are currently engaging Fury and Peril."


    Shur''icon''s dark eyes showed her surprise. "You are very strong, but the road back to the Fortress is long."


    "No, shit." Pon glanced at his teammates; both of them were grinning at him.


    Shur''icon has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Pon: You''re here for intel. We met someone named Pelos, Cyra, and an Unknown Commander.


    /Alpha: Shur''icon: Pelos is in charge of the Fury Graveyard Precinct; I don''t recall the name of it. Cyra is a very powerful Shadow Ranger; if she''s here, then the other person must be Commander Bensic. He commands the Peril Burrough, but if both borders are active, he''s in charge of Fury also.


    /Alpha: Nix: Know anything about another coven on the outside? Something outside of Everspire?


    /Alpha: Shur''icon: I''m not sure of the location, but it can be contacted through a man named Hooper. That''s all I know.


    /Alpha: Pon: Is that everything?


    /Alpha: Shur''icon: You''ll have to kill me again?


    /Alpha: Pon: Unfortunately, you aren''t bound anywhere. I can''t risk letting you loose.


    Nix stood up and pushed Black Ice into his sword hilt. "Shall I?"


    Shur''icon nodded. "Much less painful than being burnt to a crisp."


    Nix''s dark blade flashed out; an instant later, the witch crumbled to the floor. "You should take better care of your companions, old man."


    Pon frowned as the corpse slowly disappeared. "Can''t be helped until she proves herself. Once she does, I may assign her to Ayla as protection."


    Wind shared a glance with Nix. "Doesn''t hurt that she''s real easy on the eyes."


    Pon flipped his laughing teammates his bony finger. "Thanks to you fools, I have to explain this to Sem."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Hooper? I''m not familiar with the name.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Can you get word to Gideon? We have a solid lead on the missing coven. Tell him to investigate Hooper, the Innkeeper of the Burly Bear in Cyphix.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Understood. I won''t be able to return until you summon me.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Don''t worry, I''ll bring you back as soon as I can.

 505 Blood Fiend

    Fajii ignored him and helped herself to half of his pillow. "It''s only for a short while; we have to get up soon."


    Nix turned on his side to make room for her, smiling into the back of her neck. Shortly after the two females from Alpha returned, Cyra sent a messenger to their tent. At first light Adder team was to find the Fiend that Wind had mentioned. He tossed an arm around her waist and dozed off comfortably.


    When Cyra entered their tent an hour later, all of Alpha was up and ready to go. "Got everything you need?"


    /Alpha: Nix: We need anything?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Not really.


    Nix was curious about the older woman''s abilities; like Chael and his Urban Ranger class, it was yet another variant of a traditional job. "How do you match up against a basic Ranger?"


    Cyra held up her bow for him to see. "Interested in switching classes? Or maybe you just like me."


    "Neither... You''re too old, and bows are for people who can''t hold real weapons."


    Cyra laughed at the comment. "You sonofabitch! Spend a few months in this place; my age won''t matter."


    Nix gave her a deadpan expression. "If you say so."


    Ten minutes later, Semmi led them to the area designated for leaving camp. She made a face at Nix and activated the comm ring. "Adder Team, leaving base."


    *Report in every thirty minutes, notify us of any enemy contact.*


    "Understood." Semmi smiled apologetically at Nix, who was frowning at her.


    /Alpha: Nix: What kind of shit was that?


    /Alpha: Semmi: They have rules, Boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''re banned from talking on comm. That was so embarrassing.


    /Alpha: Pon: What''s embarrassing is you hitting on that grandma back there.


    /Alpha: Nix: The fuck does that mean? I clearly stated that I''m not interested.


    /Alpha: Pon: Number one rule of seduction, pretend you aren''t interested.


    /Alpha: Nix: Says the guy with absolutely no experience.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let''s ask Fajii! How did you know Nix liked you?


    /Alpha: Fajii: He gave me a present and told me I was beautiful.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Well played, Boss.


    /Alpha: Wind: Straight up killer.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Must be nice to get presents.


    Alpha retraced their steps toward the frontline; the Ice Faction had a perimeter of Observation Posts (OP) set up in a wide semi-circle about a mile from the border. They consisted of single person treestands that had been camouflaged by someone who knew what they were doing.


    /Alpha: Nix: Send those OP locations to our scouts.


    /Alpha: Semmi: On it.


    /Alpha: Pon: How many fiends did Atilla summon when you killed him.


    /Alpha: Wind: Twelve. Thanks to the King, we were able to trap them outside of the room. Atilla can''t summon more while they are still alive. They get stronger as his health diminishes.


    After searching the immediate area, the two thieves returned, and Wind summoned Atilla. The antlered Witch immediately put Wind between himself and the fire users. "Master Wind! I answer your call."


    Pon scowled, his face looking like he ate something bad. "Shut the fuck up, Rudolf!"


    Wind had a slight smile on his face when he spoke to the witch. "Summon your fiends, have them stand down without attacking."


    The creatures were man-sized, hunched over slightly, and covered with black blotches of fur. They were riddled with scars, and growls emanated from their misshapen mouths.


    Nix walked around Wind, his lips curving in a wide smile. "Got a theory I''m going to test. If your beasts dare attack me, the next dozen times, you''ll be summoned into a pit of fire." The Inferno leader raised a hand, and a half dozen strands of emerald flame shot out. They wrapped around the witch''s torso, pinning his arms to the side.


    /Alpha: Wind: Er... Boss?


    Nix picked up Atilla and slammed him onto the ground, causing a portion of his health to disappear. The beasts growled menacingly around them but did not attack. He repeated the act a second time and then a third.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s it. Go slower.


    Semmi watched as the fiends grew in strength. The fur on their bodies extended over their scars and grew thicker. Thick ropey muscles pulsed under their skin while their teeth and claws elongated. "Their tiers are rising."


    Nix continued until Atilla had only the barest sliver of health left. "Hello, beautiful." The end products were hulking beasts with arms nearly dragging the ground. They had angry red eyes that seemed to hunger for blood.


    /Alpha: Nix: Have him cede their control to you. He can return directly to camp.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I''ll let our people know he''s coming.


    Atilla has given control of his blood fiends to Wind.


    Wind has received the Blood Fiend Command Interface.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What does their Command interface look like.


    /Alpha: Wind: Hunt, hide, docile, and retreat. They can be told to do those things at specific grid coordinates. Basic bite and claw attacks with a nifty stealth feature.


    Nix waited until Atilla left the area before turning back to the group. "Have six hide in the surrounding woods. Send the others after the nearest OPs."


    /Alpha: Pon: Aren''t we going to kill one?


    Nix activated his broom and moved into the air. The beasts howled in fury as Wind put them in hunt mode and sent them to the different areas.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let the moment develop a bit more, then we''ll swoop in and help out the nearest OP.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Hide your flame strands from the OP scout. You may be the only person in Colonial who has something like that.


    /Alpha: Nix: Good idea.


    The group flew toward the nearest OP, maintaining a flight path a few meters above the ground. They moved slightly faster than a horse could gallop.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Gotta wonder how fast these things are. Definitely as fast as our Daiken.


    /Alpha: Wind: And our Daiken doesn''t have built-in huds with comm devices.


    /Alpha: Nix: Valid point.


    Nix led the way, his eyes scanning the area where the tree-stand was located. It was attached to the trunk about ten meters up the side of the tree. The fiend covered half the distance in a single bound, its razor-sharp claws digging into the bark as its powerful jaws snapped at the retreating scout.


    Three arrows buried themselves fletching-deep in the chest of the beast. The scout leaped out of harm''s way before disappearing into the undergrowth.


    /Alpha: Nix: Stay here, I''ll get in front of them.


    Nix accelerated upward and pushed the sliding sleeve until the wind shear threatened to unseat him. He then circled back and started searching. In the distance, the dim sound of fighting could be heard. By the time Nix arrived a few seconds later, the scout was backed up into a large tree with one hand hanging useless at his side.


    Nix has activated [Black Ice: Sculpture].


    The Fiend''s leap was halted in mid-flight. Its ice-encased body landed on the ground and slammed into the intended prey with a sickening crunch. Nix dismounted and pushed emerald flames into his sword hilt. He paused when the rest of the group arrived on the scene.


    /Alpha: Nix: Finish him off Wind, let me know if he stores in your Grave Ring.


    [Summons: Shae]


    A moment later, a skeletal salamander appeared in front of him. Nix knelt and placed a hand on her smooth skull. "Talk to Gid?"


    The skeleton nodded slightly. "Taken care of."


    Shae has joined Alpha.


    Rabi has joined Alpha.


    Sasi has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Wind: Lots of company. Welcome!


    /Alpha: Nix: Come to this location, don''t be seen.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Nix has special mission?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. Shae, you stay here with Wind and wait for the Qi siblings.


    Nix picked up the fallen scout and returned to his broom.


    /Alpha: Wind: The fiend is in my ring.


    Ring of Graves: Legendary


    Description: Summon up to three enemies you''ve slain to fight on your behalf. Enemy identities may be locked in. The Ring of Graves will permanently store any three of your fallen foes.


    Spirits: 2/3


    1: Atilla


    2: Blood Lord Fiend


    /Alpha: Nix: Good work. I''ll cut this mission short and bring the scout back. Let''s see who they send for the fiend''s body.


    /Alpha: Wind: What about the rest of fiends? They are done fighting.


    /Alpha: Nix: Casualties?


    /Alpha: Wind: None.


    /Alpha: Nix: Send them into hiding.


    Nix activated his mount and zoomed into the air with the unconscious scout draped over the broom handle. He moved to the top of the trees and accelerated toward camp. He turned the black ring with his free hand. "This is Strike team Adder. The OPs have been overrun; we''re bringing back one wounded scout."


    *Strike team Adder, proceed to the secured landing site.*


    Nix smiled when he recognized the voice of Pelos. "Negative, we''re bringing him directly to the med-tent."


    *Strike Team Adder, follow your fucking orders!*


    *Adder, this is Cyra. We''ll meet up at the med-tent.*


    Pon grinned at Nix, who was obviously enjoying his conversation with Pelos. "Mr. Thin-skin has it in for you."


    Nix nodded in agreement.


    /Alpha: Nix: Remember what Shuri said. Pelos is the precinct commander for the Fury Graveyard.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Who is Shuri?


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s Pon''s nickname for Shur''icon... His witch companion.


    /Alpha: Pon: The hell you say! I never called her that.


    /Alpha: Wind: Pretty sure you did.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep.

 506 Shadow Ranger

    "What happened?" Cyra appeared in the doorway of the med-tent. Closing it behind her, she approached the team.


    "There were dozens of them. They attacked the OPs at the same time, almost like they were coordinating with each other." Nix glanced at his team, who were all nodding in agreement. "We did manage to kill the one that wounded this scout. I lost one of my people in the fight."


    "Windal?" A broom appeared in Cyra''s grasp a moment later. "That scout was in OP Five. Wait for me in your tent."


    Nix watched until she was airborne before turning back toward the group. "You heard her."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Think she suspects us?


    /Alpha: Nix: Hope not. She''s too dangerous; we need to take her down.


    /Alpha: Pon: Agreed she''s smart like Sem.


    /Alpha: Nix: Cyra is heading toward the OP. The four of you should be able to handle her. Don''t let her slip away.


    /Alpha: Wind: Understood.


    /Alpha: Nix: Switch to Skelly form, in case Cyra escapes. I reported you as KIA. (Killed in Action)


    ****************


    Nix studied the hud map of the surrounding precincts. The Burrough Graveyard for Fury was in the Striker Precinct. "You three do realize that I''m not the only one with a hud?" Pon, Fajii, and Semmi were crowded around him; each taking turns pointing out different targets.


    Fajii''s warm hand rested lightly on his neck. "It''s easier when we all use the same one."


    "Easier for whom?" Nix used his hud and brought up his Golem interface. He ordered all of his recently constructed black-ice golems to head toward the front lines.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Sending my golems up the western shoreline into enemy territory. Don''t be alarmed.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Got a target?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] One high-value commander and the Burrough Graveyard.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] We can''t hold the graveyard yet, Nix. We have no idea how big their forces are in Fury (15) and Peril (14).


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] I know we can''t hold it, but we can still hit them hard.


    Semmi moved away from the group and sat down on her bunk. "How do they know when we approach camp? There''s no way they have that kind of perimeter alert."


    "The brooms are trackable; maybe it''s the comm rings." Nix pulled his broom out and studied the black comm ring. A groove had been carved into the handle to seat the ring properly. "Wind says the broom from the coven doesn''t have one."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Being able to track our coming and going is problematic. Maybe we can ask Shuri.


    /Alpha: Pon: I don''t call her that!


    /Alpha: Nix: Why so sensitive? On that note, how can you summon her? She should have been banned the moment you killed her.


    /Alpha: Nix: Her binding point is in the Bone Fortress? We should ask Alfie about that. Sooner or later, we''ll lose more people.


    ***********


    Wind slipped his [Thine Enemy] ring off and stowed it away. He moved one of the Fiends to the position near OP five and then stealthed. He jumped slightly when a pair of arms wrapped around his waist.


    /Alpha: Wind: Switch to Bravo.


    Sasi has joined Bravo.


    Shae has joined Bravo.


    Rabi has joined Bravo.


    /Bravo: Sasi: Sasi forgot to welcome you to the Qi family! Welcome!


    /Bravo: Rabi: Yes! Welcome, welcome!


    /Bravo: Wind: Thanks.


    /Bravo: Shae: What can you tell us about our target?


    /Bravo: Wind: Not much, an experienced Shadow Ranger. She has daggers, but I''m guessing they are her secondary weapons; after the longbow she carries.


    Rabi turned toward the north and crouched down slightly.


    /Bravo: Rabi: Stealthed figure approaches.


    Shae waited several meters back behind the group, hiding behind a thick grove of trees. Without a natural stealth or Nix''s camo enhancement, she could only let her teammates engage first.


    Rabi has shared [Enemy Information]


    I. Cyra Yun Ghost Ranger, Range/Melee fighter, Fire Weakness.


    [Flare][Quartered][Backstab]


    Cyra Yun has resisted Blind.


    Cyra Yun has been slowed by forty percent.


    Rabi has landed a critical hit on Cyra Yun.


    [Sudden Switch]


    [Pickpocket][Backstab][Void Strike]


    Sasi has successfully pickpocketed Cyra Yun.


    Sasi has landed a critical hit on Cyra Yun.


    Cyra Yun is immune to Void damage.


    [Shadow Fade][Jump Starter][Flank Shot]


    Cyra faded from view, causing all three of her attackers to back away. A moment later she appeared several feet in the air with her bow drawn back.


    Sasi has been slowed by fifty percent for the next minute.


    Rabi has been slowed by fifty percent for the next minute.


    Wind has been slowed by fifty percent for the next minute.


    The Shadow Ranger turned and ran toward the treeline, skidding to a stop when six Fiends stepped out. Cyra''s bow fired several shots in succession as she accelerated toward them.


    [Brillance][Path of Ice][One Shot, One Kill]


    A Blood Fiend has been blinded.


    A Blood Fiend has been blinded.


    A Blood Fiend has been blinded.


    A Blood Fiend has been blinded.


    A Blood Fiend has been blinded.


    A Blood Fiend has been blinded.


    A Blood Fiend has been frozen in place.


    A Blood Fiend has been frozen in place.


    A Blood Fiend has been frozen in place.


    A Blood Fiend has been frozen in place.


    A Blood Fiend has been frozen in place.


    A Blood Fiend has been frozen in place.


    A Blood Fiend has been slain.


    The Shadow Ranger flashed between the fiends and entered the woods, her form fading from sight. Shae arrived at the woodline an instant later.


    [Dawn''s Herald]Lake of Fire][Hell''s Breath]


    Cyra Yun has been marked by Dawn''s Herald and may not use any camouflage skill for two minutes.


    The ground beneath the ranger turned to molten lava for several meters in all directions, trees and plants immediately erupted into flames as Cyra scurried up one of the larger trees in an attempt to escape. A moment later she was enveloped by a cloud of fire.


    Cyra Yun has been affected by Hell''s Breath and will lose two percent of her health every ten seconds for the next minute.


    "You lousy Bitch!" Cyra leaped to a tree several meters away before stowing her bow and drawing two daggers. Another long jump brought her clear of the burning ground.


    [Shadow Walker][Backstab][Double Strike]


    Cyra appeared behind Shae, her blades flashing at the skeleton salamander.


    Triple Combination Partially successful.


    Cyra has landed a critical hit on Shae.


    The ranger pulled her blades back for another strike, just as a bony foot slammed into her groin.


    [Low Blow][Pickpocket][Disarm]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Cyra Yun has been stunned.


    Sasi has successfully pickpocketed Cyra Yun.


    Cyra Yun has dropped one of her weapons.


    Rabi flashed in and picked up the dagger that bounced on the ground. "Rabi has new dagger!"


    [Call of Shadows]


    Cyra has resisted stun.


    The Shadow ranger stowed her dagger away and rearmed herself with a longbow. "Want to play with us?" The older woman retreated toward the edge of the flames.


    [Summons: Bensic]


    A heavily armored man appeared in front of her a moment later, he carried a long spear in one hand and a heavy shield in the other. He slammed the shield onto the ground in front of him, causing a wave of power to flow outward in all directions.


    [Knights Challenge][Shield Slam]


    All enemy within twenty meters of Bensic must focus their attacks on him.


    Rabi has been stunned.


    Sasi has been stunned.


    Wind has been stunned.


    Shae has resisted stun.


    The bone salamander retreated several meters, as the Ice Faction duo exchanged glances.


    /Bravo: Shae: Use AoEs that target both! We need to take her down first!


    The salamander circled the duo, pulling their attention on her just as Bensic was buried under a pile of Fiends.


    [Shadow Shot][Dark Triage]


    Cyra Yun has landed a critical attack on Shae.


    A portion of Shae''s health has been siphoned to Cyra Yun.


    [Greater Beastial Roar][Spear''s Length]


    All attackers within melee range of Bensic must resist Fear.


    Bensic has created a defensive stronghold.


    Rabi, Wind, and Sasi retreated several steps while spreading out in a large circle.


    /Bravo: Wind: We aren''t equipped to handle him. Options?


    /Bravo: Shae: I can only l think of one.


    **************


    Nix carefully removed the teardrop explosives from his inventory. Originally they had planned to drop them from Fey.


    *All Teams, prepare for Battle!*


    "That can''t be good." Nix stowed the bombs back in his inventory, a moment before a message popped onto his hud. He slipped his [Thine Enemy] ring off and assumed his skeleton form. "Create a diversion here, bigger is better!"


    [You''ve been Summoned by Shae Balefire. Do you accept?]


    "Yes." Nix waved at his team and then disappeared.


    Pon stared at the empty space for a moment before removing his [Thine Enemy] ring. "You heard the man." The skeleton Fire Mage exited the tent, already bathed in flames as he started tossing teardrops in all directions. Two more skeleton''s followed a moment later.


    Semmi grabbed Fajii and pulled her toward the perimeter. "Let''s head to the graveyard! They can''t risk leaving it undefended."

 507 Two Birds, One Stone

No content

 508 Water Witch

No content

 509 Familiar

No content

 510 Coven Leader

No content

 511 Return of the Rat King

    /Inferno: Jun Li: What happened to the enemy forces that were headed this way?


    /Inferno: Nix: Wiped out, by Bobs and Arch Winds.


    /Inferno: Shae: The Arch Winds are here?


    /Inferno: Nix: They were, summoning only lasted a few minutes.


    /Inferno: Shae: How many were here?


    /Inferno: Nix: Lots...


    Nix clicked his teeth at the Burrough Commander. "I''m here. What do you want?"


    Bensic looked up slowly; there was still the smallest bit of malice behind his eyes. "A bargain. I will give you intel in exchange for two lives."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Interesting.


    Nix considered the statement before answering. "Which two lives?"


    "Mine and Cyra Yun."


    Nix chuckled at the man''s audacity. "And the intel?"


    Bensic shook his head. "Not until the bargain is made."


    [Commander Bensic Yun may now be attacked]


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] Kill him.


    [Backstab]


    Wind has landed a mortal strike on Commander Bensic.


    Burrough Commander Bensic has been slain.


    The huge man fell forward onto the wet turf. His body glowed for an instant before it completely disappeared. Only the Commander''s oversized silver helm remained behind.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Why did you kill him?


    /Inferno: Nix: Unknown intel in exchange for releasing the two most powerful enemies in this Burrough? I don''t recall ''Dumbass'' being my middle name.


    /Inferno: Shae: You ranked up?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yeah. Is he in the ring, Wind?


    /Inferno: Wind: Yep. Here he is.


    Ring of Graves: Legendary


    Description: Summon up to three enemies you''ve slain to fight on your behalf. Enemy identities may be locked in. The Ring of Graves will permanently store any three of your fallen foes.


    Spirits: 3/3


    1: Atilla


    2: Blood Lord Fiend


    3: Commander Bensic Yun


    Morti waddled closer, his eyes intent on the large helm sitting in the mud. "Can I have that?"


    Nix picked it up and stowed it away. "Yep. Let me find a good chin strap."


    *****************


    Ducky leaned back in the comfortable chair; after giving Glacia something to think about, she was taken to a luxurious suite with two fireplaces burning brightly. She knew without looking that there were two guards outside her door. Her intent wasn''t to be planted into the Keep as a mole; she didn''t have the necessary information to pull off something like that. Her designs were much simpler. Free the Rat King.


    Although she arrived naked, most of her inventory remained intact, including the most important item of all. She placed the Nether Rat puppet on her lap and closed her eyes. A moment later, it opened its eyes and hopped onto the floor. The rat stared at her own body for a moment before scurrying toward the open window.


    Getting to the ground level was relatively easy; no one was looking for a stealthed rat to be sneaking around. She entered the Zed Burrough (4), directly south of the keep. From there, she continued until she arrived at the Deceit Burrough (6) border. The Nether Rat chittered happily when she crossed it without effort. "Follow the beach south and find Nix."


    [Bone Fortress, 0200 hours Ice Faction: 9,903 Undead: 225]


    Pon watched while Nix ordered the first Company to abandon the Striker Graveyard and make an all-out push toward the front-line. He convinced them that Pelos and Commander Bensic had broken through the Undead''s defensive barricades and were in need of reinforcements.


    /Alpha: Pon: You''re a damned cheating bastard.


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure.


    /Alpha: Pon: Ice Faction is below 10k; there won''t be enough left for me to catch up!


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure.


    Nix had arrived several minutes earlier; he left Wind and his blood fiends in the woods with Sharl''s group and entered the camp by himself. Sharl''s mission was to follow them back to the front line and then trap them in a pincer attack. The Inferno Commander seemed distracted by the ring he held in his hand. It was the Burrough Commander Ring that Rabi had pickpocketed off on Bensic earlier in the day. The tiny demon had given it to Nix right before he left.


    [Burrough Commander Ring]


    Unlimited Uses


    Return to the Summoning Circle inside the Bone Fortress.


    /Alpha: Pon: You aren''t going to use that, right?


    /Alpha: Nix: Not without a lot more information. That Naga Commander must have had one of these also. He disappeared right in front of me.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Maybe all the Burrough Commanders have them. If they are defeated, they can return and give solid Intel on enemy movement.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Bensic was supposedly commanding both Fury (15) and Peril (14). I think we should look for a second Commander.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed. He or she may have already used the ring, but I can''t see anyone retreating when they still have us outnumbered.


    Over the next few hours, 1st Company attempted to breach the Undead Faction''s defensive barricades but were unsuccessful. Whenever they attempted, Sharl''s company would attack at their flanks using hit and run tactics. By dawn''s first light, peace had once again settled onto the frontline; the hundred or so remaining fighters from 1st Company fled east in an attempt to rally more troops.


    Nix stirred the fire uneasily; he hadn''t seen any action since taking Pelos prisoner. "They stacked Fury and Peril in an attempt to overrun us. We can expect that they will change tactics."


    /Alpha: Pon: Damn. We''re about to take a second graveyard; our numbers will double. Hey...We have 225 now?


    /Alpha: Semmi: More of our Spirit Companions unlocked?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Or Pathfinder.


    /Alpha: Nix: Should be six if that''s the case. Ducky was with them.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] I need you to find me!


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Are you with Pathfinder?


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] No. I just left the Courage Burrough (12) and have crossed into Peril (14).


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] What? How are you crossing borders? What are you doing that far north?


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] My Witch blood sent me to the Fortress.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] I want you to go back... Right now!


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] I''m using one of your Nether Rat puppets. Hurry and find me; I''m not sure how long I''ll be left alone.


    "Shit... Shit! SHIT!" Nix''s broom shot upward from the graveyard and raced toward the shoreline. If she already crossed into Peril, that meant she was close.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Boss? Where are you going?


    /Alpha: Nix: Remember the route for reinforcements? Check to see if Pathfinder is here.


    /Alpha: Pon: Yeah... I remember. What about you?


    /Alpha: Nix: Ducky is here; also, it''s complicated.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Drop stealth, I won''t be able to see you.


    Nix zeroed in on the shoreline and headed north; within a few minutes, he spotted the Nether rat scurrying down the beach. Banking hard into the ground, he used his feet to skid to a stop and dropped the broom onto the sand. The soggy Nether Rat ran up his leg, chittering happily.


    "Nix! I brought you something nice!"


    Nix stroked the wet fur; fear gripped him more than anything else. "We may not have time. Tell me what you can."


    "The Coven leader is a powerful ice elemental named Glacia. She used to be one of Khione''s minions, but I suspect she is trying to break away now that the Ice Goddess is distracted by us."


    "Why do you think so?"


    "One of her eyes is missing, and she reacted with fear when she saw Khione''s eye."


    Nix frowned at the Nether Rat. "Khione''s eye?"


    The rat nodded. "I convinced Gideon to give me the eye before we left. I advanced thru some sort of trial when I first arrived, but after talking with Glacia, I have been confined to a room."


    Nix swore softly. "Where''s your room?"


    "Northern tip of the island, several hundred feet off the ground. Unfortunately, I can''t use my Archon form. Did I do good?"


    Nix stroked Duck''s wet fur while he considered the options. "Hmm... Yes. The Rat King will have to stage a rescue."


    "I knew it! Nix! There are heroes here in the Fortress! Guilds I''ve never heard of. Someone''s coming, have to go!"


    The Nether Rat puppet went limp in Nix''s hands, a sign that it was no longer inhabited. He stowed it away after a long moment. "Ducky''s capable; since she''s come this far, I''ll have to back her play."


    [Bone Fortress, 0900 hours Ice Faction: 9,113 Undead: 214]


    "She can''t be rezzed?" Alpha sat in a circle at the entrance of the Striker Graveyard. They were looking at the most recent numbers. Their casualties numbered less than a dozen; most of those would be recovered in the faction Graveyard. However, they lost Raine during the running skirmishes when the Peril Burrough Commander finally showed up.


    Semmi shook her head. "She recovered at the House of Inferno in Solomon City."


    Pon cussed loudly; losing a top-end fighter set them back. Outside of Alfie and Edi, the skellies were only average fighters. "What''s next?"


    During the night, the Fury Burrough (15) had been completely cleaned out. Alpha team staked out the graveyard and were the sole occupants along with Wind''s Bloodfiends. The remainder of enemy forces retreated to the northern region of the Peril Burrough (14). Their numbers were suspect to be less than a thousand.


    Semmi stirred the fire while enjoying the feel of warmth on her skin. Being skelly made her appreciate the simple comforts more. "We''ll have to leave them for now; those mountains will prove difficult for conventional tactics."


    /Alpha: Nix: No more dallying. Let''s claim this graveyard and begin moving our front into Fury.


    Semmi sighed heavily and removed her [Thine Enemy] ring. One by one, her companions did the same.


    [The Undead Faction has claimed the Striker Precinct Graveyard]

 512 Bird Watching

    The stone buildings of the Fury were a welcome change from the cave and tents of Xander. Although the HQ briefing room was rather Spartan, it was several steps better than standing in the mud. Alfie, Edi, and the Inferno Officers sat around a large wood table, discussing their plans. As agreed, their access to [Thine Enemy] rings remained a carefully guarded secret.


    Semmi had her hud opened up and was zoomed to the northern area of Peril, where the enemy had bunkered down. "The northern section of Peril is not easily navigated by foot or horseback."


    Pon pointed to the dozen or so peaks. "Does this mean we''re boned?"


    "Short term, yes. It will take lots of effort to get rid of these guys." Semmi zoomed the map out far enough to include the two Burrough to the northeast and east of Peril. "Once we do take the Peril Burrough (14), the two bordering Burroughs of Courage (12) and Honor (13) will be able to attack us. In this instance, since the Courage Burrough (12) borders us to the northeast, they won''t be able to rush at us because of these mountains."


    Edi glanced at the timer; they could summon reinforcements from the Striker Graveyard in a few minutes. It was the first time she felt like they had an advantage. Not that it mattered with this group, they had complete confidence in themselves and each other. "When we originally lost this Burrough, the fighters from Courage were unable to traverse the mountains and were forced to join ranks with Honor."


    "9,113 Ice Faction left." Semmi closed her hud and leaned back in her chair. "That isn''t much when you consider how much will be garrisoned at the Keep."


    Jun Li nodded in agreement. "If they spaced them out evenly, we might be facing only five or six hundred troops per Burrough. The numbers will sway in our favor with these next two graveyards."


    "Until we get to the Fortress," Semmi added.


    "What about water attacks?" Nix had remained quiet most of the meeting; his mind was trying to unravel Ducky''s situation. "Say, for instance... I had a ship. Could I sail up the coast and open fire with cannons?"


    Edi nodded slightly. "In theory. We''ve built makeshift rafts in the past and used them for scouting. The surrounding ocean has no boundaries."


    "You hiding a ship, Nix?" Pon asked the question in jest, but wouldn''t have been overly surprised if he had one."


    *************


    "I''ve said it before... Big mistake underestimating my girl." Nix knelt in the surf of a rocky cove, hidden from prying eyes. He slipped [Thine Enemy] onto his hand and then summoned Soup.


    The Aquamarine coloring of Soups shell was unexpectedly scored in several places; not only that, she appeared to be a bit smaller than last time he''d seen her. He stroked her smooth head, squinting when she slapped the sand with her front flipper, spraying his face with saltwater. "You shrank?"


    A crisscross of long scratches adorned her outer shell; her diameter looked to be about three meters as opposed to the last time he saw her when it was nearly five.


    Soup chirped at him, a high pitched noise that marked the extent of her communication skills. Ducky seemed to always know what she was thinking.


    "Miss the old days? When it was me, you and the tiny cabin on the lake?" Nix followed her deeper into the surf and then lay across her shell. Before the Sea World had been upgraded, it was basically filled with turtles. The warmth of the sun on his back made him long for the naps of those days, but instead of drowsing, he moved until his chin was resting comfortably behind her head.


    Soup stayed above the water, a necessity that slowed them down considerably. The duo made their way north along the shoreline. After passing the Courage Burrough (12), Nix brought up his hud map and tracked their progress. He was hoping to see troop movement or perhaps even fortifications, but sea-level visibility was somewhat limited.


    The sun was high in the sky by the time they arrived at the Tribunal (2) Burrough. Nix''s endeavor was rewarded with his first close-up view of the Bone Fortress. "Fucking A..... That is impressive as hell." The keep was surrounded by an impressive wall that looked to be close to thirty feet. "How the hell did they lose this place to start with?"


    They moved as close as they could to the shore; Soup stopped just short of the beach, unable to go further. From their vantage point, they had a clear view of the Northern face. It was here Nix discovered that the impressive wall didn''t extend completely around the fort. Two hundred feet of verticle cliff stopped that from being a necessity.


    "I might be able to climb that while in Salamander form." Nix brought out the Nether Rat puppet and inhabited it. "Take good care of me, Soup!" Rat-King Nix stroked the turtle''s head for a moment while looking for the best possible route.


    ***********


    Ducky frowned at the hero standing in her doorway. From his clothes and weapons, she assumed him to be a rogue or some close variant. "I would like some privacy."


    Darwood shrugged slightly; his thin frame continued to stand in the doorway. "It''s best that you learn how things work around here."


    "Oh?" Ducky gave him an innocent look. "You''re going to teach me? Would Glacia be okay with that?"


    "The One-Thirties run the player side of things... The Trifecta has enough strength to take the Keep from her if we wanted to."


    "Trifecta? Would that be Slaughter, Road Kill, and the Raging One-Thirties?"


    "I''m Sloan, and you are very observant." Sloan moved into the room cautiously; the newcomer hadn''t responded to any of the provocations toward her. Outside of her initial testing, she appeared to be quite docile. "You don''t fight at all... Do you?"


    Ducky''s blue eyes brightened considerably. "Why would I want to fight such a pretty bird?"


    /Trifecta: Sloan: Going to push this newcomer a bit, see if I can get a read on her.


    /Trifecta: Durham: Tag her and bag her Slo!


    /Trifecta: Sandi: Gross guys.


    "Am I a pretty bird?" Sloan laughed loudly, an annoying noise that sounded like a barking dog.


    ******************


    "There are too many windows, Soup." Rat-Nix counted at least a dozen different windows carved into the sheer side of the keep. "There''s no way I''ll be able to figure out wh... The fuck is that?"


    A figure climbed onto a window ledge near the top of the keep and jumped out into the open space. Despite the fact that his arms were flapping like he had wings, he plummeted downward and splatted onto the rocky shoreline.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Someone just jumped out a window.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Nix?


    Rat-Nix spotted his spirit companion when she appeared at the same window a moment later; the Water Witch waved excitedly with both hands.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Soupy? Soupy! Soupy!


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Hey! I''m here too... What happened to this guy?


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Birdman flew out the window. Are you going to climb up? It''s very steep!


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Nope. I''m going to breaking in. That''s my thing.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] I thought breaking out was your thing?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Good point... Anyways, I''ll be up in a bit!


    The Nether Rat stealthed and jumped into the surf. After a few seconds of swimming, he scampered onto the rocky shoreline, pausing for a moment next to the mangled corpse. Bits of bone and entrails were spread liberally around a large circle of red gore. "Birdman was definitely a player." A quick search of the corpse netted a dagger and ring. He dragged them to the base of the wall and hid them behind some rocks.


    After a quick study of the wall, he found what he was looking for. A half dozen sewer conduits were spaced unevenly into the side of the keep. These were easily spotted by the discolored mortar caused by the runoff. The lowest of them was only about fifty feet up the side of the wall. Powerful nether claws dug into the stone as the Rat King slowly made his way toward the objective. It was tedious, but not especially difficult. After fifteen minutes of cautious climbing, he arrived at his destination.


    "The Rat-King has once again found the sewer entrance... Home sweet home." Rat-Nix squeezed into the opening, his sharp vision piercing into the darkness of conduit. The passage entended straight into the keep, not turning for as far as he could see. The bottom was predictably lined with some of the nastiest things imaginable. Undeterred, the Rat-King scurried deeper into the Fortress.


    He heard them in the distance, hundreds of screeching, chittering creatures. When Nix exited the conduit a few minutes later, he was rewarded with the pleasant sight of a rat feeding frenzy.


    "Choke on me, you fucking rat bastards!" A small skeleton cursed the red-eyed creatures closing in on him. His arms and legs were manacled to a long chain that hung from the ceiling, limiting his movements to only a few inches. "Come and get it!"


    Rat-King slithered easily through the mass of his smaller cousins. They were only about half his size and much lighter in color. Although there were thousands of rats crowding together, only a few hundred of them were able to push forward and gnaw at the skeleton''s bones. As the seconds ticked by, only tiny bits of bones were slowly gnawed away while the skeleton kicked and shouted.


    "That''s enough for today!" A raspy voice filled with twisted pleasure and black though spoke from above, immediately afterward the chain hoisting the skeleton retracted until he hung a dozen meters off of the grime-covered floor.


    The skeleton glared at the rats, snapping his teeth in anger. "Enjoy your taste of Horatio Leviticus Amista Duran, because one day I will feast on RAT!"


    Rat Nix moved forward, apparently, this feeding was a normal occurrence because as soon as he was hoisted, the rats disappeared. "That''s it? My poor cousins nibbled on your bones and your goal is to eat rats?"


    Horatio stared at the Rat-King, his sunken eyes glowed like amber. "Fuck me... I''ve finally lost my mind."


    Rat-Nix nodded in agreement. "Most likely."

 513 United Inui

No content

 514 Ratscue

No content

 515 Crushing the Trifecta Bonus XL Chapter

    Duran finished plunging the payload and stepped back; the tune he played that showed his human form needed to be played every few minutes, or he would revert back to skelly shape. "We still going through the bath?"


    "Yep. That''s the plan." Nix hopped down from the cannon and went back to wiring explosives. "Make sure you lock the wheels, or we''ll be wearing our cannon for a hat."


    "Got it... Now what?"


    The Rat-King popped his head up from behind a large stack of powder charges. "Load all the other cannons."


    /Inferno: Ducky: Ready to go, Nix? I''ve figured out the route you need to take back to the north wall.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nearly. Good girl, tell me what I need to know.


    /Inferno: Ducky: The easiest route from the bath means heading up to the roof. I''ll be there to help you.


    "Roof? Hmm." Nix turned his gaze toward the ceiling and then the floor.


    ***********


    "Shit..." The old man stared at the Keep. "My fucking broom needs padding. Why make these things so damn uncomfortable?"


    Semmi shrugged slightly; she knew he was frustrated from having to watch instead of fight. They couldn''t cross over the shoreline. "Why not throw some fire at them? It will make you feel better."


    Pon stared at her for a moment before glancing back at the Keep. "Think I can?" The old man gauged the distance.


    Pon has cast [Meteor Storm].


    The sky above the north side of the Keep turned orange as fire rained from the sky, a good portion of the attack landed in the water, but both the roof and north wall were bombarded.


    /Alpha: Shae: Join us, Pon.


    Pon glanced over his shoulder where Fey was hovering effortlessly in the air. Shae was standing near the top of her head. He nodded and moved his mount so that he could step off. "This isn''t too much?"


    "No." Silver flames erupted from her bone maw, bathing the north wall in her fiery breath.


    Shae watched them both attack, well aware that they had both grown substantially stronger since she met them. "We should join our flames."


    Fey has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Shae: Place one hand on Fey''s head and hold my hand.


    The salamander knelt and placed one hand on Fey''s head while gripping Pon tightly.


    Pon, Shae, and Fey have cast [Trinity Flame].


    A wave of power erupted in all directions, sending Wind and Semmi a dozen meters off course.


    /Alpha: Wind: The heck was that?


    /Alpha: Semmi: PON!


    All three fire users fell lifelessly out of the sky, splashing into the ocean a few meters from where Soup waited.


    Semmi was the first to react; grabbing the old mage by the collar, she dragged him along the surface to Soup''s shell and placed him next to Nix. After helping Wind do the same with Shae, they turned their attention to Fey.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We''ll have to drag Fey back; these two will be fine with Soup.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Darsi and Ronnie, get ready!


    /Alpha: Wind: What''s the plan?


    /Alpha: Semmi: As much as I hate it, our melee fighters are useless if we can''t cross into the keep.


    Wind glanced back at the house-sized hole that had been blasted into the Fortress. "That was fucking incredible. For a moment, I thought Nix was here."


    Semmi chuckled. "No, kidding. We''ll tow Fey back and then bring our two ranged fighters here.


    Ronnie has joined Alpha.


    Darsi has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Wind: Welcome, our mages are down; we need some ranged fighters.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Standby for pickup.


    **************


    Rat-King fell backward off the barrel of the cannon as the entire room seemed to tilt in several directions at once.


    /Inferno: Nix: Holy crap. The entire Keep shook!


    /Inferno: Semmi: Our three mages did something.


    /Inferno: Nix: Have them do it again.


    /Inferno: Semmi: All three are down for the count. Give us a few minutes to reorganize.


    /Inferno: Wind: Back in a bit.


    Rat-Nix examined his work, finally happy with the results. "Ready, Duran?"


    Duran strummed his mandolin, not really sure what to make of the large black rat. One cannon was pointed toward the floor, one was pointed at the ceiling, and the last two were pointed at the east wall. He had also spent nearly an hour finding every explosive, ammunition, and flammable item in the armory. Wiring them all together in a mess of webbing that resembled the work of a drunk spider. "A drunk and crazy spider," Duran amended.


    Rat-Nix dug into the satchel and pulled out a small silver ring. "Take this ring! It provides five seconds of unlimited shielding."


    Ring of Shields


    Unique Item


    Description: Provides five seconds


    of protection from all outside sources.


    Duran grabbed the ring and slipped it on his finger. "Why do I need this?"


    Rat-Nix''s furry shoulders shrugged slightly. "Because shit happens, the Rat-King can''t think of everything."


    "Just tell me when I should use it." Duran took one of the tinder lights from a large box. It resembled a foot-long match, but once lit, would be useable for several minutes. "Which one should I light first?"


    Nix moved into an empty steel ammo-case. "Light them all at the same time... Then use the ring!"


    "Huh?" Duran watched the black-furred head disappear into the steel case. "All the cannons at once? Won''t that set off everything?"


    "Hope not." The Rat-King''s voice echoed in his small hideaway. "Drop the human form; skellies are more resilient to flames and ... things that blow up."


    Nix ducked down and listened for the sound of burning fuses. A few seconds later, three cannons went off simultaneously. The ammo case he was hiding in was picked up and thrown against the far wall. Uninjured, the Rat-King exited the case a few moments later.


    Large openings were blasted into the ceiling, floor, and eastern wall of the armory. The two cannons facing the east wall had been completely destroyed. Nix studied the cannons for a moment; the side of the barrel had blown out. "How many charges did you put in this cannon?" A moan from inside a pile of rubble turned his attention toward the barred door. "Duran?"


    Duran sat up slowly, his mandolin was completely crushed, and his left arm was missing. "I''m hurt really bad."


    Rat-Nix scampered closer, in skelly form, wounds didn''t bleed out. "You''re fine. Did you activate the ring too quickly?"


    "Forgot to use it," Duran admitted.


    "Oh..." Nix''s yellow eyes stared at the one-armed skeleton; the urge to blow him up with the rest of the armory was incredibly tempting. "Get through the east wall, going to blow this place. Don''t forget my satchel!"


    Voices could be heard from above and below. Trifecta was already moving toward the openings. Nix led Duran through the eastern wall and proceeded directly across the bathing hall. It was a series of circular pools sunk into a white marble floor. The bath itself was empty, but the steam from the hot water hung in the air like a comforting mist.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Take the middle door to the hall. Down the end of that hall are stairs that lead directly to the roof. From there, you only have to head north, and you''ll be over my window.


    /Inferno: Nix: Understood. Thanks, Ducky.


    Nix ran through the steamy room and entered the middle door; they had just entered the hall when the walls shook with a deafening explosion. The nether rat stumbled and took cover against the far wall as cracks appeared in the floor and walls around them.


    Duran was huddled behind the Rat-King, his broken mandolin in one hand and the leather satchel strapped to his back. "Are Ratscues always like this?"


    "Yep." Nix scampered down the hall to the stairs entrance only to freeze in place. "Holy..."


    "What?" Duran limped to the entryway only to stop suddenly. "Where''re the stairs?"


    The entire stairs had been melted away; the opening was smooth like glass for ten meters before expanding its destruction outward in all directions.


    "Looks like Dread flames... or something worse." Nix scanned the area; the floors had collapsed beneath and above the attack, creating a wide-open gash in the otherwise sturdy Keep. Several players could be seen sifting through the wreckage. "Shit..."


    Duran ducked in the doorway. "Plan?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Our mages did a number on this Keep. Where''s my backup?


    /Inferno: Darsi: Got your back, Trip-7.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: That leaves me with the front.


    /Inferno: Nix: That tunnel that you guys made into the side of the Keep is crawling with bad guys. I need to get through it.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Moving into position, standby.


    /Inferno: Ducky: There should be a second stair in the same direction you are heading!


    On the outside of the Keep, Darsi and Ronni had been given [Thine Enemy] rings and brooms. After bringing Fey back, Wind and Semmi picked up Shae and Pon to transport them to camp. They hadn''t returned yet.


    Ronnie moved until she could see directly into the crater-sized opening in the Keep. She released the broom controls and stood on the broom. The dark archer was known for several things; one of the lesser-known abilities was her death-defying balance. "A bit outside my range, but I can use suppression fire. Ready when you are."


    Unlike her partner, Darsi was lying prone across the length of the broom. Her sniper rifle held tightly to her shoulder. She instantly spotted the large rat and the skeleton he was escorting.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Cats in the cradle, Trip-7.


    /Inferno: Nix: I see the seconds set of stairs.


    "On me, Duran!" Nix darted across the opening, tiny claws scratching the smooth glass finish. Instantly the duo was spotted.


    "THERE!" A blue-robed woman shouted from the floor above them. She extended her glowing staff to attack but was forced to take cover when several impact shots landed right in front of her.


    /Trifecta: Sandi: Kill the skeleton! Careful, they have fire support!


    Nix scurried straight across the opening; an archer popped up near them only to head his head blasted into a crimson mist. "There''s our opening!"


    The two fugitives ignored Trifecta, every time one of them attempted to attack; they were dealt with. After a few minutes, they entered the partially destroyed hall on the far side. A moment later, another large section of the wall and ceiling collapsed downward, the effect dominoed as several tons of rock and rubble avalanched into the open space.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Shit.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Not good. Trip-7?


    On the outside of the Keep, Wind and Semmi had just returned. They moved their brooms over Soup and waited.


    /Alpha: Semmi: We''d know if the Rat puppet was dead. Nix would have sat up.


    Wind shook his head slightly; the Trinity flames not only burned through solid rock but had effectively weakened the surrounding structures. The sections around the damage were collapsing. A half dozen men could be seen pushing a cannon at the top of the wall; before Inferno could react, the section beneath the armament and its team plummeted several floors in a thunderous crash.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Goodness...


    Rat-Nix pushed through the rocks, his yellow eyes searching through the rubble for the skeleton. He found Duran buried up to his waist in rock; he was clinging to his broken mandolin and leather satchel like it was a lifeline. "Still got my stuff? Good job."


    Duran clicked his teeth weakly. "Doesn''t look good."


    The Nether rat nodded in agreement. "My guys did a number on this place... Fuck if I want those Trifecta bastards to win this event."


    "Sorry, Rat-King."


    Nix scanned the area for a moment and then started digging the skeleton out of the rubble. "I''ve got a plan."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Say something, Nix. We''re worried.


    /Inferno: Nix: See that big cannon sticking out of the rubble?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Sure.


    /Inferno: Nix: Cover us.


    Nix cussed under his breath when he finished digging Duran out; both of his lower legs were crushed. In skeleton form, it looked like they might fall off at any moment. The King was coughing and moaning with every breath. "Stay with me, Shitty Bard. I need you to crawl to the cannon!"


    Duran nodded and followed the black rat as it crawled on its belly through the rubble. "You''re very strong, Rat-King."


    "Yep." Nix made it to the cannon''s base; the barrel was pointed outward toward the ocean, while the lower half was beneath several feet of rocks. "Think you can crawl in behind me?"


    "Huh?" Duran watched as the Rat-King scampered into the open barrel of the cannon. "This isn''t a good hiding spot."


    "What''s that even mean? This is perfect." Nix''s voice echoed slightly in the barrel.


    Duran pulled himself up until he could see inside the large dark tube. "I don''t like this."


    "Don''t be such a baby. Get your ass in here." Nix retreated down the barrel until he could go no further, then he turned and waited.


    Duran wedged his shoulders inside the opening, slowly squeezing down the barrel. "I think I''m stuck."


    "Nonsense. Come a bit further." Rat-King waited until Duran managed to get within a few feet of him. "Hey, Shitty, Bard! Still got that ring I gave you?"


    "The shield ring?" Duran tried to nod but was unable to move enough. "I got it."


    "Activate it when you are ready, and then tell me right away."


    Duran sighed heavily, a sound that was quite loud in the barrel of a cannon. The Rat-King was completely crazy. He flexed his bone hand and activated the ring. "It''s Activated!"


    "Hope you can swim, Shitty Bard."


    [Self-Destruct]


    ***************


    Nix popped his eyes open just as thirty feet of flames erupted out of the cannon; he brought out his broom and shot into the sky. "Follow me, Soup."


    He lost sight of the projectile but was rewarded with the sight of a large splash in the distance. He accelerated toward the target, more than a little surprised that Soup was able to keep pace beneath the water. Duran was still clinging to his mandolin and satchel when Nix dragged him onto Soup''s shell a minute later. Apparently, the shielding extended to whatever he was carrying.


    A sobbing skeleton lay across Soup''s shell. "The Rat-King! My friend... my poor Rat-King!"


    /Inferno: Nix: Meet us at the shore, Nez.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ll be there.


    Duran clung to Nix''s arm while continuing to cry. "My brave friend! I don''t understand what happened."


    Nix glanced over his shoulder at the four Inferno members following them. He cleared his throat and lowered his voice. "I''m the Rat-King, you shitty Bard! That was an Emperor level Nether Rat puppet! Do you know how much cost and effort goes into making one of those?"


    Duran stared at him for a moment; his voice still shaky. "You''re the Rat-King?"


    "Yes. That was the only puppet in the Bone Fortress... Oh, before I forget. How was it being shot out of a cannon? Fucking awesome, right?"


    "Not bad," Duran admitted weakly. "Are we almost done?"


    "Yes. I assume you know Edi and Alfie?"


    "Edith and Alfred Eidengal? My sister''s children! They are here?"


    "Yes. Let''s get you back and patched up." Nix sat comfortably on Soup''s back, enjoying the last bit of daylight. He leaned forward and rubbed the back of her head, noticing a gold mark that wasn''t there before. "Going to inspect you, Soup."


    Soup


    Race: Bone Turtle (Empress)


    Class: Tsunami


    Immunities: Ice, Water, Control Effects.


    Special Abilities: Sonic Boom, Sea Shield, High Tide, Bone Focus.


    [Sonic Boom] High powered, short-ranged Sonic blast that stuns all enemies for three seconds.


    [Sea Shield] Group shield that mitigates half of all incoming damage.


    [High Tide] Summons a wave of seawater to wash away your enemies.


    [Bone Focus] All nearby enemies must attack you!


    "Holy crap, Soup. Is this your Bone form? How come you aren''t a skelly like the rest of us?"


    "Sea creatures don''t follow the same rules." Duran had rolled onto one side and was watching them. "She''s beautiful."


    Nix frowned at the Shitty Bard. "Now you sound like, Gil. What about that? Gil''s a Turtle Titan; why is he a skelly?"


    "You have Titans in your camp?" Durhan struggled to an upright position. "Turtle Titans aren''t sea creatures."


    They arrived on the shores of the Fury Burrough (15) a few minutes later. Both Alfie and Edi were present and helped bring the injured King onto the shore where Nezbit was waiting to heal him.


    Nix''s hud buzzed, and he opened it to see the current manning strength of the Bone Fortress, along with a detailed blueprint.


    /Inferno: Nix: Lost my puppet, Ducky.


    /Inferno: Ducky: It''s okay. I''ll keep doing my part here!


    /Inferno: Nix: You did great. Thanks for the hard work.


    /Inferno: Ducky: I didn''t get to see or play with you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Next time! Take care!


    [Bone Fortress Special Event]


    The rightful King of Eidengal has been returned to his allies. All Undead Allies will receive a tier 3 hardening.


    All members of Inferno will receive a permanent 30 percent increase in Stats.


    All Trifecta members will receive a 30 percent decrease in Stats for the duration of their time in the Bone Fortress.


    All members of the Trifecta will receive a permanent Disadvantage. (Awaiting)


    All members of Inferno will receive a permanent Advantage. (Awaiting)


    The Inferno Guild has received three Class tokens.


    All Inferno members have received [Undead Form].


    All Inferno members have received a new mount. [Bone Crow]


    You have received a new mount. [Raven]


    [You must now pick an elemental weakness to inflict upon the members of the Trifecta.]


    [You must now pick an element to strengthen the members of Inferno]


    Nix stared at the messages scrolling across his hud and motioned for Semmi. "How''s Shae?"


    "All three of them are fine. They woke up a short while ago with severe mana depletion." Semmi leaned closer to look at Nix''s hud. "Advantage and Disadvantage?"


    "Yep. Ideas?" Nix had his own thoughts on the matter but was willing to listen to other opinions.


    "Make them susceptible to fire. That way, if they cross us sometime in the future, we''ll sic you and Pon on them." Semmi considered the advantage for a moment. "In the endgame, we''re facing the Ice Goddess. We should choose with that in mind."


    Nix nodded in agreement and made the necessary choices.


    [All Trifecta members: Slaughter, Road Kill, and Raging One-Thirties have developed a weakness against Fire.]


    [All members of Inferno have received the Blessing Of Ice.]


    [Guild Chat limitations across Bone Fortress have been restored]

 516 Vasai Virtual

    "Nix," Shae''s familiar and comforting voice whispered to him.


    "Hmm?" Nix opened one eye, a fairly strange event since he shouldn''t have eyelids while in bone form. "Problem?"


    Shae''s red hair fell against his face; the open tent flap let in just enough light for Nix to see that they were alone. Fey, Pon, and Duran had taken up the other cots, but they must have left during the early morning. "Can''t you hear everyone talking? The entire camp woke up in human form."


    Nix turned on one side and propped his head up on one elbow. "You doing okay?"


    "I''m fine; guess we won''t try Trinity flames again for a while."


    Nix smiled slightly and nodded in agreement. "Leave the crazy explosive stuff to me."


    "Remember the message yesterday? About Inferno being awarded the [Undead] form?"


    "I remember." Nix used his hud to view his character sheet. "We reverted back to natural forms until after the first time we use it?"


    Shae nodded. "That seems to be the general consensus. We are still limited to our undead abilities."


    Nix sat up slowly and swung his bare feet over the side of the small cot. "We''d march right through them if we had our full abilities. Anyways.. suppose I have to get up. Shae?" The Salamander''s warm brown eyes seemed to be looking through him.


    [Bone Fortress Message: Players Only]


    Because of the Bone Fortress Seed World''s constant stress, all players are required to take a 24-hour break. NPCs will remain in place and will not notice the passing of time. You may make use of Colonial''s Virtuna or use whatever virtual service you subscribe to. Logging you off in 15 seconds.


    /Logging Off: Colonial: Nix


    Nix found himself in the white virtual room, similar to the one that he originally made his character in.


    [User: Henry Jones]


    Please choose from the available options.


    [Vasai Virtual] [Virtuna]


    "Vasai Virtual, please, send Pon and Semmi an invitation to join me."


    Understood, accessing your Colonial Friend''s list, two invitations have been sent.


    [Logging you into Vasai Virtual]


    Please choose from the available options. More options are available with reservations made 30-days in advance.


    [Mountain Retreat: Vale: Winter/Summer]


    [Beach Retreat: Southern California]


    [Lake Cabin: Michigan: Upper Pennisula]


    [Desert Villa: Chalupa, AZ]


    "Hmm... Lake Cabin it is." Nix selected the option, and an instant later, the white room vanished around him.


    The cabin was nestled comfortably in a thickly wooded area within a hundred feet of the lake. The deck was adorned with a brick fire pit and several comfortable looking chairs.


    [Pon has accepted your invitation]


    [Semmi has accepted your invitation]


    [Sahara Obrien has sent your a query]


    "The hell is this?" Pon''s Texas accent was much more noticeable than normal. "Vasai Virtual? This is top-end shit." He wore cut-off blue jeans with ugly sandals and a tank top that said, ''I heart beer.'' Mirror sunglasses rested on top of his thick head of brown hair.


    "Eloquent as usual, Pon." Next to him, the petite blonde greeted Nix with a hug; she was barefoot and wore a knee-length yellow sundress that showed off her slim tanned legs. "Is this the U.P.?"


    "Yep! My first time here. Give me a sec; need to answer a call." Nix opened the query and read the attached note.


    Vasai Virtual Customer [Sahara Obrien] has sent you a friend request.


    Nix selected approve and sent her an invitation.


    "Got beer?" Pon pulled open the sliding glass door but waited until Nix finished with his call before entering.


    "Dunno. Let''s check it out." Nix ushered his two friends into the cabin. The sliding doors opened to a large kitchen bar, complete with double stoves and a 3-doored fridge. Pon disappeared inside the fridge while Semmi took a seat at the bar. "Going to have another guest in a few minutes, then we''ll head down to the dock."


    Semmi spun her seat until if faced the sliding door again; a small dock and white boathouse were clearly visible. "Think there''s a pontoon?"


    "Wouldn''t surprise me," Nix walked into the small kitchen, pushing the door closed on Pon. "Sem''s dying of thirst, and you''re taking a nap?" He opened the cabinet above the stove and found the hard stuff. "Glenmorangie whiskey? Let''s give it a go."


    Semmi made a pouring gesture, her bright smile widening considerably when Nix found three glasses and filled them half-full. "No ice? Good man."


    "Going to enlighten us?" Pon finally emerged from the fridge with four bottles of beer. "Tell me it''s Ronnie."


    Nix chuckled and shook his head, as before, he wasn''t prepared to see the Scandinavian version of his favorite archer. "Someone familiar, but let''s pretend you don''t know her."


    Semmi glanced at Pon for a moment before tipping back her drink. "That''s an odd statement."


    "No, shit." Pon cracked open a beer and grabbed one of the whiskeys. "What are you about?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. He trusted these two but didn''t want to have the Shae/Hara discussion since it dealt with her job. "Complicated... My friend is coming over; you''ve never met her."


    "Fine with me." Pon took a seat next to his virtual girlfriend. "How long until we wrap things up in Bone Fortress?"


    Semmi stalled the question with a hand, her blue eyes showing natural curiosity. "You having a girlfriend isn''t exactly surprising."


    Pon scoffed and tossed his whiskey back like it was water. "Got that right."


    "Tell that to Bev." Nix refilled the three empty glasses and grabbed one of the six-packs Pon removed from the fridge. "Let''s take this onto the deck."


    Pon grabbed Semmi''s hand, causing her to slow down. He shook his head slightly and then shrugged. "Just go with it," he mouthed the words when Nix walked past them.


    Semmi nodded in agreement and gripped Pon''s hand tighter to keep him from escaping. "With the progress, we''ve been making; we''ll be knocking on the Keep in three or four months."


    Nix held the sliding door open for them and closed it behind them just as a fourth person appeared on the dock. There were slight differences between her and the Salamander character she played. Her red hair was a few shades lighter, she had a smattering of freckles crossed the bridge of her nose, and Hara appeared a bit taller. The familiarity was still there, easily recognizable to anyone who met both versions. "Glad you could join us, Hara."


    Hara smiled warmly at Nix and hugged him close. "Works kept me busy, glad we could meet up."


    Nix struggled to keep a straight face in front of his friends. Pon''s mouth was opening, and closing like a guppy stuck on the rocks, while Semmi stared speechlessly. "This is my friend, Sahara." Nix gestured towards the shocked couple. "Pon and Semmi, two awesome gamers, and good friends."


    Pon snapped out of the spell he was under when he heard the introduction. "Damned straight! Nice to meet you, Sahara."


    "My friends call me Hara." Hara shook Pon''s hand; in reality, the Colonial Fire Mage was only in his mid-30s. He had the wiry strength of someone who grew up working.


    Semmi interrupted the introductions by throwing herself at the redhead; she hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek several times. The blonde''s blue eyes shone with emotion, but instead of crying, she stepped back. "Sorry... It''s so nice to meet you finally."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "I applaud your patience, and not many could put up with our boy here."


    "Thanks, old man." Nix scowled at the Texan before offering the new arrival a beer from the sixpack he was carrying. "We were just about to check out the boathouse." He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the deck steps.


    "Sounds fun." Hara exhaled and let herself relax. "Know anything about boats?"


    "Not much," he admitted.


    Semmi pulled Pon back, waiting for a moment while a small gap formed. "Holy shit... Holy Shit."


    Pon smiled lazily. "It''s cute when you repeat yourself like that."


    "Pon! Why aren''t you floored?"


    The Texan grinned and started to follow the couple. "Cuz I''m happy as fuck."


    Semmi laughed nervously and pushed a hand through his arm. "Right... That''s my Pon, Mr. Happy."


    Nix removed his deck shoes when he stepped onto the dock. It was roughly 30 meters long and two meters wide. His clothing must have been adjusted with his choice of destinations; he wore blue swim trunks with a white shirt sporting the Union Jack.


    The white boathouse was built perpendicular to the start of the dock; large wooden doors swung outward easily when Nix pulled them. He whistled softly when he saw what was inside. "Nice. Jet Skis!" He called back to the couple behind them.


    "How long have you known?" Pon waited until the two women returned to the cabin before he spoke. They went back for more beer and to change into swimsuits.


    "Let''s get these out first." After driving the Jet skis out of the boathouse, they moored them to the docks. They were standard jet skis, overpowered to the point where they could pull tubes and large enough for two people. Nix accepted a rope that Pon tossed him; he fed it through the mooring bracket and tied it off. "Since our clerics were turned to stone, she visited me in Virtuna."


    Pon laughed and handed Nix another beer. "Shit... I can''t imagine what went through your head. Your pretend girlfriend just became your real one."


    Nix dangled his bare feet in the water, enjoying the feel of the sun on his face. "Once we take down Khione, I''m going to ranch full-time in Haven."


    "Virtual living? We were thinking the same thing." Pon slid his mirrored sunglasses over his eyes, his head turning at the sound of the sliding door opening again. "Don''t do anything that makes me look like a shitty boyfriend.


    Nix laughed at the Texan''s sour expression. "You don''t need any help with that."


    The two women had both chosen modest one-piece swimsuits, Semmi with yellow, while Hara chose blue. Pon was already climbing onto the nearest Jetski by the time they arrived.


    "Guess this one''s ours?" Hara offered Nix a smile while he untied the mooring.


    Nix nodded and extended a hand. "Get on; you can drive first."


    Semmi wrinkled her nose at Pon. "Very gentlemanly, Mr. Nix."


    Nix ignored the scowl Pon shot at him and climbed up behind the slim redhead. They had the entire lake to themselves, something that would have been impossible in real life.


    ***************


    Several hours later, Nix and Hara sat side-by-side on one of the comfortable reclining deck chairs. Pon and Semmi were dozing in the sun, the tiny blond was snuggled up against him with her head tucked comfortably into his shoulder.


    Hara laced her fingers into his, unexpectedly feeling a bit of shyness. "Semmi told me that the two of them visit Virtuna quite a bit. I didn''t know that."


    Nix grinned at the Texan''s sleeping form. "The old man puts in some effort." There were dozens of empty beer bottles stacked neatly on the deck. After sampling several different kinds of beer, Pon had settled on Bud-light while Nix elected for Primo.


    Hara''s face was slightly sunburnt, something that would fade in a few hours and not cause her any discomfort; a clear advantage of virtual get-aways. The group barely mentioned Colonial during the day, opting instead on getting to know each other a bit more. "Can we do a bonfire tonight?"


    Nix nodded, feeling his eyes grow heavy, he shook his head in an effort to stay away. "Yep."


    Hara squeezed his hand and leaned against him. "Short nap first, then we''ll gather some wood."

 517 The King

    Nix kicked sand into his adversary''s face then attempted a leg sweep while Chiba''s sight was impaired. When his leg contacted nothing, he rolled free and brought up his guard, but it was already too late. The flat side of the old woman''s blade slapped him gentle on the shoulder.


    "Well done, Apprentice!" Chiba took a long drink from her canteen and then wiped her mouth with the back of her sword hand. She offered her apprentice a drink, but he shook his head and produced his own container. "One last spar!"


    "There''s no telling what you put in your canteen." Nix knew without asking that it was booze.


    "True..." Chiba stood barechested in the mid-morning sun. Her short gray hair, pale skin, and flat chest hid the fact that she was female from those who didn''t know her well. She toasted Nix with her canteen and took a long drink."


    Nix returned her toast politely. "To the King."


    Chiba paused after stowing her canteen. "The King?"


    Nix grinned at the old woman. "Fuh... King."


    Chiba stared at him for a moment before her laughter erupted, the creepy sound of it making everyone nearby turn and stare. "HAHAHA... PERFECT I LOV.." Her hilarity was interrupted when Nix tapped her shoulder with his blade.


    "I win." Nix stowed his blade and took turned abruptly while his Master continued to cackle uncontrollably.


    "Nix! Come back! Don''t cheat your Master!" The old woman was still chuckling when her apprentice disappeared towards the beach.


    A few minutes later, Nix arrived at his destination where Morti, Fey, and Soup were playing in the surf. The entire camp was enjoying the brief respite from ''bone form.'' After returning for their R\u0026R trip, Jun Li set up a light roving guard and gave the camp a day off. Cookfires were set up, and the recently rezzed members from the Striker Graveyard were given a chance to acclimate themselves.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Where are you at, Boss?


    /Alpha: Nix: Down at the beach. Problem?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Not really, we''ll come find you.


    After returning from Vasai Virtual, Nix had put a long leather strap on Commander Bensic''s helm. The shiny headgear was an upgrade from his last helm but still only covered a fraction of the cub''s huge head. "Looks good, Morti." Morti was sitting on his enormous butt, letting the surf flow around him while he scratched figures on the wet sand.


    "Thanks. I like it." Morti''s wet fur was sticking in all directions. "Soup has gotten stronger."


    "Commander! Commander!" A familiar voice shouted his name from the rocks.


    Nix seemed to freeze in place for a moment. "Say it isn''t true."


    Morti glanced toward the running figure. "She''s really fast."


    An instant later, a tiny blond figure skidded to a stop in front of him. She snapped a salute while her large smile threatened to consume all of her face. "Captain Bali reporting for duty!"


    Nix returned her salute, biting down on the smile that bubbled up. "Did I promote you?"


    Bali nodded. "Permission to hug you, sir?"


    "Denied."


    "Handshake?"


    "Denied."


    "Headpat?"


    "Fine." Nix chuckled and scruffed the blond ranger''s hair. "Now that the big guns are here, maybe we can make some progress."


    Bali nodded in agreement. "Am sure Ronnie has missed me. Know where she is?"


    "Probably test flying the new Bone Crow mounts." Nix noticed Semmi and Pon walking toward them.


    Bali took a sideways glance at Morti. "Love the new helm."


    Morti seemed more intent on his drawings, even though the surf was erasing them before he could finish. "Thanks, Captain," he replied without looking up.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Meant to tell you, Bali came through the Mocai Coven portal.


    /Alpha: Nix: With who?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Elan Mtui and Beta.


    /Alpha: Nix: Breach Commander Mtui? Why is he here?


    /Alpha: Semmi: He''s here to support us; we should probably guild both him and Beta. That will give them mounts and permanent Boneyness.


    /Alpha: Nix: Mtui is a tank?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Yes. Oh, and Sharl was able to summon Floyd.


    /ALpha: Nix: Now that''s awesome news. Where''s Pathfinder?


    /Alpha: Semmi: They have a tent set up next to yours.


    /Alpha: Nix: I have a tent?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Medium-sized one that you''re sharing with Fajii and Shae.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nebs arrival gives us another cleric! Things are looking good.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Meeting in 30 minutes, going to discuss cleaning out the rest of the Peril (14) Burrough and our current status.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll be there. Check out your mounts yet?


    /Alpha: Pon: Kinda awesome, way better than those fucking brooms, they come with a padded saddle!


    [Summons: Raven]


    Nix whistled softly when his mount appeared in front of him. He''d seen the Bone crow mounts flying overhead on his walk down to the beach. This was nothing like those. The Raven was covered in black feathers that seemed to absorb the light around it, placing it deep in the shadows. Raven had a sharp-looking black beak and wickedly curved claws on its black feet. It stood around three meters in height and immediately ''cawed'' at him.


    /Alpha: Pon: Damn you, Bastard! Why is your shit always awesome?


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s pretty nice, Boss.


    **********


    Ducky walked past the guard at her door, immediately he left his post to follow her. He was a member of the Slaughter guild but was careful to be respectful with his words.


    "Where are you going, Ducky?"


    "I''ve heard the Keep was attacked. I''m curious about what happened." Ducky offered him a slight smile. "You can walk beside me. I feel like a prisoner when you follow behind me like that."


    "Sorry!" Pradi was a top-notch thief with nothing to do. He had been volunteered to keep tabs on Ducky by his Guild Leader. "Not much to see. The Keep was hit with an insanely powerful fire attack that blasted a tunnel through several meters of rock. The armory was completely destroyed, along with most of that wing."


    As a resident of the Keep, Ducky could see that the roster had been trimmed by more than a hundred. Most of those were heroes from the Trifecta. "Your name is Pradi? There was some sort of guild event, right? Did you win anything?"


    "Win?" Pradi sighed heavily. His dark eyes seemed troubled while he considered the cost of the event. Their stats had been drastically reduced, and now they were vulnerable to fire. Not the best outcome when facing a guild called ''Inferno.'' "Our overall strength has been compromised, the status quo within the Keep has changed. Unless..."


    Ducky considered his words for a moment; bits and pieces of conversation that she''d overheard gave her a good idea of what was happening with Trifecta and Glacia. They had formed a precarious alliance that was based on both sides have similar strength. Her own arrival should have been considered a boon to Glacia, but the Water Witch hadn''t made any movements. "Unless I join the Trifecta?"


    Pradi ran a dark hand through his jet-black hair. He was tired of the fortress, the nonexistent battles and benefits they had been promised months ago. His assignment had been given to him by Sandi, who was the real-life sister to Sloan, the person that tried to fly out of Ducky''s window. Pradi made the mistake of joking about it in alliance chat and was punished with his current posting outside her door. "Are you considering that?"


    Ducky shook her head honestly and stepped into the rubble that had once been the armory. There were still a few people picking through the ruins looking to score one of the missing treasures. "No. Your chances of winning are zero. The way the Bone Fortress is setup puts momentum with the aggressor. Trifecta is just waiting here to die."


    Pradi shivered slightly; the Water Witch seemed unshakably calm to him. "So you are with Glacia?"


    Ducky tilted her head slightly. "Pressing me for information? There''s no need for that. Ask me whatever you like."


    Inwardly Pradi noted that he was within a few meters of the abyss created by the armory''s destruction. "Are you with Glacia?"


    "Glacia is just here waiting to die."


    Pradi cursed under his breath in Hindi. "You said the same thing about Trifecta."


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "I did. Do you not understand what is going on in the Southern Burroughs? The tide is turning, and by the time it arrives here, both of these groups will be washing their necks."


    "Washing their necks?" Pradi let the remark slide, his eyes staring at the smooth glass-like surface of the once rough stone.


    /Trifecta: Pradi: What''s it mean when someone says to wait here and wash your neck.


    /Trifecta: Durham: Means you stink. Take a bath!


    /Trifecta: Ubari: Not sure... Wash your neck and see.


    /Trifecta: Sandi: It means you should prepare for your execution. Maybe headsmen don''t like to cut through dirty necks.


    Ducky stared off into the wide-open space that was once a solid wall. "Losing the Bone Fortress will result in several things, none of them good for you."


    "Such as?"


    "You think losing the King came with a harsh penalty? What''s going to happen when you lose the entire Keep?"


    Pradi sighed heavily; he joined Slaughter with a group of friends, none of which continued playing more than a few months. "If I could leave, I would."


    Ducky turned away from the carnage caused by her friends and faced the dark-haired thief. "Would you?"


    [Hidden Quest Revealed: Freedom Fighter]


    Freedom Fighter


    A new force has surfaced within the Bone Fortress. Who are they allied with? Do you dare take the chance to find out? You need more information.


    [Freedom Fighter: The Water Witch]


    Make friends with the Keep newcomer and try to find out more information. Accepting this quest will not have any impact on your current allegiance.


    Reward: Unknown


    Pradi stared at the message on his hud for a moment before making his selection.

 518 Raven Fligh

    "Better believe it, Shorty. You don''t know who I am?" Bali did the quick height gauge in her head; she was at least an inch taller than the wide-shouldered, mandolin strumming Bard.


    Duran continued to play his instrument, letting the notes drift into the afternoon air. "I do not."


    "I''m Nix, the Rat-Queen. From now on, you work for me. How big is your tent?" Bali gave him the once over, his attire screamed vagabond, but he had a certain amount of charm.


    "Um... Nix is actually a ''Rat-King.'' That''s not you."


    Bali''s pretty face twisted in her best Pon-scowl. "The heck you say! Fine, I''m incognito here, half-pint. I''m Duran, the ruler of Eidengal."


    "Duran!" Nix waved from across the camp, where the group of Inferno Officers was forming.


    Bali grinned and returned his wave. "See? Talk to you later, Bard."


    Duran fell in step beside her, a wide smile playing on his face. "You''re Captain Bali, the Ain''Dhassi ranger!"


    Bali shrugged slightly. "Fine, but I''ll probably be promoted soon."


    Duran laughed at the ranger''s antics. "I do like a tall woman."


    "Smooth talker, I see." Bali threw an arm around his shoulder. "Can you shoot a bow? I''ll teach you after my meeting is over. That mandolin won''t do you any good in a fight unless you hit someone over the head with it."


    Duran slowed his step when his sister''s children approached. They both bowed low when he entered the area.


    "Your Majesty!" Edi and Alfie greeted him at the same time.


    "Enough of that crap." Pon''s crabby old face scowled at them. "You two! Thanks for telling the assassin hiding in the woods which of us is the King."


    Bali nodded sagely. "It''s true. If I were hiding in that treeline, Shorty would have just received an arrow in his eye."


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Bali] Hey, Sweets! Question. Why are you calling King Duran, Shorty?


    Bali glanced at Ronnie and then back at Duran.


    [Whisper: Bali to Ronnie] Half-Pint is really the King? Dang, it... He said he was a Bard!


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Bali] Odd, short people, are usually more reliable.


    Nix waited while the last of the group closed in. He''d sent Shae back to Colonial to spearhead their budding plans. "Pull up a chair everyone, or stump, rock, whatever..."


    /Officer: Jun Li: Let''s get started. I''ve temporarily invited our guests into the channel so that they can get a general idea of our direction.


    /Officer: Semmi: As we speak, Shae is teaming up with Sulane and Caza from the Resolute Guild. The three of them will be getting the Colonial governments behind us.


    /Officer: Sharl: Is this new? Toward what end?


    /Officer: Semmi: They''re strong and well organized. To put it bluntly, we plan to start a war with them. The 12 Pillars will root them out, destroy their buildings, halls, and fleets.


    /Officer: Jun Li: We don''t really care about the Trifecta, but their interference could affect our final battle.


    /Officer: Nix: We''ll leave the Trifecta to the 12 Pillars. Tura Raine Xai just passed a docket that puts all of Oasis behind us.


    /Officer: Semmi: Our Titan development program is developing rapidly. We could have Titan states in Mid-Everspire by the time we finish here.


    /Officer: Jun Li: This brings us to our immediate goal in the Bone Fortress. We have a construct order for a small fortress, but we won''t build until we control the Honor (12), Burrough. This will be our pivotal fight; we will have to face three Burroughs at once.


    /Officer: Nix: Our intel says there are four thousand troops in the Keep. If the remaining are divided evenly, that means that we''d have a numerical advantage in every Burrough until we are ready to take the Keep.


    /Officer: Jun Li: It''s difficult to guess what strategy they''ll use.


    /Officer: Ronnie: Do you think they''ll stack up, Honor?


    /Officer: Semmi: We''ve gone through it a few times; no matter what, we have to be ready.


    /Officer: Bali: I''ve seen the map and read the rules. Sorry for speaking out of turn since I just arrived, but I know exactly how I''d beat us.


    /Officer: Nix: Spill it, Captain.


    /Officer: Bali: If I was running things. I''d empty out the Honor Burrough. That way, the moment you stepped into it, you''d take control of it.


    /Officer: Pon: The hell would you do that for?


    /Officer: Semmi: Clever girl. They give us Honor and then can attack immediately from the Dawn (11), Misery (10), and Agony (9) Burroughs. They''d have surprise and numbers on their size. One last gamble before falling back to the Keep.


    *******Author''s Note********


    There''s a map of the Bone Fortress zone on discord if anyone needs a reference. I wish we could include maps in the text.


    **********


    /Officer: Jun Li: We could get overrun if we didn''t see it coming.


    /Officer: Semmi: We need our two crafters to start building deterrents. Please give us any advantage you can.


    /Officer: Nix: We''ll start building more barricades while Pon and I do our thing. Several more companions have been summoned; Wilo, King Lubo, and Floyd are here.


    /Officer: Wind: I''m going to summon Commander Bensic before our next offensive. I can''t force him to speak, but I can make him fight his own people.


    /Officer: Nix: We''re going to do a short bombing run, try and slim the numbers down a bit. Our scout team will use that opportunity to sneak in.


    /Officer: Semmi: On a side note, our comm rings for the brooms we confiscated have all gone silent. This could mean that our undercover gig is up. We''ll put that aside until we know for sure.


    **************


    An hour later, Nix was distributing teardrop bombs into three separate piles. He would take Pon and Donri into the mountains to try and make things miserable for the guerilla fighters. Sasi, Rabi, Wind, and Semmi would attempt to break into their perimeter and scout out the situation.


    ********Author''s Note**********


    Donri is a Black fire Mage that returned from the Central Kingdom, acting as the Seneschal for the Royal Family. He''s also a former tank covert that was part of Nix''s first grouping experience with Bulo the Black Bear.


    *******************************


    "You two ready?" Nix stowed his own pile of explosives away before glancing up at the two mages. The dark-haired Donri hadn''t spoken much since leaving his Seneschal position with the Central Kingdom, but he had made it clear that he wouldn''t be accepting any missions that brought him back to Colonial.


    Donri nodded while his dark eyes watched the shadows swirling around Nix''s Raven mount. "I think your mount has the Shadow Element."


    Pon scowled and stepped into the saddle of his mount. "With his luck, I''m surprised his mount isn''t a dragon."


    Donri shared a glance with the old fire mage before looking back at Nix. "The way I hear it, Nix has already mounted a few dragons."


    Pon''s laughter drowned out whatever reply Nix made as the old man brought up his hud and added three waypoints to their route into the mountains. "Our team will be coming in through a small side route that''s obstructed from LoS (Line of Sight). They should be able to get in unseen, providing we blow up enough shit."


    /Alpha: Nix: We''re heading out now, we''ll fly unstealthed, so they see us coming.


    /Alpha: Wind: Don''t get shot down, Boss.


    /Alpha: Nix: We got this. What could possibly go wrong?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Oops...


    /Alpha: Pon: Damn you, Nix! Why''d you curse us like that?


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t worry so much, old man... What could possibly happen to you?


    /Alpha: Pon: You''re fucking with me, right?


    /Alpha: Wind: Ruthless.


    Nix chuckled and eased onto the saddle that was perched in front of the Raven''s wings. "Enough talk... Time to blow shit up."


    The three mounts shot into the air, circling camp once before heading toward the first waypoint.


    Raven has formed a Flight.


    A Bone Crow''s flight speed has been increased by fifty percent.


    A Bone Crow''s flight speed has been increased by fifty percent.


    A Bone Crow''s maneuvering ability has been increased by thirty percent.


    A Bone Crow''s maneuvering ability has been increased by thirty percent.


    Raven has shared the Shadow Element with you; this will continue for the duration of your flight.


    You have gained Shadow Sight.


    You have gained Essence Fade.


    /Alpha: Donri: I think your ride just buffed everyone.


    /Alpha: Pon: Of course it did. It probably a fucking dragon.


    /Alpha: Donri: Speaking of fucking dragons...


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh... You keep hanging with us, Donri.


    /Alpha: Nix: This guy...


    ****************


    The two demons climbed nimbly up the steep face of the bluff. Sasi had Rabi made the verticle ascent look like a relaxed stroll. They slowly led the two Gemini Thieves upward.


    [Whisper: Rabi to Wind] Don''t summon Mimi while Sasi is with us. They don''t get along very well.


    [Whisper: Wind to Rabi] Mimi isn''t my spirit companion, so I can''t summon her. I already told you this.


    [Whisper: Rabi to Wind] Right! Sorry! Rabi forgets things; that''s why Sasi does all the planning.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Okay, let''s go over the plan while we climb. Our bombers should start their run in a few minutes. We move in quietly and maybe get a chance to remove the leadership.


    /Alpha: Wind: Understood.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Once we get inside the perimeter, Rabi will take point.


    Rabi nodded happily. "I''ll find the bosses!"


    [Whisper: Semmi to Wind] Making Rabi a spirit companion was a good acquisition for you. Did you bring the King?


    As if answering, the tiny red gecko poked his crowned head out of Wind''s collar, his dark eyes darting in all directions before retreating.


    [Whisper: Wind to Semmi] Yep.

 519 Putrid Core part one

    /Alpha: Nix: The hell you say! Don''t badmouth Chupa.


    /Alpha: Pon: Chupa? You named your mount?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure, makes them fly faster. Chupacabra seemed too pretentious, so I shortened it to Chupa.


    /Alpha: Pon: Your naming sense is broken.


    /Alpha: Nix: Right... I''m going to listen to someone who wears cowboy boots with shorts.


    The two bone crows glided effortlessly within the airstream created by the wake of the raven. It was obvious that they were responding to its movements without any input from their riders. When Chupa banked into a dive a few moments later, the entire flight faded from view.


    /Alpha: Donri: That''s impressive as hell.


    /Alpha: Nix: Starting our bombing run, Sem.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Understood. We''ll switch to Bravo channel and keep you updated through guild chat.


    /Alpha: Pon: Be careful.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I will. Take care.


    /Alpha: Nix: That was very sweet, old man.


    /Alpha: Donri: Very...


    /Alpha: Pon: Shut the hell up.


    Inferno knew that the Peril Burrough remains were bunkered within a series of connecting caves deep in the mountains from preliminary scouting reports. They assumed that these were created over the course of several years when the inhabitants of this Burrough didn''t have anything to do. Unfortunately, it made bringing in a large force impossible.


    Instead of coming in from above the pass, the Raven leader banked sideways into a rock crevice that was only a few meters wide; Nix ducked reflexively when his head brushed the smooth stone walls.


    /Alpha: Pon: This bird is trying to kill us!


    As soon as they passed through the crevice, the Raven descended to within a meter of the ground. Nix counted the cave openings on either side of the narrow pass.


    /Alpha: Nix: Three on the right and one on the left, focus on the left one Don!


    /Alpha: Donri: Got it.


    /Alpha: Nix: Toss-em at will...


    Nix dropped a half-dozen golems and directed them toward the entrance of the first cave, immediately after he started slinging the teardrop bombs as fast as he could manage. Although they were only in the ravine for a handful of seconds, they managed to drop everything they were carrying. The explosions started as soon the raven started to ascend once again.


    The entrances of the caves were blasted away in chain explosions that went on for several seconds. The flight retreated out of the ravine, quickly gaining altitude before circling and heading for camp.


    /Alpha: Pon: Going to have to do some more crafting, Nix. That last run depleted my reserves.


    /Alpha: Donri: The Boss is gone...


    Pon narrowed his eyes slightly; the Raven rider was no longer in the saddle.


    /Alpha: Pon: Nix! Where the hell are you now?


    /Alpha: Nix: Going to join up with Semmi and her group after investigating this cave.


    /Alpha: Pon: Fuck if you''re going without this old man! Wait for me.


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure... Don''t be such a baby. Send Don back so he can update our scouting report.


    /Alpha: Donri: I''m getting fucked because I''m the new guy.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep.


    /Alpha: Pon: Pretty much. You can always go back to the Central Kingdom...


    ****************


    Rabi bent low to the ground, his small body nearly disappearing on the rocky slope. He glanced up at his sister before shaking his head. The tiny demon''s face showed his confusion. "Something isn''t right... Unclean smell."


    Semmi watched from below the slope''s lip; there had been none of the mountains'' expected movement when the explosions were detonated a few minutes earlier. She had expected it would erupt like a kicked hornet''s nest, but the only response was complete silence.


    /Bravo: Wind: I don''t like it, too quiet.


    /Bravo: Sasi: Unclean? Like undead?


    /Bravo: Rabi: No. Rotten smell, like old eggs and cabbage.


    /Bravo: Semmi: Let''s continue forward, lead the way, Rabi.


    Rabi nodded and favored Semmi with a fanged smile. "Nix and old man are here too.


    Semmi stopped in mid-stride. "They should be back at camp already.


    Rabi shook his head slightly. "Nope, they are close."


    "Wait..." Sasi waved at her brother from the rear of the formation. "Feel that?"


    Rabi paused for a moment and let his senses wander. His dark eyes closed as his lips pursed slightly; after several seconds, he opened them again. "We should retreat."


    Sasi nodded in agreement. "Something bad comes."


    *******************


    The stench of rotten flesh hung in the air thick enough to push both Inferno members to change into their skelly forms. Nix''s yellow eyes stared at the entrance before glancing at his friend. "Seems like we should be able to see a bit further into that."


    Pon nodded and knelt on one knee before touching the rocky ground with a boney hand. The brown rock leading to the cave entrance felt sticky beneath his fingers. The area immediately before the cavern appeared to have been sprayed with some sort of clear, viscous fluid. "What do you think this is?"


    Nix eyed the entrance a moment longer before letting a smile play on his lips. "I don''t know the specifics, but I''m guessing it''s a lair. Want to stay here while I investigate?"


    "The fuck you say?" Skelly Pon would have been wearing a scowl had he possessed the face to do so. "There''s probably some weak-ass creature in there with incredible loot! You''ll whack it once, and then it will die before bequeathing you a kingdom."


    Nix chuckled before nodding slightly. "Fine. You head in first, and I''ll wait here unless you need backup."


    Pon nodded with a huff and stomped toward the entrance; his bone feet skidded to a stop just before he entered. "Hey! I know what you''re doing! There''s probably some sort of trap just inside; one step further, and I''ll be captured until you manage to free me."


    Nix clicked his teeth at the fire mage. "Make up your mind, old man. Can''t have it both ways."


    Pon tapped his staff on the rock a few times before answering. "Fine! Let''s both go in."


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon and I are heading into one of the caves. Something strange is going on; the enemy encampment is empty.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The may have moved. Where''s the scout team?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We are east of Nix''s position. There''s definitely something odd going on here. Sasi senses something powerful, but can''t say what.


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon and I will investigate, make your way our position, and guard the entrance.


    /Inferno: Wind: It''s our turn to investigate, Boss.


    /Inferno: Pon: Heh... First come, first serve! Should have climbed faster.


    *****************


    Morti held an oversized paw over his black nose. "Something smells bad, Nix."


    Nix leaned against the cub, suddenly glad he''d decided to summon his companion. "Use your bone form if the smell is too much."


    Morti plopped down on his haunches and took in his surroundings. "My helmet doesn''t fit when I''m in Bone form."


    The Inferno leader tightened the leather chin strap that held the shiny helm. "Let''s head in then, or the scout team is going to complain about us going first."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "After you."


    Nix gestured for the cave bear to get up and then walked beside him through the entrance.


    [All communications with the outside have been temporarily suspended.]


    Pon froze in place when he read the message. "Were you expecting that?"


    Nix nodded. "It''s something I''m used to."


    *************


    Pradi closed his dark eyes before turning completely around. "You should have warned me!"


    Ducky peered over the edge of the large in-floor bath. "Warned you of what?"


    The dark thief sighed heavily; after spending a few days with the Water Witch, her constant playfulness was slowly breaking him down. "You''re naked. I shouldn''t be here."


    Ducky''s all-blue eyes were filled with humor. "I like you, Pradi. Let''s be friends."


    Pradi smiled despite being teased. "Fine, we''re buddies." The Slaughter guild''s top thief had spent nearly a full day investigating the faction positions. Everything pointed to a mysterious third faction. Ducky had confessed to him that she worked for a powerful dragon called Deidra. If that was true... The dragons had once defeated Khione, although, by all accords, the price of doing so was quite high.


    "Glacia hides from me because she fears that I''m aligned with her old boss. That is not the case."


    Pradi shivered slightly. When he first arrived in the Bone Fortress, Glacia had possessed two eyes. She disappeared for several days, and when she returned, the ice blue eye had been replaced with an empty socket. "There''s a rumor that there''s a nymph in the lower levels."


    Ducky stood slowly, the water of her bath running down her pale blue skin. "Doubtful. I would sense if one of my sisters was close."


    Pradi heard her leave the bath and then waited a few minutes before turning. Instead of dressing, Ducky was standing in front of her open window, enjoying the sea breeze. "Why aren''t you dressed yet?"


    Ducky smiled over one shoulder. "Sorry... It''s my nature to tease others. Have you made a decision?"


    Pradi nodded slowly. For months he''d been sitting on his hands, receiving every crappy assignment because of his inability to control his words properly. His wisecracks in guild chat were meant to lighten the mood but instead had placed a target on him. "My friends are all gone, and I''m stuck here with a bunch of asshats."


    Ducky picked up a white gown from her bed and slid it over her head. "Then, from now on, we are allies."


    Pradi sighed loudly. It couldn''t be worse than being weighted down by the Trifecta.


    [Freedom Fighter Completed]


    You have learned a new ability: Water Attunement.


    You have discovered a hidden Thief Sub-Class: Wave Runner.


    Pradi''s dark eyes widened in shock as new skills scrolled across his hud. "Holy crap!!!"


    A new quest has been discovered [Awaiting Contact].

 520 Putrid Core part two

    "Rabi?" Sasi arrived at the cave entrance a few moments after her brother. She backed away in panic when hearing the voice that reverberated in her head. "Semmi, Wind! Run away!"


    /Alpha: Semmi: Guys? What''s wrong? Oh, God...


    /Inferno: Wind: We need help! There''s something here!


    /Inferno: Semmi: No! Don''t come here! Avoid this...


    /Inferno: Sharl: Sem? What''s going on over there?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Ronnie, Bali, and Donri! Report to the Command tent.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: On my way.


    /Inferno: Donri: Same here. Nix and Pon are listed as uncontactable in Guild Chat. Neither one is answering personal comms.


    ******************


    *Kill him, and you will receive a great boon.*


    Unexpectedly, the old mage grinned when he heard the voice in his head. He glanced at the Inferno leader. "How big of a boon are we talking about?"


    Nix''s emerald aura lit up the cave like a green bonfire. He turned back toward the fire mage when he spoke. "What are you rambling about?"


    Pon shrugged slightly. "Voice in my head telling me to kill you."


    Nix gave him a deadpan look. "I get those all the time, probably should just ignore it."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "It''s quite insistent. Even going so far as to offer me a reward."


    Nix scanned the dark passage that the trio had entered a few moments before. Although he felt a chill run down his bony spine, there had definitely been no voices. "My voices never offer a reward, just a generic, ''Burn the World'' type of thing."


    *Kill him, NOW!!*


    Pon shook his head and joined his companions. "You hear anything, Morti?"


    The Titan cub shook his gigantic head. "Nothing... It smells bad in here."


    *Kill Nix! Kill the Titan cub*


    Pon slammed the end of his staff on the stone floor. "Right... Are you fucking stupid? Even if I wanted to... How is it possible? I''m a Fire Mage, and both of them are immune to flames."


    /Alpha: Nix: Use group chat. What''s going on?


    /Alpha: Pon: Something''s here, there''s a voice bouncing around in my head.


    /Alpha: Nix: We don''t hear anything. Although if it manages to control Morti, we''ll have to run for it.


    /Alpha: Pon: Must be a control effect? It isn''t very strong. The two of you are immune to control effects.


    /Alpha: Nix: And your resistance is sky-high. We need to push forward. I''m worried about the ones outside.


    The cave meandered back and forth like a drunk snake for a few hundred meters while an unseen pressure continued to mount. Condensation hung heavy in the air, making the dark walls glisten as tiny rivulets of moisture ran down the walls and dripped from the ceiling.


    /Alpha: Nix: Crap...


    /Alpha: Nix: Just the same ones I always hear. Our entrance just shrank.


    The cavern that had been four meters across suddenly ended in a solid wall of stone with a small hole barely large enough for one person to crawl through.


    "Shit..." Pon watched as Morti approached the opening. The Titan cub dropped down on his tummy and scooted forward until his head pushed in. His progress was stopped abruptly when his muscular shoulders contacted the barrier.


    "I can''t fit in here." Morti''s muffled voice rumbled in the cave, his sharp claws gouging into the rock as he back out of the entrance. "Looks like I''m guarding."


    Nix dropped his skelly form; immediately, his nose noticed the difference in scents. Unlike the sour smell of the entrance, a sickeningly sweet odor permeated this end of the cavern. "We''ll find whatever is causing this and try to lure it back here."


    "Good idea, Nix." Morti flopped down on the cave floor. "If something bad happens, I''m going to bash that entrance apart."


    Nix shared a glance with Pon before patting the cub''s soft head. "Don''t collapse this place on us."


    "No promises," Morti huffed.


    /Alpha: Pon: Is it okay to leave him here?


    /Alpha: Nix: No choice, my ability to unsummon him has been deactivated.


    "Be careful, Nix." Morti''s rumbling whisper carried down the passageway as the two Fire users crawled in single file.


    The narrow path turned sharply before growing noticeably brighter. Nix dropped his aura a few moments later when they exited.


    /Alpha: Pon: We''re in an instance?


    /Alpha: Nix: Have to be, I doubt this place exists in the Bone Fortress.


    Before them lay a small valley, filled with vibrant colors from all parts of the spectrum. Oranges, blues, greens, and everything in-between. Nix squinted slightly, the brightness of it stinging his eyes.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shit... This looks like my nephew''s finger painting.


    Nix nodded in agreement. The foliage colors seemed too chaotic to be natural. Most of the tree''s resembled mid-sized fruit trees, tall orange grass stood nearly shoulder height.


    /Alpha: Pon: Bet it burns.


    "Right." An emerald strand of fire burst from Nix''s outstretched hand. He swiped it at the grass in front of him, causing it to flash-burst into ashes.


    /Alpha: Nix: Woah... Highly volatile.


    /Alpha: Pon: Awesome. Fucking hell...


    Pon''s voice filtered off as his glance fell onto the rocky floor of the valley. The outline of a face frozen in horror could be seen pressing upward. Instantly his staff brightened with flames.


    Pon has cast [Metor Shower].


    Nix has cast [Fire Storm: Emerald Flame]


    The grass surrounding them disappeared as smoke and ash filled the air. The two fire users stared grimly at what they had uncovered.


    /Alpha: Pon: This shit here...


    /Alpha: Nix: I hear ya.


    Dozens of bodies could be seen morphed into the landscape; heads, legs, and arms occasionally pushing outward as a morbid reminder that they''d once been human. Whenever a face was visible, the same abject expression of terror was present.


    "Why haven''t you killed him yet?" A familiar feminine voice spoke from a cloud of hovering ash, walking slowly toward them until she was in view.


    "Fucking hell is this?" Pon dropped his skelly form and started stringing impressively inventive cuss words together.


    Nix whistled softly. The short blond hair was now raven-black as were her normally brilliant blue eyes. Besides that, it was obviously Semmi. He stared at her for a long moment, was this a copy? Or was it really her?


    /Alpha: Nix: How high is Semmi''s will? Could she have been charmed?


    /Alpha: Pon: Average in Inferno. She''s been actively searching for gear that increases it. Do you think it''s her?


    The two fire users approached cautiously, neither commenting on the fact that she was completely naked.


    /Alpha: Nix: Can you tell?


    /Alpha: Pon: Semmi is immune to Ice. Try an Ice attack on her.


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe something harmless, hurting Sem would give me nightmares.


    Nix has cast [Sculpture: Black Ice]


    A Putrid Avatar has been turned into a Black Ice Sculpture.


    Pon breathed a loud sigh of relief. "Taking her form... You just fucked yourself."


    Pon has cast [Balefire: Hex]


    A column of white flame burned away the top half of the sculpture, immediately afterward the lower half melted into the ground.


    A Putrid Avatar has been slain.


    Nix frowned at the Fire Mage. "Oi... Now we can''t ask her..."


    His words filtered off as a second avatar started to form, screams of agony filled the air as dozens of corpses were pulled into one form. Countless eyes blinked at them in horror as the mouths opened wide in terror. Both fire users retreated several steps as the creature slowly took shape.


    /Alpha: Nix: Not good.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shit! I wish Morti was here...


    Nix shuddered slightly at the grotesque view that stood in front of them. It stood on two thick legs at a height of just over five meters. The spears, daggers, and swords from its victims sprouted from clenched fists that were the size of a small pony.


    /Alpha: Pon: Now what?


    /Alpha: Nix: Diplomacy.


    Nix raised both hands, sending a half dozen strands around each of its arms. He pulled backward and dug his heels in. "Light that fucker up..." His words were interrupted when he was yanked effortlessly into the air as the creature tore through the emerald strands.


    Pon has cast [Balefire: Hex]


    Putrid Core has used the abilities of his victims to resist the element of Fire.


    The old mage cursed loudly when the white flame bounced harmlessly off the beast. He dived to one side just as two clenched fists landed where he''d been standing.


    /Alpha: Pon: Not good! Need help here!


    The creature spun towards the old man and charged again. Pon retreated towards the entrance while throwing up [Flame Shield].


    The beast kicked through the burning shield, sending Pon bouncing across the rocky floor.


    Pon has been stunned.


    Before it could catch up with the old mage, its legs were pierced by the barbs of a dozen emerald strands. Instead of holding onto them, Nix anchored them to the ground and leaped away when the creature turned on him.


    Nix has cast [Firestorm][Salamandra][Napalm][Hellfire][Black Ice Armor]


    Five spell combination Successful.


    Putrid Core has used the abilities of his victims to mitigate incoming fire damage by Ninety percent.


    Nix has been encased with Black Ice Armor.


    Pon has been encased with Black Ice Armor.


    Pon has resisted stun.


    Pon shook his head slightly at the beast who stood in the center of the Inferno Nix had created.


    /Alpha: Now what? If it stacks the resistances of its victims, then we could be looking at the combined abilities of dozens.


    Nix nodded in agreement and summoned a Black Ice shield. He held it easily in one hand and pushed flames into his sword hilt.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll have to chip away at it. I''m going to tank... Since you''re a bit on the fragile side.


    /Alpha: Pon: I''ve got an idea. Let me clear out an area and then we''ll kite the bastard.


    /Alpha: Nix: Fine, I''ll try to stall it. Don''t be too long.


    ******************Authors Note******


    Kiting refers to attacking a target while constantly retreating. This works best when utilizing some sort of movement ability in conjunction with snare.


    ***************************

 Chapter 522: Putrid Core (conclusion)

    /Alpha: Pon: Almost done, making a small circle for kiting. What is that spell you''re using?


    /Alpha: Nix: A variant of my flame strands. I anchor them to the ground instead of trying to hold them.


    Nix dusted himself off just as the creature broke free of the bindings. The Putrid beast was missing a barely discernable amount of health.


    [Your legs have been damaged and will suffer a twenty percent movement penalty].


    /Alpha: Nix: Wonderful...


    /Alpha: Pon: Problem?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. My movements are slowed by twenty percent.


    /Alpha: Pon: That''s going to make kiting problematic.


    /Alpha: Nix: Thanks, genius. You may have to finish this bitch off without me.


    /Alpha: Pon: Don''t roll over and die on me.


    /Alpha: Nix: Worst-case scenario, I die and visit Hyai for a few days while waiting for a rez.


    /Alpha: Pon: Two minutes, and we''re golden.


    The creature stopped for a moment; it''s body slowly starting to shift. The general humanoid form grew more distinct as a face with mouth and features appeared on its gruesome visage. The screaming faces of its victims were still visible in several places.


    "You will both die here." The voice was easier to understand; it was cold as winter and instantly made the two men uneasy.


    /Alpha: Nix: It may be right... If something happens to me, you might want to think about retreating.


    /Alpha: Pon: I was going to tell you the same thing.


    ****************


    The cave bear sat on its enormous haunches, staring at the small entrance. There was a fight going on less than a hundred meters from where he sat, yet he could do nothing.


    "That entrance is very small, too small for you." A small creature pranced down through the darkness, its black fur making him difficult to see.


    "Eron? What are you doing here?" Morti favored the spirit creature with a glance before turning his eyes back to the entrance. "Fajii sent you?"


    Eron nodded. "Nix is worthy... Even he needs help sometimes."


    Morti huffed loudly, a sound that echoed off the rock walls of the narrow passage. "Summons doesn''t work in here, so I''m stuck."


    "Are you?" Eron turned up his black nose and walked by the cub without slowing down. "You are worthy... Don''t make me take that rating back."


    The cub flopped down on the floor of the passage with a loud sigh. "I don''t even know what that means."


    Eron paused for a moment, his dark eyes glittering. "Remember our first meeting? Your spirit was broken, and your fur was gone. You had nothing, not a single friend. Haven''t you turned into one of Inferno''s strongest Heroes?"


    ***********************


    Nix moved behind the stand of trees, limping to keep distance between himself and the Putrid beast that pursued him. It had decided to completely ignore Pon, no matter how much damage the Fire Mage called down upon him. It single-mindedly chased the Inferno leader, who was doing everything he could to maintain distance.


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck did you do to aggro this thing?


    Nix''s Emerald aura caused the surrounding vegetation to wither and burn; as the seconds passed, it grew brighter and hotter. The flickering green flame seemed to solidify for a moment before exploding outward into a series of rings that hovered around him.


    [You have learned Insurrection: Salamandric Djinn]


    Nix''s body disappeared as the rings closed around him; an instant later, that disappeared, leaving an emerald figure hovering over the ground. "Playtime is over, Asshat."


    The Djinn''s body blurred as it flashed toward the beast, without pausing. It slammed into the creature, knocking it back several steps while causing both of its arms to burst into flames.


    /Alpha: Pon: You walloped him, but look at your health, it''s nearly gone.


    The Djinn nodded. "We have to find a way to finish this..." His words filtered off as several spells landed on him at once.


    Eron has cast [Spritual Cleansing][Flowing Spirit][Vigil''s Armor]


    Triple combination successful.


    Your spirit has been cleansed of all contaminants.


    Your injured limbs have been healed.


    Your Djinn form has rejected Vigil''s Armor.


    The diminutive fox pranced out of the dark entrance, its intelligent eyes taking in everything at once. "Your health isn''t recovering, Nix. That form is rejecting a full heal."


    The Djinn shrugged slightly; ever since the Dread Beast''s appearance during the Krelandur, he felt like he was in a constant state of flux. "Going to blame the dragons; they must have done something."


    Eron nodded. "Sounds about right.


    Eron has cast [Spirit Shackle].


    The Putrid Beast has been temporarily restained.


    Nix stared as the creature''s body was suddenly wrapped in spirit shackles. It didn''t seem to be in distress, actually just the opposite. "It''s being healed, Eron."


    The black fox nodded. "It''s the side effect of using this restraint on him. Even though you''ve managed to injure it, this is a battle we can''t win without help." Eron moved beneath the spot where Nix was hovering. "Can you drop that form?"


    Nix shook his head. "Nope, already tried. It''s on a timer."


    Pon took a long drink from his flask before putting more distance between himself and the Core beast. "A timer? How much is left?"


    Nix shrugged nonchalantly. "It''s counting down by threes, kinda slow actually, so there''s no telling."


    Eron fixed him with a dark-eyed stare. "By threes?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes... How much help do we need? Is Inferno coming?


    The small fox lifted his nose into the air. "Morti should be enough; his ability to hold threat will enable the two of you to burn it down."


    Pon laughed miserably. "Did you see the entrance? He can''t even get his head through."


    Eron swished his tail at the Fire Mage. "Can''t he?"


    As if on demand, running steps could be heard echoing in the passageway. A moment later, a slightly pudgy, brown-haired boy stepped out.


    /Alpha: Pon: The hell is this?


    "Sorry, I''m late." The high-pitched voice had a slight lisp as he pushed back the over-sized helm that covered his head like a five-gallon bucket, the leather chin strap dragged on the floor, and he favored the group with a gap-toothed smile.


    Pon glanced at Nix for some sort of reaction, but the Inferno Leader only stared. The boy looked to be six or seven years old; light brown hair hung into his eyes, capping off a round face that was covered in freckles. The old man could sense the threat radiating off the child; he felt a similar thing the first time he met Deidra. "Who are you?"


    "Well done, Mortimer. Coming through for us, as always." The Djinn moved closer to the young boy.


    Mortimer has joined Inferno.


    Mortimer has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Mortimer: HEY! What''s this? Some sort of secret chat?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Can you change back?


    /Alpha: Mortimer: Of course.


    The brown-haired boy slipped the helmet off his head and sat it carefully on the ground before stepping away.


    Mortimer has activated his Titan bloodline [Titan: Emperor].


    An instant later, an enormous black Cave Bear appeared where the boy had been standing. It stood on its hind legs as a deafening roar shook the area. "Time to Swat!"


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Get him, Morti.


    Rock and soil flew into the air as the razor-sharp claws of the Titan cub dug into the ground, it rammed the shackled beast, causing the restraints to shatter as the beast was knocked backward.


    Morti has activated [Swat][Bone Focus][Shatter].


    Triple Combination Successful.


    A Putrid Core beast has been stunned.


    All enemies must attack Mortimer.


    A Putrid Core beast''s armor has been reduced by ten percent.


    Nix has cast [Insurrection: Balefire][Insurrection Napalm]


    Combination Successful.


    Nix has landed a critical strike on the Putrid Core beast. The Insurrection ability has caused a portion of the damage to be reflected back towards him.


    Nix has landed a critical strike on the Putrid Core beast. The Insurrection ability has caused a portion of the damage to be reflected back towards him.


    /Alpha: Pon: Woah... Your health is dropping again.


    Nix cursed and pushed emerald flames into his sword hilt while circling around the Putrid Core.


    /Alpha: Nix: I won''t use them then.


    Pon has cast [Balefire: Hex].


    A column of white flames burned through one of the Putrid Beast''s outstretched arms causing it to shriek with the voice of a dozen terrified victims.


    /Alpha: Pon: The hell is this?


    /Alpha: Nix: Kill it first, then we''ll decide.


    Morti reared up on his back legs just as the creature regained its balance, without pausing he slammed both paws into its chest knocking it to the ground. Two long strides followed as the Titan Cub came down with its full weight on the beast''s chest. A sickening crunch echoed in their ears as the screams of victims reached a deafening crescendo.


    /Alpha: Nix: Back away, Morti!


    /Alpha: Morti: Okay.


    Eron has cast Spirit Shield on Alpha.


    A moment later, the creature exploded outward, causing both men to be caught up in the maelstrom. Eron avoided the sudden gale by tucking in behind Morti who hadn''t budged. A few seconds later, in the aftermath, dozens of bodies littered the area, some of them started to sit up, their eye''s showing confusion.


    The old man spit grass out of his mouth and climbed to his feet just in time to see an emerald flash of light.


    Nix has died.


    Communication with the Inferno Guild has been reestablished.


    Pon scowled at the message. "How''d that happen?"


    Eron''s dark eyes stared at the spot where Nix had disappeared a few moments earlier. "I''m curious about that also."


    /Inferno: Semmi: You guys okay?


    /Inferno: Pon: Need some troops for round-up. Got some prisoners here.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Where''s Nix?


    /Inferno: Pon: Good question. Officer meeting, right after we wrap this up.

 Chapter 523: An Unlikely Trio

    Nix smiled in his sleep; the warmth of a familiar body next to him quickly destroyed any motivation he had to get up.


    "I''m glad you''re back." Hyai''s voice was comforting as it drifted into her companion''s consciousness.


    Nix opened one eye, just long enough to ensure it was the Innkeeper. "It will be two days before I can be resurrected. I expect you to let me sleep as much as possible."


    "He''s tired, Hyai." Deidra''s voice pulled the Inferno Leader out of his slumber. "Although I am curious as to how he died."


    Nix cursed into the soft padding of his pillow. "The hell is she doing here?"


    Hyai pinched his side in response. "She''s been guarding me..." The Innkeeper sighed heavily; although unwelcomed, she found the intent quite heartwarming.


    "Hmm?" Nix sat up slowly, glancing around the bedroom. He respawned in the Coven circle a few hours earlier. After enjoying a homecooked meal, he moved into the room that Hyai had been using. He glanced at the cold beauty of Solomon City before looking back at the woman in bed beside him. "Why would she need to guard you?"


    "We''ll talk later, Nix. Welcome back." Deidra excused herself and shut the door softly after exiting.


    "Well... The thing is..." Hyai found herself somewhat hesitant to speak; the normal confidence she spoke with seemed to avoid her as she stared at her gripped hands. "Somehow, I find myself in the same condition as Mina."


    Nix chuckled at her discomfort. "That makes it sound like you''re pregnant. Hit me with it. What''s up?"


    "I''m pregnant." Hyai smiled at her own words and let out the breath she had been holding. "A boy, according to Shae."


    The silence stretched for several seconds while Nix processed her words. His first reaction was that she was teasing, but he knew by her expression that she wasn''t. "Holy crap... We need to get you somewhere safer."


    Hyai watched as he tossed off the covers and started getting dressed; he tripped twice while slipping his own shoes on. "Nix? Stop for a moment."


    "Huh?" Nix finally managed to get his shoes on by sitting on the floor. "What?"


    "What do you think?"


    "Hmmm... I''m thinking that the ten thousand reasons why I can''t lose you, just doubled." Nix ignore his own nerves and took a seat next to her on the bed.


    Hyai smiled and hugged him tightly. "So it''s good?"


    Nix nodded and kissed the top of her head. He had met the Innkeeper on his first day after escaping the Gladis Hub; if he was being honest, her influence was a big part of his success. "Did Bela freak out?"


    (Bela is married to the Provost Marshal Bane, she is Hyai''s daughter)


    "Freak out?" Hyai made an effort to pat down Nix''s bed hair. "What''s that mean?"


    "Did her head blow up?"


    Hyai nodded. "Yep..."


    ***************


    A short excursion from Colonial will only be two chapters. Skipping ahead won''t really affect much other than a bit of backstory.


    ****************


    [Chinatown, New York 0300 hours] Six months before Nix was placed in the Gladis Hub.


    Most of the dark alley was blocked off by police cars and emergency responders. The shine from fresh rain caused normally dark brick walls to reflect the blue flashing lights.


    "Fucking hell..." The young woman wrinkled her nose in disgust at the smell of urine and trash that permeated the air. "How am I going to sleep with this racket?" She glanced at the group of cops that were huddled under black umbrellas.


    "You aren''t going to believe this... No fingerprints or DNA on file."


    Two different police officers repeated the words as they checked and rechecked the body. The thin woman watched from the far end of the alley, just close enough to hear what they were saying. Since the victim was carrying no ID, dispatch was already calling her Jane Doe.


    Mason walked for a few minutes before arriving at her flat. No one had stopped to question her, even though the corpse was less than two blocks from her building. Her five-inch heels clicked loudly as she walked down the hall toward the old freight elevator that offered the only access to her apartment. She punched the button angrily with her elbow and listened as the old electric motor spun up. By the time the door opened, she had her torn fishnet stockings and wet purple wig in one hand and her heels in the other.


    When Mason entered the flat a moment minutes later, both of her roommates were sitting on the living room couch. Twentytwo-year-old Mason Dixon from Georgia had moved to Chinatown three years earlier. None of the jobs she attempted panned out; she fell back on what she knew in the end.


    "Fifteen years of dance classes, and I end up as a stripper. Mom would love that." Dixon hung up her overcoat and stepped into the entryway, pausing when she noticed her friends. "Something up?"


    The trio was an unlikely group; an MIT graduate who had landed a dream job only to have fate snatch it away, a woman who danced for men, and a tattoo artist. When Yu Yan lost her job, she had been forced to take on boarders in her flat. The once luxuriously large space shrank suddenly when two more were added in.


    Yu Yan offered her roommate a smile. Dixon wore her work clothes under the overcoat, a micro skirt with a metallic halter top. She knew her roommate was actually more conservative in real life. They were all trying to survive. "We''re going to miss rent."


    "I already paid up." Dixon hung her purple wig on the closet door handle and limped toward the group, dancing in heels aggravated the injuries she had suffered while training classical ballet. She took a seat on a padded rocking chair and leaned back slightly while running her fingers through her short black hair. Since it was damp, her hair stuck straight up when she finished.


    Yu Yan blushed slightly; her pale features would have been somewhat attractive if she ever managed to smile. "I''ve been looking for work; no one is hiring. Ray only has half, and I am completely broke."


    The third girl nodded in affirmation. "Sorry," although a talented tattoo artist, Ray had struggled to carve out a niche for herself. Each of them paid fifteen hundred dollars a month; she had come up short by half." Ray pointed at the stack of bills on the coffee table. As expected, she had turned her arms and legs into intricate tapestries that showcased her abilities as an artist. "This is all I have."


    Mason''s fine features were expressionless as she listened. She''d been saving her money so that she could go back to college and finish. Would that even matter? Yu Yan was an unemployed MIT graduate. "I can cover rent this month, but we have to figure something out."


    **************


    "Heading to work?" Yu Yan looked up from her spot at the kitchen island. She had spent the entire day applying for any position that she qualified for. Mason worked all night and generally didn''t get up until dinner time, while Ray usually worked until midnight.


    Mason nodded. "You hear anything else about that body?"


    Yu Yan nodded. "Mystery woman, her picture is all over the news. Sooner or later, someone will come forward. At least my luck is better than hers."


    Mason smiled at her roommate and glanced at the stove. Yu Yan did most of the cooking, but she''d obviously been too busy. "Take out tonight?"


    Yu nodded. "Yep. No comment?"


    Mason shook her head slightly. Her roommate had worked for two years before the building she worked in mysteriously burnt to the ground. She landed another job almost right away before fate struck a second time. "It''s bad Karma to take notice of other people''s bad luck."


    Yu blew softly on her steaming cup of tea. "I swear that bastard was targeting me."


    Mason laughed at Yu''s expression. "Good news is that they''ve caught him; we should be safe."


    Yu put on a fake frown. "Don''t jinx yourself. He''ll escape prison and burn your workplace to the ground."

 Chapter 524: Sneaking In

    "After all that? It''s natural causes?" Mason listened while Yu Yan filled her in on the latest news. It had been two weeks since the corpse had been found a few blocks away from their flat. The woman was estimated to be in her late 20s and had died shortly after midnight.


    Yu Yan tried unsuccessfully to wave away the thick steam in their flats only bathroom. "One of those people who like to run at night, I guess, some sort of undiagnosed heart valve problem. Paper says she was dead before she hit the ground." The squeaking sound of Yu wiping the fog from the mirror filled in the conversational pause. "Use some cold water when you shower, holy crap..."


    "Some like it hot," Mason replied, her tone unapologetic. "Steamy showers are my only vice."


    "Clear out!" Ray''s loud voice called from the doorway; her light brown hair was covered by a faded Minnesota Viking hat that she wore backward. A grungy tank top, cutoff shorts, and five-gallon bucket announced her intentions. It was cleaning day.


    The three roommates split up chores into things they enjoyed. Ray was the clean freak, Yu liked to cook, and Mason did laundry. The later exited the shower and grabbed a towel before running toward her room, leaving a trail of water in her wake. She knew by experience that Ray would draft her into helping if she didn''t hurry. "Not me!"


    Thursday was the day when the flat did most of the chores. It was Mason''s only day off, and the other two would clear their schedule to spend the day together. Over breakfast, they continued to discuss the mystery woman.


    "Northside hasn''t done laundry since the corpse was found." Mason dabbed the smallest bit of honey on her grapefruit half before cutting into it like it was a steak.


    Ray paused, scrubbing long enough to poke her head out of the bathroom door. "Her heat has been running non-stop also. She has the same shitty radiator heating we have."


    "Stop..." Yu Yan was always the voice of reason when Ray and Mason started making conspiracy theories. "How do you know she hasn''t done laundry?" Their flat shared the top floor of the building with one other flat on the Northside. Both came with their own elevators, but they shared a common laundry room.


    "I always leave the lid on the machine open; it keeps mold from growing inside. She leaves it shut... Even though I''ve left her a few notes." Mason frowned at the memory; she never managed to run into the other tenant despite waiting several times.


    Ray''s tattooed arms stopped scrubbing for a moment as she backed out of the bathroom on her hands and knees. "We had that cold spell a few weeks ago, but now it''s ungodly hot. Either she took a trip or..."


    Chinatown in the summer was hot and humid most of the time. Before anyone could stop her, Mason made a beeline for their window. "Just a peek wouldn''t hurt!" She squeezed nimbly through the window onto the fire escape, grinning when she heard the telltale footsteps of her roommates following. Their living room wall was a solid brick monument that separated the two flats. The Northside flat also shared the same fire escape.


    "Mase!" Yu was the second one through the window. "Wait a sec... Listen, I saw a stasis capsule delivered to her place a few days before the incident."


    Mason had already stepped through the dividing gate and was walking down the short catwalk. "You''re saying she''s a VR rat? Crap... that could be it too."


    Yu nodded and failed to grab Ray as she snuck by her. "Don''t peep."


    The exotic dancer paused for a moment, her pretty face showing disappointment. "Kinda bursting my bubble here, Yu."


    Yu nodded with a satisfied smile. "After this week''s interviews, it feels good to stomp on someone elses dreams."


    Mason stuck her tongue out and stubbornly took two more steps before ducking down... making room as Ray crowded in next to her. "That''s the capsule, right?"


    Ray nodded and looked back at Yu, who decided to follow them. "It''s closed, can''t tell if anyone is inside."


    Mason gave the ink artist an innocent look. "Leaving the heat on could cause serious health problems for a VR rat." She tested the window with a slight pull; it slid open easily.


    "No!" Yu grabbed Mason''s arm to keep her from entering, but while she did that, Ray slid through the opening and disappeared into the flat.


    Mason''s eyes widened slightly; Ray was about as fearless as a person could be. "Props, girl..."


    "Get back here, Ray." Yu kept a grip on Mason''s arm, wrinkling her nose in disgust as the smell hit her. "What is that?"


    "Looks like chocolate cake... hard to tell from the mold." Ray popped back into sight long enough to open the window wider. "Capsule is empty; it looks like she was prepping for an extended absence."


    "Ten minutes, Yu. We scout out a bit, make sure everything is okay." Mason gave her roommate a pleading look; had they been on the first floor, she would have broken free fairly easily. "Good neighbors take care of each other."


    Yu released her with a long sigh. "B & E isn''t part of the good neighbor handbook." She frowned when Mason slipped into the flat, but after a few moments, she did the same. "Fine, ten minutes only. Clean up anything left out, turn down the heat and check the rest of the flat. We''ll leave her a note in case she returns in a few days."


    "Good idea, but not likely." Raya returned with a large picture frame in her hand. It was a caption of two women, one old and the other young. "Princess Cruiselines... Recognize the girl?"


    "Shit..." Yu noticed the date on the boarding picture, nearly ten years ago. The younger woman was familiar; it was definitely the mystery Jane Doe from the news.


    Raya motioned for Mason to return to the window. "We call the police and tell them. We can always say that we normally visit each other through the fire escape."


    Mason nodded in agreement. "Right. No one knows different."


    Yu stood motionlessly by the capsule. "This isn''t your run-of-the-mill stasis capsule; this is cutting edge corporate gear."


    Mason had seen the capsules in VR rooms but had never used one. "It''s also a crime scene; let''s get out of here now." She stepped through the window and exited easily before helping Raya do the same. "Yu?"


    Yu hadn''t moved from her spot next to the capsule. "Since her death was ruled an accident, this really isn''t a crime scene."


    Ray shared a confused glance with Mason before gesturing to Yu to follow them. "Enough, Yu. Time to go."


    Yu shook her head. "I''m tired... Tired of working so hard and not getting ahead. In three months, we could all be out on the street."


    Ray stepped back in, and after a moment, Mason followed. "What''s the plan?"


    "She had no fingerprints or DNA on file; that only happens when people don''t want to be found." Yu waited for a moment while she considered their option. "To investigate a bit. If someone is looking for her, then we''ll drop things and notify the police."


    Two days later, the trio sat around the Northside flat''s coffee table. Yu was using Sera Mu''s hud while perusing thru her financial history.


    "How do you know how to do that?" Mason shook her head in either fear or surprise. It had taken Yu half a day to crack open Sera''s security measures. Since then they''d been gathering all the intel they could. She called in sick for two days, something her boss was not pleased about.


    "I''m a software engineer, Mase. If I want in, it''s only a matter of time." Yu said it casually without looking up, she didn''t catch the shared glance between her roommates.


    "Does prison have good food?" Ray grinned when she said it. "Keep at it Yu, here''s what we have so far." She sent the bio of the Northside flat''s occupant to her two roommates.


    Sera Mu, female Age 28


    Race: Asian/ Causcasion


    Birthplace: Unknown.


    Known Relatives: Grandmother (Deceased)


    Education: Unknown


    Last Known Address: Chinatown, New York.


    Mason read the short bio while shaking her head. "Our girl is a ghost. No job history, education, or social footprint. You dig up those emails?"


    Yan nodded. "You can study them while I''ll work this."

 Chapter 525: Jumping In

    "Piecing the emails together still?" Mason looked up from the Northside''s coffee table. Yu had given her and Ray assignments before she started delving into the stasis capsule.


    Ray nodded. "Almost done, the girl had no social life, and these emails seem purposefully vague. We''re missing something."


    Mason ran her fingers through her dark hair. "I found those references Yu asked for; maybe they will help."


    Yu looked up from her position on the floor, a panel and several components lay next to her. "Spill it, Mase. I want to hear this too."


    Mason nodded and walked over to the white-screen that Yu insisted they drag over from their place. She wrote ''Sahara Obrien, DRP, NPC, and Colonial''. "Let''s start off easy since everyone here grew up with games NPC was simple: Non-Player Character."


    ********Note*********


    A White-screen is similar to a whiteboard. However, it''s completely electronic. You can draw on it with a stylus and use it to view files.


    ****************


    Ray waited patiently; she''d spent hours reading the correspondence between Sera Mu and Sahara Obrien. "Please tell me you found something."


    Mason smiled at her inked roommate. "Took a while, I found a conspiracy theory on one of the Colonial gaming sites. DRP stands for Deep Role Play; basically, it''s an NPC who is secretly played by a real-life person."


    Ray''s expression brightened considerably. "Towards what end?"


    "Why isn''t important," Yu interrupted. "What''s the source?"


    "Just a Colonial player, she frequently posts several different theories. Her forum avatar says she''s an Archer in a guild called Daybreakers." Mason grinned suddenly, "Her name is Ronnie, and her profile lists her hobbies as ''reading about sex, talking about sex, and having sex.''"


    Ray wiggled her eyebrows at Yu. "She seems like a reliable source?"


    Yu shrugged slightly, "maybe not, but definitely, someone we need to invite to this year''s Christmas party. What else?"


    "Sahara Obrien was easy to find; she is the Director of Personel, at the Colonial Virtual Reality Labs." Mason brought up the image from the website. "Super smart and, as you can see, not bad to look at."


    Yu nodded in agreement. "Anything else?"


    Mason shook her head slightly. "Nothing concrete, but the pieces are starting to fit."


    Ray stood up and walked to the board. "Sera doesn''t keep emails beyond six months, so this is where we start. Three months ago, she was notified that her work performance was under review. During this time, she was suspended with pay."


    Mason took a seat on the floor next to Yu, her eyes straying to the picture she left on the White-screen. "The redhead sent her that email?"


    Ray nodded. "Obrien reviewed "footage" of the event and after thirty days exonerated Sera."


    Yu put her tools aside for a moment and cracked open a warm can of coke. "Do the emails say what the issue was?"


    Ray shook her head. "No. I get the feeling that Sahara and the Virtual Labs were frustrated by Sera''s refusal to handle this in person."


    Yu took a long drink before passing it to Mason. "Could be anything, right? If DRP is real and the entire net has only a few vague references to it, then it''s a closely guarded secret."


    Mason grabbed the can, making a face when she felt how warm it was. "Maybe her NPC was killed? Or she acted out of character somehow."


    Ray shrugged slightly. "Maybe. Imagine the discipline required? Anyways... Because of the inconvenience, she was given a choice from two new DRP assignments to choose from. There are two short Bios if anyone wants to see." When both of her roommates nodded, she put them on the white-screen.


    [Bali Zenda] Ain Dhassi Ranger.


    Location: Oasis, Inuit. [Undiscovered at this Time]


    [Personality]


    According to her trainers, Bali is the most talented ranger of her generation. Unfortunately, this massive talent is accompanied by authority issues, blatant disregard for rules, and an unerring ability to find trouble regularly. She is an expert with the bow and a handful of bladed weapons.


    [Quirks]


    Bali has little life experience and views the world with innocent eyes. She believes in heroes and keeps hand-drawn pictures of people that measure up.


    [Additonal Information]


    Bali currently resides in the undiscovered region of Oasis. It may be several months before any player interaction is involved. If you take this assignment, you will be expected to interact normally with the Ain''Dhassi NPCs.


    Water Nymph [Unnamed]


    Location: Colonial, Trifelez


    [Personality]


    This DRP is currently limited in her capacity to interact intelligently. She possesses substantial Crowd Control abilities. Water Nymph currently resides in a swampy region of Trifelez with four other lesser nymphs and frequently seeks out travelers who come into her area.


    [Additonal Information]


    While this isn''t a named NPC, she is different from the other Nymphs and has definite growth potential. One day she will likely leave the comfort of her home. If you take this assignment, you may choose to leave if given the opportunity.


    Ray stared at the screen for a moment before continuing. "There''s also an attachment with each bio; you can read them on your own. It goes into a detailed description of personal habits, skills, and local geography."


    Yu stood up slowly, her back cracking as she stretched her hands overhead. "Let''s sum up. Sera was a DRP in Colonial. Something happened to her last assignment, but Obrien decided she wasn''t at fault. She was supposed to choose between these two assignments."


    Ray nodded. "She already chose, actually; her assignment was going to start in a few days." The tattoo artist erased one of the bios with a swipe of her hand. "Why have you been tinkering with that capsule?"


    Yu studied the white-screen for a moment before writing a number on it. "I''ve been looking at financials. This is how much she makes in a month working for Colonial."


    Mason stood up slowly, it wasn''t a huge number, but it could pay their rent. "You already have a plan?"


    Yu nodded. "With some adjustments, I can modify this Stasis capsule to accept three of us rotating in. Eight hours each would allow us to work normal hours and then come home to pull a shift in VR."


    Ray pursed her lips slightly. "The theory is good, but you know how life is. Unexpected shit always happens."


    "I know. That''s why I''m going to stop looking for work. In the event one of you can''t make your shift, I''ll be ready to fill in." Yu glanced at Mason, who was still watching the board.


    "We''d have to binge the next few days with everything regarding Colonial." The exotic dancer shrugged slightly. "I''m in, bitches."


    Unexpectedly Ray put her hand up. "Sorry to be the voice of reason, but... This will pay our rent?"


    Yu stepped over to the white-screen and brought up Sera''s bank account. "We won''t be taking any money from her, even if she is dead. However, we will receive an allotment after each pay period."


    "If we''re doing the work, then we should get our cut." Ray put her hand out, palm facing down. "We use the income to pay the rent on both flats; nothing extra comes out of her account."


    Mason placed her hand on top of Ray''s. "I''m in; we''ll plan and figure out the details as we go."


    Yu nodded and placed her hand in. "There are lots of opportunities in a VR world. Hopefully, the boat will sail long enough for us to find something."


    Four days later, after returning from a night spent dancing for tips, Mason climbed into the stasis pod and waited while her roommates closed it. "I''m so fucking scared."


    "Someone has to be first, guess you drew the short straw." Yu peeked in and lay a comforting hand on her arm. "I created a short loop for switching users. It will only work if you are in an isolated environment."


    Mason nodded. "I know, don''t worry. I can always delay the handoff."


    ********************


    Current Day Colonial North of Cyphix, 2300 hours.


    The Nether Rat stood on the edge of the wall, its yellow eyes studying the compound. Three main buildings looked like guild housings and a handful of large warehouses. "Looks like Trifecta is trying to sprout roots."


    /Inferno: Nix: Twenty seconds, be ready.


    /Inferno: Raine: Standing by!


    The Rat collapsed lifelessly onto the wall; an instant later, it disappeared with a flash of black wings.


    /Inferno: Rhylia: Got the puppet, Nix.


    The quiet of night extended for several seconds before a breach opened in the center of the courtyard, an orange flaming bird flashed through, followed closely by dozens of galloping horses.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll start burning! Kill them when they come out.


    /Dhassi Alliance: Raine: No mercy, no prisoners. Wipe everything out!

 Chapter 526: Cold Bitch Inn

    Hyai looped her hand through Nix''s arm and huddled close as they strolled down the boardwalk towards the Kindled Spirit''s old plot. "I can''t believe Trista put up another Inn where my old one was."


    Nix grinned when he saw the sign, a plain whiteboard with the silhouette of a voluptuous woman painted on it; above the image were three words, ''Cold Bitch Inn.'' "At least she got the name right. Hey... Do you know Trista?"


    Hyai raised an eyebrow at him. "Very well, we met through Sila."


    "Sila?" Nix knew that Sila and Hyai had a storied history and that Sila shared a similar history with Trista. He didn''t ask the question in his thoughts, although from the smile on her lips, she seemed more than willing to tell him. "This won''t take long."


    Hyai watched as Nix opened the door; he had told her beforehand that he had business in the Cold Bitch and that he''d appreciate her waiting outside until he was done. "I''ll head across the street to the General Store."


    The blonde Innkeeper looked up from behind the bar when the door opened. A smile lightened up her attractive face. "Hey, Stranger!" She wrapped him up in a big hug, her lips near his ear as she whispered softly. "The six in the corner are Trifecta; all of them are officers."


    Nix patted her on the back and handed her a heavy leather purse. "Should cover everything."


    "Just a sec, please." She disappeared into the kitchen only to reappear a moment later with her waitress. "Glory City, please."


    Nix nodded. "Cya Bitch."


    Trista winked at him. "Back at ya, Noob."


    [Create Breach: Cyphix, Glory City]


    Nix waited until they stepped through before closing the breach, well aware that every eye in the place was watching him. "If you aren''t part of Trifecta, or one of their allies, leaving now would be a great idea."


    "You''re Nix." A lean man with short dark hair got up slowly from the chair he''d been sitting in; a simple hand gesture caused the others who had been sharing the table to do the same and spread out. During this time, the rest of the customers walked hurriedly for the door.


    "Nix? I don''t recognize the name." Emerald fury flames erupted around him suddenly, causing everyone to jump slightly. Nix fixed the speaker with a yellow-eyed stare. "I''ve seen you before."


    The lean man''s scarred cheek twitched slightly as he decided to play for time. "Have we met? Let''s have a drink and talk about it."


    /Trifecta: Sloan: If you''re in Cyphix at the moment, get your ass to the Cold Bitch; Nix just walked in.


    /Trifecta: Lucius: Raptor group is a few minutes away, be there in a bit.


    Nix nodded slightly. "You''re the birdman from the Bone Fortress." He chuckled slightly at the memory. "Should have streamed that; you flapped your arms all the way down."


    /Dagger: Benzo: Let''s just take him now, Sloan.


    Sloan''s face stiffened slightly, but he forced a smile. "Must have been funny to watch. Gotta say, though, the sex was worth it."


    [Flashblade][Execution]


    Combination Successful!


    Sloan has received a mortal strike.


    The top half of Sloan''s head slid off of his skull just above the mouth; his body stood motionlessly for a moment before slowly toppling to the floor with a loud thud.


    Sloan has been slain.


    Nix flicked a black hand onto the convulsing corpse and then dodged to one side as gunfire erupted within the room. A rogue appeared directly in his path, without pausing Nix slammed his fist into his face before he was able to stealth. Two quick strides and the Inferno Leader dived over the bar.


    Apparently, most of the occupants of the Cold Bitch were gun wielders; bits of wood and glass filled the air along with the deafening sound of gunfire. Nix pulled himself to a sitting position and grabbed the bottle hiding behind the bar. No one heard the sound of a cork popping as he inhaled the contents of the bottle before taking a long swig.


    /Inferno: Hyai: You okay, Hun?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Just drinking with the boys.


    /Inferno: Hyai: Well... Try not to stay out too late.


    Nix grinned and slipped on his gloves.


    Ashobel Clawz [Faction Based]


    Must be an ally of the Ashobel.


    Description: A soft brown leather


    glove that is both comfortable and


    durable.


    Activation: Upon activation, the user''s


    primary path temporarily becomes melee


    and the gloves become the hands of an Ashobel


    warrior.


    [Enhancement: Miniature Animation .25] Desert Basilisk


    Nix has activated [Desert Basilisk]


    A large serpentine head slowly peeked over the edge of the bar with large yellow eyes brimming with malice. Almost immediately, the gunfire stopped.


    [Petrify]


    Benzo has been petrified.


    The wall behind the bar collapsed into the kitchen as the thick coils of the basilisk moved forward.


    [Viper Strike]


    Hazo has been slain.


    The fangs of the basilisk punched through the armor and torso of the Trifecta tank like he was made of paper, his skin instantly turned green, and he died within seconds, frothing at the mouth and convulsing.


    [Phoenix: Totem Enhanced]


    Nix has activated [Phoenix Fire].


    Orange flames exploded outward from the bird as the inside of the Cold Bitch Inn turned into an Inferno of flames and death.


    Yiro Davib has been slain.


    Morsyn Qeri has been slain.


    Tayla Benkor has been slain.


    An instant later, the Phoenix disappeared, only to be replaced by the Inferno Guild Leader. He tagged the rest of the corpses with black hands before pausing in the middle of the room and opening up a breach. One by one, he tossed them through. "Enjoy the hospitality of the Gemini Temple."


    After using his Ice Flames to ensure the entire building didn''t start Cyphix on fire, he stepped into the street. Immediately he felt the presence of overwhelming power. A second group of Trifecta was lying in the street; in front of them was Tai''Qui.


    Nix glanced at the bodies, none of them were injured, but it was obvious that they couldn''t move. "What are you doing here?"


    Tai shifted her weight slightly and glanced toward the General Store. "Protecting Hyai."


    Nix frowned at the Dragon before putting black hands on everyone. "Was she in danger?"


    Tai shrugged slightly and pulled her coat tighter around her shoulders, a gesture that was obviously for show since dragons aren''t bothered by the cold. "Aren''t these people your enemies?"


    Nix nodded as he opened another breach and started chucking them through. "Yes."


    "Do you think they''d strike at her if they knew who she was?" Tai approached slowly, waiting until he closed the breach to continue. She lay a brown hand on his shoulder. "I don''t mean to overstep."


    Nix only smiled in reply; a twinge of guilt told him she was right. It wasn''t a stretch to believe Trifecta was aware of his inner circle. Leaving Hyai exposed, even if there wasn''t any danger, was unacceptable.


    "All done, Nix?" Hyai exited the store a moment later; from her expression, it was obvious she''d been watching.


    "Yep... Let''s head back."


    [Create Breach: Cyphix, Haven]


    He grabbed Hyai''s hand and stepped through the breach; the dragon followed an instant later.


    "Going to make some lunch." Hyai stepped out of the breach and onto the balcony of Nix''s ranch house. "You staying, Tai?"


    "She is," Nix answered for her and waited until Hyai stepped inside. "Thanks, Tai."


    Tai''s warm brown eyes showed the beginning of a smile. "Been a while since you were nice to me."


    "Really?" Nix moved to the railing and leaned against it. "Did you use an offensive spell?"


    Tai shook her head. "It''s a very strong healing spell. However, it makes lesser creatures fall asleep."


    "Lesser creatures like me?" Nix smiled when he said it, Tai''Qui was his favorite dragon by far, mostly because of her humble nature.


    Tai ignored the obvious baiting while removing the green bandana she was wearing. "Where did you send those men?"


    "Lower levels of the Gemini temple, there''s a small zone there where Inferno once fought. Been using it as a prison of sorts."


    Tai stowed the bandana before bringing out two others, one yellow and the other light blue. "Preference?"


    "Nope, I like them both. Going to give Hyai a hand with lunch."


    Nearly three hours later, Hyai and Nix stepped into the Earth Dragon''s nursery. If pressed to describe it, he would have called it a dome made of smooth brown rock. A comforting glow from the ceiling gave just enough light to navigate between the half-dozen large mud-pools. The temperature in the nursery was quite warm, with only the barest hint of moisture. Most of the pools were empty. However, there were a few that were not. "Thanks for the invite, Tai."


    Tai pulled Hyai toward the center pool that was completely empty. "Please enter."


    Nix was used to seeing the Earth Dragon in all her splendor, but having Hyai standing next to her was definitely more interesting. He joined them at the edge of the pool, slowly easing a foot into the warm mud. "This pool feels different."


    Tai nodded, her skin slowly growing blurry as an aura of brown flames surrounded her. She moved to the center of the pool and then sat down, leaving only the top of her full breasts visible. "I''ve been prepping this pool for the Krelandur egg. It acts as a storage for elemental energy. I would like the two of you to contribute."


    Hyai''s light red hair was pulled back in a bun, because of her height, her bountiful gifts float gently on the surface. "My elemental strength is minimal; it''s Nix that you want."


    Tai shrugged slightly. "I''m curious about your Djinn form. I''ve heard that you can hold any flame. Is that true?"


    Hyai nodded, a slight motion that caused her breasts to move. "A hand here, Nix. The Emerald Fury flames."


    Nix laughed and shook his head slightly. "Trying to start an orgy? You know what happened last time I lit you up with those."


    Hyai favored him with a sexy smile. "I can''t remember. Refresh my memory."


    Nix glanced at Tai, who was watching the interaction with interest. "Those flames have a definite effect on fire elementals."


    "I know, Nix. You used them on me during the Krelandur." Tai moved until she was sitting shoulder to shoulder with Hyai. "It is also a dread flame, the strongest I''ve ever seen. Do this favor for me."


    Nix stared for a moment, his eyes going from one to the other. "Was this planned? You two perverts just want the dread flame."


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Hyai] What''s a pervert?


    [Whisper: Hyai to Tai''Qui] Not sure.


    Hyai''s sexy smile widened. "Why are you hesitating, Nix?"


    "I don''t fucking know..."


    [Burning Aura: Emerald Fury flame]

 Chapter 527: The Ravager King

    Nix sat across the kitchen island from Hyai and Mina. The Aquarion was bringing Nix up to speed on the Aquarion colony''s construction that members of the Souza Accord had started. Although he was nodded and smiled whenever she paused, his concentration was elsewhere. What did that system message mean?


    While visiting Tai''Qui''s nursery with Hyai, things had taken an unexpected turn. A system message had popped up directly after.


    [You have chosen Tai''Qui as your sponsor for the Tembai Dragon Academy]


    [Hidden Quest Updated]


    "Hun... You should visit them before heading back into the Bone Fortress." Hyai placed a hand on his, bringing him out of his thoughts."


    "Huh? Yeah... I''ll drop by later today." Nix let the two women talk, happy to be left with his thoughts. The Tembai Academy was where they competed on behalf of Una Chelonia. Their team managed to win two wildling dragons.


    His hud buzzed a moment later; Nix answered it while still distracted. "Yeah?"


    A dark-skinned man with dark eyes smiled politely at him. His elongated horns immediately marked him as a dragon. "Guild Leader Nix, you''re a difficult person to contact."


    Nix stared at the familiar face for a moment before recollection set it. "Triston Yor, right?"


    The dragon''s smile widened slightly, enough to show a sharp pair of incisors. "Correct. Thank you for remembering; it can be so awkward otherwise."


    ************* Note*********


    There were two dragons in the stands during the arena fights at the Tembai Academy when Inferno defeated Dotha''s team for the two wildling dragons; they were Triston and Roz Yor, from the House of Yor. Reference chapter 460. They asked to see Nix''s Dread Flame.


    *****************


    "What do you want? I''m a busy man?" With formalities out of the way, Nix had no reason to let the conversation drag on.


    "Of course. Let me get to the point. We are short one dragon for an upcoming contest between adolescent dragons." Triston glanced over his shoulder as if someone was telling him what to say. Apparently, it wasn''t appreciated; the handsome face broke into a scowl. "If you want to speak to Guild Leader Nix, you could have just contacted him yourself."


    Despite his lack of interest, the interaction made Nix chuckle. It was exactly the kind of conversation he would have with Bev when they were teenagers. "Someone spit it out. What do you want? Last I checked, I''m not a dragon."


    Triston recovered quickly with a small nod. "We need someone strong to accompany us; there will be a substantial reward even if we don''t win."


    "No. I''m too busy trying to keep the Goddess of Winter from turning the realms into ice."


    Triston paused for a moment as if unable to process sarcasm properly. "I wouldn''t want to take up your time, Nix. We are aware of the importance of your task."


    "What do you want then?" Nix glanced at the two women since they both looked alarmed; he exhaled and left the rest of his reply unsaid.


    Triston cleared his throat and continued. "We know you aren''t a dragon. Our request is for Fey the Silver."


    "The fuck you say?" Nix closed comms and then blocked any further contact from the young dragon.


    An hour later, Nix and Mina were visiting a small Aquarion settlement that, oddly enough, was built on the shores instead of in the water. Several homes were built in what Nix thought of as courtyard pods, with each pod having six or seven homes and sharing a common center area. The buildings were made from simple brick, the roads and center square were cobblestones. In a relatively short amount of time, they managed to make a pleasant looking village.


    Mina stopped near a statue that decorated the town square. It was the image of a Human and Aquarion holding hands. A wood-carved sign was attached at the base with the town''s name, ''Union''. She smiled and subconsciously placed one hand on her flat stomach. "Is it a good likeness?"


    Nix nodded, without a doubt, it was him and Mina. "I don''t remember sitting for a sculptor. Who was the artist?"


    "Fajii..."


    He walked around the town with the Souza Accord''s former leader, shaking hands and chatting with old friends while meeting new ones. According to Mina, twenty-five Aquarion girls were born in Union since they settled here.


    Near the end of the day, Mina sat with him on the village''s only dock. "You haven''t asked why this settlement is on the shore instead of the water."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "I figured if I waited long enough, you''d definitely tell me."


    "So, patient." Mina leaned against him, splaying her webbed hand in the air. "Moving forward, we''ve decided to stay with our human friends on land. Our natural advantages in the water will help us harvest food from the lake; however, we will also hunt in the woods and till the land."


    Nix stared at her hand; unlike Fajii''s, the webbing went all the way to the last knuckle. "Cultural blending of our two races, something no one could have predicted a few years ago."


    Mina nodded in agreement. "I think it works well. Isn''t Avalon following a similar path?"


    "I guess so." Nix noticed how Mina still wouldn''t say Ishna''s name. Without a doubt, the former leader of the Souza Accord was still holding a grudge. Inferno had changed the name of Icaraphet to Avalon and invited Ishna''s group to settle it as part of the 12 Pillar Alliance. At Ishna''s invitation, it was then opened to all of the Human guilds as well.


    Mina traced the surface of the water with her bare feet, the quiet between them extending, but neither found it uncomfortable. Shortly before sunset, the Aquarion let out a heavy sigh and climbed to her feet. "I promised Hyai to have you back by dinner. You''ll be going back to Bone Fortress today?"


    Nix nodded and accepted a hand up. "Later tonight, if they do it exactly at forty-eight hours."


    ************************


    A few hours later, Nix was working at the Kitchen island, partially listening to Hyai and Min talk about their childhoods. After finishing upgrading one of his Orion puppets to Emperor, he took out one of the Nether rats.


    "Going to combine them?" Hyai was watching with interest while Mina decided to rummage through the fridge for snacks. "You did the same for Raine, right?"


    Nix nodded and brought up the Mutator Animator Interface. "If I wasn''t so damn busy with the Bone Fortress, I''d create something awesome."


    Mina removed her head from the fridge long enough to peek at the two puppets. "Puppets can cross the borders?"


    Nix nodded. "Yeah. It''s how I was able to get into the Keep and free the Shitty Bard."


    Mina removed a bowl of something that closely resembled fruit and moved back toward the island. "Isn''t Del Tali currently inhabiting a puppet in the Bone Fortress."


    *Blink, Blink*


    Nix stared at the Aquarion for a moment before muttering a curse under his breath. "I didn''t think to check whether or not she could cross borders. The rules might be different for her since her body is in Oasis."


    "Almost time, hun." Hyai watched as he finished the Ravager puppet and then stowed it away in his inventory. "Think you''ll be able to keep it?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "You keep one item when transporting; I''m going in naked with only this in my inventory."


    The idea of a naked Nix arriving in the Bone Fortress made both women smile; the smiles continued a moment later when he hurriedly disrobed and stowed the Ravager away. "Cya soon."


    [Create Breach: Haven, Cyphix Coven]


    Nix waved at stepped through the breach.


    Hyai watched him step through before turning to face Mina. " Think he knows that Gideon''s Guild is guarding the Cyphix Coven?"


    Mina shook her head. "Doubt if he''d even care."

 Chapter 528: Into Peril

    [Bone Fortress, 2345 hours Ice Faction: 8,884 Undead: 412]


    Jun Li has activated [Recall: Nix].


    Morti sat on his haunches, watching the mound of dirt before them. In the two days since Nix left, they flushed out the rest of the opposition from the Peril Burrough mountainous area. Additionally, they claimed the graveyard and added nearly two hundred people to their forces. Instead of forging ahead, they paused to strengthen their position; once the prisoners from Peril were executed, it was likely they''d be attacked by both the Honor and Courage Burroughs.


    The old fire mage gripped his staff, staring at the ground like everyone else in their small group. After two minutes, he glanced up at Semmi. "He''s coming, right?"


    The blonde officer shrugged and looked at Jun Li. "Did you get some kind of message?"


    Jun Li nodded without looking up. "It said that ''Nix has answered the call.'' Could he have been sent somewhere else?"


    Edi shook her head slightly; the Inferno Leader''s death had come as a surprise to everyone. Neither Pon nor Morti could offer a solid explanation for his death. Immediately they grabbed a cleric to see if he could be resurrected, the entire camp breathed a sigh of relief when they learned he was on the standard 48 hour counter.


    Ronnie stood next to Fajii, one hand resting casually on her shoulder. "Don''t worry; he''s coming."


    As if on-demand, the mound of dirt shifted slightly. A moment later, a black nose pushed upward from the grave; two black paws thrust clawed through the dirt as the elongated head of a predator made its appearance.


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck is that thing?


    It was black as night, with four dangerous-looking claws and teeth that were made for rending flesh. Its body was long and ended with a flesh-colored tail. A menacing growl filled the air as it spotted Morti and took a step toward him.


    "Huh?" The Titan cub turned his head slightly, making his helm slide to one side. He reached up with a giant paw to straighten it out. He eyed the giant rat-like creature as it took a handful of steps toward him before collapsing lifelessly on the ground.


    An instant later, the ground exploded upwards, showering the group in black dirt. Standing in the hole was a powerful looking skeleton, bathed in pale green flames. He studied the group with yellow eyes before bursting into laughter. "Got you!"


    Morti''s rumbling laugh joined in immediately. "That was scary, Nix."


    /Inferno: Pon: Lame... I wasn''t scared.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Stepped in front of me though, very heroic Pon.


    Nix caught the [Thine Enemey] ring Jun Li tossed him and promptly put it on. Instantly the skelly vanished to be replaced with his human form. "Missed you guys."


    /Inferno: Wind: Um... Boss?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Naked Nix strikes again.


    /Inferno: Ronni: Very impressive, that''s how you show up.


    Fajii approached with the armor that she had prepared, waiting until he equipped it before wrapping him up in a hug. "Welcome back."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ve been waiting for your arrival to have another meeting. Semmi has prepared a brief for you to look at.


    /Inferno: Duran: Welcome back, Rat-King! What was that thing?


    /Inferno: Nix: Cross between an Orion and a Nether Rat. Awesome right?


    /Inferno: Morti: Scary.


    Nix stepped away from the group to hug Morti''s big head. "Still able to use chat?"


    Morti nodded. "Yep. Figured it out. I have a guild tag now and everything."


    Nix scratched the cub''s ears, smiling when Morti stuck a wet nose in his face. "While I was in Haven, Tai''Qui explained about the Insurrection mutation that elementals could access."


    Pon finished dusting off the dirt that he''d been sprayed with as he remembered the form Nix used when fighting the Putrid beast. "Was it part of the Salamander branch?"


    Nix nodded. "Apparently, its expiration ends in your death. Every spell you use hits you with backlash, and when the fight is done, it terminates the user."


    The old mage shrugged nonchalantly. "Hit''s like a damn freight train, though. We could barely scratch that thing before you started using it." Pon favored his friend with a grin. "I''d say it was worth it. Got you two days off. Bet you spent those getting drunk and eating Hyai''s cooking."


    "Ya got me. That''s what I did."


    *******************


    Nix read the briefing while half-listening as Jun Li and Semmi started the meeting. Morti was sitting next to his father; they were nearly the same size while in bone bear form.


    [Situation]


    We are currently in control of the Peril Burrough. We''ve been carefully guarding our prisoners while fortifying our position. As long as they are alive, the Courage Burrough to our east cannot attack us. This is also the case with the Honor Burrough to our north, although the mountains will impede honor''s ability to attack us by land.


    After discussing it at length, we''ve decided that Bali''s strategy is the most likely scenario. We believe that both Courage and Honor are currently empty, and the moment we step foot into Honor, we''ll be facing a large force consisting of troops from Courage, Honor, Dawn, Misery, and Agony.


    ****Author''s Note***


    Going to recommend you reference the Bone Fortress Map in discord. There''s a small error, where two Burroughs are named Honor. Only the snow Burrough should be Honor; the other would be the Courage Burrough. https://discord.gg/tCJXKTxCAU


    *********************


    [Objective]


    We will take control of the Courage Burrough but will steer clear of the Honor Burrough. If both Burroughs are empty like we think, then we can use the Courage Burrough as a staging area without worrying about an attack from the three Burroughs bordering Honor. As long as we don''t cross Honor''s border, we can''t accidentally claim it.


    Nix finished his reading just as he felt the nudge of a soft muzzle against his arm. He stroked the Orion''s sleek fur, causing it to purr like a house cat.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Have you tried crossing the borders in Orion form?


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] Yes. Semmi had me try it a few days ago. Unfortunately, I''m anchored here the same way everyone else is.


    /Officer: Nix: I want to scout those two Burroughs to make sure they are empty. That''s why I brought the puppet back with me from Haven. Puppets don''t follow the same rules as far as borders because their owners aren''t crossing.


    /Officer: Semmi: In that case, you should do it now. We can hold off on claiming Peril while we gather intel.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Wait... You stripped down and emptied your inventory to ensure you''d have a puppet?


    /Officer: Nix: Yep.


    /Officer: Wind: That''s dedication, Boss.


    /Officer: Sharl: Impressive work, Nix.


    /Officer: Jun Li: What kinds of abilities does that puppet have?


    /Officer: Nix: It''s a Ravager, the loving union of Nether Rat and Orion. It should have Ice, Nether, and Pestilence immunity. Add to that a standard stealth and self-destruct. Honestly, it''s only the second mutation puppet I''ve made. So I don''t know what it can even do yet.


    /Officer: Bali: I petition to test it first, Boss! As the only ranger here, I''m most adept in the woods.


    /Officer: Nix: Petition noted and denied.


    /Officer: Semmi: Once we take the Courage Burrough, we''ll control another Graveyard. The next group of 12 Pillars will be able to come through. It''s not ideal, but they should do what Nix did.


    Ronnie laughed suddenly, her white teeth flashing a full smile. "This I gotta see."


    /Officer: Jun Li: It sounds funny, but the ability to cross borders is going to change this war for us.


    /Officer: Semmi: Going to make contact with Ducky?


    /Officer: Nix: I''ll scout the Burroughs to the North and East of us. After reporting back, I''ll have Soup transport me to the Keep.


    After the meeting, Nix walked back to his tent. Morti and his father were doing some sort of drill with Gil while the rest of the officers went their separate ways. It was decided they''d reconvene at Nix''s tent at 0100 hours.


    Del fell in step beside the Inferno Leader, her soft fur brushing against his leg while they walked. As was his habit, Nix stroked her sleek head. "When will Shae return?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Not sure." In addition to acting as a liaison between the forces in and out of the Bone Fortress, the Salamander was regularly using her Meta flames on the hybrid egg. "Tai''Qui asked me to fuse Sindi and Nihlus with the Titan puppets they are inhabiting."


    The Orion''s green eyes focused on him for a long moment. "What would that entail?"


    Nix entered his tent and took a seat on his bunk. There were two other cots close by, he assumed they belonged to Shae and Fajii. "I''d animate a puppet with the Dragon egg you are currently in."


    "Do you want to do that?"


    Nix shook his head and reclined on his bunk. "No. You''d be vulnerable again. I think it''s a stupid idea."


    Del eased onto the bunk near his feet and curled up in a ball. "Why would they want to do that?"


    "They don''t reside in a normal Emperor puppet like you. Those are Titan animations that I constructed at Khalam''Zur. They would combine the Titan/Dragon bloodline." Nix placed the large Ravager puppet on his chest and stared at it for a moment.


    Del watched as the Ravager was inhabited, it stared at himself for a long moment. "What are you looking at?"


    "Holy crap." Nix stared at the list of his own abilities. "This guy is badass."


    [Ravager]


    Abilities


    Enhanced Vision: Thermal/Night


    Complete Stealth.


    Dominate: Rodent/Feline


    Resistances


    Immune to Pestilence


    Immune to Fire Damage


    Immune to Nether Damage.


    Immune to Ice Damage.


    The Orion watched as the Ravager jumped onto the floor of the tent. "What would you say if I wanted you to fuse me with a puppet?"


    The Ravager spun in circles a few times and then began a series of complex movements. "This thing is agile." Nix stopped after a few minutes and turned his yellow eyes toward the Orion. "I''d say you should wait until we''ve dealt with Khione. If you still feel like that after the Ice Bitch is dead, then I will put you in something way better than that Orion."


    "You will?"


    Nix-Ravager nodded. "Sure... Now, jump down here and fight with me."

 Chapter 529: Ravager Scout

    The sounds of two beasts fighting caused the small group to pause in mid-step. One was definitely the menacing growl of a feline, while the other was unrecognizable.


    Pon shook his head and resumed his step. "The hell is going on in there?"


    "STOP NIX! I gave up already!"


    "Say it, then!"


    "Damn you... Uncle Nix rules the roost."


    Nix''s laughter could be heard from outside the tent. "That''s right... Try to remember that."


    Alpha team arrived in the tent a moment later. The two uninhabited bunks were scattered and broken, while clothes and blankets had been completely shredded. An angry-looking Orion was covered in bites and scratches; the fur on her neck was sticking straight up.


    "My bunk..." Fajii''s face was expressionless as she took in the state the tent was in. "What happened in here?"


    "Sparring!"


    "Bullying!"


    Both puppets spoke simultaneously; Nix hopped next to himself while Del stalked off into the far corner and started licking her fur.


    Semmi moved closer to the Ravage and examined it. "This thing can fight?"


    "Yes," Del answered sulkily from her hiding place in the shadows.


    Fajii picked up her broken bunk and tossed it outside, before doing the same with Shae''s. She clucked her tongue at Nix. By the time she returned, Nix had already dropped the Ravager puppet and was picking up her things.


    "Sorry, Fajii. Got a bit carried away." Nix noticed that the entire group was wearing the [Thine Enemy] rings. No one had said anything, but he knew they were expecting to be deployed on some sort of mission once Intel came in.


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "You''ll have to make me a nice Golem to make up for it. Something really big."


    "I can do that."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Could someone bring a bunk to Nix''s tent?


    /Inferno: Gideon: I can, want to talk with him before he heads out.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Better hurry then.


    ****************


    "This is my private bath." Glacia stared at the intruder while washing her pale shoulders with a round sponge.


    Ducky shrugged slightly and knelt beside the edge of the large tub before holding her hand out. "I''m aware... Please excuse the intrusion."


    Glacia handed her the sponge before turning away. "The Trifecta has been complaining about you. Apparently, you are stealing their members."


    Ducky leaned closer and dipped the sponge into the water; it was colder than any ice she''d ever felt. Although it didn''t bother the Water Witch, she preferred her baths warm. "I took one little thief as payment for being attacked."


    Glacia closed her good eye and leaned forward slightly. "Say what you want, Ducky."


    "The Ice Faction can no longer win this war. Once Nix brought Inferno here, that became impossible."


    Glacia opened her eye and turned slightly. "We might be able to kill him together."


    Ducky shook her head. "My Master wants him as an ally. The council of Dragons has plans for Nix."


    Glacia didn''t comment, and the silence between them extended for several seconds. The Trifecta had their own Agenda; they had originally been brought to the Fortress by Khione. It was a move that had finally pushed Glacia over the edge. Recently she was able to sense a grave injury to the Goddess of Winter; Glacia took advantage of the opportunity by plucking out the eye that watched and controlled her every move. "What would you have me do?"


    "When Inferno Breaches the Keep, join with me to help defeat the remaining forces of the Ice Faction."


    Glacia turned completely, staring at the Water Witch. "My own forces belong to Khione. Most of them only follow me because they no longer know her will."


    Ducky shrugged slightly. "You, me, and my thief will be enough."


    Glacia stood suddenly and stepped out of the bath, the water running off of her smooth skin as if on command. She dressed slowly while processing the new information. "Is the Nymph below part of your forces?"


    Ducky shook her head. "Pradi mentioned something about that, but I would sense one of my own kind if that were the case."


    Glacia stared at her visitor for a moment. "We need to know more. It could be one of Khione''s minions that has been hidden away."


    Ducky tilted her head slightly. Did the Eye of Khione create minions the same way that certain hearts did? Pathfinder discovered and killed five different eye holders. "I will investigate the matter."


    Glacia watched as the Water Witch walked toward the door; she opened it and paused before looking back.


    "I''ll be expecting an answer when I return."


    ******************


    Gideon stood in the doorway of Nix''s tent a short while later, his dark eyes glancing at the pile of torn blankets, clothes, and rubble that were stacked outside. He stepped inside and immediately unfolded the cot he had brought before turning to face the small group. "Sorry, it took so long."


    "Hey, Gid." Nix smiled from his seat on the only other bunk in the tent. He was sitting next to Fajii, who was holding a vicious-looking Ravager puppet in her hands.


    "Just want to let you know that I left the Khione Artifact with Sulane and Caza."


    Nix nodded. He had spoken with the leaders of Resolute before being recalled to the Bone Fortress. They were bunkered down in the Cyphix Coven and were busy running the three guilds of the Trifecta to ground. "


    "Also, I want to volunteer Pathfinder for any future scouting missions here."


    "After I scout out Honor Burrough and the Keep, we''ll figure out the best way to utilize Pathfinder''s skill set." Nix turned his attention to Darsi, who arrived with Alpha team at his request. "I want you to get up high and maintain a visual on the Keep. Never know when I might need support."


    Darsi nodded slightly. "Got your back, Trip-7."


    Nix studied his fellow Gladis crafter for a moment. He''d never asked to see her stats, but he had to assume they operated the same as his. The more you use them, the higher they climb. If that was the case, it would explain the crazy burst damage she''d been doing recently. The sniper rifle she carried was custom made by Kyla, the gunsmith who had followed them from Cyphix and was now the primary weapon maker for Inferno. Darsi''s rifle looked like a modified Dragunov; it hung from her shoulder by a leather strap and was long enough to nearly reach the ground. She had made the long optic scope herself. "Take up the position you covered me with when I shot Duran out of the cannon."


    Darsi nodded, her blonde ponytail bouncing slightly. "I''ll get a few things ready."


    Nix watched as she made her way to the doorway. "Hey... How did you end up getting that rifle into the Born Fortress?"


    Darsi shrugged slightly. "You already know... I''ll wait in the cove."


    A few minutes later, a stealthed form crossed the eastern border separating the Peril and Courage Burroughs. Although it hugged the ground, the Ravager moved with an impressive speed, darting from one location to the next. Nix moved east across Peril until the foothills turned into rolling hills and he could hear the crash of waves from the shoreline. From there he turned due North and headed to the frozen Tundra known as the Honor Burrough.


    Razor-sharp claws prevented any sort of slippage when the Ravager stepped onto the sheet of ice that covered the Honor Burrough. Unexpectedly the wind picked up drastically, the howling sound of it making any sort of verbal communication impossible. Swirling gusts of snow roamed in large circles like tiny ice dervish intent on freezing everything to the bone. In the distance, Nix could see several buildings huddled together.


    The Ravager stood on its hind legs while his Thermal vision combed the distant buildings. There was no sign of body heat, or cook fires, or anything else that normally went along with an outpost. He moved toward the buildings, his thoughts already on scouting the keep when he stopped suddenly. "The hell..."


    Nix could feel his fur standing on end, not just on the back of his neck, but everywhere. He paused out of caution and examined his surroundings. His vision switched from thermal to night with a thought as he waited. Since he knew Alpha team was still in his tent, he made an effort to speak with his own lips. "Somethings wrong."


    "Where are you, Nix?" Semmi''s voice seemed out of place, difficult to hear with background noise coming from two different locations.


    "Honor Burrough, halfway across the Ice Fields. Feels like something bad is close, going to retreat for now and head for the Keep."


    "We need that Intel, Nix."


    "I know it. I''ll make contact with Ducky first. We need someone with better scouting instincts to bring the Ravager here." Nix retreated across the ice fields, the instinctual warning ability of the Ravager would be better suited to Rabi since the little demons had a similar trait. "Have Rabi available when I return."


    Nix retraced his route without stopping and moved directly to the Cove where Soup and Darsi were waiting. He dropped stealth when he approached although he could tell that Soup had already sensed his presence. "How''s my girl?"


    "I''m fine," Darsi answered with a laugh.


    The Ravager moved onto Soup''s shell before fixing Darsi with a yellow-eyed stare. "Don''t listen to her, Soup. Take me back to Ducky''s window."

 Chapter 530: Gathering Intel

    "Wait here, Soup. I won''t be too long." Ravager Nix spoke softly, before jumping into the shallow surf outside Ducky''s window. Although the puppet was a good swimmer, he immediately considered adding a bit of otter to the mix.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Are you in your room?


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Nix? I thought the Rat puppet was destroyed!


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] It was, this is the new, improved version.


    Nix stood at the base of the verticle incline, his sharp eyes spotting the Water Witch as she leaned out the window to wave at him. Instinctively he felt that this puppet was a much better climber than the Rat-King. He moved directly up the wall, sharp claws digging to the gaps as he slowly progressed upward. "I''m like a fucking spiderman..." He paused to consider before cursing himself. "Damn it... I could make a spider puppet. Maybe a Spider/Ravager mutation..."


    A few minutes later, when he arrived below Ducky''s window, the Water Witch scooped him up and hugged him tight while retreating into her room. She kissed his furred face and head several times before sitting him on the only bed in the room.


    Ravager Nix glanced around the room. "Nice digs."


    Ducky smiled happily and tucked her legs under her. "I miss my family."


    Nix sensed the presence of a stealthed thief, his yellow eyes turning toward the door. "Company."


    Ducky nodded. "It''s Pradi; he''s with me. Part of the Ducky faction."


    Nix-Ravager stared at the thief for a long moment. He was definitely a player; his guild tag had been dropped. If Ducky vouched for him, then he could be trusted, at least temporarily. The Water Witch''s experience with players was mostly limited to Inferno. Players could be unreliable since they had to deal with real-life problems like paying the rent and feeding their families.


    "Have you made contact with Glacia?"


    "Yes. She was one of Khione''s Minions until recently."


    Ravager Nix considered the statement, as someone with two minions, he knew that breaking free would be quite difficult, if not impossible. "What changed?"


    "When we destroyed Khione''s Avatars at the Gladis hub, it wounded her gravely. This caused the control she has over her minions to weaken. Glacia plucked out the Eye of Khione and destroyed it. According to Glacia, she has nearly two dozen minions."


    Ravager Nix sighed heavily. "We''ll have to keep hunting them." His glance fell on the thief at the door. "Pradi was it?"


    The dark thief nodded. "Well met, Nix."


    "Just call me Rat-King." Nix hopped off the bed and moved toward the doorway. "Going to explore; you two stay here."


    Ducky has joined Ravager.


    Pradi has joined Ravager.


    /Ravager: Ducky: Can you stay long?


    /Ravager: No. I have just enough time to break some stuff. You know Bronthir, the Naga that retreated to the Keep from the Xander Burrough?


    /Ravager: Ducky: I don''t really know anything about him.


    /Ravager: Pradi: I do. He used to be a big deal around here, super strong and dangerous as hell. Rumor said he was nearly as powerful as Glacia.


    /Ravager: Nix: Let me guess, one day about eight or nine months ago, he was weakened considerably.


    /Ravager: Pradi: Yes... He was able to cover it up for a while, but he was pushed out of his ranking and sent to Xander Burrough when it was discovered.


    /Ravager: Nix: How did he return here?


    /Ravager: Pradi: The Burrough Commanders are given rings that will return them to the Keep if they are defeated. The return circle is in the lower levels.


    /Ravager: Nix: Shit... I don''t have time for that.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] This is because of Floyd?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Yes. I suspect Floyd''s bloodline is pure; only one Naga King may exist at a time.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Going to deal with him?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Not until I talk to Floyd.


    Ducky has uploaded the current schematic for the Keep to your hud.


    /Ravager: Pradi: I don''t know which Burrough you guys are currently in, but be careful going into Honor. Rumor has it that Sandi has cooked up something special.


    /Ravager: Nix: Noted. Thanks for the heads up.


    /Ravager: Ducky: I''ve marked Glacia''s location if you are planning on visiting her.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] My cover with her is as an Operative for Deidra.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Good job. I can work with that.


    You have received a Quest from the Council of Dragons.


    Fey the Silver has been updated.


    [Fey the Silver]


    Objective: Present the Drakon known as Fey the Silver to the Council of Dragons.


    Reward: Unknown.


    Nix brought up stealth and quickly left Ducky''s room.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] The Council of Dragons has requested that I bring Fey before them.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Don''t do it! What if they hurt her? Or take her away?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] I don''t plan on it.


    Nix moved silently down the long corridor; even though he was stealthed, he kept to the shadows and moved cautiously toward Glacia''s location. Torchlight normally kept the halls well lit, but most of them were put out for the evening. The Ravager paused outside the Quartermaster''s office, noting that the damage he''d done last time he''d been here was completely repaired.


    He crossed the large room that had once held Duran hostage and turned up the first flight of stairs. There were only two doors on this level. Heavily armored knights guarded one, and the other was empty.


    Nix chose room without the guards and scurried in a while, listening to the two guards chatting. His overpowered Ravager senses told him exactly what the room was. He had found the loo. After noting that the two holes in the floor were big enough to use as escape exits, Nix moved to the closed window and managed to open it with minimal effort.


    There was no ledge between the two rooms. However, the worn mason was littered with seams and cracks that had softened with the passage of time. Long claws dug deep into the rock as the Ravager covered the distance to the next window. It opened inward with the barest amount of pressure from his elongated snout. He stood on the window sill for a moment while studying the room. Unfortunately, the one-eyed Mistress of the Keep was staring directly at him.


    "There you are. Glacia, right? I''ve been looking everywhere for you." Nix dropped his stealth since it was obvious that she could see through it.


    The woman lay in bed with only her milky white shoulders visible beneath the luxurious-looking covers. The ruby-colored eye studied the beast for a long moment. "How did you get in the Keep? Are you someone new? Part of Trifecta?"


    "No. My mistress was able to open a Breach." There was a large wooden trunk at the foot of the bed; Nix scurried across the the floor and hopped onto it.


    Glacia sat up slowly, the covers falling away from her smooth skin. She smiled dangerously at the Ravager. "Like what you see?"


    "Dragon Master Deidra has discovered a plot against you; I am here to safeguard your life." Nix sat back on his hind legs, his yellow eyes watching as she moved closer.


    "There are many plots against me... Kind of you to visit me, though, I find myself in need of a snack!" Like a striking snake, her hand blurred towards the Ravagers neck.


    Without thinking about it, Nix dodged and then sunk his teeth into the white skin of her hand before leaping off the trunk.


    Glacia screamed in pain, immediately causing the bedroom door to be thrown open. The two guards stepped into the room, only to be instantly turned into ice statues. "Idiots!"


    Cloth made of ice crystals formed on her body as a long staff with a bladed end appeared in her hands. Her red eye glowed as she glanced around the room. There was no sign of her night visitor. "Where did you go, beast of shadows?"


    Her gaze fell on the open window. "NO!" An instant later, she peered out into the darkness, cursing as she scanned the Keep''s exterior walls. Without warning or sound, something slammed into her back, sending her flying out the window.


    Ravager Nix froze for a moment, his sharp claws digging deep grooves into the window''s ledge. "Um... Seriously? That wasn''t even plan..."


    His sentence was cut short in a flash of white; instinctively, he dodged backward as a half-dozen ice spears appeared where he''d been standing. The slow and graceful flap of Ice-colored wings moved outside the window as a calm-looking Glacia peered in.


    "That''s some impressive stealth you used. Tell me how you did it."


    Ravager Nix shrugged his muscular shoulders. "Hid under the bed," he muttered.


    Glacia''s pale lips smiled slightly; the effect made the temperature in the room plummet. "You hid under the... What is your name?"


    "Pon the Magnificent."


    *****Author''s Note*******


    Come on... You knew it was coming.


    ***************************


    "I''m going to eat you, Pon the Magnificent."


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Target Acquired, Trip-7.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Do it!


    At the sound of Darsi''s rifle, the Ravager made it to the door in a single leap, his claws digging into the marble tile enabled him to make a hard right turn into the loo as several ice attacks landed in the hallway. Without hesitating, Nix dived headlong into the open hole.


    /Ravager: Ducky: You okay, Nix? The entire Keep is shaking.


    /Ravager: Nix: Plan delta, plan delta.


    Ducky covered a laugh, her all-blue eyes glancing at Pradi. "He''s retreating."


    /Ravager: Ducky: What shall I do?


    /Ravager: Nix: Nothing. Investigate the recall circle if you have the time.


    Nix moved down the sewage pipe for nearly a minute before pausing; instead of continuing, he dug his claws into the clay drainage pipe and opened up a large hole. Within minutes, he found a window to make his escape from and shortly after that was reunited with Soup.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] I hit her pretty hard, but most of the damage was mitigated.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Figures. She attack you?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Completely ignored me, but at least I was able to distract her.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Thanks for the save. Let''s head back.

 Chapter 531: Honor Burrough: Demon Ravager

    Ravager Nix returned to his tent a short while later, still accompanied by Darsi. Fajii and Del were sitting on her bunk watching the rest of Alpha team play dominoes on a table that someone had brought in.


    The Ravager jumped onto his bunk and was immediately uninhabited. Nix pushed the puppet to one side before catching Wind''s attention. "Going to need Rabi on this one."


    Wind nodded from the table and lent his teammates a hand as they gathered up the dominoes.


    [Summons: Rabi]


    The tiny demon skelly appeared in the tent an instant later. "Special mission, Wind?"


    Wind pointed toward Nix. "The boss has something for you."


    Rabi moved closer to the bunk, his sharp eyes staring at the Ravager puppet. "Looks yummy! Treat for Rabi?"


    "Um... No. Ever inhabit a puppet?" Nix patted the bunk next to him and waited while Rabi hopped up.


    "No." The tiny demon reached a hand up and stroked the Ravager''s head. "What is this?"


    "It''s a feline/rat hybrid puppet called Ravager." Nix stood up so Rabi could get comfortable on the bunk. He slid the puppet beside the demon. "Just focus on the Ravager and try to imagine yourself as the creature.


    The tent flap was opened suddenly, distracting Nix from his task. Sasi Qi stomped into the room, her skeleton feet barely making any noise, despite her best efforts. "Nix! Rabi!"


    Rabi waved at his sister, obviously enjoying the moment. "Rabi is going to be the rat-cat!"


    Sasi emitted a low growl, her bone tail held in her hands as she stared at the puppet. "Let Sasi do it!"


    As if on cue, the Ravager stood up slowly, moving onto its hind legs while peering around the room. Very quickly, its eyes cycled through multiple colors, from black to red and then to bright green before returning to black.


    Semmi was watching the Ravager; as someone used to Nix''s creations, this one was obviously a tier higher than the normal Emperor. "That''s interesting... The eyes change color depending on the ability being used. Red is thermal vision, and green is night vision."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Looks that way. Try putting stealth up."


    Ravager Rabi vanished a moment later, his high pitched laugh filling the tent. "Rabi keep rat-cat?"


    "No, but I''ll make one for your armor when we leave the Bone Fortress."


    The Ravager reappeared next to Sasi, who glared at it before looking back at Nix. "Me too, Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "Of course. I''ll make a special one for House Speaker Sasi."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Why is Rabi doing this instead of you?


    /Alpha: Nix: I think the puppet heightens reflexes. When I was playing with Del earlier, it was like she was a kitten. Later, when Glacia attacked me, I dodged and bit her without even thinking about it.


    /Alpha: Pon: How''d she react to that?


    /Alpha: Nix: About like you''d expect. Tried to eat me.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Let''s check it out... Everyone take one.


    Semmi accessed her inventory and then gave everyone a domino.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Count of three, everyone throw them at the Ravager.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s too easy; you wouldn''t be able to hit Rabi on a normal day.


    Nix smiled at Sasi, who was still staring at the Ravager. "Hey, Sasi... If you can touch the Ravager in the next 10 seconds, I''ll let you do the mission."


    "Deal!" Sasi flashed toward Rabi before the words fully left her mouth.


    /Alpha: Nix: Throw them!


    Nix paused until Sasi managed to corner the Ravager, he flicked it at the puppet the same time Semmi threw hers. The Ravager zipped around Sasi like she was frozen, the dominoes bouncing harmlessly off of the tent walls.


    Over the next 10 seconds, Ravager Rabi ducked, dodged, and sidestepped his sister. The frustrated House of Tempest Speaker growling angrily each time she missed.


    "Times up!" Nix bit his lip to keep from laughing at the siblings.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Holy crap... a lot of that seemed intuitive.


    Wind shook his head slightly. "Could you catch Rabi normally?"


    Sasi nodded. "In this tent, I should have been able to touch him. In the open, no one touches Rabi unless he is distracted."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Seems like even distractions don''t work when he''s using the puppet.


    /Alpha: Nix: Alright then. Game on.


    Nix brought up his hud and zoomed in on the Honor Burrough; since FOW (fog of war) was in effect, the buildings that he had seen weren''t on it. He pointed to the ice field leading up to them. "Explore this area, Rabi. Something is going on here. Pradi said it was a trap set up by Sandi."


    /Alpha: Pon: Who the fuck is Sandi?


    /Alpha: Semmi: She''s the Guild Leader for the One-Thirties, and probably the leader of Trifecta.


    /Alpha: Pon: How do you know that?


    /Alpha: Semmi: I read the forums. She''s always bad-mouthing us.


    /Alpha: Pon: Okay... Who the fuck is Pradi?


    /Alpha: Nix: Ducky''s right hand in the Keep. Don''t ask.


    Nix lay a hand on the Ravager''s head and knelt down. "Be careful, Rabi. This puppet represents an advantage that we''d rather keep."


    The Ravager nodded. "It''s a trap for sure."


    Semmi gathered up the dominoes after the Ravager left the tent with Sasi following close behind


    /Inferno: Semmi: Don''t cross the border, Sasi.


    /Inferno: Sasi: I know. I''m going to wait on our side.


    /Alpha: Wind: What now?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nothing to do until Rabi finishes scouting.


    /Alpha: Pon: Duran asked to see you in the morning. He still has the satchel you saved from the armory. Anything good in there?


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll go through it together. Some rings, a few scrolls, it was a rush grab-job.


    Nix sat next to Fajii on her bunk and brought up his hud. "Guess I can start designing a new golem."


    "Hmm... Seems like Sandi doesn''t like you much." Semmi showed Pon her hud, immediately the old man grinned. "What did you do to Trifecta, Nix?"


    Nix shrugged without looking up. "Most recently? Barfight... Kicked their ass sideways."


    "She certainly likes to post." Semmi''s words made everyone look up. "Open letter to Guild Leader Nix in the forums. I''ll send it over."


    [Attn: Guild Leader Nix]


    Recently Inferno has been attacking Trifecta targets in Colonial. Is there a need for Inferno to hamper the development of other guilds? Attacking us is one thing, but disabling us in the long term goes against the ROW (Rules of War). I''ve already filed complaints against you and Inferno.


    /Alpha: Wind: Are there rules?


    /Alpha: Pon: The only one that counts, don''t lose!


    /Alpha: Fajii: What''s she talking about?


    /Alpha: Nix: Remember that zone under the Gemini Temple? Where we fought the mummy and Chael got charmed?


    /Alpha: Pon: The one where you sent the House of Aquarion guys?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Did the same to her people. Slipped black hands on them and tossed through the breach.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] There''s an official response from Colonial.


    [Re: Attn: Guild Leader Nix]


    Unfortunately, the guilds in question have willingly entered into a conflict in which they represent opposing sides that will directly impact all of Colonial. Until this conflict is resolved, we will take no measures to recover any accounts.


    /Alpha: Pon: The House of Aquarion is still looking for its people.


    /Alpha: Semmi: According to Breach Commander Mtui, they might be too late.


    ***************


    The Ravager stopped and sniffed the frozen tracks while its glowing red eyes scanned the ground for any heat signatures. As someone accustomed to operating by smell and hearing, the Ravager only served to heighten Rabi''s developed abilities. "Clever... Not catch Rabi in stupid witch circle this time."


    The Ravager skirted the area in question only to freeze in place a short while later. "Another one?" Rabi turned to face the first circle and took a moment to mark both of their locations on the map.


    Over the next few hours, he carefully marked each trap, his clever mind recognizing the overall intent of the ice fields. When he was finished he moved into the Dawn, Misery, and Agony; the three Burroughs bordering Honor.


    /Qi Family: Sasi: Everything okay, Rabi?


    /Qi Family: Rabi: Yes. Coming back now.


    A short while later Rabi returned the Ravager to Nix''s tent where all of Alpha team was waiting for his report.


    Rabi has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Welcome back.


    /Alpha: Wind: Welcome back, Rabi.


    The tiny skelly demon hopped up on a chair and then used the table hud to bring up the Honor Burrough. "Clever traps everywhere, someone smart set them"


    Rabi pointed to the spot where he started. "The real traps are the witch circles, there are seven of them in all."


    Semmi watched as Rabi marked them on the hud map. "What about the buildings Nix reported?"


    Rabi shrugged slightly. "All fake, just the fronts of them with nothing inside. Also, there are mines everywhere." Slowly, over the course of the next few minutes, he painstakingly marked out their locations.


    Semmi shook her head slightly. "Clever. The mines are in place to herd us into the circles. I bet they are activated remotely. How did you find them all?"


    "Ravager puppet is made for demons." Rabi glanced at Sasi''s form. When he returned she had immediately inhabited the puppet and taken it outside. "Sasi will want a lot of them for the House of Tempest."


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s schedule a leader''s meeting for tomorrow afternoon. We''re going to need some experts in witch circles.


    /Alpha: Wind: I could summon Atilla or Commander Bensic through my graveyard ring.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Both actually. We''ll put them in separate tents and ask them the same questions.


    /Alpha: Nix: We should also talk to Pon''s companion.


    /Alpha: Pon: Don''t call her that, punk bastard!


    /Alpha: Wind: I agree. Shuri seemed willing to share information.


    /Alpha: Nix: I have an idea about that. Let''s plan for tomorrow afternoon.


    /Alpha: Wind: What are we doing in the meantime?


    /Alpha: Nix: Dunno about you guys, but I''m going to get some sleep and then make some golems.

 Chapter 532: Honor Burrough: Planning the Assault

    A huge black paw scooped more sand from the medium-sized hole at the edge of the surf. The soggy bear cub tilted his head to one side as he examined his handiwork. "Is that enough?"


    The surf pushed toward them, effectively filling the hole before retreating. Without speaking, the red gecko slipped into the water and floated their contently in the mid-morning sun.


    Morti watched him for a moment before flopping down in the surf. "I''d stay an play longer, but I''m needed at the Leader''s meeting."


    Lubo replied by opening one eye for a moment before he returned to basking.


    Morti was halfway up the sand dune leading to base camp when he heard the persistent buzzing of dragonfly wings. "Looks like Wilo will keep you company."


    After fusing with the Aura puppet created by Puppet Master Kellix Warden, her strength had grown exponentially. She buzzed the Titan cub''s head playfully before continuing toward the beach. "Bye, Morti!"


    [Bone Fortress, 1215 hours Ice Faction: 8,884 Undead: 412]


    Everyone was in their Skelly forms a short while later as Nix stood quietly with Elan Mtui and Sharl while Wind summoned Bensic. Morti and Alpha team waited close by just in case there were complications of a violent nature. Although the Graveyard ring''s rules should shackle Bensic, it was best to be prepared.


    Nix gestured toward the tent. "Get in the tent and take a seat." The Inferno Leader opened the tent flap, making it clear that the invitation was mandatory.


    Bensic went in without issue and took a seat at one of the chairs surrounding Alpha team''s domino table. Nix, Mtui, and Sharl followed him in.


    The chair creaked in protest when Bensic shifted his enormous girth. The former Burrough Commander stared at Skelly-Nix while ignoring the other two. "You already took Fury, Peril, and Courage." It was a statement, not a question.


    Nix nodded and used the table hud to display the territory map. "What can you tell me about the Honor Burrough?"


    "I can tell you it''s a trap." Bensic leaned forward slightly, his over-size elbow resting on the table. "Multi-layered traps with ordinance and witch circles. Once the first trap is sprung, no one is getting out of Honor alive."


    Nix pointed to the bordering Burroughs. "We already know that. How big are the forces waiting for us?"


    "Just over three thousand." Bensic scowled when he spoke, it was obvious that he disagreed with the plan.


    "That many?" It was Mtui who had spoken; the horns sticking out of his skull made him look like some ancient Norseman. After learning the rules in the Bone Fortress, he began strategizing with Semmi and Jun Li. "That doesn''t leave much for the remaining Burrows."


    "It doesn''t," Bensic agreed. "If somehow you defeat the ambush, the rest of the Burroughs will hold about two hundred fighters each."


    "Until we run into the Keep, where they have about four thousand." Nix smiled slightly."


    Bensic nodded.


    /Inferno: Nix: Leave us alone for a bit.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Sure, be right outside if you need anything.


    Nix waited while Elan and Sharl exited the tent; Del watched him with curious eyes from his bunk. "Cyra Yun, since you share a last name, I assume she is important to you."


    "She is." Bensic stared at him with emotionless eyes. "Or should I say was?"


    Nix shrugged at the play on words; from his actions after Inferno defeated him, Nix was aware that Bensic had some method of recalling Cyra Yun. "There is a scenario in which we let you recall Cyra and then release both of you to continue on your way."


    Bensic''s face was like stone, strong and devoid of any emotion. However, his voice was not. "We were mercs to start with. Selling our skills to the highest bidder. At this point, our lives and freedom are paramount to monetary gain."


    "Prove yourself in the next few days, and you''ll be given a chance to earn your freedom, far from the Bone Fortress."


    /Inferno: Wind: We''re done with Atilla and Shur''icon. How''s the Bensic questioning?


    /Inferno: Nix: All done. You can desummon him along with Atilla. Officer meeting in an hour.


    Nix stretched his arms and waited until Bensic disappeared before looking at the Orion laying on his bunk. "What''d you think, Del?"


    "He''s desperate to save Cyra Yun. I believe he will accomplish whatever task you put in front of him."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I think so too. Going to have to talk with Mtui and see if he can get a message back to Deidra."


    "Aren''t his Breach Commander skills disabled, same as yours?"


    "Yes. However, he is the spawn of a dragon. Deidra may be able to contact." Nix continued to stare at the table''s hud while considering the trap that is Honor.


    *************


    A short while later, the Inferno officers were seated around the round table in the large tent that was serving as their Tactical Operations Center (TOC). A large map of the Honor Burrough and the Bordering territories of Dawn, Misery, and Agony were on full display. Rabi and Sasi had painstakingly labeled both the mines and witch circles that had been uncovered.


    /Officer: Jun Li: All three of our intel sources said basically the same thing. Something nice is waiting in Honor for us.


    /Officer: Mtui: Can you use golems to trip the traps ahead of time?


    /Officer: Jun Li: Possibly. Shuri said that she could most likely walk through Honor unaffected because of her witch blood.


    /Officer: Semmi: The golems are worth a try. However, if they don''t trip the traps, then our own element of surprise is gone, and we''re back to square one.


    /Officer: Nix: We can send a minimal force into the edge of Honor to give us the Burrough. Then avoid entering Honor by implementing a coastal attack on Dawn and Agony from the west and east.


    /Officer: Semmi: Fly in over the water?


    Jun Li rotated the map to zoom in on the Dawn Burrough. "A team could go up the coast and create a beachhead in the northern area; if we timed it right, we could catch them looking southward."


    /Officer: Mortimus: I volunteer to lead the eastern team into Agony.


    /Officer: Nix: The Agony shoreline has many rocky terrain, so the fighting will be primary melee.


    [Whisper: Mortimus to Nix] Could I bring Mortimer with me?


    [Whisper: Nix: to Mortimus] Sure.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Going to start a roster. We can''t leave our position here unprotected, so not everyone will be going.


    /Officer: Ronnie: I''ll hold down the fort, but leave me some ranged fighters.


    /Officer: Semmi: Give us a moment to form the teams.


    [Team Agony]


    Sharl (Bravo)


    Nebs


    Morti


    Mortimus


    Gil


    Jun Li (Charlie)


    Fey


    Gideon


    Edi


    Paco


    [Team Dawn]


    Nix (Alpha)


    Semmi


    Fajii


    Wind


    Pon


    Mtui (Delta)


    Beta


    Chiba


    Sasi


    Rabi


    /Officer: Nix: We''ll come in low and head inland until we make contact. Two quick bombing runs, and then we''re on the ground for team tactics.


    /Officer: Mtui: We''re going to need a healer in Delta.


    /Officer: Wind: Mimi should be able to do it.


    /Officer: Mtui: Mimi?


    /Officer: Sasi: That troublesome demon isn''t here.


    /Officer: Rabi: She''s good for heals.


    /Officer: Semmi: Got some way to bring her in, Wind?


    /Officer: Wind: Yeah. She and King Lubo formed a spiritual bond.


    [Summons: Demon King Lubo]


    A tiny red gecko appeared on the table in front of Wind, its dark eyes scanning the crowd before darting toward Nix. The King marched up Nix''s arm before coming to a rest on his shoulder.


    Nix stroked the King''s tummy with the back of his finger. "Going to need Mimi for a mission today. Can you summon her?"


    Lubo nodded.


    [Summons: Mimicry Zul]


    The appearance of the leather-clad demon had two distinct impacts on the Qi family. Rabi clapped excitedly while Sasi scowled like she ate a bad rat. Although she was in skelly form, she still carried the distinct air of a seductress.


    Mimi glanced around the room, noting that not only was the House of Tempest represented, but so was Inferno and the House of Dragons. "This is the Bone Fortress?"


    Nix couldn''t help but smile at the varied reactions in the room. "Yes. We need a healer for a mission. Can you assist us?"


    /Officer: Sasi: Why is she bound to your companion?


    /Officer: Wind: Long story...


    /Officer: Semmi: We''ll draw up an assault plan for the two Burroughs. Should we plan on a Night mission?


    /Officer: Nix: Yep. I''ll be working on Golems until then. Let''s aim for 0200.


    /Officer: Pon: I''ll join you. We''ll need some teardrops for the bombing runs.


    **************


    Nix dipped the red clay in the water, moistening it slightly to smooth out the component before using his own flames as a kiln. He had nearly three dozen miniature golems lined up on the river bank. Pon was working diligently a few meters away. It was a spot where they worked regularly; both crafters had their [Thine Enemy] rings on.


    "I''m feeling left out." Del lay on a nearby rock, sunning herself in the warm sun. "Can I follow Alpha?"


    Nix paused what he was doing to look up. "Honor is only broken up into four precincts. The Honor graveyard is in the Thorn Precinct."


    Del sighed discontentedly. "And?"


    "And I want you to sneak into Honor and activate the Graveyard." Nix placed another Booming Bob on the ground before scooping up more clay. "Follow Alpha until we engage. The graveyard is in the northern sector of Honor, right across the border from Misery."


    "Find the graveyard and activate it. Then what?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Hide and try not to get my puppet killed."

 Chapter 533: Curtain of Light (1 of 2)

    [Bone Fortress, 0200 Ice Faction: 8,884 Undead: 412]


    Nix stood in front of his Raven mount and waited as members of Alpha and Delta mounted up. He had been finalizing the last bit of their plans with Mtui, who was going to be the first on the ground.


    Chupa has formed a Flight.


    Chupa has shared the Shadow Element with you; this will continue for the duration of the raid.


    You have gained Shadow Sight.


    You have gained Essence Fade.


    /Dawn Raid: Nix: Listen up. Each of you has ten teardrops. We''ll strafe them with five and then come back around with the rest. We are going after personel. The supply tents aren''t really important to us. We need to trim their numbers by quite a bit.


    /Dawn Raid: Nix: Our first run will end at the edge of the Dawn/Misery border. We''ll turn around and hit them a second time with the rest of our teardrops.


    /Dawn Raid: Mtui: After the second run, we''ll get our boots on the ground and start the operation. We''ll stay on the outskirts of the fighting and use a quick strike strategy.


    /Dawn Raid: Nix: Alpha and Delta groups will be running separately, but we''ll keep in contact in case we need to join forces. If there are no further questions, we''ll leave in ten minutes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Everyone is in Skelly form?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Mortimus said that using the Skelly form here will reap big gains when you leave the Bone Fortress.


    /Alpha: Wind: Maybe it will stop Pon from dying so often.


    /Alpha: Nix: Doubtful. Is Eron ready to go?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Yes.


    /Inferno: Nix: How''s team Agony doing?


    /Inferno: Sharl: All good here, ready to deploy.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Good luck, everyone. One minute and we are a go.


    Nix slid easily into Chupa''s saddle; immediately, he felt shadows swirling around him as he faded from view along with the rest of Alpha.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Want to trade my Bone crow for that spiffy Raven?


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe after we leave Bone Fortress... but probably not.


    Fajii''s Bone Crow hopped closer to the Raven as Fajii leaned closer and lay a hand on Nix''s shoulder. "I''ll summon Eron when we hit the ground."


    Nix nodded and squeezed her hand. "Call out if you get in trouble."


    /Alpha: Nix: Let''s stay close today!


    /Dawn Raid: Nix: On me!


    The Dawn Raid gained altitude slowly, then were less than twenty meters off the ground when they moved over the ocean and banked north.


    Chupa has assumed control of the formation.


    Nix glanced behind him as the rest of the raid eased into a tight formation.


    /Alpha: Semmi: An auto-follow feature? Give me that damn bird!


    /Alpha: Fajii: I like the feathers.


    Nix didn''t comment, his eyes glued to the coastline where Del was already making her way along the water''s edge. The black feline was built for night raids, silent and nearly invisible, even without stealth. Coupled with Del''s ranger abilities, it made the former Ain''Dhassi very formidable.


    The raid continued north for a minute before turning west.


    /Alpha: Pon: Wake up, Nix. We''re supposed to go east.


    /Alpha: Nix: Going to gain some altitude and then swoop in at high speed.


    The group climbed for a few minutes before leveling off once again. A quick check showed that everyone was still tightly grouped.


    /Inferno: Bali: This Burrough is claimed by me.


    The Undead Faction has claimed the Honor Burrough.


    /Alpha: Nix: Hold onto your lunch!


    The Raven banked into a steep dive, forcing Nix to hold tighter as he tucked his head to avoid the sudden increase in wind shear. The Dawn''s coastal region appeared in front of them as the group came in low and fast.


    /Alpha: Nix: Scan for targets!


    A long barricade had been built along the border separating Dawn and Honor. Hundreds of tents were set up in a make-shift tent city less than a hundred meters away. As the Dawn raid approached, the camp erupted in movement with loud alarms sounding off.


    /Alpha: Semmi: It''s a beehive!


    Nix''s mount passed over the beginning of the barricade just as troops were pushing forward to move into position. He picked a suitably crowded location and dropped the first teardrop. In quick succession, he managed to drop four more before they arrived at the Misery Burrough. Chupa started gaining altitude again, the sounds of explosions echoing in Nix''s ears as the night sky lit up like a thousand flashbulbs going off at once.


    /Alpha: Nix: One last pass, and we''re boots on the ground! Get ready to jump!


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck you say? What''s wrong with landing?


    /Alpha: Nix: Heroes jump...


    /Alpha: Wind: I''m jumping.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Same here.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You land somewhere, Pon. We''ll wait, just don''t tear your dress.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nice...


    Nix''s laugh was lost in the wind as Chupa banked hard into another dive. The utter chaos that had been the Dawn Burrough was clearly visible below. The fifty teardrops had created dozens of small craters that were littered with bodies and equipment. Targets were more difficult to pick because their first run had been so devastating. The Inferno leader settled for groups of five or more and started tossing the rest of his ordinance.


    /Alpha: Semmi: The Ice Faction numbers just plummeted by almost sixteen hundred.


    /Alpha: Pon: That''s way too high; there should only be a thousand or so in Dawn.


    /Alpha: Nix: The Agony raid must have dropped their presents also. How many are left in Dawn?


    Semmi scanned her hud as the group moved north away from the destruction.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Less than two hundred.


    Nix nodded to himself; the numbers were what they had been hoping for. Pon had spent several days increasing his stocks of teardrops. He kicked one foot free from Chupa''s saddle and swung it over. The giant raven slowed down and stooped when it felt him standing up. "Smart bird. Thank''s Chupa!"


    Nix jumped from a height of around ten meters; his boots slammed into the ground as he rolled to lessen the impact. Immediately he slipped on his [Thine Enemy] ring and pushed black ice into his sword hilt.


    Semmi and Fajii landed at nearly the same time, with Pon and Wind joining them in quick succession.


    /Alpha: Nix: Rings on, we''ll take down stragglers. Keep an eye out for elites and the Burrough Commander!


    Nix ducked as the group formed around him; they landed in a small gulley that offered some cover by the thick brush that grew in bunches. He motioned for Wind and Semmi to take the lead.


    /Alpha: Nix: Head straight into the shit. No need to tiptoe.


    /Alpha: Fajii: We are going to be walking in shit?


    Nix covered a laugh and fell in step beside the Aquarion. He had already expanded her knowledge of slang and curse words, but she was tentative about using them.


    /Alpha: Nix: It means we''ll be going into a dangerous area.


    /Alpha: Fajii: To fuck shit down?


    /Alpha: Nix: Up, these things always go up. You''re starting to get it.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Nix! Quit corrupting Fajii.


    /Alpha: Nix: Huh? Too late for that.


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh... I love it.


    Pon, Nix, and Fajii ducked down behind a small stand of brush while the two Gemini thieves pushed forward. It was comparatively quiet given the fury that had been rained down on Dawn a few moments before.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Small group, about five or so. Want to engage?


    /Alpha: Wind: They are waiting behind some rocks. They look like prey to me.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll chat them up and then take them down.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Not take them up?


    /Alpha: Pon: The first up cancels out the second. Can''t go up twice; it would sound bad.


    /Alpha: Nix: Thanks for helping, old bastard.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Thanks, Pon.


    Nix dropped stealth and shouted at the group. "Special QRF team from the fortress, identify yourselves now!" The Inferno leader stabbed his black ice blade into the ground, flash freezing everything within two meters.


    "QRF?" The only witch in the group spoke up; she had a leashed pet next to her. "Are you guys part of Trifecta?"


    Semmi nodded. "Sandi figured out a way to send reinforcements; unfortunately, each Burrough is only receiving five of us."


    /Alpha: Pon: I''ll take down the witch and her dog thing.


    The witch pulled back on her pet; the animal stared at Pon with a deep rumbling growl. "He doesn''t like men."


    Fajii moved away from the group, her alien eyes watching the enemy. "They didn''t identify themselves. They could be imposters."


    "They didn''t," Nix agreed before motioning for his team to spread out.


    "Wait! I''m Tabor Squad leader Lilac Rem, originally part of the Honor forces." The woman spoke quickly; her free hand held up in a gesture of peace. "I can prove it! We have the new comm devices!"


    Semmi shook her head slightly. "I''m going to check, no sudden movements."

 Chapter 534: Curtain of Light (2 of 2)

    /Alpha: Wind: Incoming! There''s another group to the south of us.


    /Alpha: Nix: Shit... Get ready to fight.


    The new group had already spotted them, evident by the way they changed their course. They were all heavily armored, eight of them on horseback.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Trifecta.


    /Alpha: Nix: Gigs up. Let''s go.


    Before Alpha could move toward Trifecta, an ear-splitting screech sounded from above. Chupa swooped down with the entire raid''s Bone Crows in tow. The Raven''s claws closed around an armored figure and, with several powerful flaps, bore him into the night sky.


    Nix sprinted toward the group, but the entire group was gone before they could catch up. Screaming armored fighters fell from the sky like raindrops, splattering on the cold hard ground of the Dawn Burrough. "Check for survivors. Lilac! Get your ass back under cover!"


    Lilac and her group had moved toward them, but Nix''s shout was all they needed to retreat.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I want that bird, Nix. Please give it to me.


    /Alpha: Nix: You mean Supa Chupa? No longer an option. Let''s make sure everyone is properly dead.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Search for any device that looks out of place!


    Nix knelt next to the nearest corpse; the Trifecta member was wearing plate armor that looked like it had recently been smithed. Outside of an impressive-looking Great Sword, the only other object he carried was a choker.


    /Alpha: Pon: Necklace thingie looks like the device.


    /Alpha: Wind: Got one here too.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Here also.


    Nix unclasped the choker and slipped it on, immediately hating the feel of something pressing on his throat.


    *All surviving Dawn squads, the Undead Faction has established a beachhead; keep an eye on the sky! A second group is airborne!*


    *Command, this is Tabor Squad Leader Lilac, awaiting orders.*


    *Squad Leader Lilac, rendezvous with Trifecta and join the beachhead assault.*


    *Yes, Sir. Understood*


    /Alpha: Semmi: Kill Tabor squad now?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep.


    Alpha walked back to where Tabor was taking cover. Nix gestured for the enemy squad to join them. "Let''s go; sounds like those Inferno bastards are at the beach."


    Nix has cast [Black Ice Sculpture].


    Lilac Rem has been encased in Black Ice.


    Lilac Rem''s familiar has collapsed and is unresponsive.


    Nix dodged to one side as the Tabor squad''s rogue showed great reflexes with a throwing knife that narrowly missed.


    [First Strike][Backstab]


    Semmi has landed a critical strike on Gulo Howl.


    [Rock Slam]


    Fajii has landed a significant strike on Tebi Stout.


    [Void Strike][Backstab]


    Wind has landed a critical strike on Qudro Xen.


    Pon has cast [Fire Nado].


    Gulo Howl has been caught up in a flaming twister.


    Tebi Stout has been caught up in a flaming twister.


    Qudro Xen has been caught up in a flaming twister.


    Mesquite Dom has been caught up in a flaming twister.


    Three emerald strands flew out of Nix''s upraised hand, impaling the nearest enemy and yanking him out of the twister. He hauled back on the strands and slammed them into the ground.


    Mesquite Dom has been slain.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Something coming from the east, Boss.


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck is that?


    Nix turned toward Misery, a curtain of light that seemed to span the entire Burrough was making its way toward them.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Run?


    /Inferno: Bali: DO NOT LET THE CURTAIN TOUCH YOU! ALL FORCES RETURN TO BASE!


    Nix shook his head. "Shit, there''s no cover!"


    A quick glance over his shoulder told him there was no way they''d be able to outrun the disaster. The curtain passed through their own mounts who had just turned back for another pass; instantly, they fell lifelessly out of the sky.


    With his attention behind him, Nix stumbled suddenly, crashing heavily to the ground. Immediately, a strong grip pulled him upright. Fajii squeezed his hand; her eye''s filled with confidence despite their situation.


    Without considering, Nix pulled out his Ravager puppet. The curtain of light washing over them just as he stared into it.


    As his own body collapsed, the Ravager kicked free and landed on the ground, unaffected by the event. The creature''s sharp eyes scanned the immediate area; the phenomenon seemed to affect both factions. His own body lay motionless on the ground, next to Fajii. The Ravager sniffed his own face, not dead but also not conscious.


    Several moments of quiet passed while he considered the best way forward.


    "First things first." The Ravager found a small stand of brush nearby and dragged Alpha team inside. He added to the natural camouflage by dragging some loose foliage over the bare spots. Unless someone was actively looking, they wouldn''t spot the group.


    /Inferno: Bali: Dawn and Agony raid leaders. Report in!


    /Inferno: Bali: Jun Li? Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: What was that thing?


    [Your body has been incapacitated. Guild and personal communications through extension entities have been disabled.]


    "Extension entity? Your mom''s an extension entity..." The Ravager sat down next to Fajii, nudging her with its long snout. "You always come back for me, no matter what..."


    The Burrough was eerily quiet; the puppet''s sharp ears could hear nothing but the crackling of burning flames. Was that curtain the trap that they were trying to avoid? A movement to the west drew his attention back toward the coast.


    "Not good." Ravager-Nix cursed their luck; the curtain of light reversed direction at the water''s edge and began moving east across the Burrough. Without any real plan, he decided to follow the curse that managed to defeat an entire Burrough. Although his hybrid puppet was fast, he was soon outdistanced as it continued into the Misery Burrough. "All three Burroughs? Could it really have taken out Dawn, Misery, and Agony?"


    Instead of continuing toward Misery, Nix doubled back toward the Dawn beach until he ran into Delta group. Chiba''s old face seemed in peaceful sleep, her silver sword was in one hand, and a gold one was gripped in the other. A few minutes of searching was all he needed to drag all of them into a small ravine. By the time he finished dragging brush across the entrance, the curtain of light had once again reversed direction and passed over him again.


    "Roughly ten minutes to travel the width of the three Burroughs and then return... That gives us a small window."


    After taking care of his people, Nix turned back toward the Misery Burrough. This required him to pass close to the Honor Burrough, the Inferno Leader stopped and stared at the destruction. The entire Burrough was blackened and withered as if all the life were suddenly siphoned out of it. "Fuck... I''ve seen something like this before. The Thornwood curse... sucked the life from the land. Does the land power the spell?"


    The short journey across Misery showed Nix what he already suspected. All of the enemy forces in the Burrough were unconscious. "I need someone versed in witchcraft."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I''m assuming Command of Inferno. We will continue to hold Fury, Peril, and Courage until we understand what we are dealing with.


    Half an hour later, Nix found the ten members of the Agony Raid. The three Titans had fallen together, so the Ravager opted to drag the rest of the members next to them. They were in the open, but there was no way he''d be able to move Morti or his father.


    "Messing with my bear..." Nix used his teeth to pick up Morti''s helmet that had become detached when he fell. "Big fucking mistake..." He perched the metal helm on the Titan cub''s overly large skull and then quickly headed south toward Honor.


    Nix smelled the Orion before he even remembered she was in Honor. He activated his thermal vision and immediately spotted her crouched near the entrance of the Thorn Graveyard. Either the curse didn''t hit Honor at all, or she was immune the same way the Ravager puppet was. "Del!"


    The Orion unstealthed when she heard his shout. It ran towards him with easy cat-like grace, not stopping until she pushed her soft muzzle into his face.


    "Nix! I didn''t think anyone survived."


    "Are you the only Inferno member in Honor?"


    "Yes. Why haven''t you answered the guild chat?"


    "I''m unable to. Although I managed to escape the curse, my body did not. Since that''s my anchor, I''m at a slight disadvantage."


    Del fell in beside him as they walked toward their base camp. During the ten minute journey, he explained everything he''d seen as well as his suspicions.


    ***********


    "How long can it last?" Ronnie addressed Alfie, the only person with any real familiarity with witchcraft. "Seems like it would take a lot of power to generate something like that."


    Alfie shook his head slightly. "I probably only know a little more than you. It''s obvious that something went wrong; perhaps someone tried to modify it when we didn''t cross into the Honor Burrough."


    Bali sat between Nix and Del, one pale hand on each of their necks. "What now? Can you capture a witch for us to ask?"


    "First things first. Gather our forces and prepare to extract our people." Ravager Nix turned to Bali while he considered their best option. "Bring up a map of the three Burroughs; I can no longer use the hud interface."


    Bali nodded and did what he asked. "You said you gathered all the teams together?"


    "Yes." The Ravager''s razor-sharp claws pointed at a point on the hud. "Here in the open. Right here in a small ravine, and here in a stand of brush."


    As he spoke, Bali marked the locations and updated the guild map. "Isn''t getting them risky?"


    "We don''t know how long it will last. Could be a few hours or a few days." Nix felt his mouth getting dry, and a familiar ache starting in his stomach. Putting those thoughts on the back burner, he continued. "Once the curse passes an area, it takes about ten minutes to return. If we move into position, we can get our people out with plenty of time to spare."


    Ronnie smiled for the first time since his return. "I''m gonna get my sis out, so I''ll head up that group. We can fly in on our Bone Crows and remove them in one go."


    Nix shook his black-furred head. "All three titans are going to need several people each; we''ll take them out first."


    Ronnie studied the map. "Fifteen per each Titan should be enough; we''ll rig some sort of gurney that we can carry or drag."


    "Have Nezbit try to heal or rez them. I doubt it will work since they definitely aren''t dead or injured." Nix considered the sheer mass of the three Titans for a moment, they were much lighter in Bone form, but he doubted they''d be able to move them in one go. "Our safe zone is seven minutes. Wherever you are at that time, retreat out of the Burrough and wait until the curse passes again."


    Ronnie nodded and headed toward the tent''s exit. "I''ll take fifty people and head into Agony. Bali and Alfie will take a smaller group and head into Dawn." The dark archer paused at the door. "What are you going to do?"


    "Gather my thoughts for a few minutes and then return to the Keep. Someone knows what''s going on."


    Del''s black ears pricked forward. "Perhaps I''m unaffected by the curse also."


    "If you can''t cross borders like me, then we should assume that you''re susceptible." Nix fixed her with a yellow-eyed stare. "What do you eat? I feel like I''m starving and dying of thirst at the same time."


    "Bali brings me meat, and I usually drink from the stream." Del moved toward the exit, stopping to glance over her shoulder. "Come on, we''ll feed the beast first, and then you can think clearly."

 Chapter 535: Backfire

    As expected, the removal of the three Titans from the Agony Burrough took three cycles; the curtain of light continued to make its journey back and forth across the three Burroughs. Once Morti, his father, and Gil were safely removed, Inferno began extracting the rest of their people. On Nix''s advice, they also removed two of the unconscious Ice Faction members from each Burrough.


    Bali glanced at the Ravager as her team carefully removed Alpha from the battlefield. "That everything, boss?"


    Nix''s sharp eyes scanned the area around them; they had roughly two minutes until their self-imposed safety window forced them to retreat. "No. Grab that one also."


    Bali frowned at the large chunk of black ice. "Someone in there?"


    "Yes. Lilac Rem, a witch from the Ice Faction." Nix scratched the Black Ice Sculpture with his claws; although they were as sharp as daggers, they didn''t leave a mark. "Could be that she is conscious in there. Take her back and put her under guard."


    Bali nodded. "Anything else?"


    The Ravager watched the distant curtain heading back toward them. "Start the experiment, make sure Nezbit is present."


    "Aye, Sir!"


    Bali and her group quickly left the Burrough, leaving the Ravager alone with his thoughts. The experiment was to kill a few of the ''spellbound'' enemies and see if they could be resurrected. If they could, then Inferno would face a grisly choice.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: We''re all back at base. Good luck at the Keep!


    The Ravager''s eyes turned from yellow to red as its thermal vision was activated. The bodies of the fallen enemy stood out like lit flashlights. Without hesitating, he brought his sharp claws across the throat of the nearest person. From there, he darted to the next and so on, as the minutes passed by the body count continued to climb.


    **********


    While the evacuation teams were busy recovering their members, the rest of the camp had set up a long med-area consisting of four tents placed end to end. The battle has put a sour taste in everyone''s mouth. Although they didn''t come out any worse than the enemy, it definitely wasn''t a win.


    A small group gathered outside of the med-tent. Seven of the Ice Faction fighters were placed on cots and placed under guard.


    "Do it." Ronnie shook her head slightly, shuddering when Alfie killed one of the unconscious prisoners. It had no effect on either Bali or Del. Perhaps the Ain''Dhassi race dealt with slaughter differently. "You''re up, Nezbit."


    The Inferno cleric nodded and approached the corpse, immediately she shook her head. "Message says that this person can''t be rezzed."


    Ronnie let out a sigh of relief. "Good. There''s no way I could have wacked my friends."


    Bali placed a hand on her friend''s shoulder. "I would have done them for you."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: If you''re still in range, Nix. It didn''t work.


    "Ice Faction numbers are dropping." Alfie had cleaned off his blade, and within a few minutes, the corpse vanished. He had his hud displaying the faction numbers for the Bone Fortress. The Ice Faction count was ticking downward steadily, sometimes dropping quickly before pausing for a short time.


    Ronnie stepped into the med-tent and quickly checked on her sister, who was lying on a nearby cot. "What''s going on? Is the curse killing them?" She placed a hand on Sharl''s warm forehead. To the casual observer, the Inferno tank appeared to be sleeping.


    Nezbit followed her in and started checking their friends. "Simple diagnosis spell calls it an ''Unidentified Affliction.'' Sorry, that''s not helpful."


    *************


    Several hours later, the heavily scarred sea turtle chirped softly at the Ravager as it washed away the blood matted on its black fur. A cloud of crimson appeared where it submerged itself, the long body rolling slowly. After a few minutes, it stopped and turned its focus to the turtle.


    "Been fighting again, Soup?" Ravager-Nix paddled out and climbed on his spirit companion''s shell. Apparently, she could sense the danger and gave the shoreline a wide berth. "Definitely shouldn''t go on shore until this is over."


    The mid-day sun''s warmth quickly dried the puppet as it took a few minutes to bask while gathering his thoughts. "Got a real bad feeling, Soup. Riddle me this. What kind of spell can take out that many people? The trap obviously backfired."


    The minutes ticked by while Nix stared at the blue sky. Soup was lazily paddling his back left flipper, causing them to rotate counterclockwise slowly.


    "Perhaps I''m asking the wrong question. I should be considering who, not what." Nix slid off Soup''s back and into the surf. "Stay in the water until we figure this out."


    The Ravager increased its speed as it crossed through the Dawn Burrough and into Honor, where the traps had been set. The Ice Field that had once covered the area had been melted away, and the ground beneath it drained of all life. Nix easily found the first trap, clearly evident like a festering wound. Sharp claws started digging through the soil as it burrowed deep into the earth. Within a few minutes, he reemerged from the hole with part of a broken canister. "A clue... Mystery still unsolved."


    Nix spent the next hour recovering similar canisters from the other six traps. Destructive spells of this magnitude weren''t possible. Grouping seven of those spells into a huge trap would have taken careful planning and an expert magic-user.


    "I''ll contact Ducky; perhaps she has heard something." Ravager-Nix darted across the Honor Burrough and into Dawn. Sharp claws dug suddenly into the rocky surface, causing it to come to an abrupt stop. In front of him were several Ice Faction bodies. "You guys shouldn''t be here." He noticed that it had only taken two or three minutes for the bodies to disappear during the wholesale slaughter. A feeling of dread filled the puppet as it nudged one of the unconscious Ice Faction members.


    The Curtain of Light advanced once again through the three Burroughs; Nix sat patiently next to his unconscious enemy as he waited. He sliced through the throat of his target when the curse was within twenty meters. He ignored the blood that was saturating his dark fur and focused on the wound. The light passed through them, and for several seconds, Nix didn''t move.


    The Curtain of Light was not a destructive spell; the wound he had inflicted vanished completely. "It makes lesser creatures fall asleep." Recalling this particular group, he had finished them right as the spell washed through the area. "Let''s call this an ''Oh Fuck'' moment."


    Nix took a few moments to finish off the enemy, this time waiting until all of them disappeared. Instead of setting out for the Keep, he reversed course and headed back to camp. The spell was no longer refreshing over the Inferno members since they''d been removed from the area. How long did something like that last?


    ************


    "Stop worrying." Del was lying on the feet of an unconscious Nix. "Everyone is fine; no one is going to start dying."


    Ronnie hadn''t left Sharl''s side, touching her face every few minutes to make sure she was okay. "You can''t know that! Why did the Ice Faction drop by more than a thousand in the last four hours?"


    Nezbit shrugged slightly. "Perhaps because they are still being exposed to the spell. Everyone here is fine, at least for now."


    Bali shared a glance with Del; both of them had guessed immediately. "Come on, Ron... Nix headed north; within a few minutes, their numbers start dropping."


    Alfie muttered a curse under his breath. "Damn it. I should have thought of that."


    "You think Nix did that?" Ronni stared at the Ain''Dhassi ranger for a moment while considering the possibility.


    "Did what?" A black-furred creature poked his head into the med-tent; the occupants instantly recognized its elongated snout and sharp fangs. "Good job setting this up."


    "Nix!" Bali hopped across the tent in three quick bounds and tried to hug the Ravager. It sidestepped easily and continued.


    "No hugging." Since his bunk was taken already taken, he climbed carefully onto Fajii''s cot and took a seat. "Need to pick your brain a bit, Nez."


    ******Reminder******


    Nezbit was part of the group that killed Bulo, the black bear, very early in the story. Not to be confused with Nebula, who is often called Nebs. Both are clerics, but only Nez is part of Inferno.


    ************************

 Chapter 536: Kitsu

    "I can''t identify the spell, but I will say that I''ve seen Greater Spells for sale from the Vendors in the Solomon City." Nezbit held one of the broken canisters in her hand. "None of them are offensive spells; only buffs are sold."


    "Solomon City?" The Ravager fixed Nezbit with a yellow-eyed stare. "You finished your Planar Trial?"


    Nezbit nodded. "Jun Li made it a requirement for all Embassy Floor teams." She played with the end of one long braid when she spoke, one of her nervous habits. "You were probably off fighting dragons or goddesses."


    "Probably," Nix agreed. "Good job."


    Nez''s pretty face broke into a wide smile. "Don''t get all cocky with me. I had to tell you what mana, adds, and CC was when we first met!"


    "Hmm... Did you? I don''t recall." The Ravager scratched one ear with its wickedly curved claws.


    "No?" Nez narrowed her eyes. "Convenient. Do you remember charging me two thousand credits to group with us?"


    "Maybe, next time we group, I''ll waive the fee." Nix hopped down from Fajii''s cot.


    Any further discussion was stopped with a tiny speck of light appeared over Fajii''s sleeping form. "Nix?"


    The Ravager stared at the bright pinpoint; the voice being emitted was easily recognizable. "Eron? You were able to escape?"


    "Yes, three may enter."


    [You''ve been invited to visit Kitsu]


    The pinpoint of light lengthened and then expanded until it was roughly the size of a door.


    Nix stared for a moment before glancing at the tent''s occupants. "Who''s in?"


    Unexpectedly Alfie raised his hand. The skelly archer took a step closer to the doorway. "I''ll come if you don''t mind."


    "I''m going." Del eased off of the sleeping Guild leader''s feet and padded softly toward the door.


    Ravager Nix considered the two volunteers before swinging his gaze back toward the dark archer. "Double the guard until we return, Ronnie."


    Ronnie flashed the group a smile. "Bring back something fun."


    The Ravager jumped through the door, followed closely by Del and Alfie. The light grew unbearably bright, causing Nix to close his eyes. He experienced a long moment of vertigo before being tossed onto a very soft landing.


    Nix shielded his eyes for a moment, stopping after a second to stare at his own hand. "What happened to the Ravager?"


    "Nix?" A shocked but very familiar voice sounded from behind him.


    "Huh..." Nix stared at the Ain''Dhassi ranger; she looked much like she had the day he fused her with the dragon egg. In truth, he had forgotten how beautiful Del Tali was. "Where''s my damn, Orion puppet?"


    Alphie stared at his arms before looking up at them. "We revert to our natural forms here?" He pushed his short brown hair out of his eyes. "This is Kitsu?"


    They stood in the middle of a green meadow; knee-high grass swayed gently under a warm breeze. A single pond filled with assorted lilypads added color and teemed with life as several waterfowl species could be seen wading and swimming in the shallows. Small grass-covered mounds started at the edge of the clearing and extended outward as far as the eye could see.


    "Three have entered, and three may go. There is a time limit that you must know." A voice sounded from the edge of the meadow. A slim man with long blue hair stood watching them. He was dressed in brown leggings and a sleeveless white shirt. Although his size ratio was perfect, he was only about four feet tall.


    Nix bowed slightly. "I''m Nix, and this is Del Tali and Alfred Eidengal."


    "One full hour you have to play, dwell here longer, and you must stay."


    "Er... Sure. Where''s Eron?" Nix waited for an answer; when none came, he felt Del nudge him with an elbow.


    "Try rhyming, Nix."


    "You gotta be fucking kidding." Nix frowned at the smiling Ain''Dhassi, who was obviously enjoying the moment.


    Alfie shook his head slightly. "Not me, I''m terrible at that kind of thing."


    Nix muttered a curse and cleared his throat. "I''m here to visit the land of dreams. Breath-taking in nature but not as it seems. If you value your life and would stop my attack, take me at once to Eron the Black."


    The blue-haired man stared at Nix for a long moment before grinning widely and clapping. "Well done, Mr. Nix! Come, follow me" Without speaking further, the man turned and walked hurriedly out of the clearing.


    The trio from the Bone Fortress fell in step behind their escort, who, although very small, had no problems walking fast.


    Del slid an arm through Nix''s as they walked. "Well done, Nix."


    "Shut up."


    Alfie chuckled from the other side of Del Tali. "A hidden talent, perhaps."


    "You have a girl''s name." Nix ignored his two laughing companions and focused on their escort. "What the... tails?" The small blue-haired man had three tails trailing behind him. They were the same color as his hair and quite bushy.


    As they continued to pass mound after mound, Nix noticed they were all nearly identical. The only difference from one to the next appeared to be the door''s color that decorated the front. The trail they walked on was paved with white cobblestone; each time they passed a dwelling, the stone would branch off.


    Finally, after several minutes of walking, they came to a large wooden gate that seemed to mark the housing''s end. A single red-haired man stood guard. Like their escort, he was quite small, and since Nix was paying attention, he noticed the guard only had two tails.


    The guard held a hand straight out, ignoring the blue-haired man, he stared at Nix. "Perhaps it is clear whom you will see, but as the guard of this gate, you must convince me."


    [Burning Aura: Emerald Fury]


    Bright green flames enveloped Nix, causing both of his companions to jump back. "Like your fur the way it is?"


    The guard laughed and stepped to one side, his dual red tails wagging furiously. "Sorry for teasing you, Nix. Eron is right; you are worthy."


    Their original escort nodded slightly. "I''m Oli, and the gate guard is Rumzi."


    "Pleased to meet you!" Rumzi bowed from the waist. "Eron is expecting you."


    Oli waved at the gate guard and then gestured from the group to follow. "Just a joke between new friends, Nix. No need to mention this to Eron."


    Nix smiled pleasantly and followed. "It''s fine. I like a good joke."


    Thru the gate was a large courtyard that featured several fountains and gardens bursting with color. There were three more mounds; they were covered with the same bright grass that the others had, only these were several times larger. The group stopped in front of a set of double doors; Oly opened them and then motioned for the trio to enter.


    "Nix!"


    Although he''d never seen Eron''s human form, without a doubt, it was him. He was slightly taller than the other Kitsu inhabitants, close to five feet in height. Seven black tails followed behind him as he walked closer and greeted the Inferno Leader with a hug.


    "Unfortunately, time is short. Please sit, I''ve been researching the spells." Eron had a tanned, handsome face with dark, intelligent eyes. If not for the presence of the tails, he could have passed for a young teenager.


    Several books were opened on a circular table. Nix waited for his companions to sit and then did the same. "I was in a puppet when I stepped through the entrance."


    Eron nodded slightly. "Those shells will return to you when you leave, in Kitsu, you arrive in your natural form."


    "Time is short then. Did you discover anything?" Nix leaned closer and scanned the opened page in front of Eron. The writing was in unrecognizable runes.


    "The spell is called the Blessed Veil, although it has been twisted by witchcraft." Eron glanced up from the book. "It''s a dragon healing spell."


    "I figured as much." Nix had seen something similar from Tai''Qui in Cyphix. Putting a group of humans down with a dragon healing spell was some kind of workaround for their inability to attack first. "The Dragon Accord sets limits on when they can use offensive spells."


    Eron''s handsome face was solemn. "Even shackled by their oath, dragons are a threat to everyone."


    "You said it was twisted by witchcraft. There were seven traps set. How were they activated? Were they meant to take everyone down?" Nix''s tone showed his frustration; there were too many questions and not enough answers.


    "Tell me what the aftermath is like?" Eron turned the pages while he spoke. "Does it seem contained?"


    Nix nodded. "It cycles the width of the Dawn, Misery and Agony Burroughs. It doesn''t cross the borders, nor does it enter the ocean."


    "That part is random, I believe. The Bone Fortress''s rules of engagement cannot be broken. Linking Greater Spells together likely violated that somehow." Eron stopped, turned pages, and pointed to a long list of runes. "The scrolls must have been contained in something."


    "Canisters," Nix replied. "I didn''t think to bring them."


    "I did." Alfie sat a broken canister on the table. "I was going to let King Duran examine it, put it in my inventory."


    "Greater spells must be contained, or else the power of it will consume the parchment." Eron pointed to a small rune on the canister. "This should identify who it belonged to."


    Eron scanned the page, his finger running down the list before stopping at the matching rune. He turned the book sideways for Nix to see. "Identical?"


    Nix nodded. "It''s a match. Whose is it?"


    Eron sat the canister down and leaned back in his chair. "Deidra Mtui."

 Chapter 537: Spell Breaker

    "Deidra Mtui?" Del''s pale blue eyes stared at the two runes. "What does that mean, Nix?"


    Nix shrugged slightly, his thoughts dwelling on the Dragon Master of Solomon City. Her demeanor was cold and ruthless, but they shared a certain amount of earned trust. "Is there a way you can contact her from here?"


    Eron nodded, "from here, I may speak with anyone, but it won''t be possible for her to hear you."


    A pinpoint of light formed over the table; as Eron focused his will, it grew substantially brighter.


    After a few moments, the familiar voice of Deidra Mtui could be heard. "Impressive trick, sending a communication into a closed World Seed. Who is this?"


    Eron''s mouth didn''t move, but his words reverberated throughout the room.


    [My name is Eron. I''m part of the Inferno Force currently fighting in the Bone Fortress.]


    "The Spirit Fox? Are you speaking from Kitsu?"


    [Unimportant. Something has happened, and a good portion of Inferno''s people have been neutralized.]


    "Neutralized? Do you mean killed? Is my son alive? Is Nix okay?"


    [Time is short. They are both sleeping. They triggered a trap that released seven Blessed Veil spells. All of the fighters on both sides have been defeated.]


    "Blessed Veil? That''s a dragon spell. Combining them would be nearly impossible."


    [Witchcraft twisted it, my knowledge on this is limited.]


    "If the spell is expired, then they will recover within a few days."


    [The spell isn''t expired, it''s currently cycling back and forth across the battlefield.]


    "It''s persisting? Is there a power source?"


    [We assume that it is using the land to power the spell.]


    "Tied to the land? Remove them from the path of the Veil at once, but avoid contacting the spell."


    [That has already been done. Both your son and Nix have been recovered.]


    "You''ve taken the proper measures. Without constant connection to the Veil, they will awake in a few days."


    [There is another issue. The canisters that contained the Greater Spells have been recovered. They bear the mark of Deidra Mtui.]


    "They have my rune?" A short pause turned into a long one. "I had no hand in this, nor do I have any information. Dragons submit annual spells to the council for use at the Tembai Academy."


    [I see. As a favor to you, I could keep this a secret from Nix.]


    "No. Tell him as soon as he wakes. Regardless of where the spells came from, combining them through witchcraft would take a potent witch and the cooperation of seven dragons. One for each of the Greater Spells."


    [I must go. Anything you want me to pass on?]


    "Yes. Tell Nix to trust only his friends."


    The pinpoint of light vanished, its departure bringing a long moment of calm. Eron studied Nix while the Inferno Leader considered his next move. "Do you believe her?"


    "Yes. Her oath and the Krelandur binds us. The Dragon Master of Solomon City has my trust."


    Eron handed the canister back to Alfie before standing up. "I will escort you back to the meadow."


    Nix nodded and stood up. "The hour is up?"


    "Nearly." Eron ushered them out of the room and then fell in step beside Nix while Alfie and Del walked behind them. "Do you have a suspect?"


    "Could be anyone. To Dragons, the rest of us are little more than ants. Tai''Qui, Sinfaya, and Deidra are the only ones who view us differently."


    "I will send you through and then research a bit more. I will return to the Bone Fortress sometime tomorrow."


    A short while later, a door appeared where they were standing. Instead of going through, Del motioned for Alfie to continue without them. "I would speak with Guild Leader Nix."


    Nix waited until Alfie stepped through before raising an eyebrow. "What, Del?"


    She smiled slightly and shrugged. "I''ve been an Orion for so long; I forgot what it feels like to be human."


    "Leave anytime in the next ten minutes." Eron bowed slightly and left with his seven tails swishing behind him.


    "We can wait a few minutes." Nix grinned at her. "Still angry about getting your butt kicked by my Ravager?"


    Del laughed loudly and shook her head. "Could you look at me until we have to leave?"


    "The hell does that mean?" Nix eyed the doorway; the temptation to escape the Ain''Dhassi was steadily growing.


    "Exactly what I said. See Del, the woman."


    Nix sighed heavily. "So... just stare at you for a few minutes, and we can go?"


    "Yes."


    "Fine. I don''t mind it if you don''t." Nix started counting in his head, intending to put up with Del for a hundred count before leaving. 100, 99, 98...


    "Nix?"


    "Yes?"


    "Are you going to stare at my chest the entire time?"


    "Yes. Are we done yet?"


    Del shook her head. "Quit trying to be so difficult."


    Nix chuckled at her expression. "I don''t really need to try."


    Del nodded in agreement. "That''s true. We should talk more."


    "I talk to you all the time."


    Del tucked an errant strand of white hair behind one ear. "Don''t purr so loud. Quit sleeping on my bunk and stop licking my face when I''m sleeping; doesn''t count as conversation."


    "Times up." Nix took a step toward the door before pausing. "Wait... You lick my face when I''m sleeping?"


    Del favored him with a slight smile. "No. Of course not."


    ************


    "Are you okay?" Ducky smiled at her thief as she tightened the bandage applied to his forearm.


    Pradi nodded. For the second time in less than a day, he''d been jumped by the Trifecta members. Both times he managed to kill one of them while escaping with only minor wounds. The stealth of his new hidden class was vastly superior to his old one. "I caught sight of the Nymph that lurks in the depths of the castle."


    Ducky moved off the edge of her bed and opened the trunk that she''d been storing items in. She removed a small stone and handed it to him. "Hold this up and try to look at me through it."


    Pradi turned the small stone over in his hand; it looked like an ordinary stone that you''d find anywhere. "You teasing me again, Ducky?" He held it between his pointer finger and thumb and did as she asked. "Woah... it became clear."


    "It''s a Water Nymph stone. One of my sisters gave it to me." Ducky smiled at the hazy memory. In truth, the days of playing in the swamps of Colonial were too vague to recall properly. "If this person is a Water Nymph, then you will be able to see her through the stone."


    Pradi pocketed the stone. "The lower depths of the Keep are completely submerged. What if something happens to me?"


    Ducky patted his head gently, a habit she got from Nix. "Don''t worry, Pradi. Trust in yourself."


    "If you say so." Pradi stood and started walking toward the door. "I''ll stay in contact."


    **************


    The Ravager entered the med-tent, followed closely by the Orion. The feline climbed up on Nix''s bunk and sat facing the wall.


    Nix ignored the pouting cat and scanned the room. "We miss anything."


    Ronnie nodded. "Maybe. Follow me."


    Nix followed the dark archer down the long line of cots. Within a few seconds, that arrived at the three sleeping Titans. "What''s going on?"


    Ronnie shrugged slightly and bent to lay strong the Titan cub''s head. "Not sure. One moment he was in Bone form, and then he changed."


    The Ravager stood on its hind legs, staring at his spirit companion. He had shifted back to his bear form while under the Veil spell. "Morti! Quit messing around. Time to wake up!"


    The Titan cub didn''t respond; his long steady breaths continued without interruption.


    Ronnie flashed Nix a smile. "Seriously? Did you think ''Wake up'' was going to work?"


    The Ravager tried to shrug but found that his shoulders didn''t support the idea. "Guess not. Did Alfie brief you on what we learned?"


    Ronnie nodded. "Yes. What took you and Del so long to exit?"


    "Not sure. For some reason, Del insisted that I stare at her boo..." His sentence was interrupted by a sudden rumbling as the ground beneath them started to shake.


    [The Greater Spell that binds your Spirit Companion is being resisted.]


    "Back up, Ronnie" Nix watched as an aura of power formed around the Titan cub; it pulsed steadily like the heart of an enormous beast.


    Mortimer has formed [Emperor''s Will].


    An instant later, the Titan cub''s eyes popped open as the deafening roar of an angry Titan made the tent''s occupants cover their ears. Angrily it scanned the tent until its gaze fell upon the skinny mage dressed in white robes. A second roar of anger sounded, causing everyone but Nix to run for the door.


    Mortimer has strengthened Fey''s Will.


    The silver-haired mage opened her eyes slowly, confusion showing as she looked around the tent. She spotted Morti and Nix before making an effort to sit up. "Don''t be so loud, Morti."


    Morti flopped down on his butt, the anger in his eyes rapidly fading. "Sorry, Fey."


    "Morti!" Nix nudged the cub''s fat belly with his snout. "Try waking up someone else."


    "Huh?" Morti looked around at the Inferno members sleeping on cots. "How do I do that?"

 Chapter 538: Impervious Will

    Morti roared for the tenth time in as many seconds before sitting down and nudging the Titan Warleader with his black nose. "Nope. Papa is still sleeping."


    "It''s fine, follow me." The Ravager scurried toward the door, where Fey and Del were talking. "Let''s see how Donri is doing."


    Nix had assigned the Necrofire Mage to try to break open the Black Ice Sculpture that encased Lilac Rem. An area was cordoned off where seven sleeping prisoners were being kept. Although they were outside, the six who weren''t bound in black ice were shackled. The sculpture had been dragged a few meters away and was currently being bombarded with black flames.


    "Damn it!" Donri released his flames with a look of utter disgust. "Fucking Black Ice is a total scam."


    The Ravager arrived with Fey, Morti, and Del in tow. Nix advanced through the waves of heat rising from the ground. "I only know of two things that can break it."


    Donri''s face relaxed when he spotted the Inferno Leader. The Blackfire mage hated his bone form and had acquired a [Thine Enemy] ring from somewhere for his own use. "Would take a real strong flame."


    "That''s one way," Nix agreed. He studied the Blackfire mage for a moment; someone had given him a haircut. "Is that the Ronnie special?"


    Donri ran one hand over the top of his head. The dark archer loved to give Mohawks. "Like it?"


    "No." The Ravager approached the chunk of Black Ice. Although it had been bathed in flames for several minutes, it was still frighteningly cold to the touch. "Double paw, Morti."


    "Yep!" Morti reared back on his back legs before coming down with both paws on the Ice Sculpture; the distinct cracking of ice echoed the loud slam of his strike.


    "Good enough, step back and let the fire mages finish the task. Try not to roast the prisoner." The Ravager followed Morti a few meters away while silver and black flames enveloped the damaged sculpture. This time there was a visible melting as the chunk of ice started to shrink away.


    "Hold her down, Morti." Nix returned to the frozen witch''s side and started using his claws to break away the remains of the weakened sculpture. The bear cub plopped down on the other side of her and rested a huge paw on the woman''s abdomen.


    Within a few seconds, she inhaled deeply and then coughed. Her purple eyes blinked open as her faculties slowly returned.


    The cub observed the witch. Her purple hair reminded him of Pinky''s pink hair. "Hey, your eyes match your hair."


    "W-What? Who are you?"


    "Morti." The cub glanced at the Ravager, who was still clearing off the remnants of his black ice spell. "Don''t move."


    "The word you want is ''FREEZE.''" Fey pointed her long white staff at the prone witch. "Of course, she was already frozen." Fey smiled at her own joke, although no one else seemed to catch on.


    Lilac''s purple eyes focused on the bear cub. "Not going to hurt me?"


    "I don''t think so," Morti replied. "Unless you attack one of my friends. I''ll definitely swat you if you do that."


    "Where am I?" Lilac scanned the immediate area. There were two fire mages, a vicious looking creature that she couldn''t identify and a monstrous black bear.


    "Let me sum up." Ravager Nix moved closer to her head so she could see him clearly. "The trap that your Faction set up in the Honor Burrough was triggered with an unexpected result. The Blessed Viel is cycling across the width of Agony, Misery, and Dawn. Everyone that was in those Burroughs was instantly put to sleep."


    "Put to sleep?" Lilac tried not to stare at the long claws of the bear holding her down. "Everyone''s sleeping?"


    The Ravager leaned against Morti''s paw so that his yellow eyes were staring downward at the witch. "They were until I killed them."


    "The Burrough Commanders? My Squad? They''ve all been killed?"


    The creature''s yellow eyes stared calmly as if he was discussing bird watching. "Welcome to Inferno, where we kill people who get in our way."


    Morti''s rumbling laugh caused the witch''s already white complexion to look sickly. "We have a lot of sayings like that."


    "True..." Nix held up a sharp claw. "I''m not above making deals if you act in good faith."


    [The will of one of your companions has strengthened your resolve]


    You have learned a new resistance.


    You have been reconnected with your mortal anchor.


    Guild and personal messaging have been established.


    Nix glanced at Morti and Fey; neither seemed to be paying him any attention.


    /Inferno: Nix: Looks like I''m back.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Outstanding! On my way. Are the others waking up?


    /Inferno: Nezbit: No. I''m in the infirmary; everyone is still sleeping.


    The Ravager puppet darted toward Fey''s feet and then collapsed lifelessly on the ground. A moment later, Nix slowly sat up in the med-tent. "Off my feet, Del."


    Del moved closer, pushing her soft muzzle into the side of his face. "Finally!"


    You Kill count has risen to 3,143.


    You have leveled up.


    The Bone Density of your Skeleton form has been upgraded to 7.


    You have received a new title. [Lich King]


    You have remembered your Elemental Abilities.


    [Fire][Earth][Water][Air][Lightning][Black Ice]


    Nix [Gemini Lord]


    Race Undead Lich King


    Rank: 32


    Kills: 3,143


    Nix exited the tent and removed his [Thine Enemy] ring. Immediately his bone form burst into pale green flames.


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    Nix stroked the demon horse''s head, causing her flame aura to ignite. When he swung into the saddle a moment later, her aura changed to match his Emerald Fury Flames. Nightmare broke into a brisk trot, heading toward Morti and Fey without asking.


    "Lich King?" Lilac whispered the words, her eyes unable to look away from the burning skeleton and his demon horse.


    "Let her up." Nix moved close enough so that he could see his own flames reflected in her eyes. "Seven greater spells, how were they used? My information says it would take the help of seven dragons."


    "W-We were supplied with the hearts of seven dragon wildlings, adolescents that weren''t fully grown."


    Nix had dug up the canisters while in Ravager form; there was no sign of any hearts. "How would I break the spell?"


    "The hearts are buried at anchor points, remove them, and the spell will be broken." Lilac found the courage to stand up straight, although she held a hand in front of her face to shield herself from the intense heat coming from the rider and his horse.


    Nix considered the witch''s words for a moment. "If your information proves to be accurate, I will make arrangements for you to earn your freedom with another task."


    "Freedom from this place?" Lilac''s voice trembled slightly when she spoke.


    The Skeleton Mage nodded. "I''m assuming the spell wasn''t supposed to consume Agony, Misery, and Dawn?"


    Lilac shook her head slightly. "It was supposed to be contained to Honor."


    Nix cursed under his breath. Something didn''t add up. He needed Semmi and Jun Li''s input.


    /Inferno: Nix: Could you come see me Bali?


    /Inferno: Bali: Me? On my way, Commander!


    Nix had moved away from the prisoner by the time the Ain''Dhassi ranger arrived. He discovered recently that Bali was actually quite astute when it came to analyzing enemy strategies. "I want your take on something since Semmi and Jun Li are indisposed."


    The already smiling ranger smiled even wider until it looked like her face might crack open. "Of course! What do you need?"


    Nix spent a few minutes explaining everything he knew about the trap and what Lilac had told him. Afterward, he waited while she contemplated the puzzle. "My problem with this is simple. If the spells were supposed to be contained in Honor. How would that benefit the Ice Faction? Both sides would have been unable to enter without being affected."


    Bali pursed her lips while her hand absentmindedly played with the string of her bow. "Unless someone is immune, it would result in a stalemate."


    "Immune like a Ravager puppet?"


    Bali nodded and then continued. "However, if the plan was to force a fight in Honor and then trigger the trap, most likely someone has a remote."


    Nix''s eyes turned toward the Keep. "Maybe someone at the Keep could have turned this off while both factions were sleeping away in Honor."


    Bali knelt on the soft ground and started drawing. "Okay. I lay a trap in Honor and then line up my forces in Agony, Misery, and Dawn. When Inferno enters Honor and claims the Burrough by default, I rush in with all of my people."


    "Effectively forcing the fight into Honor, but since we came from over the sea and used bombs to thin them out, that was a complete failure." Nix stared at the drawing in the dirt; it was actually a fairly good image of the Burrough. "The remote holder must have been alerted when the fighting started. And since it didn''t trigger, they activated it remotely."


    "Do you know who it is?" Bali stood up and dusted her hands off.


    "No, but I bet I can find out." Nix continued the line of thought. "Lilac was holding back with her squad; she admitted that her people were to remain in the Dawn Burrough."


    Bali nodded. "So... The Honor Burrough is filled with a few hundred sleeping Undead along with a thousand or so of the Ice Faction. Once the trap is triggered, they shut it down remotely, and then the reserves from Dawn rush in and kill the sleeping enemy."


    "It''s a bit thin," Nix admitted. "Why didn''t they shut off the trap?"


    Bali erased her drawing with a small booted foot. "The spell backfired, my guess is either the remote is useless, or something unforeseen happened to it."


    /Inferno: Nix: Have those sleeping Ice Faction members placed in our prison. Ensure they are separated and put Lilac under guard until we figure out if her intel was good.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: What''s the plan?


    /Inferno: Nix: Dig up the dragon hearts.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Are they hidden in the traps?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Bring some shovels to Honor. Time to put this trap to bed.


    "Why didn''t the spells work, Commander?"


    Nix turned Nightmare towards the Honor Burrough. "They used wildling hearts as a catalyst for the Greater Spells. I''m only guessing, but the wilding hearts might have been too weak. A dragon''s soul is in the heart, and the council of dragons strengthens that soul. They are called Greater Spells for a reason."


    /Inferno: Alfie: Let''s keep our exposure low. I''ll send some troops to dig out the hearts and Ronnie will cover them with a squad of archers.


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to take Fey and Morti. We should loot the battlefield. I want those Tidal rings that the Burrough Commanders carry with them.


    /Inferno: Bali: Shouldn''t you wait until we shut down the trap?


    /Inferno: Nix: No need. The three of us are immune now.

 Chapter 539: Dragon Hearts

    Fey banked over the ocean and then picked up speed as she leveled off and headed into Dawn. Both she and Morti now had a new statistic called ''Emperor''s Will, one part of the description clearly stated that Greater Spells would only have the desired effect. Nix had something similar that developed in the last day, but it was called something different.


    [Sea Affinity]


    One of your companions has gifted you their Sea Affinity. Your resistance to water-based spells has increased. The power of the deep has reinforced your soul enabling you to ignore the side effects of Greater Spells.


    Nix leaned over the side of the silver Drakon, his eyes scanning the shallows of the ocean below. He could see Soup just below the surface, racing out to sea towards some unknown enemy. Although she hadn''t contributed much in the land battles, her strength was continuing to grow. "Has anyone from the Dragon Council approached you?"


    "Yes." Fey flew lower over the water; any drop in elevation would have caused her silver wings to graze the ocean. "I''m not sure what they want."


    "You have the same strength as a wildling dragon. According to Tai''Qui, you are the first known Dragon/Drake hybrid."


    "They want me to become a dragon?"


    Nix shook his head slightly; he was wearing his [Thine Enemy] ring and enjoying the short flight with his companion. "Who knows what dragons want? I can look into it further if you wish."


    "I want to stay with my family, help you kill Khione, and then return to Haven."


    Nix smiled at her words; Fey was as awkward at times as any teen. "What about Muncie?"


    Fey dipped suddenly, both her wings brushing the water before she managed to climb higher. "Muncie? He''s m-my friend."


    Nix felt a small temptation to tease her but decided against it. Muncie was a Necro-Animator, the dragon puppet that Inferno recovered from the Vega fight in Everspire may make a difference when Inferno goes to war. "I''m going to find a way to bring him in after we break this spell and wake everyone up."


    "Really?" Fey sped up and banked eastward toward the first beachhead. "I do miss him."


    "I thought as much." Nix pointed at the beachhead where some of the battles had taken place. "Put us down there, and I''ll summon Morti."


    [Whisper: Ronnie to Nix] What should I do with the Dragon Hearts?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] Be careful removing them; I plan on giving them to Fey.


    Fey landed softly and waited until Nix hopped down before morphing into her human form. "Just scour the area for dropped loot?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes. Grab everything, no matter what it looks like."


    [Summons Mortimer]


    The Titan cub had returned to his bone form; he nudged Nix with his smooth skull and then started looking for loot.


    Over the next hour, the trio scoured the Dawn Burrough. They managed to find the Burrough Commander''s Tidal ring along with various pieces of armor and weaponry. Much of it was witch-based, but Nix stored it anyway.


    "Hey, Nix. What mission are you going to send Lilac on?" Morti talked around a large shield that he had in his mouth. "Keep the shield?"


    Nix shook his head. "It''s crap. I was going to have Bensic and Cyra do a mission for me. If successful, we will release them after Khione is defeated."


    Morti spit out the shield that was now covered in bear slobber. "Lilac is going to team up with them?"


    "Yep. That''s the plan." Nix paused as the veil passed through the group; none of them gave it any further thought.


    "The veil looks dimmer." Fey stared at the curtain of light as it continued on its path. "What''s that mean?"


    "It means Ronnie has removed one of the Dragon Hearts. It will weaken each time she does until it finally collapses altogether." Nix tossed another piece of crap armor into the scrap pile. Although it was useless to them as armor, both he and Pon required more material for crafting.


    /Inferno: Nezbit: Pon is showing signs of waking up.


    /Inferno: Nix: He moving around?


    /Inferno: Nezbit: No, but I heard him mumble, "the fuck is going on?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, Nez. Keep me updated.


    The silver-haired Mage used her staff to uncover items, pointing at them until Nix or Morti returned to pick them up. "What''s our plans after we break the spell?"


    Nix dropped another armload of crap before pocketing a dagger that he knew Sasi would like. We''ll have control over four more graveyards. "That means we can summon eight hundred more troops. This trap that was meant to turn the tide has definitely worked."


    Fey''s pretty face lit up in a smile. "But in our favor, right?"


    Nix nodded. "I''m going to bring everyone in that I can. Muncie, the Drakes, the Aquarions, and however many members of the Alliance I can fit in here."


    Fey stopped her progress at the border of the Misery Burrough. "The Veil dimmed again."


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck is going on here?


    /Inferno: Nix: Finally woke up, old bastard?


    /Inferno: Nezbit: Pon is up. :P


    /Inferno: Nix: We heard. Nez will bring you up to speed, old man. Just hold tight for now.


    By the time Fey, Morti and Nix picked through Misery; Inferno members had claimed three more Dragon Hearts from the Honor trap. Alpha and the Titans woke up at nearly the same time. Over the course of the next hour, the rest of Inferno, along with most of the other undead, was back in the fight.


    Jun Li let Ronnie run the show while she took the time she needed to recover. Before Ronnie''s excavation team could continue uncovering the fifth heart, the Greater Spell collapsed.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Spell is down, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: Recover the rest of the hearts. I''ll come to find you when we are done in Agony.


    [You may once again summon Chupa.]


    /Inferno: Semmi: None of the sleepers are to do anything taxing until tomorrow. We''ll grab a good night''s sleep and then have an officer''s meeting to plan our next move.


    Nix crossed into Agony and started scavenging for items. "We could use a bit more help." He placed his hand over his chest and let his thoughts dwell on the red-haired salamander.


    A moment later, Shae appeared in front of him; although she looked tired, her face showed her relief. "Nix! Deidra told me about the sleep spell."


    "I couldn''t bring you in a while in the Ravager puppet." Nix squeezed her tight when she jumped into him. "The spell is broken; we are still gathering the components."


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Deidra said the spell would need seven dragons to successfully cast?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Apparently, they substituted Wildling Dragon Hearts for real dragons.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Dragon Hearts? Were you able to recover them?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] We''re in the process.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] Going to give one to Fey?


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] At least one, perhaps more, if they will benefit her.


    Shae finally released him, laughing when Morti pushed his wet nose into her neck and huffed her hair. "Do you want my help?"


    Morti stepped away and nodded. "These are all the guys that Nix killed. He didn''t have time to loot them."


    "Um... I didn''t kill all of them. We did bomb the hell out of them before the spell triggered. Less than half of these are mine." Nix stretched his arms over his head, suddenly feeling tired. "Let''s wrap this up so we can eat something."


    Several hours later, after Inferno had recovered all the Dragon Hearts and turned in for the night. A small group sat in a steaming pool of water, talking about the different strategies they might employ over the coming days. Alpha team, Chiba, Beta, Jun Li, and Elan Mtui represented nearly every [Thine Enemy] ring in the camp.


    Nix was sitting between Fajii and Shae, enjoying a moment of peace.


    Pon''s old face was the only part of him visible above the water. He''d taken upon himself to heat the pool to a nearly intolerable level for anyone who wasn''t a fire mage. "How''d you know this was here, Nix?"


    "Raine brought me here," Nix admitted. "She has teams actively searching for any Khione sympathizers in Oasis. Her people also kicked the crap out of the Trifecta."


    After being talked over for nearly an hour, Nix made Fajii switch places with him so that she could sit next to the salamander.


    [Whisper: Beta to Nix] I can''t believe Chiba is on her best behavior.


    Nix glanced toward his Swordmaster. She was in her goddess form, smiling and acting nearly normal while talking with Commander Mtui. Every once in a while, a "Chiba thing" would slip out of her mouth, but Mtui either ignored it or didn''t really mind.


    [Whisper: Nix to Beta] If he isn''t nice to her, I''ll turn him into a decoration.


    Beta laughed suddenly from across the pool, quickly covering it up by hugging Wind. Chiba had some very interesting decorations at her place. Among them was a large demon penis and a statue of her first love. Milamber was actually inside the statue with a black hand attached to him; secretly, she wondered if Chiba would ever release him.


    *********************


    Tai''Qui roared happily and carefully used a taloned forefoot to pushed the dragon egg into the mud-pool she had been carefully preparing. An instant later, the earth dragon changed to her human form and maneuvered it into the exact spot she wished. She stood naked in the mud that rose to mid-thigh. She could feel the mud pulsing with elements as the dragon egg slowly absorbed them like a starving child. She was the last of the three Haven dragons to conceive. Tai knew this because she could feel the dragon embryos'' presence inside their respective dragon eggs.


    [Whisper: Deidra to Tai''Qui] May I open up communication with you?


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Deidra] Of course.


    A life-sized holo of Deidrea appeared in front of her a moment later. She offered Tai''Qui a polite nod. "Is everything alright?"


    Tai nodded happily. "Yes, thank you. The color is something I''m not used to."


    "Color?" Deidra paused for a second, as if afraid to ask anything else. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Is it green?"


    Tai nodded. "Like a brilliant emerald. Yours too?"


    "Yes. It shines like his Dread Flame."

 Chapter 540: Lilac the Menace

    The smooth surface of the clay tub shone like marble when the emerald flames finally died down. Nix stepped into the in-ground container, wrinkling his nose as the acrid smell emanating from the red surface. After digging out a hole one meter deep and three meters wide, Nix had spent a few hours bringing in clay to line the surface.


    "We don''t want to miss the meeting, Nix." Fajii watched from her perch on a nearby rock. She offered her assistance but was turned down. "Looks like a really big bathtub."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "I wouldn''t have put this much effort into it." He stepped out and took a seat next to the Aquarion while inspecting his own work with a critical eye.


    Fajii''s verticle iris''s focused on him for a moment before she clasped her hands around his waist. Her reddish-brown hair had grown long in recent weeks, something that had gone unnoticed by Nix. She wore it in a single ponytail that hung just below her shoulders. "A big pot for cooking?"


    "Close," Nix admitted. "Going to put all the scrap armor in there and then melt it down."


    /Alpha: Pon: Come to the TOC, Nix. Ya gotta see this. (Tactical Operation Center)


    /Alpha: Nix: On my way.


    Instead of jumping down, Fajii stood on the large rock, her brown face showing amusement as she looked down on him while keeping a grip on one of his hands.


    "Fine. Don''t make this a habit." Nix backed up to the rock, trying not to laugh when she climbed onto his back.


    Fajii responded by kissing the side of his neck and holding on tighter. "What''s going to happen to this world after we conquer the Keep?"


    Nix started walking toward the TOC, deliberately going slow. It was a warm mid-afternoon with a cloudless sky. A light breeze off the water made the temperature comfortable while filling the air with the ocean''s fresh scent. "No idea. These make good training grounds. We''ll probably try to hold onto it while keeping some sort of war game going on."


    "What did you think of Shae''s news?"


    Nix pursed his lips slightly while trying to navigate a smoother path through the rocky soil. The news from the Falcon, Lion, and Scorpion Titans had all been the same. More than half of the former clans of Everspire had reverted to their Titan forms. It was something Inferno had been hoping for when they started the conversion operation. "We''re moving ahead; the sudden increase in the Titan population isn''t going to go unnoticed."


    Fajii nodded in agreement. "Khione will answer if she still has the ability to do so."


    Nix spotted the rest of Alpha outside of the TOC. Unexpectedly, Lilac was still among them. Since the purple-haired witch had given them solid intel, it was decided that one of the Inferno members would take her as a spirit companion so she could be summoned into a redemption mission. "Why is Lilac still here?"


    Pon was standing with Wind and Semmi, watching the interaction between Lilac and the person chosen for the task, Donri.


    /Alpha: Pon: They already bonded, but he can''t bring himself to do it.


    Nix let Fajii slip from her place on his back. The plan was for Donri to bond with Lilac and then put her down.


    /Alpha: Pon: A keg of Semmi''s Golden says he asks me to do it.


    /Alpha: Wind: Done! He''s going to ask Nix.


    Donri stared at the witch, his pale forehead glistening with sweat. "Can''t you do it yourself?"


    Lilac shook her head before glancing back at the group watching. "Sorry, I don''t have a self-destruct spell."


    Donri''s black flames circled him once again. They flared for a moment before dying out completely. "Nix! Step in here and help me out."


    /Alpha: Pon: Damn it.


    /Alpha: Wind: Thanks for your contribution.


    Nix left Fajii with the group and advanced toward the freshly minted spirit companions. "Once we''re done with the Bone Fortress, Donri will resummon you, and you''ll get an assignment from me."


    Lilac nodded her head; it was what she had agreed to. "Just use those green flames and end this."


    Nix''s eyes shifted between Donri and Lilac. "I don''t think so; this is between the two of you."


    Donri''s dark eyes stared in surprise when the Inferno Leader walked away. "Nix! Come on! We''re old friends."


    /Alpha: Pon: Nice... Do I still win if he asks me?


    /Alpha: Wind: No.


    /Alpha: Nix: Meetings going to start, time to go.


    The sudden sound of a fist striking flesh caused everyone to turn back around. A shocked Donri was sitting on his butt, staring up at the witch in surprise. The Necrofire Mage cursed loudly and tried to scramble to his feet, but before he could manage it, a booted foot slammed into his gut, knocking him back into the dirt.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Oh god! I changed my mind, let me have that one.


    /Alpha: Wind: Agreed, I can squeeze one more in.


    /Alpha: Pon: I want to rethink my earlier position!


    A column of black fire enveloped the witch a moment later, but not before she made an obscene gesture at the Donri. When it burned out, only a small cloud of ash was left behind.


    Donri remained seated on the ground, despite Pon and Nix openly laughing at him. He was certain that kick had been aimed for his groin. "That Witch is a menace!"


    Nix shook his head and high-fived Pon. "She''s pure gold, definitely a top tier companion."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "If she doesn''t kill you first."


    [Bone Fortress, 1100 hours Ice Faction: 5,879 Undead: 412]


    /Officer: Semmi: Thanks for coming. As before, I invited our Titan friends along with the Eidengal leadership.


    Duran stopped strumming his mandolin and sat it on the table. He made it clear that he was only a bystander in this show and that Inferno was free to act however they wanted.


    /Officer: Jun Li: I''m going to put up our objectives and leave the floor open for questions.


    [Objective] Shore up our defenses along the Dawn/Misery/Agony borders. Bring in all the drakes and establish our air power. Push into Deceit/Aguish/Despair Burroughs.


    /Officer: Semmi: We don''t have a time table, the earliest we can move is two days since we are waiting for four different graveyards to reset.


    /Officer: Jun Li: We''ll be able to add eight hundred more troops to this fight. Until we hit the Keep, the numbers will favor us.


    /Officer: Semmi: The Honor trap was their chance to really hurt us; we shouldn''t give them too much time to come up with something else.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Once we are ready, we''ll get rid of our prisoners. This will give us complete control over Dawn, Misery, and Agony.


    /Officer: Shae: I''m going to speak with Sinfaya and have her help us get some special items in here.


    **********Author Note*********


    Sinfaya is the third Haven dragon, she specializes in spatial magic.


    *********************************


    /Officer: Nix: I''m going to take the Ravager into the Keep and kill Glacia with the help of some friends.


    /Officer: Pon: None of us can go in there.


    /Officer: Nix: We''ll discuss it en route. I''ll need Shae, Pon, and Fey to accompany me. Let''s get Darsi and Ronnie out there also.


    /Officer: Shae: How long until we go?


    /Officer: Nix: Seventeen hundred hours.


    ***********


    Pradi has activated [Wave Runner]


    The former Trifecta thief skimmed across the surface of the water, his feet eliciting no splash at all as he moved silently toward his objective. "She should be easy to find... " His words filtered off as a bank of fog started to envelop the area he was in. It was one of many tricks the nymph used on him.


    A flash of movement caused the thief to increase his speed. He''d been stalking the caverns and lower halls for the better part of a day, every time he caught sight of his prey, she somehow managed to avoid him.


    Pradi skidded to a stop at the entrance of a hallway he hadn''t yet been down. Unexpectedly, it was dead-end. His quarry had finally be cornered.


    She didn''t attack when he stopped running, in fact, she hadn''t really tried to hurt him at all. She could raise and lower water levels, create massive fog banks, and even form powerful whirlpools.


    "Hey, there!" Pradi lowered his hands, his dark face showing his interest. "You look nothing like Ducky."


    Her smooth skin was the color of jade, bits of seaweed formed a wrap that covered her from the chest to mid-thigh. Instead of hair, she had a series of greenish quills that lay flat against her head. Two round eyes and a wide mouth would have looked normal on a human, but her round and flattened nose took away any semblance of common ancestry.


    He approached cautiously with his hands held out to either side. "I''m Pradi." Approaching a few meters closer showed her form in more detail. She was on the short side, probably less than five feet. The fingers on her hands were long and webbed, with the slightest hint of smooth scales on her skin.


    The water swirled around her, she stood effortlessly on its surface, the same way he did. Although alien, her face has a certain innocence to it. Her eyes were blue like the ocean depths and showed her curiosity.


    "You''re a sweet girl, right?" Pradi halted and stood up straight. "Let''s be friends." He opened his hand and showed the rock that Ducky had given him. Holding it up to his eye, he peered at her with it.


    An instant later, she appeared directly in front of him. Her fist slammed into his chest hard enough to send him skipping across the surface like a flat rock on a calm lake.


    Pradi swore softly when his skid was abruptly ended by a large rock. He climbed to his feet slowly, rubbing his chest where she had struck him. "Damn... Should she be able to hit that hard?"

 Chapter 541: Stalking the Nymph

    The Ravager left Pon, Shae, and Fey just outside of the Keep while he bailed off of his Raven and started paddling through the surf toward the Keep''s steep walls. His three friends were belted into the saddle of their respective bone crows. Their task was clear, kill Glacia with the Trinity flame.


    /Alpha: Pon: Not sure I approve of a mission where the plan is for my mount to return to base with my unconscious body.


    /Alpha: Nix; We could always forget to bring you back.


    /Alpha: Fey: We''re ready, Nix!


    /Alpha: Shae: Line her up for us; we''ll finish the job.


    /Alpha: Nix: Never doubted it.


    /Alpha: Darsi: There are a bunch of people on the roof of the keep. It looks like they are doing reload exercises with those cannons.


    /Alpha: Nix: After we get our shot off, you can take out whomever you like.


    /Alpha: Darsi: Thanks, Trip-7.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Coming through your window in twenty seconds.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Nix? You are okay?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Yes. We''ll chat in a bit.


    The Ravager''s sharp claws dug deep furrows into the Keep''s wall as it climbed upward with little hindrance. He was just below the surface of Ducky''s window when a quick pair of hands reached out and nabbed him.


    "Nix!!" Ducky squeezed him tight like you would a favorite stuffed animal before she rained kisses on his nose and head. Her pale blue lips smiled wide enough for all of her teeth to show. "Are you going to meet with Glacia again?"


    The Ravager waited until the Water Witch set him down before answering. "She had her chance. The three of us are going to take her down."


    Ducky sat on the edge of her bed and kicked open her trunk. "I managed to grab some gear from the armory; I''ll put it on while you brief me."


    Ravager Nix turned his back politely while Ducky changed. "You, me, and Pradi will lure Glacia into the path of the Trinity flame."


    Ducky made a noise from behind him. "That scary flame that they teamed up to make last time?" The Water Witch shuddered in reflex; it had blown a large hole completely through the keep. If they were able to hit Glacia with it...


    "Yes. Where''s your thief?" Nix stood on his back legs, peering into the open doorway. His eyes changed from yellow to red, but no thermal images were within range.


    "They think there''s a water Nymph in the lower levels. Pradi has been trying to find it."


    The Ravager''s gaze stayed on the open doorway. "Let''s get him up here."


    Ducky shook her head slightly. "Communication with the lower part of the keep isn''t possible."


    "Let''s go round him up then." The Ravager waited until Ducky exited the room and then fell in step beside her.


    They passed several Trifecta members on their way to the lower level entrance, but none of them dared stop Ducky. Sandi had been very clear, kill Pradi if you get the chance but avoid starting anything with the Water Witch.


    /Family: Nix: Who is the strongest Witch in the Keep?


    /Family: Ducky: Hulo.


    /Family: Nix: Never heard of him. Part of Trifecta?


    /Family: Ducky: Yes. He is the Vice-Commander under Sandi. There''s a peculiar scent that lingers around him.


    /Family: Nix: My Ravager nose can figure it out; let me know if you see him.


    They turned down a long hallway, dimly lit by torches that caused their shadows to dance on the walls. A group of players stood in an open archway; they moved to one side when they saw Ducky and the Ravager.


    /Family: Ducky: Seems that our luck is good. The one with the short brown hair is Hulo.


    Ravager-Nix stared at the man, letting his vision cycle through the different ranges. The black predator seemed to stumble before righting himself and continuing through the nearby doorway.


    /Family: Nix: Hulo has no thermal signature.


    /Family: Ducky: What does that mean?


    /Family: Nix: Not sure. I have an artifact that does something similar. Anyone could have one, I guess. The real problem is that he smells like dragon. A particular dragon.


    /Family: Ducky: Jargon Kane?


    /Family: Nix: Yes. He hasn''t been seen in the Sky Kingdom for quite some time. Tai thinks he is at the Tembai Academy.


    [Whisper: Hulo to Glacia] Free information for you. Ducky just entered the lower halls.


    [Whisper: Glacia to Hulo] I don''t really care.


    [Whisper: Hulo to Glacia] Pradi is already down there; Ducky has some sort of vicious-looking predator with her. Dark as night with a long body and snout.


    [Whisper: Glacia to Hulo] That is interesting. Thank you, Hulo.


    **************


    After ten minutes of swimming down long hallways and diving into flooded staircases, Nix was convinced that his next puppet hybrid would have some otter in it. The Ravager was a decent swimmer, but its long claws were made for rending flesh.


    The duo stood at the intersection of two long hallways; the water was deep enough to soak Nix''s underside while he darted back and forth, searching for scent. The Ravager stopped suddenly, its black nose sniffing the air. "Found Pradi, this way!"


    Nix splashed noisily down the hallway while Ducky followed effortlessly behind him; her fluid stride was silent despite the water level reaching her shins.


    Glacia has cast [Ice Wraith].


    "Pradi!" Ducky sprinted down the hall, increasing her speed until the Ravager struggled to keep up.


    They turned a sharp corner and then immediately slid down a steep ramp that had been coated with ice. The Ravager''s long claws dug into the Ice while Ducky glided down without a second thought.


    "Welcome, Ducky."


    You have entered a Binding Circle.


    Nix and Ducky both stared in surprise. Glacia had come, but she wasn''t alone.


    "Is this creature your familiar, Ducky?" A woman with curly brown hair and eyes the color of sand, spoke softly in the dim light. She wore a short black robe, with leather leggings and open-toed sandals that exposed her painted nails.


    Ducky ignored the woman and glanced at her thief. "Are you okay, Pradi?"


    The thief nodded, he had several ice pins protruding from his left shoulder, but the wound looked minor. "I''m sorry! This is my fault."


    Pradi has joined Family.


    /Family: Nix: Just relax. Don''t do anything stupid.


    The Ravager quickly scanned the room. It was circular in shape, approximately thirty meters across. The shin-deep water on the floor had been flash-frozen, either as camouflage for the trap or the result of Glacia''s attack.


    Ducky smiled sweetly at the two women, her blue eyes studying the trap for a moment before she answered. "Nice of you to make our task easier. Unfortunately, we can''t let either of you leave here alive."


    Sandi''s laugh was pleasant, a throaty alto that echoed in the room. "Give me that creature''s spirit bond, and I''ll let you and Pradi die quickly."


    "Hmm... That''s a sweet offer. I like sweet things." Ducky''s smooth voice was soft, but everyone in the room heard it clearly.


    "Don''t try to charm me! I have a special artifact that makes me immune to control effects."


    Ducky smiled and stepped out of the binding circle; the Ravager followed her while a sudden quiet blanketed the room.


    "W-What? How did you get out of my trap?" Sandi took a step back while raising her staff in front of her.


    Ducky''s blue eyes seemed deep and calm. "What trap?"


    Sandi has been charmed.


    Nix bolted forward, flashing by the witch to arrive in front of Glacia. Instantly dodging as a dozen ice spears impaled the spot where he''d been. He side-stepped the swinging staff and scampered up the wall like it was a ladder.


    Sandi has cast [Clouded Vision]


    The Accuracy of Glacia''s ranged spells has decreased by fifty percent.


    "Damn you, stupid Bitch!" Glacia turned her staff toward Sandi, the space between them filled with ice projectiles as the Trifecta leader was pinned to the wall.


    Too late, she realized her mistake; the Ravager was much faster than her. It sprang towards her, its teeth moving toward her staff.


    [Backstab][Water Dagger][Water Expansion]


    Pradi has landed a critical strike on Glacia.


    A Water Dagger has wounded Glacia.


    A Water Dagger has expanded and created a significant strike.


    Instead of clamping down on the staff, the Ravager jumped on it and slashed at his intended target.


    "NOOO!" Glacia''s shriek caused the ice floor to shatter in an explosion of power. Her pale hand clamped over her good eye.


    Glacia has been blinded.


    "I WILL DESTROY YOU!!"


    A wall of clear ice surrounded Glacia; blood streamed down her face as her expression turned maniacal.


    /Family: Nix: Time to run!


    Pradi moved first, his feet swishing from side to side like a speed skater with Ducky and Nix hot on his heels. They were halfway across the room when the exit became a wall of impenetrable ice. The Ravager slashed at it with his claws, but the hardness was similar to Black Ice.


    /Family: Nix: Spread out. She''ll have to drop the Ice shield to attack us.


    Glacia turned toward the crunch of Nix''s claws as he moved across the shattered ice. As if calling him a liar, a half dozen spears flashed toward him.


    "Shit!" Nix easily dodged, despite the number of projectiles. "Keep moving!"


    The shield surrounding Glacia moved with her as she advanced to the middle of the room. Her creepy laugh sent shudders down the Ravager''s spine. "Do you think yourselves safe? I don''t need to see you."


    Glacia has cast a Greater Spell [Ice World].


    The temperature in the room plummeted suddenly, their breath condensing into crystals as they retreated from the Coven Leader. Ice formed on the walls, a crackling noise like broken glass while it expanded inward, slowly making the room smaller.


    /Family: Nix: Not good. She''ll turn this entire room into a solid chunk of ice.


    /Family: Ducky: Options?


    Nix turned toward the far exit. The large sheet of ice blocking it was already expanding.


    /Family: Nix: Last resort, I guess. Self-destruct and try to create an exit for you guys.


    /Family: Pradi: Self-destruct?


    Nix closed on the blocked exit, skidding to a stop just as the entire room started vibrating. "The hell is that?"


    A shrill screeching noise caused the Ravager to back away from the exit, both paws covering his ears. Something was moving through the ice. Pradi swooped in and grabbed the Ravager since the high pitch seemed painful to the point where Nix could barely move.


    An instant later, the spinning tip of a bit punched through the ice wall, great shards of ice were flung off as water began coursing into the room. The sound of cracking ice was all the warning the occupants had before the shield shattered under the pressure. A giant wave of water rushed in, but instead of flooding the room, it reversed direction and exited like an obedient pet.


    She stepped into the doorway, her round eyes scanning the occupants. Columns of Water swirled around her she advanced, her bare, jade-colored feet not bothered by the icy floor.


    "You dare interfere with me?" Glacia''s voice throbbed with power as every piece of ice in the room rushed back toward the Coven Leader to reinforce her protective barrier.


    The spinning columns of water following the jade figure sharpened and then flashed into the barrier, like a dozen drill bits, it punched into the shield. The Ravager jumped free of Prada and darted towards the distracted Glacia. The barrier shattered just as the predator closed; its hyper reflexes avoided the worst of it.


    As if sensing the Ravager''s presence, an Ice spear formed in the Coven Leader''s hand as she thrust the tip forward.


    [Glacia has been charmed]


    [Glacia has resisted charm]


    Nix slipped past the spear''s tip, both claws slashing at the witch''s neck in a splash of blood. Glacia stumbled backward just as a single column of water punched through her chest. The witch slid across the floor and landed against the wall where Sandi was still impaled.


    [Glacia has been slain]


    Ravager Nix stood on his hind legs, staring at the dead witch. "If I said it once, I''ve said it a hundred times. Big mistake, underestimating my girl."


    Ducky''s gasp of surprise seemed loud in the sudden quiet. "Soupy?"

 Chapter 542: Coven Leader

    "Nix." Her words were soft, like a gentle wind. She picked up the Ravager and hugged him.


    Ravager Nix chuckled and nudged her with his black nose. "I know why you can''t use comms down here. The lower levels of the Keep are neutral, like the ocean."


    "Soupy!" Ducky skipped across the room, her blue eyes filled with happiness as she swept up both her and Nix in one swoop.


    "Ducky." The round face was smiling at the Water Witch while clutching the Ravager tightly.


    "Hey... Don''t squeeze so hard!" Nix squirmed free of the combined grasps of his spirit companions. "How long have you been down here?"


    Soup knelt until she was eye-level with the Ravager. Her Jade hand stroked his black-furred head while making a cooing sound. "Nix."


    A pulsing glow from behind them caused the entire group to turn. A silver cloth hung in the air over the corpse of Glacia. The Ravager approached cautiously and studied it.


    /Family: Nix: I''ll link it.


    Silver Witch''s Mantle


    Elemental: Unassigned.


    Description: This Mantle was originally gifted to Glacia by the Goddess of Winter to preside over all Covens.


    /Family: Pradi: No stats? What''s it do?


    /Family: Ducky: What do want me to do, Nix?


    /Family: Nix: Equip it.


    Ducky advanced slowly, a pale hand reaching out tentatively to touch the mantle. The moment she did, it appeared around her shoulders and lengthened until it touched the floor. The color shifted into a deep blue, the Water Witch''s eyes seemed to focus on something directly in front of her. A wave of her hand caused a realm map to appear in the air.


    Nix had seen realm maps before, but they had been layered; these were presented side-by-side. When Ducky moved her hand, the next plane rotated into view.


    The City of Cyphix was highlighted, a purple point blinked over the city''s location.


    /Family: Nix: That''s the Cyphix Coven, right? Show us Oasis.


    The map of Oasis was easily recognizable; there was one marked city.


    Nix glanced at Prada, who was also studying the map. "Know much about Oasis?"


    Pradi shook his head. "Never been there."


    "That''s Beco, an illegal slaver city in the Su''Dhassi territory." Nix frowned at the map. "I doubt if Pon left any of it standing."


    "It''s a closed Coven site. I have the option of opening it up." Ducky had never heard of Beco, but she was aware that Pon had tracked his daughter''s abductors through the Su''Dhassi territory.


    "No. Send me all the data regarding closed Coven sites. If Glacia closed them, then she had a reason." The Ravager turned towards Soup, who was still kneeling next to him. "I assume you have a way out?"


    /Family: Ducky: What do you want us to do?


    /Family: Nix: Keep an eye on this Hulo person. Link me that mantle that you are wearing.


    Blue Witch''s Mantle


    Elemental: Water


    Description: This Mantle was originally gifted to Glacia by the Goddess of Winter to preside over all Covens.


    /Family: Pradi: It customized to the wearer.


    /Family: Nix: Time to go. Stay alive and out of trouble.


    Ducky hugged Soup tight for a moment, stroking the quill-covered head. "So beautiful!"


    The Ravager glanced at the exit; they''d already been gone longer than he planned. "I want to see how you''re getting in, Soup."


    Soup nodded and scooped the Ravager up. She waved at Ducky and then quickly exited the room.


    The Sea-Turtle moved with grace and speed through the water-filled lower halls. At times, her feet would barely skim the surface. After several minutes of twists and turns, they arrived at a small cavern that was half-filled with water. Nix was forced to use Night vision because of the lack of lighting.


    "This is the entrance to the ocean?"


    Soup sat him down and knelt until she was eye-level again. Her round aqua-marine eyes glowed slightly in the darkness. "Nix."


    "Thanks for the help today, Soup. You always come through for me."


    Soup patted the top of his head while Nix took a better look at her. Up close, her skin was definitely that of an amphibian. Smooth green scales covered a feminine but well-muscled form. The green quills that covered her head extended down her neck before stopping at her shoulders.


    "This cavern must be your entry point. Can you take this Ravager puppet back to camp?"


    Soup nodded and scooped up the Ravager in a hug. "Nix."


    "Thanks. See you back in camp."


    A moment later, Nix sat up in his bunk, pushing the sleeping Orion onto the floor. He was back in the tent he shared with Shae and Fajii. "Anything happen while I was gone?"


    "Nothing." Del padded toward the exit without speaking further.


    /Inferno: Nix: Come back to camp; we won''t be needing the Trinity flame.


    /Inferno: Pon: Damn you! I have been waiting for two hours! Let''s blast something.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Permission to engage roof targets, Trip-7.


    /Inferno: Nix: Granted. Take out whoever you can and then report back to base.


    /Inferno: Shae: Something happen, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. We managed to kill Glacia and Sandi.


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck you say?


    /Inferno: Nix: Learned some valuable intel. Officer meeting on the beach, right away.


    When Nix exited his tent a moment later, he nearly collided with Gil and Mortimus in their human forms. Someone had braided the Titan Warleader''s red beard. "Coming down to the beach?"


    Gil nodded. "How''d you manage to put down Glacia while in puppet form?"


    Nix slipped off his [Thine Enemy] ring and reverted back to his skelly form. "Had some serious back-up."


    The trio walked down to the edge of the water. The Inferno Guild Leader stepped one bony foot into the surf.


    Nix has activated [Mariner].


    Nix grinned at the two Titans. The return of his Elemental abilities meant he could once again use the Mariner form. He held out a webbed hand for the Titan Turtle to examine. "Like it?"


    Gil nodded. "It makes you a little less ugly, but not much."


    Nix waded deeper into the water before submerging. He lay in the shallows, letting the surf wash over him.


    Fajii and Semmi arrived a few minutes later; the Aquarion needed no invitation to join Nix in the water. He was tempted to challenge her to a race, but he already knew what the outcome would be. Without the benefit of enchanted items, Nix''s Mariner form couldn''t keep up with Fajii or any of the other Aquarions.


    Sharl headed a procession that included most of the Inferno Officers. The guild tank sighed in envy when she saw that Nix was in the water. "I''d kill for a swimsuit."


    Nix held back the comment he wanted to say. "Latest count says 5867, Darsi and Ronnie must have managed to put down quite a few people."


    Jun Li glanced at Ronnie who was busy rolling up her pants legs. "We should post a few ranged fighters there from now one. Give them the green light on any group with five or more."


    A few minutes later, Soup arrived in her Sea Turtle form with the Ravager puppet secure on her back. She slapped the water happily with a flipper when she spotted Nix in his Mariner form.


    Nix relieved her of the puppet and spent a moment with her. He''d recognized her as soon as she broke through the Ice barrier that Glacia had trapped them with. The two of them shared a symbiotic bond companion bond; when he grew stronger, so did she, and vice versa. "I''ll come back later and play with you."


    The Inferno Leader watched as Soup headed back out to sea; when she was finally out of sight, he returned to the Inferno Officers who were waiting on the beach.


    /Officers: Gil: Soup is looking good.


    /Officer: Nix: Stay away from my turtle.


    /Officer: Jun Li: First order of business. Nix managed to take down both Sandi and Glacia. Did you get any intel?


    Nix uploaded the realm map that he copied from Ducky. An instant later, everyone''s hud buzzed.


    /Office: Nix: We have a current listing of all Covens. Some of them were purposefully deactivated.


    /Officer: Semmi: How many active?


    /Officer: Nix: Just the two we know about in Mid-Everspire and Cyphix. We''ll need to send teams these other Covens.


    /Officer: Del: This one in Beco, if I can send word to my people. They will investigate that.


    /Officer: Shae: I can do that. I''m heading back tonight to talk with Sinfaya.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] I want that dragon puppet. She should be able to figure something out.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] I''m on it.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Our priorities for incoming fighters are the Drakes and Muncie.


    /Officer: Nix: And the Aquarions. I found out something nice today. The lower levels of the Keep are not actually part of it. Soup found a way in and has been hunting there.


    /Officer: Semmi: It''s neutral ground? We should keep this to ourselves!


    /Officer: Jun Li: Agreed. We''ll put this aside until we''ve taken all the Burroughs.

 Chapter 543: The Calm Before

    Pradi checked both corpses for loot. "Looks like Sandi dropped a staff." For the first time since he joined Ducky, he felt at ease. They managed to take down the leaders of two different factions. "That wasn''t a Nymph."


    Staff of Binding


    Fish Bone Staff: Legendary


    Description: Instantly casts any spell saved in the data bank.


    1) Greater Binding Circle


    2) Greater Summoning Circle [Demonic]


    3) [Empty]


    "That was Soup, an important member of my family. I didn''t know she was down here." Ducky held the staff in her hands, turning it over as she studied the detail. She could feel that it was made from a real sea creature that had once thrived with life. "I want you to head directly to Glacia''s room, take anything that looks like it might be valuable."


    Pradi nodded. "We should go. Their deaths won''t go unnoticed for long."


    *****************


    The two elementals waved to the women standing on the balcony before heading toward the Gemini Temple. Neither spoke as they passed through the empty training yard, air and heat seemed to circle them as they stepped onto the platform and vanished from sight.


    "Been here before?" Rhy wasn''t bothered by the cold of Fraya''Selene, although her scant armor left much of her skin exposed, her reception of the Black Ice Element from Nix had made her already high tolerance for cold complete.


    Shae shook her head. Wearing her customary red dress, she stood out like a beacon of light on a dark night. A pocket of warm air followed her, causing the snow underfoot to melt slightly as she passed by. "Alpha team was here a few times, I was going through Planar training at the time."


    A snow-covered walkway led from the portal platform to the trading section of the City. All sorts of shops carrying everything from advanced weapons to camping supplies could be seen.


    The two women stopped at the gated entrance to the Tali Estate, a sprawling five-block area filled with luxurious homes and spacious courtyards. Having sent word ahead of their arrival, the guard escorted them to the front door before leaving them in the care of a familiar face.


    "Little sister gets more beautiful every day." Rhy smiled when the Ain''Dhassi ranger opened the door.


    "How are you?" Cora hugged the air elemental. "What are you doing here?"


    *Author''s Reminder***


    Cora was a younger Ain''Dhassi ranger still in training when she was tortured by the Fir''Dhassi to the point of her spirit breaking. Eron healed her in Haven with the assistance of Rhylia''s bond. She was last seen early in the Everspire fighting, during Ever Flame. Cora also appeared briefly in the Sun Devil chapter.


    ******************


    "I''m fine, Cora." Rhy could feel that the air element within the ranger had strengthened considerably since she''d last seen her. "We have business with the Grand Elder. Is he here?"


    Cora nodded. "Let me take you to the waiting room and then I''ll let him know you''ve arrived.


    "I''ll show them the way, Cora." An Ain''Dhassi woman spoke from the top of the stairs, her blue eyes were much darker than most Ain''Dhassi and she wore her white hair very short.


    Shae studied the woman as she descended the stairs. She already knew who the woman was, Nix had described her perfectly. It was Yavin Tali, the older sister of Del. "I''m Shae and this is Rhylia."


    Yavin bowed slightly. "Greetings to you both. I''m Surai Yavin Tali."


    The Ain''Dhassi led them down a short hallway before pausing to open a set of double doors. Inside the room, were several comfortable-looking couches and a fireplace that had recently been stocked. In front of the fire was a single dragon egg. "Just wait in here, Grandfather will be with you shortly." Without speaking further, the Ain''Dhassi left them alone and closed the door behind her.


    Shae had seen many dragon eggs since she regularly helped Deidra and Tai with their Nurseries. Only Sinfaya refused to let her enter. She placed a warm hand on the smooth surface of the egg. "I wonder..."


    "What are you doing?" Rhy smiled nervously as Shae''s hands burst into flames.


    Shae pushed flames into the dragon egg, Nix had done the same with both Nihlus and Sindi. As far as she knew, no one had pushed any elements into Del Tali''s Dragon Egg. "She needs a bit of flame I think."


    Rhy kept a lookout while Shae continued to work. "Are you sure this is okay?"


    Shae smiled and shrugged slightly. "I know it won''t harm her, Dragon Eggs are perfect at adapting elements. Hey... Push some of your Elements in this."


    Rhy sighed loudly, she had the feeling if they were caught, then end up fighting their way out of the house. "Which one?"


    "Black Ice first, then Air." Shae switched places with Rhy as the Salamander cracked the door slightly to peek into the hall. "All clear, go ahead."


    Rhy bit down on a smile, once Shae got into something she always charged straight ahead. "Fine. I''m going to blame you if we get caught."


    Shae nodded in acceptance. "Then I''ll blame Nix and we''ll be off the hook."


    Morai Sai Tali arrived nearly half an hour later. The Grand Elder bowed respectfully at the two elementals who were warming themselves by the fireplace. "I apologize for the wait. As you know, the War Council has been convened and I was attending it at Parliament."


    The Salamander returned his bow. "Thank you for seeing us. This is directly related to the War Councils'' plans. We''ve located a potential site where Khione''s forces might be hiding."


    Sai Tali brought up a map of Oasis. "The source is solid?"


    Shae shrugged slightly and zoomed in on one of the Su''Dhassi territories. "It''s in Beca. All we know is that there is a Coven located here. We felt it needed to be investigated because these are our access points to the Bone Fortress."


    Sai Tali''s eyes strayed to the Dragon egg resting nearby. "That where Del is? In the Orion puppet?"


    "Yes." Shae understood immediately that Sai was worried about her. "You can''t communicate with her through the Dragon Egg anymore?"


    Sai frowned slightly. "When she sleeps as an Orion, we can speak briefly. She has limited us to fifteen minutes per day."


    Shae lay a gentle hand on the Elder''s arm. "She is probably safer than any of us."


    "I wish to ask a favor." Grand Elder Tali bowed deeply this time, holding it until Shae pulled him upright.


    "There is no need for that. We will accommodate you if we can."


    *******************


    Nix stood barefoot in the melting pot of armor and assorted weapons. His Emerald Fury flames instantly melting anything that was tossed in. Pon was pouring the liquid metal into clay molds that the two of them formed.


    Pon''s old face was locked in a scowl. "How did I end up with the harder job? You''re just sitting on your ass, melting shit."


    "Hmm... Technically I''m standing. Get it right, old bastard." Nix glanced at the four long tubes that they''d already cast. "After this, we''ll start on your casings."


    Pon snorted loudly. "You mean since we spent a day on your shit, we''ll finally get to mine?"


    Nix nodded. "Sounds a bit selfish when you say it like that."


    "I''m back." Del took up her spot on a flat rock overlooking the melting pot. "The sheets you poured are ready to go."


    Pon shared a glance with Nix before filling up the clay pot again "That going to work?"


    "Not sure." Nix created a dozen square molds out of clay. Each of them was a meter wide by two meters long and roughly one centimeter deep. He had smoothed out the inside as best he could without proper tools. He was going to need the sheets of metal badly. "Probably won''t get a chance to finish before we take on the next three Burroughs."


    Three hours later saw them use the last of the scraps, the area around them was filled with hundreds of different molds.


    Pon and Nix sat on the edge of the melting pot, neither caring that it would have scorched a normal person.


    "Don''t bullshit an old man, Nix. You are definitely up to something."


    Nix grinned but didn''t deny it. "Can''t put anything past you. It''s time to team up."


    "The fuck you think we been doing the last few days?"


    Nix opened his hud and brought up the Golem builder interface. "Check this out."


    Pon''s eyes bugged out. "You can''t be serious! What''s my part?"


    Nix removed a hand-sized shell casing from his inventory. "This is from Darsi''s sniper rifle."


    Pon turned it over in his hand. "Damn... We spent most of yesterday making these."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Right... Ours are two feet long and not tapered so nicely."


    Pon handed it back to him. "We making rounds for a big ass gun?"


    "Nope. Four big ass guns." Nix pointed to the large metal tubes that were still cooling down. "The rounds will be fairly simple. The casing contains the explosive charge, we''ll attach a projectile. The real trick will be reloading."


    The old man grinned at his partner in crime. "Time to blow shit up."


    "Time to blow shit up," Nix agreed.

 Chapter 544: Crafting Day

    Fey smiled widely when the third group appeared in the frozen fields of the Honor Burrough. Since the Burrough was now part of their claimed territory, new arrivals to the Bone Fortress no longer had to make a trek across enemy ground. Even though she had never seen him in skelly form, the silver-haired mage waved wildly. "MUNCIE!"


    Floyd was standing with Sharl and Jun Li as they welcomed the newcomers. The Naga King was in his skelly form and had been sent specifically by Nix to fetch Muncie.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Muncie made it in Nix. I''ll bring him over.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, we''re in the testing area.


    Pon and Nix studied the latest test result in a small clearing far removed from the front line. A small impact crater less than a meter across.


    Pon muttered a string of curse words. "That looks the same as the ballistic round."


    Nix squatted in the mini-crater, his hands running down the smooth sides. "It''s burning on impact instead of blowing up."


    Over the last day, the two of them were working on rounds for the two golems Nix was constructing. Each could hold a total of 12 rounds. After some experimenting, they made a ballistic round that they could use when Inferno reached the Keep''s walls. Their second type of round was less than successful.


    "Maybe I need to raised my skill level." Pon kicked up a cloud of dirt before lending Nix a hand out of the hole.


    "No worries, we''ll get it." Nix considered the issue while walking back to the Golem. The ballistic round would be wasted on the standard battlefield. Unless the enemy were tightly grouped, the chances of taking out more than a handful were minimal. The two of them were trying to create a HEP (High Explosive) round, one that would detonate on impact and create serious chaos.


    "Maybe the projectiles don''t have enough ordinance." Pon picked up a hollowed projectile from the pile they had crafted. It was shaped much like the standard rifle bullet but on a much larger scale. The explosive material was placed in the tip and then the projectile was attached to the charged shell casing. The casing itself also contained a charge, but its purpose was sending the projectile down the barrels they crafted.


    "Woah... the fuck are those?" A voice from behind them caused both Fire mages to turn at once. Floyd waved at the pair.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''ve corrupted that kid.


    /Alpha: Pon: Me? It was you!


    Nix smiled when he noticed that Fey had tagged along. "Come with us."


    Pon and Nix headed to the southern path that exited the clearing. The two of them had set up a crafting area near the cave where they first found Alfie and Edie.


    "Hey, this is where Alfie and his sister made their stand?" Floyd loved to hear stories, his memories were full of ancient Naga battles, but he found it difficult to relate with his inexperience.


    "Yeah. Until the old man and I arrived, they held this piece of land by themselves. Then we modded it to use as a prison, now we''ve made it even bigger." Nix entered the cave and then descended a short stairway that hadn''t been there in the past. The truth was that he and Pon spent hours making it even bigger. A table, along with a few cots, made it as comfortable as any tent.


    "I have the package," Muncie spoke for the first time, only he and Floyd were in skelly form. From his inventory, he produced a small black box. "Better step back."


    Nix shared a glance with Pon before backing away. "Sinfaya made that box?"


    Muncie nodded and joined them. "It''s keyed to your voice. Speak the name of Sinfaya''s son."


    Nix eyed the small black box for a moment; he was expecting something grander. This was their attempt to get around the ''one item'' rule. "Cathor."


    An instant later, fifty feet of dragon puppet appeared in front of them. Everyone except Muncie took a giant step backward.


    Muncie approached and lay a hand on the black scaled neck. "The .25 miniaturization was a great idea, Nix. My control feels natural now, like I''m an actual dragon."


    /Alpha: Pon: I haven''t seen it in a long time. This has basic wildling capabilities?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah. Bite, flame, and fear, I think. Although Deidra says it might have a few hidden abilities that haven''t been uncovered yet.


    /Alpha: Pon: Why bring it here? We should have plenty of AirPower.


    /Alpha: Nix: You haven''t left the Bone Fortress, so you don''t realize the type of changes you''re going through. Every level of hardening is a major upgrade.


    /Alpha: Pon: You want to toughen it up?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes, and the drakes also.


    "Nix!" Fey''s voice came from the other side of the dragon puppet. "You should see this."


    "What is it? Don''t even say it''s damaged." Nix hurried around the puppet only to stop abruptly when he saw them. "Was this Shae''s idea?"


    Muncie shook his head. "Nope, Sinfaya made it happen."


    Nix''s face was split into a wide grin. "It''s a fucking Ratastrophe." Five Nether Rat puppets had been included in the package. The Inferno leader picked up the nearest one. "Shae must have given her my Emperor puppets." He quickly stowed them away, but the shit-eating grin remained behind.


    /Alpha: Pon: We''re going on a Ratscue?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nope. A Ratscursion.


    Muncie completed a short walkaround the puppet. "Looks in top shape. Can I take it up?"


    Nix shook his head. "Wait until dark; you and Fey can take the Drakes up for a short flight. I want you to stay south of us, only over the ocean."


    "Okay, Nix." Muncie glanced sideways at Fey; she remained behind when the other three exited the cave. "It''s nice to see you again, Fey."


    Fey returned his smile. "I agree."


    Nix was halfway to their crafting area when he stopped suddenly. "What about using that liquid tumot oil?"


    Pon shook his head. "You could swim in that shit; it''s not very volatile, just good for lubricating bearings.


    Nix favored him with a sly grin. They used a lot of it on the Golem joints. "I mean to use it with the nitric compound."


    Pon looked like he wanted to slap the Inferno Leader. "You don''t remember what happened when you accidentally combined them? And that was only a few drops."


    Nix had accidentally spilled the smallest amount of the Nitric compound on their crafting table; a short while later, he spilled a single drop of tumot oil onto the same area. The result had been, one destroyed table and an emergency meeting with Nezbit, Inferno''s cleric. "Think about it, old bastard. We create separate chambers in the projectile."


    Pon''s scowl slowly turned into a creepy grin. "Fill one chamber with Nitric and the other with tumot oil. When the projectile impacts the ground, the separating barrier shatters." The old man noticed that Nix was running back to the crafting area. "Hey! Wait up, bastard!"


    "Seems a bit dangerous." A short while later, Floyd watched as they loaded one of the Golem''s arm tubes.


    Pon frowned at the young Naga. "Step away from the snake harem for a bit and hang out with the men."


    Floyd crossed his arms in front of his chest and stared at the Fire Mage. "They are Scorched Earth acolytes."


    Pon raised an eyebrow and turned to Nix for his opinion? "Nix?"


    Nix shrugged at the Naga youth. "Harem."


    The youth glared at the two laughing mages before making a rude gesture and stomping off.


    /Alpha: Nix: You''re a mean bastard.


    /Alpha: Pon: You didn''t have to agree. Fire in the hole!"


    An instant later, the clearing shook as several tons of rock and dirt were flung into the air in a fiery explosion that left both mages reeling.


    "Fuck!!" Pon held both hands over his ringing ears. "Shit, that hurts!"


    "WHAT?" Nix squinted at his co-crafter, unable to hear anything over the loud banging in his ears. He motioned toward the cloud of dust hovering over the clearing. "Let''s check it out."


    Pon followed out of instinct since he couldn''t hear what Nix was saying. The two stopped a few seconds later at the edge of a crater that was easily twenty meters across. "Could put a damn house in that bitch."


    Nix stared at the destruction. "Makes you feel kinda warm inside, right?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: Do I need to send Nezbit over there again?


    /Inferno: Nix: Nah... That wasn''t us.


    /Inferno: Pon: Nope, it wasn''t us.


    The two mages high-fived each other and started back toward their crafting table.

 Chapter 545: Death from Above

    [Bone Fortress, 0200 hours Ice Faction: 5,867 Undead: 1,203]


    Two days later, the dragon puppet glided effortlessly through the clouds, its night vision picking up every detail of the continuing troop movements within the Deceit, Anguish, and Despair Burroughs.


    /Inferno: Muncie: The combined force of the three Burroughs is about six hundred.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, Muncie, rendezvous back at the cave. We''ll hit them in fifteen minutes.


    Nix stood at the edge of the clearing, shaking his head at the sight of three dozen Bone Drakes. Fey was in her Bone Drakon form, talking to her second in command. The Drakes scattered in all directions when Muncie landed.


    Nix whistled softly. He could feel the threat coming on the dragon. "He feels like the real thing."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "Except Muncie is snuggled up with a blanket back at the cave. A dragon who can cross the borders... It''s another one of your cheats."


    Nix didn''t bother to disagree. Instead, he climbed into Chupa''s saddle and waited. This would be the first time Inferno went with an all-out-air attack. The melee fighters would be left guarding their territory while anyone with ranged damage and a flying mount was present and ready to go.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Good luck guys. Remember, no boots on the ground except for Alpha.


    /Alpha: Wind: Pays to be grouped with the boss.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Which Commander are we going after first?


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll work east to west, so Deceit, Anguish, then Despair.


    /Alpha: Pon: Where''d you send Milat and Gil?


    /Alpha: Nix: Soup is bringing them to her underwater entrance. Want to make sure it''s viable to send a large group through.


    Nix watched as Fey sprang into the air and headed outward toward the ocean. Given their wingspan, small groups of threes and fours gradually followed suit.


    /Alpha: Pon: They know our objective is North?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah... Watch and learn.


    Fey led her small group into a wide circle pattern less than half a mile off the southern tip of Xander. As the seconds ticked by, the numbers grew until Muncie, and all the drakes were present. With her group in tow, the Drakon continued south away from the Bone Fortress while gaining altitude.


    /Alpha: Pon: Can''t even see them now.


    /Alpha: Nix: Get ready; they are already coming back.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: All ranged fighters on me, soon as Fey passes us, we''ll move out.


    They came faster than anyone would have believed. One moment the night sky was empty; the next moment, an entire flight flashed by with the Drakon leading the way.


    Alpha team waited until Ronnie''s fighters left before starting their own objective. The group of five flew up the eastern coast in single file, low enough to hear the crashing surf.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll fly over stealthed and then.... sweet Mary...


    Deceit was the largest of the Burroughs; the entire territory glowed like a small sun. Charred bodies, melted equipment, and the haze of smoke completed what could only be called Hell.


    Chupa maintained a low altitude, not bothered by the insane heat coming up from the Burrough''s glowing embers.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Caught sight of the Burrough Commander, Nix. He has a small force with him; they are close to the Anguish border.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks, we''ll take it from here.


    Nix waited a few moments longer and then bailed off Chupa from about ten meters in the air. He landed in the middle of a brush fire; sparks cascaded in all directions from the impact.


    /Alpha: Pon: Something wrong with landing?


    /Alpha: Nix: This is quicker.


    Nix walked out of the flames and slipped his [Thine Enemy] ring on before motioning to his scouts. "Find us that Commander."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Woah...


    /Alpha: Wind: Found him. There are three of the paired witches with him and those dog-things.


    After giving Nezbit the one Nix brought back from the front, Inferno managed to learn a lot about the paired creature. They were smart and loyal, general consensus was that their potential was wasted by the Ice Faction, who used them as guard dogs.


    /Alpha: Wind: Wouldn''t mind one of those, if it''s possible.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Same.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Me too.


    Alpha reunited on a small ridge a hundred meters away from the Anguish border. The neighboring Burrough was already being burned into oblivion by Inferno''s AirPower.


    Nix did a double-take when he spotted the Burrough Commander. "What is that thing?"


    It was white in color and stood a head taller than an average man. It had four legs that were covered in some sort of natural armor plating, its upper body extended straight from the front legs, reminding Nix of the Centaurs from fantasy stories. Its upper body closely resembled a Preying Mantis with two long arms that ended in wickedly curved blades.


    Nix has cast [Black Ice Armor][Elemental Fiend: Lightning]


    Combination Successful.


    A Lightning Fiend has been summoned.


    A protective barrier has encased Semmi.


    A protective barrier has encased Wind.


    A protective barrier has encased Fajii.


    A protective barrier has encased Pon.


    /Alpha: Nix: Fajii and I will grab the Boss. The three of you take down those witches. The pets should stop fighting when their witch dies, providing you didn''t piss them off.


    [Daisy Chain][Silent Summons][Elmental Napalm: Ice Flame]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Sarik Blade-Hands has been silenced.


    Sarik Blade-Hands has been summoned.


    Sarik Blade-Hands been covered by a thin film of Ice Flames.


    Trila Rona has been stunned by a Lightning strike.


    Urban Segret has been stunned by a Lightning strike.


    Yano Bai has been stunned by a Lightning strike.


    Nix targeted the surprised Burrough Commander and sent his fiend after it; instantly, a small bolt of lightning struck the creature.


    Fajii has cast [Dead Earth][Rock Hands].


    Sarik Blade-Hands movements have been slowed by fifty percent.


    The Aquarion charged in, her rock covered fist striking at the exposed back of the Burrough Commander; before it could react, a half dozen strands of Emerald Flame wrapped around his body.


    Fajii has landed a significant blow.


    Sarik''s mouth opened as it tried to scream in pain and anger. Its soundless rage was amplified when it was yanked off its feet by the Inferno Leader.


    Nix dropped the strands and pushed Ice Flame into his sword hilt.


    [Dual-Chain][First Strike]


    Nix has followed up Fajii''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual-Chain][Stone Strike]


    Fajii has followed up Nix''s attack with a significant strike.


    Sarik Blade-Hands has resisted [Silent Summons]


    [Summons: Mantis Swarm]


    Sarik Blade-Hands has summoned a swarm of Razor Mantis.


    [Burning Aura: Emerald Fury Flame]


    Nix held his arm straight out, and as expected, the swarm of Mantis rushed toward the bright green flames.


    /Alpha: Pon: My witch is down, on my way!


    Fajii has cast [Dust of the Grave]


    All targets within five meters will lose sight of the target for three seconds.


    [Balefire: Hex]


    Pon has landed a Critical Strike on Sarik Blade-Hands.


    [Backstab][Void Strike]


    Double Combination Successful.


    [Dual-Chain Combination]


    Semmi has followed up Pon''s attack with a Significant Strike.


    Semmi has inflicted a Mortal Wound on Sarik Blade-Hands.


    [Lightning Strike]


    A Lightning Fiend has landed a strike.


    A Lightning Fiend has slain Sarik Blade-Hands.


    Nix stared at the waist-high lightning fiend. "You just stole my kill, you little bastard."


    "Commander''s Ring." Semmi looked up from the looting a few moments later and held up the ring. "Just crap here otherwise."


    /Alpha: Pon: Forgot you got your elements back...


    /Alpha: Nix: Nice to be back. Let''s head into Anguish.


    /Inferno: Nix: Any report on the Anguish Burrough Commander?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Oh yeah. Sorry for not updating. He''s dead. So is the Despair Commander.


    /Inferno: Pon: Seriously?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Yep. Fey killed one, and Muncie got the other. We picked up their Commander Rings.


    /Alpha: Pon: Well shit...


    /Inferno: Nix: Good job, Guys. Ours is down; let''s clean up any stragglers.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sending our melee teams out now, we''ve already grabbed a prisoner from each Burrough.


    /Inferno: Semm: Thanks, Junie.


    /Alpha: Pon: They were probably easy.


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe.


    Semmi rounded up all three of the paired creatures. They followed meekly behind her when she grabbed their leashes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: These don''t count as Spirit Companions?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. If you keep the leash in your inventory, you can use it to summon them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nothing to do here. Our AirPower seems a bit OP for this place.


    ******************


    An hour later, Nix lay comfortably on his cot while listening to Semmi and Jun Li talk about their battle plans. With all three Burroughs down and their graveyards claimed, the Undead Forces would be able to add another six hundred people in forty-eight hours. The rest of the Ice Faction Burroughs surrounded the Keep, but they couldn''t breach the walls until they controlled everything.


    Both Semmi and Jun Li were sitting at the table where they often play dominoes. Shae was sleeping peacefully while Fajii was visiting the recently arrived Aquarions.


    Semmi pointed at the Bone Fortress map on her hud. "We''ll take Turncoat, Zed, Orlais, Tribunal, and Tempest; in that order."


    Nix was only half-listening since this wasn''t an official discussion. His hud count showed that the Ice Faction number was at 5,251. By the time Inferno attacked the Keep, the Undead should have close to three thousand. They''d be slightly outnumbered but not too badly.


    "Shit..." Nix sat upright on the cot, his eyes staring off into space.


    The two women discussing strategy both stopped talking and stared at him.


    The sudden silence caused Shae to open one eye. "What''s wrong?"


    Nix swung his feet over the side of his cot. "I need to speak with our dragons."


    Shae sat up slowly. The Salamander was the only one who was able to leave the Bone Fortress at will. Nix would summon her to the Bone Fortress, and she used her Fire Palace anchor to return to Colonial. "I can try summoning you to Haven."


    Nix nodded. "Worth a try. The rest of you get some rest. Going to bring a full team into the Keep tomorrow."


    The blonde officer clapped her hands excitedly. "A Ratscursion?"


    Nix frowned at her. "You don''t get to say that."

 Chapter 546: Player Puppet

    "Nix locked the home-made coil spring in place after using the weight of six HEP rounds to contract it. The two of them had managed to create a spring-fed breech chamber.


    Pon was inspecting the right tube while his partner in crime finished loading them up. "The springs will probably break after a bit."


    "Six shots from each tube is all I''m hoping for." Nix jumped down from the rigged ladder and studied their monstrosity.


    The golems were about 8 feet in height; each of them had long tubes that, for aesthetic purposes, could be referred to as arms. Raising the arms up forced a projectile into the chamber, effectively locking it. There was no safety; at this point, firing became the best option. From trial and error, the duo discovered that firing both simultaneously wasn''t a good idea. The kick-back would either knock the golem to the ground or bend the fragile frame.


    "Men and their toys."


    Pon''s crabby face broke into a smile at the sound of Semmi''s voice. "Don''t women have toys?"


    Semmi kept her face expressionless. "Sure... but that''s a different topic altogether.


    Nix peeked from behind one of the golems. "Don''t flirt in front of me; you both suck at it."


    Semmi walked around the Golem where Nix was working. "You wanted to see me?"


    Nix nodded. "Hopefully, I''m about to head back to Haven for a few hours. I want you to assign a sniper team to the Keep. Have them target every open window they see. They should be able to get it done from the ocean."


    Semmi brought up her hud and highlighted the former Gladis crafters, Darsi''s people had all become snipers. "Toward what end?"


    Nix placed the 12th HEP round inside the framed track and then closed the panel. "I''ve been inside those rooms; each window has thick wooden doors that can be barred shut. I need those windows closed."


    "So you want them to stop firing when the windows are closed?"


    Nix nodded; the thing he loved about Semmi was her ability to put things together. "Yes. Once a window is closed, they stop firing at that one and move to the next."


    Semmi pursed her lips slightly while nodding. "Why? There several areas in the upper Keep that have lookout nests that we can''t get to. There''s no way we are going to surprise them."


    Nix grinned because he knew he was one step ahead of her for once. "Maybe I just like closed windows."


    Semmi sighed in frustration, a habit that blew the tip of her blonde bangs upward. "Don''t think I won''t figure it out."


    Nix winked at her. "I''ll let you name these Golems if you do."


    Semmi rapped on the nearest tube-arm with her bare knuckles, an action that caused both Nix and Pon to flinch slightly. "What? These things gonna blow up?"


    The duo glanced at each other and then shrugged. "Maybe," they answered at the same time.


    Semmi stepped away from the Golems. "I''m on it, Nix. What are their names now?"


    Nix nodded. "PetraZi and..."


    "Cuppiecakeninja," Pon finished.


    Semmi''s pretty face broke into a wide smile. "You two suck at naming. Going to change them to Thelma and Louise once I figure out your plans."


    Nix cringed slightly; he''d never let it happen. "Sure, Sem."


    [You have been Summoned by Shae Balefire. Do you accept?]


    "Yes. Cya guys!" Nix vanished from his spot behind the golems, leaving Pon and Semmi staring into the empty space.


    Semmi had been expecting it, so it didn''t surprise her. "Hey, Pon. Why does he want the windows closed?"


    Pon laughed loudly and shook his head. "No way!"


    The blonde officer wrinkled her nose at him. "You don''t even know."


    The old man shrugged and headed toward their crafting table. "Won''t work, Sem."


    ****************


    An instant later, Nix appeared on the balcony of his Haven Ranch. Three different people were smiling at him.


    "Styxx!" Bev hugged her brother tightly for a moment before stepping back and watching her father do the same. "Still hiding away in the Bone Fortress?"


    Nix laughed when his father hugged him. The oddity of having his old man look the same age as him still surprised him. "Hey, Dad. What''s up, Froglegs?"


    Bev shook her head slightly. "Nothing. We were visiting Hyai." His sister fixed him with a sly look. "Little Styxx has been busy."


    Nix shrugged slightly, Hyai must have told them about her condition. "Little Styxx only does what Big Styxx tells it."


    "Huh?" Bev''s eyes look confused for a moment before her complexion turned deep red. "Oh my God!! I didn''t mean it like that you... you..."


    Nix laughed at his sister. "If you don''t breathe, you''re gonna blow up."


    Shae gripped his hand and leaned in for a quick kiss. "Deidra is waiting."


    Nix nodded and opened a breach directly into Deidra''s nursery. "Back in a bit."


    **********************


    The warmth and humidity of Deidra''s nursery was vastly different than Tai''Qui''s. Was the environment nothing more than personal preference? Or did something else drive it? There was also more light in Deidra''s nursery; Dragon water pools glowed slightly while releasing steam into the air. The Solomon City Dragon Master was in the central pool, tending to an Emerald colored Dragon Egg.


    "Nice color. Is that normal?" Nix jumped right into the conversation since Deidra wasn''t particularly good or interested in exchanging pleasantries with people.


    Deidra''s brown eyes were focused on the egg; both of her hands glowed with flames as she pushed her element into it. "An interesting question. Normal in my experience talking to other dragons? I''d say no. However, for the Haven nurseries, it''s very normal."


    Nix disrobed quickly and let his Emerald Fury Flames light up before sitting in the water. "I want to talk about a delicate subject."


    Deidra stared at the bright green flames, she was going to ask him to charge the pool, but it seems that he already understood that. She turned away from the dragon egg and joined him at the edge of the pool. "Ask whatever you like."


    "What kind of control abilities do Dragons have?"


    Deidra''s cold face was emotionless. She had purposefully changed the way her human form looked. Her hair was worn up, and there was no visual sign of her horns. "Some of us have a line of abilities called Dominate. To my knowledge, neither Tai''Qui nor Sinfaya possesses it."


    "Do you?"


    Deidra nodded. "Yes. However, this spell branch is highly regulated by the Dragon Accord. It''s not like the Greater Heal Spells, where the intent is to heal, but lesser creatures fall asleep. The Dominate line is by nature, quite harmful."


    Nix considered her words for a moment. "What would happen if you cast a control spell on me?"


    "The marrow in my bones would become cursed, and within a few days, my strength would wither away."


    "Like dragons from fallen cities?"


    Deidra nodded. "Much faster and probably very painful." The dragon moved closer and closed her eyes.


    "What if I gave you permission?"


    Deidra''s eyes blinked open, showing the tiniest bit of interest. "You want me to dominate you?"


    Nix''s laughter echoed in the nursery. As soon as she said it, he pictured her with Mimi''s black leather armor and whip. "Let''s put a solid ''NO'' onto that... then lock it up in the ''no way'' vault that I have in the basement of my ''Not even if I die first,'' house."


    Deidra let a smile seep into her cold features. "I have no idea what you just said."


    "If a Dragon like Jargon Kane had permission, could he use that on one of the human Heroes from Trifecta?"


    Deidra''s smile faded into a frown. "Maybe. There''d have to be a blood contract between both parties as well as some sort of limited timeline."


    Hulo''s presence in the Keep raised every black flag in Nix''s head. "What kind of abilities would that mean?"


    Deidra looked troubled by the conversation. "Dragon skills wouldn''t carry over, but the person''s abilities would increase dramatically."


    Nix leaned back in the water, his eyes staring at the dark brown ceiling. "I think Hulo and Jargon Kane have entered into some sort of contract." He told her in detail about the seven Wildling hearts and how the Greater Spell fed off the land while it cycled through the Burroughs.


    "You misunderstand me, Nix" Deidra placed a hand on his shoulder, instantly jerking it back when it contacted his flames. She was silent for a long moment before continuing. "If such a thing were possible, and I''m not even sure that it is. You wouldn''t be facing this Hulo person with amplified strength."


    "No?"


    Deidra shook her head slightly and eased a few inches away. "You''d be facing Jargon Kane with his powers greatly limited. You might not appreciate the difference, but Jargon is a very dangerous opponent."


    Nix grinned suddenly. "Perfect. So if I punch this clown in the face, Jargon is gonna feel it?"


    Deidra''s perfect lips widened into a real smile. "Yes, and I would love to see that."


    The dragon watched him as he dressed a few minutes later, she had invited him to stay longer, but Nix had refused. "Going back now?"


    Nix shook his head and opened a breach. "No, I''m going to craft a few puppets and spend some time with my family."

 Chapter 547: Hostile Take-Over

    Nix appeared at the Greater House of Inferno a moment later and closed the breach. He could hear the sounds of sparring from the training yard, but instead of checking it out like he normally would, he resumed his mission.


    After activating his stealth package, he walked casually toward the entrance of Talumbir. After being nearly destroyed by Jargon following the Ratscue, the Dragon Master had spared no coin in making sure that it was rebuilt. To Nix''s knowledge, he hadn''t been seen in Talumbir in months.


    He walked through the gates and then proceeded to the barred entrance leading to the control room, where the Dragon Masters use to sacrifice their marrow. Two dragonspawn stood guard, but Nix walked past them without a second thought. He knew from experience that [Dragon Vision] wouldn''t see through his stealth package.


    Nix opened the gate just enough to squeeze through and opened his Breach Commander interface as he walked down the steep ramp.


    [Direct Contact: Bracot Yu]


    A dark-haired man popped into his holo. From the background that Nix could see, it looked like he might be in the Great Desert. The swordsman stared at him for a long moment; it was obvious he knew who the Inferno Leader was. "Breach Commander Nix. This is a surprise."


    Nix continued toward the control chamber; he could hear several voices on Bracot''s side. "I apologize for not contacting you sooner; your people did very well in the competition."


    Bracot frowned at the Inferno Leader. "We couldn''t win a single fight... How is that doing well?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Your bad luck in facing us. It would have been different had you faced another House."


    Bracot motioned towards someone Nix couldn''t see. "What''s this about, Nix?"


    "Is the House of Swords still interested in raising a Greater House?" Nix let his question sink in for a moment. "I''ve got one you can have. Gather your people together, and we''ll talk in a few minutes."


    Nix closed the holo and studied the panel for a moment before inserting his Master Key.


    Master Key recognized.


    [Talumbir System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key.


    "Display System Sub-Menus."


    [Talumbir System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Jargon Kane)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Enabled: Security Protocol)


    2. Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Enabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Enabled)


    c) Residential Power (Enabled)


    d) Business District Power (Enabled)


    3. Transportation


    a) Mark V Thrusters (On Standby)


    b) Orbital Stabilizers (Enabled)


    c) City Levitators (Enabled)


    4. Master Key.


    a) Annonymous (Nix)


    b) Intercity Communication (Enabled)


    c) Direct Control (Disabled)


    d) City Links (Enabled)


    "Open Security Interface, City Controller."


    [Talumbir System Operations]


    1. Security


    a) City Controller (Jargon Kane)


    b) City Shields (Enabled)


    c) City Gating Platforms (Enabled)


    d) City Gun Points (Enabled: Security Protocol)


    [A message has been sent to Jargon Kane regarding the use of the Master key. He has three minutes to answer.]


    Nix leaned against the panel and waited. From talking to Deidra, he had drawn two conclusions that needed to be tested. The first was that Jargon Kane is inhabiting Hulo. The second was that his consciousness is limited to what Hulo can see and hear in the Bone Fortress.


    The Inferno leader watched as the seconds ticked by; the worst-case scenario was that an outraged Jargon Kane shows up. "I''ll just run if that happens."


    (Three minutes Later)


    [New City Controller Recognized: Nix]


    "Elynmoor was the Dragon Master City that linked all the cities. However... I may have forgotten to mention that the City Key for Elynmoor works in all of them."


    Nix took a few moments to put Talumbir on Security Lockdown before turning his attention elsewhere. "Display Power Grid Menu."


    Power Grid


    a) City Utilities Power (Enabled)


    b) Greater House Power (Enabled)


    c) Residential Power (Enabled)


    d) Business District Power (Enabled)


    Deidra Mtui is attempting to contact you.


    Tai''Qui is attempting to contact you.


    "Curious, I bet. Allow Contact." A moment later, two holos popped up next to him.


    "Nix! I was just notified that Jargon Kane placed his City on lockdown." Deidra was still in her nursery. "The gate between our cities have been closed."


    "What are you doing, Nix? Are you in Inferno City?" Tai''s background showed that she was in the Gemini Training yard, most likely working with the Scorched Earth Acolytes.


    Nix ignored the question and continued working. "Disable Greater House Power and display the sub-menus."


    Greater House Power (Disabled)


    1) House Shields (Disabled)


    2) House Portals (Disabled)


    3) Tactical Communications (Disabled)


    4) Emergency Protocol [Inactive]


    "Display Emergency Protocol Menu."


    Emergency Protocol


    1) Divert Power


    2) Enabled Sharing


    3) Evacuate Residents


    "Evacuate Residents."


    [You''ve chosen to Evacuate Residents. This will temporarily enable Gating Platforms while residents are being expelled to random cities within the Sky Kingdom."


    "Evacuate Residents, when that''s finished, put the City back on lock-down." Nix stepped away from the console and faced the two holos. "Sorry, a bit busy here. What can I do for you two?"


    Deidra''s normally calm face showed the smallest measure of concern. "What are you doing in Talumbir?"


    "Let''s call this a Hostile Takeover." Nix removed Inferno''s Master City Key and headed back up the ramp.


    Tai said nothing further; her laughter made Nix''s smile even wider.


    "Nix!" Deidra''s voice rose slightly while considering his actions. "Taking over a Dragon City is impossible!"


    Nix shrugged slightly and pushed open the gate at the top of the ramp. "So was breaking into one that was locked down." The guards were gone, so was all the background noise that had been present earlier. "He was notified that someone was swimming in his pond, but he didn''t respond. What do you think that means?"


    Deidra gathered her thoughts for a moment while she considered the question. "If he knew you were there, he would have come."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "You bet your ass he would have. If you guys want to help, find out where that bastard is hiding."


    Nix closed the communication and then opened another immediately after. A wildling dragon stared at the holo in surprise. "Need your help, Una."


    The dragon morphed immediately into her air elemental form. "Whatever you need."


    Nix smiled widely. "Don''t want to hear what it is first?"


    Una shook her head. "Doesn''t matter."


    ******Author''s reminder******


    Unaqoir, the former Dragon Master of Verynzai, was helped by Nix on three separate occasions. After defeating Menial in Chapt 294, he placed her in a Dire Wolf puppet to save her life. In Chapter 307, he put her in the Air Elemental puppet, where she took the name Una Chelonia. Finally, in Chapter 460, he helped her win a new wildling body at the Tembai Academy.


    **************************


    "Great, I''ll open a Breach." Nix could tell she was in the Haven''s Emerald Desert; both she and Tharaka had needed a safe place to meld with the young dragon bodies. He personally invited them to Haven.


    A moment later, a white-winged Una stepped into Talumbir. Her short green hair had grown a bit since he''d seen her last. She fixed him with a big smile. "Did you steal Talumbir?"


    "Steal is such an ugly word. Want it?"


    Una''s pretty face was a picture of confusion. "Want what? Talumbir?"


    Nix nodded and pulled her by the hand. "His residence is this way; I bet anything that he keeps the Talumbir Key there."


    "Wait!." Una put the brakes on and was dragged a few meters before Nix realized. "You can''t give me Talumbir!"


    "No? Give me three good reasons."


    Una let herself be pulled toward the Master''s Office. "You don''t have the City Key! How''d you even do this?"


    Nix continued his march. "Never mind how I did it. We''ll find the key. Anything else?"


    "Yes! This is a Planar Trial city, not like the ones you already brought up. Unless you plan on staying locked down, you''ll need an inhabited Greater House."


    Nix stopped at the familiar house that Inferno had broken into when they rescued Elan Mtui. "I got one!"


    "You have a house? Are you bringing the Greater House of Inferno here?"


    Nix let go of Una''s hand and opened the door. "No. Anything else?"


    Una sighed heavily and followed him in. "I''m not afraid of Jargon Kane; I would have torn him apart in my prime. He''s going to kill you when he finds out."


    "I''ve got a plan to deal with him." Nix pushed open the doors to Jargon Kane''s office and started going through his desk.


    "You''re crazy, Nix." Instead of arguing further, Una started searching the other side of the office.


    "YES! I found it!" Nix turned to face her, his grin stretching from ear to ear.


    "You found the Master Key?"


    "Huh?" Nix glanced down at the drawer he was rummaging through. "No. I found this gold pen! I had to leave it last time I was here, no pockets. I did leave a nice note, though."


    "Focus, Nix." Una found his grin to be infectious. "You''ve been here before?


    "Sure." Nix pulled the drawer out of the desk and dumped its contents on the floor. "That bastard ass!"


    "What now, Nix?" Una noticed he was reading something he found. "That a contract?"


    Nix nodded and turned to the second page. "With the Thieves Guild in Mocai. Check it out."


    Una closed the cabinet she was searching and examined the contract Nix held out.


    [Request: Mocai: Thieves Guild]


    [Client: Jargon Kane]


    Task


    A demon horse has been seen in Everspire and throughout the known realms. Several powerful figures have requested that we acquire the horse known as Nightmare. It has a flame aura and will aggressively defend its master. The current owner resides in Haven but has been known to leave frequently. This is a multi-guild event.


    [Additional Directions]


    This has to be done in secret. I will consider this contract completed when the item in question is delivered to my Residence in Talumbir.


    "Wait here!" Nix stomped into the hallway.


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    The demon horse appeared in front of him an instant later; he stroked her head and waited for a moment.


    [Contract Complete]


    You have reduced the jail sentence by 100 years. Please report to LuAnne at the Mocai Thieves Guild.


    Una waited in the doorway, not saying anything. After a short period of time, Nix unsummoned his mount. "Why do you look like you''re enjoying this?"


    "Cuz I am. Let''s get back to searching."

 Chapter 548: Verynzai

    "You''re a very odd man, Nix."


    Nix inserted the Talumbir Key and made Una the new Dragon Master. "Told you we''d find it. Might as well change the name while we''re here unless you want to keep it."


    Una shook her head. "Verynzai, please."


    "A good choice." Nix changed the name of the city and stepped away from the console. "You remember how everything works. Let me see what the House of Swords wants to do."


    Una followed him up the ramp. "I will put the word out; those of my blood will slowly return here. I''ll limit access for now to the House of Swords and Inferno."


    Nix exited into the now eerily quiet Dragon City, formerly known as Talumbir. A short walk past the Main residence led them to the first Greater House. "Is this City anything like the original Verynzai?"


    Una shook her head. "No, by comparison, this one is much more luxurious. Surprisingly Jargon has invested a lot of gold into cultural initiatives."


    "Well... Inferno did blow-up quite a bit of it." Nix stopped in front of the Greater House and took a seat on a nearby bench while Una reset most of the Greater Houses and all of the residences. She left businesses and shops alone as long as they bore no direct affiliation with Jargon Kane.


    The entire process took about thirty minutes, but the architectural impact was immediately obvious. When a Greater House is reset, all the amenities are removed, and it becomes a regular House again. To restore it to a Greater House would require a group to follow Inferno''s same path when they raised their Greater House. However, stepping into an existing Greater House only requires the Dragon Master''s approval.


    Una nudged the Inferno Leader with her foot, unable to tell if he was awake because he hadn''t moved in several minutes and his eyes were closed. "What was the name of the House you''re bringing in?"


    "The House of Swords, I''ve seen them fight in the past; they are strong enough." Nix stretched slightly and stood up. "You left three Greater Houses?"


    "Yes. I''ll put the House of Swords as the first of my Greater Houses. I saved one for the eventual Greater House of Chelonia, and the third is a gift for you."


    "For me? That''s very sweet." Nix opened up his Breach Commander Interface.


    [Direct Contact: Bracot Yu]


    This time when Bracot Yu''s holo popped up, it was obvious that he was standing in a large crowd. The leader of the House of Swords was barking orders and only stopped when he spotted Nix. "Tell me you''re on the level, and this isn''t some sort of hoax."


    Nix held back a laugh. "I''m on the level, and this isn''t a hoax. It needs to happen now. Are you ready?"


    Bracot''s rugged face seemed torn by indecision. Their house would be removed from Solomon City once they became part of another Dragon City. "I... Fine, bring us in."


    Nix nodded and closed the holo. "Can you still open a breach?"


    "Of course." Una made a gesture with her delicate hands, and a breach appeared directly in front of them. A moment later, Bracot Yu entered, followed closely by the House of Swords.


    Nix whistled softly; the eyes of everyone they had fought while raising the Greater House of Inferno were focused on him. The Inferno Leader raised a hand to quiet them down. "This is the Honorable Dragon Master Una Chelonia, and you are now standing in the City of Verynzai. Una and Verynzai have a long and storied history; she will share with you what she wants. However, this is where I exit."


    Una grabbed his hand before he could say anything else. "Going to leave? Just like that?"


    Nix nodded. "Yeah. I still have things to do before heading back to the Bone Fortress."


    Una released his hand. "You contacted me and asked for a favor, but then somehow I ended up with a Dragon City."


    Nix grinned and opened up a breach to Have. "Jargon Kane was a blight on the Sky Kingdom, but if you find anything nice in his residence..."


    Una returned his smile with a nod. "I''ll set it aside for you."


    "Thanks."


    *************


    "What''s this one?" Mina sat on the floor next to the couch where Hyai was taking a nap. They both were watching Nix craft puppets but the InnKeeper had fallen asleep.


    Nix checked his queue before answering. "That one is a Ravager, we already have one in the Bone Fortress, but we could use two."


    Mina stroked the soft black fur. "Sinfaya gave you a size limit?"


    "Six items only." Nix used the Ranch interface to browse the trade market for crafting items. "Damn it... those otters are too big." The inferno leader had been crafting otters since he returned from Verynzai, the problem was that the only available otter components were the large ones found in Titania.


    "I''ve seen you shrink things before." Mina slid closer to him until their arms were brushing.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Just talking out loud, I have to make an emperor level Otter puppet to combine with my Nether Rat." He made several purchases and then closed the hud. "Why are you so close?"


    Mina''s pale face seemed bluer than before, something she said was caused by pregnancy. Normally, her pale skin had only the slightest blue tinge to it. Unexpectedly, she leaned closer and pressed her lips against his, holding the kiss for a moment before moving away. "Hyai said I should try that, it went better than I thought."


    Nix turned toward the redhead who was no longer sleeping. "Don''t put ideas in her head."


    Hyai smiled and stood slowly. "Did closing your eyes help?"


    Mina nodded. "It''s better when I can''t see his face."


    Nix frowned at her before walking into the kitchen. "You definitely had your eyes open in Ever Flame."


    "Don''t snack now, Nix. I have something in the oven." Hyai stretched her arms overhead and followed him.


    "Got something in the oven?" Nix grinned at her. "Maybe a bun?" A muffled laugh from behind them caused him to turn. Mina was biting her lip while studying something on the table hud.


    Hyai shook her head and let Nix wrap her up in a hug. "No."


    Nix glanced at the Aquarion who had closed her hud and was watching them. "Two buns?"


    Hyai pushed him away with a smile. "What are you talking about, Nix?"


    ***************


    Morti splashed through the surf, tossing sand and water in all directions as he chased after Fey and Milat. Gil was in his Bone turtle form, basking in the sun next to the sleeping Soup.


    The Inferno Officers were watching the cub while talking amongst themselves.


    Pon''s wrinkled face showed a scowl. "How long has it been?"


    Semmi''s blue eyes were content to stare at the water, the breaks in the Bone Fortress didn''t come often. "How long has it been since Nix left? Or how long has it been since we asked Morti to summon him?"


    They had approached Morti three times in the past six hours since the cub claimed he could summon Nix. Each time he considered it for a moment before refusing.


    Wind laughed at the old man''s sour expression. "Go make him, Pon. I''d pay money to see that one."


    Pon''s face slowly turned into a grin. "Yeah right. He keeps saying Nix isn''t ready yet. How would he know that?"


    Semmi nudged the old mage with an elbow. "Shush, he''s coming."


    Morti was in his bear form, his soaked fur was matted with sand and dripped sea-water onto the ground as he approached them. "He''s ready."


    [Summons: Nix]


    An instant later, Nix appeared in front of the group.


    "Oh god..." Semmi covered her eyes and turned around. "Naked Nix strikes again."


    Fajii handed him the clothes she prepared since she was expecting him to show up this way. Nix got dress quickly and then removed Sinfaya''s box from his inventory.


    "Anything going on?" Nix hugged the soaked cub, his eyes scanning the beach until he spotted the sleeping Sea Turtle.


    "Darsi and her group managed to close most of the windows in Keep. Only a few holdouts still have them open." Semmi fell in step beside the Inferno leader as he headed up the beach where Soup was sunning herself.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What''s in the box, Nix? Presents?


    /Inferno: Wind: Gotta be puppets.


    /Inferno: Nix: Had to choose carefully, since the box is limited to six items.


    /Inferno: Pon: It''s like Christmas. I bet you brought some weapons! Maybe some kick-ass armor!


    Soup sensed Nix''s approached and slapped the sand with her flipper.


    "Keep away from my turtle, Gil!" Nix frowned at the Turtle Titan before sitting down beside the Sea Turtle. "Got you something nice."


    Sea Breeze: Shape Shifter Set


    Description: This lightweight jumpsuit is an [Osprey]


    Shape-Shifting Set. [Custom: Soup only]


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 2000 to Armor Class


    + 100 to all Base Stats.


    +300 to Speed.


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: The Cooldown on all water abilities is divided by two.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Fire Damage


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Nether Damage


    Nix held the jumpsuit in front of Soup so she could see it. "Want to try it?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: You made Soup some gear? How is she going...


    Soup morphed into her evolved form, her round green eyes staring at the jumpsuit as she reached out a jade-colored hand. "Soup?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: Soup evolved a human form?


    /Inferno: Nix: Not quite, but this is probably the best she can do.


    Nix nodded and handed her the jumpsuit, the seaweed wrap that covered her, disappeared a moment later to be replaced with a skin-tight green jumpsuit that closely resembled a wetsuit. "Try it out."


    Soup stepped into the surf as she walked across the surface like a water-spider.


    /Inferno: Milat: That''s impressive.


    /Inferno: Gil: Why do you even have a turtle companion? You should let me have her bond!


    An instant later she disappeared into the water only to reappear several meters away when she burst free of the surface and rose high into the air. At the apex of her jump, she transitioned into an Osprey and started gaining altitude.


    /Inferno: Fey: I better help her.


    A moment later, the Silver Drakon took to the air in a storm of sand and seawater. Several disgruntled faces frowned as Fey effortlessly caught up with the flying Soup.

 Chapter 549: Ratscursion

    /Inferno: Pon: A flying turtle, now I''ve seen everything. Next item, Bastard!


    Nix removed a pair of gloves and linked them before slipping them on.


    Ashobel Clawz [Faction Based]


    Must be an ally of the Ashobel.


    Description: A soft brown leather


    glove that is both comfortable and


    durable.


    Activation: Upon activation, the user''s


    primary path temporarily becomes melee


    and the gloves become the hands of an Ashobel


    warrior.


    [Enhancement: Miniature Animation .25] Desert Basilisk


    /Inferno: Jun Li: That basilisk is badass.


    /Inferno: Wind: Agreed. Keep going?


    Nix pulled out his Rat-based Emperor puppets. "This is about it; the rest are some crafting items for myself."


    Skelly-Sasi was staring hard at the Ravager puppet. "Are these both the same?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. The smaller one is a Rotter." He picked up the Rotter puppet and motioned toward the Ravager. "That one is yours, Sasi. I don''t have the demon reflexes that you and Rabi have!"


    /Inferno: Semmi: We have an Officer meeting planned for the morning. We could have it now instead.


    /Inferno: Nix: In the morning is best. I need Alpha, Milat, and Gil for a moment.


    Milat has joined Alpha.


    Gil has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Milat, I need you to take the Aquarions and move into the lower levels of the Keep.


    /Alpha: Milat: And do what? We can''t go to the upper levels, right?


    /Alpha: Nix: You''re going to protect Soup. That''s your mission.


    /Alpha: Gil: I won''t let anything happen to her.


    /Alpha: Nix: Right... Stay away from my turtle.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Where we going with this?


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s a Ratscursion! Milat''s group will stay in the lower levels and wait. Alpha is going to head in and plug the holes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What holes?


    /Alpha: Nix: You''ll see. We''re going to seriously fuck things up! We Rat up in one hour!


    An hour later, Nix was studying the Keep''s image on his hud.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Gather your team and get them in position.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Understood, Trip-7.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Rabi is so happy, he can''t stand it.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Sasi is even happier than Rabi!


    /Alpha: Rabi: Why do you have to say that?


    Nix held a hand up to stop any further argument. A few extra bunks had been brought into their tent so that the entire team could be located in the same area.


    Semmi lay on her back, playing with the Rat puppet she was about to occupy. "Going to send everyone the loadout."


    [Bone Fortress, 0100 hours Ice Faction: 5,241 Undead: 1,801]


    [Ratscursion]


    Nix: Rotter


    Rabi: Ravager


    Sasi: Ravager


    Pon: Nether Rat


    Semmi: Nether Rat


    Wind: Nether Rat


    Fajii: Nether Rat


    Duran: Nether Rat


    /Alpha: Duran: Thanks for including me!


    /Alpha: Nix: It made sense, you know the Keep better than anyone. Just keep in mind, I''m the Rat-King... not you.


    /Alpha: Duran: Sure, I''ll be the Rat-Bard!


    /Alpha: Nix: Acceptable. Stealth up and follow me.


    Nix followed the coastline north toward his entry point at Ducky''s window. The group of eight moved in single file until they arrived at their destination.


    /Alpha: Nix: My entry point is Ducky''s window. Thanks to our Snipers, there are only six other open windows. You have your assignments. Scout out the room and close the window from inside. If the room is occupied, do not engage.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Is someone doubling up?


    /Alpha: Nix: Rat-Bard is with me.


    Nix scampered up the side of the wall, immediately noticing that the Rotter claws weren''t as good for climbing as the Ravager had been. However, all four feet were substantially wider and webbed.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Two Rats are approaching your window!


    Ducky''s head peeked over the edge almost immediately; when he was close enough, she grabbed him and pulled him in.


    "Nix! This one is different. A water creature?" Ducky held the Rotter in her arms and carried it to her bed, leaving the Rat-Bard to enter on his own.


    Ducky has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Is this another Ratscue?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. A Ratscursion. Tell Pradi to find a good hiding spot on the upper levels, but not on the roof. Update me on what''s been happening.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Hi Ducky.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Hey Ducky.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Well... The deaths of Glacia and Sandi were discovered. At first, it was believed they killed each other. Somehow they discovered the truth and that Pradi and I were involved. They haven''t connected Soup or the Ravager puppet with the Undead Faction. They are blaming my Faction for this.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You have a faction?


    /Alpha: Ducky: Of course. The Ducky Faction.


    Semmi and Pon were the last to arrive at Ducky''s room. It had taken some doing, but they managed to close all the windows in the keep.


    /Alpha: Nix: Where''s Pradi?


    /Alpha: Ducky: I sent him to the upper level of the Keep to hide.


    /Alpha: Nix: Has Hulo made any moves?


    /Alpha: Ducky: Yes. He''s stepped into the power vacuum created by the deaths of Sandi and Glacia. For some reason, both factions have aligned under him.


    /Alpha: Nix: We avoid Hulo tonight. He can wait until we kick the doors down on this place. Bring us to the entrance to the lower levels.


    Ducky nodded and walked casually down the hallway. To anyone who happened to see, she appeared to be taking a late-night stroll by herself. The group of rats moved single file while hugging the right side of the dimly lit halls.


    After several turns and a few flights of stairs, Ducky arrived at the archway that signified the lower levels'' beginning. At this point, Nix took the lead and advanced to the first landing.


    /Alpha: Nix: Everyone stay here. I''ll make contact with our friends.


    The Rat-King scurried down the stairs and stopped at the first hallway. The floor was damp here, but any lower and the dampness would become standing water.


    [Whisper: Nix to Milat] In position?


    Several twisting halls and flights of stairs away, the Aquarion waited with a team of sixteen fighters, including Gil. Nix had been clear about their task, Don''t let anyone interfere with Soup. His alien eyes watched the water creature as it stood casually on the surface of the waist-deep water.


    [Whisper: Milat to Nix] Yes. Standing by.


    [Whisper: Nix to Milat] Do it. And hold this spot for as long as Soup needs.


    [Whisper: Milat to Nix] Understood.


    "Soup!" Milat called the Sea Turtle''s name, immediately, she looked at him. "Nix says it''s time."


    Soup''s jade-colored arms raised to her side as her aquamarine eyes focused on the water beneath her feet.


    Soup has activated [High Tide].


    The group of water creatures struggled to brace themselves as seawater rushed into the cavern. Within a few seconds, the room was filled to the ceiling. Soup floated gently in place, not bothered by the swirling current of water as it rushed in. The flow continued without showing any signs of slowing down.


    /Bravo: Gil: She''s going to flood the lower levels?


    /Bravo: Milat: That''s my guess.


    As soon as he made contact with Soup''s team, Rat-Nix reversed course and headed back. By the time he was one hallway from his team''s hiding spot, he could feel the rush of air blowing against his fur as he ran. The floor beneath his feet vibrated in front of the inevitable stampede.


    The Rat-King darted up the stairs, stopping just short of the landing. "Incoming! These are mine! Form a line! It''s take-out.


    Nix spun just as the stairs turned into a carpet of running rats.


    Nix has cast [Dominate].


    Nix has dominated 1,000 common rats.


    The Rat-King ran past his group, with all his minions in tow.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I''m next! Where we taking them. Upstairs to fight?


    /Alpha: Nix: Up the stairs and turn left. There''s a stair leading to the upper level. I''ll be waiting there!


    The rest of Alpha started activating Dominate as the landing turned into a wind tunnel that was slowly pushing the team upward. Pon grabbed his rats last, barely able to move as the flow of rats threatened to overrun him. The last thing he saw was the rush of water that chased him up the stairs.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shit! Fuck is that shit?


    /Alpha: Nix: Those are rats, and that''s water. Catch up, old man; we''re waiting.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You used the water level to drive all the rats upward. There must be tens of thousands of them!


    Rat-Nix watched as the dominated rats entered the staircase and stopped; however, the rest of them scurried in all directions in a mad panic.


    /Alpha: Semmi: What now? Break off and engage?


    /Alpha: Nix: Nope. Follow me.


    Nix took the stairs up, continuing to move upward past each level until they were well past the mid-levels. The stairs finally stopped and exited into a large room. Three other staircases could be seen on the opposite corners of the room.


    /Alpha: Duran: This is the Great Hall! It''s four levels from the top of the keep.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Why aren''t we lower? I don''t understand...


    /Alpha: Nix: Semmi, you''re with me at this exit. I want two people on each of those staircases. Move!


    Before everyone had a chance to get in place, an alarm sounded in the castle. The blaring sound of a klaxon drowned out any other sounds.


    Rat-Semmi stood next to the Rat-King, her sharp mind trying to figure out what Nix was planning. Driving the water up had given them a rat army. They were only common rats, but nearly ten thousand of them could threaten anything. The rush of wind up the stairs interrupted her thoughts; it felt the same as the landing in the lower levels.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Nix? You''re going to flood the entire keep?


    /Alpha: Wind: huh?


    /Alpha: Nix: Not the entire Keep. Just to the level below us. They''re coming!


    Nix wasn''t sure what level the water was at yet, but panic hung in the air as a dozen Trifecta rushed up the stairs.


    Nix has commanded his minions [Attack]


    Semmi has commanded her minions to [Attack]


    /Alpha: Nix: Try to keep the kills on the stairs; if we can stack up bodies, it will slow them down.


    The Rat-King jumped into the mix. The stairs were too narrow and cramped to swing any kind of weapon effectively. He sunk his teeth into the leg of a magic user and sliced through the tendon before leaping onto the next. The pushing and jostling continued, with the occasional fighter making it past but as minutes ticked by, the stairs became clogged with casualties.


    Nix retreated temporarily when he noticed that his minions were down by about half. Hundreds of undominated rats filled the stairs as they followed their instincts in an effort to escape the rising tide.


    Nix has activated [Dominate].


    Nix has dominated 911 common rats.


    /Alpha: Nix: Use the rats coming up the stairs to refresh your minions!


    As the minutes passed by, the stairs became unpassable. A short while after that, the sound of water rushing down the halls below them could be heard.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] The water is two levels beneath you. It''s stopped rising. Lots of cats in the cradle, Trip-7.


    Nix nodded slightly and pulled his minions out of the stairs.


    /Alpha: Nix: Send the rest of your minions up to the roof to fight it out. Then retreat back to camp.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Greenlight Darsi. Light up anything on the roof.


    Nix sent his minions to the roof and scampered for the stairs. The bodies were three or four layers deep as he slowly made his way to the bottom. The hall exiting the stairs was flooded to the ceiling; dozens of bodies floated in the halls while others were near the doors.


    The Rotter zipped down the hallway, stopping every once in a while to gain his bearings. From the positions of some of the bodies, he could tell that some had attempted to reopen the barred windows. The weight of the water rushing in would have made opening those large doors impossible.


    /Alpha: Nix: You okay, Ducky?


    /Alpha: Ducky: Of course. I''m a Water Witch.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Rabi has left the Keep. So has Sasi!


    /Alpha: Sasi: I was going to report that!


    /Alpha: Rabi: Sorry.


    /Alpha: Pon: I''m trailing the rest of them. Everyone''s out. You good, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah. Be back after I check on some stuff.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Holy crap Nix...


    /Alpha: Nix: What?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Their numbers are at 3,018! They lost more than two thousand.


    /Alpha: Nix: I did say we were going to fuck them up.


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh. This ain''t no tea party.


    /Alpha: Wind: Prey will always be Prey.


    /Alpha: Pon: I like that, can I use it?


    /Alpha: Wind: No.


    Nix found Ducky''s door, despite the light being nonexistent. He wasn''t sure how long the Rotter could go without breathing, but it had been at least ten minutes, and he wasn''t struggling.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''m at your door.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Okay, I''ll let you in.


    Rat-Nix attempted to swim into Ducky''s room but was grabbed before he could tumble to the floor. The Water Witch''s room was as dry as the Great Desert. The Water stopped at the doorway as if being held back by an invisible barrier.


    "That''s pretty impressive." Nix waited until Ducky sat him down, noticing that the Rotter''s fur dried almost immediately.


    Ducky favored him with a smile. "Normally, I''d let it come in, but I have some nice things in here that I don''t want to get wet."


    "You''re doing really well, Ducky. Thanks for the hard work. We''re almost done here, a few days, and we''ll be knocking on the door." Rat-Nix turned back toward the door. "How''s your thief?"


    "Pradi is okay. He said that the main force is in the top four levels of the Keep." Ducky bent down and stroked the Rotter''s head. "What do you want me to do next?"


    "Is Pradi good at underwater stuff?"


    Ducky nodded. "His Thief class has a water Attunement."


    "Really? You want to keep him around when we leave this place."


    "I''ve already questioned him extensively. Pradi is very nice. He''s what you''d call a wise-butt."


    "Wise-Ass? He should fit in then." Nix paused at the door. "Up to you, Ducky. Either way, I want you to take a quick look around and then head down to Bravo team."


    Ducky clapped her hands excitedly. "Soupy!"


    The Rotter swam down the middle of the hallway, dodging the occasional bodies that were still floating. Spotting the entrance to the lower levels, he put on a burst of speed and darted down the murky stairs.


    Nix has joined Bravo.


    Nix found the group a few minutes later, near the exit to the sea. Soup was floating upright, her jade feet a few feet above the cavern floor.


    /Bravo: Nix: How''s my girl doing?


    /Bravo: Milat: She''s getting tired.


    Nix circled her once, getting her attention. He patted her round face with a webbed paw, signaling that she could release the Tide.


    /Bravo: Nix: Ducky will join you sometime today. Stay here and keep an eye on things.


    /Bravo: Gil: We taking on the next Burrough?


    /Bravo: Nix: Not sure yet. I''ll send someone to brief you on our plans.


    Several minutes later, the Rotter puppet left the surf near their camp and trotted toward his tent. He could hear the voices of his team talking when he entered.


    "Welcome back!" Semmi picked up the Rotter puppet when it went limp and put it aside with the other puppets they had used. "Bravo team all good?"


    Nix sat up slowly; for once, he didn''t kick the Orion who was sleeping on his feet. "Good job, everyone. That''s a big win."

 Chapter 550: Turncoat (one)

    Nix woke slowly; the feel of a wet nose pressed against the side of his face pulled him from a deep sleep. "If you''re licking my face again, Del, I''m going to slow roast you over... " The Inferno Leader stopped talking when he opened one eye. "Oh, hey Morti."


    "Hey, Nix." Morti huffed softly, making Nix''s hair stand on end.


    Nix turned on his side, his eyes straying to the open tent flap. "Need something?"


    "I want to fly. Everyone else gets to fly." Morti''s big black nose filled his entire line of sight.


    "You''re too fat to fly, Morti." Nix pushed the cub''s nose away and sat up. "Didn''t we talk about waking me up before 1000 hours?"


    "Yep. It''s 1130. I asked Semmi to make sure."


    Nix''s sigh was filled with discontent as he stretched in place before heading toward the exit. "Where is everyone?"


    "At the beach. I think you''re in trouble again, Nix." Morti exited the tent after him and matched his stride.


    "Me? I never get in trouble." The duo walked toward the beach with Nix leaning against the Titan cub as they walked.


    "You can put one of those camo things on my helmet and make a bird shape."


    "Bears don''t fly, Morti. It''s common knowledge."


    "Turtles don''t fly either."


    "Good point. How about I look into it?" Nix stopped at the edge of the sand and scanned the beach. Most of the Inferno Officers were sitting in a large group near the end of the surf.


    "Thanks, Nix. I want a small bird. The smallest one you can find."


    Nix stopped and turned toward the cub. "Tired of being bigger than everyone?"


    "Dunno. I''ve always been the biggest."


    Nix scratched the cub''s ears with both hands. "If it''s important to you, then I will definitely do it."


    "Thanks, Nix. You''re my best friend."


    Nix chuckled and pushed the cub''s big head away. "Don''t forget it."


    "I won''t."


    Nix approached the group; no one was using their bone form. "Did I miss anything?"


    Semmi got up without speaking, accompanied by Jun Li, Nezbit, and Fajii.


    Nix took a seat next to Pon. "What''s going on, old man?"


    Pon didn''t even try to keep the large grin off of his face. "Stepped in it this time, Punk."


    Wind chuckled from the other side of the Fire Mage. "Agreed. Although for the record, I don''t disapprove."


    "The hell are you two jokers talking about?" Nix glanced at the others sitting nearby. Sasi was the only female who hadn''t left when he joined the group. "Those guys mad at me, Sasi?"


    Sasi nodded and pointed to the beach''s far side where Sharl and Ronnie were talking with Bali.


    "I don''t get it." Nix waved at the sisters. "They''re mad at Sharl and Ronnie?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I''m trying to decide if you are dense or just oblivious.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] If given a choice, I''ll pick oblivious.


    Nix shrugged slightly and stood up. "This is a waste of my time. Going to find something to do."


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''re going to have an officer''s meeting.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Aren''t you staying for the meeting, Nix?


    Nix was halfway to his crafting area when he sensed the footsteps behind him. Fajii caught up with him and matched his step. "Talking to me today?"


    Fajii gripped his hand in hers and squeezed gently. "Sorry, I was trying to figure out why they were upset. Human women are difficult to understand."


    Nix laughed at her statement. "I have no reply for that."


    "Want me to tell you what''s going on?"


    Nix stopped at his crafting table and took a seat. "Not really." He removed a pair of bracers from his inventory and slipped them on. "I missed these guys."


    Fajii stared at the bracers for a moment. "Those are the Arch Wing bracers?"


    Nix nodded. "Brought them back with me yesterday."


    "Those were the 5th item? So there''s no way you could have..."


    Nix brought up his hud and started studying the Turncoat Burrough. "No way I could what?"


    Fajii''s face showed her confusion. "They think you brought back swimsuits for Sharl and Ronnie."


    Nix laughed at the statement. "That''s dumb. I have six items to bring back, and I''m going to waste two slots on swimsuits? Do they think we''re on vacation here?"


    "They didn''t have those swimsuits before. I think they assumed that you brought them."


    "Did Sharl and Ronnie say I brought them back?"


    Fajii shook her head. "No one asked them."


    "I summoned Shae last night so we could discuss the Trifecta; she left again almost immediately." Nix leaned back in his chair, enjoying the feel of the sun on his face. "Going to get some mileage out of this one."


    /Inferno: Nix: Hey Ronnie. Where''d you get those spiffy swimsuits?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Shae brought them back for us last night!


    Fajii leaned closer and kissed the side of Nix''s face. "They should have known better. What was the sixth item?"


    Nix held up the last item, his wide grin showing all of his teeth. "Like it?"


    Fajii glanced between the item and Nix. "Um... It''s very nice, Nix."


    "Gonna fly around some. We''ll talk later." Nix stood up and summoned Chupa. "She also brought back some black hands. Hahaha. Shits kinda funny."


    Nix disappeared in the swirling darkness as the Shadow Raven rose effortlessly into the air; it banked into the wind and continued to climb as it headed out toward the ocean.


    "Head north, Chupa. Want to get a look at the Turncoat Burrough." The Deceit Burrough to Turncoat''s transition saw the terrain switch from snow-covered foothills to a wide expanse of ice fields. According to Alphie, a large section of the Burrough had once been an inland fresh-water lake. The Burrough itself bordered the SW section of the Keep.


    ********Authors Note******


    A map of the last five Burroughs and the Keep can be viewed on Discord. There is also a map of the Bone Fortress. I''ll try and post it here.


    ****************************


    The Fog of War was still in effect, so Nix could only make out terrain features. The rules would change once they claimed Turncoat. Although it was bordered to the North by the Tempest Burrough, only Zed could be attacked next. These rules would force Inferno to move counterclockwise around the Keep as they claimed each of the last five Burroughs. Only then could they assault the fortress.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] I can''t decide if I''m an idiot or too hasty.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Pick one.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Both. Accept my apology?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Sure.


    /Inferno: Nix: Who''s guarding the last Deceit prisoner?


    /Inferno: Jiggs: That would be me. Going to relieve me?


    /Inferno: Nix: Wack him. I''m going in.


    The Undead Faction has claimed the Deceit Burrough.


    Nix checked his hud for any messages before taking note of the faction numbers. A moment later, he turned off guild notifications and slipped off his [Thine Enemy] ring as Chupa approached the enemy camp at a steep dive


    [Bone Fortress, 1210 hours Ice Faction: 3,018 Undead: 1801]


    Wooded Barricades were built in staggered circles around a log fort that housed a modest-sized camp. The familiar Trifecta flag flew overhead. The Shadow Raven purposefully slowed when they passed over, giving Nix enough time to toss out his last reserve of Teardrops. Before they completed the pass, Nix kicked free of his mount''s saddle and bailed out.


    Somewhere before impacting the ground twenty meters later, the Lich King''s Emerald Fury aura lit up. An instant later, his bone feet punched deep holes into the ground as both snow and ice fled from his path in a high-pitched hiss of escaping steam.


    Nix scanned the immediate area before bringing in his reinforcements.


    [Summons: Morti]


    [Summons: Tor, Cal, Shadai]


    Morti has joined Resolute.


    Tor has joined Resolute.


    Cal has joined Resolute.


    Shadai has joined Resolute.


    All four of his summoned companions appeared in bone form. The giant Bone Bear stood on his hind legs before dropping to all fours with a thud that shook the ground.


    /Resolute: Morti: We''re in a fort?


    /Resolute: Nix: Yes. No more Mr. Nice Bear, Morti.


    /Resolute: Morti: Okay.


    /Resolute: Cal: Do we have any backup?


    /Resolute: Nix: You''re the backup.


    The group stood in the SW corner of the fort, just inside of the sharpened log barriers. A thick haze of smoke blanketed the area, the din of shouting and the slamming of doors seemed oddly quiet following the explosions that had taken place a few seconds earlier.


    /Resolute: Nix: Large building straight ahead. Let''s break it.


    [Hellfire: Emerald Fury][Firestorm: Emerald Fury]


    Two massive storms collided inside the wood structure as Hellfire rained head-sized balls of flames downward, the ground beneath them was set ablaze by Firestone. Within seconds, the stout wood structure was engulfed in flames.


    An instant later the Bone Bear crashed into the side of the burning structure. Both paws slammed into the weakened wall causing it to collapse inward. Morti continued forward, using his body to widen the hole as his deafening roar filled the air.


    [Ground Pounder]


    All enemies within 25 meters must attack.


    Six men that had been heading for the exit, turned suddenly and rushed the Inferno group. Their own eyes wide with fear as they were forced to run through the flames to face the Bone Bear.


    A half dozen strands of emerald fire shot outward and wrapped around the two nearest fighters. Both looked to be heavy armor types, so instead of engaging, Nix slammed them down onto the burning floor several times before casting them aside. A huge paw swept the other four aside when they rushed in, the Bone bear reared back on his hind legs and stomped downward.


    An instant later, the burning floor exploded upward, sending burning embers in all directions as a figure stood calmly amidst an aura of black flame.


    /Resolute: Morti: Hey...


    /Resolute: Nix: Yep. It''s a salamander.

 Chapter 551: Turncoat (conclusion)

    The salamander was in human form, a slim male figure with long flowing black hair that touched his legs'' back. He wore black armor that was intricately scaled, the obvious work of a master craftsman. He wasn''t bothered by the burning building; his dark eyes switched from Morti and then back to Nix as if he couldn''t decide who to focus on.


    "Black flames? Is that Necrofire?" Nix drew his hilt and pushed black ice into it.


    "This is demon flame, of which Necrofire is a derivative."


    /Resolute: Morti: What''s he doing here? Swat him?


    /Resolute: Nix: He''s a spirit companion.


    The Lich King''s teeth clicked together loudly. "Want to give up?"


    A flaming black sword appeared in the salamander''s hand. "My flames will melt your bones, Lich."


    Delix has cast [Blackened Corpse].


    [Interupted!] Morti has activated [Trample]


    Delix has been stunned.


    Nix has cast [Black Ice: Sculpture].


    Talon Kane has activated [Dragon Leap].


    [Interupted!]


    Morti''s big paw swatted the dragon spawn out of the air, sending him crashing into the floor like a spike into soft mud.


    Nix has cast [Black Ice: Sculpture]


    Morti turned his head sideways as he stared at the ice-encased fighter. "Isn''t that Dragon Pong?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep. Sure is."


    "Did you bring sandwiches?"


    Their conversation was interrupted when the wall nearest them collapsed inward, making the entire side of the building shake.


    Nix shifted into his Basilisk form and petrified the dragon spawn. The giant serpent''s luminous yellow eyes considered the salamander for a moment before doing the same to him.


    /Resolute: Shadai: I like the basilisk form, Nix. It''s scary.


    Nix shifted back to his Lich King form. "Leave them for now. Let''s head to the next building.


    Morti slammed into the door with both paws, destroying it and most of the wall as he charged out into the open area with the rest of the group behind him. The sound of fighting could be heard in several different parts of the fort; the Titan cub scanned the area around them.


    /Resolute: Morti: Dad is outside of the walls. Edie is leading a team from the west; they are already in the fort.


    Zeryntoro has activated [Rockslam].


    Morti stepped forward, swatting the boulder to one side before it could crash into his group.


    Cleric Emi has cast root.


    Zeryntoro has been rooted.


    /Resolute: Nix: It''s the Burrough Commander.


    Zeryntoro was twice the height of a normal person and more than three times as wide. His lower legs were covered in fur that ended in black hooves. His upper body bulged with muscles all the way up to a bovine head that emphasized his massive horns.


    A skeleton cleric stumbled into view from one side; she tripped on her white robes and fell face-first into the melting ice while the shield she had been carrying skidded towards Mort''s feet.


    The cleric climbed to her feet and chased down her shield before taking refuge behind the Titan cub. "It''s a Minotaur! Be careful."


    Cleric Emi has joined Resolute.


    Edi has joined Resolute.


    Rossa has joined Resolute.


    Jubo has joined Resolute.


    Cymric has joined Resolute.


    Mo has joined Resolute.


    /Resolute: Edi: Hey Nix! Want to team up and take this guy?


    /Resolute: Nix: Leave the Bull guy to Morti and me. Sweep the nearby area for Ice Faction; if you don''t find anyone, then help us finish him off.


    ****Author''s Note******


    This group was the last living members of the Undead Faction. They held the Xander Burrough and sacrificed themselves in order to create a grave within the cave so that Alfie and Edi could hang on.


    ************************


    Zeryntoro has resisted root.


    Morti charged toward the Minotaur, his claws tossing up chunks of solid ice as he bore down on the Burrough Commander. The Creature produced a massive Kite Shield that appeared to be made of some sort of stone with the bottom of it ending in a barbed point.


    Zeryntoro has activated [War Trench].


    The Minotaur''s shield stabbed deep into the ground as he braced himself to take the Bone Bear''s charge.


    A moment before colliding, Morti reared back and slammed both paws into the kite shield. A loud cracking echoed the sound of the strike as the bottom of the shield was sheared off, and the enormous Minotaur knocked back into the burning building.


    Nix has cast [Storm Rider][Execution].


    An instant later, Nix appeared behind the fallen creature, his Black Ice blade slicing through the Burrough Commander''s upraised arm while taking off one of its curved horns.


    Zeryntoro has activated [Raging Bull].


    A Minotaur has become Enraged. All incoming damage is nullified. All strikes from the Minotaur are critical strikes x3.


    The Burrough Commander roared in pain as he climbed slowly to his feet. His eyes had turned blood red, the veins on his muscles threatened to burst from the skin.


    A dozen strands of Emerald Flame wrapped around the Minotaurs neck as Nix braced his feet into the burning embers and hauled backward. Before the creature could respond, powerful jaws clamped over his Bovine muzzle dragging him toward the ground.


    The sound of Nix straining to hold the strands was drowned out by the roars of Morti and Zeryntoro as the three of them lent their considerable strength toward surviving. Unable to move under the tremendous strength of the Titan cub, the Burrough Commander howled in frustration as his Rage counter neared zero.


    The powerful red aura around the Minotaur faded suddenly, resulting in his massive strength failing completely. The Bone Bear swatted him into the dirt before coming down on him with both paws. An audible crack could be heard as the Burrough Commander released an agonizing howl.


    Nix has cast [Storm Rider]


    An instant later, Nix appeared behind the Minotaur, his Black Ice blade stabbing downward through the creature''s neck and into the ground below.


    Burrough Commander Zeryntoro has been slain.


    ****************


    In the aftermath of the battle, a handful of enemies were taken prisoner while another Graveyard fell into the hands of the Undead faction. Nix dug out the two petrified members of the Ice Faction and had them carried back to camp. Instead of flying back on his Shadow Raven, Nix decided to walk back with Morti.


    "Sometimes, it''s fun just to wing it." A familiar voice spoke from behind the duo. Semmi smiled at the Inferno leader. "Forgive your fishing buddy, for being dumb?"


    Nix nodded. "Of course but you''ll owe me one."


    The blond officer wrinkled her nose at him. "Junie is sorry too."


    Nix snorted impolitely. "Then she can tell me in person."


    "Great job today, Commander!" Alfie''s group saw the duo walking back and had decided to join them.


    "Thanks for the back-up." Nix didn''t have to pretend to be impressed. After the Commander died, he helped them clear out the central part of the camp. It was obvious how they managed to hold the tip of Xander Burrough for so long; they were very good.


    The sound of metal on metal contact followed by a loud curse caused Nix to turn the other direction. Cleric Emi picked herself off of the rapidly thawing soil, holding out her muddy bone hands like they had snakes on them. "Of course, I found the only mud in the Burrough." The undead cleric carried a shield but appeared to be weaponless.


    "You don''t carry a mace or anything?" Nix noticed that several of her friends politely looked away.


    The skeleton cleric froze in place, with her hand covered in mud; she had no way to hold her robe off of the softening ground. "I''m not allowed to hold weapons."


    Alphie let out a loud laugh; a moment later, the rest of her group joined in.


    [Summons: Nightmare]


    An instant later, the demon horse appeared in front of them, pushing its muzzle into the Lich King''s face.


    Nix''s boney hand stroked her head for a moment before gesturing toward the cleric. "Give our cleric a ride back to camp."


    "Really?" Emi handed her shield to one of her friends before accepting a hand-up. "Thanks!"


    Nix held on to Nightmare''s lead and resumed walking beside the Titan cub. "Next time, we''ll team up with your dad."


    "Sounds good. He passed me up in kills today."


    Nix placed his free hand on the cub''s shoulder. "Can''t let that happen, right?"


    Morti''s rumbling laugh made the small group join in. "Yeah. I gotta catch up!"


    [Whisper: Cymric to Nix] Thanks for letting Emi ride. She''s a bit on the clumsy side.


    Nix glanced over his shoulder to make sure she wasn''t going to fall off. His mom had been like that. She was banned from using knives in the kitchen. The memory warmed him for a moment before he put it aside.


    *****************


    [Bone Fortress, 1800 hours Ice Faction: 2,820 Undead 1,761]


    Nix summoned Shae so that she could attend Officer''s meeting. The small group sat in a circle outside of the TOC.


    /Officer: Semmi: What was Talon Kane doing here? Is Jargon backing the Ice Faction?


    /Officer: Nix: Jargon Kane uses a dominant ability to control the Trifecta leader actively.


    Nix felt everyone''s eyes on him, so he continued.


    /Officer: Nix: It something I suspected since I ran into Hulo while I was inhabiting the Ravager. I verified the ability with Deidra. I also checked whether or not Jargon Kane was aware of current events. He is not.


    /Officer: Pon: How can you be sure?


    /Officer: Nix: I took Talumbir and gave it to Una Chelonia. He would have been notified when I initiated the takeover.


    /Officer: Wind: Damn, Boss.


    /Officer: Semmi: What about the House of Kane?


    /Officer: Nix: I expelled them.


    /Officer: Semmi: We lost 40 today, but we trimmed their number by two hundred. We''ll revive our 40 people in two days.


    /Officer: Jun Li: At which time we''ll also pick up an additional two hundred fighters from the Turncoat graveyard.


    /Officer: Nix: That''s our timeline; every two days, we''ll move to the next Burrough.


    /Officer: Semmi: Recent events have shown that we are all feeling stress. Half of us take tomorrow off, the rest take the day after that off.


    [Whisper: Chiba to Nix] Since we''re off tomorrow, let''s try and get some bladework in.


    [Whisper: Nix to Chiba] Sound good.

 Chapter 552: Interrogation

    Nix leaned his chair back until his face was in the sun and then closed his eyes.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: I''ll tell you if you get a bite!


    /Go Fish: Nix: Thanks.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Want me to check your bait?


    /Go Fish: Nix: It''s fine.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Want something to drink?


    Nix opened one eye and glanced at the Gemini Champion. Since the misunderstanding the day before, Junie had been going out of her way to be nice to him. "We''re good, Junie. That''s not something that would really bother me to start with."


    Junie smiled at the Inferno leader and cast her line into the river. "Who made these poles?"


    "Fat Jubo," Nix replied.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: From Alfie''s group? How can a Skelly be fat?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Not sure. That''s just what he calls himself.


    "GOT ONE!" The Ravager splashed out of the water on the other side of the river. A large silverfish flopped out of its elongated mouth and onto the rocky shore. "Rabi has caught one!" Without speaking any further, it immediately started eating.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Hmm... I''ll keep my pole.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Same, although my Rotter would work better here.


    /Inferno: Alfie: Ready to question the prisoner?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yeah. Is Pon there also?


    /Inferno: Pon: Already here.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Just keep the line in the water; we''ll watch it.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Today is your day off, Nix.


    "It''s fine. If you catch something, save it for later." Nix left his equipment and headed toward the trail leading to the building they had constructed to house prisoners. Del stretched lazily on her rock before getting up to follow him.


    The two walked in silence while enjoying the mid-morning weather of the Bone Fortress. Every time the Undead Faction took over a Burrough, the result would be a sudden warm spell that lasted several days. The Honor Burrough was almost already completely green. The six Burroughs that they''d conquered since then were thawing at an unprecedented rate.


    Del''s furred head rubbed against his hand while they walked. "I was thinking, Nix. This is actually a seed world. Right?"


    Nix nodded, letting his hand rest on her head while they continued on their path. "A seed world that''s anchored to Eidengal. Bone Fortress has a lot of special rules."


    "What happens when we defeat the Keep and erase the Ice Faction from this place?"


    Nix waved at the guard who was standing in front of their prison; without pausing, the skeleton guard waved the pair through. "It would make a great training world, especially for the Titans."


    Pon''s old face lit up with a smile when Nix entered the containment area. The mage gestured toward the rock encased figures. "Who we starting with?"


    "Shae."


    "Huh? Shae isn''t here?"


    Nix nodded a placed a hand over his chest. "I know; we could use her insight on this one." He pictured the salamander in his head, a moment later, the air in front of them shimmered as a new person arrived in the room."


    Shae''s pretty face showed some surprise; she hadn''t expected to be brought back today. "Did something happen?"


    Nix pointed at the two living statues. "One is Talon Kane; the other is a salamander."


    She placed a hand on the nearer one. "Demon fire."


    Nix nodded. "That''s what he said; let''s question him first."


    Nix equipped his sword hilt and pushed white sonic flames into it. It buzzed loudly like a high-pitched cutting tool as he slowly began removing large chunks of the rock from the figure. Once the rock was removed, the Inferno leader placed a hand on the Black Ice; the ice around the salamander''s face fell away under his touch.


    Within a few seconds, the dark eyes of the salamander blinked open. His eyes glanced between Shae and Nix, both of who were in their human forms. "Had I known the Lich King was you, I would have run instead."


    Pon snorted loudly. "Fucking straight you would have."


    "Let''s make a deal." Nix placed a hand on the imprisoned salamander''s ice-covered shoulder. "I''ll be honest with you, and I expect the same from you."


    The statement seemed to amuse the black-haired salamander. "How could you know if I''m telling the truth? For that matter; why would I believe anything you say?"


    Nix stepped away and moved beside Shae. "First truth, no matter what you say, Talon Kane is going to die."


    Delix didn''t reply, but his eyes showed a complete lack of concern.


    Nix was temped to rap his knuckles on the salamander''s forehead since the prisoner seemed content to stare wordlessly at Shae. "How did Talon Kane get into the Bone Fortress? Does he have a specific mission here?"


    Delix ignored the questions and spoke to Shae. "Two Irridescent salamanders, not something you see every day given their rarity."


    Shae''s glanced toward Nix; her lips widened into a smile. "Nix is an Emerald salamander, not an Irridescent like me."


    Delix seemed to find the statement amusing, his soft chuckle somewhat out of place given his situation''s severity. "Iridescents are rare, and Emeralds even more so since they are a mutated form of Irridescent. I''m surprised you didn''t know that."


    /Inferno: Nix: Is that right, Shae?


    /Inferno: Shae: Honestly, I do not know. It seems to fit your origin since my meta-flames caused you to evolve the form in the first place.


    Nix snapped his fingers in front of Delix''s face. "You seem unconcerned by your Spirit Companion''s inevitable death. You think he will respawn at the Greater House of Kane, which will result in him resummoning you. Unfortunately, that is not the case."


    Delix''s face showed that he didn''t believe the Inferno Leader. "You''re talking about the Black hands? The artifacts only work for a limited time."


    /Inferno: Shae: Is that true, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: First I''ve heard of it. Doesn''t matter, though,


    Nix moved closer until he could feel the salamander''s breath on his face. "I thought we were going to be honest."


    "Black hands have been around for a long time; the House of Kane has tested them. They expired one year after activation." Delix''s dark eyes showed amusement; he could tell that Nix hadn''t known that.


    Nix smiled suddenly. "If that''s true, I didn''t know about it. Fortunately, my plans won''t be affected at all. The Greater House of Kane no longer exists."


    His words grabbed the salamander''s attention. "What?"


    Nix''s smile widened to show all of his teeth. "The Dragon City of Talumbir has been given to Dragon Master Una Chelonia and renamed Verynzai."


    "Impossible."


    Nix shrugged and moved toward the second stoned figure. "All the inhabitants have been expelled, and the Greater Houses reset. The First House of Verynzai is now the Greater House of Swords."


    Delix''s expression said that he wasn''t buying the story. "I thought you were going to be truthful?"


    Nix brought up his hud and changed Delix''s status from POW to active. "When you get put on POW status, you lose access to your hud. Now that I''ve removed it, you should be able to use it again."


    A flaming sword appeared in Shae''s hand. "Nix will free your hand for a moment, be careful what you do with this freedom."


    Nix spent a few minutes freeing the salamander''s arm and then waited while the salamander stretched it out.


    Delix brought up his hud, before glancing back at Nix. "What am I suppose to be doing? I can''t contact anyone."


    "I know." Nix moved slightly so he could see the salamander''s hud. "Isn''t there something important missing? It should be grayed out, but yours is gone."


    Delix stared at his hud for a long moment before his eyes widened. "It''s a trick!"


    Nix changed the prisoner''s status back to pow, immediately, the hud closed. "Your Greater House Icon is gone."


    /Inferno: Shae: He thinks your lying.


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    Nix pushed Black Ice into his sword hilt and, without pausing, stabbed through the head of the petrified dragonspawn. Delix gasped in shock as a transparent tendril became visible between the salamander and Talon Kane. A moment later, the bond between them faded into nothing.


    The silence in the room stretched for several seconds as Delix stared at the dragonspawn. "If returning were possible, our bond would have remained."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I only spoke the truth."


    Delix''s complexion turned pasty as he stared at the Inferno Leader. "We haven''t been here long, a few weeks only."


    Shae let her flaming sword burn out. "How did you get here?"


    Delix shook his head slightly, sweat breaking out on his forehead. "Talon summoned me. He was brought here through a sacrificial exchange."


    The Inferno Leader circled the prisoner while he considered the next question. "What is that?"


    "It''s a witch ritual. You can bring someone in from the outside; however, you must sacrifice one of your own faction to do so." Delix''s eyes were no longer calm; he could feel that his life hung by a thread. "I know something else! Jargon Kane wants the Bone Fortress! He wants it bad enough to have seeded several of his dragonspawn throughout the Burroughs!"


    /Inferno: Nix: He doesn''t know that Jargon Kane is controlling Hulo.


    Shae lowered her voice slightly as if telling Delix a secret. "If you can tell us one valuable thing, I will ask my mate to spare your life."


    "I... There''s something valuable here, Hulo searches in secret!" Delix''s voice trembled slightly when he spoke. "I overheard Talon communicating with Hulo. He used a word I had never heard before."


    Nix shared a glance with Shae and Pon before leaning closer. "What word?"


    "Spectrum."

 Chapter 553: Che Miner

    A day had passed since the death of Talon Kane; as promised, Shae asked Nix to spare the life of the Delix. The Inferno Leader had considered it for a moment before he refused and removed his head. After the questioning, Shae once again left the Bone Fortress on a mission given to her by Nix.


    Pon and Nix stood next to their Golems while trying to figure out how best to deploy them.


    The old mage''s face was set in a disgusted scowl. "You and I aren''t going to be helping with the Zed Burrough?"


    Nix shook his head. "If Shae is able to make contact with Halla, then we''ll have some help for a special mission."


    Pon''s scowl faded immediately. "Special mission? The Turncoat Graveyard is about to reset. Is our help coming through one of the Covens?"


    "Affirmative," Nix noted that Alfie and her group were walking toward the graveyard in question. "Let''s head over and check it out."


    Jun Li stood at the Turncoat''s Graveyard. Unlike the previous Burroughs that was broken down into precincts, the five Burroughs surrounding the Keep were not divided into smaller sections. While she was reviving two hundred of the Undead allies, Semmi was at the Deceit Graveyard, recovering the fighters that died during the last battle.


    Nix and Pon followed Alfie as far as the Honor Burrough before stopping. Fighters coming from outside of the Bone Fortress respawned here.


    "Remember when we first came here, old man?"


    Pon nodded. "How can I forget, you landed on me."


    Nix smiled at the memory. "Five of us kicking ass. Seems almost unfair now."


    "Fuckem. I love unfairness when it''s tilted in my favor."


    Thirteen people appeared in the spawning area at the same time; only twelve of them were skeletons.


    Pon pointed out the obvious. "Guess the ferret guy is our person?"


    Nix nodded and waved toward the person who was obviously looking around for someone. The Che was covered from head to toe in white fur, small ears pricked forward when the two fire mages approached.


    "Yellow eyes, black hair, and absolutely beautiful. You must be Uncle Nix." Brilliant green eyes stared at the Inferno leader before bowing deeply. "Allow me to introduce myself. I''m Deya, a proud member of Inferno City."


    Pon laughed loudly at the description. "Someone paid you to say that!"


    The beautiful eyes turned toward Pon. "Old, wrinkly, and smells of..." The black nose sniffed the air a few times before she finished her sentence. "sulfur. You must be Pon."


    Nix held back a laugh and shook the offered hand; the Che was thin and not quite five feet tall. The Ferret woman squeezed his hand tightly before throwing herself at him in a tight hug.


    /Inferno: Pon: The ferret people usually so friendly?


    /Inferno: Nix: Some are.


    The Inferno leader politely extricated himself from her grasp. "You know why you''re here?"


    Deya nodded. "We should discuss this someplace else.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Follow me."


    "You''re just like my dad described." Deya favored him with a fanged smile when she fell in step beside him.


    /Inferno: Pon: Is it me? Or does she really like you?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Who we talking about?


    /Inferno: Semmi: It does sound intriguing.


    /Inferno: Pon: Our ferret girl that arrived today. She''s extra nice to Uncle Nix.


    Inferno: Semmi: Uncle Nix?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Woah! Off-limits!


    /Inferno: Fajii: One of the Che is here?


    Nix shot a glare toward Pon, who was grinning from ear to ear. "Who''s your dad?"


    "Tofo."


    Nix stopped in mid-stride. "Fatty was your Dad?"


    Deya nodded in agreement. "He was a bit tubby. He said you were fierce! And someone he could trust."


    Nix sighed heavily and gripped the Che girl''s hand in his. "I''ve said those same things about him. I loved those guys, Tofo, Amb, and Po. My fierce ferret friends."


    ********Author''s Note********


    Nix met the three ferret men in chapter 132. All three died transporting Spectrum in chapter 225.


    ****************


    Deya laughed at the description, a soothing sound that made Nix smile. "Uncle Amb and Uncle Po wanted to come to visit you; they just never had the chance."


    The memory of his ferret friends put Nix in a good mood. Even though all three of them were dead, their memories still made him smile. "Did Fatty tell you about the giant snake that ate him?"


    Deya rolled her eyes but kept her grip on his hand. "His favorite story! Do you really have Emerald fire strands, Uncle Nix?"


    "Yeah. I''ll show you. What''s with this Uncle business?"


    "Dad said you were his fierce brother. Doesn''t that make you my Uncle?"


    "Hmm... I suppose it does." Nix shrugged at Pon, who seemed to be hanging on every word. "Got an opinion, old man?"


    Pon nodded. "Can never have too much family."


    ***************


    Deya stood confidently in front of the small group from Inferno. Fajii managed to find some leggings and a shirt to wear even though the Che insisted that neither were necessary. "I''m a miner, specifically adept at finding the exact mineral you are looking for."


    Nix put a hand up, causing her to pause. "Sorry, Deya, this is Chiba and Beta."


    Beta smiled politely at the Che miner. The Mtui operative had discovered long lost family in Core''Dium, which of course, was where her race was from. "Are you related to Halla?"


    Deya considered the question for a long moment before answering. "Just about all the Che are related in some way or another. If we are, then it would be quite distant. He''s not like my Uncle or anything, although I call him that."


    Chiba''s old face showed a lack of concern; she was only half-listening as she sharpened one of her swords. "What if Hulo has already found it?"


    Nix muttered a curse under his breath. He could only begin to guess why the Hulo wanted it. "We need to get into the Keep."


    Deya green eyes glanced north toward the Ice Fortress. "The person searching is stuck in the Keep?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''re moving out in six hours. Land battles only, now that we''re in view of the Keep, I don''t want them to know how devastating our AirPower is.


    Nix read the guild message and took note of his team''s frowns. No one wanted to sit out the Zed battle. "Yeah, and we can''t get to him yet."


    Deya shrugged as if it didn''t matter. "Then we are fine."


    Chiba''s sharpening stone stopped in mid-stroke. "How so?"


    Deya pointed west of them, toward the ocean. "The Spectrum is over there."


    Deya has joined Inferno.


    Chiba has joined Pathfinder.


    Pon has joined Pathfinder.


    Deya has joined Pathfinder.


    Beta has joined Pathfinder.


    Chiba stared out over the ocean to where the Che Miner was pointing. "Do you see an island out there, Apprentice?"


    Nix shook his head. "Sure don''t."


    /Pathfinder: Beta: Are we equipped for an underwater mission?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Let''s scout it real quick and then see what we need.


    Deya screeched in surprise a short while later and clung tightly to Nix as Chupa suddenly took to the air. The Raven gained altitude quickly, followed by three Bone Crows. Without waiting for directions, Nix point Chupa in the direction the Che Miner had indicated.


    /Pathfinder: Pon: How big is this World seed?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: It''s mostly ocean, but I''ve never attempted to find out.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] What if we fly off the end of it?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Flies on a windshield.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Really?


    /Pathfinder: Deya: We are passing directly over it.


    Nix banked Chupa in a wide circle and studied the ocean beneath them. There was no sign of land or even a reef of any kind. "Just circle here, Chupa."


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Going to take a closer look. Don''t let your Uncle Nix fall off.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: Huh?


    Nix removed the Rotter puppet from his inventory and inhabited it. The Otter spared the surprised Che a glance, making sure she was holding on, and then abruptly jumped off. "Cannonball!"


    The Rotter entered the water and stealthed before heading straight down. Light from the sun penetrated several meters into the surface of the calm seas. Slowly the light dimmed as he advanced lower. Neither the pressure nor the darkness affected the Rotter''s ability. Visibility in the darkening depths appeared like a summer day to the hybrid''s eyes. Although the Rotter didn''t seem to have any sort of thermal vision; its underwater sight was crystal clear.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: I just dropped you by accident, Uncle Nix. Should I be concerned?


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: My poor Apprentice...


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Very funny.


    After nearly two minutes of diving straight down, the first glimpse of seaweeds came into view. As on Colonial, the plant growth grew straight up light stalks of corn before branching outward in a wide variety of greens and blues. Within a few seconds, it thickened and became nearly unpassable. A glimpse of brown told Nix that he''d found the bottom.


    The dense sea foliage made the search go on much longer than it should have, but Nix found a clearing where the rocks formed a small canyon. At the end of it, a large cave was visible.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Found it an entrance. Kind of looks like an old mining shaft.


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: Old shafts are good.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: On my way back up.


    The Rotter returned to the surface and immediately went limp; a few seconds later, Nix snatched the puppet out of the water when Chupa buzzed the surface with a flyby.


    /Pathfinder: Pon: Going to have Shae bring us some Aquatic gear?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: No. Something way better.

 Chapter 554: Riddle Serpent

    Nix stood at the edge of the surf, watching the distant waves that had seemingly come out of nowhere. One moment the blue surface had been calm, and then small swells started crashing against the shores.


    Nix, Pon, Chiba, Gideon, and Deya stood in a circle talking. In the three hours since they scouted out the ocean, Beta had decided to swap out with Gideon in order to fight alongside her Commander. Apparently, it was something she never got to do.


    Gideon''s dark face held the barest semblance of a smile. "You guys disappointed that I replaced Beta?"


    "Yeah, a bit," Pon admitted.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "A second-stringer might slow us down."


    Gideon made a rude gesture at the two mages, even though he was smiling at them.


    Chiba feigned nonchalance. "If Master Beta wants to fight in Zed, that''s okay with me."


    Shae arrived a few minutes later, carrying one of Sinfaya''s boxes. Before saying anything, she hugged Nix with one arm, kissing him several times despite the audience.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: She seems to really like you, Uncle Nix.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Really? I barely know her name.


    Pon snorted loudly before clapping his hands together. "These better not be swimsuits." He grinned at the redheaded salamander.


    Shae gave the group a mysterious smile and then opened the box.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: Woah!


    /Pathfinder: Pon: Forgot we even had these.


    Nix ran a hand over the smooth surface of the Darkwater Craft. It was thirty feet long and had three rows of seats. Inferno hadn''t used them often, but only because they didn''t have many underwater missions after the Cai''Song Artifact was destroyed.


    Shae watched as everyone but Nix boarded the craft. She squeezed his hand. "Be careful, Nix. From what we know about Spectrum, even knowing about it is dangerous."


    Nix leaned closer kissed her cheek. "See you when we get back. Going into Zed?"


    Shae nodded and waited while he boarded. "See you soon."


    Nix slipped easily into the captain''s chair and activated the map interface that doubled as the forward viewing window. He set the destination as the cave entrance that he had scouted out, and a moment later, the craft started in motion with a sudden lurch.


    Pon was sitting in the co-pilot chair, although there was really nothing for either of them to do once they started. The tinted protection of the craft''s shields turned the deep blue water green. "How are we able to submerge? I thought this craft stays just below the water."


    Nix watched as the underwater landscape slowly began to change; almost immediately, the craft pitched steeply downward. "That''s the first setting. The second allows it to hug the ocean floor. If I used the first setting here, we''d be stuck a few meters beneath the surface."


    Pon glanced over his shoulder at the three passengers. "The girl is a Miner? Does that mean she doesn''t fight?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Her dad didn''t look like a fighter, but the reality was quite different. Let''s keep an eye on her."


    Pon nodded and then pointed at the approaching rock formations. The seaweed started to sprout up, but the craft pushed through them without slowing. "What do you think we''ll find?"


    The group went over some last-minute plans before their arrival. Nix would stay in the front, while Gideon and Chiba protected their flanks. Pon would keep an eye on Deya in the center of the formation.


    The craft stopped at the navigation point that Nix had set before they left. The Inferno leader studied the displayed map; the cave entrance showed a path that extended into the darkness. It appeared to move forward about two hundred meters before stopping abruptly. He adjusted the Nav-point to the new destination before leaning back in his chair. "I hate fumbling in the dark."


    The craft eased forward again, entering the cave; the passage narrowed immediately before beginning a sharp descent that lasted a handful of seconds. A loud scraping noise on both sides of the vessel caused Pon to start muttering curses under his breath. After a few rough areas, the path sloped upward before slowing to a slow crawl.


    "Lights up ahead, Nix" Pon pointed at the shadows that were moving in front of them. The craft lurched forward one final time, breaking clear of the water. The protective barrier rescinded and showed a well-lit cavern nearly ten meters across. The path they had been following continuing forward, out of the water.


    Nix climbed over the side and assisted his teammates as they disembarked one by one. "Any read on the spectrum, Deya?"


    Deya nodded and pointed down the stone path. "That way."


    The smell of seawater coupled with the damp mold of wet rocks filled the air as Nix activated his stealth and started forward. "Torches are new; someone is keeping this place up."


    The path beneath their feet had been careful constructed with gray cobblestones; the walls were perfectly engineered out of the same color brick. Pon kicked at the moss-covered floor. "This seems like something you''d find in the Keep."


    A sense of uneasiness caused Nix to equip his sword hilt. Without warning, a shadow moved toward him, causing the Inferno Leader to push green flames into his sword in an effort to block, blood-spattered against his face as a heavy blow landed on his chest, knocking him into Pon.


    Gideon filled the void; his dual-wielded daggers held low as while he thrust outward with both blades. Stabbing only the empty air, the assassin assumed a guarded position. "No target."


    Deya helped Nix to his feet, moving slightly away from Pon, who was glowing with orange flames. "I saw something, but it was fast!"


    Nix coughed blood into his hand. Whatever struck him had completely bypassed his armor. He felt the warm flow of blood running down his abdomen. "Looked like a snake, only bigger."


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: You okay, Apprentice?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Yep. Let''s continue.


    Nix has cast, [Elemental Healing].


    Green flames erupted around the Inferno Leader, causing everyone to take a step back in surprise. When it rescinded, Nix''s wounds were gone.


    Since stealth wasn''t an issue any longer, his Emerald Fury aura burned brightly as he led the team down the tunnel. The shadows of his five friends stretched outward like obscene stick men. Abruptly the source of shade disappeared as they entered a bright chamber.


    The torches flared all at once before fading away completely. A single source of light hovered in front of Nix. Twin pin-points only a few meters away, after a moment, he made out the image of a large head.


    /Pathfinder: Nix: The hell is that...


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Sea Serpent.


    /Pathfinder: Pon: Big ass Dragon-Snake.


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: Demon penis.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: Please don''t let it eat me... How is that a penis?


    "You... the old man. Step forward and challenge me."


    The torches on the walls relit as the speaker was rendered visible. It had a heavily scaled head with a snake-like body. Several sets of clawed legs ran down the length of it. Monstrous fangs protruded past the bottom of its mouth; poison dripped from the barbed tips, the impact hissing while corroding the stone floor.


    Pon stepped forward, his hands glowing with power. "What do you want?"


    "Not you, Mage of Fire. The other old man." The serpent''s voice hissed with a spine shuddering sound like fingernails on a chalkboard. Both of its eyes focused on Chiba.


    "What? Don''t you dare insult me!" Chiba drew both of her blades and moved away from the group.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: Be careful, Uncle Chiba.


    "Stupid, Old man. I rule here, and all who pass must first better me. Answer my riddle, and I will answer yours; the loser of us must fall on their swords!"


    Chiba continued to walk to one side until the serpent was forced to turn away from the group. "Ask your riddle then, Demon Penis."


    A black forked tongue flicked toward the Spellsword, and it started to speak. "The King of the Bone Fortress has six daughters, and each daughter has one brother. How many people are in this Royal family?"


    The old woman grinned behind her swords, one silver, and the other gold. "That would be thirteen."


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Shit.


    The creature blurred suddenly and struck at Chiba, the swordmaster flowed around the strike, slicing with both blades before creating distance by kicking its snout. It hissed loudly and retreated into a coil, black blood running down the side of its head. "You answered wrong; the answer was eight!"


    Chiba considered the answer for a moment before glancing at her apprentice, who nodded in agreement. "Unfortunate. Answer my riddle now. Who is the most beautiful woman in all the lands?"


    The serpent slowly rose from its coil, the head rising until it peered down at them from near the ceiling. "That is not fair! Beauty is subjective!"


    Chiba shrugged helplessly. "I will allow you to lodge a protest in the event that you feel wronged."


    The snake''s tail slapped against the hard stone floor, its spiked end tearing up chunks of rock. "There are many, Khione is lovely, Deidra of the Dragons is beautiful... Wait! I know the answer. In the land of Everspire, there is an Intrepid called Delia the Beautiful. That is my answer, Delia the Beautiful."


    The old woman shook her head sadly. "Unfortunately, you are wrong; it is I. Ellisand." The swordmaster slipped off her ring and smiled at the hissing creature.


    "I..." It moved closer to her, stopping only when it met the tip of her silver sword. "It seems our riddles have ended in a draw."


    The golden-haired goddess poked at its scaled snout. "Not going to protest?"


    The serpent withdrew several meters. "No. Since it a draw, I will not give you the key."


    /Pathfinder: Uncle Chiba is Aunty Chiba?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Yep.


    Nix moved beside his swordmaster, his eyes on the spiked tail of the serpent. The Inferno Leader''s eyes scanned the far end of the room where a heavy wooden door blocked any further advancement. "The key to that door?"


    /Pathfinder: Deya: The spectrum is definitely behind that door.


    /Pathfinder: Pon: Retreat to the back of the cavern, Deya.


    The serpent coiled its length again, at least twice the size of Nix''s basilisk. "Yes! My key opens that door."


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Kill it.


    [Storm Rider][Flashbade][First Strike]


    Nix appeared behind the serpent''s head and executed a horizontal slash before thrusting deep into its neck.


    [Combination Successful]


    The serpent struck with its tail without turning around, the spiked end striking Nix''s back, gouging a deep wound into his side and spinning him around.


    Chiba flashed toward the target, her blades creating a complicated pattern that ended in a dual strike across the face of the creature.


    [Master''s Blade][Parry][King''s X]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Chiba has landed a critical strike.


    The serpents fanged mouth opened wide to strike at the swordmaster; an instant later, a dozen emerald flame strands punched into the soft gum of the creature''s maw. Nix yanked the serpent''s head to one side, causing it to miss the strike.


    Pon stepped to one side and cast directly into the opened mouth.


    [Balefire: Hex][Flame Strike]


    Pon has landed a critical strike.


    The Riddle Guardian has been seriously injured.


    [Binding Barbs][First Strike][Backstab]


    Barbed roots sprout from the stone floor, wrapping around the twisting length as it sought to escape. Gideon struck at the underbelly of the creature before stepping around and stabbing both blades into its spine.


    [Guardian Blast]


    A blast of Air exploded outward from the creature, striking everyone within range.


    Pon has been stunned.


    Chiba has been stunned.


    Gideon has been stunned.


    Nix is immune to Air damage.


    [Burst][Burst][Execution]


    Nix maintained his grip on the flame strands and blurred forward toward the far wall, jerking the serpent along behind him. A second burst in the opposite direction caused the serpent to slam onto the floor. The Inferno leader''s blade slashed out at the snake''s neck, nearly decapitating it as it flopped on the floor in a splatter of blood.


    Nix has landed a mortal strike.


    The aftermath of the fight saw Nix move in and stab the creature through the back of its head. It let loose an ear-splitting hiss before dropping lifelessly to the floor.


    The Riddle Guardian has been slain.


    You have gained the Guardian''s Key.


    Nix helped Chiba sit up before checking on Pon and Gideon.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: Woah. You guys are really fierce!


    Nix helped Pon to his feet. "Okay old man?"


    Pon nodded. "Yeah. Scratch one dead snake."


    Nix approached the wooden door while the rest of his team regrouped. "Damn... There are two keyholes."


    One keyhole was obviously too small, so Nix tried the other. The key inserted smoothly with an audible click and turned easily when he rotated it. He could feel the tumblers and gears moving inside the lock.


    [A second key is needed to open this door.]


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Shit. We need a second key.


    /Pathfinder: Pon: That snake thing only dropped one?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Yeah.


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: Let''s not lose sight of the fact that the Great Guardian admitted that Chiba is most beautiful of all!


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Noted. Let''s keep searching.


    A second passage exited the door area; it curved gently before ending in a smaller cavern. At the center of the cavern was an old fashioned well that had been constructed from rocks. Nix could feel the presence of an unidentified element when he approached.


    [This is the Well of Du''Wei, enter at your own risk]


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: That''s rather ominous.


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: It''s probably a bluff. Let''s just dive in.


    /Pathfinder: Deya: If you go, I''m going too! Another snake thing could show up!


    Pon gave Nix a lazy smile. "Dunno, Nix. Looks a bit dangerous. Perhaps we should wait?"


    "Hmmm.... Wait?" Nix spared a glance at Chiba as if contemplating. "What do you think, Master?"


    Chiba slipped her ring back on, her old face creasing in a creepy smile. "I love it when you play these kinds of games, Apprentice. Prey waits!"


    Gideon took a step towards the well. "So we''re going in?"


    Nix nodded and pushed Emerald Fury flames into his sword hilt. "Prey waits." An instant later, he jumped headfirst into the well, quickly followed by the rest of his team.

 Chapter 555: Key of Chaos (one)

    There was a moment of initial darkness coupled with the sensation of falling; before the well was flooded with golden light. Nix floated downward in what could have only been called a comfortable descent. His group mates were all present; each lit up in the glow that saturated them.


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: Hmm... this is actually very pleasant.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: It kinda tickles.


    Inside of the golden light, a figure started to form. It slowly took shape until its general outline could be called human. There were no eyes, or face, nor fingers or toes. "Welcome, travelers!"


    Nix used his hands to slightly turn his body to face the voice, almost like moving in the water. "Thank you."


    The figure drifted closer to Nix. "What are you doing in the Well of Du''Wei? Perhaps you are searching for something that may have fallen in?"


    Nix nodded slightly. "I''m searching for the second Key that unlocks the door above, but I''m not certain that it has fallen in here."


    "My name is Enigma. The key you are looking for belongs to me. It is important, yes... very, very important. Find the important thing and bring it back!"


    /Pathfinder: Pon: A fucking treasure hunt, given to us by Casper the glowing ghost.


    An instant later, the Fire Mage vanished from their midst. Next was Deya, then Gideon and Chiba, until only Nix remained.


    "A word of warning, Nix of the Black Gate. Only bring back one item; if your greed gets the better of you, then all is lost."


    *****************


    The sand-filled Arena floor was carefully raked smooth as the attendants ensured the stadium was ready for the next combatants. Sparkling white sands, no longer pristine, filled with random stains of blood, urine, and excrement from both man and beast. The Valkyries pointed at the markings from their lofty balcony, calling out what shapes they resembled.


    An archer stood with her Valkyrie sisters, beautiful brown eyes darting everywhere at once while looking for something to entertain her. She pointed at a particular gruesome marking that had colored not only the sand but the wall behind it. "Look! An image of the King, his Majesty the Shithead!"


    "That one is a sword!" The female warrior pointed at a long cylindrical blood splatter. Her face was beautiful, devoid of any faults, enough so that even the gods might weep at its beauty.


    The sky overhead was cloudless and calm; on the blistering hot day, there wasn''t the slightest hint of a breeze. Sweat dripped down the faces of the spectators who were crowded into every seat in the arena. The odor of the poor masses, along with the steady drone of talking, was sharpened like a dagger by the thirst for more blood.


    A pinpoint of light formed high in the azure sky; its presence went unnoticed for a handful of seconds before one person looked up. Another few seconds passed before dozens of hands pointed upward.


    The pinpoint grew in size until it was a burning mass of flames, hurtling toward the stadium like a meteor bent on destruction. Instead of panic, the masses cheered by clapping and stomping their feet.


    The comet left an emerald trail of flames behind it; after several seconds passed, it slammed into the center of the arena with a loud thump that tossed white sand high into the air and shook the stadium. The voices and cursing of the crowd were loud; some filled with hope while others discontent.


    "Maybe a Valkyrie will be defeated again soon!"


    "Did you see flames? That means the chosen is a mage this time."


    "Mages seldom win!"


    The voices and predictions continued as the object was slowly absorbed into the arena. When it finally disappeared, the attendants rushed forth to once again smooth out the surface.


    ***********


    Your inventory has been locked.


    Guild and Personal messaging have been disabled.


    Nix sat up slowly; the feel of the cold floor beneath him was enough to alert him to his surroundings. "Of course..."


    "Better get up as soon as you can. The guards have rules about sleeping during the day." An older man''s voice spoke to him, his grimy hand extended in a friendly effort to assist the newcomer in standing. "Your stuff is over there!"


    Nix glanced where the skinny fingers were pointing. Hundreds of small squares inhabited the far wall. They were packed with equipment of all kinds. "What is this place?" He was standing in a cell; there were perhaps two dozen others crammed into the same area. Were his friends close by?


    "I''m Bhal, one of the assistants. Since my last fighter has died, by default, we have been paired." Bhal pointed to the chain around Nix''s neck. "Our number is 7, which means your equipment is located in box 7." The wrinkled face smiled in a friendly manner, but Nix found himself unappreciative of his assistant''s closeness with the missing teeth and rotten breath.


    The Inferno Leader glanced at the numbered tag around his neck. "I''m Nix, Bhal. What is this place? Why am I a prisoner?"


    "The Gods have chosen you to fight one of the Valkyries. If you are victorious, then we are both set free! There hasn''t been a new chosen in quite a few weeks."


    Nix frowned at the bent figure. "How often are these Valkyries defeated? And when do we fight?"


    Bhal shook his head slightly. "Don''t worry about when! From now on, both of us will enjoy three meals a day! At night we will be brought into a larger cell that is more comfortable to sleep in. Starting tomorrow, you will be able to train with the instructors!"


    Nix fixed his assistant with a yellow-eyed stare. "When do we fight?"


    Bhal sighed unhappily, sending his rancid breath into Nix''s face. "We can stay no longer than three weeks; at that time, you must challenge."


    Nix flicked the older man''s forehead with his finger. "Don''t breath on me, old goat. How does the challenge start?"


    Bhal clapped his hands together excitedly, thinking about the food, the wine, and possibly even a bit of sex. The servers were almost always willing. "What? Oh... You just call out your number and say you are ready to challenge."


    Nix gripped the bars with his hands and raised his voice to a shout. "Number 7 is ready to challenge!"


    Immediately the door slid open, causing Nix to release the bars in order to keep his hands. The other people fled from the open doorway, their eyes filled with dread as they crowded against the back wall of the cell.


    "NO! What have you done!" The older man kicked at his fighter, then threw weak punches into his back while cursing. "My food! My comfortable bed! You selfish bastard! No comfort for Bhal... No slobbering, nasty sex for Bhal." The assistant wailed like a dying banshee as Nix stepped out of his cell and scanned the wall for his gear.


    Nix immediately spotted one that was lit up. Ignoring the feeble strikes of the older man, he stepped toward the honeycombed wall; as he approached, the number 7 could be seen written on the top¡ªall the gear he had been wearing while in the well was stored in the cubby-hole. By the time Nix had finished equipping everything, his assistant had finally calmed down.


    "Follow me!" The old man dropped the ragged blanket that had been draped over his shoulders and stomped down the hall.


    Nix tried not to laugh at the old man; his obvious anger was etched into every movement. "Sorry, Bhal. I''m pressed for time. I don''t want to sit around here any longer than necessary."


    Bhal stopped suddenly and turned. "What''s the fucking hurry? You''ve already slept two days!"


    Nix stepped onto the platform that Bhal was standing on. From the attached cables and gears, it appeared to be some sort of elevator. "Two days? Why didn''t you say so?"


    The elevator lurched suddenly and then slowly started lifting toward the ceiling. Nix watched as the ceiling split in half and moved in opposite directions. The platform continued upward as sunlight flooded in, causing the occupants to shield their eyes.


    Nix lowered his hands and immediately cursed. Dozens of armored fighters surrounded them. Each of them female, and all of them beautiful. "The fuck is this..."


    Bhal poked him with a bony finger. "You may choose from any of these Valkyrie. Study them carefully; each has their own strengths and weaknesses."


    Nix froze slightly when he noticed an archer smiling at him. Around her neck was a silver chain with a key attached. "I''m going to choose that..."


    Bhal interrupted him by stomping on his foot. "Don''t pick an archer, idiot! You start on opposite sides of the arena. You''ll be dead before you reach the halfway point."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Doubtful. I need that key."


    Bhal glanced at the archer in question. "You want a silver key? Why not one of the gold ones?"


    The Inferno leader frowned at his assistant. "There are other keys?"


    Bhal reached under his dirty tunic and produced a wooden key. "All of us have Keys. If it''s a special key, you want..." His old eyes glanced toward a woman near the back of the crowd. "Never mind, even you aren''t stupid enough for that. No one has ever beaten her."


    Nix stared at the person in question; unlike the others, she had a helm on and showed no interest in him. "Target acquired."

 Chapter 556: Key of Chaos (two)

    "It''s a classic blunder." Nix smiled at the group of Valkyrie that was focused on him.


    Bhal''s wrinkled face showed a hint of confusion. "What are you talking about? Have you made a choice?"


    Nix nodded. "Since I have my gear back... They''re all fucked." The Inferno Leader''s form morphed into a basilisk for a moment, just long enough to petrify the archer with the silver key. Before anyone could respond, he changed back into human form.


    Nix has activated his bloodline.


    [Second Form: Salamander]


    Dozens of emerald fire strands pierced through three Valkyrie''s armored breastplates before hoisting them into the air.


    [Air: Burst]


    An explosion of air split open the fighter''s chests, sending bits of bone, blood, and flesh into all directions.


    The Salamander''s low laugh could be heard over the warriors'' sudden shouting as a handful of them charged together.


    [Hellfire: Emerald Fury][Firestorm: Emerald Fury]


    The floor around the Salamander burst into bright green flames, while at the same time, the sky split open and rained green fire. Unable to stand the flames, the fighters attempted to retreat but were denied when dozens of flame strands wrapped around their legs, trapping them inside the Emerald Inferno.


    "Hmm... You invited me to the party. It''s rude to leave first." The Salamander held the strands as the shrieks of his opponents rose in volume. After a few seconds, he released the charred husks.


    Bhal was staring open-mouthed at the emerald demon who had been summoned from the sky. "These aren''t the rules..." The older man had managed to flee to one side, altogether avoiding the destruction that was running rampant on the Valkyries. "Now, we''re fucked." The older man''s eyes turned toward the sky; the helmed Valkyrie had taken to the air, her white wings flapping lazily as she advanced while the remainder of her order fled.


    Nix resumed his human form and pushed white sonic flames into his sword hilt. The blade crackled and buzzed in the open air as he walked toward the winged woman.


    The woman hovered in the air; her beautiful face was too far away to see clearly. She lowered her visor and dived toward him.


    Cara''Su has cast [Silverstream].


    Nix deflected the attack with a casual swipe of his blade; unfortunately, Bhal was put into the path of danger, but the older man managed to dodge at the last minute. "Not bad... Too bad you''re as old as dirt."


    The Inferno leader dodged to one side, narrowly avoiding the slash of a long sword as the Valkyrie banked out of a steep dive.


    Nix has cast [Black Ice: Sculpture]


    The flying figure was instantly encased in Black Ice; the effect sent her crashing into the sands of the Arena where she skidded across the sand for several meters. The crowd grew suddenly quiet; Nix could hear his footsteps crunching on the hot sand as he approached the downed Valkyrie.


    "Going to kill her?" Bhal had followed him as if afraid the Valkyries would attack.


    Nix stopped next to the sculpture and put a hand on her head. Beneath his touch, the Black Ice fell away. "Maybe." He knelt by her side, his hand grasping the key that hung around her neck. It appeared to be made from crystal and in the sunlight reflected the entire spectrum of colors.


    The Inferno Leader chuckled and released the key before turning back toward Bhal. "Taking her key would have been the logical course." Nix stepped closer to Bhal and snatched the key that was chained to his assistant''s neck.


    Bhal''s old eyes showed confusion. "It''s always the crazy ones." His image changed slowly, the grimy balding head sprouting long golden locks while the pockmarked face smoothed over and became beautiful. "Apprentice? What are you doing here? How did I get here?"


    "Doing a bit of sparring." Nix had noticed when Bhal was forced to dodge a deflected attack. He had used his Master''s movement skills. "Why didn''t you say anything?"


    Chiba shook her head slightly as if the confusion was still clinging to her. "I didn''t recognize you. For that matter, I didn''t recognize me either. Why didn''t you wait the proper amount of time? I was going to have a nice bed and good food. Maybe a few women to warm my bed."


    Nix laughed at his Master''s forlorn expression. He gripped Chiba''s hand tightly. "Time to go, I think." A moment later, they both faded from view."


    ****************


    [Bone Fortress, 1400 hours Ice Faction: 2,415 Undead: 2,201]


    "Don''t be alarmed; you know how these things work." Shae''s words calmed the rest of the Inferno officers. They had taken down the Zen Burrough and then two days later had done the same with Orlais. With two more graveyards under Inferno''s control, their numbers continued to swell while the Ice Faction faltered.


    Ronnie''s dark features showed her annoyance. She had recommended they send a second team in to find answers. No one else had thought it was a good idea. "With only two Burroughs left until we assault the Keep, I think we should stop moving forward."


    "For once, I agree with my sister. Although I tire of the Bone Fortress, I don''t wish to move further without knowing what happened with our people." Sharl shared a smile with her sister, who looked surprised at her backing.


    Shae glanced at the Keep, her brown eyes taking note of the holding water level. It should have returned to normal by now, but the receding water levels had stopped near the second story. "There''s someone very powerful in the Keep. Although Inferno is up to the task, Nix has a plan in place to deal with him."


    Semmi and Jun Li nodded in agreement. While they were fishing, Nix shared some of his thoughts. The Inferno Leader had discovered a way to destroy Jargon Kane.


    /Officer: Jun Li: We''ll give them a week. If they aren''t back by then, we''ll take another Burrough. Agreed?


    /Officer: Ronnie: Aye.


    /Officer: Sharl: Yes.


    /Officer: Semmi: Yes.


    /Officer: Wind: Yes.


    ****************


    Nix and Chiba reappeared inside the Well of Du''Wei. A figure bathed in golden light hovered in front of them.


    "Well done, travelers."


    [You have retrieved a piece of the Chaos Key]


    Chiba''s form slowly started to drift upward; her beautiful face showed concern. "HEY! My Apprentice is staying behind?"


    Enigma''s glow pulsed slightly. "Your part is done, Honorable Ellisand. Your Apprentice''s path continues."


    Chiba made a face at the Enigma before glancing back at her Apprentice. "Do your best, Apprentice!"


    Nix watched as his Swordmaster exited the well. "Now what?"


    Enigma moved closer to the Inferno Leader. "Time to move forward, Nix of the Black Gate.


    ************


    The ferret-man dodged to one side, narrowly avoiding the path of a dagger slashing at his face. He thrust forward with his club, striking his assailant in the stomach and knocking him to his knees. A moment later, he finished him off with a two-handed overhead smash that caused the man''s skull to cave in with a sickening crunch. The victor doubled over and vomited blood.


    "Are you okay, Nix" A pot-bellied Che helped him to his feet.


    Nix nodded and wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his black-furred hand. With one hand covering his recently stitched up wound, he broke into a trot. "I''m fine, Tofo. Let''s get back before the others worry."


    An hour later, Nix lay back on a table while the young surgeon carefully reopened the wound. The yellow-eyed ferret grimaced in pain when she pushed her fingers into his side and removed the small pellet from its hiding place.


    The surgeon placed the pellet in a small metallic box before she started stitching up his wound. "Thanks for going after my dad, Uncle Nix." The surgeon''s pretty green eyes sparkled at him. Her white fur was stained with blood in several, but none of it was her own.


    Nix shared a glance with Tofo, who was watching the procedure. "The eastern mine is lost; the tainted are everywhere."


    Tofo patted his friend''s black-furred head. "I''ll take a team to retrieve Po and Amb. If the eastern mine is already overrun, then the southern mine will definitely be next."


    "I''m going with you." Nix grimaced slightly when the surgeon''s needle started closing him up.


    Deya shook her head slightly. "No, Nix. You have to rest. This wound needs time to heal, or it might become infected."


    Nix favored her with a fanged grin. "I''ll take your words under advisement."


    Deya sighed heavily and made a few more tight stitches in her patient''s wound. The yellow-eyed ferret never listened to anyone. "At least get a good night''s sleep."


    Nix thanked her and then sat up slowly with the help of his brother. "Whatever you say. We''ll go get Amb and Po first thing in the morning."


    Tofo ducked slightly so he Nix could throw an arm over his shoulder. "Thanks, Deya. I''ll make sure he gets plenty of rest tonight."


    Deya watched for a moment as her dad left the Infirmary. Although a miner by trade, she was often tasked with assisting the settlement''s doctor. "I''ll stop by tonight, Dad!"

 Chapter 557: Key of Chaos (three)

    Nix groaned slightly, clutching his furred side in his sleep. The movement caused his eyes to blink open, yellow orbs that darted around the room. He spotted Lupi standing over a cookfire. "Kinda hungry... Don''t suppose I can trouble you for dinner?"


    Lupi shook her head slightly. She had the same white fur that her daughter had. "I can feed you, Nix. It''s breakfast time, though, so don''t expect much."


    "Breakfast?" Nix climbed stiffly to his feet. "How is that possible?"


    Lupi gave him an apologetic smile. "Deya slipped a sleeping tonic into your drink. You needed the rest."


    Nix muttered a curse and headed toward the exit, a simple cloth curtain that served as the door to Tofo''s modest mud hut. "Guess I''ll grab something later."


    "They''ve already left, Nix" Lupi''s words caused him to pause at the door. "Tofo led a small squad out four hours ago."


    The black-furred Che broke into a trot. The small settlement of Sedi was made entirely from red clay. It could be seen underfoot on the paved paths, around the settlement as a barrier to intruders, and in the structures themselves as the Che''s primary building material. White furred Che like Deya and Lupi were part of the populace referred to as redfeet since their pale fur was permanently dyed by constant exposure.


    Nix increased his speed; the small infirmary was the last building before the gate, he needed to stop there to grab a medical bag. The dome-shaped building was empty when he entered less than a minute later.


    "Where the hell is Deya?" Instead of taking the time to look for her, he grabbed one of the prepared first-aid kits hanging from the wall and headed out.


    There were two paths to the Southern mine; the right branch took a few hours longer but was much less hazardous. They left trail entered the territory of a Lava worm and would be avoided under normal circumstances.


    Nix took the left path and increased his pace. His friends required help; Tofo, Amb, and Po. His stride faltered slightly as the fog over his memory started to lift. Tofo, Amb, and Po were already dead. The reality hit him like a kick in the stomach; he grimaced slightly. "No matter what, I won''t be in time."


    As he ran, his black fur faded into the armor he had been wearing in the Well of Du''Wei. The pain from his side vanished, and his speed increased. After nearly an hour, he arrived at a massive lava field. Transversing the field usually required the use of three different foot-bridges. However, Nix ignored them and stepped into molten rock like it was luke-warm bathwater.


    Near the middle of the field, the infamous lava worm showed itself. Nix tossed a Black Ice spear at him but didn''t slow down to fight. Instead of pursuing the Inferno Leader, it dived deep into the rocks, hoping the salamander would leave quickly.


    As the second hour of running approached, Nix spotted the convergence where the path he was on once again joined the one that Tofo had taken. He rushed down the trail toward the mine; his sharp eyes spotted the torch that marked the entrance along with the two guards. "Where is the battle?"


    He slowed to a trot, letting himself take deep breaths as he walked towards the guard. The Tainted should have already been here. He was fifty meters from the mine when he heard the blast of the warning horn. Nix glanced toward the entrance, where one guard was waving madly for him to join them. Instead of running for the mine, he glanced over his shoulder at the advancing horde.


    "Somehow, I managed to get ahead of them." Emerald flames erupted from him as he pushed white sonic flames into his sword hilt.


    The Tainted were half-formed men with blurred features and limited abilities. They could be very difficult to kill; a large dragon scale protected their heart. They were the creation of the Dragon, Yandro. He used a forbidden skill to taint his own blood so that he would have an army to serve him. The Spectrum was to spearhead his return to power.


    Nix removed the head of the first tainted who crowded him. After that, he set fire to the area around him, feeding the flames until nothing but him could stand in its path. They attempted to flee, only to be hacked down as his flame blade removed limbs and sliced through tendons.


    "NIX!"


    The Inferno leader paused when he heard the voice; Amb, Po, and Tofo were all at the entrance. Nix let the tainted retreat and headed toward them at a jog. Even though he knew them to be gone, he wished to see them once more.


    "My Boys!" Nix''s face split into a wide smile as he embraced Amb and Po.


    Tofo shook his head disapprovingly. "You should be resting, Nix!"


    Nix waved him off carelessly. "I''ll rest when we get back."


    "We aren''t going back." Amb stepped away from the group hug. "We''ve processed all the Spectrum available and are going to hide it."


    "Hide it?" Nix searched his memory for a clue as to their objective. "You''re hiding it in Everspire?"


    Amb''s mouth fell open in shock. "How would you know that?"


    Nix scanned the surroundings. It wasn''t easy to guess... but the area where he''d found his friends shouldn''t be very far away. They had been involved in a running battle that left all of them badly wounded. "I caused that group to turn around."


    Po nodded happily. "I''ve never seen anyone cut them down so easily. We''d have been hard-pressed to deal with them."


    Nix''s face turned grim as he nodded in agreement. "Very hard pressed. Has anyone seen Deya?"


    "She wanted to come and help us, but I told her no. I expect that she''s back in the infirmary." Tofo grabbed Nix''s arm and pulled gently. "Let''s get going, Nix! With your help, we''ll stash our Spectrum and be back in a few days."


    Nix shook loose Tofo''s grip. "Deya must have followed you; the infirmary was empty when I left."


    Tofo shook his head slightly. "You''d have passed her on the way."


    "I took the shortcut." Nix bit down on the indecision that was haunting him and broke into a run. If she recalled her memories as he did, then she''d definitely follow. "Shit...The Tainted retreated down that trail."


    *****************


    Deya gripped her medical bag tightly as she ran, her breath quickly becoming ragged as she attempted a pace that was too fast for her. "Too late! Too late!" The Che Miner bit down on the panic she felt. She kissed her father goodbye and then started working in the clinic. Nearly two hours after he left, Deya remembered everything.


    Tofo, Amb, and Po were sent on an important mission by Halla. Although they were all experienced fighters, the endless numbers of tainted had overwhelmed them.


    As if on-demand, the Tainted appeared on the trail in front of her. Deya slung her medical kit over her back and armed herself with a metal-tipped cudgel.


    Three Tainted charged her at once; she threw herself at the legs of the first one, causing all three to stumble forward. Before they could react, she crushed the skull of the nearest and slammed her weapon onto the foot of another with a sickening crunch that was echoed by screams.


    While attempting to retreat, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her and tackled her to the ground. In an instant, she was covered with the Tainted warriors, protecting herself as best she could; several blows landed on her arms and chests, tearing open large wounds.


    Deya bit deep into the throat of the Tainted, who stabbed a blade into her side. She felt her vision starting to blur when inexplicably, the air around her started to heat up.


    Emerald strands burst through the chests of the four Tainted holding her down; the bodies of several others were strewn about recklessly. The four captives'' upper bodies disappeared in a shower of blood and bone that splattered on Deya.


    "Nix!" Deya climbed unsteadily to her feet.


    The Inferno Leader held her up. "You actually followed them that day?"


    Deya nodded. "When I arrived at the mine, it had been overrun, and many of my people had fallen."


    Nix patted her head softly. "You''re a brave daughter. Tofo would be proud."


    Deya shook her head. "Nix! You''re here now! The Tainted can''t stand against you. We can catch up with them, help keep them from harm."


    Nix pulled her close and embraced her. "Our friends are dead. Nothing we do here will bring them back."


    "Can''t we try? What''s the harm in trying?"


    Nix didn''t answer; he only stroked her bloodstained fur with one hand while holding her tightly. "They are already gone."


    After a few moments, the girl started to shake. Her cries getting louder until she was wailing. "Papa....PAPA..."


    "Son of a bitch," Nix muttered as the two of them vanished.


    Nix reappeared inside the Well of Du''Wei, still embracing Deya. The soft golden light did nothing to soothe him.


    "Well done, travelers." Enigma studied the pair for a moment. "The past can be a deadly trap to some."


    [You have retrieved a Piece of the Chaos Key.]


    Nix released the girl, slowly she floated upward toward the surface, both of her arms wrapped around her stomach as if hugging herself. "I won''t be long."


    Enigma clapped his hands together excitedly. "Only one piece left to retrieve. I''m sure you will succeed, Nix of the Black Gate."

 Chapter 558: Key of Chaos (conclusion)

    Nix shook his head to clear it; why are there so many of you? He gripped his mug tighter and finished off the last drink before slamming it down. To his surprise, none of his drinking buddies vanished. Three men sat at the table with him; it was Pon, Pon, and of course... Pon. Nix laughed at the sight of his companions. "The world might end if there were three of you."


    All three answered at the same time.


    "Fuck off."


    "This is a handsome group."


    "You drink like a girl."


    Nix laughed loudly and staggered to his feet. Squinting slightly in the dimly lit Tavern. "Innkeeper! Another round, if you please..." His sentence trailed off when the Innkeeper scowled at him; it was Pon. "The fuck is going..." An old man with a beer in his hand jostled him, causing half the beer to spill on the floor.


    Pon''s face turned red with anger. "My fucking beer!"


    "Oh god... I''ve found hell." Nix glanced around the room, counting as the number of Pons slowly increased. He felt like crying by the time he reached a dozen.


    "Over here, Nix!" A dark-haired man called from a booth in the corner.


    "Finally... Someone who isn''t Pon." Nix staggered and swerved his way to the booth. He sat across the two men who had been talking in hushed tones. "Hey, Gideon!"


    Gideon smiled slightly. "Hey, Nix."


    The second Gideon wore an identical smile. "Hey, Nix."


    Nix laughed at the sight of the dual assassin''s. "I should have come here with Shae. Now that would have been fun."


    A finger poked Nix''s head after it had been resting on the table for nearly a minute. "Why is there only one of you, Nix?"


    Nix shrugged without looking up. "Cuz one''s enough." He chuckled at his own joke before sitting up. "Only two of you?"


    The Gideon on the left shook his head. "The rest of us are sleeping already. We don''t like to stay up late."


    The other Gideon nodded in agreement. "Early to bed, early to rise."


    "Pffft..." Nix blew a raspberry at the assassins. "That explains an awful lot. Which one of you is the real Gideon?"


    "Me."


    "Me."


    Instead of talking further, the Inferno leader reclined on the booth''s soft cushions and closed his eyes. "This will be easier after a quick nap."


    ****************


    Ducky stroked the smooth head of the predator and kissed its nose before sending it back up the submerged stairs.


    Pradi floated next to the Turtle Titan, making sure to keep an eye on the friend Ducky had made. His water abilities included both gills and webbed extremities. On the second day hiding in the lower levels, the Water Witch had found a shark-like creature to play with. or at least it looked like a shark. The thief had spent most of his time talking with Milat, one of the Aquarions.


    It was Ducky who kept the waters from completely receding; with her friends patrolling the lower halls, they hadn''t needed to worry about security issues. "I haven''t stayed in the water for this long since I was a Nymph."


    "Do you need a break?" Milat heard her talking and swam closer. Although Inferno had grown famous because of their Cai''Song raids, nothing was better in the water than an Aquarion.


    Ducky shook her head slightly. "No. I like it a lot. I''m worried about the passing days."


    Milat nodded in agreement. Every night one of the Inferno members would check in with the group hiding in the lower levels. They would share intel and then leave some supplies behind. All of them were aware that the ones who had left on a special mission were several days overdue. "He''s going to be fine, Ducky."


    Ducky smiled at the Aquarion. "I know. They''ll be word soon. I''d know if something was wrong."


    Soup drifted close to the group; she smiled at them before sharing a wave with Ducky.


    The Water Witch followed her, and within a few moments, they were playing.


    Milat laughed at the Titan, who looked like he wanted to join in. "Nix is never going to give you her bond."


    Gil''s round face smiled cheerfully. "You don''t know that! Me and Nix are pretty close."


    Milat shook his head. "You should give up."


    *********************


    The steady din of similar voices talking woke Nix from his comfortable seat in the corner booth. The two Gideons that had been there when he fell asleep were no longer present. An object lying on the table in front of him drew his attention. "What now?"


    Nix picked up the spherical-shaped object and turned it over in his hands. It was black in color and smooth to the touch. "No markings... What am I suppose to do with this?"


    As if replying to his question, a small screen lit up in the center of the object. Nix squinted to read the sentence. [Use me to ask questions, Jackass.]


    "Huh?" Nix stared at the tiny screen until it disappeared a moment later. "Hey! I used to have one of these!" He shook it a few times and then looked for the screen; it didn''t reappear. "Shit... Is it broke?"


    The screen lit up once again. [No. I am not broken.]


    A plate of food appeared in front of him, along with some utensils. The only person who didn''t appear to be either Pon or Gideon offered him a smile. "Eat up, going to be a great day."


    Nix nodded in agreement and started eating. "Hey, Ball! How does this work?"


    [I ask your companions questions. Based on their answers, you decide who to eliminate. And no... you don''t need to shake me.]


    "That sounds easy."


    [Eliminating the wrong companion will result in it failing this objective.]


    "Easy." Nix chuckled while he started wolfing down his food. "Why so angry?"


    [I''m stuck in a ball, or I''m stuck with you. Take your pick.]


    "Ahh... Multiple choice, I''m good at those."


    By the time he was done with his breakfast, the small Tavern was once again crowded with Gideons and Pons. "Let''s get this show on the road. You two! Have a seat!"


    Nix gestured to the two nearest Gideons and motioned for them to sit down. "Ask away."


    [Which guild are you a member of?]


    "Inferno!"


    "Salamander!"


    Nix pointed to the nearest Gideon. "Correct answer is Salamander."


    The companion who answered Inferno immediately disappeared. "Keep them coming, Gideons! When one disappears, I want another one to take his place."


    Without asking, the next Gideon sat down.


    [What is your favorite disabling move?]


    "Hamstring Slash!"


    "Groin Stab!"


    Nix shifted uncomfortably on his seat. "Groin stab!"


    The Gideon that had just sat down vanished, only to be replaced with another a few seconds later.


    [Which Pathfinder member proposed a marriage between Raine & Nix?]


    "Jiggs!"


    "Nebs!"


    "Sonofa..." Nix scowled at the question. "So that''s what happened. Has to be that bastard Jiggs!" The Inferno leader stored the information away for future reference. "Next!"


    The questions continued; Nix was fairly confident that he was eliminating the correct Assassin. Oddly enough, the one who first sat down was one of the last two remaining Gideons.


    [When the choices are down to the last two companions. You may ask one question to figure out who is the correct one. Warning... I must approve the question before you ask.]


    Nix whispered his question to the ball.


    [Denied.]


    "The hell... What about this?"


    [Denied.]


    "Bastard... This one?]


    [Odd... but approved.]


    Nix cleared his throat and lowered his voice since it appeared some of the Pons were snooping. "Would you consider me attractive?"


    "No."


    "Yes."


    Nix laughed aloud and waved goodbye to the negative answer.


    [Amazing.]


    Gideon''s face had turned deep red. "Shitty Nix... "


    "I know," Nix admitted. "I''ll make it up to you."


    "Don''t get all full of yourself."


    Nix figured that the real Gideon would answer as Mai. "Have a seat with me while we figure out the Pons."


    Gideon got up from his seat and scooted next to the Inferno Leader.


    Nix sat across from the two scowling Pons. "Truthfully, it doesn''t matter which Pon we bring back. They all seem alike."


    Gideon nodded in agreement. "Just a crabby old bastard."


    "Bite me."


    "Fuck you."


    Nix rolled his eyes at the two Pons. "This one might be tough. Okay, let''s get started."


    [What''s your favorite Fire-based spell?]


    "Balefire."


    "Firestorm."


    "Huh? Both of those are wrong." Nix pointed to the one who said Balefire. "You! Outta here!"


    [Which Inferno member has an Aquarion daughter?]


    "Nix."


    "Me."


    Nix waved goodbye to the Pon, who answered Nix. "Keep going."


    [Which Inferno member has slain Khione?]


    "Me!"


    "Nix."


    Nix scowled at the question ball. "Did Pon write these questions, Jackass?"


    [No. But it is funny.]


    "Going to melt you when we''re done here. Next Question!"


    [What''s the name of the first Aquarion daughter born to Human and Aquarion parents?]


    "Ayla."


    "Panyu."


    Nix nodded at the Pon, who said, Ayla. "Good answer."


    Finally, the last two Pons sat at the booth. It seemed eerily quiet given the earlier amount of noise.


    [You may ask your last question.]


    Nix whispered something to the ball.


    [Approved.]


    Nix offered the last two Pons a grin. "So... When the two of us are hanging out, what do you call me?"


    "Nix."


    "Punk Bastard."


    Nix shrugged slightly and waved to the Pon who said Nix. "Cya, Imposter."


    [Challenge Complete]


    An instant later, the three companions found themselves once again bathed in the comforting glow of the Well of Du''Wei.


    [Key of Chaos acquired]


    [Ball of Enigma acquired]


    Nix felt himself drifting upward. When he reached the top, a white-furred hand reached down and pulled him up. Deya hugged him tight, her cheerful demeanor once again returned. "You okay, Deya?"


    Deya nodded while Chiba helped Gideon and Pon out of the well. "I know it wasn''t them. It was nice hugging Dad and my Uncles again."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It was."


    After Chiba and Deya told Nix he''d been gone two more days, the group hurriedly retraced their steps to the locked door.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: We have probably been gone four or five days?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Something like that. Time flows funny around Chaos magic."


    Nix inserted the Chaos Key into the door next to the Guardian''s key. When he turned them both, the door opened inward with a click.


    Pon whistled softly. "That looks familiar."


    "Very familiar," Gideon agreed.

 Chapter 559: Battle Plans

    Nix stepped into the control room, followed closely by the rest of the group. When he approached the control console, it lit up. "Looks like we found our Spectrum."


    Deya leaned closer to view the crystalized spectrum. "This one can''t be removed without shutting everything down."


    Nix touched the console, causing a menu to display.


    [Bone Fortress Main Menu]


    1) Burrough Management.


    2) War Game Management.


    3) Environmental Controls.


    4) Security.


    "Display sub-menus." Nix noticed a warning that flashed on the display before the menus came up. "No changes to settings will be allowed until after the current conflict has been resolved."


    1) Burrough Management.


    a) Graveyards


    b) Terrain


    c) Borders


    2) War Game Management.


    a) Factions


    b) Objectives


    c) Special Directions


    3) Environmental Controls


    a) Climate


    b) Elements


    c) Map


    4) Security


    a) Restricted Access


    b) Binding Points


    c) Mobility Functions


    /Pathfinder: Pon: This place is one big training facility?


    /Pathfinder: Nix: Looks that way.


    /Pathfinder: Chiba: We can''t take the Spectrum? What''s the plan, Apprentice?


    Nix stepped away from the console. "We''ll lock the door and return to HQ. We''ve been gone long enough."


    When the Dark Craft exited the cavern a few minutes later, guild and personal messaging were once again restored.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re back! How goes the war?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: NIX!


    /Inferno: Pon: I''m fine too, Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Welcome back!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: You can bring the craft to Turncoat Bay. We''ve moved our TOC to that location.


    /Inferno: Nix: What about all the ice?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All melted. Even the two Burroughs under the Ice Faction control are showing signs of green.


    Nix changed the new Navpoint to the Turncoat shore before turning to his passengers. "This mission was a bit weird."


    Pon grinned at the Inferno Leader. "Is that a joke? I spent four days getting drunk with myself. Best vacation ever."


    Gideon smiled at the old man''s expression. "The Pons do know how to party."


    Pon''s grin faded slightly. "Can''t really return the compliment."


    Gideon sighed unhappily. "Until you spend a few days with a bunch of yourselves, you have no idea how lame you are. Admittedly, I''m not much fun."


    Chiba''s pretty face was expressionless, but everyone knew what she was thinking. She had missed a prime opportunity to have sex with herself. "What a waste... It would be best if you had been with the Valkyrie. They weren''t much fun either."


    A short while later, the craft started an upward ascension toward the shore; when the craft finally broke the surface, the shielding dropped and let the sun in.


    Nix stood on his seat, waving at the group that had assembled. The crafted tilted precariously when a very excited Titan cub put his paws on the rails and leaned over. "Easy there, Morti. You''ll sink us." He scratched the cub''s wet ears roughly. "Missed you!"


    "Same here, Nix" Morti pushed his head into Nix''s chest, nearly knocking him over the far edge.


    /Inferno: Nix: What''s the timeline for the next Burrough?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We are ready to take Tribunal, just waiting for you guys.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take them when you''re ready. Pon and I have some preparations to do for the Tempest Burrough.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Ground fighters only, we''ll move in four hours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Officer''s meeting at our crafting area in 30 minutes.


    **************************


    The Officers sat in a circle around the table that Pon and Nix used for crafting. A scaled model of the Keep was on display. Semmi had the first two levels highlighted.


    The blonde officer pointed to the area in question. "This is the approximate water level as of right now. Are you going to get Soup to raise it again?"


    Nix shook his head. "No. Hulo is many things, but stupid probably isn''t one of them. He''ll be expecting us to do something like that."


    Semmi glanced over to where the two over-sized Golems were standing. Nix and Pon had worked for several hours on a HEP round. "We''re using them when we breach?"


    "Yes." Nix pointed to a large crater that their test round had created. "We''ll bombard the top of the Keep, hopefully driving them down."


    Jun Li studied the image, between her and Semmi, they always came up with solid plans. "The Water team will be coming up at the same time?"


    "Yes." Nix leaned back in his chair while the big thinkers ironed out the details. "CuppiecakeNinja and PetraZi will destroy any anti-flier deterrents they have in place on the roof. Then Fey and Muncie will swoop in with our AirPower."


    Semmi whistled softly. "Once the Keep is glowing like a ripe cherry, we''ll come in from the top with everyone. All boots on the ground!"


    A loud banging noise sounded from behind the two Golems. A moment later, Deya poked her head out. "Sorry! Just getting familiar with my boys!"


    /Officer: Semmi: Her boys?


    /Officer: Nix: She''ll be controlling them. I want to keep her safe; this was a compromise we worked out.


    /Officer: Pon: Twenty-four HEP rounds between the two of them. It''s going to be glorious.


    Alfie sat between her brother and King Duran. The trio kept out of the planning but asked to be part of the assault. "We''ll come in with the Main group."


    Sharl nodded in agreement. "You three will be with Nez and me."


    Wind tapped the table to get Nix''s attention. "What''s Alpha going to be doing?"


    "We''ll come up with the water team, with Sasi and Rabi in Ravager puppets. Hunt down Hulo and kill him." Nix yawned and stood up. "Shae''s already back in Haven; I''ll summon her after tonight''s fight."


    /Officer: Nix: Me and the old man are sitting out the Tribunal fight.


    /Officer: Ronnie: Why are we going over the Keep Fight already? After tonight''s fight, we still have the Tempest Burrough.


    /Officer: Jun Li: In just over three hours, we''ll hit Tribunal. Half of our forces will be held in reserve in Tempest.


    /Officer: Ronnie: We''re going to take Tribunal and then slap a pincer on Tempest?


    /Officer: Semmi: Yes.


    Nix smiled at the dark archer, who immediately winked at him. "Prey waits."


    /Officer: Jun Li: We''ve been sitting on our asses for nearly a week. It''s time to fight.


    *************


    "Why am I carrying two buckets of sap?" Pon frowned at Nix even though the Guild Leader was also carrying buckets.


    "Gotta send a message to a friend of mine." Nix gave Pon a deadpan look and brought him to a large clearing in the Zed Burrough. "Think they can see us from the Keep?"


    Pon nodded. "I think so since we''re in the middle of a fucking field."


    Nix clucked his tongue at the Fire Mage. "They reopened the windows after the water dropped a few levels. Smart move on their part, and it helps us out."


    "What are we doing out here, Nix?"


    The Inferno Leader pointed to a spot a few meters away. "I want you to stand there and then walk in a straight line to the big rock. Once you get there, turn left in a gradual arc until you arrive at that patch of brush."


    Nix put one of his buckets down and then gestured for Pon to do the same. When he did, Nix pushed Black Ice into his sword hilt and punctured the bottom of the bucket. "Move your ass, Old Man."


    By the time they finished, Inferno was already pushing into the Tribunal Burrough. The last light of the sun turned the sky crimson as the Bone Fortress quickly fell into darkness.


    Pon cackled loudly. "I ran out of sap, Nix!"


    "No worries, I got enough to finish." Nix ran to where the Fire Mage was standing. "You do good work."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Punk Bastard."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: They''re folding like cheap lawn chairs. In five minutes, Tribunal will be ours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Sounds good. Alpha team report to the Dark Water Craft. Sasi and Rabi, get those Ravagers ready and meet us there.


    /Inferno: Sasi: On the way.


    /Inferno: Rabi: Rabi is on the way too!


    ****************


    Tronzil stood in front of the Faction leader''s desk. The mood in the Trifecta alliance was bitter and depressed.


    Hulo sat behind the desk, carefully contemplating their next move. "You worry too much about the Undead Faction."


    Tronzil, Brachi, and Yuma represented all that was left of the Trifecta hierarchy, with the exception of Hulo. Over the last few months, their overwhelming advantage had decreased by leaps and bounds. "They had two of people against thirteen thousand not that long ago. Now the numbers will be relatively even."


    "Fire in the Zed Burrough." Yuma watched from the window as the random flames spread quickly.


    Hulo slammed his hand down on the desk. "Doesn''t matter. Do you think the war is over because they''ve arrived here? We''re behind walls! Without siege equipment, this Keep won''t fall."


    Yuma chuckled from the window before nudging Brachi; immediately, he started laughing also.


    Hulo frowned at the Trifecta leaders. "More flames?"


    Brachi shook his head slightly. "Who is Jargon?"


    Hulo froze in place, his purple eyes glittering. "Where have you heard that name?"


    Brachi gestured out the window. "Big old flaming letters. JARGON SUCKS...."


    Yuma stopped holding it in and laughed loudly. "Wait... there''s a drawing next to it."


    "Yep. It''s a penis." Brachi pointed at it when Hulo joined him at the window. His laughter turned into a scream when he was tossed out the window a moment later.


    "What the fuck are you doing, Hulo?" Tronzil put a hand on his sword and backed away from the open window.


    Power gathered around Hulo, his eye''s burning purple with rage. "He knows... How could he know?"

 Chapter 560: Assaulting the Keep

    Fajii was leaning against the side of the craft when Pon and Nix arrived a few minutes later. The Aquarion smiled at the two Fire Mages. "We''re going to fuck shit up?"


    Nix bit down on a smile. "Well said. That''s exactly what we''re going to do."


    Wind and Semmi arrived from the opposite direction; both had been taking part in the battle for Tribunal.


    /Alpha: Nix: Thanks for coming.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Looking forward to stepping into the keep.


    /Alpha: Sasi: We''re here too.


    The two ravagers darted toward them, circling the group once before perching on the sidewall of the craft.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll summon Shae.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Is Shae coming?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. She''s delivering some aquatic gear for us.


    Nix summoned Shae a moment later, relieving her of her package before wrapping her up in a hug. "How''s Hyai and Min?"


    "Both good." Shae glanced at the craft behind them. "Be careful; I don''t trust that thing."


    /Alpha: Nix: Gear up, we''re heading out.


    "It takes some getting used to," Nix agreed.


    "Del around?" Shae noticed the two Ravager additions, but not the Ain''Dhassi Orion.


    Nix shook his head. "She''s with the Main force. Why?"


    "Hmm... You''re going to make her a new puppet when we''re done here?" Shae''s expression told him she was hiding something.


    "Something I should know about, Shae?"


    The salamander shook her head. "No. Cya soon!"


    /Alpha: Wind: Woah. She left quickly.


    /Alpha: Pon: Trouble in paradise?


    /Alpha: Nix: What? That''s crazy talk. Let''s get going.


    A few minutes later, the Dark Watercraft bobbed on the surface of the sea. They could have accessed the lower levels directly; however, given the entire area was submerged, there would have been no way to disembark without flooding the craft.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s fine. I''ll set the nav-point to return to the Turncoat Bay. Everyone out! It''s time to go.


    Nix eased over the side of the craft. Darkness had fallen since their departure. In single file, they followed the Inferno Leader into the murky depths.


    /Alpha: Fajii: This reminds me of the Cai''Song raids.


    /Alpha: Wind: Good times.


    /Alpha: Nix: Keep it tight and watch for predators.


    After a few miscues in the dark, Alpha was able to find the entrance to the lower depths. Zhava appeared in front of them from his hiding place just inside the entrance. He waved good-naturedly before greeting Fajii personally.


    "It is good to be working together again." Zhava placed a webbed hand on her shoulder while they talked, a common occurrence among the Aquarions.


    Fajii squeezed his hand slightly. "Be careful today! Let me know if you need backup."


    "Same here." Zhava moved away from the group and entered the passage. It hadn''t been that long ago since Fajii was just an Alchemist with no combat experience. Like Mina, she had become someone that the rest of her race looked up to. Although, she probably didn''t realize it.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Tribunal should be done by now. Nine minutes until they start on Tempest. With all of our forces coming from both sides, they aren''t going to hold up long.


    Nix entered the lower keep right after Zhava, the Aquarions, were gathered near the place where Glacia had died. They looked ready to fight. "Milat!"


    Milat smiled warmly when he saw the Inferno Leader. He waited until Alpha came to a rest before he approached. "It will be good to fight alongside you again."


    Nix did a quick count; there were thirty in the Aquarion group, including Ducky and Pradi. "Once Tempest falls, Ducky will take you to just below the current waterline."


    Milat nodded. "How will we know when to start?"


    "When Deya opens up with the Golems, it should be pretty clear." Nix paused when he noticed Soup approaching. The sea turtle''s evolved form circled him once before stopping in front of him.


    "Everything okay, Soup?"


    Soup''s round face smiled happily as she gestured toward her lips. "Nix."


    "Hmm? What''s that mean? You want to talk to me?"


    The quills on her head and neck stood on end while she shook her head and made a chewing motion. "Nom, nom, nom!"


    "You''re going to eat me? Soup eat Nix?" Nix darted toward the Sea Turtle, who dodged easily, then squealed happily when the Inferno Leader pursued her. "Nix eats Soup!"


    Ducky clapped her hands, laughing when Nix chased Soup around the room for a few moments. "No eating family members!"


    *************


    [Bone Fortress, 2310 hours Ice Faction: 2,218 Undead: 2,150]


    Deya waited patiently in the Turncoat Burrough. From her position on a slight rise overlooking the Keep, she had a clear view of the entire Fortress. After fiddling with the controls on her hud, she plotted all 24 of the Golem shots.


    She planned to lay down a five by five field of fire directly onto the roof. There were several cannons and ballistas already in place; the Ice Faction knew they were coming.


    /Inferno: Deya: Battle update, please.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Maybe ten minutes!


    /Inferno: Deya: Thanks.


    Deya nodded to herself. When the Tribunal Burrough fell more than a half-hour ago, the enemy forces had reinforced the Tempest border on that side. However, the Titan Warleader Mortimus was waiting with his forces in the Northern section of Turncoat. As soon as Tribunal fell, they charged in, catching the Ice Faction facing the wrong way.


    She kept her eyes on the Faction counter. In two Burrough battles, the Undead had only lost about fifty fighters, while the Ice Faction was down nearly four-hundred. "Junie said when the Ice Faction number was around 2,200."


    As it happens, the Inferno officer was exactly right. When the numbed clicked to 2,200, the Tempest Burrough was finished.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All forces move away from the keep and take cover!


    Deya pushed the fire Icon on her hud. A moment later, she was knocked to the ground by a blast of hot air. Her ears were ringing as she staggered back to her feet, only to be slammed backward when a super-heated shell casing ejected directly at her.


    The brilliant green eyes of the Che Miner were wide with shock by the time she managed to stumble back into position. Her sharp nose could smell the stench of her own singed fur. She keyed the second firing order and then set them into automatic function before covering her ears and retreating.


    The impact area of the first round was engulfed in flames, the roof of the Fortress had collapsed into the top level. Deya watched with no small amount of fear while the Golems alternated firing. Each blast adding to the destruction and Inferno that raged on their target.


    *****************


    The entire Keep seemed to shake suddenly, vibrating the water around Ducky and her group. Instantly she moved up the stairs, followed by the Aquarions.


    While the Aquarion force moved into position near the top of the water level, Alpha team was already above the waterline in the north stairwell. Dust and rocks fell from the ceiling with each thunderous crash.


    /Alpha: Pon: How many shots is that?


    /Alpha: Nix: Twelve, I think. Let''s keep moving. We''re heading to the Commander''s office.


    Nix''s steps seemed loud in the dim hallway, echoing between the HEP rounds'' booming impacts. Three men stepped into the hall directly in front of them. The nearest one when down under two snarling Ravagers.


    Nix has activated [Air Burst]


    A blast of air struck Nix''s target, knocking him to the ground, where Wind managed to slice a blade across the man''s throat. The third fighter ran into the rockfisted Fajii, who mercilessly slammed her opponent in the head until he collapsed.


    A second group of three entered their path from the opposite hall just as Alpha was finishing. Pon''s hands engulfed in flames as he targeted them.


    Pon has cast [Fire-Nado]


    Chakri has been trapped in flames.


    Tonga has been trapped in flames.


    Esposito has been trapped in flames.


    The enemy forces burst into flames; their screams of panic and pain were nearly drowned out by the whirling inferno surrounding them.


    Two flames strands shot out from Nix''s upraised hands, each of them punctured into separate whirlwinds, and with a quick yank, two people were removed.


    [First Strike][Backstab]


    Combination Successful.


    Semmi has landed a critical hit on Esposito.


    Semmi has landed a mortal wound on Esposito.


    [Critcal Chain]


    Nix has followed up Semmi''s attack with a critical strike.


    Esposito has been slain.


    Sasi has slain Chakri.


    Ravager Rabi leaped into the next flaming whirlwind, his sharp teeth gripped the fighter''s shoulder, and he pulled him out.


    Pon targetted the still smoldering fighter.


    [Balefire: Hex]


    Tonga has been slain.


    **************


    The golems tilted precariously, the tubes on both of them glowed cherry-red. Deya had moved behind cover, expecting them to explode at any moment. However, they didn''t. The 24th round was fired, and the Golems remained intact. They teetered slightly, the heat from them crackling in the night''s cool air.


    /Inferno: Deya: The Golems are done!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Good job. Bring them in Fey.


    /Inferno: Fey: Understood.

 Chapter 561: Chasing Kane

    The Silver Drakon glided high above the Turncoat Burrough, her sharp eyes scanning their target. The entire roof of the Keep had collapsed into the floor beneath it, burying the cannons and ballistae under tons of rock.


    /Flight: Fey: Break off in groups of three and light it up. Let''s show them why they call us Inferno. Muncie, you''re with me.


    The Silver Drakon banked suddenly, her speed increasing as the dragon puppet struggled to stay close. She aimed for the edge of the Keep and stooped suddenly, her speed decreasing as her wings caused gale-force winds to fan the burning fortress.


    [Burst][Drakon Breath: Silverflames]


    Superheated silver flame turned her path into liquid, causing it to melt away while she cut a wide swath the length of the Keep. When she pulled up, a wide gap through two levels could be seen.


    /Flight: Muncie: Fey''s fire exposed the next floor; concentrate your attacks there!


    /Flight: Fey: Fly through the attack run; we''ll group up over the ocean and make a second pass.


    **************


    Nix advanced slowly up the stairs; the heat in the Keep was rising at an unprecedented rate. The sulfur smell of fire drifted downward, and in the background, the sound of intense fighting could be heard.


    /Alpha: Semmi: I''m worried about the other group.


    /Alpha: Nix: Same here, we''ll lend them some Ravager support.


    Nix gestured toward the two Ravagers. "Go gather some Rats and help out our friends.


    /Alpha: Sasi: Should we stay with them?


    /Alpha: Nix: Stay within one level of us. You''re our backup if we need it.


    The two Ravagers bolted back down the stairs, leaving Alpha at the entrance to the fourth level.


    According to the data they were given. Hulo''s office was located on the fourth floor. A stealthed Alpha group stepped carefully into the hall; smoke hung thick near the ceiling as if trying to escape the corridor''s oven-like temperature.


    /Alpha: Nix: Scouts move forward, Pon and Fajii take the middle. I''ll watch our six.


    Semmi crouched low, the fingers on her right hand grazing the floor as she moved down the left side of the hall. The stone floor felt like a frying pan; she paused when Wind held up a hand pointed at the two archways ahead.


    /Alpha: Wind: Right side, two individuals. Follow me, Sem. Main group hang back.


    Wind stopped outside the door as Semmi ducked into the left passage. A moment later, she reappeared and shook her head.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Left side is clear.


    Two Trifecta fighters stood facing the doorway; the nearer one held a mace in one hand while the other held a bow. Semmi placed a hand on Wind''s shoulder and followed directly behind him as he entered the room. When neither enemy could see through their stealth, Wind circled the cleric and came in behind him.


    Since her target was standing with his back to the wall, the blond thief waited for her team member. Wind''s hand clamped over his target''s mouth while his blade punched upward through the base of the healer''s skull. The motion caused the Archer to turn and notch an arrow just as Semmi''s void dagger sliced through the front of his throat.


    Within seconds, the two thieves retraced their steps and started back down the long hall. A door pushed open a few meters away; as the witch stepped into the hall, the floor under their feet lit up with runes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Floor Trap


    Nix has shifted into the [Phoenix] form.


    Semmi''s feet have melded with the floor.


    Wind''s feet have melded with the floor.


    Pon''s feet have melded with the floor.


    Fajii''s Feet have melded with the floor, but her understanding of Scorched Earth has freed her.


    Orange and red flames lit up the hall as the Phoenix flashed by the Inferno thieves in a blur of fire.


    Hulo has cast [Counterspell: Reflection]


    Nix''s talons sunk deep into the witch''s shoulder, its curved beak pecked at his eyes while the Phoenix''s natural flames scorched Hulo.


    The witch backed away, roaring in anger as the staff he carried slammed onto the floor.


    [Expulsion][Evacuate]


    Nix was pushed backward several meters, giving the witch enough time to escape. Two void daggers, a mace, and Balefire flew through the space he occupied a moment before.


    Nix dropped the Phoenix form and picked up Fajii''s mace while she freed the others. Wind scowled as he pulled his and Semmi''s dagger out of the stone wall.


    /Alpha: Wind: Just a bit too slow. Sorry.


    Pon chuckled from the rear of the formation. "You fucking pecked him."


    Nix nodded, smiling while remembering the deep gouges he put on the witch''s face. Unfortunately, he had missed the eyes. "He used the counterspell, so I went with a physical attack."


    /Alpha: Nix: Rabi? Are you close? See if you can sniff out Hulo.


    /Alpha: Rabi: He''s still on your level, just further away


    Wind shared a glance with Semmi before continuing forward; both of them wanted to sample the Ravager''s hyper-senses.


    /Alpha: Semmi: When we get back to Haven. I want a Ravager armor set.


    /Alpha: Wind: Same.


    /Alpha: Nix: Maybe. Walk us into another trap, and you two can forget it.


    Wind frowned from his position at the front. However, he didn''t reply but only because he agreed.


    /Alpha: Wind: Fighting up ahead. Avoid it? Or lend a hand?


    /Alpha: Nix: Our task is Hulo, we can help our friends after.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Flight team return to base. Ground forces move in!


    The crashing sound of collapsing walls echoed down the halls. Alpha team entered a large room, with one wall exposed to the outside. Undead fighters were streaming in while a group of Trifecta was attempting to hold them off. Bali could be seen among the invaders, her bow in hand as she fired nonstop.


    /Alpha: Semmi: It would take us a second to help out!


    /Alpha: Nix: STOP!


    Nix morphed into his basilisk form, just as the Illusion faded. The noise, the broken wall, and all of the fighters disappeared.


    Semmi has been silenced.


    Wind has been silenced.


    Pon has been silenced.


    Fajii has been silenced.


    Nix has been silenced.


    The Witch appeared in the center of the room. "Nix! Time for you to die!" The evil smile dropped suddenly when the basilisk attacked. "How did you..."


    The reptile struck suddenly; a movement spell already in place enabled Hulo to avoid the strike as the basilisk''s fangs gouged deep ruts into the floor.


    Hulo has cast [Blind].


    Nix flashed forward, the basilisk''s armor plates shielded his eyes as he feinted with a strike, reversing direction, his the long reptilian tail swept the target area, striking Hulo and sending him skidding across the floor. The witch vanished from view before he stopped sliding.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Bad man is below you now. Rabi is going to chase him with Rats!


    Nix has resisted Silence.


    Pon has resisted Silence.


    "That fucking guy." Pon''s first words were, of course, curses. "How did you know that was an illusion?"


    "Because he is worthy." A black fox pranced across the floor, its bushy tail swishing from side-to-side. "I thought you could use my help."


    Fajii has been released from her silence.


    Semmi has been released from her silence.


    Wind has been released from his silence.


    /Alpha: Nix: Bali is left-handed; that illusion was shooting with the right.


    Eron waited until Nix dropped his basilisk form before hopping up to his shoulder. "Mirror Illusion. The right is left and left is right."


    /Alpha: Pon: What?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Mirror effect, Pon. Hold an object in your right hand, then look into a mirror. If you imagine that the reflection is a person, they''d be holding the object in their left hand.


    Wind mumbled a curse under his breath. "There goes my Ravager armor."


    Eron waited until Fajii approached before jumping to her shoulder. "There could be hidden mirrors everywhere. Once you pass in front of one, the caster can use your reflection to build an illusion."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: FALL BACK! THE KEEPS A TRAP!


    Runes blazed into view on every surface of the room¡ªwalls, ceilings, and floors pulsed with the power of greater magic.


    /Alpha: Pon: Fuck... No time...


    The Keep collapsed downward, burying fighters from both sides under thousands of tons of stone. Dust and fire plumed upward like a giant flower blooming as the entire Bone Fortress shook with the impact.


    [You have entered Kitsu.]


    Nix stared blankly at the familiar clearing, his eyes scanning the area before resting on the handsome face of Eron''s human form. "Why are we in Kitsu?"


    Eron''s dark eyes were angry, but his voice was calm. "I brought you here. You must go back now!"


    "Wait! Why didn''t you save Fajii?" Nix''s voice faded as he disappeared from the clearing, leaving Eron by himself.


    "Three reasons..." Eron spoke softly as if consoling himself. "One, Fajii made me take an oath, always save you if it''s between you and her. Two... Fajii is a Scorched Earth Mage, a bunch of rocks falling on her isn''t really a deathtrap, and three... The other members of Alpha won''t be able to kill Hulo."


    An instant later, Nix appeared in the Keep''s lower levels, where Glacia and Sandi had died. All of the water that had been there previously was now gone. He checked his stats to verify that all of his spirit companions could be summoned.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    [Summons: Ducky]


    [Summons: Fey]


    [Summons: Soup]


    Morti appeared in his bone form, his sharp eyes scanning the area. "That was a dirty trick."


    Ducky clucked in agreement. "He''s clever."


    Soup pointed to a cave that led deeper into the lower levels.


    "Soup says he''s down there." Ducky lay a hand on the sea-turtle''s jade shoulder. "We going after him?"


    Nix nodded. "Fey will stay and mount a second offensive. Gather the drakes and eliminate anyone who survived."


    The thin mage summoned her staff with a nod. "I''ll take care of it."

 Chapter 562: Dragon Slayer

    [Bone Fortress 0300 hours Ice Faction: 172 Undead Faction 331]


    Fey used her long staff''s to help Mortimus remove a large piece of the wall that had pinned Ronnie and Bali. The dark archer pulled her broken bow from the rubble, her dark eyes filled with anger.


    "How did we step into a trap, Bali?"


    Bali shrugged. Her lower half was still buried in the rubble. "Going to need a healer, Ronnie."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Need a healer for my bestie.


    /Inferno: Nezbit: Location?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Western edge of the Keep.


    Despite her thin stature, Fey was much stronger than the average person. A fact that was evident when she picked up broken pieces of rock that an average person would struggle to move. "I saw Morti. He and Nix are going after Hulo."


    Mortimus and Gil were both in their Bone Forms, shifting collapsed walls and digging through the rubble.


    /Inferno: Fey: We''ve marked the locations of all our trapped members. Please be patient. Mortimus and Gil are on the way.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Thanks... Sharl, Elan Mtui, and Beta are close by. They aren''t responding to whispers.


    ********************


    After ten minutes of trailing Hulo, it became apparent that they were steadily gaining on him. Nix was sure he must be carrying some artifact that caused the waters to recede temporarily as the witch passed thru. Something that he didn''t have to worry about while Ducky and Soup were with them.


    Morti led the group, the weight of his skeleton claws gouging into the passage''s rock floor. "I don''t get what he''s doing."


    Soup was walking behind Morti, creating a moving pocket of air nearly twenty meters in diameter. She did it effortlessly, even pumping up her fluorescent glow so that the group could see better.


    /Family: Duck: She is so beautiful when she does that.


    Nix nodded in agreement while trying to solve their Hulo problem. "Hold up."


    Nix took a seat on a large boulder covered with cave moss and still damp from the water excavation. "He''s heading toward the locked door. That''s the general direction. He must have discovered another method of tracking it."


    Ducky took a seat beside him while Morti plopped down on his bone butt. "It makes sense why he abandoned the Keep. He wants the Spectrum; perhaps the Bone Fortress is meaningless to him."


    "Maybe," Nix agreed. "Rabi gave us a location on Hulo just before the Keep came crashing down. Hulo may have presumed that we''d think he was still in the rubble."


    Nix moved to the floor and leaned against the rock he had been sitting on. "I''ve had enough of that guy. Time for him to chase us." Nix brought out his Rotter puppet. "I''ll cut through the ocean and catch up with him. Put up some wards to hold the water back."


    Ducky nodded. "He''s not the only one who can make traps. We''ll start preparing."


    A few minutes later, the Rotter had made it to open water. It stayed close to the ocean floor, letting the thick sea foilage mask his presence as he weaved effortlessly toward the entrance.


    ***********


    Hulo stared at the locked door, his purple eyes glowing brightly while he cast his magic. Dozens of drawn runes were etched into the door, the wall, and the floor. The witch''s black hair had been singed, and there were three deep gouges on his face that no amount of healing would completely erase. Hulo already knew the reason why the scars were permanent. Nix''s Phoenix form was a legendary creature.


    Hulo stepped back from the door and activated the first rune.


    Hulo has initiated [Past Tense]. He studied the door while the runes created a domino effect; the first have dozen spells would work together in an effort to open the door. The witch''s face lost its impassive stare when he realized it would not open. "Even if I was here in person, I''d still need the key."


    The spell continued to evolve as each rune activated, the ghost of an image appeared in front of the door. Hulo focused on what the blurred figure was doing. The image locked the door and then turned to speak to his companions. The witch''s scream of rage echoed in the cavern. "NIX!


    In a fit of anger, his staff swung at the image, passing harmlessly through and colliding with the door in a shower of purple flames. In distraction, he failed to sense the approaching predator, the Rotter sunk its teeth deep into the witch''s shoulder before leaping away.


    The terror of the Black Hand fills your thoughts.


    Despite the surprise attack, Hulo was quick to respond. He slashed diagonally with his staff, barely missing the retreating creature. The witch-puppet touched the black disc that attached itself to the back of his neck. "This won''t stop me. I''ll kill you and then remove it."


    "Hello, Jargon Kane," Nix said the words calmly as if ordering lunch at a tavern.


    Hulo''s eyes glittered dangerously, his staff pointing at the Rotter. "How did you know?"


    The Rotter stealthed suddenly and shifted positions; the witch''s eyes tracked him without pause. It would have been easier if Hulo couldn''t see through his stealth. "I''m an animator. Of course, I recognize a puppet when I see one. Even if you did use the Dominance spell line."


    "How did you know?" Hulo took a step forward, eyeing the distance between the exit and Nix.


    "I learned about it in your office. Right before I took your City Key and stole your precious Talumbir."


    "Your lying."


    Rotter-nix would have smiled if he had the lips for it. "Want to know how difficult it is to carry this with webbed feet?" The rotter moved its clenched back foot slightly, releasing a shiny gold object that rolled a few meters across the floor.


    "T-That''s my pen!"


    "It goes well with my heritage ring collection. What can I say? I like shiny stuff." Nix darted to one side without even thinking about it, causing the scroll that Hulo fired at him to strike the floor where he''d been standing.


    A second rune landed directly on the puppet, pinning it to the ground as the cavern filled with Hulo''s laughter. "Now you''re locked inside a puppet also. It will make killing you easier. When I find your body."


    The witch took a step closer and then paused. Something was wrong. He advanced to the edge of the binding rune he had cast. Nix had dropped the puppet before the spell landed. "NIX!" The witch shrieked like a banshee. A moment later, the puppet disappeared in purple fire.


    ***************


    Nix opened his eyes an instant later; Morti was sitting quietly next to the far wall, watching as Soup and Ducky worked together. Wards had been set up at the convergence of every passage within fifty meters of their position. Ducky had etched runes onto the floor using the staff that Glacia had dropped.


    "He''s on his way." Nix jumped to his feet and ignited his Emerald Fury Aura. "I''ve got the black hand on him."


    Ducky hummed to herself while she finished her objective. "Are you sure he''s following you?"


    Nix nodded confidently. "Pretty sure."


    /Family: Nix: He''s prepared. He has dozens of scrolls that he can fire off by breaking them open. He also has artifacts that store his runes. We have to put him down fast.


    Ducky smiled at Soup and motioned for her to retreat. "We have a few minutes, Soupy. Give me a moment with Nix."


    Soup nodded and waved before diving directly into the wall of water that was being held back by wards.


    Nix glanced at the water witch. "Something up?"


    "Of course. I figured out how we can kill Hulo."


    "I think not." A rage-filled voice spoke from behind Morti. Before anyone could react, a binding circle surrounded the Bone Bear.


    Nix pushed white sonic flames into the hilt of his blade and charged the witch.


    Nix has initiated [Steps of the Sword Master].


    Hulo broke open a scroll resulting in the image of a transparent net flying toward Nix. The Inferno Leader bent beneath it, elongating his step and bending backward as it passed harmlessly over him.


    Nix''s free hand extended as a half dozen strands of Emerald flame strands shot toward Hulo; the witch raised his staff to counter before he understood that the attack was a feint. The sonic blade passed through the witch''s right wrist, causing the staff to clatter onto the floor as Hulo''s pain-filled eyes widened in surprise.


    Nix morphed into his Phoenix form without missing a beat, bathing the purple-eyed witch in orange flames. Hulo screamed in agony but managed to stay in place long enough to grab his staff with his uninjured hand. He slammed it onto the ground, instantly shifting ten meters away, while his clothes smoldered like an overstuffed fireplace.


    Hulo''s lips muttered an incantation as he raised his staff toward Nix.


    Hulo has been charmed.


    Hulo has resisted charm.


    Before Hulo could resume his interrupted cast, a figure flashed from the warded wall of water behind him. Her jade-colored fist slammed into his back.


    Soup has activated [Sonic Boom].


    The witch was picked up and tossed the width of the room where he bounced against the rock wall with a bone-crunching thud.


    Hulo has cast [Quick Recovery][Healed Retreat]


    [Interupted]


    Hulo has been charmed.


    Hulo has resisted charm.


    The loud sound of a staff impacting the ground drew Nix''s attention. The ground around Hulo glowed bright green with countless runes.


    Nix assumed his basilisk form, a sense of dread filling his thoughts when he felt the power of the spell. The air around him thickened, halting his progress five meters from Hulo, who was grinning maniacally at him.


    "I didn''t want to use this!" A Greater Scroll canister appeared in the air in front of him.


    "Swat!" Morti''s big paw slammed down onto the distracted witch, knocking him to the ground.


    "Bear Stomp!" Morti reared back on his hind legs as a shield formed around the fallen witch. The shield collapsed under the Titan cub''s strength, his paws crushing both of the witch''s legs.


    Hulo''s scream of agony filled the cavern as his eyes showed desperation.


    Hulo has been charmed.


    Nix has cast [Petrify]


    An instant later, Hulo turned to stone.


    /Family: Morti: Did I wait long enough?


    Nix glanced over his shoulder, where the binding spell was still holding the Titan cub. "How did ... " The Inferno leader laughed loudly; the sudden release of nerves seemed infectious as everyone joined in.


    /Family: Morti: Ducky made an Illusion of me. Fooled him!


    /Family: Nix: Fooled me too.


    /Family: Ducky: Perfect timing, Morti.


    Morti changed into his Titan cub form and pushed his wet nose into Nix''s face. "I''m good at a lot of things."


    Nix hugged the cub''s neck, even though his arms could barely go around him. "As your Chevalier, I have to agree."


    The Inferno Mage stepped closer to the stoned witch, his hand extended and turned black, causing the temperature in the cave to plummet. Nix didn''t stop until the statue was completely encased in Black Ice.


    Morti''s large nose huffed at the witch''s remains. "Gonna leave him here?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep."


    "It was fun swatting him. I even bear stomped him" Morti fell in step with Nix as the Inferno Leader began walking toward the lower level entrance.


    Nix chuckled at the memory. "Bear stomp? Is that new?


    "Yep. Just invented it. Want a ride?"


    "Sure." Nix jumped up the Titan''s back and then gave Ducky and Soup a hand up. "Can you carry all of us?"


    "Of course. I''m very strong."

 Chapter 563: Leaving the Fortress

    Pon coughed painfully while blinking dust from his eyes. "Sem?"


    "Here." Semmi''s voice sounded from nearby. "I''m okay. Fajii is freeing us."


    The old mage squinted in the darkness; he could see the dim glow surrounding the Scorched Earth mage. "Should I melt my way out?"


    /Alpha: Wind: Please don''t. This place has been shifting and collapsing constantly.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Fajii is strengthening the area around us. How long, Fajii?


    /Alpha: Fajii: Half an hour.


    /Alpha: Pon: How are any of us still alive?


    /Alpha: Semmi: If I were to guess, I''d say the Bone hardening we were awarded. Alfie said it would make even you stouter.


    /Inferno: Fey: Alpha team?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''re trapped, but Fajii will free us.


    /Inferno: Fey: We''ll continue rescue operations then. Let me know if you require help.


    /Alpha: Pon: Fey is running things?


    /Alpha: Wind: Guess so. Just about everyone else is down.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re back!


    /Inferno: Pon: Punk Bastard! Did you get him?


    /Inferno: Nix: Does a bear shit in the woods?


    /Inferno: Morti: Yep. I think so.


    /Inferno: Nix: We got him.


    ********************


    [Let me try one more time, Nix]


    Nix scowled at the black object in his hand. He''d been given the Key of Chaos and the Ball of Enigma when he completed the Well of Du''Wei. He thought perhaps the ball has some real use; it did not. "Fine. You have to sound mystical or sometimes funny if you want people to buy it."


    [And people will believe me?]


    Nix nodded and leaned back in his chair. "If you can''t get it right, I''m leaving you in the river." The Inferno leader recast his line and placed his fishing pole across his lap.


    [I understand. No more shaking, please.]


    "How about a rub? Like a genie lamp?"


    [I''ve never been rubbed. Please be gentle.]


    "Now you sound like a pervert." Nix rubbed the ball with the palm of his free hand. "Will I catch a big fish today?"


    [You have a thirty-two percent chance of catching a rare Golden Bass today.]


    "Really?"


    [No. You told me to make things up. The rubbing was much better.]


    Nix chuckled and sat the ball down. "This could be your calling, Enigma."


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Are we late?


    Nix looked up to see Semmi and Jun Li approached with fishing poles in hand. It had been two days since the Fall of the Keep, the graveyards from the Tempest and Tribunal Burroughs were a few hours from resetting.


    A warm breeze coupled with the river''s slow trickling sound left a calming effect on the fishing trio. Mortimer, Soup, and Fey adorned the far riverbank, taking advantage of the morning sun to warm themselves.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Hey, Nix. What''s that ball for?


    /Go Fish: Nix: It''s Enigma. He''s an Oracle.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: What?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Really?


    /Go Fish: Nix: Yes. Rub it like a genie lamp and then ask a question.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: He''s teasing us.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Nope. Give it a try; just start off easy.


    Nix handed the black ball to Semmi, who immediately rubbed it.


    "Who am I?"


    [You are the brilliant and talented, Semmi Dow.]


    Semmi''s pretty face creased in a wide smile. She immediately rubbed it again. "Will my friend Junie ever find a man?"


    [She already has.]


    Jun Li''s face blushed deep red; she tried to cover the fact by rebaiting her hook. "Are you really going to listen to that thing?"


    Semmi laughed at her friend''s expression before rubbing it a third time. "What''s his name?"


    [I''m not allowed to share secrets of the heart.]


    The blonde officer wrinkled her nose at the ball before glancing up at Nix. "Can I keep this?"


    "No." Nix held out his hand and left it there until Semmi returned Enigma.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Can I try?


    Nix nodded and handed it to her.


    Junie rubbed the ball tentatively. "Will we defeat Khione?"


    [Inferno and its allies will destroy the Goddess of Winter.]


    Jun Li smiled happily at the ball before giving Nix a sly glance. "How many wives will Nix end up with?"


    [Calculating... Nine.]


    Nix frowned at Enigma. "Remember our chat about the river?"


    [Recalculating... Impossible to determine.]


    *****************


    [Bone Fortress, 1430 hours Ice Faction: 0, Undead Faction: 5,000]


    /Inferno: Pon: Doesn''t that number seem high?


    /Inferno: Duran: All of the original fallen have been restored.


    At exactly 1400 hours, the smoking pile of rubble that had been the Keep vanished from the five Burroughs'' convergence and was replaced with a small stone building.


    Nix led the officers inside. It was the control room that housed the Spectrum. "Didn''t expect it to reset to here."


    Semmi studied the control menu. "Training grounds?"


    Nix nodded. "We''ll make adjustments and use it to strengthen our forces."


    Semmi whistled softly. "Remove the borders and create a central training ground where you are instantly revived when defeated in combat."


    Nix displayed all the sub-menus. "There are also extensive climate and terrain controls."


    Congratulations to the Undead Faction for their Victory over the Ice Faction.


    All members of the Undead Faction will receive the following awards.


    Blessing of the Undead.


    Bone Weapon.


    Eidengal Residence


    Eidengal Knighthood.


    All members of the Inferno Guild will receive the following awards.


    Skeletal Mount.


    Bone Crow Promotion.


    Improved Fortitude.


    Improved Elemental Resistance.


    Advanced Holographic Interface.


    Bone Fortress Crafting Tree.


    Tier 9, Bone Hardening.


    Additional Rewards have been given based on individual contributions.


    You have received the Crown of Bones.


    You have received the Book of the Undead.


    You have received the Monarch''s Soul.


    You have received the Bone Fortress Keys.


    /Inferno: Pon: What do you think Trifecta got?


    /Inferno: Nix: Am sure they got boned. Losing these kinds of things is always bad.


    Nix stepped out of the control building and displayed the descriptions on his rewards.


    Blessing of the Undead: The Lich King form is now part of your permanent abilities.


    Bone Weapon: Based on the weapon type you prefer. [Bone Hilt x 2]


    Eidengal Residence: Based on your contribution to the war. You now have a home in the residential section of Eidengal. [House Key]


    Eidengal Knighthood: For your contributions to the cause, you''ve been Knighted. This comes with several benefits depending on your rank.


    Skeletal Mount: A bone horse, tireless and combative by nature.


    Bone Crow Promotion: This order promotes your [Shadow Raven] to the next tier.


    Improved Fortitude: Resistance to controlling effects have been significantly increased.


    Improved Elemental Resistance: Resistance to elemental damage and/or effects have been significantly increased.


    Advanced Holographic Interface: A new and improved version of the HUD interface.


    Bone Fortress Crafting Tree: A catalog listing of Bone Fortress Crafting skills, you may choose one. This does not count against your standard Crafting tree.


    Tier 9, Bone Hardening: This is the highest tier available; you have bones of steel.


    Crown of Bones: While wearing this Crown, you are recognized as the Undead King, with all the benefits and penalties that come with it.


    Book of the Undead: 100/100


    While wearing the Crown of Bones, you may scribe names within this book.


    Monarch''s Soul: Higher tiered creatures will recognize your potential.


    Bone Fortress Keys: You are now the Bone Fortress''s Caretaker and may return whenever you wish.


    /Inferno: Nix: Binding Points are open. Inferno members return to Haven.


    /Inferno: Duran: Thank you, Nix. Everyone from my faction will return to Eidengal. When can we expect your visit?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Give us a week.


    /Inferno: Duran: Very well. Thank you, my friends.


    Return to your binding point? [Haven]


    Nix waited until the crowded field emptied out. There were a lot of things he wanted to adjust in the Bone Fortress. He planned to bring in the Titans that had been training in the Gemini Temple, as well as their AirPower.


    "Yes."


    A moment later, the last occupant of the Bone Fortress vanished.

 Chapter 564: Covered in Ice

    Bane nodded respectfully at the group of Nether creatures exiting the Kindled Spirit tavern. The Marshal''s bald dome shone in the mid-afternoon sun of Glory City. Among its residents, the Nether had quite a large population; however, they were by far the least problematic of the Colonial races. They frequented the Kindled Spirit because Nix was known to visit often.


    "Good morning, Marshal Bane." A young girl in black pigtails waved from her seat on the dock.


    "Hmm... How''s crafting this morning, Shana?" Bane glanced at the dock-front shops; as usual, there were lines out the doors.


    Shana favored him with a toothless smile. "I made a dress for one of my dolls. Somehow the stitching was wrong. I''m taking a break."


    Bane''s smile faltered as a cold chill ran down his spine. Within moments, the blue sky darkened to black. Without pausing, he grabbed the young girl and sprinted toward the tavern. The cold continued to increase; before he cleared the dock, he could already see his breath.


    /Glory CIity: Marshal Bane: This is a city-wide Alert! All personnel are to head to the nearest shelter!


    The Tavern door was pushed open, a woman at the door was waving for the running Marshal to hurry. By the time he stepped into the building, the snowfall had begun.


    "What''s going on, Bane?" Bela took the scared Shana from her husband''s grip. She had taken over management of the Kindled Spirit while her mother remained in Haven.


    "No idea." Bane walked toward the nearest window; it was already started to frost up. "How''s your resupply of firewood?"


    Bela shook her head. "Don''t have any; we use an innate Fire seed given to us by Shae. Don''t worry about the heat."


    ***************


    Delyn Xai clapped his hands in appreciation while his best apprentice sheathed her sword. "Your skills have really improved."


    Raine bowed politely to her sparring partners before stepping out of the circle and bowing respectfully to her teacher. "Thank you, Master."


    Delyn didn''t comment further. Raine''s time with Inferno had forced her out of stagnation. The best sword among the Fir''Dhassi had found herself a step behind Inferno fighters like Nix, Pon, and Chiba. The newfound insight gained from fighting beside them resulted in improvements in nearly every aspect of her martial abilities.


    The old sword master motioned for the next group to start sparring but then stopped them before they could begin. "Something..." The air temperature around them dipped suddenly as the Fir''Dhassi felt the stirrings of great power. "Everyone! Take cover immediately."


    *******************


    Turtle House, The Great Desert 1600 hours


    Nix sat on the comfortable couch while studying the long list of Bone Fortress Crafting Skills he could choose from. He wanted something that would compliment his Taxidermy skill. A quick glance at the time caused him to close the interface and stand up. Initially, he had come to the Turtle House to pick up a few of the Emperor level puppets that he stashed here.


    *Chime*


    [Alert: Nix, The Turtle House is sensing the build-up of World Event Magic.]


    "Huh?" Nix glanced through the window into the Great Desert. "Why are the house shields up?"


    [Nix, The Turtle House has deemed this area to no longer be safe. Please evacuate the home and prepare for transport.]


    Nix stepped outside; just after the house shifted suddenly, four holographic legs sprouted from the four corners of the home as it stood up and immediately began to shrink. Within a minute, it resumed its original size from when it had been originally awarded to Nix. The Inferno Leader picked up the turtle-shaped artifact from the sands; although immune to cold, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end.


    [Create Breach: Great Desert, Haven]


    Nix stepped onto the grassy plateau next to the Gemini temple. A small herd of horses grazed nearby. He could see several figures running into the giant Dragonfir tree that Inferno used as a Guildhall and auxiliary housing.


    /Inferno: Nix: Does anyone know what''s going on? My Turtle House just retreated from the Great Desert. It almost seemed like it''s going to snow.


    /Inferno: Tai''Qui: It''s World Magic, something that even dragons can''t manage. There''s nothing to do until it runs its course.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Glory City is already blanketed with a foot of snow, along with the rest of Colonial.


    /Inferno: Raine: Oasis is also affected; the snow is falling so thick that you can barely see.


    /Inferno: Nix: Oasis, Colonial, and Everspire?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Officer meeting?


    /Inferno: Nix: No. We just finished a major objective, time for Inferno to take a few days off.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I agree. Let''s bring our members into Haven and rest for a few days.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Does this seem like an attempt by the devs to give Khione a hand up? Since we keep kicking her ass?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Heh... No doubt. They keep standing her up and we keep knocking her down.


    ***********


    Nix banked suddenly, putting distance between himself and his pursuit. The mountains behind his ranch flashed by him as he headed due south. Within seconds he was clear of the range and into the far plateau just east of where Pon and Semmi had their brewery.


    He dived steeply and then pulled out of it for a soft landing at the last moment. Nix dropped his Archon form just before he was tackled into the tall grass. "Sore loser..."


    Shae shrugged slightly, her red hair falling into his face. "Using that burst ability is a cheat."


    The tall grass would have been nearly waist high if either of them had been standing. It swayed and rippled with the cool breezes coming down from the mountains. As the crow flies, they were within a mile of the ranch.


    "I may put the Turtle house here." Nix pointed to where the grasslands butted up against the mountains.


    Shae leaned against him. From where she sat, there was a distinct border that separated the grasslands from the beginning of the wheat fields. "You love putting houses up against the mountains."


    ********Author''s Note******


    Map Available, see Chapter Comments.


    *****************************


    "Suppose I do." Nix pulled up his hud map. "I''m heading to the Thieves Guild in a bit. Want to come?"


    Shae''s lips curved downward. "Aren''t you suppose to be taking it easy for the next week?"


    "I am! Check this out." Nix pulled Ball of Engima from his inventory and rubbed it. "Is Nix taking it easy today?"


    [Of course. Nix is going to run one short errand and then return in time for dinner.]


    Shae''s brown eyes sparkled slightly as she put her hand out expectantly. "Is this the Oracle Sem and Junie were talking about?"


    Nix nodded. "Go ahead and try it out."


    Shae bit her lower lip and rubbed the ball as she considered a question. "How long will Nix be in Mocai?"


    [No more than two hours.]


    "See? Let''s place this house and you can help me settle in." Nix stood suddenly, pulling the salamander to her feet.


    Nix has activated a [Turtle House] artifact.


    A large area near the mountain range glowed slightly as the image of a gigantic turtle appeared over it.


    Do you wish to place the Turtle House here?


    "Yes. Reinstate all permission settings from the earlier site." Nix barely turned around before Shae wrapped him up in a tight hug.


    "Be careful Nix. Mocai will be snowbound also." Nix activated his Archon form before replying. "I''m going to stop by the Ranch and pick up Del."


    Shae''s red wings formed quickly and she shot into the air. "A rematch then!"


    **************


    Less than an hour later, Nix and Del stepped through the Breach that opened into Thieves Guild. Unlike before, there were several people walking about. LuAnne was instructing a small group on the finer points of lockpicking.


    "Del!" A young girl''s voice sounded from the group as a slim figure launched itself at the Orion.


    LuAnne frowned at the young girl. "Witchie! We don''t rush off when I''m instructing!"


    Witchie''s thin arms released Del and turned back, her dual-colored eyes showing her obvious conflict. "Sorry, Guild Master."


    LuAnne sighed at the girl''s expression. "Fine, take Del into the next room while I speak with Nix."


    Nix kept a straight face while LuAnne watched her apprentices leave. She ran a hand through her short dark hair and motioned for Nix to follow her to the Kiosk.


    LuAnne opened the Kiosk, her pretty face showing the semblance of a smile. "I had misgivings about the recruits, but things have gone very well."


    [Welcome to the Thieves Guild, User: LuAnne]


    I. Job Search


    II. Performance Review


    III. Recovered Items


    IV. Stolen Items


    V. Active Roster


    LuAnne displayed the Stolen Items Menu.


    IV Stolen Items


    1) Free Trader City: City Production Scroll -5 years. (Pending)


    2) Ever Flame: Flying Mount Stable Scroll -5 years. (Pending)


    3) Free Trader City: Mayor Huelix''s Journal -10 years. (Pending)


    4) Dragon City, Talumbir: Jargon''s Trident -15 years. (Pending)


    5) Oasis, Haven: Demon Horse -100 years (Turn-in Complete)


    LuAnne nodded as she read the screen. "We requested your help with Sentence Reduction. You were able to complete the Demon Horse job. That more than satisfies our reduction task. Will you be turning in the other pending jobs?"


    Nix faked a smile. The bastard Jargon Kane had actually petitioned the Thieves Guild to steal his horse. "No."


    LuAnne removed the pending jobs and then deactivated the Kiosk. "You have the backing of the Thieves Guild, Guild Leader Nix."


    Mocai Thieves Guild Quest has been completed.

 Chapter 565: Snow Cover

    The hunting pair stopped just before the summit of the frozen ridgeline. Heavy, wet snow in the shape of large flakes continued to limit visual acuity to within fifty meters.


    Nix has activated [Dragon Eyes].


    The Inferno Leader''s eyes glowed orange as both man and cat crouched low to the ground in the unnatural blizzard. Nix muttered a curse under his breath while he scanned the immediate area. "Anything on Track, Del?"


    Del''s senses had become more heightened after spending months in an Orion puppet. Some of the skills that she had learned as an Ain''Dhassi ranger were starting to resurface in recent weeks. "Just that they are called Ice Howlers and that there are nearly a hundred of them."


    Before leaving the Thieves Guild a half-hour earlier, the sounds of howling beasts had echoed through the snow-covered landscape. Nix and Del had decided to investigate before returning to Haven. Their detour took them into the forest north of Mocai. Once they left the woods and entered the foothills, the din of many creatures howling in unison put a grim expression on the Inferno Leader''s face.


    "Not good, Del." The Howlers ran in a large circle, perhaps two hundred meters in diameter. Nipping and snarling at each other''s heel as they circled a beast that could only be called formidable. "That big one show up on track?"


    "Yes, but it comes back as unidentified. I don''t like this, Nix." Del felt real fear in the presence of the center beast. The circling Ice Howlers were the size of men. They walked upright until they began to run, at which time they used their arms in primate fashion. They had light blue fur with wolf-like faces. The beast in the center stood close to twenty feet in height; his blue skin was devoid of hair, yet his bare chest showed no discomfort when exposed to the bone-chilling cold. The handle of a war ax protruded over his right shoulder. His only other clothings were boots and a loin-wrap.


    "Retreat; for now, we''ll talk to our dragon friends about this. Perhaps they know what sort of creature we are dealing with." Nix opened a breach and followed Del into Haven.


    *****************


    All of Alpha team were sitting around his Kitchen island when Nix and Del breached directly into the ranch house.


    /Inferno: Shae: Nix is back.


    The Orion padded over to the fireplace and took a seat in front of the flames. Initially, the Orion''s were killed in droves because they were unable to adapt their white fur to non-Ice terrain. Nix shook his head in dismay; perhaps the Orions knew what they were doing.


    The smell of fresh bread caused Nix to put off the hot shower he''d been planning. "Can I get some of that?"


    Hyai was already cutting him a thick slab before he was able to ask, she lavished it with honey and butter before pushing a plate in front of him. "How was Mocai?"


    Nix eyed his friends; something was definitely up. "It''s been snowing non-stop for half a day; temperatures have dropped below freezing. It''s a storm like none I''ve ever seen." The Inferno Leader took a large bite of the fresh bread and waited for someone to give him the news.


    "The Parliament has fallen," Semmi spoke calmly from her seat beside Pon. "There''s been no word from any of the Dhassi factions."


    Pon stopped him before he could ask any questions. "Both Loki and Glory City have been attacked, they are holding for now. The Ice creatures are everywhere."


    Nix continued eating while he considered the news. A winter storm was raging over Oasis, Colonial, and Everspire. Bloodthirsty creatures seemed to appear from out of nowhere by the thousands. "What''s been done so far?"


    Semmi shook her head slightly. "Nothing yet, Boss. Inferno has been getting contacted from nearly every government in Colonial, requesting sanctuary in Haven."


    Nix frowned at the blonde officer. "We''ll take care of our allies first. Evacuate key members of Glory to Haven; this means family and close friends only. Ducky will have to clear everyone. Where Bela and Bane?"


    "At the Kindled Spirit in Glory, Bane won''t leave anyone behind," Hyai answered from the stove where she was slowly stirring a stew.


    "We do have two Dragon Cities. We''ll see evac Glory to Inferno City." Nix opened up his hud and sent messages to the 12 Pillar Vice Commanders. "Loki residents will fall back to Avalon."


    Pon''s hand slammed on the counter. "I hate running from that Ice Bitch!"


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Fuck running; we''re preparing. We''re facing an all-out offensive on two different planes."


    Del stood up from her place by the fire and approached the group. As a native of Ain''Dhassi, many of her family members could be in serious trouble. "The Ain''Dhassi won''t have problems fighting in the Ice; we are used to it."


    Nix stared at the Orion for a moment before opening up his Breach Commander Interface.


    [Direct Contact: Dark Priestess Xia]


    The Dark Priestess bowed immediately when Nix''s holo appeared in front of her. The undercover Cabal member had been secretly turned into one of Nix''s minions by Leva the Fallen some months earlier. "Commander Nix! How may I serve?"


    Nix ignored the eyes of his teammates. "Gather." One by one, the life-sized Holos of the five Nether Overlords appeared in front of him.


    NyCyndor is present.


    Ro''Sina is present.


    Genta is present.


    Chog the Furious is present.


    Leva the Fallen bowed deeply. "Commander Nix, all of the Nether stands with you."


    "Khione has moved as predicted. Start Evacuating the non-combatants from Oasis and Colonial. Contact me. It''s done." Nix closed the Breach Commander Interface and continued eating as if nothing had happened.


    "Um..." Semmi shared a glance with Shae, who was staring at Nix with a slight smile on her face. "You''re evacuating them to the Nether."


    Nix nodded and closed his eyes while he finished his snack. "This is Sharl''s honey? We have to get some more of this."


    /Inferno: Nix: In five days, the first five levels of the Guild Hall will become the Command Center for this Deep Winter. Make sure you are ready to go.


    "Nix? How long have you been planning for this?" Semmi was still trying to wrap her head around it. The Inferno Leader was known more for brutal beatdowns than meticulous planning.


    "We''ll discuss this at 0800, five days from now. Until then, Inferno needs to throttle back." Nix shrugged slightly, "all work and no play..."


    *************


    An hour later, Nix was up to his neck in mud. Most of the Inferno Officers were present, as well as the three Haven dragons. The Inferno Leader found himself sitting between Shae and Tai''Qui. The Earth Dragon''s brown shoulders were barely visible over the bubbling brown mud.


    Deidra was staring at Nix from her seat next to Pon and Ronnie. "You dealt with Jargon Kane, but I''m not sure how."


    Nix smiled lazily. "I did," he admitted.


    "The Dragon Council has removed him from the Tembai Academy. He has been relegated to the Provincial Dragon Academy training grounds." Deidrea paused for a moment. "That''s the place where you took part in the H & K."


    Nix scowled at the dragon. "You mean where you stranded me for a week? Why would he be sent there."


    Tai was enjoying the interaction; Nix was obviously still bearing a grudge. "His marrow is cursed. In the past, Cursed Marrow dragons would slowly wither away, oftentimes destroying and killing many others in the process. We''ve learned our lesson from this; now they are placed in an area created to contain them."


    Deidra seemed to have realized her misstep and smiled apologetically. "That week was an unfortunate misunderstanding, Nix. You caused Jargon to break the conditions of his contract with Hulo?"


    Nix closed his eyes and leaned against the salamander, who pushed an arm through his. "From what you told me, Jargon would have been required to return control to Hulo within a certain time period. I made sure he would be unable to do so."


    "Fuck that bastard!" Wind spoke from the far side of the mudbath. He was sitting with Beta and drinking steadily. "He cost me my Ravager Armor!"


    Nix laughed at the Gemini Thief''s angry expression. "I wasn''t serious about that; I''ll definitely hook the two of you up with the Ravager puppets."


    ****************


    /Alpha: Semmi: I thought we were going fishing!


    /Alpha: Nix: We are; I just wanted to take care of something first.


    Nix smiled at Esta, the Stormsinger who was walking next to him along with three of her Arch Wing Acolytes and Alpha team. "You didn''t have to escort me, Esta. I do know my way around the temple."


    Esta shrugged slightly, her transparent visage crackling with the occasional electric pulse. "Not my idea; three dragons bribed me."


    The group arrived at a translucent barrier; the shapes and images on the other side were too blurry to make out. One by one, the members of Alpha team summoned their people. Nix placed them all in the same group when they started appearing.


    [Charlie Group]


    Bensic (Paladin)


    Lilac: Witch (CC, Summoner)


    Shur''icon: Witch (Debuffs and Curses)


    Cyra Yun: Shadow Ranger


    /Charlie: Nix: Welcome back. As promised, I have a task you must complete. Doing so will result in your eventual freedom.


    /Charlie: Cyra: How did I get here?


    /Charlie: Bensic: I summoned you with my ring. The Undead have won the war?


    /Charlie: Nix: Yes. The Bone Fortress is ours.


    /Inferno: Pon: Isn''t this where you tossed those asses from the House of Aquarion? And beat that Mummy down?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Also, several other people over the last half-year.


    /Charlie: Bensic: What''s the mission?


    /Charlie: Nix: I''ve been using this place as a prison of sorts. I want you to go in and subjugate anyone still living.


    /Charlie: Cyra: Towards what end?


    /Charlie: Nix: None of your damned business. In one week, I''ll send a scout in and check on your progress.


    /Charlie: Bensic: Plenty of time. Let''s go.


    Nix changed the restrictions on entering and waited until the small group stepped through before adjusting the setting again. "Now, it''s time to fish."

 Chapter 566: Necro Crafting: Bone Manipulation

    Nix stared at the Dragon Egg for a long moment, unsure what to think. Several different people stayed at his ranch beside the normal occupants of Fajii, Hyai, Shae, and his dad. Truth be told, he didn''t mind the crowd. Life was meant to be a bit messy around the edges. He often used the downstairs guestroom as a place to do some crafting or just hide away when he wanted to be alone. He returned to the doorway. "Why is there a Dragon Egg in my house?"


    Shae looked up from where she sat with Fajii and Mina. The three of them were huddled together, talking in low whispers. "That''s Del''s; Sai Tali asked that we bring the egg to safety."


    Nix frowned at the Salamander, who ignored the look and went back to chatting. "Del!" Nix picked up the egg and opened a Breach.


    The Orion moved toward him from her place near the fire. Without saying anything, she followed him into the Breach.


    A moment later, the duo stepped into the Turtle House. Nix placed the egg in the closet next to the downstairs bedroom. "Do you want a new puppet form? Or are you content with this one?"


    "I''m getting used to this one," Del admitted. "Where are you going?"


    Nix went up the stairs and entered the Master Bedroom. "The HUD interface at this table is the best in the house." He took a seat on the couch, making room for the Orion to sit next to him. "Found an interesting crafting skill from the Bone Fortress."


    Dell watched with interest while licking the bottom of one paw. "Not staying with Golem making?"


    "Hmmm... No. Although it would be fun to go all ''Pacific Rim'' on Khione." For a moment, Nix envisioned 50-meter steel goliaths with proper ranged and melee weapons. Most likely, any attempt at such a thing would result in him getting clubbed with the dreaded nerf stick.


    "What''s Pacific Rim?"


    "Nothing." Nix opened the crafting catalog from the Bone Fortress and highlighted the one he was interested in. "Lots of interesting things, nothing super powerful. Check it out."


    [Necro-Subcraft: Bone Manipulator]


    Change the bone structure of both living and non-living creatures.


    Del''s blue eyes glanced at the hud. "The description is kinda vague."


    Nix nodded slightly. "Yeah... but there are a lot of ways I could use it to upgrade my Emperor puppets."


    Do you wish to learn the Bone Manipulator crafting skill?


    "Yes." Nix brought out a low-level Nether Rat puppet and placed it on the floor before opening the new Necro-Crafting Interface.


    [Bone Manipulation]


    1) Identify


    2) Living Project


    3) Non-Living Project


    4) Salvage


    "Identify? Why is that there?" Nix selected it out of curiosity.


    [Scan the immediate area for unidentified bones?]


    "Sure." Nix watched as a brief splash of light filled the room.


    Process Complete. Bone Manipulation 1/500.


    Two unidentified bones were found [Bone hilts].


    Nix brought out the Bone hilts he''d been awarded at the Bone Fortress and placed them on the table. "Identify."


    Process Complete. Bone Manipulation 2/500.


    [Bone Hilt]


    Teranodon: An extinct primal beast of flame. The winged raptor was feared by everything that walked the land, including dragons.


    Nix whistled softly before turning his attention back to the nether rat. "Identify.''


    Process Complete. Bone Manipulation 2/500.


    [Nether Rat: Animation]


    3 different bone variants were found.


    Otter [Feet]


    Feline [Claws]


    Rat [Skeleton]


    Nix returned to the Main Menu for a moment.


    [Bone Manipulation]


    1) Identify


    2) Living Project


    3) Non-Living Project


    4) Salvage


    "Let''s go with Non-Living."


    [Please choose your project.]


    "Nether Rat."


    3) Non-Living Project


    a) Bone Growth: Enables the growth of existing bones, requires a source.


    b) Bone Grafting: Enables the grafting of two or more kinds of bones, requires a source.


    "Time to order some new stuff." Nix used the table hud to access the Auction house. After quickly locating the items he was looking for, he put his order in.


    "Shark teeth and snake bones?" Del had only been able to read the first few items on the long list.


    Nix nodded and placed both into the crafting queue along with the Nether Rat.


    [Nether Rat][Shark''s Teeth][Snake Bone]


    Increase in Bite Damage by 30 percent.


    Increase in Skeletal flexibility by 20 percent.


    Do you wish to continue with the Grafting procedure?


    "Yes."


    Process Complete. Bone Manipulation 3/500.


    Nix smiled pleasantly at the Orion. "Come a bit closer, Del."


    The Orion moved from her position on the couch to lay directly in front of him on the table. "Going to modify me?"


    [Orion Emperor Puppet]


    "Yep... Let''s see... How about Bat Skull and Viper fangs." Nix placed the items into the crafting queue and studied the possible improvements.


    [Orion Emperor Puppet][Bat Skull][Viper fangs]


    Poison Counter applied during bite.


    Increased Spatial Awareness, low-level Sonar.


    "I could turn you into a super Ninja Orion assassin." Nix smiled at the Orion. "I''m just looking, Del. I''m not going to use low-level components on an Emperor puppet. Give me a sec."


    The Orion watched as Nix placed several items onto the table. "Is it strange that I enjoy biting things?"


    "Very." Nix nodded, "let''s see what Salvage is.


    [Salvage]


    At the cost of Mana, you have a chance to salvage a random component from any creature you may have slain in the past. If the carcass is present, you may choose the component.


    1) Rare (1,455 possible variations)


    2) Legendary (11 possible variations)


    3) Primal or Higher (2 possible variations)


    "Display Primal or Higher possible variations."


    [Khione: Goddess of Winter]


    [Oblivion Spider: Primal Ocean Creature]


    "Nix? When did you slay Khione?"


    "I took down a few of her Avatars, that must have counted." Nix stared at the screen for a moment. If this crafting skill had access to his kill history... He had definitely killed Khione before the Everspire expansion went live. Could they have overlooked that sort of detail?


    The Orion purred contently while Nix started trying to salvage a random component from Khione. "Seems like the chance is a bit on the slim side."


    "No shit." Nix attempted to salvage until his mana was nearly depleted before finally succeeding.


    [Khione: Goddess of Winter]


    Unidentified bone fragment.


    Nix smiled at the Orion and scruffed her head with both hands. "Got something!"


    The small piece of bone was perhaps two centimeters in length and slightly thicker than a sheet of paper. Nix placed it carefully on the table. "Identify."


    [Bone Fragment]


    Khione: Goddess of Winter


    This is a fragment from one of Khione''s ribs.


    [Orion Emperor Puppet][Khione''s Bone Fragment]


    Ice Element


    Increased Armor Protection.


    [Granted Abilities]


    Level one Ice Blind. (Can be advanced.)


    Level one Ice Spear (Can be advanced.)


    Del focused on the benefits for a moment before fixing Nix with a blue-eyed stare. "I''ll take it."


    Nix clicked the Orion''s nose with the tip of his finger. "That''s not how crafting works."


    Del hopped from the table back to the couch. "Why not?"


    "My crafting icon grayed out as soon as I put the component in. My skill rating is way too low."


    "Start working, Nix!"


    "These things take time. The early stages are always easy, but you''re right. It''s time to get to work."


    Over the next few hours, Nix was able to create several modifications to his lower-level puppets. The higher the skill became, the more possibilities were available. When he finally took a break, the skill had been raised to 27.


    Del had long since fallen asleep, Nix found the Orion''s constant purring rather soothing, even though he wasn''t a cat person. The Ain''Dhassi ranger stretched and showed all of her teeth in a wide cat yawn. "How high did you raise it?"


    "Only to 27. I started off with common and uncommon components. I''ll have to switch to rare." Nix closed the hud. "Going to take a trip to the North Haven, and visit Shi. I''ll drop you off at the Ranch."


    Far to the North in Haven, a small Icecap had become the territory of Shi, the Black Ice Nemesis. Nix smiled after saying it in his head; when they first met; Shi had only been an Ice Spirit.


    When Nix stepped through the Breach a few minutes later, he was somewhat surprised at the lack of progress that had been made. The only real structure was a large sparring platform. Dozens of tents lined one edge of the platform. The Inferno Leader waved when he spotted the Black Ice Nemesis.


    Shi used one of the horse-sized Furies as a mount; with impressive quickness, it chased Nix down. "Greetings, Nix"


    "Nice to see you, Shi." Nix could barely believe she was the same Ice Elemental he had met months earlier. Her black hair hung to her waist, seemingly at odds with her pale skin and white robes. She held an Ice Staff in one hand.


    "You are always welcome." Shi slipped quickly off the Fury. "How bad is it?"


    Nix immediately understood what she was talking about. "All of Colonial and Oasis is buried in Ice and Snow. The storm that rages over them shows no sign of slowing."


    "What of the Gladis Hub?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Don''t worry about the Hub." The Inferno Leader scanned the area; it resembled a temporary camp. Shi and her followers were definitely missing the comforts of the Gladis Hub. "I brought you here hoping you would flourish."


    Shi''s face reddened slightly; although Nix''s tone was polite, the implication was clear. Their progress was less than impressive. "I know. I have let my attachment to the Hub interfere with establishing a home here."


    Nix watched the Acolytes as Cyan took them through sparring drills. No one would ever believe they were formerly a King''s Harem. "These young women, they ever get out to socialize?"


    Shi shook her head slightly. "We''ve been so busy training."


    "I understand; this doesn''t feel like your home."


    [Whisper: Nix to Nebs] Need a City Administrators assistance for a few hours.


    [Whisper: Nebs to Nix] Sure! Gideon and I are training at the Gemini Temple.


    [Create Breach: Gemini Training Area, North Haven]


    A moment later, Nebs stepped out of the Breach, accompanied by Gideon.


    "Hey," Nebs grinned at the Inferno Leader. The Pathfinders lived in the Dragon Fir tree; they were the only non-Inferno group allowed to access Haven.


    Gideon smiled slightly. "Bet you''re glad there is only one of me this time."


    Nix chuckled. "I''ll take a dozen of you over a dozen Pon any day." The Inferno Leader motioned toward Shi. "This is Shi, the Black Ice Nemesis."


    Both Nebs and Gideon offered the Nemesis a respectful nod.


    Nix handed a rolled-up scroll to Nebs. "Time for these guys to get settled in. Not sure what kind of structures are available, but get with Shi and figure out her needs."


    [City Production Scroll]


    Create a settlement with a wide variety of possibilities. As the population increases, your settlement will promote itself. [Tier 1: Village, Tier 2: Town, Tier 3: City]


    "A city production scroll?" Neb''s smile widened. "You know I love this kind of thing."


    Nix nodded. "I know it. I''m going to leave it in your hands." The Inferno Leader glanced at the surprised Nemesis, "I need a moment of your time."


    Shi let herself be pulled aside while she attempted to absorb Nix''s words. "We''re starting a settlement?"


    "Yes. I need a favor."


    Shi raised an eyebrow. Nix never asked for things. "Whatever you need."


    "Remember the Winter Sparrow you made for me? I had to use it when I placed Tharaka into an Ashobel puppet."


    "Would you like me to make another?"


    "Yes. It''s for an extraordinary friend." Nix opened a breach. "No rush or anything."


    Gideon approached when the breach opened. "This is how winter should be." The Assassin''s dark face smiled at Shi. There was plenty of Ice and Snow in the area, but the temperature was comfortable.


    Shi stared at the Assassin for a moment, her face blushing slightly. "Come visit us whenever you wish, Gideon."


    Nix bit down on the laugh that threatened to come up. "I''ll stop by in a few days, Shi."


    Gideon waved politely but then retreated into the Breach before Shi could say anything further.

 Chapter 567: Game Time (one)

    Gideon covered his face when he stepped through the Breach; he could feel the Inferno Leader staring at him. "Don''t even say it."


    "Say what?" Nix laughed aloud. "That you''re fucking awkward when it comes to talking to women?"


    Gideon sighed loudly. "This didn''t start out as my character."


    "Really?" Nix had taken them to the stall where Midnight was being kept. He opened the stall gate and slipped a lead over her head. "Come on, time to make a new friend."


    Gideon watched as Nix led the Demon horse to a large four-railed corral. A few hay bales and a large watering trough took up one small corner of the rectangular structure. "My brother started playing while I was in college. When his business started to grow, I sorta took the Gideon character over."


    Nix closed the corral gate and removed the lead from Nightmare. "And now Gideon is so awesome; you don''t want to start over?"


    Gideon nodded and slipped on her ''Mai'' ring. "This works good enough. Remember when I mentioned heading into Virtuna?"


    Nix nodded. "Baseball and partying, if I remember right."


    "Is tomorrow going to work? I know it''s short notice. While we were in the Bone Fortress, the World Series snuck up on us. It''s tied at three games each!"


    Nix held up a hand to halt the conversation. "Don''t tell me who''s playing! Can we change the venue to Vasai Virtual?"


    "Fancy, but I don''t have Vasai." Gideon smiled slyly. "I suppose you do?"


    Nix nodded. "I''ll send you my Vasai ID so that you can invite your friends."


    "It will only be my college roommate Yams, my brother, and his wife."


    "I''m bringing Pon, Semmi, and a childhood friend." Nix accessed his inventory.


    [Token: Skeleton Mount]


    Activate Token?


    "Yes."


    A moment later, a large skeleton horse appeared in front of him; its eyes were as dark as coal. At seventeen hands, it was a bit taller than Nightmare, it''s front and back legs well proportioned.


    Gideon gawked at the bone mount. "That thing is way bigger than mine!"


    Nix moved closer, suddenly a bit disappointed that it was a skeletal mount. "He''s about the size of Flash. Better keep them separated." He placed a hand on the horse''s head while Nightmare investigated with a curious nose. The skeleton stomped a forefoot in warning, causing the mare to back away. "Hey... Make friends! Let''s see what the details are."


    Barnabus: Skeletal Stallion


    Description: Barnabus was the mount of the Lich King, Blood Maw. It disappeared


    shortly after its owner was slain by the Tautius, the Great King.


    Immune to Fire


    Endless Stamina


    The sound of Gideon''s laugh made Nix turn around. "What''s so funny?"


    "They can''t mate, Nix. The Bone horse has no..."


    "Bone?" Nix smiled slightly but left the two horses in the corral and headed toward the gate. "I wouldn''t put money against it."


    Gideon slipped off his ''Mai'' ring and fell in step beside Nix. "How are we going to start an Offensive against so many at once?"


    Nix shrugged. "No shop talk. We''re resting and relaxing, but the easy answer is; we kick one ass at a time until all the asses are kicked."


    "Catchy." Gideon turned at the slight motion just inside her peripheral vision. "Looks like my guys are here."


    Nix turned at the sight of Paco, Roto, and Jiggs walking toward them. He immediately shifted into his Basilisk form.


    Jigg''s round face widened in a grin. "That basilisk form is bad-ass."


    Roto nodded in agreement. "Hey, Gid. Where''s Nebs?"


    The Basilisk''s yellow eyes stared at the group. "Which one of you statues is responsible for my engagement to Raine?"


    Roto pointed at Jiggs. "That guy!"


    Paco made a gesture toward the Pathfinder scout. "Yep, it was Jiggs."


    Gideon nodded in agreement. "Sure as shit."


    Nix has activated [Petrify].


    Jiggs has been petrified.


    Nix shifted back into his human form. "Want me to open a breach back to North Haven?"


    Gideon nodded; he was struggling not to laugh at the expression of terror on the statue''s face. "Yes, please."


    Both Paco and Roto were nodding in unison, glad to be leaving the vicinity of the Inferno Leader.


    Nix opened a breach to North Haven and then waited until they exited before turning toward the statue. "Everyone likes a jokester." Nix patted the scout''s rock-hard head. "Just hang out here for a bit; we''ll talk later."


    When he entered his Ranch house a few minutes later, Semmi and Shae were sitting on the couch talking while Pon sat at the kitchen island enjoying his beer. "Pon!"


    The old man looked up from his beer when Nix called his name. "Hyai left you a lunch-box in the fridge. She went off with Min, Fajii, and Nansu."


    Nix shrugged and made a bee-line for the fridge. "Want to head to Vasai Virtual tomorrow? Game seven of the World Series." He deliberately spoke louder than necessary so that Shae would overhear.


    Pon glanced over to where Semmi and Shae were sitting; they had definitely heard Nix. "Same people as before?"


    Nix nodded. "Hopefully, the four of us and then Gideon and his buddies."


    Pon held up his beer in salute. "Fucking Awesome."


    ******************


    After letting his NPC friends know that he was taking Pon and Semmi back to the Bone Fortress to reconfigure the ''Rule of War,'' the three of them Breached into the empty Bone Fortress and promptly logged off.


    /Logging Off: Colonial: Nix


    Nix found himself back in the now-familiar white room.


    [User: Henry Jones]


    Please choose from the available options.


    [Vasai Virtual] [Virtuna]


    "Vasai Virtual, please, send Hara, Pon, and Semmi an invitation to join me."


    Understood, accessing your Colonial Friend''s list, three invitations have been sent.


    [Logging you into Vasai Virtual]


    A Special Event Listing has been made available for you. Do you wish to view it?


    "Yes."


    [World Series: Box Seats]


    Nix clapped his hands together. "Let''s do it!"


    [Welcome to Game 7 of the World Series featuring a match-up between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees.]


    [Pick your team!]


    "Braves."


    The quiet room vanished around Nix, only to be replaced with the roar of a large crowd and the smell of popcorn and pretzels. The room consisted of two rows of very comfortable look recliner chairs overlooking centerfield. Along the back of the room was a long bar. Each wall had two large screens that offered viewpoints from both the right and left fields.


    "Holy crap." Nix noticed that he was wearing an Atlanta Braves jersey and hat. "Shit just got real."


    [Four of your expected party members have arrived: Mai, Yamica, Kenji, and Suzie.]


    Mai grinned when she saw Nix; she and her three friends were wearing Yankee jerseys. "Everyone, this is... What shall we call you here?"


    "My name is Henry, but Nix is fine. I don''t want to confuse anyone." Nix shook hands with Kenji, Mai''s younger brother.


    A dark-haired woman with a smirk on her face offered Nix her hand. "I''m Yams; we''ve met in Colonial a few times. I run Mid-Tier Salamander."


    Nix shook the offered hand. "Necromancer? I remember."


    Yams nodded. "Did you enjoy taking Salamander''s Parliament votes?"


    "Sure," Nix admitted.


    Mai caught his attention and pointed to a young woman with light brown hair and lots of freckles. "This wonderful girl is my sister-in-law, Suzan."


    "Just call me Suzie, Nix."


    [Three of your expected party members have arrived: Pon, Hara, and Semmi]


    Nix felt a moment of dread. Since Gideon and Yams were both part of Salamander, they would certainly recognize Hara. He let out a sigh of relief a moment later when he spotted the redhead. She had taken a few minutes to alter her virtual avatar slightly. Nix could still see some resemblance, but it wasn''t enough to make a point of.


    "Boo!" Mai booed the newcomers; all three were wearing Brave jerseys. "Nice to see you guys again."


    Semmi flashed a bright smile. "Yankee fans?"


    Mai nodded. "Looks like we''re split evenly."


    Pon returned from the bar with a tray filled with empty shot glasses and a bottle of Jose Cuervo. "My two favorite teams are playing!"


    Mai stuck out her tongue at the Texan when he handed shots to his friends. "Really?"


    "Yep. The Braves and whoever is playing the fucking Yankees."


    Nix clinked his glass against the one Pon was carrying. "A beautiful sentiment. Mai, this is Sahara, an old friend of mine."


    "Hara is fine." The redhead shook the Asian girl''s hand while Nix finished making introductions. "Let''s get some lime for our friend Jose."


    Mai followed Hara to the long bar and grabbed a few salt shakers while the redhead pulled a plate of limes from the mini-fridge.


    Semmi took the tray from Pon and started handing out drinks; the game hadn''t started yet. "Want to play a mixer game?"


    Pon shook his head immediately. "No! No!"


    Semmi ignored Pon''s protests. "Ignore him; he''s from Texas. Nothing too embarrassing, just sit next to someone you don''t know and ask each other three questions. We''ll rotate every three minutes. A shot every time you switch."


    "I''m in." Nix took a seat in the first row and looked to his right. "Hey, Yams."


    Yam''s gave him the stink eye. "Don''t try the nice act!" She smiled suddenly and lowered her voice. "First question. I''m trapped in a small cave in Safaraza! Are you gonna get me out?"


    Nix shook his head. "No way. You''re fucked. My turn. Who snores louder, you or Mai?"


    "Mai!" Yams grinned at him. "How''d you know she snores?"


    "She fell asleep on my Virtuna couch during the Everspire patch." Nix glanced to his right where Hara was talking to Kenji; they were both laughing at something. "Why not unbank and join upper-tier Salamander?"


    "I''m getting paid as a Guild Leader, unbanking means quitting my job." Yams pursed her lips while considering her last question. "Is Hara your girlfriend?"


    "Sure," Nix admitted. "What''s up with the dark make-up? Aren''t you a bit old to be playing Goth?"


    Yams shook her fist at him. "How old are you? I thought you''d be thirty-something!"


    Nix thumbed his nose at her and stood up. "Your questions are up!"

 Chapter 568: Game Time (conclusion)

    Nix sprinkled salt on the back of his hand before licking it off and biting into the lime, he gave Yams a sour look before tossing back his shot. "Next!"


    Mai''s brother was completely different than her. His black hair was worn long and his constant smile made him look like a born trouble maker. He grinned when Nix sat down. "Me first. Is my sister embarrassing my Gideon character?"


    Nix nodded. "Definitely. It''s especially cringe-worthy when she has to speak to female NPCs. "


    Kenji laughed loudly. "I try to give her advice, but she''s hard-headed."


    Nix decided he liked the younger brother. "How long you been married?"


    "Less than a year, although between us I only married her because I knocked her up." Kenji paused for a moment. "Is Hara your girlfriend?"


    Nix glanced at Hara who had sat down with Suzie. "Did she say so?"


    Kenji nodded. "Yes."


    "Then she is." Nix sprinkled salt on the back of his hand. "Are you really a Yankee fan?"


    Kenji shook his head. "Dodger fan, but I had to go along with Mai. How many questions was that?"


    Nix shrugged and knocked back his shot. "Next!"


    Suzie had her eyes closed when Nix sat next to her a few seconds later. "Pardon me, I''m a super-lightweight with any kind of booze, especially the virtual ones."


    "Skip this round, I''ll have yours." Nix relieved her of the shot glass in her hand. "Is it okay to drink virtual tequila in your condition?"


    Suzie opened one eye. "My condition?"


    Nix glared at Kenji. "You aren''t pregnant..."


    Suzie had a pretty laugh, she picked up one of the lime peels and pelted her husband with it. "Stop telling people that, you idiot!"


    Nix cleared his throat. "First question. Are you close with Mai?"


    Suzie nodded. "She fixed us up originally. My turn. How long have you known Hara?"


    Nix pursed his lips slightly. "Since I was a noob. Have you ever played Colonial?:


    Suzie shook her head. "I''ve played a few other Virtual games, but it''s not really my thing. What''s with Pon?"


    Nix laughed at the question. "He''s an old bastard. What''s your favorite food?"


    "Thai... Yours?"


    "I''ll take a steak any day." Nix knocked back his shot and stood up just as Semmi bumped into him. After helping to steady her he took a seat next to Mai.


    Mai was grinning at him. "Shit... I better slow down or I''ll be face down by game time."


    "Hara ordered some Nachos, so we''ll eat after this."


    Mai focused on Nix. "I''m good. First question! Did you go to college and how old are you?"


    "Isn''t that two questions?"


    Mai shook her head slightly. "Not when you ask them really fast."


    "Twenty-five, Unversity of Vermont." Nix committed his Henry Jones persona to memory. "How did you end up being Salamander''s Guild Leader?"


    "I had to interview with our Board of Directors." Mai lean closer and lowered her voice. "Slept with any dragons?"


    Nix chuckled and nodded slowly. "Affirmative, I''m Nix the Dragon-Layer."


    Mai''s loud laugh caused everyone to look at them. It was nearly a minute before she was able to stop.


    Nix grinned at her reaction, drunk Mai was very funny.


    A few minutes later, Nix found a seat in the front row. The two rows were tiered so that you wouldn''t be staring at the back of someone''s head.


    "Want to share?" Hara was carrying a plate of Nachos.


    Nix nodded. "Have a seat, it''s almost game time."


    To his surprise, Hara eased onto his lap, being careful not to spill her plate.


    "I thought you meant to share the Nachos."


    Hara shook her head slightly. "No way, these are mine." She teased him with a smile before offering him some.


    "Couples go home!" Yams frowned at them from the next seat. "That looks cozy! Mai! Come sit with me!"


    Mai squeezed in next to her college roommate, a large bag of popcorn in her hand. "Better?"


    Yams scarfed a handful from Mai''s bag. "Not really," she mumbled around a mouthful of popcorn.


    Pon shot Nix an angry glare when Semmi forced him to share. "Damn you, Nix!"


    Semmi ignored the protesting Texan. "Go Brankees!"


    Hara smiled at the petite blond. "The Brankees?"


    Nix shrugged slightly and wrapped his arms around Hara''s waist. "Brankees versus the Yaves? She''ll be sleeping by the third inning."


    Once the game started, a virtual waiter started taking orders while the small group watched. Semmi fell asleep during the first inning but woke up when the score was tied up at the top of the sixth.


    Pon grinned at an angry-looking Mai. "Three-run shot over left field. Looks like a new game!"


    In the end, the Brave prevailed when the Yankee''s pitching started to fade. The final score was 7-6 in favor of Atlanta.


    A chipper-looking Semmi was staring at Nix. "We going to do something else? How about that Lake cabin on the U.P.?"


    Nix nudged Hara who seemed content to use his shoulder as a pillow. "Want to?"


    The afterparty of the World Series moved to the Lake Cabin, where the group swam, barbequed, and enjoyed a large bonfire. The sound of the lake hitting the dock woke Nix several hours later. It was after midnight and the temperature had dropped slightly.


    Nix groaned and stretched his back, instead of using one of the bedrooms, he''d fallen asleep on the dock. "Shit... Looks like we aren''t the only ones."


    A sleepy-looking Hara peeked her head from behind a blanket. "Going in?"


    Nix nodded and gave her a hand as they carefully weaved their way through the sleeping group. A few minutes later, he crawled into the Master Bedroom''s very comfortable bed. "I''m sleeping in."


    Hara snuggled up against him. "Thanks for inviting me!"


    "What are you talking about? I invited Pon and Semmi."


    Hara propped herself up on one elbow. "So I crashed the party?"


    Nix nodded at the smiling redhead. "Probably wrecked my chances of hooking up with Mai."


    Hara made a face at him. "Funny... They are nice people."


    "Except that Yams, never trust a Necromancer." Nix leaned up and brushed his lips against hers before letting himself fall back against the soft pillow.


    **************


    At noon the next day, Nix entered the control room on the Bone Fortress. Semmi and Pon watched as he made changes to the rules of war.


    Semmi watched as Nix went through the menu. "Dividing the area into just two territories?"


    Nix nodded as he split the landmass in half and placed a large training ground at the center with a single community graveyard "They can battle here and recover in the graveyard if necessary."


    After placing a large barracks on either side, he glanced toward his companions. "Did I forget anything?"


    Semmi shook her head. "Looks good. Who are you bringing in?"


    "Time to put our Titans to the test. Lucid and her people are ready. I''ll talk with Nihlus and see how the Lion Clan is doing." Nix closed the control panel and exited the room.


    Semmi followed Nix out, her quick mind considering their choices. "What about Zinu and Guyanar?"


    *******Author''s Note*********


    Zinu is the cleric from Krayven Clan that accompanied Nix on a few side missions. Guyanar later became the first Falcon Titan.


    *********************


    Nix paused in mid-step. Guyanar had been the old Chief of Clan Krayven. When Nix placed him inside the puppet of a Falcon Titan, the Falcon Clan had been born. "We''ll have to visit them. The hardening that takes place here is something the newly evolved Titans can use."


    Pon frowned at the buildings. "Aren''t you spoiling them too much? We had to sleep in a cave when we first got here."


    Nix grinned at the old man''s sour face. "Probably.

 Chapter 569: Tactical Operation Center (TOC)

    After a five-day break, Inferno went back to work. Nix released Jiggs from his petrified state before stopping to see how Barnabas and Nightmare were doing. His stablehand Rand was sitting on the fourth rail of the corral.


    "Hey, Boss."


    "How''s Nightmare doing?"


    Rand shook her head slightly. "It''s like you said, she''s in heat. All indicators point to her being bred... I''m just not sure how."


    Nix chuckled and kept walking toward the Keep. "I''ll explain how everything works later."


    Rand stared at her boss as he walked away before feeling her face slowly turn red. "I know how that works, " muttered to herself before looking at Barnabas. "He''s got no thingie!"


    Leva was waiting near the entrance to the Dragon Fir tree. Her dark eyes followed Nix''s every step. "I''ve got preliminary scouting reports from Colonial and Oasis."


    Nix''s hud buzzed for a moment. "Sounds good. I''ll look at them in a bit." The Inferno Leader offered Leva a smile and then opened the door for her. "After you."


    The first level of the TOC was divided into three nearly identical sections. Rows of tables and chairs surrounded a central area where the Command staff could give briefings. Most of the seats were already filled when Nix walked in. Semmi, Jun Li, Commander Mtui, and War Leader Mortimus stood in front of a large circular platform where a holographic map of Colonial was displayed.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take your seats and pay attention. We have our work cut out for us.


    Nix paused until he had everyone''s attention. "Let me start by introducing the tasks of our key players. Warleader Mortimus will be heading up the Everspire Offensive. The Titan clans have the strength and manpower to deal directly with the threat to their lands. Unless they ask for assistance, we will leave that to them for now."


    Mortimus raised a large hand. "I''ll give a short briefing when Nix finishes up the overview. The Everspire Offensive will be on the second floor."


    Nix gestured toward Commander Mtui. "Commander Mtui will be in charge of logistics. This means cycling fighters and supplies where we need them."


    Mtui bowed slightly. "Logistics will be on the third floor."


    Nix uploaded the data Leva gave him to the displayed holo-map. "As you can see, the major landmasses in Colonial all have a monster mark on them. This signifies what I''m going to refer to as a regional boss. There are four of these guys in Colonial; located in Jhabi, Escavar, the Central Kingdom, and Broyan." The Inferno leader turned toward Leva and gestured for her to take over.


    Leva''s dark eyes stared at the members of Inferno for a moment before she stepped forward. "The regional bosses are very strong, too strong for the 50 level heroes who make up most Colonial. A few guilds attempted to take them down, but they were wiped out."


    "Our objectives have names." Nix highlighted the regional bosses; "Barrot, Chenzo, Lessard, and Parux."


    Commander Mtui held up his hand. "May I ask a question?"


    Leva nodded. "Of course."


    Mtui placed camp markings on the map close to the bosses. "What are the Colonial Guilds doing now?"


    "The Regional bosses are surrounded by low and mid-level creatures. The guilds have been thinning them out."


    "We need to establish footholds for these guilds." Mtui pointed to the marks he made on the map. "We''ll set up war camps and steady supply lines. That will give the guilds a chance to hunt."


    Nix studied the map, the monster mark for Broyan was actually in the water between Safarza, Broyan, and Glory city. "Are the oceans freezing? Why is this regional boss here?"


    Leva nodded. "The oceans in close vicinity to the regional bosses have frozen over. This also happened between North and South Jhabi."


    Nix zoomed in on Glory City. "Our first objective in Colonial is Barrot. We''ll take back Glory City and clean out the trash from Safarza and Broyan."


    Mtui opened his personal hud. "I''ll establish the Warcamp for Safarza immediately."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Most of the major cities have been overrun; however, we were able to evac the non-combatants to the Nether.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We haven''t mentioned Oasis. That''s because Inferno has decided to take back Colonial first. Southern Ain''Dhassi and the Izzin territory are the only allied holdings left in Oasis. The 12 Pillars are in Avalon; they will start clearing out the Oasis trash.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: No word from Parliament?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: No.


    /Inferno: Fajii: What about Raine? And the Fir''Dhassi?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Nothing.


    [Whisper Fajii to Nix] We can''t let anything happen to Raine.


    [Whisper Nix to Fajii] I won''t. She''s resourceful; the Fir''Dhassi aren''t helpless. I''ll go get her myself if we don''t get word from her.


    Nix held up his hand to get everyone''s attention. "We''ll be breaking off into ten-person teams to take down the Regional bosses. All available combatants are to standby here in the TOC on the Fourth or Fifth level. If you''re someplace else, then you won''t get a spot on the offensive."


    ***************


    Chiba threw an arm around Nix''s shoulder. "I missed my apprentice!"


    Nix shrugged out of her grip. "You seemed pretty content to help Mtui in the Bone Fortress!"


    Chiba''s old face broke into a creepy smile. "After this is over, I''ll want a favor from you."


    Nix shook his head. "Denied."


    Inferno: Nix: We''ll be in five-person groups for hunting. Once the surrounding mobs are cleared away, the two groups will unite and take down Barrot.


    [Alpha]


    Nix


    Chiba


    Beta


    Rabi


    Wind


    [Bravo]


    Semmi


    Pon


    Jun Li


    Ronnie


    Nezbit


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ll give the guilds a chance to get some xp before we clean up. Two days and we''re going in. Until then, feel free to roam the area around our target. Any intel you can gather might be useful.


    /Inferno: Nix: We will switch out people for the next boss, so if you aren''t picked this time, don''t be alarmed.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: If you see the mid-tier guilds struggling, feel free to give them a hand.


    /Inferno: Nix: On the last note, my Breach Commander abilities will be blocked again in two weeks. Leva and Commander Mtui will be assuming all Breach requests.


    ***********


    [0100, North of the Safarza War Camp]


    Nix watched as the mid-tier guilds continued to cycle in and out of the War Camp. The Ice Howlers gave off great experience and loot for the mid-tier groups.


    "Slow going. It takes an entire group of mid-tier to deal with one Howler." Del spoke from beside him.


    "It''s perfect. These guys are grinding. With so many groups out there, they should be pretty far in two days." Nix stealthed and left the camp at a trot, followed closely by the Orion.


    Over the next few hours, Nix and Del would help out the occasional group that looked as if they might wipe. It was a couple of easy hours of sword and claw fighting.


    Nix paused and checked his map. They moved into the cliff paths that bordered Northern Safarza. Tracks on the snow indicated that there was a large pack of Ice Howlers close by.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix leaned back against the frozen rock wall that looked down on the path where the two of them had walked almost an hour before. A handful of Ice Howlers had picked up their trail and were giving chase. Instead of waiting, Nix jumped the 10 meters to the frozen path below them.


    He hit the ground in a roll and came up with both bone hilts. "Looking for us?" Nix pushed Emerald Fury flames into the bone hilts, causing both of them to vibrate in his hand.


    The front two charged immediately, but before the trailers could follow, a black Orion landed nimbly in front of them.


    Nix stepped around the first howler''s attack, slashing at his throat while piercing the second''s heart with a direct thrust. The first howler''s head flopped onto the ground in a spray of crimson, while the second exhaled its fetid breath in Nix''s face before dying while still standing.


    Del took a minute to finish off the last three; the help she expected from Nix hadn''t come. "Something up, Nix?"


    Nix nodded. Since Del was tearing through them, instead of lending a hand, he tried to witness the phenomena he noticed during his kills. "It isn''t visible unless Dragon Eyes is active; when one of these creatures is killed, a bit of their energy escapes."


    Del used the snow to wipe the blood from her paws. "Escapes into the air?"


    "Kinda... Nix pointed North. "These were tiny streamers, barely even noticeable."


    Frenzy has sent you a friend request.


    Nix''s face broke into a wide grin as he accepted the friend request.


    [Whisper: Frenzy to Nix] Are you going to help me or what?


    Nix''s laughter carried on the wind, alerting several nearby Ice Howler to his presence. He activated his Emerald Fury aura, lighting up the night like a bonfire. "Time to play, Del."


    Nix kept the small clearing saturated in flames; the Howlers strong enough to make it to them were easily cut down by sword and claw. The duo tore through the pack of thirty like you''d expect from an elite pair. The entire time, the Inferno Leader wore an ear-to-ear grin.


    Del rubbed her wet nose against his arm. "Have you finally gone crazy?"


    "What''s that mean?" Nix rested a hand on her head. "Sometimes funny things happen." He walked toward the opening of a large cave and raised his voice. "All clear!"


    A woman dressed in black exited the cave a moment later; she had two skeleton guards that followed her movement. She frowned at the Inferno Leader. "You lied to me! But... under the circumstances, I forgive you."


    Nix chuckled at the necromancer''s expression. "I didn''t think you were actually stuck in a cave in Safarza."


    "I told you I was!" The mid-tier Salamander Guild Leader gave him the stink eye. "Thank you."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Welcome, Yams."

 Chapter 570: Anomaly

    0500, North of Cyphix


    Two forms stood on the polar Icecap, both staring and the swirling anomaly in front of them. The Orion stayed cautiously away from it, but the human was slightly more adventurous.


    "Don''t touch it, Nix!"


    Nix paused before making contact. "Hmm? Why not?"


    "You know how these things work; you''ll be sucked up into some mysterious place without any comm or gear."


    "You have a point," Nix admitted before placing his hand on it anyway. "Nothing... What do you think it is?"


    The Orion studied it for a moment, she couldn''t see the energy streamers from normal kills, but she could see this. "Does it look any different with [Dragon Eyes]?


    Nix nodded. "It''s a swirling mass of energy; every kill seems to add to it." He removed an object from his inventory and placed it on his head.


    You have equipped the Crown of Bones.


    The swirling mass of energy turned black as night, hundreds of screaming spirits were slowly merging, the combined sound of their agony was like a roar in Nix''s ears.


    You have opened the Book of the Undead.


    Nix held the black-bound book in his hands for a moment before glancing down at the pages. Random names continually filled the pages; when he touched one, he immediately received a message.


    Do you wish to scribe this name?


    "No, let''s go, Del."


    [Create Breach: Cyphix, Safarza WarCamp]


    The Safarza War Camp was continuing to grow, dozens of large tents lined tent city, and the smell of cookfires lingered in the air. A long quartermaster tent that sold basic supplies had been setup. Nix and Del walked past without entering; more than one person seemed curious about the pair that had been seen slaughtering Howlers throughout the past twenty-four hours.


    "Nix!"


    The Inferno Leader turned at the sound of his name, a woman in black approached them with a small squad.


    Nix rested a hand on Del''s shoulder while the group from Mid-Tier Salamander approached. "Frenzy..."


    "Is Gideon in Colonial?" Frenzy''s dark eyes studied the pair; having seen them tear apart a group of thirty Ice Howlers, she knew that either of them could gank her group without trying.


    "Gid is on a special mission, probably be out of for a day or so." Nix had only been in Colonial for a half-day before he started getting a bad feeling. He immediately returned to the TOC and sent Pathfinder on a special mission; Find Raine Xai and report back immediately. "Did you need to contact him?"


    Frenzy nodded slightly. "Yes, but it isn''t an emergency or anything. Oh, before I forget. Semmi was here for a bit; she flew off on one of those bone crows. Damn, that thing is awesome as hell."


    Nix brought up his hud and checked her status; Semmi and the team she was with had already returned to Haven. "We''re going to take down Barrot soon."


    [Create Breach: Safarza War Camp, Glory]


    An ice-covered Glory was something that Nix didn''t imagine he''d ever see. The pair stepped out of the Breach next to the Kindled Spirit, but the sounds of distant fighting could still be heard. "Follow, Del."


    Nix ran for the walls; the Knights of Colonial had stayed behind when the civilians from Glory were evacuated to Inferno City. When he stepped onto the walls a few minutes later, his presence was immediately noticed.


    "Commander Nix!"


    Nix sliced through an Ice Howler that was scaling the wall. "Report, Captain!" Captain Wylie Solm had been assigned to him since Dunham''s Cove. On his recommendation, Shi had made her the Ice Temple Champion. Since there was currently no Temple and Nemesis Shi had returned to Haven, the talented Knight asked to be returned to regular duty.


    "Regular attacks from low-level howlers are keeping us busy. Occasionally one manages to get through into the city, but we''ve been able to run them down quickly."


    "Did Banz come also?"


    Wylie shook her head slightly. Her once silver hair was now black and had been cut very short; it was no longer visible beneath the leather helm when wore. "No, he''s back at Haven, awaiting orders at the TOC."


    "We''re short healers; I''m going to need you to join Alpha. You''ve been in Siberia long enough."


    Wylie smiled suddenly, "I don''t know what Siberia is, but I''d be glad to watch your back."


    Nix frowned slightly when he noticed her gear; it seemed to be the same stuff she''d been wearing since she was assigned to Shi. "Come find me later. Going to upgrade your gear a bit."


    *****Author''s Note******


    Delphi is the Captain of the Phoenix, the ship that Nix spend quite a bit of time on before he moved to Oasis. It is the flagship of the Glory Fleet.


    ********************


    [Whisper: Nix to Delphi] How''s the Phoenix looking, Captain?


    [Whisper: Delphi to Nix] Nix! I thought you forgot about us!


    [Whisper: Nix to Delphi] Not at all. Are you close by?


    [Whisper: Delphi to Nix] The fleet is anchored at the mid-point between Glory and the Central Kingdom. I was worried if we came too close, we''d aggro Barrot."


    [Whisper: Nix to Delphi] Good thinking. Commander Mtui is our logistics officer; if you require anything, just let him know.


    [Whisper: Delphi to Nix] Understood. Thank you.


    When Nix and Del stepped onto the Gemini Temple platform a few minutes later, Del immediately asked to leave. They''d been hunting most of the night, and she was exhausted. Nix stifled a yawn and headed into the TOC.


    Semmi, Pon, and Jun Li were studying the holographic map of Colonial; all three looked up when Nix headed toward them.


    "Been sleeping all day, Bastard?" Pon smiled despite his words; he knew that Nix hadn''t slept in at least a day, probably more.


    "Going that way in a bit." Nix grinned suddenly; for some reason, he felt a perverse pleasure in delivering bad news. He zoomed the TOC map to the area North of Cyphix. "Got some sort of anomaly forming here."


    Semmi stared at the point. "Anomaly? When did it start?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Best guess is that it started when we began killing Howlers."


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you come to the TOC, Vooni?


    /Inferno: Voon: On my way, Nix.


    The blonde officer''s confusion was written on her face. "What does it look like?"


    "Like a swirling mass of energy. I noted last night that every kill we made sent a streamer of energy to the North." Nix let the comment sink it. "I tracked the streamers to this position. We''re feeding the damned thing."


    Semmi shared a glance with Jun Li. "Any ideas, Junie?"


    Jun Li shook her head slightly. "A lifeform made up of everything we kill in Colonial? That could be very bad."


    Semmi considered it for a moment. "I didn''t see any streamers when I killed howlers."


    Nix noticed that Vooni entered the TOC and waved her over. "It''s a heat signature, not noticeable unless you have some sort of thermal vision active."


    Vooni''s black armor stood out only slightly less than the enormous sword strapped to her back. The dragon descendent was a peerless tank, even among the Sky Kingdom elites. "Hey, Nix." She didn''t bother to hide the soft spot she had for the Inferno Leader; even before she started seeing his father, Nix had become one of her favorite people. "Got something for me?"


    Nix nodded and quickly described the phenomenon of the energy streamers. "I only spent a few minutes studying it; see if you can figure out anything else."


    "I''d like to come also. If it''s some sort of spatial anomaly, I may be able to tell you more about it." Dragon Master Sinfaya wore a dark robe; her black hair hung loosely down her back. She glanced at Nix, her dark eyes watching the Inferno Leader.


    Nix shook his head. "I can''t risk having something happen to you."


    "Of course, Nix. I only thought I might help."


    Nix accessed his inventory and removed a Ravager puppet. He handed it to the Dragon Master and then gestured toward Vooni. "Vooni will accompany you to Colonial; any sort of information would be great."


    Semmi nodded in agreement. "The sooner, the better, we''ll be taking down Barrot tonight."


    Sinfaya accepted the puppet and then immediately opened a breach. "I''ll meet you at the Gemini platform."


    "Hey..." Nix stared at the dragon for a moment. "Bring my puppet back in one piece!"


    Sinfaya stepped through the Breach without saying anything further.


    "Damn, Nix. Would it kill you to be civil toward her?" Pon had a healthy respect for dragons.


    "The hell are you talking about, Old Man? You''re the last person to talk about manners." Nix followed Vooni as she headed toward the door, pausing halfway up the aisle. "Going to North Haven for a few minutes, then I''ll be sleeping until later."


    Jun Li nodded. "Okay, Nix."

 Chapter 571: Winter Blackbird

    Morti huffed his black nose at the tiny ring. "That definitely won''t fit, Nix."


    Nix pursed his lips slightly. "You may be right. How about if I pierced your ear and you could wear it there?"


    Morti shook his big head. "I don''t wanna."


    "I see... I could pierce your nose. Nose rings are really popular nowadays."


    Morti''s big paw covered his nose. "That''s scary."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "How about if I use it as an enchantment for your new Battle Harness?"


    Ring: Winter Sparrow (Black Ice)


    Description: This is the Ice Queen''s


    favor. A unique sparrow constructed from Black Ice.


    "Is it a small bird?"


    Nix nodded. "Very small; you remember the Ice Sparrow I had?"


    "Yep. Can you make those too?"


    "Unfortunately, no, it''s a unique skill that Shi has developed."


    [Summons: Winter Sparrow]


    [Please Choose User Mode]


    1) Command


    2) Control


    [Control]


    Nix held the tiny bird in the palm of his hand; its black feathers sparkled in the Haven sun. "Try to inhabit it, like you would a regular puppet."


    Morti flopped down on the ground and waited while Nix placed it on the ground in front of him. He stared at the bird for a moment and then closed his eyes. A second later, the bird made a tiny hop. "My nose is huge."


    Nix lay his palm out and waited until the bird hopped on. "It looks good on you. Why don''t you try flying around."


    "Your nose is huge too... I think we look a little alike." The bird flapped its wings a few times. "What if I break it?"


    "You can''t really. I got eaten once in Parliament. while using the Winter Sparrow, I can resummon it once the timer resets." Nix stifled a yawn. "I need some sleep, have some fun with this, Morti."


    ***************


    2300 hours, Turtle House in Haven


    A weight on the bed caused Nix to stir several hours later; he opened his eyes when soft lips touched his. Fajii''s brown face smiled at him.


    "You asked me to wake you in time for the Barrot Raid." Fajii gripped his hand and pulled back until he managed to sit up. "Maybe you should sit this one out?"


    Nix shook his head to clear the cobwebs. "Nope! Let''s go wack that guy; then I can go back to sleep."


    Fajii stood up, keeping an eye on him until he placed his feet on the floor. "Alpha and Bravo are at the Safarza War Camp."


    Nix nodded and started equipping his gear. "Did Vooni and Sinfaya return?"


    "They''re at the TOC; you have time to drop in before the raid starts."


    Nix created a Breach to the TOC and stepped through; Sharl, Milat, and Zhava were standing around the large map with Vooni and Sinfaya. The Dragon had his Ravager puppet in one hand. "Give me a quick brief."


    Vooni pointed to the mark on the map just to the north of Cyphix. "It''s like you said, every kill is feeding it, but that''s not all."


    Sinfaya did something with the hud control, causing the map to zoom in much closer than it normally would. "It''s actually a spatial gate, a prison of sorts. There is definitely something very strong on the other side."


    Nix''s face was expressionless; he had already guessed as much. "A planar boss?"


    Sinfaya nodded. "We''ve already received reports that the Titans are facing something similar in Everspire."


    Nix accepted his Ravager puppet from the dragon. "Anything else?"


    "Yes. It''s pretty complicated spatial magic, the local kills act as the key to the gate, but if you fail to kill the planar boss, the gate will rerelease them."


    Nix frowned suddenly and checked the time. "Basically, losing means that we have to restart the entire process from day one. And if we win?"


    Vooni smiled at him. "That''s the good news, the gate will be eradicated, and Colonial will be cleared."


    Nix opened a breach to the Sarfarza War Camp. "Still in contact with your old team?"


    Vooni nodded. "Shall I activate them?"


    "Yes, unless they are tasked with other things. Let''s get the band back together." Nix stepped through the Breach a moment later, leaving Sharl to explain what that meant.


    The War Camp was bristling with activity when Nix arrived a moment later. Tent City was now packed with occupants as all the mid-tier guilds were racing to grind Howlers before Inferno came in and killed the boss. Nix could hear the murmurs as he walked past the Quartermaster Tent.


    "That''s the Inferno Leader; that means they''re going now!"


    "Let''s shift to another War Camp."


    "He doesn''t look like much, bet I could take him."


    Commander Mtui stepped out of the Quartermaster tent and fell in step with Nix as he walked toward the staging area. "Breach Commander meeting tomorrow Nix."


    Nix''s felt his lips widen in a grin. "The rest of the Commander''s going to join the fight?"


    Mtui nodded. "We''re meeting tomorrow at my office in Solomon City. Make sure to bring those Ghost peppers."


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] On your six, Trip-7.


    Nix glanced over one shoulder and spotted the Inferno Sniper; she was accompanied by Dalton and Moki, both former Gladis Hub members.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Got a sniper nest set up?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Yes. We set up at max range. Once you guys start rolling, we''ll add some dps.


    The raid group was all standing around a fire, talking in a relaxed manner while waiting for the fight to start.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Looks like Nix is here. Here are the groups for the raid. As you can see, we''re DPS heavy and light on heals.


    Nix: CC, Range/Melee DPS


    Chiba: Melee DPS


    Beta: Melee DPS


    Rabi: Melee DPS


    Wind: Melee DPS


    Semmi: Melee DPS


    Pon: Ranged DPS


    Jun Li: Off Tank


    Ronnie: Ranged DPS


    Nezbit: Heals


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to add Morti, Ducky, and Fey. Our sniper team is also set up nearby.


    Morti: Tank


    Ducky: CC


    Fey: Ranged DPS


    Morti has joined the raid.


    Ducky has joined the raid.


    Fey has joined the raid.


    Dalton has joined the raid.


    Moki has joined the raid.


    Darsi has joined the raid.


    Since the Regional boss was close, Inferno decided to walk. The soft crunch of boots on the frozen tundra marked their passing as they made their way through the War Camp that had suddenly grown quiet. Everyone had heard of Inferno, the mid-tier guilds gathered to watch, and all eyes were on the raid force.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: He''s on the ice. I hope we don''t fall through when he dies.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The ice here is probably seven or eight feet thick.


    Nix felt a hand grip his and looked down to see Rabi walking beside him. "Ready to go, Rabi?"


    Rabi flashed him a fanged smile. "Rabi''s tummy feels bad, but I''m ready."


    "Mine too; it''s just butterflies."


    Rabi wrinkled his dark nose. "Rabi doesn''t eat butterflies."


    Nix shared a smile with the tiny demon. "I suppose you''re right."


    Barrot crouched on the snow, unmoving. Besides insta-killing any mid-tier that approached him, he hadn''t moved at all since he spawned. His skin was a deep blue. He was equipped with brown fur armor and a Great Sword that seemed to absorb the light around it. He was helmless, but had two massive dragon-like horns jutting from either side of his head. It was difficult to judge his height because he was kneeling, but Nix guessed he was only a bit taller than Morti.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: He has a bola tied to his belt. That could mean he has a CC ability.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Noted, good catch, Ronnie.


    Large chunks of ice jutted up randomly around the Ice Giant. The mid-tier guilds had managed to clear all the trash mobs from the area, so Inferno wouldn''t have to worry about any adds unless Barrot summoned them.


    Inferno formed up behind Morti and Jun Li.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Morti goes in by himself and establishes aggro. He''ll turn Barrot''s back to us; that''s the green light for our Melee DPS to move in. Whenever you''re ready, Morti.


    Morti stood on his back legs, his eyes scanning the area around Barrot. He dropped down to all fours with a ground-shaking thud. "Gonna Swat him!"


    Nix pushed Emerald Fury flames into both of his Bone hilts, the buzzing whine of their vibration reverberated around them, causing the frigid night air to pop and crackle in protest.


    Chiba had both of her swords equipped; her old face focused on the Ice Giant. "Call out if you get in trouble, Apprentice!"


    Nix nodded. "You too."


    Morti''s claws dug deep into the ice beneath them; a moment later, he charged in. Chunks of ice and snow were thrown into the air as the Titan cub rambled forward with startling speed. When the bear passed the five-meter mark, Barrot stood suddenly to face him, but it was already too late.


    "SWAT!" Morti''s big paw swiped aside the sword that was raised to block his attack and slammed into the face of Barrot, knocking him back a step.


    Barrot has been stunned.


    Huge jaws clamped down on the Ice Giant''s sword arm, the Titan cub''s claws gouged deep ruts into the ice as it forced his opponent to turn.


    [Absolute Challenge]


    All of Barrot''s Attacks must focus on Mortimer for the next sixty seconds.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Move-in! Let''s light him up!


    Nix has cast [Hellfire][Fire Storm].


    Emerald flames roared upward around the Ice Giant while the sky rained with green fire. The Ice Giant roared in agony and raised his arms to cover his face. Within seconds of starting, Inferno had taken thirty percent of his health.


    Barrot has created [Separation].


    No creature may approach within two meters of Barrot for the next five seconds.


    The area around the Ice Giant cleared immediately, forcing Morti backward as the Ice Giant raised an arm overhead and starting spinning it.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: It''s the Bola!


    Jun Li stepped in front of Nezbit and raised her Gemini blade.


    [Defensive Posture][Gemini Shield]


    All attacks against Jun Li will be mitigated by thirty percent.


    Jun Li is shielding Nezbit.


    Nix heard the whirling of the Bolas as it spun through the air; a moment later, he felt the impact as it wrapped several times around his legs, advanced upward in a spiral until the weighted ends thumped together at his stomach, knocking him to the ground.


    Nix has been restrained.


    Chiba has been restrained.


    Beta has been restrained.


    Rabi has been restrained.


    Wind has been restrained.


    Barrot has been charmed.


    Morti pushed against the invisible barrier that separated him from his target; a deep, menacing growl rumbled from the cub''s throat as he tested its strength.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Flames]


    Green fire enveloped Nix, causing his bonds to burn away.


    Nix is no longer bound.

 Chapter 572: Back to Glory

    Nix rolled to his feet, stowing his blades as a dozen emerald flames strands extended from his hands and wrapped around Barrot''s legs. A quick-thinking Morti slammed both paws into his chest, knocking the Ice Giant to the ground.


    "Bear Stomp!" The Titan cub jumped up and down on the fallen foe, causing the ground to shake with the impact of several tons of bone and muscle.


    Nix pulled back on the strands, his heels digging into the ice as Barrot struggled to escape the girth that is Morti. A vicious tug-of-war took place, highlighted by a sudden cringeworthy snapping of bone and rending of flesh. The Titan fell backward, landing on his enormous butt with a muscular blue arm still clamped in his vice-like jaws.


    A deafening howl echoed filled the night sky; Nix dropped his flame strands and clamped both hands over his ears.


    Morti is immune to stun.


    Nix has resisted stun.


    Chiba has resisted stun.


    Beta: has been stunned.


    Rabi has resisted stun.


    Wind has resisted stun.


    Semmi has been stunned.


    A tiny demon flashed in just as Barrot climbed to his feet. Rabi''s void daggers blurred with successive attacks.


    [Quartered][Backstab][Pickpocket]


    Barrot''s movements have been slowed by thirty percent.


    Rabi has landed a critical strike.


    Rabi has stolen the [Ice Palace Key].


    Wind has activated a [Qi Family Trait: Sudden Switch]


    [First Strike][Backstab]


    Combination Successful.


    Wind has landed a critical strike. [x 2]


    Chiba has activated [Dual Chain].


    [Master Strike][Dual Thrust]


    Combination Successful.


    Chiba has followed up Wind''s attack with a critical strike. [x2]


    The Ice Giant dropped an item onto the ground; immediately, he was surrounded by a sphere of transparent ice.


    Barrot has activated [Ice Sphere].


    Ice Sphere will remain in place for one minute or until Barrot uses another skill.


    Pon has cast [Balefire: Hex].


    The Ice Sphere is immune to all damage.


    Barrot has activated his bloodline [Final Form: Demicron].


    Enormous ice wings formed on Barrot''s back, deep blue ice that radiated cold. The Ice Sphere shattered instantly as most of Inferno was pushed back by the gale winds caused by the first flap.


    "Nope!" Morti raised up on his hind legs, extending his body upward as he jumped, his powerful jaws puncturing Barrot''s boots as he gave the Ice Creature a Titan cub anchor.


    /Inferno: Nix: Fey!


    An Instant later, the Drakon flapped her wings and bathed Barrot in silver flames. Nix pushed Emerald Flames into his bone hilts and sprang onto his Spirit Companion''s trailing tail, four quick strides, and he leaped from Fey''s head with his blades pointed downward. Barrot never saw the strike coming. He shielded his face from the flames just as the Emerald blades pierced through the top of his skull.


    Barrot''s eyes rolled back in his head as his body went limp and crashed into the ground. Morti and Fey dodged safely away, but Nix was tossed onto the ice, where he skidded several meters before stopping.


    Nix has slain Barrot.


    [Colonial System Message: A Regional Lord has been defeated.]


    New Quest Available.


    Quest Updated.


    [Defeat the Planar Boss]


    Objective: Defeat Detraxon, the Demi-God of Ice.


    Description: The path to the Planar Demi-God goes through four Regional Lords. This planar event requires the minimal participation of one thousand Heroes. Once the battle for the Plane starts, Detraxon must be defeated, or he will resummon his Lords and return to his lair.


    1) Barrot. (Defeated)


    2) Chenzo.


    3) Lessard.


    4) Parux.


    The Deep Winter''s grip on Colonial has loosened slightly.


    Nix sat up slowly, smiling at his approaching Sword Master. He accepted the old woman''s hand up. "One down."


    Chiba''s wrinkled face creased in her signature creepy grin. "Seems like we have some fans."


    "Hmm?" Nix turned toward the ice ridge, where hundreds of mid-tier players were cheering and chanting ''Inferno'' in unison. He threw an arm around Chiba''s shoulders. "What did you think of that last move?"


    "Very impressive... Why didn''t you just use your Archon form?"


    Nix frowned at the old woman; the truth was he had completely forgotten about it since he hadn''t used it regularly in months. "Because I don''t need wings to kill that lightweight."


    Chiba froze in place, her eyes lighting up as she stared at the blood-stained ice. "Mine!"


    Nix watched as she picked up the severed arm of the Ice Giant. "The hell do you want with that?"


    Chiba grinned at him. "Can you petrify this for me? Later is fine, I''ll stop by the house."


    Jun Li was already looting the corpse by the time he returned to the body. Fey had morphed back into her Mage form and talking very animately with the Titan cub.


    "Did so!" Morti huffed loudly, sending Fey''s silver hair in all directions.


    Fey slammed the butt of her staff onto the ice. "Jumping into the air is not flying!"


    Morti spotted Nix approaching, and turned his focus onto the Guild Leader. "Did you see? Tell her what I did!"


    "Gonna call that a flight, nearly a meter." Nix kept his expression carefully neutral.


    "Nice landing, too," Ducky added.


    Fey glanced from Morti to Nix and then to Ducky, who had climbed up on the Titan cub''s back. The silver mage carefully fixed her hair and stepped away from the trio.


    [Create Breach: Safarza, Haven]


    A silver breach formed in the air directly in front of them. Without saying anything further, she stepped through with her nose in the air.


    Nix stared at the empty space for a moment, then glanced around to see if Mtui or Leva were present.


    [Whisper: Ducky to Nix] Did Fey create that Breach?


    [Whisper: Nix to Ducky] Sure looks that way.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Five pieces of gear dropped; two of them are bound by contribution.


    /Inferno: Pon: What''s that mean? Link them!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Take a look.


    [Unidentified Bone Fragment]


    Contribution Award: Nix


    Tautius''s Battle Harness [Primal]


    + 200 to All Stats.


    + 30,000 to Armor Class.


    Increased Mitigation


    Increased Health Regeneration


    Increased Magic Resistance


    Contribution Award: Mortimer


    /Inferno: Ronnie: If Sharl were here, she''d pee her pants.


    /Inferno: Pon: Heh... Nix got the bone! HAHAHA... Now that''s funny.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Here''s the rest.


    [The Lost Temple of Earth]


    Temple Deed: Earth Elemental.


    [Allied Masses]


    Grants the Nature Healing Spell: Allied Masses.


    Natures Path only.


    [Nether Blood]


    A fusion of Nether and Dragon blood. May only


    be consumed by someone of demonic or draconian descent.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Good job everyone! Send me a whisper if you want one of the items.


    An unidentified bone fragment has been placed in your inventory.


    Mortimer has received Tautius''s Battle Harness.


    Rabi has received [Nether Blood].


    /Inferno: Nix: In three days, we''ll start clearing out the Central Kingdom. Lessard is our next target.


    Morti pushed his big nose into Nix''s face. "Will you be able to enchant this harness?"


    Nix nodded. "I''ll take a look at it and let you know tomorrow after lunch."


    /Inferno: Nix: Save that healing spell for Wylie. She''s the only one in Inferno that has Nature''s Path.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] What about the Earth Temple deed? We could give it to Fajii.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] She already has the Scorched Earth temple. It would be a bit of a waste.


    [Whisper: Jun Li: to Nix] Any ideas?


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Yes, Tai''Qui.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] Is that even possible? Sending it to you now.


    ****************


    Dawn came to Haven, throwing sunlight onto the windows of the Turtle House. Slowly the sun rose into the sky as the day advanced by minutes and hours. It was nearly overhead before the first stirring occurred within the house.


    Nix nudged the sleeping Orion off of his feet and opened his eyes. "Finally, some uninterrupted sleep."


    The Orion''s blue eyes stared at him without comment.


    Nix sat up and ran his fingers through his hair. "My face is wet. Were you licking my face again?"


    Del licked the padded bottom of one paw before showing all of her teeth in a wide yawn. "Probably."


    "Sleeping till noon feels kinda nice." Nix rolled out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. "Going to take a shower. Anything going on that I should know about?"


    "Inferno disbanded, all of your women have decided to marry Pon, and Khione has given up her quest for world domination."


    "All that?" Nix paused at the door. "What''s the Ice Goddess doing instead?"


    "She opened up a bakery in Glory City."


    An hour later, Nix sat at the kitchen island setting up a crafting queue. He promised Morti that he''d try to add a shapeshifter attribute to his battle harness. Wylie also needed better armor.


    "You do a lot of work for your friends."


    Nix nodded and displayed the first crafting queue. "What do you think?"


    [Mortimer][Item: Tautius''s Battle Harness][Base Overlay Material: Camouflage Fabric V]


    [Enhancement: Ring of the Winter Sparrow][Lamia Leather]


    Do you wish to craft this item?


    "Yes."


    Mortimer''s Black Sparrow Battle Harness [Primal X]


    Description: This is an Emperor level, [Black Sparrow]


    Shapeshifter set.


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 200 to All Stats.


    + 30,000 to Armor Class.


    Increased Mitigation


    Increased Health Regeneration


    Increased Magic Resistance


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Fire Damage


    "You gave stealth and sound suppression to an 18-foot Titan Cub?" Del''s voice was filled with humor.


    "Of course," Nix nodded. "I''m his best friend; just ask him."


    [Wylie] [Item: Pants, Shirt set][Base Material: Camouflage Fabric V] [Enhancement: Dire Wolf] [Enhancement: Lamia Leather][Enhancement: Dragon Scale]


    "That''s for Captain Wylie? The Ice Temple Champion?"


    "Hard to be a champion without a temple, but yes, this is for Wylie."


    "She''s beautiful."


    Nix shrugged. "Wylie does look better with the darker hair. The whole silver/white hair look with pale features has never really been my thing."


    "You just described the entire Ain''Dhassi race."


    Nix gave her a deadpan look. "Did I?"


    The Orion watched as he tried a few different enchantments. "Where''s that Oracle ball? I''m bored."


    Nix handed her Enigma and continued working.


    Del pinned it beneath one paw while rubbing it with the other. "Does Nix like me?"


    [No.]


    Nix laughed aloud and snatched Enigma from the Orion. "Stop messing around, or I''ll leave you in that dragon egg."


    Dire Wolf Queen: Shape Shifter Set


    Description: This outfit is a [Dire Wolf] Shape


    Shifting Set. [Custom: Wylie only]


    Become predator of the frozen tundra.


    All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    + 2000 to Armor Class


    +100 to Nature


    + 50 to all Base Stats.


    +30 to Speed.


    + 200 Poison Resistance


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Enhancement: A poison counter is added to


    each successful attack.


    Bonus: Wearer is Immune to Fire Damage

 Chapter 573: Arctic Stalker

    Del poked her sleek black head into the backroom closet where Nix was going through his box of gear. "Something is going on outside."


    "Huh?" Nix slammed the box shut and walked towards the back door just in time to see something flash by. "The hell? Was that one of Mina''s Vilas?"


    Nix pushed the door open and was quickly forced to dodge as he came face to face with a smiling jade figure. The quills on top of her head were standing up straight; it was obvious that she''d been playing in the turtle pond. "Playing with the Vilas?"


    Soup''s round face smiled as she made a chewing motion. "Nom, nom, nom."


    "Going to eat Mina''s Vilas?" When she nodded, Nix released the turtle. "Have at it; she has plenty of them."


    Nix was still smiling when he resumed his seat in the kitchen. "What?"


    Del''s ice-blue eyes were watching him. "You''re going to let Soup eat a Vilas?"


    "Sounds bad when you say it like that." Nix placed three Emperor puppets on the counter in front of him.


    "You made a white Orion?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "The Orion''s were already white; I had to waste an enhancement slot to change them to black. Guess the jokes on me."


    Del stared at the white Orion; it had been placed between a Dire Wolf puppet and a Ravager. "Can you strengthen it? I don''t mind switching out."


    Nix knew firsthand how effective shapeshifting during battle could be. While chasing Hulo, he had used the Basilisk and the Phoenix very effectively. His yellow eyes examined the Ravager for a moment; it was the one that Jun Li had removed from the rubble of the Bone Fortress. Sasi had been using it when the structure collapsed.


    [Animator Interface Activated]


    [Ravager: Emperor (Damaged)][Dire Wolf: Emperor]


    [The resulting repair will decrease the quality of the end product. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "No." Nix glanced up at Del, who was watching the process. "When I made Raine''s Ravager Armor, I was able to apply miniaturization to avoid quality degradation."


    "Bigger is better," Del put forth.


    "Maybe," Nix added the Orion to the Animator Interface.


    [Ravager: Emperor (Damaged)][Dire Wolf Emperor][Orion: Emperor]


    [The resulting repair will decrease the quality of the end product. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "No," Nix muttered a curse. "I thought maybe the extra Emperor would raise the quality. "Guess I have to miniaturize it."


    [Ravager: Emperor (Damaged)][Applied Miniaturization Text: .75][Dire Wolf Emperor][Orion: Emperor]


    [The resulting repair will decrease the quality of the end product. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "No. Shit... That should have been enough." Nix decreased the sizing from .75 to .5.


    [Ravager: Emperor (Damaged)][Applied Miniaturization Text: .50][Dire Wolf: Emperor][Orion: Emperor]


    [This repair will result in a mutation of the queued Animations. Do you wish to proceed?]


    "Yes."


    [Critical Crafting]


    Arctic Stalker (S)


    Del''s loud purring was the only sound in the room for several seconds. "That''s for me, right?"


    Nix stared at the newly created puppet, his hand running over the soft white fur. "It doesn''t have any of the base puppet skills; stealth, dominate and self-destruct are missing."


    "It''s beautiful."


    "Yeah..." Nix pulled it closer; it had cost three emperor puppets to make, the cost of which was astronomical when you considered the component items. It was larger than both the Orion and Ravager had been, but smaller than the Dire Wolf. Its body bristled with muscle, especially the neck and shoulders. The four limbs seemed thicker than they should be; wickedly curved retractable claws tipped the feet. The muzzle was rounded and full of sharp teeth; large, wide-set eyes gave it an apex look. "Losing the base skills is shitty."


    Del hadn''t taken her eyes off it since it appeared. "The ears are funny and the tail is gone."


    "Hmm?" Nix ran his hand over the rounded head, the ears were much smaller and facing forward. "Not gone, just smaller." He pointed to the tiny nub of a tail, only a few inches long. "Follow me."


    Del padded after the Inferno Leader, who led her into the backroom closet where her egg was stored. She watched as he placed it on the floor next to the egg; it was too large to set on top. An uneasy feeling caused her to pause in the doorway. "For some reason, I''m really scared."


    Nix turned toward Del and motioned for her to advance. The Ain''Dhassi ranger had been inhabiting the puppet for much longer than anyone else. She had adapted to many of the beastial instincts and was beginning to remember her ranger skills. "Up to you, Del."


    Del pushed her soft muzzle into the kneeling Nix''s face; her soft tongue licked his cheek once before it collapsed lifelessly to the floor. Within a few seconds, the large blue eyes of the Stalker blinked open. "Nix..." Her voice was full of wonder. An instant later, a hud appeared in front of Del, displaying her stats.


    Del has cast [Blessings of the Hunter].


    Del has cast [Ice Armor].


    Nix watch while Del cycled through several castings. "You can use magic? I don''t recognize any of those."


    "You wouldn''t; they are Ain''Dhassi Ranger buffs." Del locked her large blue eyes on him. "I have them all back, every skill I''ve ever used, although I doubt I could hold a sword without hands."


    Nix whistled softly. "The (S) could have something to do with being able to access your real skillset. That was a critical crafting, though; it has only happened once with my animator interface."


    "Nix!" Del''s eyes stared past him to the floor where the Orion puppet was.


    "The hell is this." Nix picked up the puppet that Del had been using for several months; it had degraded to the point where it was no longer usable. "It''s garbage... What does that mean?"


    "Put me in this puppet, Nix." Del fixed her eyes on him. "For the first time since Everspire, I feel like myself."


    Nix glanced from her to the dragon egg. Did long-term inhabitance lead to puppet degradation? What did that mean for the Titan animations that Nihlus and Sindi were using? He had no way of making more Titan animations unless he found another token to Khalam''Zur.


    [Direct Contact: Tai''Qui]


    A moment later, a surprised Tai smiled through her holo. "Good afternoon, Nix."


    Tai''s voice was filled with warmth and humor. "We were taking bets on whether or not you would sleep all day."


    Nix made a sour face at the earth dragon. "Have Nihlus and Sindi return at once to the Nursery. I''ll meet them in a few minutes."


    Tai''s warm smile faded slightly. "Is there an issue?"


    Nix nodded. "Possible animation degradation associated with long-term inhabitance. I''ll explain when I get there." The Inferno leader turned back toward Del. "I''ll reverse my earlier decision to not place you into a puppet until after the Khione fight. However, if you can''t bind to Haven, I won''t let you leave until after we deal with her."


    Del nodded. "I accept." She watched as Nix carried the dragon egg into the bedroom and placed it on the bed.


    "Drop the puppet Del; it may mess with the process if you are already inhabiting it." Nix waited while she hopped onto the bed and then uninhabited the Stalker. The bed had creaked loudly beneath her weight; the puppet''s mass was unexpectedly more than he would have guessed.


    Nix set up a relatively easy queue.


    [Arctic Stalker (S)][Soul Infused Dragon Egg: Del Tali]


    The Animater Interface popped up in front of him.


    [There are two enhancements slots available with this crafting.]


    Nix nodded to himself, he hadn''t been expecting that, but it was definitely a bonus.


    [Arctic Stalker (S)][Infused Dragon Egg: Del Tali][Dragon Scale][Camoflauge Fabric V]


    [Animate the Arctic Stalker according to these parameters?]


    "Yes." Nix only had a moment to respond as he felt the sudden gathering of power; he dived off of the bed only to be blasted into the side of the wall. A moment later, he climbed back to his feet. "That sucked. You oka..." He stared at the creature on his bed. As an animator, he could tell the difference between the living and his creations. "Del?"


    Del padded toward him, her shoulders swaying as she walked. "Thank you, Nix." She rubbed up against his side, causing Nix to brace himself. The stalker was larger and much stronger than the Orion had been. "You added something! The stats I looked at a few minutes ago have improved by quite a bit."


    Nix nodded. "I didn''t expect to be able to use two enhancement slots. So I added dragon scale and the enhanced camo fabric."


    Del brought track up and highlighted the Elune, the Gemini Priestess. "Going to see if I can bind at the Temple."


    Nix rubbed the soft white fur on Del''s head. "The color is going to take some getting used to. Want me to breach you in?"


    "No thanks, I want to test this form in the woods for a bit."


    Nix watched as she padded for the Door. "Del... Do not leave Haven until you are bound here."


    "I know, Nix." Del''s blue eyes stared at him for a moment before she pushed the door open and left.

 Chapter 574: Desert Winter

    Nix removed a boxed lunch from the fridge and ate while he considered his options. He didn''t want to risk losing the Titan puppets to degradation due to long-term inhabitance. Both Nihlus and Sindi were working hard on Inferno''s behalf as they attempted to revitalize the Titan bloodline within the Everspire Clans. "Shit... All the fucking freebies."


    Nix exited the Turtle House and followed the sound of splashing. The turtle pond that came with the home was occupied by Soup, Ducky, and a stray Vilas. "Fey been around?"


    Ducky nodded and pointed south of their position, where the silver drakon could be seen gliding through the clouds.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fey] Could you come to see me for a moment? I''m at the Turtle House.


    [Whisper: Fey to Nix] On my way.


    The sound of Ducky laughing made Nix turn back toward the water; Soup was trying to ride an uncooperative Vilas. "Nix! We need to get Soup a saddle!"


    Fey landed a few meters away and walked towards them; she wore a guilty look on her face. "I didn''t mean to hide my breach ability. I''ve been trying to perfect it. It only works half the time."


    Nix shrugged slightly and patted her silver hair. "This is for you. Go to Shae''s elemental world and consume it."


    Fey lifted the box''s lid and peeked inside. The teen''s pale cheeked reddened immediately. "You''re giving this to me?"


    Nix nodded. "I plan on giving you two more, depending on the effect of this one." The Inferno Leader had all the wildling dragon hearts that Hulo had used to cast Greater Magic in the Bone Fortress.


    Fey''s normally serious face smiled at Nix. "Thank you."


    Nix waved her off. "We grow stronger together." He waited until after she left before summoning Mortimer.


    The Titan cub glanced around at his surroundings before coming to rest on Ducky and Soup. "Are we playing?"


    "This is for you, Morti. I was able to put a few upgrades onto the Battle Harness." Nix showed him the altered [Mortimer''s Black Sparrow Battle Harness] and then helped him put it on.


    The Titan Cub stood patiently still until Nix finished putting it on. "Do I look good?"


    Nix nodded. "Like cool, fresh water on a hot desert day."


    "That''s pretty good," Morti agreed. "Should I try it now?"


    Nix held up a hand to stop him. "Gotta have a good catchphrase, Morti. Something you say when you change forms."


    Morti''s big nose huffed a few times as he considered it. "I can''t think of anything. Will you help me?"


    Nix leaned against the Titan cub while they considered his plight. "A lot of the good ones are already taken; ''Up, up, and away'' for starters.


    Morti''s tongue lolled out one side of his mouth. "That is a good one."


    "Then there''s; To Infinity and beyond!"


    Morti plopped down on his overly large behind. "That''s a really good one too."


    Nix scratched Morti''s ears, turning his face when the cub pushed a wet nose at him. "Anyways... It''s something to think about."


    Morti nodded. "Thanks, Nix. You''re my best friend."


    Nix chuckled and stepped away from the cub. "You know it."


    "TITAN WING!" Morti''s shout caused the Vilas to bolt out of the water, the enormous Titan vanished, leaving only a small fluttering bird in its place.


    "Morti?" Ducky stared at the black sparrow as it swooped near her. An instant later, she activated her Archon form and took to the air. "Come on, Soupie!"


    Soup morphed into her osprey form and chased after them, leaving Nix to watch for a few moments as they pursued the black sparrow. A smiling Nix waved at the circling trio before opening a breach into Tai''Qui''s nursery.


    The warmth of the Earth Dragon''s nursery always put him at ease. It was probably the exact temperature of Deidra''s, but Tai''s was imbibed with a deeper warmth. The two Titan puppets stood off to one side. They appeared to be deep in thought and didn''t turn when Nix stepped in.


    "NIx!" Tai welcomed him with a smile; her brown hair was tied up with a red bandana, she wore a simple white shirt with brown leather leggings that were rolled up to the knee.


    Nix jumped right in since he had other places he wanted to go. He explained about the degradation of the puppet that Del had spent months in and his concerns regarding the Titan animations. "As I told Del, I''ll reverse my stand on putting you in these Titans. But if you can''t bind in Haven, then I won''t let you leave until Khione is dead."


    Tai glanced at her sons, then at the two Dragon Eggs they''d been placed in months ago. The Inferno Leader had saved both of their lives and made her family whole again. "Is there a risk?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "In truth, I don''t know. I''ve done this procedure and similar ones in the past without issue."


    Tai walked toward the two dragon eggs where Sindi and Nihlus were stored. "You heard Guild Leader Nix. What are your thoughts?"


    Nihlus walked toward his mother and took a seat next to his dragon egg. "I''m willing to take the chance."


    Sindi nodded in agreement. "My stupid decision in Eidengal led to the death of myself and my friend. I will trust Nix."


    Tai watched as both puppets slumped against their eggs. "Nix, I know the value of these Titan animations."


    Nix whistled softly while examining the Titan puppets. "There''s a bit of wear, but neither is starting to degrade yet. I''d say in another six to nine months; these puppets would be trash."


    [White Lion Titan: Animation][Infused Dragon Egg: Nihlus][Dragon Scale]


    [Camoflauge Fabric V]


    [Scorpion Titan: Animation][Infused Dragon Egg: Sindi][Dragon Scale]


    [Camoflauge Fabric V]


    Tai peeked over his shoulder as he set up the crafting queue. "Is this similar to what you did with Del?"


    Nix nodded. "Pretty much exact thing, except these are Titans. I have no idea what to expect."


    Tai''Qui''s pretty face showed her nervousness, but she nodded anyway. The Earth Dragon put up a shield around the Titan puppets and the two Dragon Eggs. "Do it."


    Craft the Queued Items?


    "Yes."


    White Lion Titan (E)


    [Elemental Bonus: Lightning]


    Scorpion Titan (E)


    [Elemental Bonus: Ice Flames]


    An eruption of energy slammed against the shield, Tai''s creation absorbed it easily.


    Nix took a step back, giving the two Titans space; he could feel the power radiating off of the new arrivals. "How do you feel?"


    Nihlus shook his mane, causing tiny bolts of energy to spark from his coat. "Different. Really strong."


    Sindi snapped his pincers together, the temperature around him plummeting. "These are flames?"


    Tai smiled and nodded. "Those are Nix''s Ice Flames; I had him infused elements into both of your eggs."


    Nihlus raked the rock floor beneath him as if experimenting; it grooved effortlessly. "This lightning too?"


    Nix crossed his arms over his chest. "First my puppets and now my elements. Apparently, I''m really generous."


    "Out!" Tai opened a Breach and ushered the two Titans outside. "Your elements are still fluctuating; I can''t have you in my nursery."


    Nix waited while she drove them out; he didn''t want to linger since he had plans. "Something else on your mind?"


    "Payment. I don''t know what I can offer you. You already have everything a dragon would want." Tai''s laugh seemed tinged with frustration. "Would you be my spirit companion?"


    Nix shook his head. "No."


    The Earth Dragon frowned at his abrupt answer. "It''s not like what you already have. Dragons are only allowed one; usually, it''s a Primal Beast."


    "Not interested." Nix smiled and shrugged. "I''ll figure out a payment.


    ***************Author''s Note******


    A few names popping back into the story. Here''s a quick reminder.


    Zhava: Aquarion Scout


    Milat: Aquarion Trickster


    Banz: Human Tank (Wylie''s Love Interest)


    Sila: Hyai''s old flame was in the original group that kills Bulo early in the story. She has been grinding in the embassy.


    Saji: Aquarion healer; she is also Hyai''s spirit companion.


    ****************


    The three men stood at the frozen ridgeline overlooking the Central Kingdom War Camp. Their destination was Eidengal, but Semmi insisted they stay long enough to help form the raid.


    /Alpha: Pon: This is lame; Sharl''s the most experienced raider around. She doesn''t need help.


    /Alpha: Wind: Agreed. Plus, Shae is in the group.


    /Alpha: Pon: Where''s Del at?


    /Alpha: Nix: Oasis. Since she was able to bind in Haven, she wanted to get a firsthand look at how the Dhassi are coping.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Here''s the grouping for Lessard. Depending on how fast the Howlers are cleared, we probably won''t do him for two or three days.


    [Bravo]


    Sharl: Tank


    Milat: DPS, CC


    Fajii: Buffs, DPS


    Zhava: DPS


    Saji: Heals


    [Charlie]


    Banz: Tank


    Sila: CC, DPS


    Rhylia: CC


    Shae: DPS


    Donri: DPS


    /Alpha: Pon: See? Easy...


    Jun Li has joined Alpha.


    Semmi has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: You two ready to go?


    /Alpha: Jun Li: Yes.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Sure.


    [Create Breach: Central Kingdom, Great Desert]


    Nix took a step forward and then plunged downward several feet, his entire field of vision suddenly submerged in white.


    Nix has activated [Aura Ignition: Emerald Fury].


    Instantly the snow in his immediate vicinity evaporated. The howling wind made hearing anything next to impossible.


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck is this? I can barely see the snow.


    /Alpha: Nix: Mount up.


    [Summons: Chupa]


    The Shadow Raven appeared in front of him a moment later. Its black eye''s studied him briefly before lowering a wing so that he could mount.


    Although visibility was near zero, the Shadow Raven took to the sky and started gaining altitude.


    [Chupa has called for the others in her flight to join the formation]


    After a few moments of flying, the group finally cleared the clouds. The steady and very heavy snowfall swirled and drifted as it buried everything in its path.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: It''s been snowing this hard the entire time?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Looks that way. See that summit in the distance? Half of it is covered in snow. That means they''ve had six or seven meters of snow.


    /Alpha: Pon: Why didn''t we just gate here from Haven? Or have Nix breach us into Eidengal?


    /Alpha: Semmi: The gate between Haven and Eidengal was closed in the last few hours. I''m not sure why.


    /Alpha: Nix: I tried to Breach us in; the city is shutting us out.


    After several minutes of flying, the walls of Eidengal came into view. To Nix''s eyes, it looked like one large clump of ice. No buildings or colors of any kind could be discerned.


    /Alpha: Semmi: How can we land when visibility on the ground is zero?


    Semmi has been slain.


    Jun Li has been slain.


    Wind has been slain.


    [Group and Personal communications have been disrupted.]


    Nix''s mount dodged to one side suddenly before banking into a dive. The Inferno leader spotted dozens of projectiles closing on him at once. He felt the impact as Chupa was struck multiple times; he was plummeting toward the ground a moment later.


    The white-out conditions made the free-fall extremely scary; Nix morphed into his Phoenix form and extended his orange flamed wings.


    "Look out!" Pon''s voice was directly on top of him; his Ice Wraith form barely missed the Phoenix. "I''ll follow you down!"


    "Stay close! Group chat is disrupted!" Nix glided into the general direction of Eidengal; the landing was sloppy and unexpected as he buried himself into a snowdrift. He dropped the Phoenix form and helped the Fire Mage to his feet.


    Pon''s curses were lost in the wind. "Looks like another fucking shit-show."


    "Seem like it." Nix tried to raise his hud, but it wasn''t working. "You think the rest of the team respawned in Haven?"


    Pon shrugged slightly. "No idea. Let''s head toward the gate."


    Nix ignited his aura. "Stay close; if you lose contact with me, stay put and start spamming fire spells."

 Chapter 575: Frozen Eidengal

    The gate that Inferno had worked so hard to unlock several months early no longer existed. A thick sheet of ice covered the gate and the walls it attached to. Pon and Nix had to tunnel under several meters of snow even to find it.


    "What do you think?" Pon leaned against the iced-over gate. The entire city had turned into a giant block of ice. The cold radiating from Eidengal would have been problematic for anyone not versed in fire.


    "Before we went to the Bone Fortress, Gideon witnessed Khione mentioning Eidengal."


    Pon frowned at the mention of the Ice Goddess. "Did they know we were coming?" The old man held up one of the spear-like objects they pulled out of Nix''s Shadow Raven. It was approximately two meters long and as thick as a man''s wrist. Both ends were tapered to a sharp point. "Taking us out from that kind of range is impressive as hell. Think about it; the wind, visibility, and the speed we were moving."


    Nix considered what they knew. "The snow in Eidengal was much worse than anywhere else in Everspire. Alpha team was taken out of the air in a manner that could only be called quick and efficient. With our victory in the Bone Fortress, Eidengal should be filled with powerful allies."


    "Hey, Nix... You know what this thing looks like?" Pon handed Nix the spear. "Me and my Gramps had to pull something like that out of my dog''s gums once. It looks like a quill. You know, from a porcupine."


    Nix turned it over in his hands. "Don''t those have barbed ends?"


    Pon nodded. "I''m not saying it matches exactly, quills are softer, and you have to cut off the tip before pulling them out. When you do that, the barbed end retracts."


    "Pon... You''re a fucking genius." Nix motioned for him to follow and started trotting down the tunnel they burned through the snow.


    Pon''s old face creased into a grin. "About fucking time someone notices! Where are we going?" The fire mage scrambled to keep up with Nix, who had decided that the easiest way to travel through the deep snow was underneath it.


    Nix used his aura to melt through the snow as he headed due west toward the ocean. "Let me know as soon as our hud is usable."


    They ran for nearly five minutes before all communications were restored; Nix wasted no time in opening up a Breach to the Gemini Temple.


    "Pon!" Semmi''s voice called out to the old mage as soon as they appeared on the platform.


    /Inferno: Nix: You around Ronnie?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Sure. What do you need?


    /Inferno: Nix: Library access.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Give me two minutes, and then you can port here from the Gemini platform.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks. Can you meet us there, Tai?


    /Inferno: Tai''Qui: Of course.


    "How the fuck did you survive?" Wind was mildly irritated that Pon had managed to survive, but he expected that sort of thing from Nix.


    Pon''s face looked like it might split open. "I relied on experience and my heightened reflexes. Right, Nix?"


    Nix gave him a deadpan look. "That''s right. Why didn''t you three return?"


    Jun Li brought up her hud and displayed her status. "Some sort of death penalty. We cannot engage in combat for two hours."


    "That''s a new one. Come on, let''s head to the library." Nix stepped onto the Gemini platform and a moment later arrived in the Greater Library of Haven. The click of Ronnie''s heels made the entire group turn.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] One of your better ideas.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] I''m guessing you had a crush on a librarian growing up?


    Nix ignored the chatter and waved at Ronnie. He had made the sexy librarian outfit for her months ago. Hip hugging black skirt with a slit up one side, and a buttoned-up white sleeveless shirt. It was Dalton who made the heels. When the dark archer wore her hair up, she was a schoolboy''s wet dream. "I just need a table; for now, once I figure out what we are dealing with, we can research it."


    Ronnie favored him with a sexy smile. "Walk this way."


    Nix grinned when Ronnie purposefully swung her hips as she headed toward a round table in the corner. "Pretty sure I can''t walk that way."


    Pon chortled loudly but covered it up when Semmi glanced at him.


    A breach opened over the platform, and two people stepped out; both Tai and Deidra had arrived. Nix was just placing the projectile onto the table.


    Semmi whistled. "Is this what killed us?"


    Pon nodded. "Hey, where''s your gear, by the way?"


    Wind scowled at the question. "Still on our bodies, we were forced to recover here, and we arrived with only underwear."


    Jun Li blushed slightly. "Elune scrounged up some clothes to wear."


    Semmi squeezed the old man''s hand. "All my stuff, Pon! You''re going to get it back for me, right?"


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Hey fucknut! This is where you say yes!


    Pon nodded slowly. "Don''t worry, Sem. I''ll get it back.


    Deidra picked up the projectile, running her fingers down the length. "It contains the ice element; its hardness is similar to steel."


    Tai nodded in agreement. "I''ve never seen anything like it. These were used as ranged weapons?"


    Nix nodded and opened up his Necro Crafting interface.


    [Bone Manipulation]


    1) Identify


    2) Living Project


    3) Non-Living Project


    4) Salvage


    [Scan the immediate area for unidentified bones?]


    "Yes."


    Process Complete. Bone Manipulation 30/500.


    One unidentified bone found [Bone Quill].


    Nix nodded to himself. "Identify."


    Process Complete. Bone Manipulation 31/500.


    [Bone Quill]


    Arcturis''Fraiza: A Primal beast of Winter. Also known as the Arctic leech.


    "An Arctic leech?" Deidra picked up the quill again. "This came from an Arctic leech?"


    Nix nodded. "I think so. Can I get some help here, Ronnie?"


    Ronnie sat in the chair next to Nix and scooted it closer. "Let''s see... We''ll start with primal beasts, winter, and leech. That should give us enough cross-references."


    [One Match found: Arcturis''Fraiza]


    Ronnie winked at Nix. "Display match."


    [Arcturis''Fraiza]


    Also referred to as the Arctic Leech or AF. The AF is an immortal hybrid; although it possesses a flesh and blood body, it uses long tentacles that pull nutrients from the soil. Little is known as to whether or not they have are sentient, but they can create massive local storms using the ice element. Their outer layer is lined with quills that seek targets based on their heat signatures. The AF never stops growing; if the tentacles are left in place, the AF will eventually overrun the entire area.


    [Additional Comments] The AF''s body is nearly indestructible; however, the tentacles are vulnerable to several types of damage.


    Pon stared at the picture for a moment. "It looks like a big blob of ice."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It''s covering all of Eidengal."


    Semmi shook her head. "There''s no way, Nix. In order to get that big, it would have to been feeding for years."


    "Not really." Deidra''s cold voice held the slightest tinge of curiosity. "That could have been feeding near Khione''s stronghold this entire time. If it''s one of her creatures, she could easily breach it into Eidengal."


    Semmi glanced up at Nix to see if he was buying it. "Does that mean all of Eidengal is dead?"


    Nix brought up an old map of Eidengal. "If it were big enough to latch on from the walls, anything under it would have been flash frozen."


    Pon''s old face scowled and pointed to the front gate. "We were here; the cold would have frozen anyone who wasn''t fire-based."


    "Or immune to the ice element," Nix added.


    Pon moved to the other side of the table and brought the AF''s picture back up. "How far would the local effect of its weather abilities reach?"


    Semmi brought up the map and pointed to the area that they''d breached into. "We have to assume it can affect most of the Great Desert."


    Jun Li swore under her breath. "You''ll have to replace me, Wind and Semmi with fire users."


    Nix leaned back in his chair. "The three of you can go in with my Ashobel puppets. They are made for this sort of climate, and they have Ice immunity."


    Wind clapped his hands together. "Nix! You''re the man."


    "I know." Nix checked Del''s guild status and noticed that she had returned from Oasis.


    /Inferno: Nix: Want to come on a special Mission, Del?


    /Inferno: Del: Sure.


    /Inferno: Nix: Meet back at the Turtle House.


    Deidra pulled a seat from the nearby table and sat on the other side of Nix. "I''ve meant to ask you about that Artic Stalker; you put a dragon bloodline in it?"


    "I used dragon scale as an enhancement." Nix did a quick search for any other information on the massive creature but didn''t find anything. "Let''s meet up at the Turtle House."

 Chapter 576: Recovered Corpses

    Darsi was sitting comfortably on a chair outside the Turtle House''s backdoor when Nix arrived, nearly an hour after his meeting in the library.


    The ponytailed sniper stood up when Nix approached. "Hey, Trip-7. Can you take a look at my armor?"


    Darsi slipped off the medium Eidengal armor set. Underneath, she wore a one-piece underarmor bodysuit that had been custom-made by the Inferno Leader. Her lithe figure was a feminine blend of muscle and lean curves. Like many players working at the Gladis hub, she hadn''t bothered to change her looks for the Avatar she made for crafting.


    Nix glanced at the underarmor; he had placed a number of enhancements on it so that Darsi could use the slots on the Eidengal armor set for something else.


    The blonde noticed his glance. "Like what you see, Trip-7?"


    "No comment." Nix chuckled at the innuendo. "You have one slot left on this armor."


    Darsi flashed him a smile; the sniper gave him an innocent look. "I don''t suppose you have another Arctic Slayer sitting around?"


    Nix bit down on the automatic reply he prepared for anyone asking about that puppet. The Slayer was the result of three Emperor puppets being sacrificed. However, he couldn''t help but feel that he owed Darsi. "I''ll hook you up after we deal with Eidengal."


    Darsi grinned knowingly. "I''m only teasing you, Trip-7. I''ve seen the Taxidermist skill-tree. Even one Emperor is much too expensive to give away as a favor."


    "No worries. I can make plenty of credits after we deal with Khione." Nix noticed a movement inside the Turtle house. "Del is already here?"


    Darsi nodded her head, making the blonde ponytail bounce. "I''ve been working with Beta to make a new thermal-masking ring." She held up five rings before placing them in Nix''s hand. The Inferno sniper had been a Gladis-Trained Artificer. Like Nix, she had the entire inventory of rare and super-rare components for her craft. "Should be enough to keep you from getting targeted."


    Nix lowered his voice and leaned closer. "I noticed some of the crits the sniper team was landing during the Barrot fight." Everyone knew about the Inferno Leader''s inflated stats, but Dalton, Darsi, and Moki enjoyed a similar advantage. The more they used a specific stat, the higher it would climb.


    "Bet you''re curious about my stats." Darsi and the rest of the ex-Gladis crafters kept that a secret. Nix had told them about the Colonial developers'' message regarding his own inflated stats, so they were naturally cautious.


    "A bit," Nix admitted.


    Darsi winked at him. "38-24-36."


    "Huh?" Nix''s face showed a moment of confusion before he laughed loudly. "Lies... I''ll buy the 24-36 part."


    "Bastard." Darsi found his laugh infectious and joined him.


    Nix slipped one of the rings on.


    Thermo-Ice


    Ring: Unique Item.


    Description: Adapts the heat signature


    of the wearer to whatever environment


    they are in.


    "I assume you tested them?"


    "I tested them with Vooni; Dragon Eyes can''t detect them up at all."


    Nix stowed the rest of the bracelets. Originally he got the idea from Beta, who had been using an artifact to mask her thermal signature while doing Ops for Commander Mtui. "Perfect. How''s the Central Kingdom War Camp?"


    "Mid-tier Guilds are grinding hard, and as usual, you and Morti are the talk of the Region." Darsi was content to be the highest burst DPS in Inferno; she didn''t want or need the notoriety that followed Nix around. "Heard you caught game 7 of the series."


    "Yep. Looked like the Yankees were going to pull it off, but they fell short." Nix patted her on the shoulder; he assumed she was a Yankee fan from the sour expression. "There''s always next year."


    Darsi received her armor back and quickly equipped it. "Give me a mission, Trip-7. One-shotting Ice Howlers is getting tiresome."


    "Hmm? Yeah, okay." Nix opened his hud and brought up the mid-spire map. "I''m still on the hook for the Khione quests." He highlighted Lana on the map; it was covered in snow like everything else in Everspire.


    Darsi leaned closer and studied the hud. "Lana? Never been there, actually."


    You have shared a quest with Darsi.


    [Curse of the Ice Goddess.]


    Objective: The Mayor of Free Trader City


    has requested that you help him build support


    with leaders of the Four Corners.


    Report to General Remis in Dhou. [Completed]


    Report to Quartermaster Felid Sah in Vespri.


    Report to the Thieves Guild in Mocai. [Completed]


    Report to Madam Ravine in Lana.


    "It''s all yours, Darsi. You get started, and I''ll join in once we deal with Eidengal." Nix opened the backdoor to the Turtle House when he noticed Del stalking through the kitchen. "I can breach you into Free Trader city if you like."


    Darsi shook her head. "Don''t drag your feet in Eidengal, or else I''ll have it finished before you show up." She brought out a familiar-looking bracer and activated it before vanishing with a quick wave.


    "You and Darsi seem close." The Slayer''s blue eyes stared at the Inferno Leader, her short ears pricked forward.


    Nix considered the comment for a moment. "She helped me when I needed it. I know her well enough to trust her."


    Del rubbed her head into Nix''s side, prompting him to scratch the soft fur behind her ears. "Like you helped me in Everflame?"


    "Yeah. A lot like that, actually." Nix stepped into the kitchen, letting Del walk by before shutting the door. "How do you like the new form?"


    "It''s beyond amazing. Look at this!" Del held up one paw; her retracted claws were barely visible. "Push slightly on the center pad."


    Nix nodded and pushed the large pad that made up the paw''s center; doing so caused the paw to spread wider. "Like a snowshoe?"


    "I barely sink into the snow at all, despite my size." Del''s short ears pricked forward. "The rest of the group are here."


    Nix waved the group in; Jun Li went right for the Slayer. She was a hopeless cat lover. "Before you ask Junie, I''m not making you one."


    Jun Li smiled despite his words. "So soft!" She stroked the soft white fur once, letting her fingers sink in.


    Nix kept his face carefully neutral. "You do realize that''s an Ain''Dhassi ranger and not a house cat?"


    Jun Li instantly removed her hands. "Oh crap. I''m sorry, Del, sometimes I get carried away."


    Del fixed Nix with a stare before rubbing her head against Jun Li''s arm. "Don''t listen to Nix."


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] Why''d you stop her? That feels nice.


    Nix handed everyone the thermo-masking rings that Darsi had brought over. "Stow these in your inventory. Once we recover the corpses, you can put them on."


    Del has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Semmi: How were we playing this, Nix?


    /Alpha: Nix: In two separate stages. I''ll breach us into the Great Desert, somewhere near the outskirts. Can you track corpses, Del?


    /Alpha: Del: Yes.


    /Alpha: Nix: We''ll find and recover the corpses, then return here long enough to get our Ashobel puppets up. Simple.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Simple works.


    Nix stepped outside and opened a breach. The other members of the team had re-equipped themselves with their spare gear. After Alpha entered the breach, Nix followed and closed it behind them.


    [Dragon Eyes]


    Nix''s yellow eyes turned orange as his thermal vision kicked in. A quick glance at his team showed him that they had equipped the new rings. Del was the only one who stood out.


    The zone hadn''t changed at all; white-out conditions limited visibility to only a few meters. The snow at the outskirts was only two meters deep, but the team knew that closer to Eidengal, the snow would climb to more than six meters.


    /Alpha: Del: Bringing up track, sharing it with the group.


    [Tracking Results: Corpses Only]


    Semmi 1.4 Km NE


    Wind 1.4 Km NE


    Jun Li 1.4 Km NE


    /Alpha: Pon: At least you aren''t spread out all over the place.


    /Alpha: Nix: If we find any more bone quills, be sure to pick them up.


    /Alpha: Pon: I''m interested to see how many of you are pincushions.


    /Alpha: Wind: Whatever.


    /Alpha: Del: Someone else is on track, Nix.


    /Alpha: Nix: I don''t see anyone?


    /Alpha: Del: I weeded out the living creatures buried beneath the snow and sand. There''s a person named Emi, 1 Km north of our position.


    /Alpha: Pon: Emi? Shit...


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll be able to find her with Dragon Eyes, take the team to their corpses, and then find me. Be careful.


    Nix headed north at a run, in this temperature every moment could make the difference between life and death. Dragon Eyes ignored the white-out conditions, but as he progressed closer to Eidengal, the snow''s depth forced him to return to tunneling under rather than scampering across the surface. He ignited his aura and slowed to a walk. The heat coming off him evaporated the snow, leaving only an ice tunnel in his wake.


    "Shit..." He spotted her only after walking past her twice. Her body temperature seemed to be dropping steadily. The Eidengal cleric held a shield in one hand; the lower half of her partially frozen body was encased in ice.


    "EMI!" Nix shouted her name and slowly increased the air temperature around her. Her skin held the blueish tinge of someone exposed to frigid conditions. He had talked with her once or twice while at the Bone Fortress. She was the cleric in Edi''s group, a clumsy girl who seemed to be constantly falling.


    Slowly, over the course of a few minutes, the bluish tinge of her skin regained a healthier glow. The icicles that clung to her short light brown hair slowly melted until her wet hair clung to her scalp.


    /Alpha: Pon: Found the team. You should have seen Wind. Four quills through the chest.


    /Alpha: Wind: Three actually, the fourth hit me in the throat.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You find Emi?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah. Find me, Del.


    /Alpha: Del: Already on our way.


    Nix continued to warm the air around the unconscious cleric, careful not to use too much heat. By the time the rest of Alpha arrived a few minutes later, all the ice holding Emi was melted. He dropped his Emerald Flame aura and picked her up.


    [Create Breach: Great Desert Haven, Ranch House]


    /Alpha: Nix: Everyone in.


    Nix waited until last and then stepped through the gate.

 Chapter 577: Ashobel Problem

    "Temperature good enough?" Hyai left the water running and pulled one of the bathroom stools closer before sitting down. The new houseguest had regained consciousness but was suffering from the lingering effects of exposure.


    "T-Thank you." Emi''s teeth chattered when she spoke; although she was fully healed, there was a deep-seated chill in her bones.


    "Don''t worry about it, Hun." Hyai pushed a strand of light red hair back behind her ear. "Alpha team is going back in; any intel you could share before they leave could prove very helpful."


    Emi slid down in the water until she was fully submerged before sitting up a moment later and slicking back her hair with both hands. "I thought I''d never feel warm again."


    Hyai waited patiently. From what Nix had told her, Emi was one of the hardened veterans from the Bone Fortress, someone with a lot of combat experience. He expected that she would bounce back quickly.


    "King Duran had called for a great feast, as might be expected after so many years away from home. We welcomed a moment of respite." Emi filled her hands with hot water and splashed it on her face before continuing. "That thing arrived after we had spent an entire day celebrating. The snow was already starting, but the King was adamant about ignoring it for a few days while we recovered."


    "How is it that you were outside of the city?"


    "There''s an inactive Fire Temple at the edge of the Great Desert; it was built underground to mask its presence. Edi sent our group to investigate the possibility of activating it."


    "I see. What happened to the rest of your group? Nix said you were the only one."


    Emi sighed heavily. "The sky above Eidengal opened up, and that thing dropped down. We returned to the city on our Bone Crows; by the time we arrived, only a small section near the western wall was left open."


    Hyai stroked the girl''s wet hair when tears began running down her cheeks. "Take your time."


    ***********


    Nix studied the map on the second level of the TOC. Mortimus was briefing the Titan Stewards about their current objectives. As the current Steward of Ionova, Nix had decided to sit in on the briefing while waiting for Emi to recover. The Titans had already dispatched two of the four Regional Lords in Everspire. "They move fast."


    Del looked up from licking her paw. "The Titans have stronger forces. In Oasis, the Ain''Dhassi have teamed up with the Izzin to kill one of the regional lords."


    "Really?" The news came as a surprise to Nix. "How''s your family? Are they safe?"


    Del''s blue eyes blinked at him. "They are fine. The Ice Howlers in Oasis are much stronger than the ones in Colonial."


    "Makes sense, Del. The levels are much higher." Nix frowned as he brought the thought to its conclusion. It meant that the Everspire Howlers would be even more dangerous.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] When you''re done on the second floor, come down and join us.


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] I''m done here, be down in a bit.


    A few minutes later, Nix and Del joined the rest of Alpha near the TOC center hud. Semmi greeted them both and then jumped right in.


    "According to Emi, there''s a Fire Temple hidden in the Great Desert. We''re going to cut loose that damned leech that''s sucking Eidengal dry, and then we''re going to find that Temple." Semmi brought up the current image of Eidengal and compared it side-by-side with Arcturis''Fraiza from the library. "As you can see, we''re dealing with something far larger than anything we''ve ever killed."


    "You give it too much credit." Nix closed the AF image and zoomed in on Eidengal. "It''s a fucking leech, swim in enough lakes growing up, and you know what they''re like. We come in on the ground, find the tendrils, and destroy them."


    Semmi nodded in agreement. "As long as we stay out of the air, we should be fine. Finding the Tendrils might prove difficult."


    /Alpha: Del: Those tendrils were all on track when I was recovering your corpses. I saw ten of them altogether.


    /Alpha: Wind: Why wasn''t Emi with the rest of her group?


    /Alpha: Nix: She was, until she fell off of her Bone Crow.


    Pon stifled a laugh; he''d seen first hand the walking catastrophe that was Emi. "It''s a good thing she''s a healer."


    An hour later, Nix, Pon, Del, and three Ashobel puppets stepped through a breach leading to the Great Desert. Jun Li, Wind, and Semmi were all seated comfortably at the TOC, happy to be taking on the bitter cold with as an Ashobel puppet.


    /Alpha: Nix: Bring up Track; let''s monitor them while we head toward the first tendril.


    /Alpha: Del: Understood, I''ll put the nearest four up.


    [Tracking Results: Tendrils only]


    Tendril 2.2 Km NW


    Tendril 2.4 Km NW


    Tendril 2.5 Km N


    Tendril 2.5 Km N


    Nix glanced at the shared hud. "Make sure nothing sneaks up on us, Del."


    Alpha team traveled along the surface until the snow reached a depth of about three meters; at that point, they weren''t making much headway given the slow footing and low visibility. Nix ignited his aura and melted his way to the desert surface.


    /Alpha: Nix: From here on in, we are under the snow.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: Finally, I couldn''t see anything except for Semmi''s furry back.


    /Alpha: Del: We drifted off course a bit, 800 meters straight ahead.


    Nix created a gap between himself and the rest of the team; the Emerald Fury flames melted everything it touched, including the frozen sand beneath his feet. As the snow fled before the Inferno Leader, the tunnel quickly froze back into place, leaving a perfectly round path burrowing under the frozen desert.


    The group stopped a half-hour later when Del told them they were close. They had come face to face with the first Tendril, it resembled a large white pillar of ice, extending in both directions.


    /Alpha: Nix: Shit... I thought it would be smaller.


    The tendril was about five meters in diameter, with intricate grooves etched into it. The air around Nix snapped and crackled in protest as he approached their objective.


    /Alpha: Pon: This is fucking cold, Nix. I''m actually burning mana to stay warm.


    /Alpha: Nix: Let me know if your mana drops below half. How''s my Ashobel doing?


    /Alpha: Semmi: No worries, like a stroll in the park.


    Nix pushed Emerald Fury Flames into his two bone hilts and slashed at the tendril. The results weren''t spectacular; the flame blade only sliced about a foot into the pillar. When he struck, the ground shook violently while the tendril began vibrating with a high-pitched whine.


    /Alpha: Nix: Start hitting!


    The Ashobel moved to one side and started slashing at it with their powerful claws while Pon began spamming a low-level fire spell. It was tedious and slow going. More than twenty minutes later, Nix finally severed the tendril its base. It retracted slowly upward, leaking dark blue fluid that splashed onto the frozen ground as it retreated from view.


    /Alpha: Nix: Does anyone have some containers? I''d like some of this if possible.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Pon has a few draft barrels.


    /Alpha: Pon: They''re full. We''re out of luck.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Dump them. This stuff could be useful.


    /Alpha: Pon: Dump a barrel of Semmi''s Gold Draft?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Yes, please.


    Ashobel Wind shared a glance with Nix, the alien eyes of the snow creature showing his amusement. This represented the ultimate test for Pon.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] This could be the end for those two. No way Pon dumps those barrels.


    [Whisper: Nix to Wind] He''ll cave. He''s stubborn but not stupid.


    The Fire Mage stared at blue blood pooling onto the ice; for some reason, it thickened and bubbled instead of freezing instantly. "Fuck... You''re going to pay me for these barrels."


    Nix shook his head. "No way. I leave it up to you. If you don''t want to dump them, then don''t.


    [Whisper: Wind to Nix] Heartless... I like it.


    Pon''s cussing echoed in the ice as he stepped away from the pooling blood and dumped the first barrel into the snow.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Good job, Pon.


    Nix and Wind both laughed ruthlessly at the distraught mage.


    ********************


    1400 hours, Lana City


    Darsi approached the frozen city on foot. Lana was about half the Free Trader City size but boasted the strongest economy of any territory within Everspire. This was mostly due to their artesian-like crafting abilities. Anything with the ''Lana'' stamp on it is always sold. Their work in a large variety of disciplines blended quality artistry in aesthetically pleasing designs. Although the walls around the city were quite high, the gates themselves were missing.


    "Stop! Please identify yourself, newcomer." A burly guard wrapped in fur approached her.


    "I''m Darsi, from the Inferno Guild." She paused when the guard took a visible step back. "My business is with Madam Ravine."


    The guard bowed respectfully. "Is he with you?"


    Darsi favored the guard with a slight smile. "Who would he be?"


    "T-The Guild Leader of Inferno!"


    Darsi shook her head. "No." Although Nix was going to meet her, she was well aware that his list of enemies was just as long as his friends'' list. "Are you going to help me?"


    The guard chewed on the ice hanging down from his untrimmed mustache; the look of disappointment in his eyes was clearly evident. "Take this road through town, left on Market Street will bring you right to her business."


    "Thanks." Darsi waved and hurried away, not wanting to deal with the fanboy guard.


    Walking through Lana was much louder than she would have believed. Although there was no sort of foot-traffic going through town, the steady chopping and scraping of ice could be heard everywhere. Shopkeepers came out nearly every hour to chop the ice away from the front of their door. It was an ongoing battle that the citizens had been waging twenty-four hours a day.


    Darsi finally stopped when the road ended in a large brick building, a three-story monstrosity that was obviously a hotel. A handful of men with brooms, picks, and shovels worked diligently to keep the long boardwalk and large double doors free of ice. She stepped around the men and entered without being challenged.


    "Greetings, I''m Madam Ravine." A pale woman with spiked black hair and green eyes spoke from a sofa that had been placed near a large bay window. The window was completely iced over.


    Darsi stared for a moment; for once she was left speechless.


    "Did you come here for work? Or are you paying?" Lana leaned back on the comfortable-looking sofa while caressing her bare breast with the tips of her slender fingers. "If it''s work you''re looking for, then prepare for a lengthy interview." Lana parted her knees slightly while running a pink tongue over her lips.


    "Oh... Hell no!" Darsi''s face showed emotion as she stared at Madam Ravine through the scope of her sniper rifle. "Just going to shoot you in the face... Nix won''t really care one way or another."


    Madam Ravine froze in place, the smile fading as her pale skin instantly broke out in a cold sweat. She could feel the threat radiating off of the blonde. "W-What?" Her legendary cool was shaken, she wanted to say something calming, but her mouth felt like someone had pushed cotton into it.


    Darsi sighed heavily and lowered her weapon. "Why are you naked?"


    Madam Ravine couldn''t move under the intense stare of those steady blue eyes. "T-This is a House of Pleasure."


    Darsi wrinkled her nose slightly; the scent of perfume and booze hung on the air. "Even so... Why are you naked?"


    Madam Ravine finally summoned the will to move as she picked up a silk robe from a nearby chair and slipped it on. "Because this is a House of Pleasure," she repeated.


    Darsi scanned the room; two women were crouched down behind a table on the far side of the room, both of them were naked as well. "Shouldn''t you be wearing sexy or revealing clothes?"


    "Should we?" The Madam stood up, her dark eyes studying the Inferno Sniper. "You''ll be taking over management then?"


    [Quest Updated]

 Chapter 578: House of Pleasure

    For the fourth time in as many minutes, Darsi''s eyes strayed toward the door of her new office. The former Madam had informed the Inferno Sniper that she was now her business''s new acting manager. Louise Ravine had trapped her with words, and the quest immediately updated.


    [Report to Madam Ravine in Lana]


    Congratulations, you are the new acting manager of the Ravine House of Pleasure. In past years, this house has been the meeting place of many of Everspire''s most influential people. Unfortunately, this business is no longer the epicenter of those with seats in power. Impress the people of Lana, and perhaps the old days will return again.


    "That''s very vague." Darsi wrinkled her nose and let her office chair spin slowly around. "What would Nix have done?" The thought caused her to laugh loudly. "Something unexpected, I''m sure."


    The blonde opened her hud and accessed her friend''s list. After scanning the names for any sort of idea, she stopped on one of the less obvious ones. "Worth a try."


    She keyed the name and smiled when a face popped up in front of her a moment later. "Heya handsome. I could use a man of your skills."


    The handsome face looked surprised for a moment before he was pushed to one side and replaced with a rather stern-looking dragon descendent. "What did I tell you about sweet-talking Rico?" Vooni frowned at her through the hud.


    Darsi held up her hands in mock surrender. "I''m only teasing, Captain Vooni. I need the help of a Tailor, and since I''m currently in Lana, I assume you''ll want to bring your Fire Team here to look after him."


    "Lana is dangerous, but that''s up to him." Vooni stepped to one side.


    Rico was level 125, but only because all of Inferno had been promoted when his son was tossed into Northern Titania. "What kind of work?" Over the months, most of Nix''s friends had been coming to him for small jobs. He had made several sets of casual wear for the Inferno sniper.


    "It''s for Nix''s ''Khione Quest,'' basically my first step is to make some clothes for my whores."


    Rico''s image seemed to freeze in place. "Pardon?"


    "Whore sounds kinda derogatory, I suppose. The quest requires me to take over the management of a House of Pleasure. Every one of my ''employees'' is naked... literally naked."


    Vooni''s face pushed its way back into the holo image. "Are you crazy? What kind of quest is that?"


    "I''m not kidding. I can share it with you when you get here." Darsi kept a straight face while the couple discussed the issue. She knew a bit about Nix''s Dad and how rough life had been for them during the last few years. Instead of being bitter or withdrawn, he adapted and managed to come out the other side intact.


    Less than a minute later, Rico had an answer for her. "I''m going to bring my entire crafting inventory. I assume you want dresses, undergarments, perhaps a few interesting costumes."


    Darsi let a laughed escape but then quickly covered it up. "Costumes? You really are Trip-7s Dad."


    Rico pretended he didn''t hear the comment. "Going to need two hours."


    Vooni pushed her way in one last time. "Me and Aja will be escorting him. The rest of my team are busy with other things."


    "Thanks, guys!" Darsi closed the hud and leaned back once again.


    ***************


    The next eight tendrils feeding the arctic leech were dispatched with relative ease. The creature basically used two defenses; intense cold that would kill most ground attacks and the quills which could take down fliers. Pon had to leave the area twice because his mana was being drained rapidly as the team progressed. Nix had the team retreat when the last of the tendrils was about to be severed.


    /Alpha: Wind: I love this quest, boss. I don''t think I''ve ever been so comfortable.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: Can I keep this Ashobel?


    /Alpha: Nix: No.


    Nix stepped a few feet away and then burned through the remaining tendril with Balefire. Instead of retracting upward after being severed, the last tendril flopped lifelessly onto the ground while leaking blue fluid like a sieve. An angry-looking Pon placed yet another empty barrel under the deluge.


    An Arcturis''Fraiza has been slain.


    Ashobel-Wind laughed at the Fire Mage''s expression. "Next time, don''t bring six small kegs of beer with you."


    Nix patted the old man on the back. "Or maybe just bring a few empty ones too," he amended.


    Within a few minutes, the city''s deathly cold air switched to the normal cold air caused by the Deep Winter. Nix blasted a large hole through the six meters of snow covering them and then activated his Archon bloodline.


    /Alpha: Nix: Just taking a look. Now that the white-out is gone, we can actually see what is happening.


    With nothing better to do, Pon followed Nix upward into the skies of Eidengal.


    "The fuck is that..." Pon had his first real look at the mass of the AF. The creature''s own ice was quickly disappearing. "Why would the AF ice melt away?"


    "My guess is that it isn''t real ice; maybe a chemical byproduct of the hosts." To Nix''s eye, it looked like a city-sized stingray had been draped over the Eidengal. "There must be hundreds of thousands of quills."


    Pon shook his head in amazement. "That''s primal bone and blood. How are we going to clean all this up?"


    Nix smiled suddenly, remembering the briefing that Semmi gave him the day before. "Ask Semmi, she has an idea."


    Nix and Pon returned to the group a few minutes later and told them in detail what it looked like.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Can you burn this thing off?


    /Alpha: Pon: Sure, if we had a dozen dragons and a few weeks to waste.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: You want all those quills?


    /Alpha: Nix: That would be... YES!


    /Alpha: Pon: Hey, Nix said you''d know what to do with it, Sem.


    /Alpha: Semmi: How would I know that?


    /Alpha: Nix: You remember what you said was a pressing issue for all the planes?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Serious? Is that even possible?


    Nix shrugged and sliced off a hand-sized chunk of the creatures body. They hadn''t been able to see it before because it had been protected by the insane cold. "Anyone hungry?" The Inferno Leader''s hand erupted into green flames, immediately the meat started sizzling in protest. After several seconds he dropped the flames and took a bite.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: Anything has to be better than starving.


    /Alpha: Wind: I wouldn''t go that far.


    /Alpha: Semmi: No way... You took a bite?


    /Alpha: Del: Smells really good.


    Nix ignored the team and chewed slowly, his face relaxing into a slow smile. "Holy crap..."


    "Huh?" Pon produced a blade and sliced off a piece when Nix held it up.


    /Alpha: Wind: You''re fucking with us. That can''t taste good.


    /Alpha: Pon: More like great!


    Nix tossed the rest of the meat to Del who immediately wolfed it down. "Let''s find the Throne room so we can figure out what we''re looking at."


    /Alpha: Del: My track is filled with people now.


    /Alpha: Nix: Alive or dead?


    /Alpha: Del: Alive. The creature must have been blocking the life signatures.


    The throne room was on the other side of the armory in Eidengal; farily close to the crafting area where Nix and his group had taken the Phoenix puppet. As the team progressed through the building they lit the cold torches. Pon would break off from the group whenever he spotted a fire place.


    /Alpha: Jun Li: These guys were hit so hard and fast, that they couldn''t defend themselves.


    Semmi nodded an poked one of the guards standing just inside the door, jumping when the guard stirred slightly. With that thing dead, it will insulate the city, but we have to make sure all the chimneys are clear."


    The Throne room door was wide open, several familiar faces stood just inside with their mouths frozen open. Pon leaned closer. "These are Emi''s friends."


    "Looks like they froze in mid-sentence." Nix spotted Edi, and Alfie next to Duran''s throne. In the middle of the room was a large firepit that was open on all sides, a large stone hood had been built over it to catch the smoke. The Inferno leader started spamming balefire up the chimney, not stopping until he saw the hint of the desert sky.


    /Alpha: Wind: What you going to do, Boss?


    "Heat things up." Nix motioned for the others to move back before morphing into his Phoenix form, the majestic bird sat comfortable in the center of the three meter square and let his flames burn brightly.


    The first one to wake was the King, his eyes blinked several times as consciousness slowly returned to him. His confused eyes scanned the room while he tried to reconstruct his memory of the events. It had happened so fast, traveling through the throne room, pushing the warm air away and replacing it with something unbreathable. His gazed fell on the Phoenix in the fire pit, and the members of Alpha team. The Rat King had come. "Nix..."

 Chapter 579: Flame Temple

    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    Nix waited for a few seconds until a life-sized holo of the former dark chancellor appeared in front of him.


    Leva bowed deeply while offering him a fanged smile. "How may I be of service, Nix?"


    "Do you know what an Arcturis''Fraiza is?"


    Leva shook her head. "Sorry, no."


    "It''s a leech that grows forever until something kills it." Nix paused for a moment while considering the best options. I need as many people as can be spared. Eidengal is covered in fresh meat."


    Leva''s dark eyes showed her interest. "Is this a primal creature?"


    Nix nodded. "Yes, start processing the meat for transport to wherever it''s needed. Prepare containers for blood. Also on the outside of its body are bone quills. Save those for me."


    Leva nodded as Nix spoke. "We''ll head out within two hours. Will you be in Eidengal?"


    "Alpha is on another mission here, but we''ll speak again once it''s completed." Nix closed the comm before turning back toward the King.


    Without a doubt, the King of Eidengal found himself in Inferno''s debt once again. When Duran asked what Nix wanted, the Guild Leader wasn''t shy about it. "I want the Fire Temple that''s hidden in the Great Desert."


    Slowly, over the course of the next hour, the members of Duran''s inner circle started to wake up. Many seemed outraged that the Inferno Guild would receive the temple, but the King was determined. He stood in front of his court, a new mandolin clutched in one hand. "Inferno has come to our aide twice! We would have eventually lost the Bone Fortress, despite heroic efforts on behalf of my nephew and niece. Then there''s this arctic leech. This world is more dangerous than it was when last we roamed this desert."


    Edi approached and bowed deeply before the Inferno Leader. "If you are going to the temple. Would you keep an eye out for Emi? She disappeared right before the city was taken."


    "Emi is safe at Haven." Nix liked both Edi and her brother; that affection covered their group of misfits. "Her intel helped us quite a bit."


    Edi''s serious face broke into a genuine smile. "Thank goodness. Did she say what happened?"


    Nix nodded. "Fell off her mount."


    Edi shared a glance with her brother, both of them were struggling to maintain a straight face. "Well then, I suppose you''ll return her when you get the chance?"


    Semmi raised a hand to get Nix''s attention. "They need to be briefed about the current situation in Everspire and the rest of the planes."


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll allow Duran, Alfie, Edi, and their group to visit Haven. You three can escort them there when you return my Ashobel puppets.


    /Alpha: Semmi: You aren''t coming?


    /Alpha: Nix: No. Me and the old bastard are going to find this temple.


    Nix''s Shadow Daiken banked toward the eastern rim of the desert. Because his Raven was temporarily out of service, he brought out the mount he used before the Bone Fortress.


    /Alpha: Nix: See that snowdrift that looks like a sleeping dragon?


    /Alpha: Pon: Don''t say things like that! We''ll get down there, and it will be one!


    /Alpha: Nix: Fine. See that snowdrift that looks like a keg of cold beer?


    /Alpha: Pon: Fuck yeah! I see it!


    /Alpha: Nix: The entrance should be around there somewhere.


    ****************


    Gideon leaped onto the back of the Howler, slicing through the creature''s throat, spraying Jiggs with bright red blood. Rolling to his feet, the assassin kicked the corpse off his scout a moment later. "Moving kinda slow today..."


    Nebs nodded in agreement. "What''s up, Jiggsy? I''ve seen statues move faster." The group openly laughed at their guildmate; the most notorious prankster in Salamander had finally been laid low.


    Jiggs frowned at the laughing cleric before wiping his face with the back of his sleeve. "That shitty thing was stealthed! Some sort of rogue howler." The scout sighed heavily, that damned Nix had stolen his Mojo. "Anyways, there is no sign of the Fir''Dhassi."


    Gideon zoomed in on the immediate area. "Parliament has been dark for more than two days. To the point that accessing it from the 69th floor of the Embassy is no longer possible." The Assassin was wearing a new arctic camo that Nix had drawn up especially for the Deep Winter Offensive. "You really want to tell Nix that we couldn''t find Raine Xai?"


    Jiggs shook his head quickly, fairly certain that such a thing would not bode well for him. "Damn, Howlers are slowing us down."


    "Do not be alarmed." A voice spoke from nearby, causing the entire group to startle. She appeared in their midst, an Ain''Dhassi ranger with a bow in one hand. Her short white hair was shaved close on the sides and worn in a top-knot.


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: That''s Nix''s camouflage overlay she''s wearing.


    Gideon cursed their scout in his head. "I''m Gideon, from the 12 Pillar Alliance."


    "Gideon?" The young woman said the name like it was familiar. "My name is Cora, well-met Pathfinder."


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: She knows us?


    /Pathfinder: Roto: That name sounds familiar.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: She''s part of the Ain''Dhassi contingent in Parliament; she has deep ties to Inferno.


    "We''ve been sent to find Tura Raine Xai." Gideon watched the woman''s face while he spoke; no trace of recognition filtered across it. "Sent by Nix," he amended.


    Cora''s pretty face showed the start of a smile. "Inferno is here? I guess we can all go home." She laughed at her own joke before turning her smile onto Pathfinder. "Follow me, please." She glanced teasingly at the Pathfinder scout. "Try to avoid stepping into any more Howler nests."


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: She''s kinda neat.


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Try one of your snappy comebacks, Jiggs!


    Jiggs smiled pleasantly, he''d seen plenty of Ain''Dhassi, but this one seemed different. "You have the Air Element?"


    Cora nodded but didn''t slow down as she took them toward a large clearing.


    Jiggs shook his head slightly. "We''ve been over this area already; nothing is here."


    "Hmmm." Cora stopped and held both hands palms outward. The air around them seemed to thicken and warm; a moment later, a doorway formed. "Through here, please." The Ain''Dhassi ranger held the door open and ushered Pathfinder through.


    Gideon fixed Jiggs with a scowl when he stepped into the entryway.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Guess we are looking for a new scout.


    /Pathfinder: Roto: Let''s recruit this ranger!


    /Pathfinder: Paco: Seconded!


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Thirded!


    Jiggs went through last; he distinctly remembered scouting this area, but... He paused next to the Ain''Dhassi, who was holding the door. "There''s a mental barrier on this place."


    Cora gave him a playful smile. "Is there?"


    A flood of relief washed over Gideon when he stepped through the doorway. The Fir''Dhassi had managed to cloak Parliament. The buildings and courtyards were exactly how he remembered it, although the vendors were absent. "Why can''t anyone else access this place?"


    "During a Planar War, the neutral ground of Parliament reverts back to Inuit so that we can protect our territory." A lean Fir''Dhassi addressed them before bowing slightly. "I''m Delyn Xai; since Pathfinder is here, I assume that Nix is looking for my Apprentice."


    Gideon nodded. Although the Inferno Leader kept his own counsel regarding his personal feelings, he made it abundantly clear; find Raine Xai.


    **************


    Nix had no time to react. One moment he was talking to Pon; the next thing he knew, the Fire Mage had vanished. The ice-covered ground collapsed beneath them as they plummeted downward until coming to a bone-jarring stop a few seconds later. Nix helped the old man to his feet. "The fuck is g..." His words were lost in a long howl as the ice they landed on gave way and sent them down into another freefall. Along with a few tons of ice and stone, the two Inferno mages shattered one barrier after another, rolling and slamming their way to the bottom until finally stopping at the entrance to a large cavern.


    Pon lay on his back, gasping for breath. "That was horrible, fucking horrible." His eyes drifted upward in the direction they had come. A small pinpoint of light was barely visible. "How far did we fall?"


    "Far," Nix helped Pon to his feet and activated [Dragon Eyes] and scanned the area, stopping when he spotted the massive metal doors. "Nothing says, ''Temple of Flame'' like a set of big ass doors."


    Pon''s old face nodded in agreement as he sent flames into the nearby torches that hung unlit on the wall. The metal door was etched with drawings that seemed to depict the Temple''s history. "Why couldn''t they just write a brief history? Look at this image. Is he lighting a fire or coping a squat?"


    Nix grabbed one of the iron rings that were attached to both doors and pulled. "Nope, didn''t even budge."


    "Hey... What do you suppose this is?" Pon pointed to a cylindrical-shaped stone that had been hollowed out and mounted horizontally near the door.


    Nix pointed to one of the drawings near the top of the door. It showed some casting flames into the cylinder. "You first."


    Pon scowled slightly, his hands glowing with flames. "Fine, but next time it''s your turn."


    Nix nodded in agreement, watching the door while the old mage used his flame. The fire''s flash and sudden heat in the room was the only indicator that Pon used his fire. The door itself hadn''t budged. "Was kinda hoping that would open the door." The Inferno Leader turned back toward the cylinder. "Pon? Crap. The hell did you go now?"


    Emerald Fury Flames burst out from Nix as he ignited his aura; muttering an expletive, he moved to the front of the cylinder and cast his flames. An instant later, the floor rose up and slammed into his face.

 Chapter 580: Flame Temple (2 of 2)

    The molten pool continually bubbled, crackling loudly as escaping gases made sharp snapping noises. The circular container was twenty meters in diameter with a depth that extended into the Flame Temple''s infernal bowels. The walls and floors were made from carved granite as if a superheated being had created the passage and room in a single walkthru.


    A swirling of colors existed on the pool''s surface, ranging from glowing red to cooling gray. Whenever the top would darken too much, it would slowly disappear beneath the surface to be replaced with brighter flames.


    An epicenter formed near the pool''s edge, a pinpoint-light of bright orange that slowly expanded until it reached one meter across. The area calmed for a moment before a hand punched through. The clenched fist emerged, slowly giving way to an entire arm; the skin was reddened slightly and covered with fine intricate scales. Slowly he rose up from the molten pit; thick white hair that topped an angular face was overshadowed by eyes that glowed a deep red. His wings were adorned with bright red feathers that ended in wickedly curved talons.


    He pushed his way to the edge of the pool and climbed up with great effort; the melting rock ran off of his skin and splashed onto the granite floor like water.


    Pon has activated his bloodline [Third Form: Dread Mage].


    The old man''s white hair glowed with flames as he scanned the room; the smell of sulfur and brimstone hung in the air like a morning fog. "Nix?" The voice was raspy and exhausted. "NIX!" His shout echoed in the small chamber; swearing under his breath, he walked toward the only exit in the room, a set of stairs that led down.


    *************


    The beast wrenched its head once and tore the flame wurm in half. It ignored the carcass and turned its malevolent yellow eyes toward the last occupant, a wyvern that had retreated to the far side of the cavern. It stood motionless on the surface of the white-hot pool as if afraid to move.


    "A Dread beast here? I don''t wish to fight." The wyvern was covered in bright orange feathers, but its form resembled a thick serpent. He and his three companions had foolishly attacked the newcomer when it arrived. Two of them were killed and consumed on the spot.


    [Balefire: Dreadflame]


    A concentrated beam of green flame pierced through the Wyverns face before continuing through the back of his head. It died suddenly, its body floating on the surface for a few moments before gradually sinking. The place where it died was marked by a glowing scroll that hung in the air.


    The creature''s bright orange wings extended slightly and flapped once before furling against his heavily armored body. The bright green flames that engulfed it slowly changed into brown. The yellow eyes closed as if sleeping, while its breath turned loud and raspy. The dark fire flared outward before brightening considerably.


    Nix had refined the brown flames into [Dread Flame].


    After several minutes, the brown flames faded away, and silver took its place. The silver fire raged and engulfed the surface of the white-hot pool. Silver waves of molten rock washed over the beast, splashing against him without any reaction at all. For several minutes a silver storm buffeted the area as if trying to tear the room apart. Finally, it flared with a blinding flash of light and withdrew into the beast.


    Nix has refined the silver flames into [Dread Flame].


    "Nix?" A tired voice called from a nearby chamber, coming closer as if sensing the presence of dread flame.


    The Dread Beast studied the Mage; when he entered the room, he had a bright orange aura that the creature recognized as Dread flames. However, he felt no threat from this man.


    Pon sighed heavily. "Found ya, Punk Bastard." He kept his tone carefully gentle; he had seen Nix''s Dread Beast form before. The key to surviving was to drop all thoughts of aggression. "I think this Temple''s purpose is to refine flames."


    Nix''s large yellow eyes blinked at him before he yawned widely, exposing dragon-like teeth.


    Pon chuckled softly. "Is that the temple deed hovering over the pool?" The old man walked across the surface of the molten rock, his orange wings dragging slightly while creating minor wakes in his path.


    The Dread Beast stood suddenly when Pon reached for the scroll; instantly, the old man backed away with his hands held palms up.


    "You want the scroll?" Pon took a step backward as Nix''s dread form advanced. "Just don''t eat it."


    It nudged the scroll with the blunt tip of his snout, causing it to vanish suddenly.


    [Create Breach: Temple of Flame, Haven]


    Without giving Pon a second look, the Dread Beast stepped through the breach. The old man froze for a moment but then followed quickly behind.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shae, are you in Haven?


    /Inferno: Shae: Yes, I''m at the Ranch house.


    /Inferno: Pon: Better come to the river!


    Shae looked up from the lunch she was sharing with Hyai. "Maybe Nix wants to go fishing?"


    Hyai looked at her hud. "The guild lists both him and Pon as Dread Form."


    "Oh! Stay here, Hyai." Shae popped up from her seat and ran for the door. She changed into her Salamander form the moment she stepped onto the deck. Her sharp eyes instantly spotted the cloud of steam rising steadily from Nix''s favorite fishing spot.


    The water flashed evaporated whenever it touched the creature. Fish died instantly as the water around him became superheated. The old man waited patiently, deciding that Nix couldn''t really do permanent damage in the water as long as he didn''t stay there too long. His real concern was the grasslands surrounding Nix''s ranch; the Dread Beast could easily set fire to everything, including the horses."


    "Nix!" A soft voice called from behind them, the full spectrum of colors reflected brilliantly from the smooth scales of her skin.


    The effect on the Dread Beast was immediate; he approached the salamander at a slow walk, nuzzling her face with his snout.


    "Nix..." Shae''s voice was filled with humor. "We need to bring you someplace where you won''t damage anything. Will you follow me?" Shae changed into her Archon form and took to the air, waiting to see what Nix would do. Without hesitating, it unfurled his wings and joined her.


    /Inferno: Pon: Where are you taking him?


    /Inferno: Shae: The Emerald Desert, he''s already melted the place once.


    *******************


    Jun Li smiled at her friend as she joined the group standing around the TOC holo that displayed Colonial. "How''re the boys?"


    "Pon woke up last night and then went back to bed. Nix recovered in the Emerald Desert, Shae brought him back to the Turtle House this morning.


    /Inferno: Sharl: We are going to take down Lessard tonight.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Perfect, we''re ahead of schedule. Any word on Oasis?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nothing yet, but Gideon is due to report sometime this evening.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: After Lessard is down, we''ll give the Escavar War Camp a few days to clear the howlers before we go in and take down Chenzo.


    ******************


    Nix stared at the Necro-Crafting menu while absentmindedly stroking the white Stalker''s head. There was already a large stack of Bone quills outside of the Turtle House. "I have to find a use for those."


    [Bone Manipulation]


    1) Identify


    2) Living Project


    3) Non-Living Project


    4) Salvage


    Del watched him work; her boredom was obvious. "This takes a long time. How high is your skill now?"


    "It''s at 77. Open Salvage menu."


    [Salvage]


    At the cost of Mana, you have a chance to salvage a random component from any creature you may have slain in the past. If the carcass is present, you may choose the component.


    1) Rare (1,455 possible variations)


    2) Legendary (11 possible variations)


    3) Primal or Higher (4 possible variations)


    Del''s blue eyes stared at the hud. "Weren''t there only two Primals last time?


    Nix nodded. "Display Primal or Higher possible variations."


    [Khione: Goddess of Winter]


    [Oblivion Spider: Primal Ocean Creature]


    [Barrot: Primal Demicron]


    [Arcturis''Fraiza: Primal Immortal]


    After spending the morning running his mana dry, Nix used salvage to gain a handful of enchantments from the bone quill. No matter how many times he tried, it always yielded the same item.


    [Bone Sliver]


    Arcturis''Fraiza


    [Ranged One]


    The first strike with your projectile weapon is always a critical hit.


    [Ranged Two]


    The second strike with your projectile weapon is always a critical hit.


    The Stalker was definitely not impressed with the enhancement, although she did recognize its value as a ranger. "I thought it would be something amazing since it is a primal beast."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "My skill level affects all parts of Bone Manipulation; I''m guessing that once it climbs higher, the Salvage skill will yield better results."


    "Can we eat now?" Del pushed her soft muzzle into his side. "I saw Leva drop off a package of that AF at the ranch."


    /Inferno: Nix: Need to speak with Tai and Deidra if you''re around.


    /Inferno: Tai: I''m at my nursery. Come by anytime.


    /Inferno: Deidra: Shall I meet you there?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes.


    "Go kill something! That AF is for Hyai to make a stew with." Nix opened a breach into Tai''Qui''s nursery. "We''ll head into Lana when I get back."


    Del waited until the breach closed behind Nix and then padded silently toward the door.

 Chapter 581: Dragon Temples

    Nix stepped into Tai''Qui''s nursery, instantly relaxing in the warm comfort of the place. The Earth Dragon was standing near the emerald-colored Dragon Egg, her brown lips curved in a smile at Inferno''s leader''s appearance.


    "Going to stay and relax for a bit?" Tai waded out of the mud-pool. Her rolled-up leggings exposing her smooth tan calves. "Do you like this color?"


    Nix shrugged slightly when she gestured to her new bandana. "The green is my favorite."


    Tai motioned with her hand, changing the color to a pale green. "Like this?"


    "Yep."


    Any further conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Deidra. Seeing them at the same time always reminded Nix how different the two dragons were. The warm and personable Tai versus the cold beauty of Deidra.


    Deidra''s cold demeanor warmed the barest amount when she made eye contact with Nix. "It''s nice to see you."


    "I''m going to get straight to the point. I want you both to construct Temples in Haven." Nix brought out two scrolls and displayed them.


    "Temples?" Tai''s stunned expression said it all; she was floored by request.


    Deidrea looked even more disturbed. "Nix... That sort of thing isn''t done. We''d have to get the Dragon Council''s permission to do something like that."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "This is a private Seed World; the only permission you need is from Inferno. Since we already have a binding agreement, I see no issue."


    "No." Deidra''s voice sounded strained. "Outside of a few minor benefits, there are no real advantages to Dragon Temples, or else everyone would have them."


    Nix made a gesture with his hand, tossing both scrolls to the dragons. "Do it now; let me know if you need anything else."


    Tai watched the interaction with interest; the normally flexible Nix seemed completely unyielding. "Nix... Perhaps you and I should talk in pri..." Her mouth dropped open in surprise when brown flames enveloped Nix; a moment later, they brightened considerably.


    Deidra took a step closer and held out a pale hand. "A second Dread Flame?"


    Nix watched the two dragons for a moment before switching to his silver flames.


    "How''s this possible? You have three Dread Flames?" Deidra''s voice rose in volume; the cold beauty''s continence showed how disturbed she was.


    Nix gestured to the scroll that Deidra was holding. "That''s actually a Flame Refinement Temple. Both Pon and I Refined our flames there. I probably could have refined the Gemini Flame also, but for some reason, my Dread Form decided against it."


    Tai and Deidra exchanged glances, both of them had dealings with Nix''s Dread Form. The real problem was that Nix''s consciousness seemed to sleep when he used it. The powerful creature seemed content to rely on only base instincts.


    "A Temple where you can refine flames?" Deidra stared at the scroll in her hands. "What was the process?"


    "You cast your flames into a cylindrical shaped device. From there, you are sent where you need to go." Nix was drawing conclusions from the experience he and Pon had shared. "I''m not sure what would happen if your flame wasn''t ready for refinement."


    Tai studied the other dragon; it was obvious that Deidra was going to agree. Dread Flame was the ultimate separation among dragons. As an Earth Dragon, she also possessed Flames, but they weren''t nearly as powerful as Deidra''s. "I will do as you ask, Nix."


    Nix waited for Deidra''s answer; after a few moments, she nodded in agreement.


    "Thank you for your cooperation." Nix grinned at the two dragons; the refinement Temple had made them both reverse direction. The Inferno Leader opened a breach and quickly stepped through, leaving the two dragons alone in the nursery.


    After sharing lunch with Fajii and Hyai, Nix caught up with Del at the Gemini Platform, where she was talking with Pon and Semmi.


    "Ready to go, Del?"


    "Unfortunately, no. My Father has requested my presence in Fraya''Selene. It shouldn''t take too long. Pon said he''d go with you."


    The old man nodded. "Semmi and I completed a harvest quest; the turn-in is in Lana."


    Nix smiled at the Blonde officer. "Going with us, Sem?"


    Semmi shook her head. "No. We''re swamped here."


    Nix stepped onto the platform and chose the Lana destination. "Sounds good; I''ll have the old bastard back in time for the Chenzo fight in a few days."


    The two men stepped off the Lana platform a moment later, nearly running into a familiar face when they did.


    "N-Nix!" A short, bald man with a cheerful face stammered nervously, the Inferno Leader''s sudden appearance always made Dalton nervous.


    "Dalton... What are you doing here?" Nix smiled to lighten the mood; Dalton was someone who usually avoided any contact with him.


    "I''m here helping your father!" Dalton bowed slightly, "I was just heading back to Haven to grab some more supplies."


    "My father is in Lana?" Nix shared a look with Pon; Rico usually kept his travel limited to Glory, Loki, or Inferno City. The older man preferred the safe environment of settlements and had no interest in adventuring outside. "Where is he?"


    Dalton brought up his hud and marked Rico''s location. "He''s at the brothel."


    "The what?" Nix stared into the empty space where Dalton had disappeared from a moment earlier.


    Pon cleared his throat loudly. "Well... I''ll do my turn-in after we find your dad, gotta make sure he''s safe."


    The duo progressed down the ice-covered street, both obviously seeing the same thing. The streets were bare of any customers, the shops were open, but most of them were empty. Steady chopping noises proved that everyone was waging an ongoing battle against the encroaching ice.


    Nix whistled softly, the warm air instantly creating a cloud of vapor. "Yeah, I get that it''s cold." The Inferno leader and his companion were the only ones not bundled up. "But these people seemed to have lost heart."


    "Why does Dalton get so squirrely around you?" Pon had noticed it before but hadn''t commented. The Inferno Cobbler was actually quite personable, at least until Nix arrived.


    "Hung him up by the neck with my flame strands and then tossed him out a window." Nix slowed for a moment, "I think that was the order."


    Pon grinned at his friend, who spoke as if he were sharing a cookie recipe. "Is that all? Strange that he still remembers."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I know, right?"


    "That must be it." Pon pointed to a large square-shaped building with iced-over windows. "Tell the truth... Did you ever expect you''d be visiting your dad at a brothel?"


    The Inferno Leader chuckled. "Wonder what he''s doing here."


    Pon laughed suddenly. "Sure you want to find out? Could be traumatizing for you."


    Nix walked past the men chopping ice next to the entrance; they were doing a fairly good job at keeping the business accessible; however, the large Bay window bordering both sides of the double-doors was completely frosted over.


    The two men stepped into the welcome warmth of Ravine''s House of Pleasure a moment later. The jingle of metal like a ringing bell drew both of their attention.


    Pon stared at the red-haired woman who hurried by them without stopping. "Nix... What the hell?"


    Nix recognized Dalton''s work. He often took requests for specific types of shoes. The woman had on cowboy boots and brown leather chaps. "The spurs are a nice touch." A handful of other women could be seen bustling about. A large floor-to-ceiling mirror had been set up; they would stop in front of it and model for the blonde woman sitting nearby. "Darsi!"


    "Nix!" Darsi grinned when she noticed the Inferno Leader. She offered him a quick hug before poking him in the chest with a slender finger. "Thanks to you, I''m working at a brothel."


    Nix laughed at the woman''s expression. "What would your mother say?"


    "Knowing her, probably that she had expected this to happen one day." Darsi pointed toward a black door on the opposite side of the room; there seemed to be a lot of foot traffic going in and out. "You''re Dad is in there, along with Vooni and her wyvern friend."


    "Aja is here?" Nix headed toward the black door with Pon on his heels. Aja was part of Vooni''s fire team; the dragon descendent would have made sure that Rico was protected. The Inferno Leader opened the door, freezing in place for a moment when he spotted his dad.


    Aja was wearing something that looked like it had been taken from a Victoria Secret catalog. A sheer red outfit that clung to her well-muscled frame, it stopped well above the knees, a fact emphasized by mid-thigh red stockings and a garter belt. Nix cleared his throat to get their attention, not wanting to startle his dad when he was pinning up alterations.


    "Pon the Magnificent!" Aja''s scarred face smiled crookedly at the new arrivals, "and Pon," she added when she saw who accompanied him.


    "The fuck is up with that greeting?" Pon stepped past Nix, doing a great job of pretending he hadn''t come in to get a closer look at Rico''s work.


    "Sorry," Aja apologized. Even though she knew the Inferno Leader''s real name, in her head, she always called him ''Pon the Magnificent.''


    Nix struggled to keep the wide grin off of his face. "Looks like your busy, Dad."


    Rico had a handful of pins in his mouth, pulling bits of fabric as he snugged up the fit. Unlike his son, Rico implemented several real-life techniques to his craft. The result spoke for themselves; nearly everything he made resulted in a [critical crafting] message.


    A pair of strong arms wrapped around Nix from behind, squeezing him tight before letting him go. He turned to see Vooni''s smiling face. "Looks like the band is back together. Where are the boys?"


    Vooni shook her head slightly. "Could you imagine Nunzo and Omak here? They''d never get anything done."


    Nix brought up his hud, he''d been notified when the Lana quest was updated, but he hadn''t bothered to check it out. He considered his options as he perused the description. "Going to put a request in, Dad. Put the other stuff on hold for now."


    Rico removed the pins from his mouth and motioned Aja to a curtained-off corner where she could change. "What do you need?''


    "Uniforms for these women, we''ll need something warm, maybe wool or tweed." Nix watched as his dad pulled out a sketch pad and started drawing. "I want them to be easily recognizable when they are walking around. Let''s aim for casual/elegance."


    His dad glanced up from his sketch pad. "Conservative then?"


    "Yes, Dad... Conservative." Nix ignored the chuckle from Pon. "Have Dalton match it up with some nice boots."

 Chapter 582: Warmth of the Phoenix

    Vic arranged the stock on his display shelf for the third time in as many hours. His General store had been a hub of activity before the Deep Winter came; now, he could count the daily customers on the one hand. He checked the time and headed toward the front door; Vic made an hourly trip outside to chip away the ice that gathered on his door and sidewalk. "How much longer will we be able to survive like this?"


    He was slipping into his thick coat when he saw the glow through his iced-over front window. Without thinking, he shoved open the door and stepped outside just as a wave of hot air washed over him. The feel of heat nearly brought tears to his eyes as he stepped onto the walk to get a better view.


    In the distance, he could see the majestic bird as it flew away. Its wings seemed to be a mixture of bright red and orange flames. He heard several other shop doors open up as curious onlookers came outside. "What was that thing?"


    Less than a minute after it first passed by, he could see it gliding back toward him, engulfed in fire and pushing the cold away in a shimmering wave of heat. He couldn''t help himself; when the second blast of heat pushed against him a few seconds later, he found himself cheering loudly.


    "Did you see that?" The young seamstress who owned the shop next to him smiled widely; her hands held out into the air as if to catch the warmth. "It''s coming back again!"


    And so the bird passed them again. It flew down the middle of the street only a few meters above the center of the road. It took a route down Market street before turning toward the front gate, where it banked and repeated the process.


    After watching a dozen of so fly-bys, Vic tossed his coat inside the shop and left the door open. Word of mouth spread quickly down the length of market street; the firebird had come from Ravine''s House of Pleasure.


    The first sign of traffic showed up a half-hour later, a horse-drawn wagon with a handful of people in the back. It stopped at the corner near Vic''s General Store and unloaded. Out of curiosity, Vic approached the group.


    When Vic arrived, they were setting up a large cauldron next to a table full of bowls and flatware. "Do you know anything about that firebird?"


    One of the women looked up. She wore a full-length wool skirt with a tweed overcoat. Her hair was worn up and kept in place by a warm-looking hat. "You mean the Phoenix? That''s Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno."


    Vic sniffed the air, the scent of whatever was in the pot made his mouth water. "Who are you guys?"


    The woman who spoke remained behind with one other female while the rest continued down the road.


    "I''m Tessa, one of Madam Ravine''s girls." Tessa smiled at the shopkeeper. "Bet you''re hungry?" She picked up a bowl and ladled a helping before handing it to him. "Spoons are on the table; please bring both back when you''re done."


    Behind the House of Pleasure, a fire roared as an old mage cut up the packages of AF meat that had been delivered via a breach. "Fuck this! Nix is flying around doing jack shit while I''m slaving away making stew!"


    Pon used his own flames to brown the meat before adding the dried vegetables and potatoes. The old man didn''t season anything since whatever meager supply they had would have run out immediately.


    "Want to switch out?" Aja''s voice came from the back door. Like the rest of the fire elementals, her tolerance for cold weather was very high.


    Pon nodded and cut up the package of meat that he had already opened. "How''s it going out there?"


    Aja gave him a friendly nudge to one side and picked up the knife he''d been using. "We''re at six different areas along Market street. The lines are very long; families are starting to come out with their children."


    Pon shook his head in amazement. Could they really feed everyone? "Do they need help in the kitchen?"


    "Not sure; they have a half dozen girls washing dishes."


    The work continued throughout the day; just before sundown, a rumor circulated that the Phoenix would only make a few more passes before stopping for the day. Citizens and shopkeepers were asked to return to indoors'' warmth; the Phoenix and Ravine''s girls would return in the morning.


    **************


    An hour later, Nix sat at a round table with Pon, Darsi, and Aja. Rico and Voonie were continuing to make clothes for the Ravine''s girls.


    Darsi''s expression showed her good mood, despite being tired. "We made a good start, but we have to figure something out. You can''t fly up and down the street all day, every day."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Trying to do too much is going to hurt our cause. I want to make Market Street warm and continue to let the House of Pleasure lead the way."


    Pon snapped his fingers. "Fire seeds! Even the smaller ones can last years, if we could gather enough of them..."


    "I could make something that houses Fire seeds, perhaps even amplifying them a bit." Darsi brought up her crafting interface and started cycling through artifact designs.


    "Fire seeds don''t grow on trees." Nix considered the length of the street. "Depending on how much heat they release, we could need anywhere from twenty-five to fifty.


    Darsi was already designing a housing artifact for the fire seeds. "You work on the seed, and I''ll take care of the rest."


    Nix stood up and motioned for Pon to follow. "We''ll head back to Haven; perhaps one of the Dragons have an idea."


    "Thanks for the hard work, old man." Nix and Pon off of the Gemini platform. "Did you turn in your quest?"


    Pon froze in mid-stride, a scowl enveloping his wrinkled face. "Crap... I completely forgot about it. Remind me tomorrow."


    Nix nodded as the two men fell in step and headed toward the exit. The warmth of Haven was welcomed after a day spent in the bitter cold.


    The first tremor was only the slightest event, but both men stopped in alarm just as the second one arrived.


    "The hell?" Pon cursed loudly as the ground tilted suddenly; when he noticed Nix changing into Archon shape and going airborne, he followed suit.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What''s going on?


    /Inferno: Nix: Has to be the Temple constructions; we''ll look into it.


    Nix circled as he steadily gained altitude.


    "Northeast of us, Nix." Pon pointed to the far northeast, where a swirling mass of dust and debris was gathering like a modern-day twister.


    Nix flew towards the storm, his eyes quickly finding the second disturbance. "Southeast also..."


    Pon could feel the build-up in power coming from both directions. "Going to be pissed if Haven blows up."


    "Split up; you take the northern one. Keep in touch." Nix banked south, his eyes watching the terrain around the construction site. The eastern part of Haven was mostly flat and bordered a large sea. Given the sheer size of Haven and the relatively small population of Inferno, no one had settled the area yet.


    /Alpha: Pon: I think this one is the Flame Temple. There''s a bright flame at the center; it''s definitely a dread flame.


    Nix extended his wings and glided over the giant dust cloud. He could sense the earth element growing within it. The tremors went on for several minutes and then quieted, but the thick mass of swirling earth remained.


    /Alpha: Nix: It looks like this is going to take a few hours.


    Shae and Fajii joined him an hour later as he continued to monitor the developing situation. With each passing minute, the strength of the individual elements grew. By now, there was no mistake which Temple was which.


    Fajii''s alien eyes stared into the mass of earth; as a Scorched Earth mage, she could feel the throbbing energy being given off. Tai''Qui had already started training the Lamia Acolytes from the Scorched Earth temple; a few of them were already advancing to the Nemesis stage. "How long do you think it will last?"


    "Not nearly as long as our temple," Shae answered. Perhaps the rules were different in seed worlds, or maybe the overpowering strength of two adult dragons influenced the construction. "It''s already starting to recede."


    Nix stared into the cloud. He could see no discernable difference from the last half an hour, but he trusted Shae''s senses. "What will happen when you refine your flame?"


    Shae glanced at the Inferno Leader. The truth was she didn''t know. When they were back in Colonial, the Nemesis elementals had been considered powerful existences. "I''m heading north to check on the other temple."


    Fajii faltered slightly; one wing dipped as her elevation dropped by several meters. "I have to leave, Nix. My earth element is being affected."


    "Head back to the Ranch." Nix''s own earth abilities weren''t as strong as the Aquarions; he could sense that the fluctuating element was bothering her. He watched as she banked away, her brown wings flapping steadily west toward their residence.


    /Alpha: Nix: Any change in the northern Temple?


    /Alpha: Pon: No... Going to be very disappointed if I get blown up.


    /Alpha: Nix: Heh...


    Less than an hour later, the raging elemental storm began to calm. The cloud of earth that had formed shrank noticeably as the build-up of power peaked and suddenly lost momentum. Nix circled slowly downward; he was less than thirty meters off the ground when he spotted it.


    "Holy crap..." Nix landed at the edge of an immaculately tiled area. A large statue of a dragon with its wings extended guarded the entrance. As he walked around it and peered through the cloud of dust that hadn''t quite settled, he could see that there were no buildings. "It''s all underground."


    Behind the dragon statue was an archway with a brown marble stairway leading down.


    [Colonial World Message]: Haven has constructed a Dragon Earth Temple. All pilgrimages to the Dragon Temple will result in a 72-hour buff. All Haven residents are granted [Earth Shield].


    Earth Shield: The Earth Shield absorbs all incoming damage up to twice your existing health. Once depleted, Earth Shield requires 24-hours to regenerate.


    [Colonial World Message]: Haven has constructed a Dragon Flame Temple. All pilgrimages to the Dragon Temple will result in a 72-hour buff. All Haven residents are granted [Ring of Fire].


    Ring of Fire: While the Ring of Fire is active, your attacks become fire-based and do twice the amount of damage as normal.


    Nix descended the stairs, one hand brushing against the smooth marble walls. The marble staircase spiraled downward for several meters before ending in a large circular chamber. "Tai''Qui?"


    The center of the chamber housed a small mud pool; it bubbled as Nix approached. After several moments, a figure slowly rose from it.


    Tai''s perfect brown skin emerged gradually, the mud clinging to it for a moment before returning to the pool. Her reddish-brown hair hung loose down her bare shoulders. Warm brown eyes filled with mystery watched the Inferno Leader with obvious affection.


    "Everything okay, Tai?"


    Tai''s brown lips curved into a smile. "Yes, thank you."

 Chapter 583: Thermocule

    "What do you mean she''s gone?" Nix took a deep breath before letting it out slowly. After making sure that Tai''Qui was doing well, he decided to visit the Temple of Flame to ask Deidra about fire seeds.


    Pon watched the interaction between Nix and Deidra, fairly certain that it was going to end with the Inferno Leader activating his Dread Form. "Before either of us could say anything, Shae cast her flames into the cylinder and disappeared. It''s no one''s fault, Nix."


    Nix scowled at the cylinder in question. Shae hadn''t mentioned that she was going to refine her flames, but then it may have been a spur-of-the-moment decision. He decided to let the matter drop. "Do you need anything from me?"


    The Temple of Flame was nearly identical to Tai''Qui''s Earth Temple. The statue of a dragon marked the underground entrance; almost nothing else was visible from the surface.


    Unlike Tai, Deidrea has changed into her natural form. The dragon stared at Nix for a handful of moments. "Nothing else, Nix. Since this is a private seed world, I will forego the customary Acolytes and Temple champion. I have no use for either of those."


    Nix turned his attention back toward the cylinder. "Do you plan on refining your flames also?"


    "Yes. However, I will wait until Shae returns; besides you, she is the only one I trust to guard my nursery during my absence."


    Unlike Tai''s central chamber, this one was made of white marble with gold veins that glittered in the torchlight.


    Deidrea changed forms suddenly; her large dragon body morphed into the coldly pale beauty that Nix was used to. She walked past Nix and took a seat on what could only be called a throne.


    Nix glanced around the room; although both Dragon Temples were cut from the same mold, the Flame Temple seemed to be a bit more flashy. "Why are there two thrones?" Remembering the Earth Temple, Tai''Qui also had two thrones.


    Deidra shrugged as if unsure. "Did you want something, Nix? It isn''t like you to linger."


    "Yes. I need Fireseeds. Perhaps as many as fifty, strong enough to function for the next few months."


    Deidre smiled slightly, her pale feature showing amusement. "I can make those; come back tomorrow."


    Nix glanced at Pon, who seemed like he wanted to be anywhere else but there. "Fine, I''ll do that. Notify me at once if Shae returns."


    ****************


    0400 hours, Haven Ranch


    Nestled comfortably between two warm bodies, Nix was sleeping peacefully with no intention of getting up any time soon.


    "Nix..." Shae''s voice whispered from the doorway. As soon as she opened the Master Bedroom door, both Fajii and Hyai looked up.


    The Inferno Leader mumbled a protest when he was gently nudged from two different directions simultaneously; his eyes blinked open when they repeated the process. He immediately spotted the ringleader at the door; his sleepy frown faded into a smile. "Back safe and sound?"


    Shae nodded. "Back safe and sound," she agreed. "Your Fireseeds are on the kitchen island, ready to go."


    Nix took a few moments to extricate himself from the warm comfort of his companions and sleepily got dressed next to the door. A tired Shae shamelessly assumed his spot in bed, smiling at him when he exited.


    /Inferno: Nix: Life is unfair...


    /Inferno: Darsi: Did you get Fireseeds?


    Nix temporarily ignored the question as he opened a small box on the kitchen island. He recognized the work as one of Sinfaya''s temporal boxes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Do you have something to house them in?


    /Inferno: Darsi: Check this out.


    Thermocule (Pronounced Ther-Mock-U-Lee)


    Elemental Container: Fire


    Description: Fire seeds placed inside of the


    Thermocule are amplified by fifty percent.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll meet you at Ravine''s House.


    /Inferno: Darsi: See ya there, Trip-7.


    When Nix arrived at Madam''s Ravine''s House of Pleasure a few minutes later, Darsi was waiting patiently inside. The Inferno Sniper looked like she''d stayed up all night crafting. She handed him one of her creations.


    Nix turned the Thermocule over in his hands. It was made from ceramic, with one end having a baseball-sized sphere and the other ending in a sharp spike. It was nearly a meter in length and weighed just over a few pounds. When he touched the sphere, it opened up. "Fire seed goes in here?"


    Darsi nodded. "Push the stake into the ground and place the seed in the sphere. When you activate the Thermocule, the sphere will close and start pushing out the heat."


    Nix didn''t have to pretend to be impressed. "You made fifty of these in one night?"


    "Yep." Darsi grabbed the Thermocule from him and stowed it away. "It will be easier to stake them in the ground if you warm things up first."


    When they exited the House of Pleasure through the back door a few minutes later, Nix instantly morphed into his Phoenix form. He took to the air and started making loops around the house. They planned to heat Market street and the area around Madam Ravine''s House.


    After Nix''s 4th lap, Darsi started staking the Thermocules into the ground. They had to be placed at least five meters away from anything that might burn. Although they wouldn''t contain an open flame when activated, the glowing device would be unapproachable by anyone who wasn''t an advanced fire user.


    /Inferno: Darsi: I''ve got Ravine''s staked out. Time for those Fireseeds.


    /Inferno: Pon: Hey! Did you guys start without me?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes...


    Nix changed back into human form and placed one of the Fireseeds inside the ceramic sphere. When it closed a moment later, he received a message asking if he wanted to activate the Thermocule. "Yes."


    The device glowed bright red and started radiating heat in all directions; the amount of coverage was fairly impressive. The frosted windows on the rear of the House of Pleasure immediately started to melt.


    Over the next few minutes, the trio place four more warming devices around the business. It seemed like a bit of overkill to Nix, but at least the girls wouldn''t have to worry about the cold anymore.


    Nix turned the remaining Fireseeds over to Pon before returning to his Phoenix duties. He would heat the Market street while Pon and Darsi placed the remaining devices. In all likelihood, they would finish before any of the shops started opening.


    Placing the rest of the seeds took less than an hour; most of that was due to the windswept streets being completely frozen. However, after a half dozen fly-bys, the streets started to soften enough for the stakes to be pushed in. The street Thermocules were placed in the center of the road and pounded down until it looked like a glowing ball sitting on the ground.


    /Inferno: Pon: All finished with the House of Ravine and Market street. However, we have two left.


    /Inferno: Nix: Place them around the front gate, near the guardpost. Those guys have been freezing long enough.


    Vic quickly left his home and hurried toward Market street. On most days, the cold morning air was enough to take his breath away; however, today, something had taken the edge off of the brutal cold.


    When he was half a block away, he started to feel the warmth. Was the Phoenix already making his flights? The Store Keeper stopped a few meters away from the corner where his business was located. All of Market street was lit up with orange light. The boardwalk was already free of Ice, and none of the shop entrances were frozen over. He sped up his pace and headed toward his store. Many of the shop owners had brooms out and were sweeping puddled water into the street. He unbuttoned his heavy coat, smiling widely. Market street was warm.


    By mid-morning, Nix was sitting across from his dad, Madam Ravine and Vooni, while sampling the afternoon''s first batch of AF soup.


    "What''s the plan here, Nicky? This place is a brothel, after all."


    Nix nodded and slurped loudly, immediately echoed by Vooni, who was clearly trying to make a louder noise them him. The two grinned at each other and continued their competition. "I know. First, let''s get people coming back into the doors. The entertainment part of this business can wait until we are all long gone. For now, this will be a place to sit and enjoy a drink in relative comfort."


    Rico glanced around the room. Most of the girls were heading out to serve lunch in the streets. A few stayed behind on cooking and cleaning detail. "You really think people will come here?"


    Madam Ravine gestured toward the comfortable couches where four men and two women were already seated. "That''s half the city council."


    Nix considered her words for a moment. "Sorry... What is your first name?"


    "Maybe it''s Madam." Madam Ravine smiled slightly. "It''s Lana... I know, Lana from the City of Lana."


    Nix shrugged as if finding nothing wrong with the statement. "Go talk to those people. This is your place; make sure they know that. Inferno is here to build your reputation, not ours."


    Lana looked unsure of herself but stood up anyway. "I guess you are right."


    Vooni slurped the rest of her bowl before pushing her chair back. "I''ll back you up. Just say the word, and I''ll toss them into the street."


    [Whisper: Nix to Vooni] Make sure they mind their manners. It''s okay if you have to slap a few of them around.


    Vooni smiled at the Inferno Leader and followed Lana toward the group.

 Chapter 584: Hotter

    Two days had passed since Inferno placed the Thermocules in Lana. Darsi, Vooni, and Rico stayed to continue helping while Nix and Pon headed back to prepare for the next Regional Lord.


    Nix was sitting comfortably on the Turtle House couch while Shae napped with her feet on his lap. The Inferno Leader stared at the Necro-Crafting Interface. After raising his craft level to 100/500, his Salvage ability started yielding better items from the bone quills. He decided to leave the quills until the level was maxed out; they were primal bones, after all. The thought made Nix frown slightly; the enormous stack of quills outside of the Turtle House far surpassed anything he imagined. According to Leva, that was only a small fraction.


    [Bone Manipulation]


    1) Identify


    2) Living Project


    3) Non-Living Project


    4) Salvage


    "Non-Living."


    [Please choose your project.]


    "Lake Otter."


    3) Non-Living Project


    a) Bone Growth: Enables the growth of existing bones, requires a source.


    b) Bone Grafting: Enables the grafting of two or more kinds of bones, requires a source.


    Nix studied the Lake Otter puppet that took up a good portion of the living room floor. When Nix was first cast into Northern Titania, he encountered obscenely large otters in the Lake surrounding Bachoni. At the time, he had no use for otters that grew up to four or five meters in length, but with Khione looming in the weeks ahead, he decided to expand his range of puppets.


    On the shore of Lake Bachoni was a Trading Post ran by an older man named Hoot. Nix had done some trading with him before leaving the area. Both the Trading post and Bachoni could be accessed through the Turtle House''s Auction hub. Apparently, the otters bred like crazy; every few years, the town would hire Titans to come in and clear out the shallower parts of the Lake. This meant that pelts, bones, teeth, and claws were available by the tens of thousands. He purchased enough supplies to make one Emperor puppet but unexpectedly, a rare [critical crafting] had created two.


    [Emperor Clandestine Lake Otter] [Bone Fragment: Ced''Far][Claw: Yandro][Jawbone: Neptiphago]


    "Yandro and Neptiphago? Are those both dragons?"


    Nix smiled at the drowsy Salamander. "They were. I can salvage components from them. Check out the stats these three add."


    [Clandestine Lake Otter: Emperor] [Bone Fragment: Ced''Far][Claw: Yandro][Jawbone: Neptiphago]


    [Ced''Far: Bone Fragment]


    Increased Amor by seventy-five percent.


    Increased Strength by fifty percent.


    [Yandro: Claw]


    Slashing V: Claw attacks have a high chance of inflicting [Bleed] on their target.


    Hamstrung: When attacking the legs, [Hamstrung] has a fifty percent chance of inflicting [Slow] on their target.


    [Neptiphago: Jawbone]


    Heal V: Instantly casts a single target heal that recovers half of the target''s health. The cooldown is five minutes.


    Graft these components onto the Clandestine Lake Otter?


    "Yes."


    Clandestine Lake Otter (S) was created.


    Shae pursed her lips slightly. "It shrunk slightly. Is that normal?"


    Nix shrugged. "Maybe. Necro-crafting is new to me, so I''m slowly figuring it out." The Inferno Leader stood up and walked around the puppet. The snout of the creature had rounded slightly and now sported some very impressive-looking teeth. The webbed feet were tipped with curved talons that would make walking impossible. "Shit... Did I wreck a damn Emperor puppet?"


    "What''s the matter?"


    Nix knelt next to the puppet and held up one of the enormous paws so that she could see. "These would be fine in the water but definitely won''t be okay on land."


    Shae stretched her body slightly before moving to a sitting position. "It''s one of your (S) puppets, so you can''t afford to cast it aside. Maybe combine it with something you already have."


    Nix nodded in agreement; the issue was that he used up a good portion of his Emperor puppets in the last few days. He made four ravager puppets, using them to enhance Rabi, Sasi, Semmi, and Wind''s armor.


    "Orions have retractable claws; it may work for this."


    Nix considered the possibility for a moment before discarding it. "I wanted something that could function equally well on land or water. I''m worried about what adding a feline would do to its water abilities."


    "What if you combined it with two puppets. Another water creature and then the Orion? Shouldn''t the water abilities manifest with two of the three parts being aquatic-based?"


    "In theory..." Nix would do it if he could be sure. Unfortunately, the mutator interface didn''t predict the result. "I do have a few Sea Hunters left."


    Several months earlier, while rescuing Wilo in Elementia, Nix had made hundreds of animations to save the elementals that Hierophant had captured. The end product was the [Sea Hunter] and the [Air Rhaptor]. The Sea Hunter resembled a leopard seal with heavy armor and teeth straight out of a nightmare.


    [Sea Hunter][Clandestine Lake Otter (S)][Orion]


    Nix studied the queue. "I don''t want the result to be too large. Going to miniaturize this; .75 should be fine."


    "Using the .25 would be too small?"


    Nix nodded. "I noticed that mutating objects usually increase in size."


    [Sea Hunter][Clandestine Lake Otter (S)][Orion][Applied Miniaturization Text: .75]


    [Critical Crafting]


    Hotter (SS) created.


    *Blink, Blink*


    "Oh no... That name!" Shae shook her head in dismay as she leaned forward to get a better look at the creature.


    Sleek black fur covered a compactly muscled creature with webbed feet. It had a long body and neck and was slightly larger than the standard Orion. The rounded snout had elongate slightly, giving it a longer bite. When Nix manipulated the puppet''s paw, five razor-sharp claws extended from their sheaths.


    The wide grin on Nix''s face said it all. "Best name ever!"


    Hotter (SS)


    [Heal V]


    [Slash]


    [Hamstrung]


    [Stealth]


    Mutated Creations may only possess three inherent abilities. Please make your choices.


    Nix scowled at the message. "Heal, Hamstrung and Stealth."


    The Slash ability on the Hotter (SS) has been disabled.


    The Hotter (SS) has two possible operative choices: Night or Arctic Operations. Please choose one; this feature will be permanently attached to this individual animation.


    "Arctic." As soon as Nix spoke, the color of the puppet changed from black to white.


    "Why only three options, Nix? Del can use all of her abilities."


    Nix stowed the puppet and resumed his seat next to Shae. "Del''s no longer a puppet. That Stalker is a creature of Colonial, the only one of its kind."


    The Salamander gripped his hand in hers. "What''s next after Chenzo?"


    Nix used his free hand to open up a hud that displayed Oasis. "According to Gideon''s report, the Fir''Dhassi are about to take down a Regional Lord that is inhabiting Inuit."


    "You''re going to Oasis?"


    Nix nodded. "Their situation is identical to ours. Four Regional Lords and a growing anomaly. With the increase in levels, the Oasis World Boss is going to be difficult."


    Shae leaned against him, pulling his hands down until he closed the hud. Her soft lips touched his for a moment. "I''m worried. Use your new puppet in Oasis instead of going in person."


    Nix considered it for a moment before nodding. "Sure, I can do that. I''m concerned about Everspire. They have Regional Lords, but no one can find an anomaly."


    Shae could feel it, too; the end fight was approaching sooner than anyone anticipated. "The Titans have killed three Regional Lords but are holding off against the fourth."


    "Yeah... The Titans are waiting for us. Our rebuilt Titan Clans will have to step up soon. I hope they are ready in time."


    Shae pushed against him until he was reclined on the couch; her red hair fell lightly against his chest as she hovered over him. "You have about an hour until the Chenzo fight. Want to spend that time chatting? Or..."


    *************


    Scarlette''s pale features glowed when she laughed, a pleasant, throaty sound that made her husband smile from his position next to the Everspire holo-map. A tiny blackbird fluttered around her head, buzzing her with its wings before landing lightly on her shoulders. "Goodness, why would Nix give you a tiny bird form?"


    The black bird pecked at her reddish-brown hair, causing her to laugh louder. Immediately the Titan Clan Leader covered her mouth with her hand. "They''re going to run us out of here if we aren''t quiet."


    "Bears are good fliers, Mom."


    Scarlett looked up to see Del and Nix enter the 3rd Floor of the TOC. "Looks like you have to go, Morti."


    "Yep. We''re going to swat Chenzo." Morti fluttered around her head once before heading toward Nix. Scarlet''s smile widened when she watched Morti do a fly-by on Nix''s. Although the Inferno Leader hadn''t made it obvious, Morti had been given a lot of free time since she took up residence in the Dragon Fir Tree. Her son usually showed up with Ducky and the evolved Soup.


    *************


    Escavar War Camp 2300 hours.


    A breach opened up next to the Quartermaster''s tent, and moments later, three members of Inferno stepped through. In recent weeks, the members of Inferno had risen to near-legendary status among the players in Colonial. The sight of the waddling Morti, accompanied by Nix and Del, had become known as the precursor to a Regional Lord dying.


    "Nix!" A flash of brown was all the warning the Inferno Leader had before two small arms hugged his waist. "Rabi loves his new Ravager armor!"


    Nix chuckled and patted the tiny demon''s head. "Where is everyone?"


    Rabi grabbed Nix''s hand and pulled him. "Behind the tent."


    "Looks like we''re the last to arrive." Nix let Rabi pull him to where Wind and Pon were standing. "Did you get a read on Chenzo?"


    Rabi released his hand and nodded excitedly. "His skills are charm-based, and he uses a whip."


    "Really?" Nix waved at his friends, noting that Wind was the only one of the non-fire users that hadn''t brought headgear. According to Pon, his recent acquisition of horns made it quite challenging. Unexpectedly, Beta really liked them.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Already formed the raid, Nix. Please join.


    /Inferno: Nix: Give me a second to summon Ducky. Fey won''t be joining us.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared in front of Nix a moment later, flashing him a smile before hugging Morti''s large head. "How''s Fey doing?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "I''ll check on her progress when we get done here."


    Nix has joined the Raid.


    Morti has joined the Raid.


    Del has joined the Raid.


    Ducky has joined the Raid.

 Chapter 585: Weak Chenzo

    /Inferno: Jun Li: Take a few minutes to group up; we''ll head over to Chenzo in ten minutes. Here''s what the Raid Sheet looks like.


    Nix: CC, Range/Melee DPS


    Chiba: Melee DPS


    Beta: Melee DPS


    Rabi: Melee DPS


    Wind: Melee DPS


    Semmi: Melee DPS


    Pon: Ranged DPS


    Jun Li: Off Tank


    Ronnie: Ranged DPS


    Nezbit: Heals


    Morti: Tank


    Ducky: CC


    [Whisper Frenzy to Nix] Why is that bear so big? What have you been feeding him?


    [Whisper: Nix to Frenzy] Necromancers. Don''t you have a cave that you can hide in?


    Nix scanned the group that was gathering to watch the show, immediately spotting the Guild Leader from Mid-Tier Salamander.


    [Whisper: Frenzy to Nix] Funny... I didn''t realize you had comic skills. Good luck on the Raid; we''re going to head over to the Jhabi War Camp so we can get a good hunting spot.


    [Whisper: Nix to Frenzy] Not going to stick around and see if we win?


    [Whisper: Frenzy to Nix] No. The way you guys beat on these things almost makes me feel bad for them.


    /Inferno: Pon: Earth Shield and Ring of Fire are already in effect!


    /Inferno: Semmi: Anyone know what the 72-hour buffs look like yet?


    /Inferno: Nix: I do, since I''ve visited both Temples already. I''ll link them.


    [Earth Regeneration]


    Description: Your recent visit to the Temple of Earth has increased your understanding of the element, granting you a fifty percent increase in Health Regeneration.


    [Fire''s Edge]


    Description: Your recent visit to the Temple of Flame has increased your understanding of the element. Your attack rating has increased by thirty percent.


    /Inferno: Wind: So you have all four of the Haven Temple buffs?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    /Inferno: Pon: Yup.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Okay then, before the next raid, I want everyone to visit both Temples on the day before.


    /Inferno: Nix: Make sure we tell the other raid group. It won''t really affect us until we hit the World Boss.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Noted. Focus, please. Lead us in Nix.


    The overall effect of killing two of the existing Regional Lords in Colonial was causing the Deep Winter to loosen its grip. Glory City was already free of Ice, although the inhabitants were still enjoying the Nether Cities'' hospitality. Nix walked between Morti and Del as they strode down the icy path toward Lord Chenzo. The Regional Lord had taken up residence in what used to be a rock quarry, the sound of his whip-cracking could be heard for miles in all directions.


    Nix''s stopped at the edge of the clearing where their target was located. Chenzo wore red chainmail and was targetting boulders with his whip. Each strike caused the monstrous rocks to crack and shatter with the impact. "The whip applies a freezing effect and then melee damage. That''s why it looks so bad-ass."


    Morti''s big nose huffed at his target. "Going to use a special attack on him, Nix."


    Nix pushed dread flames into his bone hilts, and at the same time, Pon activated his Dread aura, causing everyone to take a step back from the two of them.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: What the hell is that?


    /Inferno: Wind: Unfair bastards.


    /Inferno: Pon: Heh. Eat it!


    Nix patted the Titan cub''s shoulder. "Gonna use Bear Stomp?"


    Morti shook his enormous head. "Nope."


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Whenever you''re ready.


    Morti stood on his hind legs for a moment, his dark eyes burrowing into Lord Chenzo. An instant later, the Titan cub vanished from sight, only to be replaced by a small black bird that shot high into the air before vanishing in the night sky.


    Nix mumbled a curse under his breath. "Here we go..."


    The Black Sparrow dived at Chenzo from high above; when he was within five meters of the ground, he morphed back into his natural form, causing several tons of Titan cub to slam down on the unsuspecting target with a bone-crushing impact. "BEAR FLOP!"


    Chenzo has been stunned.


    Chenzo has suffered minor injuries that will restrict his movement speed by thirty percent.


    Inferno seemed to freeze in place for a moment; the sight of Morti laying on top of their somewhat flattened target caused quite a few of them to break off their attack and start laughing.


    Nix was the first one to enter the fight. Morti wrenched the whip away from Chenzo, who was struggling to get up under the massive weight of the Titan. Instead of attacking, Nix morphed into his basilisk form and struck at Chenzo''s flailing legs.


    Nix has struck with [Serpent''s Bite]. Six poison counters have been applied.


    Instead of retreating, he maintained his bite on Chenzo''s while coiling around his legs.


    Nix has activated [Entwinement].


    Chenzo has been temporarily trapped.


    Morti pushed his powerful paws downward on Chenzo''s back while moving to a sitting position on the Lord''s prone form. "Swat! Swat! Swat!"


    The Titan cub rained down slaps on the back of his target''s head. At the same time, the rest of Inferno seemed unable to move.


    Chiba''s body was shaking with laughter as she retreated and turned away from the spectacle. She stumbled and dropped one of her blades on the frozen ground.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Come on! Take this seriously!


    "Swat! Swat! Swat!" Morti continued to slam Chenzo''s face into the frozen dirt of the quarry.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: I don''t know whether to laugh or cry.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Let him up so we can finish him off.


    Morti swatted him in the back of the head one more time for good measure before latching onto one of his arms with his teeth and dragging the Regional Lord to his feet.


    Nix dropped his basilisk form and pushed dread flames into his bone hilts, causing the area around him to glow brightly.


    Pon has activated [Dread Flame: Hex]


    A waist-thick stream of blinding flame flashed through the left side of Chenzo, causing a scream of agony that had everyone covering their ears. The charred arm of the target dropped lifelessly to the ground a moment later.


    Pon has landed a Mortal Strike.


    Nix dived in with both blades extended, driving them deep into Chenzo''s abdomen, not stopping until his hands slammed into the target''s red chainmail armor. Instead of withdrawing, he slashed outward with both blades, causing freshly cauterized entrails to spill onto the frozen ground.


    Chenzo collapsed face down on the snow, his body spasming as his death rattle reverberated over the suddenly quiet quarry.


    Nix has slain Chenzo.


    [Colonial System Message: A Regional Lord has been defeated.]


    Quest Updated.


    /Inferno: Wind: Are you fucking serious?


    /Inferno: Rabi: Rabi didn''t get to hit it!


    /Inferno: Chiba: Nice double thrust, Apprentice.


    /Inferno: Nezbit: Morti''s the best!


    Pon and Nix shared a glance before both shrugged turned away.


    /Inferno: Nix: Barely touched him.


    /Inferno: Pon: Weak-ass boss.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Standby while we check out the loot.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Three contribution awards this time and the Ice Element.


    [Unidentified Bone Fragment]


    Contribution Award: Nix


    Emperor''s Claws [Primal]


    + 300 to Attack


    + 10,000 to Armor Class.


    Increased Chance to Stun


    Increased Health Regeneration


    Contribution Award: Mortimer


    [Fire Robes]


    + 50 to All Stats


    + 5,000 to Armor Class.


    Increased Fire Damage


    Immune to Stuns


    Contribution Award: Pon


    [White Ice: Elemental Token]


    Grants the White Ice Element.


    [Belkazar]


    Rank: Unknown


    A Nature-based pet with healing ability.


    /Inferno: Pon: Looks like you got the bone again, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: For those who don''t know, the White Ice Element is a mutated form of Ice, just like Black Ice. It has some excellent defensive abilities.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I''d like to save that healing pet for one of our tanks, but if anyone in the raid wants it, whisper me, and it''s yours.


    An unidentified bone fragment has been placed in your inventory.


    Mortimer has received the [Emperor''s Claws].


    Pon has received the [Fire Robes].


    Nezbit has received the [White Ice: Elemental Token]


    Morti sat on his enormous backside, his tongue lolling out one side of his mouth while he panted. "That was tiring. How do I wear these things?"


    "Put your paw out." Nix slipped the [Emperor''s Claws] onto Morti''s paw. When the Titan cub extended his claws, longer claws with wickedly sharpened metallic tips extended. "These are only for battle, Morti. You don''t want to wear them when walking around."


    Morti''s big head nodded. "Thanks. We really swatted that guy."


    Nix chuckled. "Nice Bear Flop."


    A short while later, Nix and Del walked toward Glory''s Fire Palace, the only building in all of Colonial that was unaffected by Deep Winter. The Acolyte on duty smiled at the Inferno Leader when he waved at her.


    "Stay here, Del."


    Nix appeared inside of Shae''s Elemental world and immediately spotted Fey. The silver mage lay with her legs in the water, her beautiful face twisted in pain. She sat up when he approached.


    "I''m okay, Nix. It''s just harder than I thought."


    Nix placed a hand on her head; the silver hair was drenched in sweat. "You''re burning up. How long have you been like this?"


    Fey leaned against him and closed her eyes. "I''m not sure; somehow, I''ve lost track of time. Have I been here a day yet?"


    "Several days." Nix hugged her close, pushing Fey''s silver hair out of her face. "Do you want me to get Shae?"


    Fey shook her head. "No, I can do it."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I know you can, Fey. She is worried about you, but I''ll make sure she waits until tomorrow to visit.


    Fey smiled and lay her head against Nix''s shoulder. "I should be finished by then."

 Chapter 586: Return to Parliament

    Nix''s hud buzzed as soon as he entered the Turtle House''s Master Bedroom. It was a message from Shae stating that she would be visiting Deidra at the Temple of Flame along with Fajii and Tai''Qui. He smiled at the lone sleeping occupant, for once he would spend an evening without being elbowed or kicked from all sides. "More room for me," he muttered under his breath as he quickly undressed and slid under the covers.


    An arm wrapped around his waist, making him freeze in place. He felt the weight of the other person shift against him as a familiar face peeked over his shoulder, moving closer until he could see her in the darkness. "Surprised to see me?"


    Nix gave a slight nod. Since she wasn''t actively participating in the offensive against Khione, he hadn''t been able to spend much time with her. "Good surprise."


    Unexpectedly she gripped his shoulder and pulled him toward her before snuggling closer. "Hyai went with Shae and Fajii so that we would have some time together."


    "Are you getting bored without the Souza Accord?" Nix often wondered why the Inferno Aquarions stopping calling themselves that.


    Mina shook her head slightly. "I enjoy staying here and watching our community slowly rebuild their lives, although I miss you a lot sometimes."


    Nix smiled at the admission. The wonderful thing about Aquarions was their willingness to speak bluntly. "It''s late... Are we going to exchange pointers or get some sleep?"


    "Well, it is too dark to see your face properly." Mina eased a leg over him while pulling him onto his back. She stared down at him for a moment, her hands resting on his chest before bending forward to press her lips against his in a long kiss.


    "Remember how much it bothered you when I said you were unattractive?"


    Mina smiled against his lips. "You were teasing me; it was really upsetting."


    "Right... My point is; would you be okay with me speaking your words back to you?"


    "Nix." Mina hovered over him for a moment while considering his words. "My heart would shatter if you said such things."


    Nix bit down on the smile that pulled at his mouth. "You don''t have to worry. I realize how vain you are."


    Mina sat back, resting her weight on his hips. "A woman wants to feel beautiful in the eyes of her loved ones."


    Nix caressed her well-muscled hips, gripping them with both hands. "You should be happy then, despite your shitty personality."


    Mina laughed loudly. "It''s nice that we understand each other." She leaned forward until she could see his face; it was an old game between them. "The truth is that I can no longer see past you."


    *******************


    0900 Gemini Temple


    "The fuck does that even mean?" Nix muttered to himself as he stalked toward the Gemini Temple entrance, his thoughts still lingering on the Aquarion''s words from the night before. He would have pursued questioning, but Mina decided that further talk would be a waste of their limited time together.


    Del''s ears pricked forward when she heard the slight brush of a padded foot outside the temple entrance. The noise wasn''t repeated, but she could sense something approaching across the smooth marble floor near the Gemini Gating Platform. She didn''t jump when the creature dropped stealth directly in front of her. Del rubbed her soft muzzle against Nix''s furred shoulder, her entire body vibrating as she purred. "The new puppet is beautiful. What''s it crossed with?"


    "Sea Hunter, Orion, and Lake Otter; plus a few specials I was able to add with Necro-Crafting."


    Nix has joined Hunter.


    Del has joined Hunter.


    Nix''s puppet was as white as snow, a head shorter than the stalker but nearly twice as long.


    /Hunter: Nix: In addition to thermal/night optic vision, it has three abilities; heal, stealth, and a crippling strike.


    /Hunter: Del: Once you''re Necro-crafting improves, you''ll use it on me?


    /Hunter: Nix: Sure. Let''s get going.


    Both creatures stealthed at the same time and stepped onto the platform.


    Since the Parliament platform was currently unavailable, Nix and Del traveled to the platform near the old Gemini Temple location.


    Del crouched low and studied the landscape. "How did you know this platform existed?"


    The blowing snow created almost identical white-out conditions that Nix had faced in Eidengal. It was snowing sideways in Inuit; the wind was swirling from the northwest hard enough to cover any tracks they would make. "I found it once while helping Raine escape an insurgence attempt by members of her own clan."


    /Hunter: Del: Lead the way.


    Nix took a few steps and immediately stopped, the hackles on his back rising as he felt his lip peel back in a snarl.


    /Hunter: Nix: We''re in a trap.


    /Hunter: Del: Good job.


    "Come out, Cora. He''s already sensed you." Del faced an empty stand of trees and wait for a few seconds until the young ranger stepped forward.


    Nix paused in mid-step as the Ain''Dhassi rushed forward and hugged the neck of her former trainer. Cora had changed quite a bit in the past few months, less like the awkward teen and more like Del had been. The Inferno Leader waited patiently while Cora took a long moment to examine him. She even grabbed his soft muzzle to peel up his upper lip so she could see his teeth.


    "Elongated snout with apex teeth, webbed feet, and retractable claws. Definitely, some feline and otter mixed in there. What''s the rest?"


    "Sea hunter and I added a few bone enhancements. Nix swept her off her feet with a swipe of his paw, causing her to roll into the snow.


    Cora giggled and held up her hands in surrender; apparently, the girl she had been, still lingered beneath the surface. "Sorry, I get so excited when I see your new stuff." She stood and brushed the snow off, extending a hand to stroke his smooth head, only to jerk it back a moment later when Nix snapped at her. "No petting?"


    "No petting," Nix affirmed before nudging her to one side.


    Cora has joined Hunter.


    /Hunter: Nix: Where are Raine and Pathfinder?


    /Hunter: Cora: Very close, our rangers are softening up Ice Falchion.


    /Hunter: Nix: Brief me on the way.


    Cora brought up track with a swipe of her hud. A moment later, she broke into an easy run before disappearing from sight. "Ice Falchion is an Oasis Regional Lord. He dual-wields swords and has proven quite tough. We''ve failed twice against him."


    Nix understood that the Oasis Lords were going to be stronger than the Colonial ones, but he hadn''t suspected that the Dhassi would struggle to bring one down.


    /Hunter: Nix: How big were the raids?


    /Hunter: Cora: The first was ten, like the raids Inferno is doing in Colonial. The second was twice that.


    Nix shared a glance with Del but didn''t comment further. The Ain''Dhassi had already put down one Regional Lord that was near Freya''Selene.


    Cora led them through the frozen forest that had once thrived with life. The thick branches of the fir trees bent down under the ice''s weight that clung to everything. The blowing wind caused drifts in several areas but also kept the snow from accumulating on the trails. The trio stopped at the rim of a small valley; dozens of rangers systematically shot volleys of arrows into the center of the icey basin.


    /Inferno: Nix: The fuck is this supposed to be?


    /Inferno: Raine: NIX!


    Nix counted nearly thirty archers, but they were too far away for direct shots, opting instead for lobbing them into the target area. The ground around the center of the valley was dark with arrows. He turned at the sound of running footsteps; a moment later, two familiar arms flung around his neck and squeezed him tight.


    /Inferno: Rain: You''re here!


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep.


    Nix froze for a moment when Raine threw a leg over his back and settled down.


    /Inferno: Nix: If you''re going to sit there, you better hang on.


    Raine hunched low against the Hotter''s back and gripped handfuls of fur. "Master Xai is on the other side of the archers."


    /Inferno: Nix: Explain to me about the archers.


    /Inferno: Raine: Falchion throws ice swords at anyone who steps foot into the valley. Three hits, and you are in serious trouble.


    Nix glanced at the distance to the mob, more than a hundred meters. If his swords could kill in three hits, he could easily handle ten people charging in; depending on how fast he threw.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m assuming he ignores the archers on the rim?


    /Inferno: Raine: Yes, until his health is near half. At that time, he becomes immune to ranged damage.


    /Inferno: Nix: So burning him down with ranged weapons and then rush in to finish the job with melee. What am I missing?


    /Inferno: Rain: When he is down to a quarter health, he summons three healers, each of them will cast in succession. If all three are successful, he returns to full health and starts throwing swords again.


    /Inferno: Nix: I take it you weren''t prepared for the flying healers.


    /Inferno: Raine: No, we were not.


    /Inferno: Del: Poor adjustment on your part.


    /Hunter: Nix: Easy Del. No need for that.


    /Hunter: Del: You know it''s true.


    /Inferno: Raine: Are you really lecturing me on adjustments? You were taken out of the fight by a traitor back in Ever Flame.


    /Inferno: Del: Weren''t you almost killed in this area by your own clan before this even started? Perhaps they realized your shortcomings.


    /Inferno: Nix: One more word by either of you, and I''ll remove you from Inferno. We don''t use guild chat for petty squabbles.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Those two always like that?


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] Yes. Were you here for the second attempt?


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] No.


    Nix ignore the stares as he passed behind the archers to where Delyn Xai was waiting with his raiders. The Fir''Dhassi was dressed in brown leather gear; his only weapon was a single sword that was harnessed over one shoulder. According to Chiba, Xai was probably on the same level as she was.


    Nix stopped in front of the Wrath and let Raine slide off his back. "I''ve been briefed by Raine on your first two attempts."


    Delyn wore a furred helm covering most of his face; it was obvious to anyone paying attention that he didn''t like the cold. "Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated."


    Nix spotted Gideon and his group and immediately invited them into Hunter. "We''ll stop the healers. Where do they summon to?"


    "In the air above him; some winged ice creatures with high resistance to arrow damage." Delyn Xai studied the long predator for a moment; he knew from Raine''s behavior that it was Nix. "You should have given that thing wings."


    Nix agreed. Had he come in person, his Phoenix would have wiped the sky with three ice healers. "With some luck, we''ll get it done."


    Gideon has joined Hunter.


    Roto has joined Hunter.


    Jiggs has joined Hunter.


    Paco has joined Hunter.


    Nebs has joined Hunter.


    /Hunter: Nix: Welcome, let''s kill this thing so I can go fishing.


    /Hunter: Jiggs: That form is bad-ass!


    /Hunter: Nebs: I prefer his basilisk.


    /Hunter: Gideon: Yep, same here.

 Chapter 587: Ice Falchion

    Nix sat comfortably behind the assassin as Gideon''s Bone Crow circled overhead. According to Delyn Xai, the healers would appear in the air about twenty meters above Ice Falchion. The group watched patiently as the archers slowly widdled away at the boss''s health. Ice Falchion was about double the size of a normal man; he wore gray furred armor that covered most of his pale blue skin. White hair and pointed ears gave him a distinctly Dhassi appearance; he dual-wielded ice-colored falchions and had a silver helm that covered his head.


    /Hunter: Del: Almost at fifty percent, we''re getting ready to rush in.


    /Hunter: Nix: Be careful, Del.


    /Hunter: Del: If you are concerned, then come down here and help me!


    The blowing snow cut visibility down to less than thirty meters; Nix was forced to activate his thermal vision to see Ice Falchion clearly. From above, he was a dark red blob in a field dyed pink with his blood. The number of arrows protruding from him and the surrounding area had reach monumental proportions.


    "What do you think of their strategy, Nix?" Gideon had his own opinion but was interested in the Inferno Leader''s input.


    "The Dhassi are hunters but not well equipped for this kind of fight. They lack tanks, CC, and top-end gear. We should be able to keep them from wiping again."


    Gideon chuckled at his passenger''s confidence, but he agreed with the assessment. Despite being a civilization that was constantly fighting among themselves, they weren''t adept at responding to changes.


    /Inferno: Nix: He summons the healers when he''s down to one-quarter health; there could be an additional stage before he is finished.


    /Inferno: Del: Like what?


    /Inferno: Nix: Look for a rampage-type skill or some all-out blitz ranged attack.


    [Whisper: Delyn Xai to Nix] Any last-minute advice?


    [Whisper: Nix to Delyn Xai] Yes. Once the melee starts, jump down from the ridge but don''t rush in. Since he becomes immune to ranged damage, he''s likely using a skill that prevents him from throwing.


    [Whisper: Delyn Xai to Nix] Join our channel.


    Nix has joined Dhassi.


    /Dhassi: Nix: Have the healers stay on the ridge.


    /Dhassi: Delyn: You heard him. All melee fighters prepare to enter the fight. Do not approach Ice Falchion; let him come to us.


    Nix watched from above as the Dhassi raid slid down the steep incline separating the ridge from the valley floor''s edge. As soon as they did, Ice Falchion raised both weapons. "Who tanks for these guys?"


    Gideon guided his Bone Crow a bit lower. "Delyn Xai, Raine, and someone I haven''t met. They rotate in, using skills to maintain defense and switch aggro. It looks ugly, but they manage."


    Falchion waited for a handful of seconds before he broke into a run and charged the Dhassi. Delyn Xai ducked under the first strike and managed to turn the target. Nix watched as the Fir''Dhassi used a combination of impressive footwork and blade skills to defend the attacks. He lasted only a handful of seconds before Raine cycled in to relieve him. The Inferno Leader immediately noticed that Raine''s bladework had improved; although she lacked the offensive mastery of Delyn, her defense and footwork were just as good. Having seen Delyn wield the blade convinced him that Chiba was better.


    /Hunter: Jiggs: It''s like watching paint dry... maybe even slower.


    Nix kept an eye on Ice Falchion''s health; either his health and defense were quite high, or the Dhassi had really low dps. He spotted Del''s stalker form flashing in for a slashing attack at the mob''s back, immediately stealing aggro from Raine, who was forced to chase.


    The stalker dodged and circled back toward Raine, ducking behind her until the Nature''s Wrath could reestablish aggro.


    /Inferno: Del: Sorry, Raine!


    Gideon grinned over his shoulder at Nix. "That''s why their dps is so bad; they have to limit their strikes so that the tanks keep aggro."


    /Hunter: Nix: Pays to have a Titan cub.


    /Dhassi: Raine: He''s summoning the healers!


    Nix sprang at the target that appeared directly below him. He raked his claws across the neck of a second healer sending a spray of crimson mist into the air before he landed directly onto the back of his target.


    Nix has landed a mortal strike on a Ritual Ice Servant.


    With only limited tooth and nail experience, he copied Morti and clamps his jaws on the back of his target''s shoulder while his claws pierced through ribs and shredded its organs. He clung desperately as the creature dived in a tail-spin toward the ground.


    A Ritual Ice Servant has been slain.


    Nix felt the ice creature shudder beneath him before going completely limp. He kicked off from the healer''s corpse less than five meters from the ground. "BEAR FLOP!"


    The Hotter slammed down onto the head of Ice Falchion; although not nearly as heavy as Morti, Ice Falchion staggered to one knee. Nix bit into the top of Falchion''s helmed head, dug all of his claws in, and started wrenching his head from side to side like an angry dog playing tug-of-war.


    Paco has activated [Storm Legion].


    All enemies within range must attack him for the next twenty seconds.


    Nix grimaced with disgust as he felt his sharp teeth crunching through the Regional Lord''s skull. With Paco''s taunt active, the rest of the raid was able to burn him down with relative ease. The Inferno Leader jumped free when Ice Falchion finally collapsed face down on the ice.


    Nix has slain Ice Falchion.


    /Hunter: Gideon: Damn boss, don''t believe in tapping the brakes?


    /Hunter: Nix: Prey waits.


    Nix turned in time to see Del padding toward him, her white fur around her mouth and claws were stained with blood. "Everything okay, Del?"


    Del nudged his shoulder before rubbing her head against him. "That Pathfinder tank taunted right before Ice Falchion rampaged. It probably saved us from a wipe.


    Nix glanced up at Paco, who was flying overhead; he had closed long enough to taunt the boss before retreating to safety. "Yeah, that was perfect timing."


    /Hunter: Nix: Quick thinking, Paco. Well done.


    /Hunter: Paco: I tank shit... That''s what I do.


    /Hunter: Nix: I want Pathfinder to lead the way on the next Regional Lord here in Oasis. Then we''ll hold off on the last one.


    /Hunter: Gideon: Understood.


    Nix found Raine and Delyn Xai looting the corpse; since it was their raid, he didn''t bother to check what dropped.


    Raine smile at his approach. "I thought you didn''t put wings on that."


    Nix waited until she was finished. "The flight part was ugly, but I stuck the landing. Hop on; I''ll take you back."


    Raine nodded and slid easily onto the Hotter''s back. "That went a lot better with you and Pathfinder helping."


    Nix spotted Cora and Del walking side-by-side up the worn trail that exited the valley. "I''ll come back to Parliament for a few minutes."


    Raine leaned forward until her chin rested on the creature''s muscular shoulders. "We don''t have a real tank; our method is a bit risky."


    "Pathfinder will assist on the next fight; Paco is a top-end tank." Nix caught up with the Ain''Dhassi rangers without even trying, only slowing down when they were a few strides ahead. "After this next boss, I want you to return home to Haven."


    Raine nodded against the warm fur on his neck. "This Hotter is really something. Did you get a look at that healer you swiped? His neck was sliced almost completely through."


    An hour later, Nix bid goodbye to the Oasis fighters and gated back to the Gemini Temple. Del had decided to remain with Cora and help with the next Regional Lord. It was lunchtime by the time Nix sat up in the Turtle House''s Master Bedroom. He stowed the Hotter in his inventory and opened a breach directly to Lana.


    The warmth of the glowing Thermocules made Market street seem like summer. Shoppers walked up and down the boardwalks with their families while perusing mercantile goods. Nix spotted a familiar face dishing out bowls of stew.


    "Could I get some?" Nix grinned at the ponytailed sniper as he picked up a bowl from the nearby table.


    "One lunch special coming up, Trip-7!" Darsi scraped the remains of the large pot into his bowl before covering it with a lid. "All out!"


    He waited while Darsi shut down her station and placed her items back onto the nearby cart. "Just doing one meal, right?"


    Darsi nodded. "We''ve had to get volunteers to help, but we maintain twenty stations in the city from 0900 to 1300."


    The duo walked back toward Madam Ravine''s while the wagon continued onward toward the next station. The street that had been empty a week earlier was filled with people and the comforting noises that large groups make. Shouts, laughter, and running kids made their endeavors seem worthwhile.


    Nix grinned at the blond, who seemed to be watching him for approval. "Great job, Darsi. Spring is coming!"


    Darsi nodded in agreement. "Spring is fucking coming, no matter what that Ice Bitch wants."


    Two large men greeted them when they arrived at the entrance to Madam Ravines. If Nix remembered right, they had both been chopping ice when he''d first seen them a few days earlier. The House of Pleasure was standing room only, quite the trick for the middle of the day.


    "What''s going on here?" Nix had been hoping to turn things around at the establishment, but the crowd didn''t necessarily fit in with the customer base.


    Darsi pointed at the Bay window''s long sofa where Madam Ravine was sitting with a man and woman. "That''s the Judicial branch of Lana. They''ve asked permission to move a few of their offices here."


    Nix kept his face expressionless as he walked through the crowded room. Half of the women wore costumes, while the rest wore elegant outfits that were somewhat revealing. Glancing around the room, he started taking note of his father''s handiwork. The Cowgirl, Milk Maiden, Forester, Baker, and Princess outfits were obviously tongue-in-cheek.


    The Inferno Leader nearly tripped over his own feet when he spotted the cherry on top. "Serious? My dad stole the ''Sexy Librarian'' fantasy from me?" He stepped in front of the woman, shaking his head at the audacity of the older man. "Nice outfit! That entire look was stolen from me!"


    "Y-You want like my clothes?" The dark-haired woman shook her head slightly, causing her messy bun to come undone. She muttered a curse under her breath as she repinned her hair. "Who is this, Darsi?"


    Darsi''s smile could have melted butter. "Mayor Enfield, meet Nix, the Inferno Guild Leader."


    The dark-haired woman''s countenance changed when she realized who she was speaking to. "Guild Leader Nix! It''s my pleasure to meet you."


    Nix ignored the grinning sniper and shook the mayor''s hand. "Just Nix is fine, Mayor Enfield."


    "Don''t let us keep you, Mayor." Darsi pulled Nix to one side where Vooni and Rico were sitting. The mayor left with a polite smile and joined the group next to the bay window.


    Nix greeted his dad with a smile and sat down. "Thanks for the help here."


    "Welcome, Nicky. It was nice to get out of Haven."


    [Quest Updated].


    [Curse of the Ice Goddess.]


    Objective: The Mayor of Free Trader City


    has requested that you help him build support


    with leaders of the Four Corners.


    Report to General Remis in Dhou. [Completed]


    Report to Quartermaster Felid Sah in Vespri.


    Report to the Thieves Guild in Mocai. [Completed]


    Report to Madam Ravine in Lana. [Completed]


    Nix read the updated quest. "With luck, I can get Vespri done before we have to take on the Colonial World Boss."


    Darsi reached for a canter filled with a dark red liquid and poured four glasses. "I''m not volunteering for Vespri, going to focus on crafting instead."


    Nix raised his glass. Unfortunately, he didn''t have that option. He only had a short time before Khione''s curse would once again be active.

 Chapter 588: Smelt Running

    Ronnie stretched her hands overhead in a long, satisfying yawn. She wore cut-off jean shorts that emphasized her slim brown legs with a mesh tank top that could easily be seen through. Her dark nipples brushed against the fabric, jiggling slightly with every step she made. When she constructed her Great Library, Ronnie had included a spacious attic apartment with an impressive deck that looked out over the river that ran through her property.


    She smiled at Wilo who was buzzing near the banks with her favorite gecko perched on her shoulder; her dragon-fly wings reflected the light from the setting sun. "Something fishy is going on in the river, Ronnie."


    Ronnie grinned at the laughing air elemental, who seemed to find her own words funny. Her sharp eyes turned toward the river, immediately catching the flashes of silver that were readily apparent. "Hey! I know what this is!." Without speaking further, she turned abruptly and ran into her apartment.


    "No!" Nix fixed Soup with a fake glare as she reached into the bucket where he kept his bounty for the third time in as many minutes.


    The jade hand jerked out of the bucket, her aquamarine eyes staring longingly at the assortment of fish that Nix had caught during the day. "Nom, nom, nom," she made chewing motions with her mouth and pointed.


    "Going to eat you, Soup!" Nix reeled his line in slowly; he spent the latter half of the day fishing with Jun Li and Semmi after going into hardcore crafting mode for several hours.


    Soup''s quills lay flat on her head and neck as she walked around Nix''s chair and sat next to him.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Can''t you give her a fish?


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: I tried to give her one of mine, but she wouldn''t take it.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Of course not, my fish are the best. Besides, there were seven fish in my bucket, and now there are only four...


    "Soup! How many of my fish did you eat when I wasn''t looking?"


    Soup held up a slim finger, her round face curved into a wide smile.


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Don''t you mean three?"


    Soup nodded and held up three fingers.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Nix! Interested in a smelt run?


    /Inferno: Nix: No idea what that is.


    /Inferno: Semmi: I do! They''re small silverfish that migrate up small estuaries from lakes when the temperature starts to change.


    /Inferno: Nix: What''s the play here?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Not sure how big the run will be but back home, they fill the streams by the hundreds of thousands. My family would scoop them up with nets, and the whole town would have a giant fish fry.


    /Inferno: Hyai: These are cooked in hot oil?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Generally dipped in some sort of batter and then deep-fried.


    /Inferno: Nix: What kind of gear do we need?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: It''s most fun with just a regular scoop net. From the looks of the river, the run is just starting.


    /Inferno: Mina: We have lots of those at Union City.


    Nix stood up and folded his chair before handing Soup his fish bucket. "All yours, Soup."


    /Inferno: Nix: I''m initiating a Guild-wide directive. All available members are to report to the Great Library.


    By the time Nix arrived back at the Horse Ranch, Rand was already driving up in a horse-drawn wagon. It was a team that Nix had bought especially for transport; they were kept separate from the rest of his herd. "What is the wagon for? We should be able to carry all the pots and utensils in our inventory."


    Rand shook her head slightly. "Hyai has four barrels of cooking oil."


    "Right... I better help you get those loaded."


    The sun had long since set by the time Haven''s Great Library came into view. Nix had opted to drive the wagon, something he enjoyed doing. Hyai sat next to him with an arm entwined through his. The river banks already had more than two dozen Inferno members standing around in small groups, nearly triple that number of Aquarions were milling about.


    /Inferno: Semmi: See Rico if you want a set of hip-waders! Milat or Zhava are handing out scoop nets. Does anyone want to help Hyai with the cookfires?


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll lend a hand. Save me some waders, please.


    /Inferno: Rico: I already made you a set.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: We''ll help with the cookfires too.


    Nix was wrestling one of the large oil barrels down from the wagon bed when an extra set of hands lightened the load considerably. He glanced over the top of the barrel to see a familiar face. "Thanks! Glad you could make it."


    Sharl''s full lips curved in a smile that hid her shock. Nix managed the barrels by himself, something that should have required three people. "Maybe this is a ploy by Ronnie to snatch you up again."


    "Hey! Don''t give away my plans." Ronnie flashed a bright smile as she dropped an armful of wood onto the ground where Bali was building a cookfire.


    Bali finished banking the wood inside the metal frame that Nix had brought and made a gesture toward Hyai. "Fire user needed!"


    Hyai smiled at the tiny ranger before igniting the wood with one hand. "Thank you, Bali."


    Bali blushed slightly; something in the InnKeepers smile reminded her of Ronnie. "Oh... That''s fine; I''ll get started on the next one. We''re doing six?"


    Hyai already had a pot over the fire and was slowly filling it with a large dipper. Within a few minutes, all six fires were going and the oil was heating up. "Thanks for the batter recipe; I had nothing ready for this."


    Ronnie leaned over the enormous pot of oil that Hyai had filled; it was already starting to bubble. "I''ll keep making it, or we''ll run out fast."


    Nix turned when he felt a hand on his shoulder; Hyai was looping a checkered apron over her head and turned expectantly toward him. "Tie me?"


    Nix tied a quick bow tie over her lower back before wrapping her up in a hug. Strictly speaking, the InnKeeper didn''t always appreciate PDA, but she leaned back against him until he released her a few seconds later.


    /Inferno: Pon: Where you at? Punk Bastard?


    /Inferno: Nix: At the cookfires, some of us show up early to help set things up.


    Nix walked toward the riverbank where most of Inferno was spread out over forty or fifty meters. A small table had been set up on the rocky shore, Rico was sitting comfortably while chatting with Vooni. "Got one for me?"


    Rico looked up when Nix spoke and pushed a set of black hip-waders across the table. They were basically long water-proof pants that ended in boots and were kept up by shoulder suspenders.


    The Inferno leader removed his shoes and stepped into the waders, pulling them over his shoulders before latching them. As with everything his dad made, it was top-notch. "Fits perfect. Thanks."


    Fajii waved to him from mid-stream where she stood motionless while watching the silver schools of smelt as they flashed by her. She had a scoop net propped over one shoulder as she made designs on the river''s surface with its two-meter handle. "I think we should start soon."


    Pon, Semmi, and Wind were spaced a few meters apart from the Aquarion. The old mage was running off anyone who wasn''t in Alpha.


    /Inferno: Pon: This old man has claimed this section of the river!


    Nix waded past them until he was on the far side of Fajii, no one had started yet, but everyone was moving into position.


    [Whisper: Nix to Ronnie] You do the honors, Ronnie since it was your idea.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: We have dozens of empty barrels just up the bank; once all of those are full, we''ll call it! BEGIN!


    Nix held up one hand, instantly lighting up the surrounding water with a green light. He could feel the fish moving against his waders; an easy swipe of his net filled it by half. Instead of trying to fill it completely, he waded past his friends and dumped his catch in a nearby barrel.


    He grabbed the lone hold-out from his net and gripped it in his hand, and held it up.


    /Inferno: Nix: Gotta bite the head off of the first catch!


    Nix ducked his head toward his fist and pretended to chomp through the fish''s head before tossing it into the barrel.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Eww...


    /Inferno: Pon: Fuck if I''m doing that.


    /Inferno: Semmi: How''d you get those waders over your skirt, Pon?


    /Inferno: Wind: Heh... I''m in!


    Wind shrugged and grabbed one out of his net before dumping the rest in the barrel. He bit off the head and spit it onto the river bank. As soon as he did, Semmi followed suit along with Jun Li and most of the surrounding members. Pon''s wrinkled face looked at Nix with disgust as the pressure climbed past his tolerance point.


    "Damn, Punk Bastard!" The old man bit off the head of one of his smelt and then emptied his net.


    Fajii smiled as she walked past Alpha, her teeth flashing at her close friends. She emptied her net without commenting and started back toward her place in the river.


    /Inferno: Pon: Not going to follow the leader, Fajii?


    /Inferno: Fajii: Sure, I''ll follow him...


    Nix high-fived her, not even bothering to hide the wide grin on his face.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Shit... You didn''t bite the head off of yours.


    /Inferno: Nix: Of course not. That would be gross.


    /Inferno: Bali: Damn it! I''ve got fish scales in my teeth!


    Nix laughed at his friends, the humor spreading as the Inferno leader became the high-priority target.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Get him! It''s a smelt pelt!


    Instead of fleeing, Nix used his friends as cover as their area was suddenly crowded with people seeking revenge. Smelt filled the air as the Inferno Leader quickly rallied Alpha into a rebuttal since they were getting hit as much as he was.


    Despite several minutes of fish wars, filling all of the barrels only took a few hours. All of Inferno pitched in as they removed head and guts from each smelt and tossed the end product into large strainers. The strainers were then dipped in seasoned batter and plunged directly into the boiling oil.


    Long tables were set up and lined with large ovular platters. The last table was filled with dark bottles stamped with Junie''s Vineyard.


    /Inferno: Nix: You donated the wine, Junie?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Yes. Most of this year''s harvest is being aged in barrels, but I bottled quite a bit for consumption.


    Near the cookfires was a large flat rock, where Alpha finally settled with a few plates of battered fish and several bottles of Wine. Nix found himself seated between Fajii and Hyai. He sampled a bite, closing his eyes while he chewed slowly. "My compliments to the Chef!"


    "Ronnie told me how to prepare it; I wouldn''t have thought to leave the bones in." Hyai leaned against him while stifling a yawn. "I didn''t realize how late we would be up."


    /Alpha: Fajii: Let''s finish up and get her home.


    /Alpha: Nix: Agreed.

 Chapter 589: Vespri: Felid Sah

    The silver beast radiated power; her scales shone in the bright light of the elemental world like a sun''s glare over the desert. A moment later, the drakon disappeared and was replaced with a young woman. Fey clicked her tongue in frustration at her silver tresses; they seemed to have grown all the way to the back of her calves again.


    "Need some help?" Nix dropped stealth a few meters away; in truth, it was the third time he secretly checked up on her in the last day. He had a large bundle of white cloth under one arm; Fey refused to wear other colors.


    "I''ve gotten stronger." Fey''s pretty face glowed with contentment; it had taken her a long time to absorb the wildling heart. She sat down at the edge of the pool and started braiding her hair while Nix set up a crafting queue.


    Nix studied her for a moment; her frame was still slender but seemed more mature than before. In all likelihood, her old gear would still fit, but he decided to go ahead and make her something new. "Unfortunately, you aren''t quite done."


    "Pardon?" Fey''s smile faltered slightly when Nix brought out a small box. She could sense the object inside. "Another heart?"


    "Yes, I have three in all for you. This should be a lot easier than the last one." Nix finished the simple robe and handed it to her.


    Fey sat the box on the ground before hugging Nix. She dreaded the pain of eating another heart, but her need to become stronger pushed her forward. She considered herself the weakest of Nix''s spirit companions. When her strength improved, the rest of her family would be safer. "I will do my best!"


    Nix noticed his hud buzzing but ignored it while he spent a few minutes chatting with Fey. "Shae will be here in a few hours; after this heart, you''ll need to take a break and refine your strength."


    An hour later, Nix exited the elemental world through the Fire Palace entrance. He opened his hud and checked his messages.


    [Your Vasai Virtual Account is being used to access the UP Lake Cabin.]


    /Logging off Colonial


    /Logging In Vasai Virtual/UP Lake Cabin.


    During their last visit, Nix had given her access to his Vasai Virtual account. By setting up an alert whenever she used it, they could talk freely whenever she wanted to.


    Hara was sitting on the dock waiting when he arrived. She opened a small cooler and offered him a beer along with a wide smile. "We need to chat about one of Fey''s friends since I''ve received word that she''s in Vespri."


    *****************


    0900 Dharta, Vespri


    Not counting Free Trader City, Dharta was by far the largest city in Vespri. Nestled comfortably in a deeply wooded area, the town thrived on its forest-based industries. However, in the Deep Winter, no one was logging, hunting, or fishing. Without the benefits of a gating platform, supplies from outside their community had quickly run dry.


    Nix''s Phoenix form flew easily over the snowed-in pass that isolated Dharta and the three neighboring cities of Yune, Bhagra, and Zeux from the rest of Mid-Everspire. The branches of the evergreens hung low under the strain of the ice that weighed down everything and turned it white. According to the map he had studied before leaving Haven, he should be directly over the main supply route between Vespri and Free Trader city.


    It took twenty minutes of easy flying before Dharta came into view; immediately, Nix felt a sense of alarm. He half expected to see a city like Lana, whose inhabitants were doing their best to keep the encroaching ice at bay, but this was nothing like that.


    The buildings were completely iced in as if someone had dumped water on them and then flash-froze it into an ice-cube. Thick icicles hung from every eave while several of the buildings had collapsed inward from the enormous weight.


    "Shit... Of all times not to have Del with me."


    [Whisper: Nix to Bali] Need a ranger, Bali. Got some tracking to be done.


    [Whisper: Bali to Nix] I''m at our Pawn Shop. Give me ten minutes to gear up and then open up a breach.


    Nix ignited his aura and walked toward the nearest building. The general iced-over appearance gave no clue to what type of structure it was. The ice shrank back from the Fire Mage, hissing angrily as it changed into water and streamed down onto the rapidly defrosting ground. He stood next to the door until the ice was completely gone from around the door. "Heavy wooden door, looks like a guardhouse." The hinges creaked in protest when he pushed it open and stepped inside.


    Nix''s soft whistle echoed in the quiet chill of the room. Three dead guards huddled around a fireplace that had long since burned out. What he originally thought was a guard shack was actually the city jail. Two large cells were in plain view from the door; both were occupied by the dead.


    "Too many bodies, not enough answers." Nix pulled an object from his inventory and equipped it.


    You have equipped the Crown of Bones.


    The room darkened considerably as several black clouds became visible around the corpses. Nix examined the guardsmen first, and after finding one with captain''s bars on his shoulder, he equipped a second object.


    You have opened the Book of the Dead.


    A name appeared on its black pages when he touched the armored shoulder.


    "Do you wish to scribe this name?"


    "Yes, scribe Captain Tarot Finlow."


    The corpse''s eyes blinked open suddenly, exposing nothing but whiteness in their depths. He stared at Nix, obviously seeing him despite his condition. "You have awakened me. What is your bidding?"


    The captain''s face was wide and scarred heavily around the eyes, like someone who brawled regularly. His head was shaved bald with arms and shoulders that were thick with muscle.


    Nix felt no threat or emotion coming from the man. "What has happened here? The city is completely frozen. Where is everyone?"


    The man''s pale lips barely moved when he replied. "Felid Sah ordered a retreat to the Caverns in the southern part of the forest."


    "The town''s been abandoned?" Nix frowned at the words; Dharta had close to twenty thousand citizens.


    "The caverns could only house five thousand of us; the rest remained here."


    You must provide an energy source for Captain Tarot Finlow to continue functioning. Failure to do so will result in his name being removed from the Book of the Dead.


    Nix noticed that the man''s pale skin was darkening at an alarming rate; within a few seconds, it changed from pasty white to charcoal. Before he could do anything else, the corpses collapsed onto the floor, leaving behind only the clothes he wore and a pile of ashes.


    Muttering a curse under his breath, he walked outside and opened up a Breach from Free Trader City.


    The tiny ranger saluted crisply when she saw him, her face smiling warmly. "At your service, Commander."


    Nix dropped his grim look and returned her smile. "City of corpses, Bal. A small portion of them retreated south of here."


    Bali immediately brought up track, verifying what Nix said. "Just you and me in town. How far south?"


    Nix shrugged and brought up a map of the area. "My intel says there are caverns south of this forested area." He pointed toward a likely area that looked to have some sizable rock formations. "Keep track up, and we''ll head south."


    "That would be out of my range. We flying?"


    Nix nodded and pointed to a clearing not far from the targeted area. "We''ll fly to this point and then proceed on foot."


    The short flight from Dharta to their targeted landing site took only a few minutes. The Ain''Dhassi ranger immediately gave him the thumbs up when they stowed their mounts.


    Bali leaned closer for warmth and showed him her tracking display. "There''s a large group of people straight ahead; the range to this pair means that they are probably standing guard."


    Nix nodded and immediately stealthed. He had glanced at the tracking hud long enough to find the two names he was most concerned about; Cadie and Felid Sah.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s make contact with them first.


    They found evidence of recent foot traffic at the edge of the clearing that they had used for a landing site. Thanks to the constant blowing and drifting snow, there were no tracks, but the evidence of regular usage was clear.


    /Inferno: Bali: They probably use this trail daily, maybe for hunting or firewood.


    Nix nodded in agreement and continued to follow the ranger. After nearly ten minutes of walking, Bali signaled for him to stop.


    /Inferno: Bali: Two guards behind that tree. They are using some sort of heating device to stave off the cold.


    /Inferno: Nix: Keep your bow handy and cover me.


    /Inferno: Bali: Dodge right if you get in trouble.


    /Inferno: Nix: Right? Why not left?


    /Inferno: Bali: Always dodge right, Commander.


    Nix dropped stealth and walked about ten meters before stopping and raising his voice. "I''m from the Inferno Guild and am here at the request of Felid Sah."


    A small form peeked out from behind the large tree that hid the two guards from view. "From the Inferno Guild?"


    "That''s correct. I''m Nix, the Guild Leader of Inferno."


    "Hmm... What''s your Vice Commander''s name?"


    "Jun Li is the Vice Commander of Inferno."


    "Anyone could know that. What the name of your silver drake?"


    Nix glanced back at Bali, who had lowered her bow during the conversation.


    /Inferno: Bali: These two are kids, Nix.


    "I don''t have a silver drake. My spirit companion is a Silver Drakon named Fey."


    Two voices carried from behind the tree; they seemed to be arguing over something before one of them stepped out.


    "Guild Leader Nix?"


    Nix nodded and gestured toward Bali, who had already stowed her weapon. "That''s correct. This is Bali, one of Inferno''s Ain''Dhassi rangers."


    The guard pulled back her hood, revealing a round, feminine face. Her dark hair was cut close to the scalp, and her bent nose seemed too large for her face. "I''m Flazie. I will bring you to Felid Sah."

 Chapter 590: Vespri: Dharta

    /Inferno: Bali: Some hot springs?


    /Inferno: Nix: That''s my guess.


    A wave of humid, warm air hit the Inferno duo in the face when they ducked under a heavy curtain that was drawn across the entrance to the caverns. The slight smell of sulfur combined with body odor''s staleness tempted Nix to tear down the makeshift door to let fresh air in.


    The narrow entrance quickly expanded into a cave about five meters wide. Stalactites hung from the brown rock ceilings, lit by torches that put out just enough light to navigate. Nix paused to examine the nearest torch; it definitely wasn''t the flame variety.


    /Inferno: Bali: It''s a druid lamp, must be one close by. They create them with wisps.


    He touched the torch with his bare hand; the light it cast was slightly bluish, and Nix found it uncomfortable to look at. "I''ll take fire any day."


    The cavern tilted down at a steep angle and meandered back and forth like a lazy snake for several minutes before ending in a large dome-like room.


    Bali whistled softly. "Never seen one this big."


    Nix nodded in agreement. The cavern ceiling was more than fifty meters above them; a dim cloud of smoke hung just below it, a testament that this had been occupied for several days. Even though it was lit with dozens of druid lights, the other side of the cavern could barely be seen. He had expected to see some disorganized mess, but this was nothing like that. From his vantage point, he could see that it had been divided up.


    "I''ll take you to see Mr. Sah. He''s in section three." Flazie shrugged out of her heavy fur coat and tossed it into a large bin next to the entrance.


    "How many sections are there," Nix asked?


    Flazie paused for a moment, rubbing her chin with her slender fingers. "There are three. We have the garden where Priscillian and her helpers grow things. There''s the nursery where the really young ones are kept; I work there sometimes to help out. Then there''s section three where the older kids and grown-ups live."


    Nix stared at their surroundings for a moment; the cavern''s entire center section was green from plants, shrubs, and small trees.


    /Inferno: Bali: It''s druid work, Sir. They can grow things really fast... but this seems slightly off to me.


    /Inferno: Nix: Same here. Deep winter is in its second week. One druid did all this?


    The route to section three took them directly through the garden. Up close, it was even more impressive; dark green leaves and low-hanging fruit made it seem like a walk through a well-kept orchard.


    Their final destination was a round table where a handful of people were sitting. Three men and two women were enjoying a meal together a few meters away from a cookfire. A round man wearing fine red robes stood when Flazie approached.


    "Mr. Sah, this is Nix from the Inferno Guild." Flazie seemed nervous under the gazes of the adults, moving slightly so that Nix was closer.


    Quest Updated.


    [Report to Felid Sah in Vespri.]


    You have made contact with Felid Sah and his settlement. Find a way to reconnect the trade routes in Vespri. Heal the wounds and rewrite their fate!


    Felid Sah looked nothing like Nix had envisioned him. He was a rotundly large man with dark braided hair and olive-colored skin. His bright blue eyes seemed out of place given his complexion, but they lit up with goodwill when he heard the Guild Leader''s name. "Mr. Nix! I am so happy that you''re here."


    /Inferno: Bali: He''s a crook... Don''t trust him.


    Nix shook the offered hand while struggling to maintain a serious expression. "I don''t want to waste your time. Could you brief me on the last few weeks?"


    Felid Sah motioned for Nix to sit. "Of course."


    /Inferno: Nix: Find this druid person and have a chat with her.


    /Inferno: Bali: She''s in the garden, it shouldn''t be a problem.


    The ranger patted Nix on the shoulder once and then turned back toward the garden; Flazie followed her for a few steps but lost sight of her when the Ain''Dhassi entered the undergrowth.


    "A ranger? What race are you?" A gentle voice filled with humor spoke from a large tree base that was much too thick to have recently grown.


    Bali stared as the tree''s bark retreated from the womans'' form, much like she''d seen the dryads in Oasis do. "I''m a Demon-kin."


    The druid played with the dark green braid that hung over one shoulder. It was hard to be sure in the garden''s low light, but her pale skin seemed to have a greenish tinge. "Demon-kin? That''s very interesting. Why are you here?"


    Bali felt a strong compulsion to say what she knew; although it wasn''t a secret, she resisted it. "I was teaching my apprentice how to track game in the Deep Winter."


    "Game? There isn''t any game in the area."


    "We hunt the Ice Howlers." Bali caressed her bow with one hand, " Four of them led us to a clearing less than a mile from here."


    Priscillian has charmed Bali.


    **************Author''s Note********


    Ray, Yu Yan, and Mason Dixon are three roommates living in Chinatown, New York. When a mystery woman died near their building, fate aligned to give them into a DRP capsule. They''ve been making it work for nearly two years. Ray is the Tatoo Artist, Mason Dixon is the exotic dancer, and Yu Yan is the software engineer who lost her first two jobs when the buildings were burned to the ground.


    ************************************


    "FUCK!" Ray sat up so quickly that she slammed her head into the closed lid of her capsule. "MASON!"


    Mason''s hair was still wet from her recent shower, with all the make-up removed from her night of dancing, she looked like a teenager. "I''m here! Why did you log off early? Did you put her to sleep?"


    Yu hurried in from the kitchen; something was obviously wrong. "Don''t tell me that Bali died!" Yu Yan usually played the ranger during the day; they''d been switching things around since Mason was the only one with fixed hours.


    Ray shook her head and quickly climbed out. "Get in, Mase! I''ll brief you. Sorry, I fucking panicked... I''m so sorry!"


    Mason Dixon lay back and pulled the capsule lid until it was nearly closed. "Twenty seconds on the loop, brief me now!"


    "Nix and Bali are in Vespri on the Felid Sah quest. Currently, they are in a cavern where the surviving children of Dharta hid."


    Mason nodded, "Children? Where are the parents? Eight seconds."


    "Frozen to death in Dharta. A female magic-user attacked me..."


    Mason closed the lid the rest of the way, interrupting any further conversation.


    Ray cursed loudly. "I fucked up, Yu."


    Yu shook her head slightly. Each of them played Bali slightly differently. Ray''s Bali was funny, her own Bali was a fountain of ranger knowledge, but Mason''s Bali was pure badass. "You did fine. Mase is really good at this."


    "I hope so." Ray stretched her tattooed arms overhead. They''d been playing Colonial for two years; slowly, they were building up a sizable nest egg. "When are we going to confide in her?"


    Yu''s pretty face showed the same indecision it always did when the topic came up. The trio often discussed Ronnie among themselves. They had partnered with the dark archer to run a Pawnshop in Free Trader city. "Soon, I guess. We bought the other capsules to start player accounts."


    Ray held her face in both hands and let out a long sigh. Ronnie always tried to split things 50/50, but because Balto would trace an NPC''s money, they insisted Ronnie hold all the R & B Pawnshop profits.


    **************


    Priscillian stared at the Ain''Dhassi ranger; normally, any question she asked would be answered immediately. She leaned closer until she could feel the tiny ranger''s breath on her face. "What is your intent in coming here?"


    Bali has resisted charm.


    Bali slammed her forehead into the druid''s face, feeling the bone crunch under her strike; with a quick movement, she swept Priscillian''s legs and vanished from sight when the magic-user fell to the ground.


    /Inferno: Bali: This isn''t a druid, Nix! Help me!


    Bali used the trail since her big concern was speed. She dodged to one side when her ranger senses suddenly warned her of an attack. A thick glob of dark green goo splashed the area where she''d been; she didn''t need to hear the sudden hissing to know that the substance was highly toxic.


    "Fucking with my ranger... You should know better." Nix''s Archon form appeared over the trail; silver dread flames lit up the entire garden like a spotlight. A soft green substance splashed against his aura but was instantly evaporated into a foul-smelling cloud.


    Nix has cast [Silent Summons].


    Priscillian has been silenced.


    Nix pushed the silver dread flames into his bone hilts just as Priciallians arrived in front of him. The fear on her face was evident as he stabbed both blades toward her body, cursing loudly when she disappeared in front of him.


    "Where''d she go, Nix?" Bali had an arrow notched; her breath was somewhat ragged from the fight.


    Nix let his flames fade away before stowing his bone hilts. "She opened a breach. I should have used my flame strands."


    Bali shouldered her bow and moved back onto the path. "Like a Breach Commander?"


    Nix nodded. "Seems to be happening more and more nowadays."


    "Thanks for the help. That''s why you''re on my wall!" Bali smiled as she fell in step beside him. "Going to beat up Sah, now?"


    "Only if I don''t like his answers."

 Chapter 591: Corrupted Nature

    Nix exchanged glances with Bali before turning back toward Felid Sah. "How could you not know that the entire population of Dharta is dead?"


    Felid Sah''s dark face showed his disbelief. "They aren''t dead. There were stockpiles of wood and supplies enough for several days, plenty of time for us to set up here and send for the others."


    Nix glanced around the large dome-like cavern. "You were going to try and move the entire population of Dharta in here?"


    /Inferno: Bali: It''s too small. Even the group they have now is too many.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''re missing something.


    Bali nodded to herself. The magic-user had charmed her, despite the Ain''Dhassi ranger having a very high resistance to control-magic. "We need the big gun."


    Nix replied with a short sentence. "Here we go."


    [Summons: Ducky]


    Ducky appeared in front of the duo a moment later, her all-blue eyes taking in everything without speaking. She immediately zeroed in on Felid Sah and offered him a sweet smile. "You have something special on you."


    Felid Sah nodded and rolled up the bright sleeve of his red silk robe. "Pricillian gave us all these charm bracelets." The bracelet was a simple silver chain that was carefully woven around several shiny black rocks.


    The Water Witch bent low to examine it, careful not to let it contact her skin. "How many of these are there?"


    Felid Sah considered the question for a moment. "Nearly five thousand of them, it uses the power of nature to provide basic protection against the elements while safeguarding our good health."


    /Inferno: Ducky: It''s draining their life force while making them more compliant. I can''t touch it, Nix. You''ll have to remove them.


    /Inferno: Nix: Tell me how.


    /Inferno: Ducky: It''s Nether-based; with your immunity, it should be easy.


    Nix reached out casually as if to examine the jewelry; instead, he unclasped it and stowed it away.


    You have been exposed to Soul Siphon.


    You are immune to Nether-based spells.


    You have been exposed to Black Dusk.


    You are immune to Nether-based spells.


    You have been exposed to the Corruption Charm.


    You are immune to Nether-based spells.


    Nix read off the spells as they scrolled across his hud. He stepped back suddenly when Felid Sah collapsed forward onto the table.


    Bali nudged Nix with an elbow, her pale face showing a grim expression. "Kids are wearing these things!"


    "Ducky and I will work on removing these from everyone. Tear this place apart and find us something that will lead us to this Priscillian person."


    "I''m on it, Commander." Bali saluted crisply and headed toward the large garden.


    The next few hours were a blur as Nix personally removed the bracelets from most of the cavern inhabitants. Thankfully, none of the really young children were wearing them. The immediate effect of breaking the enchantments was a deep sleep. Ducky had directed everyone to their sleeping areas before starting the operation.


    Bali stood near the large tree at the center of the large dome. As someone well-versed in nature, everything about this garden orchard felt wrong. Her eyes fell casually on a row of small trees that were about a meter high. Each one was almost identical to the next and bore a yellow citrus fruit that closely resembled the lemons growing in the Parliament orchard.


    The bark was rough to the touch and had a sticky sap that oozed out. She gripped the trunk of one tree and pulled upward; surprisingly, it easily released the soil beneath it. Bali pulled the tree free of the dirt with barely any effort, a single root as thick as a finger extended down into the ground. "No root system?"


    Yanking it free completely was quite difficult; the single root was burrowed down for a few inches before running horizontally under the ground. Her eyes followed the direction the root was headed as she pulled a second tree loose and then a third.


    When Nix found her a long time later, nearly a dozen trees and plants had been pulled free of the ground. "Taking up farming, Bali?"


    Bali smiled widely, her pale face smudged with dirt. "See that small stone pool at the center of the orchard? Everything growing here has a single root that leads in that direction."


    [Direct Contact: Leva]


    Leva was sitting at her desk studying her hud when Nix''s life-sized holo popped up in front of her. "Something wrong, Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "We''ve run into some Nether-based artifacts and a very peculiar magic-user named Priscillian." From the sudden change in expression, Nix realized that Leva knew the caster. "Should I open up a breach?"


    Leva nodded and stood up from behind her desk. She closed the direct contact just before she stepped through the breach that he created.


    "Leva!" Ducky caught the dark chancellor by surprise, wrapping her up in a tight hug while kissing her cheek.


    Leva flapped her black wings once to get Ducky off her. She wagged a pale finger at the Water Witch. "You were supposed to visit me with Fey and Soup!"


    Ducky stepped around the extended wings and looped an arm through Leva''s. "We will! Fey is doing some secret stuff and isn''t available for a while."


    Nix held up a hand to stop any further discussion; he held up one of the bracelets that the cavern dwellers had been wearing. "Tell me about this and about Priscillian."


    Leva snatched the bracelet without concern. As a creature of the Nether, she also was immune to its effects. "This belongs to Chancellor Cillia, also knows as the Corruptor."


    "Corruptor?" Nix exchanged glances with his two companions, both of who shrugged slightly.


    "Remember that pool you fell into while defeating the Nether King?" Leva suppressed a shudder; she didn''t like to say the former Emperor''s name. "That was Nether and dragon blood, creating it wouldn''t have been possible without Cillia."


    "Does this Cillian have a Nature ability? Everything in this cavern was grown by her." Nix glanced at the pile of plants that his ranger had uprooted. "Why grow anything?"


    Leva studied the ground for a moment before walking toward the center pool. "When she received the Nature element, her Corruptor abilities changed it into something else. The plants you see here are fueled with the life force of humans."


    Nix muttered a curse, stopping when Leva did, next to the central pool. "I''ll need some more help on this one. You three head back to Dharta; I want to know what killed those people."


    Bali''s sharp ear caught the sound of crying. Those that weren''t wearing the Corruptor charm had been placed in their beds. "What about the young-uns? We can''t leave them unattended."


    Nix considered her words for a moment before turning back to Leva. "The Scorched Earth Acolytes are currently training with Tai''Qui at her Temple. Bring all of them here to guard these people."


    **************


    Sori Dah seemed much stronger than she had been the last time Nix had seen her. Her reddish-brown hair was tied in a single braid that reached her waist. The Chief Acolyte was in her lamia form; she bowed politely when she noticed the Inferno Leader." Greetings, Champion."


    Somehow Sori had managed to lose most of the hissing noise used to mark her words, but it still lingered in the sound, giving her speech a peculiar sound. Nix had sent Leva to Haven to gather the acolytes; she had returned with a few unexpected guests.


    Floyd has joined Alpha.


    Pon has joined Alpha.


    Sori Dah has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Pon: This place smells bad.


    /Alpha: Nix: Agreed. Welcome.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Hey, Nix.


    /Inferno: Nix: The Acolytes will stay here and watch over these people. Bali, Ducky, and Leva will head to Dharta and try to figure out how the entire city died.


    /Inferno: Leva: Leaving now, unless there is something else.


    /Inferno: Nix: Nope. Good luck. We''re going to hunt down this Corruptor while you''re doing that. I expect a report when I get back.


    /Alpha: Pon: What''s the plan?


    Nix motioned toward the pool. "The roots of this orchard all lead beneath this pool. We can start our search there."


    Floyd loosened the guns in his dual holsters before doing the same with the daggers that hung in his shoulder harness. As a trickster, his class could handle a wide variety of weapons. The Naga King liked to keep his options open.


    Nix ignited his aura with the silver dread flames. Almost immediately, he started sinking into the ground next to the pool.


    /Alpha: Nix: Follow me. Our prey does Nether damage, so let me and the old man lead the way.


    /Alpha: Pon: I got my Nether immunity through your shared resistance. Shouldn''t they get the same?


    /Alpha: Nix: If we group long enough, but since yours is already high enough, you can help shield them.


    /Alpha: Floyd: I don''t need Pon to protect me.


    /Alpha: Nix: Just stay behind us. I don''t want to piss off the lamia harem.


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh... No kidding.


    /Alpha: Floyd: It''s not a harem, fuckheads.


    Pon grinned at the trickster before igniting his dread flame aura. "Stay close, Naga King."

 Chapter 592: Dark Seed

    Bali frowned at the frozen corpses, still exactly where Nix had left them when he originally melted his way into the city jail. She used a booted foot to sift through the pile of ashes near the table until she found a small black bracelet. "How many of these things did that bad lady make?"


    Leva shared a glance with Ducky; it was her first time meeting the Ain''Dhassi ranger in person. "Tens of thousands, she''s obviously a talented crafter." The dark chancellor bent down and picked up the bracelet; it no longer held any power.


    Bali stomped her boot to rid it of the human ashes before gesturing to the back wall that was stacked high with firewood. "A working fireplace and plenty of wood to burn. How did this even happen?"


    Ducky received the bracelet from Leva and turned it over in her hand while studying it. "It''s a layered charm. The first part convinces the victim that they are warm."


    The tiny ranger whistled softly, her breath sending out a large cloud in the room''s frigid temperature. "They died thinking they were warm?" Bali suppressed a shudder. "I hope the Commander Nixes her."


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "The second layer was a befuddlement spell, just enough to remove focus. Their life force was being siphoned during this entire process. It''s quite possible that some of these people had a moment of clarity before their deaths but were too weak to do anything about it."


    /Inferno: Ducky: The guards all have the bracelets, Nix. They likely died from a combination of that and the temperature.


    /Inferno: Leva: There''s no way she could have absorbed the life forces from this many people. She must be using a dark seed to store it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Understood. Maintain your position in Dharta for now.


    Nix sunk slowly into the rock for a few meters before adjusting his course to a steep angle that spiraled downward. His silver dread flames caused the solid rock to melt for several meters around him, with Pon following closely, that distance was nearly doubled. Floyd and Sori maintained a healthy distance; although neither were threatened by normal fire, the dread flames were different.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Will the Scorched Earth members be able to produce a dread flame?


    /Alpha: Nix: Some variant will likely result if Deidra''s Temple sends them into its depths.


    Nix dropped his Aura suddenly when the rock around him became a large open space. Pon moved beside him while Sori and Floyd equipped their ranged weapons. A breach had been opened and was being kept active by a peculiar-looking crystal formation.


    /Alpha: Pon: Did you know a breach could be left open?


    /Alpha: Nix: Unless you close them, they expire in a few minutes. I''m going to step through the breach; I want you to take the crystals.


    /Alpha: Sori: Won''t you be trapped there? Never mind... You''ll open a breach back.


    Nix smiled at the Lamia Acolyte. "Yep."


    Without speaking further, the Inferno Leader stepped through the breach and disappeared. Pon swept up the crystals and stowed them away just as another breach opened up. The old mage jumped through, closely followed by Floyd and Sori.


    ***************


    You have entered the City of Verynzai.


    Nix''s dread flame aura suddenly burned out, forcibly extinguished by nearly unfathomable power. The shock of its abrupt removal left him gasping for breath; a glance at Pon showed that the old mage had collapsed.


    You may not use the element of fire within Khione''s Stronghold.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Verynzai? Isn''t that the city that replaced Talumbir in the Sky Kingdom?


    /Alpha: Nix: Una Chelonia renamed Jargon Kane''s city Verynzai. However, the original Verynzai is part of Khione''s fortress.


    "You okay, Old Man?" Nix helped Pon to his feet, painfully aware that if the Fire Mage couldn''t use his flames, he''d be essentially toothless.


    Pon leaned heavily against the Inferno Leader; having his flames wrenched away from him had left him feeling weak and powerless. "This bitch..."


    The breach had opened up into a large empty space. Several comfortable-looking chairs and a long table gave it the appearance of a conference room. Nix considered the other members of his group for a moment. Although both Floyd and Sori had impressive melee abilities, their defense relied heavily on the Scorched Earth element.


    /Alpha: Nix: Update me on what a fire-ban costs you.


    /Alpha: Pon: Everything, this old man is like teats on a boar.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Both Sori and I have lost a large portion of our shielding and regenerative abilities, but our damage output hasn''t changed significantly.


    Nix considered the update for a moment; Inferno had to be more well-rounded. Although it was nearly painful to admit, upgrading the Fire-user''s armor with a puppet like the Stalker or Hotter would be the quickest and most effective method of doing so. Muttering a curse, he opened a breach back to the cavern. "You three head in; I''m going to explore a bit and see if I can find anything."


    Nix opened a breach back to the cavern and waited until everyone was in before closing it. Briefly, he considered summoning Mortimer but decided to hold off. He had arranged for the Titan Cub to work with Mortimus and Gil as they pushed back Deep Winter''s forces within Everspire.


    The square room they appeared in seemed somehow familiar, but Nix couldn''t place it until he exited the room into a long hallway. "I''m in a Greater House..." To be specific, it bore a remarkable resemblance to the Greater House of Kane that Nix had spent time in when the Rat-Raid rescued Breach Commander Mtui from Talumbir.


    Although the house seemed empty, the same couldn''t be said for the city itself as a stealthed Nix found out a few minutes later when he stepped out of the front door. Pausing for a moment to take in the condition of Old Verynzai, he noted several things at once. The city power wasn''t turned on, but instead, was lit by the presence of several dozen druid lamps. Old Verynzai appeared to be completely intact; a large sheet of White Ice created a dome over the structure where the city walls ended. It had been masterfully absorbed into the Ice Goddess''s domain.


    Unexpectedly, the city was bustling with activity. Squads of soldiers drilled in the nearby training yard while foot traffic along the road seemed fairly dense. Nix took it all in for a moment; this wasn''t what he envisioned when he followed Cillia. This was an operating City-Fortress with substantial forces.


    New Quest Available [Stealing Old Verynzai].


    New Quest Available [Locate the Artifact].


    A slow smile spread across the Inferno Leader''s face as he made his way toward the city''s control center. He was starting to piece together the facts. Priscillian must be trying to activate the City, something that would be impossible without one of two things; access to the city formerly known as Elynmoor or the city key of Old Verynzai. Thankfully neither of those was possible since they were both in the possession of the Inferno Guild Leader.


    The control room entrance was unguarded when he found it a few minutes later. A fact that didn''t surprise Nix, given that the city was located within Khione''s Fortress and, in all likelihood, was completely powerless. He had received the city key from Una after freeing her from the clutches of Menial (chapter 295).


    Nix stopped just inside the entrance and brought up his hud. Two quests were activated on his way in. He wanted to make sure that his actions wouldn''t counter his ability to close the quests.


    [War Quest: Day 1] Stealing Old Verynzai


    Your forces have fought their way into the former Dragon City of Verynzai. If you have the necessary items, you may attempt to capture the city and use it as a Forward Operating Base.


    Prerequisites: Master Key of Verynzai or Control of Elynmoor.


    [Option 2]


    If you possess neither of the necessary items, your next best course of action is to remove a large part of Khione''s resources by destroying the city.


    [War Quest: Day 1] Locate the Artifact


    After gaining entrance into Verynzai, you''ve discovered the existence of an artifact that has crippled the offensive strength of your forces. Before you confront the Goddess of Winter, you must first deal with this.


    Nix cursed the messed-up timeline. Inferno''s forces were currently battling the forces of Deep Winter on three different planes. The artifact in question must be the cause of the fire ban. It would have to be dealt with eventually; much of Inferno''s strength was steeped in flame.


    "Should I retreat here and put these quests aside until our forces are ready?" Nix moved silently toward the diffusing chamber. He stopped when he saw her.


    He knew from Bali''s description that this was Priscillian. Dealing with her now might alert Khione to his presence. He was confident that he could finish the druid, but could he close the other two quests by himself? Would taking her down too early in the Deep Winter War result in unforeseen countermeasures? It basically comes down to one simple choice; kill her now or wait...

 Chapter 593: Two Thirds

    Nix studied the nether creature known as the Corruptor as he advanced closer toward the diffusion chamber. In her hands, she held a grapefruit-sized object that radiated intense energy. One of the tubes that had once been used to remove dragon marrow was outfitted with a square receptacle. He casually flicked a black hand onto her shoulder, resulting in her dropping the object.


    "Trying to modify the infusion harness to use the power of corruption? I doubt that will work." Nix spoke calmly, having removed her only chance of escaping intact.


    Priscillian has attempted to charm you.


    You have resisted charm.


    Priscillian has activated Soul Siphon.


    You are immune to Nether Spells.


    Priscillian has cast [Black Ice: Spear].


    Black ice extended from Nix''s Bone hilts; the crackling power of electricity erupted from the blades as he casually swatting the spear to one side.


    Nix has activated [Storm Rider][Chiba''s Apprentice: 3rd Form]


    Combination successful.


    Nix appeared behind his target, his blades crossing in an ''X'' pattern as they flashed at Priscillian.


    Priscillian has been crippled. (Permanent reduction of agility)


    Priscillian has been slowed. (Permanent reduction of movement speed)


    Nix leaped free, pursued only by a helpless scream filled with rage and pain.


    [Bo''raz V has successfully carried out a sneak attack]


    Earth Shredder has injured you.


    [Bo''raz'' X has landed a critical backstab]


    You have been critically Injured.


    Nix caught the follow-up strikes on his blades and deflected them; stepping toward the two new combatants, he flowed around the flurry of strikes.


    [Elemental Healing][Black Ice Sculpture][Black Ice: Amor]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    A large portion of your health has been restored.


    Bo''raz X has been encased in Black Ice.


    Your body is coated with Black Ice Armor.


    "KILL HIM!" Priscillian screamed at Bo''raz V, while her hands drew a series of complicated runes in the air.


    Priscillian has cast [Spell Reversal: Black Ice: Sculpture]


    [Deflected]


    Nix stepped in front of Bo''raz X and deflected the counterspell before it could free him; his form morphed suddenly as the chants of Bo''raz V filled the air.


    Priscillian has been [Petrified].


    The long tail of the basilisk whipped outward, striking Bo''raz V before he could finish his cast. The blow landed on the caster''s side with enough strength to send him catapulting into the far wall. The reptile morphed back into a man just as his target landed on the floor.


    Bo''raz V has been stunned.


    Nix has cast [Silent Summons][Elemental Fiend: Lightning]


    Combination Successful.


    Bo''raz V has been silenced.


    Nix snatched Bo''raz V as he flew towards him and slammed him headfirst into the floor with enough force to shake the room.


    Bo''raz V has been critically injured.


    Bo''raz V has been stunned.


    Nix placed a black hand on him before kicking the stunned magic-user aside and ordering his Fiend to attack. The lightning fiend seemed to like Nix''s last attack and emulated it by picking up Bo''raz V and body-slamming him onto the floor. The target convulsed helplessly as electrical current coursed through his body.


    "The other two-thirds..." Nix frowned at being taken by surprise. Bo''raz had managed to escape Alpha months earlier by splintering his soul into three parts: empathy, martial, and magic (chapter 369). Empathy had agreed to accompany Eron to Kitsu, where his splintered soul had been shackled.


    The steady slamming of Bo''raz V into the floor echoed in the room as Nix approached the dark seed. Although it pulsed with energy, it was cold to the touch. He glanced around the chamber, his eyes taking in the modifications. Priscillian was obviously a talented artificer. If given enough time, it was possible that she could have circumvented the need for the Verynzai Master Key.


    Bo''raz V has been slain.


    Nix glanced at his fiend, who continued to slam the magic-user against the floor even after his demise. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed the frenzied fiend and picked up the dark seed. Moving closer, he realized that a second receptacle had replaced one of the infusion probes and was connected directly to the Control Interface.


    A surprised Nix paused at the Control Interface; he assumed it was going to be inoperative since the city lacked a power supply; that wasn''t the case. Not only was the hud screen lit up, but it had been altered with an additional Menu. "Probably operating with minimal power off of residual dragon marrow still in the lines."


    [Verynzai System Operations]


    1. Security (Offline)


    2. Power Grid (Offline)


    3. Transportation (Offline)


    4. Master Key (Offline)


    5. Alternate Menu


    a) Artifact Control


    b) Power Override


    c) Shields


    d) Weapon Platforms


    e) Gating Platforms


    Nix''s soft whistle echoed in the sudden quiet of the chamber. "She created a new menu and was trying to bring the important systems online." A glance at the petrified Corruptor was enough to spur him into action. He pushed Black Ice into one of his bone hilts and stabbed it through the head of Bo''raz X.


    Bo''raz X has been slain.


    He created a breach and tossed all three bodies into it before following. His group was positioned and ready for action when he stepped into the chamber a moment later.


    /Alpha: Pon: Isn''t that fucknut, Bo''raz?


    Nix nodded as he considered where to stash them. "Two-Thirds of him. I could toss them into the Gemini Temple lower level, but my team is still on a mission there."


    /Alpha: Floyd: Who is Bo''raz?


    /Alpha: Pon: Slippery dragon bastard that escaped us when we were looking for the Dragon City Goralpri.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ve black-handed them. Ideas?


    /Alpha: Pon: Fuck-em. I''ll incinerate them.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Agreed.


    /Alpha: Sori: Dispatch them, Commander.


    Nix nodded in agreement, and a moment later, all three corpses disappeared under the heat of Pon''s dread flames. These weren''t common enemies who had crossed them; they were important pieces of Khione''s power structure.


    A few minutes later, Alpha reunited with Bali, Leva, and Ducky. The three women wore the grim expressions of someone surrounded by death.


    /Inferno: Nix: Going to open a gate directly to the Bone Fortress. Retrieve the object I need and be ready to return.


    /Inferno: Floyd: I''ll have to suspend our training operations.


    /Inferno: Nix: They can take a short break. I''ll only need it for a few minutes.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Understood. I''ll be ready.


    Floyd exited Vespri while the rest of the group gathered close. Nix pulled an object from his inventory and equipped it.


    You have equipped the Crown of Bones.


    The area in front of the city jail darkened as the buildings in the surrounding blocks seemed to swirl in shadows. Nix felt the Crown pulse in response to the tens of thousands of corpses.


    Pon''s dread flames erupted around him. He didn''t see any enemy present, but the absolute stillness creeped him out. "If they storm out of the buildings chanting, ''One of Us!'' I''m gonna burn this city to the ground."


    Nix laughed at the old man''s expression. "Burning an entire city to the ground is harder than you might think..." The heat from Pon''s dread flames set the group at ease as the Inferno Leader removed a book from his inventory.


    You have opened the Book of the Dead.


    Thousands of names scrolled across the pages of the opened book. Nix place his hand against the white parchment, immediately turning it black. "Inscribe all names within range." He ignored the sudden intake of breath from the Inferno members.


    15, 244 names have been inscribed into the Book of the Dead pages. You must provide a suitable energy source to finalize this process, or all the inscriptions will be removed after they exhaust their personal resources.


    Nix removed the dark seed and placed it against the open book.


    [Use the Dark Seed as the energy source for the chosen inscriptions?]


    "Yes," Nix spoke calmly as the area around them bathed in shadow. A chorus of blood-curdling screams filled the air. Alpha team formed a defensive circle to protect their leader.


    The Book of the Dead has revived 15, 244 citizens of Dharta. They remain this way for 6.43 years. Afterwhich, they will vanish from Everspire forever. No additional energy resources may be added.


    Quest Updated.


    The book slammed shut in Nix''s hands a few seconds later. Nothing he did could move the cover. "The hell is going on now?"


    [The Book of the Dead may not be opened again for 6.43 years.]


    The banging and shouting started from the nearest building and then spread rapidly throughout the city as revived corpses found themselves trapped behind the city''s frozen doors.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit... The fuck is this? Are they undead?


    /Inferno: Nix: No idea. We have to defrost these buildings first.


    Nix turned towards a group of guards that exited the city jail. "I''m here under the direction of Felid Sah. Who is in charge after Captain Finlow?"


    A lean woman with dark skin and brown hair raised her hand. Her left eye was an empty socket that had been sewn shut after the claws of some beast left four large scars through her once pretty face. "I''m Corporal Meriam. Has something happened to the Captain?"


    Nix took a moment to inspect the female while she spoke.


    Meriam Custer


    Rank: Corporal


    Race: Once Dead Human.


    Description: Meriam Custer is living on borrowed time. Her life will expire in 6.43 years. If she is slain before that time, she will finish out her remaining span as one of the undead.


    /Alpha: Nix: They are labeled as ''Once Dead.'' I may have fucked this up.


    /Alpha: Ducky: They seem normal. Oh... Their original life spans weren''t returned to them.


    /Alpha: Nix: Nope. I''m guessing the reviving process requires a lot more energy than being sucked dry. The book can''t be opened again until all of these people are dead.


    /Alpha: Pon: Maybe you should have used this during our Khione battle.


    /Alpha: Nix: As I said, I may have fucked up.


    Nix morphed into his Phoenix form and started the process of flying through the streets.

 Chapter 594: Old Verynzai

    Ducky patted Pon on the back, her all-blue eyes filled with humor. "No real damage was done."


    Pon frowned at the Water Witch, who pretended not to notice. It had taken him and Nix half the night to free the remaining residents from the frozen tombs that their homes had become. The old man had set fire to several buildings over the course of the evening, while Nix showed inhuman control of his flames. Had Ducky not been present with her water abilities, they might have lost those structures. "I haven''t had the dread flames for long..."


    Nix grinned at the old man''s expression; the two of them sat at a table in the city jail. The prisoners had been set free, and the remaining guards were helping out the residents of Dharta. He checked his hud for the time and promptly stood up. "With me, old man."


    Pon nodded and followed Nix through the breach he opened up. This time they breached directly into the control room of Old Verynzai. A second breach opened almost immediately as the third member of their party joined them.


    /Alpha: Floyd: I''m terrified of this thing! None of my skills can be used.


    Nix nodded and accepted the spectrum from the trickster. Having done it on several occasions, he quickly interfaced the new energy source with the city power grid.


    /Alpha: Pon: What would have happened if you used the spectrum to revive Dharta?


    /Alpha: Nix: Hard to say. The best-case scenario would be an entire city of immortals. The worst case would be the introduction of Colonials'' new Overlords.


    Pon shook his head slightly. "If I die, use the spectrum to bring me back."


    Floyd nodded in agreement. "Same here... I''ll give you a good position in the new world order."


    Both Pon and Nix stared at the Naga King; the teen kept a straight face for several seconds before grinning.


    "Shit..." Nix chuckled and returned to his task. "You got me."


    "Same here," Pon admitted.


    Nix used the Verynzai City Master Key to initiate the start-up process, pausing after he received the automated message stating that Bo''raz was being given three minutes to reply.


    Pon watched as Nix worked; the Inferno Leader was an old hand at using the City interface. "Won''t the current residents realize that power is being turned on?"


    Nix shook his head slightly. "We''re powered up, but nothing has been turned on yet. Let''s take a look at the artifact."


    Pon pointed out the obvious redundancy. "Shouldn''t you remove the alternate sub-menu duplicates?"


    [Verynzai System Operations]


    1. Security


    2. Power Grid


    3. Transportation


    4. Master Key


    5. Alternate Menu


    a) Artifact Control


    b) Power Override


    c) Shields


    d) Weapon Platforms


    e) Gating Platforms


    "Maybe. Open Artifact Control.


    [Artifact Control: Draconis Khalam Operandi]


    1) Neutral Ground


    2) Domain


    3) Ancestral Interaction


    "Display Neutral Ground."


    [Neutral Ground]


    1) Create Elemental Dead Zone: Fire.


    Pon leaned over Nix''s shoulder and read the hud. "You can remove that?"


    Nix nodded but didn''t take any action. "I''ll do that after we steal this city."


    "Is this a city heist?" Pon grinned at the Inferno Leader. "I love how you think, Punk Bastard."


    [Direct Contact: Sinfaya]


    Nix only had to wait a moment until a life-sized holo of Inferno''s 3rd dragon resident appeared in front of him. Sinfaya''s long black hair had been cut very short, leaving only an inch or so remaining. "I need to open a breach... Big enough for a dragon city to move through."


    Sinfaya''s serious face showed the barest hint of a smile. "Whose city are you stealing this time?"


    "Khione''s..." Nix paused for a moment as he considered his options. He could have asked either Deidra or Tai to open a breach, but Sinfaya specialized in spatial magic.


    "Nix?" Sinfaya''s holo glanced around the room. "Retreat at once! You can''t be there!"


    "Calm down. I need a bit of help." Nix tried to placate the spatial dragon; Sinfaya didn''t have the calm demeanor of her kind.


    Sinfaya took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I''m coming there."


    Nix shook his head. "No, I forbid it. You will remain in Haven."


    /Alpha: Floyd: Nix is the dragon boss?


    /Alpha: Pon: More like a dragon consort.


    Sinfaya didn''t protest further; her dark eyes studied the Inferno Leader for a long moment. "I''ll need to use my rat-puppet."


    Nix had banned all three dragons from leaving Haven until after Khione was dealt with. Since they still needed to monitor their respective cities, he had offered to create puppets for them. Oddly, all three of them had requested Nether Rats.


    A few minutes later, Nix opened a breach from Dharta, where Sinfaya was waiting. The rat puppet scurried into the room; its sharp claws clicking on the tiled floor of the infusion chamber. "Bring up a map of the area, please."


    Nix brought up his Breach Commander Interface since its mapping function was still better than the upgraded hud interface Inferno had recently acquired. He picked up the Nether Rat and sat her on the console to improve her view. "There''s a White-Ice dome extending upward from the city walls."


    "The moment you activate the shields, that will be destroyed." Sinfaya''s dark beady eyes darted toward the infusion chamber and the recent modifications it had undergone. "Khione will probably be aware of your actions when that happens."


    Nix shrugged slightly; they were already operating on borrowed time. With three of her people dead, it was only a matter of time before Khione found out. "Regardless, we have to move fast. There''s something else I want you to see."


    Sinfaya stood on her hind legs, her black nose twitching with curiosity. "What is it?"


    Nix gestured toward the City interface and the open alternate menu. "From the name, I assume that you know what the Draconis Khalam Operandi is?"


    The Nether Rat stared at the menu for a long time, her eyes glancing from the menu to Nix several times. "They''re using it to create an elemental dead zone?" Sinfaya shook her rat head in disbelief. "We must do this now, Nix!"


    "I think so too. Will you be able to handle the breach duties from Haven?" Nix brought up his Everspire map. He made Sinfaya travel to Dharta because his plans involved the ''Once Dead'' city.


    The Nether rat nodded. "This is my specialty Nix, the moment this city breaks free of the White-Ice, it will enter the breach."


    Nix pointed toward an area on the map just outside of Dharta. "This site is going to be New Dharta."


    The Nether Rat jumped at Nix, forcing him to catch her. A moment later, the puppet went limp in his arms. A holo of Sinfaya appeared immediately afterward.


    "I only need a few moments to set up since Dragon Cities are all the same. You''ll have to activate the thrusters, stabilizers, and city shields at the same time." Sinfaya was casting wards as she spoke. "What about the inhabitants?"


    "They''ll be locked down until after we''re done. I haven''t considered what to do with them yet." Nix glanced at Pon ran his wrinkled hand across his neck in a cut-throat gesture.


    "Leave it to me then." Sinfaya continued working for several more seconds before stopping abruptly. "Ready, on your command, I''ll activate it, and you can proceed."


    Nix wanted to ask how she planned to deal with the force within the city while it was locked down, but he didn''t bother. According to Tai''Qui, Sinfaya spatial abilities were awe-inspiring.


    /Alpha: Nix: Brace yourselves; this might get bumpy.


    /Alpha: Pon: Or blow up.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Huh?


    "Do it!" Nix immediately raised the shields and powered up Old Verynzai''s movement controls. In an attempt to expedite their travel, he opted for full power directly upward.


    Both Floyd and Pon collapsed onto the floor under the sudden strain; Nix gripped the edge of the console with both hands as the G forces pushed everything down. It seemed to last several seconds but, in reality, was much shorter. The pressure eased suddenly, and Nix immediately powered down the thrusters while the stabilizers maintained their position.


    Nix already his map up by the time his companions climbed to their feet. They were in position, more than a mile above Dharta. With a few easy adjustments, he sat the city down exactly where he wanted. He powered down the movement controls and set the city for normal operations.


    /Alpha: Pon: What do we do with the inhabitants?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sinfaya said she was going to handle that; let''s check it out before we begin the next phase.


    *************


    Sinfaya let out a long breath before opening two breaches inside her nursery. She only had to wait a few seconds before Deidra and Tai''Qui stepped through.


    Tai exchanged surprised glances with Deidra; neither of them had been to the spatial dragon''s nursery before.


    Sinfaya kept her face expressionless. "Nix has the Draconis Khalam Operandi artifact."


    Deidra''s cold eyes stared in stunned disbelief. "That was lost during the last conflict. How could he have that?"


    "He has recovered Old Verynzai from Khione''s Stronghold." Sinfaya smiled suddenly as if just realizing that Nix relied on her instead of them. "It was a concerted effort, of course; I opened a breach while he moved it through."


    The spatial dragon enjoyed the moment; Deidra looked visibly upset while Tai''Qui appeared more thoughtful.


    "Does Nix know the significance of the artifact?" Tai spoke first, her warm voice was calm. "He should bring it to Haven as soon as possible."


    Sinfaya shook her head slightly. "He only knows that it can create elemental dead spaces. I don''t think he has tried to commune with it."


    "Shit..." Deidra cursed suddenly, she didn''t quite understand its significance, but she''d heard Nix say it when things were going badly. "I''m not sure what we can do in this instance."


    "Nothing." Tai shook her head slightly before opening a breach back to her nursery. "We do nothing until he returns. You know how Nix is. If we act straightforwardly, he''ll be more receptive."

 Chapter 595: Pure Rat

    Nix and Pon watched the breach as the guards from the frozen city helped usher in the ''once dead'' into New Dharta. Felid Sah and the occupants of the caverns had been brought in first. As the remaining citizens entered the city, they were reunited with their families and directed toward appropriate housing.


    "What''s up with you?" Pon wasn''t one to intrude into another man''s thoughts, but Nix had an air of gloom surrounding him.


    Nix shook his head slightly; the ''once dead'' were weighing heavily on him. "I think that six years isn''t much."


    Pon watched the families as they came back together. The ''once dead'' already knew what happened to them and how long they had remaining. Instead of complaining, most of them wore wide smiles as they hugged their loved ones. "It isn''t much," Pon agreed. "Six more years than they already had. In their shoes, I''d be doing fucking cartwheels."


    Nix chuckled at the old man''s words. "I''d pay money to see you do a cartwheel."


    Pon leaned back against the railing of the small footbridge. The water was running once again; the city had a warmth that it hadn''t experienced in several years. "They were dead when we got here, and now they ain''t. It''s a win in my book."


    [Khione has once again targeted you. Your Archon abilities have been suspended.]


    Nix stared at the message for a long moment; according to his math, the protection from the Greater Houses should have lasted a few more days. "Shit... The curse is active again."


    "Shouldn''t you have another 8 or 9 days?" Pon followed Nix as the Inferno Leader changed directions. "Fuck that Ice Bitch. She lost a city, two of the Bo''raz thirds, and the Corrupt Chancellor."


    Nix stepped onto the gating platform and paused.


    /Inferno: Nix: Take charge, Bali. I''m heading back to Haven until morning.


    /Inferno: Bali: Understood! Captain Bali has it under control.


    [War Quest: Stealing Old Verynzai has been completed]


    The Dragon City Master Emblem has been sent to your inventory.


    [Dragon Master Emblem: Council Member]


    (Soul Bound) Description: You have managed to power up all of the existing Dragon Cities. You are now free to travel unheeded from one city to another. All Dragon Cities will share power resources regardless of their location.


    When Nix touched the emblem, it disappeared in his hand; immediately afterward, a new icon blinked onto his hud. It was the green silhouette of a dragon. When he activated it, a list of all the Dragon Master Cities popped into view. At the top of the list was a name he had heard before, Tembai Academy. "Looks like I can instantly travel to any of the dragon cities."


    "Could be handy when you decide to steal the rest of them." Pon''s old face creased into a grin. "Let''s get the fuck out of here."


    [War Quest: Locate the Artifact has been updated]


    Semmi, Jun Li, Wind, and Donri were seated around the conference table studying Colonial''s frozen Holo when Nix and Pon arrived a few minutes later.


    The blonde officer hugged the old mage before turning her focus on the Inferno Leader. "The Jhabi War Camp is making quick work of the howlers surrounding Lord Parux. We''ll be ready to take him down in a day or two."


    Nix stared at the map; the anomaly in the northern area was clearly marked. "I want to hold off until Oasis is on their last regional lord."


    Semmi pursed her lips slightly and shared a glance with Jun Li. "What''s your reasoning?"


    "Once we''re done wrapping up quests, we can bring everyone back to Haven and then get ready for one last push. I want all three planes on the last regional lord. Then we''ll take them down and roll right into the first WB."


    Jun Li zoomed in on the anomaly. Since Sinfaya''s initial report regarding the phenomenon, Inferno had kept guards posted in the area. "My question is, why isn''t there an anomaly in Everspire."


    Semmi shrugged slightly. "At this point, we have more questions than answers."


    *******************


    A few hours later, Nix leaned comfortably against Del''s side while trying different combinations of animator queues. The Stalker was lying on the living room sofa while Nix sat on the floor and used the purring feline as a backrest. The Turtle House was quiet; its only other occupant was sleeping peacefully in the Master Bedroom.


    [Nether Rat: Emperor][Nether Rat: Emperor][Nether Rat: Emperor][Applied Minaturization Text: .25]


    Nix frowned at the animator interface. He thought shrinking down one of his Nether Rats would be a simple process; in some cases, the Emperor Rat was a bit too large. Although getting Nether Rat pelts was ridiculously cheap and easy, sacrificing the time spent to make three emperors seemed foolhardy. "I can''t believe shrinking a Nether Rat down takes three Emperors."


    Del pushed her soft muzzle into the side of Nix''s neck before licking his face with a warm, soft tongue. "Shrink it earlier when the puppet is a lower level."


    "The logistics of that is a pain in the ass since the smaller form isn''t inherent. It reverts to normal size the moment I don''t add the miniaturization text." Nix flicked the large cat''s nose with his finger. "What''s with you and face licking? You''re an Ain''Dhassi ranger."


    "Perhaps I''d do it even if I was still dhassi."


    Nix smiled at her words. Licking faces wasn''t something Del Tali would have done. After staring at the queue for a few minutes, he touched the activate icon.


    [Critical Crafting]


    Pureblood enhancement has been added to your animator interface.


    You have created a better Rat. Please name your creation.


    The Inferno Leader sat up straighter; his former smile widened into a grin that threatened to consume his face. "Rat King!"


    Rat King (SS)


    Nix picked up the black rat and examined it. Combining puppets always resulted in a size increase. The .25 miniaturization only managed to shrink the rat by half.


    Rat King (SS)


    Description: The final evolution of the Nether Rat. Since no enhancements were added during the process, this pure bloodline may be used to enhance future crafting. The keen intellect of this animation enables it to use all hud interfaces and artifacts.


    [Rat Army] Summons all rats within range to fight on your behalf.


    [Rat Pockets] This animation has a limited inventory. Be advised, anything in the Rat King''s inventory will disappear if he is slain.


    [Dead Rat] Pretend you''re dead and lose all aggro.


    [Rat Vanish] Become completely undetectable.


    Nix whistled softly while looking at the abilities of the Rat King. "You like it, Del?"


    Del''s blue cat-eyes stared at the Rat King. "It looks like a normal rat."


    Nix inhabited the puppet and immediately experienced a momentary sense of vertigo. "Inventory is small, only a few objects... Optics are enhanced. What do you think?''


    Del sniffed the Rat King; to her enhanced senses, it looked and smelled like a normal rat. There was no sense of danger or enhanced abilities. "You look tasty."


    Nix chuckled and hopped up on the coffee table. Unexpectedly the green dragon icon was still visible on his hud. He touched the icon with his rat paw displayed the list of Dragon City destinations. "Eventually, I''m going to add one of these as an enhancement to the ring Darsi gave me. The Rat King will give me another form to go alongside the Phoenix and Basilisk."


    Del watched as the Rat King collapsed on the table. "What ring did Darsi give you?"


    "This one."


    Thermo-Ice


    Ring: Unique Item.


    Description: Adapts the heat signature


    of the wearer to whatever environment


    they are in.


    Any further conversation was stopped when Tai''Qui''s holo popped up in front of them. Nix stowed the Rat King and stood up. Tai had told him earlier that she wished to see him.


    The Earth Dragon had her hair tied back with a green bandanna. She wore a simple white buttoned shirt with brown leather leggings. "Is now a good time, Nix?"


    Nix nodded, and a moment later, a breach appeared. "Coming, Del?"


    "I decline. Mud and fur don''t mix well..." Del padded toward the staircase. "I''ll let Hyai when she wakes up."

 Chapter 596: Pinky Returns

    The nursery''s warmth and subtle fragrance washed over Nix when he exited the breach a few moments later. Tai''Qui was sitting comfortably on the ground, weaving earth magic into head-sized mud pies. She offered him a welcoming smile and continued to work.


    "Think I could get a few of those?" Nix sat cross-legged next to her, content to watch her work.


    "Of course." Tai finished up the one she was working on before setting it aside and scooting closer.


    "Do you have the artifact with you?" Tai couldn''t sense the presence of the Draconis Khalamzur Operandi, but that didn''t mean much, considering that there were countless ways to mask such things.


    Nix shook his head. He wasn''t sure what the artifacts'' limits were, but having it in their hands was definitely better than letting Khione use it. He stored it at the Turtle House for safekeeping. "It''s stored in my personal chest at the house. Do you wish to see it?"


    Tai considered the question for a long moment. She did want to see the artifact and possibly commune with those who came before, but that wasn''t her objective. "Please keep it safe, Nix. Although it can create Elemental dead zones, it has other more important functions."


    Nix waited for her to elaborate, but when she didn''t, he changed the topic. "What''s the status of the Scorched Earth Acolytes?"


    "Several of them were already at the Nemesis level before I started working with them; Sori Dah is especially talented."


    Nix tried not to shudder at the mention of the Lamia. Although she managed to suppress the hissing in her speech, she was too snake-like for him to feel comfortable. His aversion to the reptile seemed to be fading, perhaps caused by his own basilisk form. "Thank you for your work."


    Tai shrugged slightly and gestured toward the pile of mudpies she''d been building. "Take as many as you like. I''m going to try and make something stronger for the planar bosses, but the success rate is very low so that I might fail."


    ********


    The wolf approached the small glade with an easy lope that was much faster than it looked. An open gazebo had been built beside the home of the Inferno Guild Leader. It was made entirely of wood with a shingled roof that protected the area from the elements. Three winged statues were set in a triangle facing outward. A large black bear cub sat in front of one of the statues, talking to it like you would a close friend. Every once in a while, his loud rumbling laugh would shake the structure.


    The wolf padded to a silent stop before morphing into the form of a human girl. The girl was quite thin, with a cute face that was covered in freckles. Her short red hair and leather clothing often caused others to mistake her for a young boy, an occurrence that happened often enough that she was no longer bothered by it. "Am I bothering you, Morti?"


    Morti''s large head moved from side to side. "Nope. I was just telling Pinky about my Bear Flop."


    "I see. I''ll work around you." Over the next half hour, Ginger swept out the gazebo and painstakingly cleaned each statue before picking flowers from the nearby field and placing them by the feet of the angels. "Thank you for saving my brothers. We Trams will never forget."


    Morti hadn''t spoken in several minutes; his dark eyes stared at the angelic statue. The Titan cub rumbled deep in his chest; a sound that would have sent any sane person running. As if locked in a contest of wills, the cave bear refused to look away.


    [Mortimer has strengthened Sajana''s Will]


    Ginger Tram finished her work and was about to resume her day when she felt a sudden gathering of power. Her eyes widened slightly when they focused on Sajana, the healer known as Pinky.


    Sajana has resisted Petrification.


    The petite woman dropped to her knees, groaning as her wings faded away. Large bits of rock and mortar flaked off her skin; her small hands clutched tightly at the pink hair on her head.


    /Inferno: Sajana: Cripes... My head is killing me.


    /Inferno: Sila: Pinky?


    /Inferno: Semmi: YES!! Don''t move! I''m on my way.


    Pinky stretched her arms overhead, glancing at the two statues remaining. "I''m the first?" She turned just as a thin pair of arms wrapped around her waist and hugged her tight. The healer stroked the girl''s red hair, pausing when she saw Mortimer. "Morti? What have you been eating these last few months? You''re huge."


    "Fish mostly... sometimes honey." Morti''s big tongue hung out of his mouth as he tried to remember anything else he may have consumed. "I really missed you."


    Pinky grinned and dragged the crying Tram closer to the bear so she could lean against him. "Goodness... You look so strong, Morti."


    The sudden burst speech in guild chat caused Nix to stop talking; one of their sorely missed clerics had returned. It was a huge boost. Between Pon, Semmi, and Nix, they had managed to set up regular meetings in Virtuna to keep the three healers updated on the latest Inferno news. "Appears my math is faulty; I wasn''t expecting them for another month."


    Tai smiled pleasantly; she was well aware of the importance the clerics held within Inferno. "Hopefully, the other two will revive soon."


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome back, Pinky. Take a few days to look around. As you know, a lot has changed.


    /Inferno: Sajana: Thanks, boss. I''ve had enough time off. I''ll be ready first thing in the morning.


    "Don''t worry about the artifact. I''ll keep it stored at the Turtle House for now." Nix stood up and waited until Tai finished her mudpie. "Can you open a breach for me?"


    "Back to the ranch?" Tai reclaimed her feet and wrapped the Inferno Leader up in a hug.


    "Yes." Nix felt the urge to pat the Earth Dragon''s head, but he refrained. Because of her personality, it was easy to forget her bloodline. "Are you going to refine your flames?"


    Tai opened a breach with a small hand gesture. "Deidre and Fajii are refining at the moment. I will go when they return."


    A short while later, Nix listened quietly to Hyai and Shae as they prepared dinner. Shae''s culinary skills were steadily improving under the tutelage of the Innkeeper. He found the conversation somewhat comical as the salamander continued to try and add ghost peppers to the pot Hyai was heating.


    Shae hid a smile behind her hand as she snacked on the nearly unpalatable peppers. "You''re a fire elemental. Isn''t everything better when it''s hot?"


    Hyai shook her head, keeping a watchful eye on the salamander while she poured the braised meat into a large pie crust. "Rico is eating with us."


    Shae frowned in defeat and scarfed down her handful of peppers. "Let''s give him a fire seed."


    Nix didn''t bother to comment since he knew that Vooni would disapprove of anything that put his father at risk. The dragon descendant spent a substantial amount of her free time with Rico. She liked the fact that he was content as a lifestyle player. "Next time, make two pies..."


    Shae nodded in agreement and waited while Hyai placed the meat pie in the oven. Gently she placed a hand on the pregnant woman''s swelling abdomen. "I can''t wait to meet him. Have you decided on a name?"


    Nix shook his head while Hyai nodded.


    "Nicholas," Hyai stated calmly as if the decision was written in stone.


    "Crappy name... How about the Destroyer? If your set on naming him after me, let''s go with Pon the Magnificent."


    The two redheads shared a glance before deciding it was best to ignore the Inferno Leader. Unphased moved to the living room couch and removed the Rat King puppet from his inventory. "How long till Supper?"


    "An hour," Hyai frowned when the Rat stood up on the coffee table in front of Nix. It looked more like a common rat than his other puppets had. "Is this one low level?"


    The rat shook his head and opened up a hud, an action that the two women immediately noticed. "This is the Rat King. Back in a bit." Rat King pressed the dragon icon and chittered his teeth softly while perusing the list of Dragon Cities... "Guess I''ll check out the Tembai Academy." The Rat waved at the other occupants and vanished from sight.


    Hyai sighed heavily and took a seat at the kitchen island. "I hope he doesn''t get into trouble."


    Shae shrugged slightly and pointed to the reclining Nix. "I don''t think we have to worry since he''s still here. How much trouble can a puppet get into?"

 Chapter 597: Dragon Council

    In Nix''s first visit to the Tembai Academy, he assisted Una in claiming two dragonlings. Besides the Arena, he hadn''t been able to see much of the place. The Rat King appeared suddenly, standing on a well-padded seat against the wall with a dozen other similar chairs. Two younger men were kneeling in front of the group, their eyes moving toward the once empty seat.


    The room was a massive hall, with red throw rugs covering a gold-veined marble floor. Six large pillars soared twenty meters in height supporting a vaulted ceiling that displayed a detailed painting of a large-scale battle. The once empty space had three chairs to the right and eight to the left. All eleven of the occupants were staring at the Rat King.


    "The Adjunct Council seat has been reassigned?" A tall, dark man with broad shoulders stood up at one of the center seats. His black hair was cut close to his scalp, the two long horns extending from his head marked his existence as draconian. "What is the new Adjunct''s name?"


    Nix peered over the arm of his chair while considering his options. The man facing him wore chainmail underarmor, two crescent-shaped blades hung on his belt. Rat King cleared his throat. "I am Nicholas the Destroyer."


    An awkward silence followed the statement as if the listeners were expecting the Rat King to elaborate. When he didn''t, both of the kneeling youths stood up. Since they had their heads against the floor, Nix hadn''t noticed that the two men were also dragons, ones that he had met before.


    Although the circumstance was odd, the youth addressed the rat politely. "Adjunct Councilor Nicholas? It''s an odd-sounding name."


    "Nicholas the Destroyer," Rat King corrected. "I don''t disagree." Nix sat back on the soft cushion, an action that caused the other seated council members to straighten up so they could continue to watch him. He hadn''t expected to gate directly in front of thirteen dragons. "Unfucking lucky," he muttered, feeling sick at the thought of losing the puppet. Peering around the room, he noted that the seated individuals were equally divided between male and female with his arrival.


    "Welcome, Adjunct Councilor Nicholas the Destroyer." A humor-filled voice spoke from his right; the speaker had dark hair that was weaved with white flowers, her skin was pale and tinged with the slightest amount of blue. Gold bands adorned her horns, decorated by small bells that hung from finely linked silver chains. She tilted her horned head to one side, a movement that was accompanied by a soft ringing sound. "I am Iriset." Her green eyes released the Rat King and turned toward the tall dragon. "I suggest we continue the meeting. As an Adjunct Councilor, it is his right to remain anonymous."


    The tall dragon considered the statement before nodding and resuming his seat. "Let''s continue. The Adjunct Councilor will have to catch up as best he can. Please continue."


    The two dragons that had been kneeling resumed their previous posture and began speaking.


    [You may now access the Dragon Council Menu.]


    A slender hand reached in front of Nix and activated a hud menu, favoring the Rat King with a fanged smile before returning her attention toward the front.


    Nix read the menu in front of him; the two kneeling dragons were Tristan and Roz Yor. The same dragons that had awarded him the ornate chests that contained the dragonlings. The Inferno Leader noticed there were three topics up for discussion; apparently, they were already on the second. The Dragon Council names were available, so he quickly went through; they were listed by chairs starting to the far right of him.


    [Dragon Council]


    Akris, Cavani, Crahz, Picoli, Bravis, Yuba''Vi, Gharon the Black, Quinoit, Adjunct Counselor, Iriset the Blue, Tierna, Oliviet.


    /Inferno: Nix: The fuck is going on here? Anyone in Tembai?


    /Inferno: Una: I am. Do you need anything?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. What''s the Adjunct Council position?


    /Inferno: Una: It''s a temporary award given to the dragon with the largest current contribution to our race. It is updated every six months. It''s been vacant since the last Adjunct stepped down.


    /Inferno: Nix: Why did the last one step down?


    /Inferno: Una: Marrow curse. The previous Adjunct was Jargon Kane.


    /Inferno: Nix: I see... I guess it''s my destiny to take all his shit.


    /Inferno: Una: I''m here to bring my old house members into Verynzai. Is something wrong?


    /Inferno: Nix: The new Adjunct Council member is me.


    /Inferno: Una: Pardon?


    Nix muted guild chat and studied the menu. The first thing on the agenda had been the curriculum for the Academic year. He skimmed over the second topic before stopping at the third.


    [Dragon Council]


    1) Academy Curriculum


    2) Greater Spell contribution


    3) Fey the Silver


    Nix ignored the discussion and opened the third topic.


    [Fey the Silver]


    The human known as Nix has avoided all interactions and discussions regarding bringing Fey the Silver to the Tembai Academy. Her pre-draconic abilities have been steadily climbing, and we must take the necessary measures to ensure that Fey the Silver doesn''t become a threat.


    [Rat Vanish]


    The Rat King disappeared from his council chair and quietly hopped onto the marble floor. He cut the distance between himself and the kneeling youths by half before turning to face the council. Eleven sets of eyes glowed brightly as they stared at the empty chair.


    Iriset reached a hand over the arm of her chair and patted the empty cushion. "It appears that the Adjunct Counselor has left."


    The only exit from the council chambers was a large set of double doors that were open. The Rat King scurried through the opening, pausing on the half dozen steps that led to an impressive-looking courtyard. Dozens of youths sat on benches while talking or studying. Nix turned guild chat back on.


    /Inferno: Nix: Tembai Academy is a school?


    /Inferno: Una: Yes. Did you say that you''re the Adjunct Councilor?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yeah. I''m kind of a big deal. None of these students have horns. They aren''t dragons?


    /Inferno: Una: Only faculty members are allowed to display them at the Academy.


    Nix found the only empty bench in the area and studied his surroundings. Tembai Academy was similar to the Sky Kingdom in that it was in the air. A slight breeze blowing through the courtyard gave respite to what would otherwise have been stifling heat. Since everyone was draconic in origin, he doubted they were bothered. The Rat King shook his head slightly, according to Hara, the next expansion would start here.


    ******Author''s Note*****


    Sahara or Hara is Shae''s real-life name. She referred earlier in the story that the next expansion would be the ''Flight of Dragons.''


    ************


    Loud voices drew his attention to the edge of the courtyard, where two students were squaring off.


    /Inferno: Nix: Are students allowed to fight at the Academy?


    /Inferno: Una: Duels are fairly common, but only lesser magic is allowed.


    Nix noticed that a vote popped up on his hud.


    [Fey the Silver]


    Attempt to abduct Fey the Silver?


    Nix voted against, making the tally six to six. "Sneaky fucking bastards. That''s it! It''s Rat War!"


    /Inferno: Nix: Tembai Academy must have a control room, right? What''s the energy source keeping it in the air?


    /Inferno: Una: I have no idea where it is. Please don''t steal the Academy.


    The Rat King''s sharp ears pricked forward as a crowd started to form near the arguing pair. The constant din of gossiping students told him everything he needed to know. Perot was the instigator, a student who regularly picked fights with others. He was one of the stronger Fire Mages in the Academy and had targeted Maric, someone who was not born a dragon but confiscated a dragonling body.


    /Inferno: Nix: Do those who take dragonling bodies have to attend the Academy.


    /Inferno: Una: Yes. Both myself and Tharaka are exempt from this rule since we were originally dragons.


    Nix weaved his way through the crown before scurrying up a vertical wall and sitting comfortably. Perot''s voice was elevated as he continued to berate his opponent. For whatever reason, Maric seemed unwilling to engage.


    "The pretender doesn''t want to fight?" Perot had a deep voice and dark good looks. His raven hair hung down his back, swaying slightly as he made exaggerated gestures with his hands. His face reflected a cruel nature that Nix found intolerable.


    [Whisper: Rat King to Maric] Looks to me that you will end up fighting this idiot. Summon me, and I''ll give you a hand.


    [Whisper: Maric to Rat King] Seriously? How am I supposed to do that?


    [Whisper: Rat King to Maric] Try chanting something and wave your hands around.


    The Rat King leaped down from the wall and moved to Maric''s side.


    [Whisper: Maric to Rat King] Fine. I hope you can fight.


    Maric backed a few steps away from his opponent, who seemed surprised at the sudden change of events. "I guess you won''t give me a choice..." His fingers traced imaginary symbols in the air while his hands glowed with black flames; he ended the chant with a loud clap that sent the flames outward. Nix dropped stealth immediately afterward.


    "You summoned a rat?" Perot''s disdain was clear as he sent a bolt of fire at Maric''s new companion. The orange flames enveloped his target and bathed him in an inferno for several seconds before fading away.


    The Rat King is immune to fire.


    The gathered crowd went suddenly quiet; an aura of flames clung to the rat for several seconds before disappearing. Its yellow eyes focused on Perot. "Here''s where we fuck you up..."


    [Rat Vanish]


    The Rat King vanished from sight and darted towards his target with speed similar to the Ravager puppet. Rat claws struck at his opponent, slicing through the thick boots and both Achilles'' tendons. The student collapsed to the cobblestones with a blood-curdling scream, striking at the Rat King with a flaming sword.


    [Whisper: Rat King to Maric] Cast something at him...


    The Rat King remained a close range, easily dodging the sword that swiped recklessly at him.


    Maric has cast [Fevered Pox][Gut Rot]


    Combination Successful.


    Perot''s flaming blade extinguished itself as he clutched his stomach with both hands. Ugly pus-filled welts sprouted from his skin. The Rat King''s form blurred in as Nix''s claws slashed vertically, exposing the bone in a long wound that extended from forehead to chin.


    "STOP AT ONCE!"


    The Rat King noticed one of the faculty members'' arrival and promptly returned to Maric, climbing up his side to perch calmly on his shoulder.


    "What is the meaning of this?" The speaker''s long horns marked him as someone important. His dark eyes showed anger as he cast a spell on the downed student.


    Maric cleared his throat. "Student Perot forced me to duel, even though I stated several times that I wasn''t interested."


    Several voices erupted at once.


    "That''s right! Maric refused to fight, but Perot kept pushing.


    "Perot always starts fight!"


    "Perot had it coming!"


    The Rat King nodded in agreement, a gesture that no one noticed. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "What kind of element do you have?"


    "Pestilence," Maric stated simply, his voice filled with regret. "Unfortunately, it doesn''t hold up well against fire."


    "The fuck you say... We just kicked his ass." Rat King nodded happily at being able to vent his anger.


    [Whisper: Rat King to Maric] Gotta go! Where can I find you?


    [Whisper: Maric to Rat King] I''m in the freshmen dorms, room 212 on the second floor.


    Rat King noted the location and disappeared from sight.


    Hyai smiled at Nix as he sat up from his place on the couch. "Just in time for dinner."


    Nix returned her smile, noticing that both his dad and Vooni were sitting at the island with Shae. "Thanks for cooking!"

 Chapter 598: New Dharta

    Nix closed his eyes with a long-drawn-out sigh. After a good night''s sleep and a large breakfast, Tai had invited him to soak in the mudbaths of her nursery before his meeting with Pon. "Thanks, Tai. I needed this."


    The Earth Dragon''s bare shoulders brushed against his. "No need to thank me. I enjoy your company."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Same... Could you open a direct contact for me with Iriset the Blue."


    Tai turned toward him, her brown eyes showing surprise. "How do you know Seti?"


    "Seti?" Nix grinned suddenly. "That a nickname? I approve."


    Tai pursed her lips slightly when he didn''t answer her question. "Are you involved with her somehow?"


    "Just physically." Nix gave her a deadpan expression. "Want the details?"


    Tai shook her head slightly, immediately understanding that he was joking. "I will contact her at your leisure."


    Nix muttered a curse under his breath. "You used to be more gullible. Now works for me."


    Tai paused for a moment. "Don''t you want to get dressed or perhaps move away from me?"


    "Nope. Bring her up." Nix waited until a life-sized holo of Iriset the Blue appeared over the bubbling mud directly in front of them. She looked exactly the same as she had the day before.


    "Tai''Qui?" The surprise was evident on her face, although she knew the Earth Dragon. Apparently, the contact was unexpected.


    "Hi, Seti. I''m contacting you on behalf of my friend, Nix." Tai gestured to the man sitting beside her.


    "Nix?" Seti''s tone changed slightly as her green eyes focused on the Inferno Leader. "Do we have business together, Guild Leader Nix?"


    Nix nodded. "I want you to pass on a message to the rest of the Dragon Council."


    Seti stared at him for a long moment. Could he know about the vote? Council members were forbidden from disclosing closed sessions. "What''s the message?"


    Nix smiled pleasantly. "If the Dragon Council attempts to abduct Fey, I''ll destroy the Tembai Academy."


    Seti''s holo seemed to lean forward, her green eyes losing all sense of friendliness. "Do not threaten the Dragon Council."


    "That wasn''t a threat; it was a response to a six to six vote from yesterday''s council meeting. You''re a water elemental..." Nix jumped slightly when he felt Tai''s hand squeeze his thigh. "To be honest, most of your ilk are complete bitches. Fuck around with my spirit companion and..."


    Before he could say anything else, Tai covered his mouth with a slim brown hand while closing direct contact before an angry-looking Seti could respond. She held her grip for several seconds as she leaned against him. "What was that about, Nix?"


    Nix shrugged out of her grip and leaned back against the edge of the mud pool. "Yesterday, the dragon council voted on whether or not to bring Fey into the Academy forcefully."


    Tai narrowed her eyes as she started putting the pieces together. "Seti is on the council. Somehow, you learned about the vote?"


    Nix nodded slightly. "I''m the new Adjunct Council member."


    Tai''s pretty face split into a wide smile. "Jargon Kane''s position? I can''t say that I''m not pleased. How is that possible? I wonder..."


    ****************


    The lake of molten rock bubbled slightly, emitting a bluish-colored gas that immediately burned out of existence with a brilliant flash, the moment it was exposed to the air. The orange glow from the landscape was the only light in the naturally formed pocket deep beneath the surface. A large serpentine head emerged from depths, slowly exposing a long neck and muscular scaled body that was a few hundred feet in length. It was black as night; the heavily armored eyelids blinked open, exposing a creature of deep intelligence.


    Deidra has developed a new dread flame.


    An orange glow surrounding the enormous beast as it shot flame high into the ceiling, instantly causing the affected part of the cavern to splash into the pool. Her toothy jaws snapped shut with a powerful bang that echoed through the underground. An instant later, she morphed into human form.


    A hundred meters away, a second form rose from the inferno lake bed. This one was humanoid in shape; the molten rock ran freely off of her reddish-brown skin. Two sets of brown wings flapped gently as she took a moment to examine herself.


    Fajii has activated her Bloodline, Second Form: Dread Archon.


    Her once brown skin now held a decided red color and felt slightly scaly to the touch, like a reptile. The pointed ears were slightly longer than before; her warm brown eyes still held verticle irises.


    "You are much stronger now, Fajii." Deidra dressed herself with a wave of her hand and opened a breach to the surface. "Will you return now?"


    Fajii nodded. "Yes. Thank you."


    *****************


    Do you wish to enchant the Thermo-Ice ring with the Rat King animation?


    "Yes."


    [Critical Crafting]


    "Critical crafting? I wasn''t making anything, just enhancing it..." Nix removed the ring from the crafting interface and examined it.


    Rat King''s Environmental Ring: Artifact


    Description: Adapts the heat signature of the wearer to whatever environment they are in. The combination of craftsmanship and quality components has yielded an unexpected result. Two of the Rat King''s abilities are available to anyone who bears this ring.


    [Rat Army] Summons all rats within range to fight on your behalf.


    [Dead Rat] Pretend you''re dead and lose all aggro.


    Nix whistled softly and pushed Del''s soft white muzzle out of his face. "Going to have to teach you about boundaries."


    /Inferno: Pon: You coming, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yep. Be there in a moment.


    Nix stood up from his seat on the floor. "Coming, Del?"


    The Stalker answered by activating her Guild Recall icon; a moment later, Nix did the same thing.


    "About time you showed up!" Pon''s wrinkled face was already set in a scowl. "Don''t you know how to tell time?"


    Nix has joined Alpha.


    Del has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: We said noon. It''s currently 1155 hours.


    /Alpha: Pon: If you''re not ten minutes early, you''re late!


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s the dumbest thing I''ve ever heard. Let''s head to New Dharta and talk to Felid Sah so we can plan our next step.


    Nix activated the emerald-colored dragon icon on his hud and chose New Dharta from Dragon Cities'' list. A moment later, he disappeared from the Inferno Guild Hall, leaving both Del and Pon to find their own way.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shit... I forgot you couldn''t use your Breach Commander abilities anymore. Now I have to walk to the Temple.


    /Alpha: Nix: Now who''s late?


    Nix stepped off the New Dharta platform, his eyes scanning the small changes in the city. The shields were up, and the temperature was comfortably warm. A dozen soldiers guarded the entrance to the city. Felid Sah and Corporal Meriam Custer were standing next to one of the two automated turrets that were mounted next to the gate.


    The rotund leader was dressed in bright purple robes; his white teeth flashed a smile at the Inferno Leader when he noticed him approaching. "Nix! Welcome back!"


    Nix nodded respectively, smiling when Meriam offered him a crisp salute. She had taken over the duties of former guard captain, Tarot Finlow. "Getting enough supplies for the shops?"


    Felid nodded slightly; since New Dharta had an active gate, they could travel freely to the Dragon Cities that Inferno already owned. Commerce would take a few days to start rolling, but the growth potential had returned. "Yes. Thanks to you and our friends from Inferno."


    "Let''s get started then..." Nix motioned for Meriam to return; she had walked off to speak with the gate guards while Felid briefed him. The Inferno Leader presented her with a short list of supplies that included a rough sketch. "Can you salvage these materials?"


    Meriam examined the list with her good eye; someone had given her a patch to wear so that the sewn-shut eyelid wasn''t visible. "Wood and leather scraps shouldn''t be a problem. Nothing here that''s really complicated. We have a carpenter that should be able to make this drawing.


    Pon leaned over the guard''s shoulder to read the list. "Is that what I think it is?"


    "Yep... It''s a dogsled." Nix shrugged slightly, "unless you have a better idea?"


    /Alpha: Del: Dogsled? I understand the two separate words, but what is it?


    /Alpha: Nix: An elongated sled pulled by dogs, or in this case, it will be Dire Wolves.


    /Alpha: Del: Are you serious?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes. You''ll see, it will work fine.


    *****************


    [Haven 1600 hours, T.O.C.]


    The Dire Wolf waited calmly while the rest of her pack gathered. Since Nix had personally assigned Bali to head up wolf recruitment, she was taking it very seriously. She rounded up the Trams, a handful of lifestyle players with no combat experience and whomever she could find. It would have been a motley-looking crew had they not been so beautiful. Her boss had insisted that they use his Dire Wolf puppets even though some of them had the same enhancement on their armor.


    /Wolfpack: Bali: We''ll be heading to New Dharta in five minutes.


    /Wolfpack: Nansu: Will we be fighting?


    /Wolfpack: Bali: Maybe some Howlers, but don''t worry, Nix and Pon will be accompanying us.


    Bali glanced down at her list before forwarding it to Nix.


    [Dire Wolf Pack]


    Bali


    Chiba


    Beta


    Rabi


    Sasi


    Ginger


    Wind


    Theo


    Mik


    Donri


    Rico


    Deidra


    Elan Mtui


    Banz


    The Ain''Dhassi ranger nodded to Tai''Qui, who was on hand to open a breach directly to New Dharta. A small breach opened up a moment later.


    /Wolfpack: Bali: Everyone through, we''ll head into New Dharta and then get briefed on our mission.

 Chapter 599: Kukulkan

    Nix finished the last of the Dire Wolf harnesses shortly before Bali sent him the list of everyone going on the mission. Two names stood out from the rest, his dad and Deidra. "The hell is Bali thinking?"


    Pon glanced at the list but didn''t bother to comment. Dragons did whatever they wanted. "Three sleds are ready to go. How many will we need?"


    Nix pulled up the hud map of the Vespri region. "Here''s New Dharta. Our first target city is Trident. It should take about eight hours to arrive. My intel says there''s already a Supply Caravan there. We can mod the wagons with wooden runners and hitch them with Dire Wolf teams."


    "How big is the convoy at Trident?" Pon turned toward the opening breach and waved the Inferno members over.


    "No idea at this point. Maybe as many as 40 or 50 wagons." Nix stored more than enough dire wolf pelts to create low-level pullers, making a few hundred lower-level puppets took far fewer resources than a single Emperor level one. "Let''s get going."


    /Inferno: Nix: Teams of four on each of the three sleds. The one nearest me is sled Alpha; in order, the next two are Bravo and Charlie. Here are the assignments.


    /Inferno: Bali: My ranger team is leading the way!


    /Inferno: Nix: Pon, Floyd, and myself will be the mushers. Before you ask, it''s a sled driver. Head to your sled, and we''ll get the harnesses on.


    /Inferno: Deidra: Elan and I aren''t assigned to a sled.


    /Inferno: Nix: The two of you will join up with Del. Scout the trail ahead for obstacles and predators. Sending both of you a map of our route to Trident.


    /Inferno: Deidra: Understood, Nix.


    [Alpha Sled]


    *Nix


    Bali


    Mik


    Theo


    Ginger


    [Bravo Sled]


    *Pon


    Chiba


    Beta


    Wind


    Rico


    [Charlie Sled]


    *Floyd


    Sasi


    Rabi


    Donri


    Banz


    Nix slipped the harness over Bali''s wolf head and then fed her front legs through before pulling it in place and attaching it to the tugline. "Bali! What''s with Ain''Dhassi rangers and face licking?"


    "Sorry, Boss, you looked tasty." Bali''s wolf head tilted slightly while she watched Nix work. "What''s that thing?"


    "This is the tugline; it attaches to the gangline which is secured to the sled." Nix wiped the slobber off his cheek before moving to the next puller.


    After he finished hitching the team, Nix helped Floyd out since Pon was nearly finished. It was a foreign concept to the Naga, but as with everything, he learned quickly.


    /Inferno: Nix: Alpha sled will lead the way. We''ll leave in ten minutes. Scouts may depart now; find us the easiest path.


    /Inferno: Del: Understood. We''ll find a suitable path.


    The Artic Slayer broke into an easy trot that both wolves matched; within a few seconds, all three of them exited through the main gate and disappeared into the winter storm.


    *********************


    The sled expedition left New Dharta and very quickly disappeared into the whirling storm of Deep Winter. Visibility was limited to less than thirty meters. The white-out conditions not only hampered their progress but also masked them from potential predators. Several times over the first few hours, the sleds would follow Del in a wide detour to avoid one of the nasty surprises Everspire offered. Unlike traditional sled dogs, the Dire Wolves were unaffected by the harsh conditions or deep snow. Alpha sled effectively broke trail, making the going somewhat easier for those following.


    /Alpha: Del: We''ve trouble ahead, Nix.


    Nix frowned at the words and directed Bali to stop under a large stand of fir trees.


    /Inferno: Nix: Short break while I talk with the scout team.


    Nix has activated [Dragon Eyes].


    The Inferno Leader''s eyes glowed brightly as he scanned the immediate area; only Del''s form stood out. Within a few moments, she approached with Deidra and Elan Mtui in tow.


    Del''s white fur was crusted with ice, but she showed no discomfort as she pushed her cold muzzle into Nix''s face. Instead of admonishing her like he normally would, Nix took a moment to melt the considerable amount of ice that clung to her fur.


    /Inferno: Nix: Howlers?


    /Inferno: Del: No, although a large pack of them picked up our scent a few minutes ago.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shit... How large of a pack?


    /Inferno: Del: More than a hundred.


    Nix glanced back at the sleds; he had moved a few meters away when he spotted the scout team. Everspire Howlers were the strongest of their kind; anything more than a few dozen could prove difficult for most groups. "I assume they''re after our cargo?" Each of the sleds was loaded with frozen bricks of Arcturis''Fraiza meat, the creature that Inferno killed when freeing Eidengal.


    Del''s blue eyes glanced at her tracking hud; instead of closing on them, the Howlers were keeping their distance. "That would be my guess. The real problem is the pass we are about to enter."


    Nix brought up a map of the immediate area; the pass in question was only a few miles away. If their supply convoy stayed at the current pace, they''d be there within the hour. "What''s wrong with the pass?"


    /Alpha: Del: I''ll show you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Draw the sleds closer together and standby.


    /Inferno: Deidra: Want the scouts to follow?


    /Inferno: Nix: Stay here and help secure the group.


    Nix slid onto Del''s back and leaned over until his chin rested against her soft fur. The Slayer broke into an easy run, fading into the heavily falling snow within seconds.


    The path they had been following had been sparsely forested, but according to Del''s report, that would change drastically once they moved through the pass. The pass was about twenty meters across and buried in nearly two meters of snow. The Slayer''s paws barely sunk into the snow despite her substantial size. When she stopped, her passenger eased off her back and studied the area.


    /Alpha: Nix: What am I looking for, Del?


    Del brought up her tracking hud and showed him everything within fifty meters.


    [Tracking]


    [Fifty Meters]


    Nix (Ally): 1 meter. [TR: Substantial]


    Kukulkan (Neutral): 20 meters North. [TR: Undetermined]


    /Alpha: Nix: TR? Is that something new?


    /Alpha: Del: Yes. It''s unique to the Slayer''s tracking. It means Threat Rating. For reference, a single Howler is rated at ''Limited.'' However, the group rating for the size following us is ''Deadly.''


    /Alpha: Nix: Your track has a group rating?


    /Alpha: Del: Yes. This is also unique to the Slayer. Our team''s rating is also ''Deadly.''


    /Alpha: Nix: Shit... That Slayer puppet was pretty nice. I might have to seek compensation.


    /Alpha: Del: I''m in heat... I could compensate you according to the old ways.


    Nix laughed and shook his head. "The hell are you talking about? Did you get that idea from Chiba?"


    "I did," Del admitted. She gestured toward the center of the pass. "Our target is there."


    Nix moved a handful of meters to the north and stopped. "Kukulkan? I assume you can hear me. I''m Guild Leader Nix, from Inferno. My group and I need to travel through this pass."


    "Nix... A hated name." The voice reverberated from everywhere, bouncing off the pass''s sheer rock walls to echo in the pair''s ears. "All of Khione''s forces search for you."


    Nix grinned at the words; he''d given the Winter Goddess plenty of reason to be pissed at him. "I''m not difficult to find. How hard are they really looking?"


    Kukulkan''s laughter was different from its voice; it was light and filled with mirth. "You may be right. The flames of destruction follow in your wake."


    Nix frowned slightly. "Huh? That''s hardly fair; I haven''t really burned anything in Vespri yet."


    Both Del and Nix stepped back when the pass shifted slightly; the thick cover of snow exploded outward as a dragon-sized head emerged. It stopped after a meter, its pale eyes focusing on the duo for a moment before continuing upward; five, ten, and then finally twenty meters.


    /Alpha: Nix: Well shit...


    The creature was as white as snow. Its serpentine head was long and narrow with several rows of razor-sharp teeth. Its white eyes seemed incapable of sight, but both were focused on the Inferno Leader. It resembled an enormous snake; however, it was covered in short, white feathers instead of scales.


    "You seem surprised by my appearance, Guild Leader Nix." Kukulkan''s long tail was coiled beneath it; the creature''s total length was nearly fifty meters.


    /Alpha: Nix: Can you find us, Floyd?


    /Alpha: Floyd: Sure. On my way.


    /Alpha: Pon: Need me too?


    /Alpha: Nix: Not yet.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Very surprised. Although I do recognize the flames."


    Ice blue liquid dripped from the massive maw, sizzling loudly when it contacted the snow. It was Ice Flames. For some reason, Nix guessed it was used in its bite, rather than shooting it out like dragon flames.


    "Let''s come to an understanding, Guild Leader Nix. You and your people will retreat from my pass. In return, I shall graciously let you keep your life."


    /Alpha: Del: I''m sensing dual elements from it.


    /Alpha: Nix: Same. Probably Ice and Fire... An enormous cheat. Retreat at once, Del.


    /Alpha: Del: Not without you. We can''t beat this thing.


    Nix stepped away from the Artic Slayer. "You''re partially right."


    Nix has activated his bloodline [Final Form: Dread Beast].

 Chapter 600: The Cold Trail

    The Artic Slayer froze in place while her hackles raised in alarm. After a few moments, Del retreated several steps, her large paws flattened out naturally, to keep her on the snow''s surface. Crouching slightly, she waited for any sign of aggression.


    The beast sneezed once; calm yellow eyes scanned the surroundings while its nostrils flared slightly, tasting various scents in the air. Ignoring the feathered serpent, it covered the distance to the Slayer in a single bound.


    "Nix..." Del couldn''t help the fear that bubbled up. The beast was much larger than she had guessed, covered in heavy armor and sporting both shoulder and tail spikes; it looked like a dragon-slayer. The burning red-orange wings were furled neatly against the bone ridge that ran down its back. Sharp claws would have dug deep into the snow had it not instantly thawed when he approached. Steam hung heavy in the air, pushing back the bone-chilling cold of the pass. "You''re beautiful."


    The dread beast extended its wide snout, sniffing the side of the feline''s face before licking the top of her head with a sandpaper-like tongue. When Del laughed nervously in response, the creature nudged her playfully, sending her skidding across the melted rocks.


    /Alpha: Del: Hold one moment, Floyd. Nix changed into his Dread Beast form.


    /Alpha: Pon: Be very careful!


    /Alpha: Floyd: Understood. What are you facing?


    /Alpha: Del: Some kind of feathered serpent named Kukulkan.


    /Alpha: Floyd: Kukulkan? Retreat if you can, Del. According to my ancestral memories, Kukulkan is very formidable.


    Del padded softly toward the dread beast, stopping when she was within a meter. "Not going to leave Nix here by himself, no matter what."


    "My gracious offer won''t match much longer, little beast." The feathered serpent lowered its head until it hovered near the ground; behind it, the long body coiled as if preparing to strike.


    Kukulkan struck without warning, its maw stretching wide open as it blurred toward the dread beast. Razor-sharp teeth that dripped with Ice flame clamped down around the furled wings of the creature. With the captive firmly gripped, the head rose into the air, wrenching from side to side in an effort to tear it in half.


    Del struck as soon as the serpent began to retreat, the Slayer slashed at its exposed throat, rending deep gashes that sprayed blood on the feline. Sensing the serpents counter, the Ain''Dhassi dodged the Kukulkan''s tail an instant before it slammed onto the rocks where she''d been standing.


    /Alpha: Del: Pon, Floyd, it has Nix!


    Del circled the serpent; her sharp eyes noticed the Naga and Fire Mage closing on her position. "Careful! It..."


    Del''s words trailed off as an ear-splitting screech filled the air. Blood mist filled the air around Kukulkan''s head. A moment later, it disintegrated in a ball of green fire that was accompanied by the disgusting smell of burnt feathers.


    "The fuck just happened?" Pon appeared in his dread form, landing beside Del as he stared into the cloud of smoke and red mist. The loud ''womp'' of Kukulkan''s headless corpse slammed into the ground with an earth-shaking impact. The Fire Mage shielded the Slayer from the heat emanating from the mass of brilliant emerald flames. "Turn them off, Nix!"


    As if understanding, the green flames disappeared, leaving an unharmed dread beast standing where it had been dropped.


    /Alpha: Floyd: The hell are those?


    Pon whistled softly under his breath. The dread beast looked like a reverse pin-cushion. Dozens of long bone spikes extended outward from its armor. The points were barbed like a fishhook. "You never showed that against Khione."


    "You okay?" Del approached the beast, examing it for wounds. A few of its wing feathers looked ruffled, but besides that, it was untouched. "Doesn''t he usually get mad and rage when attacked?"


    Pon nodded. "He''s calm." The Fire Mage watched as it pounced on the headless snake and batted it away with a clawed foot. Several meters of serpent was tossed into the air like it was weightless.


    /Inferno: Deidra: I believe the Howlers are closing on our position.


    /Inferno: Pon: Unhitch the teams; any of the lifestyle players that don''t want to fight should stay in the middle.


    /Inferno: Deidrea: Already, done.


    Del checked Track, verifying that the large group was moving toward them. "She''s right!"


    "Coming, Nix?" Pon took to the air, pausing to see if the dread beast followed. It opted to stay on the ground while following Del and Floyd.


    ********************


    The Dire Wolf moved away from the defensive circle, its nose sniffing the air. "My lovely Apprentice has worked hard making these puppets. We must ensure they are returned in proper condition."


    "Chiba! Stay in the circle and wait." Elan Mtui had the wolves form a circle that faced outward. The sleds were brought into the middle. All of the lifestyle players had opted to fight.


    The large beast crouched as it paused for a moment. "Prey waits, and beautiful Chiba is not prey." It charged suddenly; three wolves followed her attack just as the first of the Howlers came into view.


    The howlers of Everspire looked similar to the ones in Colonial. Rough skin that ranged from pale white to very dark blue was covered in grotesque splotches by matted white fur. They were powerful bipedal predators that ran like a primate, using the knuckles of their hands.


    Some of the Howlers were equipped with blunt clubs, but most killed with fangs and claws. The fastest of the group focused on the charging dire wolf, leaping several meters to strike downward at the wolf head.


    "You are slow and ugly." Chiba-wolf dodged nimbly and appeared behind the beast with an easy movement, her sharp fangs tearing through the hamstring. The Howler went down with a blood-curdling scream and was promptly buried by the three wolves that followed her. Without pausing, she picked out her next target.


    Pon has cast [Meteor Shower: Dread Flame].


    Thousands of bright orange balls of flame struck the main body of the howler pack. The sound of explosions, shrill howls, and smoke filled the air. The snow-covered earth, quaked with impacts as a torrent of fire rained from the sky.


    Del didn''t even slow down when she found herself facing a pack of the larger howlers. The Slayer darted into its prey while its claws struck with enough force to tear off limbs and crush bone.


    The dread beast followed her, occasionally killing them if they strayed too close. Unexpectedly, it found the howlers to be harmless and wasn''t overly concerned with them.


    "My Apprentice is lovely beyond words!" A Dire Wolf clamped its powerful jaws on the head of an attacking howler; before it could respond, three more wolves dragged it to the ground, where it was quickly torn to pieces.


    What started as a numerical mismatch quickly turned into a route, thanks largely to the dread flames of the old man who hovered over the once-frozen battlefield. Nearly all the howlers were slain; those that survived had lost their taste for battle and retreated into the storm.


    /Inferno: Pon: Did we lose anyone?


    /Inferno: Del: One, actually. I seemed to have misplaced Nix.


    /Inferno: Pon: Shit, Del. One job, and you fucked it up.


    /Inferno: Del: He has wings, and I don''t. Besides that, listening isn''t really his strong point.


    /Inferno: Chiba: Don''t worry, my Apprentice is probably out getting laid. That''s the best way to unwind after fighting.


    /Inferno: Pon: True... Probably found himself a stray dragon. Let''s hook the sleds back up and continue to Trident. He''ll follow when he''s able.


    /Inferno: Del: Kukulkan dropped something, but I didn''t stop to pick it up.


    /Inferno: Floyd: I''ll go get it.


    ************


    [Trident City, 1945 hours]


    "It should be around here, Commander." A tall, burly man dressed in thick furs shielded his eyes from the blowing snow. He wore hand-made snowshoes that kept him from sinking too deep into the snow. Just after sunset, a green flash of light outside of the city walls had been seen.


    "Just call me Cadie, Dux." The young woman wore lighter furs, but an expert had crafted them. Her tanned face was cute rather than pretty, with brown hair that continually worked its way into her eyes. Their caravan''s command section had been killed by howlers, with no one else willing; she had taken charge.


    "This is all fresh snow; something melted everything." Dux held a torch out in front of him, but it did little to help. Visibility was down to a few meters during the day, and the sun had already set.


    Cadie nodded in reply and then stopped suddenly. A wave of warmth washed over her as she stepped forward, her eyes quickly spotting the man sleeping among the glowing embers. "Found someone!"


    Dux''s long strides caught up to her just as she crouched beside the unconscious figure. "Careful, he could be dangerous."


    Cadie ignored the warning and turned the man onto his back before freezing in place. She lay a cold hand against his warm face, letting it rest there for a moment while she tried to find words. "Nix... The Guild Leader of Inferno."


    "Nix? The Nix?" Dux pulled his hood back slightly. "He dead? We''re fucked if he is. I''ve heard stories about Inferno."


    Cadie shook her head while she examined him. He seemed completely intact; he wore finely crafted leather armor that looked like it had never seen battle. His familiar short black hair was pulled straight back to expose an angular, yet handsome face. "I can''t find any wounds..."


    "How is he alive in this weather?" Dux loosened his heavy fur coat. "We should leave him, no telling how dangerous he is."


    Instead of listening, Cadie pulled Nix upright. "He saved our convoy several months ago. Since then, he also aided me when I was captured and taken to the Tembai Academy."


    Dux sighed heavily picked up the Inferno leader for a moment before promptly setting him down. "Shit..."


    Cadie fixed him with a confused stare. "He too heavy?"


    Dux slipped off his heavy fur coat and tossed it to her. "No. He''s warm, like standing next to a bonfire."


    "Or a burning building," Cadie added with a smile. "Come on, let''s get him back to town."

 Chapter 601: First Meal

    The sleeping man turned onto his side, pausing there for a moment while drifting between sleep and consciousness. Nix sniffed once and then repeated the action before one eye cracked open. "I smell chicken... Is Hyai making chicken?"


    "Who''s Hyai?" A soft voice spoke from the chair placed near the bed. The brown-haired woman smiled widely and pushed her protesting hair behind both ears.


    Nix pulled himself to a sitting position, turning to face the young woman. "I remember you, Cadie, right?"


    Cadie nodded. "Well met, once again. Your friends arrived the night before last."


    "Inferno is already here?" Nix glanced around the room; it was somewhat Spartan with only a large bed, one table, and two chairs. Embers still glowing in the fireplace accounted for the comfortable warmth. "How long was I sleeping?"


    "A bit over two days." The woman moved to the corner where a small wooden keg had been placed. "Pon left this for you; I believe he called it Toma."


    Nix laughed suddenly, smiling at the woman as she tapped a spigot into the miniature barrel. "Beer and chicken? The last time I had those two things together, I woke up someplace weird."


    "I''m sure you did." Brown eyes filled with warmth stared for a moment before gesturing for him to join her. "Sit, please. Let''s enjoy our first meal together."


    "Better a first meal than a last one." Nix sat across from her, filled with questions but unable to ask the ones he wanted. "I appreciate all you''ve done for me."


    She winked at him and dished two plates. "I don''t have any seasoning or a proper oven, but enjoy the food."


    Nix bowed his head slightly, "Thank you."


    Over the next hour, Cadie filled Nix in on their Caravan''s situation and how Trident was barely making ends meet. For his part, the Inferno Leader told her about Fey''s recent activities and life at Haven.


    "Haven sounds wonderful." Cadie leaned back in her chair and smiled at her companion. After some prodding, he had opened up about his Inferno family and the people close to him. "I''d like to visit one day."


    Nix nodded slightly. "Fey would like that." He smiled at her words while choosing his own very carefully.


    An hour later, shortly before noon, Nix worked with Pon and Cadie as Inferno joined up with the nearly fifty surviving members of the Caravan. Using salvaged lumber from buildings within the town, the wagons were modified to accept skids. They were somewhat cumbersome and much heavier than the sleds Inferno had made, but with four dire wolves per team, they were confident the job could be done.


    Elan Mtui was handling the logistics of putting a wagon train consisting of thirty wagons back onto the trails. Nix had several dozen low-level dire wolf puppets and was forced to ask for volunteers from within the town.


    /Inferno: Pon: Those bastards actually asked to get paid?


    /Inferno: Nix: A few of them did. I told them their pay would be ''not starving to death.''


    /Inferno: Floyd: All they have to do is follow the fucking wolf in front of them.


    /Inferno: Pon: Whoah... Language.


    /Inferno: Nix: No kidding. Where''d you learn to talk like that?


    /Inferno: Elan: We''ll need our experienced pullers as team leads, which should make the transition easier. Deidra is about to brief the team. Join Caravan, please.


    /Caravan: Deidra: Read the following brief; if you have questions, ask them after you''ve finished reading.


    [Caravan]


    Inferno''s mission is to open the supply line within the Vespri Province. We''ll be connecting New Dharta to Trident, Trident to Vetri, Vetri to Indix, Indix to Kephor, and Kephor back to New Dharta.


    Your part of this mission is to inhabit the dire wolf puppets and help transport supplies to Vetri. At that point, you may leave the puppets in place. Vetri is approximately seven hours, barring any mishaps.


    Nix gestured for Cadie and Pon to step back; when they complied, he gripped the sides of the upsidedown wagon and returned it to its original position. "We''ll leave at first light. What''s for dinner tonight?"


    Pon''s old face creased in a wide smile. Since Nix missed the last part of their journey, he wasn''t aware of the menu. "Feathered serpent."


    "We''re eating Kukulkan?" Nix grimaced slightly and fixed his gaze on Cadie. "Any of that chicken left?"


    Cadie shook her head slightly. "I''ve heard snake taste like chicken."


    "No, it doesn''t," Floyd''s face showed a complete lack of concern. "Although, I''ve never tasted the feathered variety.


    /Alpha: Pon: Don''t bullshit us, boy... The only snake you''ve eaten is Lamia, and it wasn''t cooked.


    /Alpha: Nix: Heh... Uncooked Lamia... Brave lad.


    /Alpha: Floyd: You''re just a couple of bastards.


    /Alpha: Nix: That''s very hurtful.


    /Alpha: Pon: Agreed.


    /Alpha: Del: I don''t get it.


    /Alpha: Nix: Tell you later.


    **********************


    Three days went by quickly in Vespri, with Nix and Pon at the helm; the supply route within the Province was reconnected. Each city was required to provide puppet masters for the next. After the second day, Nix appointed Cadie as the Caravan Commander and left nearly all his lower-level Dire Wolf puppets in her charge.


    After their final meeting with Felid Sah, the Vespri quest updated but then seemed to disappear from his quest log. Breach Commander Mtui opened a gate back to Haven, and just like that, Inferno returned home.


    Nix, Pon, Del, and Floyd stepped off the platform within the Gemini Temple and unexpectedly ran into Semmi, Sindi, and Nihlus. Since placing the two inside of his last Titan puppets, Tai''Qui''s kin had been flourishing.


    The large white Titan Lion bowed its maned head respectfully. "Nix, the Titans await your command."


    Nix spared a glance at the blonde officer who was smiling widely. "We talking about the Lion Titans or the Scorpion Titans?"


    Semmi shook her head slightly. "All of them, Nix. The Falcons, Lions, and the Scorpion Clans have been restored. The Quest updated yesterday, you are to report to Tautius."


    Nix opened up his quest log, there was only one. "I must have missed it. The damned Everspire Questline is gone. Perhaps we did something wrong?"


    Semmi squeezed in between Pon and Nix, her blue eyes staring at the quest hud. "I noticed the same thing. Perhaps there is some connection to the Titan Quest?"


    [Restoration of the Titan Clans] Report to Tautius, he is waiting in Eidengal.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Guild meeting at the TOC, all available hands on deck for our progress update.


    Semmi has joined Alpha.


    Fajii has joined Alpha.


    Nix turned toward the training yard when he noticed the message, the Scorched Earth Mage was flanked by a few of her Accoytles and Tai''Qui. She hugged him tight for a long moment before letting him go.


    /Alpha: Nix: You seem much stronger.


    /Alpha: Fajii: I am. Shae wants to speak with you, she''s waiting for us at the TOC.


    When Alpha team entered the TOC a few minutes later, nearly every member of Inferno was present. Shae was sitting next to Vooni and Rico, so Nix and his group joined them.


    Shae kissed the side of his face when he sat down, she had noticed that Nix had brought Cadie into the guild. "We should talk about Fey."


    Nix frowned slightly, the drakon had been on his mind quite a bit over the last few days. He left the third dragonling heart with Shae knowing that the salamander would keep an eye on her. "Did something happen?"


    Shae nodded. "The third heart was the easiest, she entered the Temple of Flames this morning."


    Nix considered the statement for a long moment while Semmi and Jun Li started the raid rosters. "So soon? Why didn''t she wait?"


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] When Fey returned to Haven, Deidra immediately grabbed her and brought her to the Temple.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] I''m sensing an issue.


    [Whisper: Shae to Nix] She evolved into a Silver Dragon, apparently every dragon in felt it. Including the ones from Tembai Academy.


    [Whisper: Nix to Shae] Let''s get the War update, I''ll deal with Tembai Academy later.


    Jun Li raised a hand and quieted everyone down. Morti sat in the back with his parents, Ducky and Gil. With the exception of the small group of Titans, everyone else was a member of Inferno.


    Jun Li started the meeting with a warm smile. "We received word from Gideon in Oasis, the Dhassi are down to their last Regional Lord. This one resides near the Su''Dhassi city of Phai. That means that all three planes are at the same point."


    Semmi brought a large holo-map of Colonial. "In three days, we will take down Parux, in Jhabi. We believe this will cause the Colonial Planar Boss to spawn near Cyphix City. At this time, Inferno will act in concert with the available mid-tier guilds and take this boss down."


    Unexpectedly, the entire room applauded the statement, there were lots of smiling faces all around. Just about everyone was tired of Deep Winter, even if Haven remained unaffected.


    Semmi waited until the room quieted down before she continued. "While we are doing this, our friends in Oasis will take down the last Regional Lord causing the Oasis Planar Boss to spawn. The 12 Pillar Alliance will join the Dhassi in eliminating it."


    Nix nodded to himself, he had been concerned that the Dhassi didn''t have the necessary tanks to defeat the world boss. However, that wouldn''t be an issue with the 12 Pillars present.


    /Alpha: Nix: Keeping Alpha together for this one.


    /Alpha: Wind: Perfect.


    /Alpha: Pon: Damn straight, the band is back together.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Band?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Shush... We''re having a meeting.


    Semmi bit down on a smile and continued her briefing. "I suggest everyone takes a few days to relax. Clean up any loose ends, make sure your weapons and armor are at their best."


    Jun Li glanced at Nix. "We''ll post the raid sheet for the Parux fight and the Oasis World Boss tomorrow. Want to say anything, Nix?"


    Nix nodded and stood up. "I''m fucking tired of this snow. Once Oasis and Colonial are cleared, we will converge on Everspire with all of our might. I don''t have to tell anyone who is waiting for us. Like Semmi said, take a few days and be ready for several extended fights."

 Chapter 602: Calm before the Storm

    "That''s pretty good, right? It looks good to me..." Morti sunned himself near the large pond behind the Turtle house. Nix leaned back against him, dozing off and on while Ducky and Soup played games in the water. The small jade figure with a round face had both hands extended as she stood motionless on the surface of the water. Three columns of spinning water rotated around her, causing the pond to drop by several inches. She smiled at Ducky while the beginning of a fourth and fifth column formed.


    Duck clapped excitedly; as a water elemental, she knew how Soup was doing it, but water manipulation wasn''t the Water Witch''s strong point. "Soupy!"


    Suddenly, all the columns collapsed with a huge splash that drenched Nix and Morti. Soup''s green quills drooped slightly when Nix frowned at her; with her head held low, she approached the pair.


    Morti huffed loudly, not wanting to get up since he found the optimal spot for sunning himself. "I like the water things. Maybe I''ll become an elemental when I''m older."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "More like a natural disaster." He turned his yellowed-eyed gaze on the culprit; her round face and wide smile made it impossible to be cross with her. "Going to eat you, Soup."


    "Nom, nom?"


    "Yes. Nix eat Soup."


    Soup pointed to the napping Titan cub. "Moti..."


    The sleeping bear opened one eye, she pronounced it without an ''R, but it was a good effort. "You learned my name?"


    "Morti is too fat to eat." Nix patted her green-quilled head when she sat next to him. To his knowledge, Soup''s impressive vocabulary consisted of Nix, Soup, Ducky, and now Moti. Unless, of course, you counted ''nom, nom.''


    "No, I''m not..." Morti turned his head slightly so that he could see Nix.


    Nix scratched the Titan cub''s ears. "I''ll prove it." He accessed his inventory and pulled out a round object.


    Soup lay a small jade-colored hand on his shoulder as she leaned closer to view the object. She then fixed Nix with a curious stare.


    "You ask it questions, and it answers. Its name is Enigma." Neither Morti nor Soup seemed to understand, so Nix rubbed it with one hand. "Who is the biggest Titan cub in Everspire?"


    [Mortimer, the Bone Emperor.]


    Both of Morti''s ears pricked forward in interest. "Let me ask something, Nix."


    Nix nodded and rubbed the smooth surface again. "Go ahead."


    "Momma said she has a special treat for me. What is it?"


    [Honey]


    Morti moved until he was sitting up. "My helmet disappeared for several days. Where did it go?"


    [Snow Lilly hid it]


    Morti leaned forward until his nose was touching the ball. "Did she really?"


    [Of course, she thinks it''s too small for your enormous head.]


    Nix laughed loudly and decided to let Morti fire questions at Enigma. Ducky joined the group as they continued to listen to the Titan cub''s ridiculous questions.


    "If a spider and an ant were both my size, which one would win in a fight?"


    [The Ant. Unless it wandered into the spider''s webbing.]


    "What tastes better, frozen honey or warm honey?"


    [Frozen honey when it''s hot outside and warm honey when it''s chilly.]


    "Who is the best sword fighter among the Dhassi?"


    [At present, it would be Raine Xai''s Master, Delyn Xai.]


    "Why did you say, ''at present''? Is someone going to pass him up?"


    [Before the accident in Ever Flame, Del Tali was the best blade among the Dhassi.]


    Nix raised an eyebrow, suddenly curious if Enigma was just making shit up.


    Morti was about to ask another but stopped when the ball flashed slightly.


    [You have exceeded the daily limit of questions an individual is permitted to ask.]


    "No, I didn''t."


    [Yes, you did.]


    "No... I didn''t."


    [Yes, you did.]


    "Nope. That was only a couple." Morti glanced at his family, who was using him as a backrest. All three nodded in agreement with the cub.


    [...]


    [...]


    [Fine. I will make an exception to the daily limit if you can answer one of my questions.]


    Morti nodded his big head. "Ask away. Bears are very smart."


    [Do bears shit in the woods?]


    "You used a bad word..." Morti considered the question for a moment. "Yep, we do."


    [Incorrect. Bears do not.]


    "Yes, we do."


    [Sorry. Incorrect answer]


    Morti stood up suddenly, upending the three people leaning against him. Without speaking further, he started waddling toward a stand of trees.


    [That''s a small stand of trees, it isn''t considered woods.]


    Morti stopped and turned. "What about by Pon and Semmi''s house? That''s woods."


    [No. The only suitable woods in Haven is north of Deidra''s Flame Temple.]


    Morti stared for a long moment before turning to face the general direction of the temple. "I''ll be back."


    Nix watched as Morti morphed into a small bird and flew away; Soup immediately changed into her bird form and chased after him. Ducky stared longingly at the pair before glancing at Nix.


    "Go ahead, Ducky. Make sure they don''t get into trouble."


    Ducky nodded and activated her Archon form. Within a few seconds, Nix was sitting alone on the bank of the pond.


    "Did you tell him that so he''d prove you wrong?"


    [Yes.]


    Nix chuckled and stretched lazily before getting to his feet. "He''s going to come back. What are you going to say then?"


    [I''ll demand to see proof.]


    Nix laughed loudly and stored Enigma in his inventory. Unlike normal days, the sanctuary known as the Turtle House was actually quite crowded.


    Shae, Hyai, and Fajii all looked up when Nix entered through the backdoor a few minutes later. Whatever conversation they were having when he walked in stopped abruptly.


    "Am I interrupting?" Nix inhaled deeply; the smell of freshly baked bread lingered in the air. "Lunch time?"


    Shae shook her head and helped Hyai to her feet. "Hyai promised to teach me one of her recipes today; unfortunately, we need the ranch oven for it."


    Hyai nodded in agreement, and the two left arm in arm without saying anything else.


    Nix smiled pleasantly, they were up to something, but they committed a fatal error. Fajii was the last person you''d want to help you with any sort of subterfuge. "Those two are hiding something?"


    Fajii nodded and cut Nix a thick slice of bread. "Since we have three days of rest, and there are three of us..."


    Nix frowned slightly while watching her butter the bread. "I''m to be passed around?"


    Fajii pushed a plate in front of him. "Yes."


    "Hmmm... I refuse." Nix took a large bite and closed his eyes while savoring the taste. "What if I decided to lock the doors and keep you here for the next three days?"


    Fajii wrinkled her nose slightly, Nix liked to tease her, but it was always difficult to figure out. "They would be disappointed, but I would not."


    Nix''s hud buzzed, and a moment later, Nansu''s image smiled at him. "What''s up?"


    "I want to join the fight in three days. Please lend me a suitable puppet."


    "No way. Stick with Alchemy." Nix closed his hud and picked up his plate. "Going to finish this and take a shower. You can join me if y...," Nix was interrupted when his hud buzzed again. He was tempted to ignore it, but he decided he could spare a few more seconds. "What now?"


    Nansu frowned at him thru the hud. "Need I remind you that it was me who paved the way at Khalam''Zur? And... I know your secret."


    "Shit... you''ve been corrupted! Stooping to extortion?" Nix grimaced and nodded. "I have an Emperor-level Ashobel that will work. It''s immune to Ice Damage, and it uses basic melee attacks."


    "Thank you, Nix. I just want to be there when we kick her ass." Nansu waved and closed her hud.


    "What secret?" Fajii followed Nix up the stairs, her natural curiosity getting the better of her.


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Not saying."


    ************


    2330 hours, Tembai Academy


    The Rat King yawned from his chair in the council chambers. The room was dimly lit and completely empty, unlike the last time he visited.


    [Rat Vanish]


    Nix''s form faded from view, and he hopped onto the cool marble floor. Thanks to the Academy campus map provided by his Adjunct Council interface, he was able to find the freshmen dorms rather quickly. As dorms go, it was much nicer than anything he''d ever seen. From his vantage point, he could see that each room came with a spacious balcony. While enjoying some alone time with Fajii, a notification for the Adjunct Council member had popped up on his screen. The Rat King gnashed his teeth quietly while recalling the message.


    [Adjunct Council member, Nicholas the Destroyer]


    We are calling an emergency session to figure out the best way to ensure Fey the Silver is brought to Tembai Academy. We need all members on hand for tomorrow''s vote.


    Having figured out which dorm belonged to his acquaintance Maric, he targeted the other three. "I did give you a friendly warning."


    The Rat King entered the first floor of the dormitory. A patrolling guard was walking the hallway; apparently, the students had a mandatory "lights out" policy. He waited until the guard walked past his position before springing into action.


    Nix morphed into his human form for a moment before switching again. The baleful eyes of the desert basilisk focused on its prey. [Petrify]


    The basilisk left the guard in place and slithered up the stairway to the next floor. Each floor had a roving guard that worked from 2300 to 0600. At that time, the curfew for students was lifted so they could prepare for the school day. Nix had discovered there was quite a bit of information available to council members.


    It took less than an hour to deal with the roving guards on all six floors. Nix walked downstairs to the basement level, the only floor without any guards. He removed several large cans from his inventory and starting splashing the floors and walls with the substance.


    Over the next three hours, Nix incapacitated the guards in the other two dorms and treated their lower levels with the mixture he had concocted. Finally, when he was done, he turned back into the Rat King and reentered each basement.


    Since the Rat King had a small inventory, Nix had placed three liquid-filled containers, that looked suspiciously like water balloons, in the small space. He placed the containers on the treated floors of each dorm and then quickly retreated toward the council chambers.


    "That should give me ten minutes." The homemade naptha he had poured onto the floors would take that long to eat through the walls of the three accelerant containers he had placed. When that happened and the two liquids combined... things would warm up quickly.


    The Rat King scurried to the nearest garden and started digging into the soft dirt. Since he didn''t know the control room location, he opted to try and find one of the supply lines. Having been inside the supply lines of the dragon cities, he knew that there would be dozens of conduits somewhere below Tembai Academy.


    The powerful claws of the Rat-King dug straight down; he was about ten feet below the surface when the Tembai klaxons started wailing. "Now it''s a party." He cleared out a larger space and then returned to his human form.


    [Aura Ignition: Emerald Dread Flame]


    Safely out of view, Nix began to search in earnest for a supply line. The dread flames enabled him to move much faster; the fires above would likely be contained within a few hours. He didn''t want to be lingering once the dragons began looking for the culprit.


    Several minutes later, his efforts were rewarded. "Fucking jackpot!" Nix failed to find one of the supply lines; instead, he found something much nicer, one of the reservoirs. It was larger than anything the Sky Cities had, easily the size of a soccer field. "Now I''m curious as to what energy source they are using."


    He pushed emerald flames into his bone hilts and, with a quick "X" strike, slashed through the wall of the tank only to find himself sprayed with a thick gold substance. "Shit... It''s dragon marrow."


    Working quickly, he moved along the length of the reservoir, his blades slashing through the tank lining, causing the tunnel he made to rapidly fill with the leaking substance. By the time he finished, the thick gold liquid was up to his chest. Wading any further became impossible, so he opted for going down. With his aura blazing and the flowing marrow following him, he created his own exit.


    Nearly ten minutes later, Nix exited through the academy''s bottom and immediately started a free fall. Having expected this, he changed into his Phoenix form and banked under the city to examine his work.


    His dread flame created a tunnel that was about three meters across; the dragon marrow flowed freely out of it into the darkness below.


    A few minutes later, Nix slid under the covers of his bed and snuggled up to Fajii''s warm back. Within seconds, he was sleeping peacefully.

 Chapter 603: Calm before the Reckoning (two)

    It was a perfect morning in Haven. A warm breeze blew gently off the lake, the clear waters lapped at the rocky shoreline amid a chorus of noisy gulls that were busy scavenging for food. Three people sat comfortably on the shoreline while keeping an eye on the lines they had in the water.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Great idea coming to Union City to fish.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Yep, yep. Sometimes you do good, Nix.


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Sometimes I do bad too, gotta accept both."


    Semmi exchanged glances with her friend. "You feeling bit off today? What''s this meeting you have to attend later?"


    Nix covered a yawn and pulled a small flask out of his fishing vest. "I''m kinda a big deal in the dragon community." He took a long pull from the flask before handing it to Jun Li.


    Jun Li rolled her eyes and smelled the contents of the flash. "This that shine that the Titan Alchemist makes?"


    Nix nodded, "Yena." The Titan alchemist lost an eye when the Serpent Clan tried to kill Morti and Snow.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: I heard she''s pregnant. Know anything about that, Nix?


    /Go Fish: No. Believe it or not, I''m not responsible for every pregnancy in Colonial.


    Jun Li laughed at the scowl on his face. "Why so touchy? Everyone knows she''s seeing Captain Locas."


    Nix felt the slightest tug on his line, dipping the end of the rod down, he waited patiently. A second hard pull a few seconds later caused him to yank upward on the rod, setting the hook a moment before the line started whining in protest as his catch made a run for it.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Take your time, I''ll grab the landing net... Shit, I have one too!


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Can''t help either, got my hands full.


    Despite the fact that the three members of the fishing club had been meeting regularly for several months, this was the first time they all had bites at once.


    /Go Fish: Nix: I''m fine. Take care of your catch!


    All three fishers were on their feet and walking toward the water; without someone to land the fish, the next best way was to wade into the shallows and use a smaller hand net.


    Semmi''s line snapped suddenly, causing her to lose her footing and stumble slightly on the uneven shoreline. A moment later, Nix''s line also snapped.


    /Go Fish: Nix: The hell... I''ll grab the landing net, Junie.


    Nix tossed his rod on the sand and equipped their landing net. "Just get it close, and I''ll nab it."


    An instant later, it happened again, the line snapped, leaving Jun Li staring blankly into the depths of the lake.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Shit! That was a big one too!


    Nix nodded in agreement. Nix has activated [Dragon Eyes].


    The thermal images of three Aquarions hiding just beyond the shallows brought a smile to the Inferno Leader''s face. "Sneaky bastards. Get your ass out here, Milat!"


    The Aquarion in question surfaced a moment later, followed by Zhava and Saji. The trio were all smiling widely while trying their best to look innocent.


    "Hey, Nix!" Saji bowed slightly; the Aquarion healer was often seen around his ranch since she was Hyai''s spirit companion.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: They cut our bait?


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Yep. Let''s get them!


    /Go Fish: Nix: Agreed, but wait until they come ashore.


    *************


    Morti sighed miserably, lying motionless next to the trunk of a giant fir tree. Occasionally he would stand to scratch his back on the rough bark before plopping down on his spot. Ducky and Soup had abandoned him shortly before sunset. Ducky was afraid of the dark, and Soupy was missing her pond. Undeterred, the Titan cub remained in place all night. He woke from a comfortable sleep just before dawn and experienced a moment of clarity. He only relieves himself every three days or so...


    A few hours later, Morti''s eyes blinked open, his ears pricking forward at the barest hint of noise. Standing suddenly, his nose huffing the air as he extended to his full height of 18 feet. "Dragons, three different ones."


    The cub''s sharp nose instantly identified the separate scents as Deidra, Tai''Qui, and Sinfaya. "Maybe I''ll go talk to them while I wait." Although he crashed through the thick undergrowth of the forest with reckless abandon, thanks to the enhancements Nix placed on his battle harness; his movements were soundless.


    He was nearly at the edge of the forest when he felt the sudden build-up of power; without pausing, he activated his stealth and broke into a waddling trot.


    A single statue of a dragon marked the entrance of Deidra''s Temple. Morti slowed his step, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. The three dragons were wearing their Draconic armor; it was something his father had discussed with him. Every dragon possed the ability to manifest armor while in human form. There were dozens of Greater Spells woven into the scales; it was something they donned only when facing a life and death struggle. "Why do they have that on?"


    Deidra equipped a long black lance that steadily dripped venom onto the slate rock they were standing on. A soft hissing noise echoed each distinct splash as the toxin tried to consume the stone. "When you''re both ready, I''ll make contact."


    Tai''Qui finished next, the scales of her armor appeared similar to granite. Although not an offensive specialist, her armor was made for absolute defense. She tapped her long staff on the ground and nodding toward Deidra. "All set."


    Sinfaya was the last to finish. Before Nix had forced her to accept his vial of the draconian element, she had been unable to manifest dragon armor. However, in the months since then, she had meticulously built her own spatial armor. The armor swirled around her like fleeting shadows; she was equipped with two void daggers that at one time had been the fangs of a primordial beast. Once her armor was fully equipped, her presence seemed to fade in and out of existence. "Sorry for the wait; I''m ready too."


    Diedra nodded and initiated communication. [Direct Contact: Iriset the Blue]


    Seti''s normally relaxed manner was absent when a life-sized holo of her appeared in front of the dragon trio. "May I help you? Why are you wearing the war gear?" Her voice rose slightly. "Is this your doing?"


    Deidra studied her for a moment before answering. "I have no idea what you are talking about. We are here to deliver an ultimatum."


    Seti stared at Deidra, there was something vastly different about her, but it was impossible to discern through the holo. "To the Dragon Council or me?"


    "To the council, but you can serve as the messenger." Deidra did dismissive better than anyone. "We forbid you from taking any action against Nix. I''ll say this clearly, so there is no mistake; this specifically includes Fey the Silver."


    Seti''s blue-tinged skin darkened considerably. "You do not dictate to the counc..."


    "War," Deidra interrupted with a single word. "The Sky Kingdom will wage war on the Dragon Council."


    Tai chose this moment to speak. "I''ve personally examined Fey the Silver; her soul has already been strengthened substantially through the bond she shares with Nix and the Titan cub. Your reason for attempting to take her is flawed."


    "Take Fey?" Morti''s voice rumbled directly behind them, startling all four dragons. "You want to take Fey?" The cub rose to his full height and peered intently at the holo. "I won''t let you."


    "You are not your father, the words of a cub..."


    An ear-shattering roar drowned out her words, an aura of power blasted outward from the Titan cub. His dark eyes glowed red as his powerful jaws snapped the air in anger. "YOU''RE NOT TOUCHING HER!"


    "The Dragon Council will consider y..." Once again, she was interrupted, but this time it didn''t come from within Haven. She staggered suddenly, her holo reflecting the sudden stumble. "What is that?" Her voice was tinged with panic; a moment later, communication was cut.


    /Inferno: Una: Nix? Were you at the Academy this morning?


    Deidra stared at the message before sharing a glance with her companions.


    "Una doesn''t like me. Ask her to come here."


    Tai nodded.


    [Whisper: Tai''Qui to Una] Could I have a moment of your time? I''ll open a gate." The Earth Dragon hadn''t known Una when she was the Dragon Master of Old Verynzai, but the two had developed a friendship recently.


    [Whisper: Una to Tai''Qui] Yes, of course."


    Una stepped through the gate that Tai opened, pausing when she noticed the three dragons in War Gear. More alarming was the aura the Titan cub giving off; the normally clueless Morti was radiating killing intent. "What''s going on?"


    Tai smiled gently and deactivated her War Gear with a wave of her hand; a moment later, both of her companions did the same. "We have a similar question, but I will answer yours first. The Dragon Council is determined to forcibly take Fey the Silver."


    Una glanced at the Titan cub who was still towering over them, the fur on the back of his neck was standing straight up. "Three dorms at the Tembai Academy have been burned to the ground. A few minutes ago, the academy plummeted several hundred meters before emergency thrusters activated. As soon as it started, the shield around Tembai dropped, and I gated out."


    Tai pursed her lips slightly and moved closer to Morti. She placed a brown hand on his side and stroked him softly. "Nix threatened Seti a few days ago. He said he''d destroy the academy if they came after Fey."


    Una opened her hud and checked Nix''s location. He was definitely in Haven, just not monitoring guild chat. "He asked me about Tembai''s control room and their power source. Of course, I have no idea."


    Deidra let a slight smile seep onto her cold face. "Nix knows more about dragon cities than anyone. Tembai Academy is the same thing but on a larger scale."


    Una muttered an undragon-like curse under her breath. She felt like she was missing something. Why were the three dragons going to such extreme measures to protect him?


    "I''m gonna get Nix." Morti dropped to all fours and immediately morphed into a black sparrow.


    Una waited until the bird was out of sight before turning back toward Tai''Qui. "I''ll get an update from my friends at the Academy."

 Chapter 604: Calm before the Reckoning (three)

    A grinning Nix watched Jun Li chase Milat down the shoreline, desperate to get even with the Aquarion after being dunked in the water several times. "She hates to lose."


    Semmi nodded and watched as the pair got further and further away. "I''ve known her for years. She''ll chase him until he decides to retreat into the water."


    Nix smiled at the blonde officer. Her wet hair hung down to her eyes, and everything she was wearing looked like it had been soaked in water and rolled in sand. "Let''s just declare our victory and hunt up some of Pon''s private stash."


    Semmi gave him a conspiratory glance before making sure no one could hear. "How did you find out about that?"


    "If I know anything, it''s old bastards." Nix walked toward the hitching post where Flash and Nightmare were tied. Flash had sired several foals, but he decided that once was enough after his initial coupling with the demon horse.


    Semmi leaped nimbly onto Flash''s saddle, draped the reins over the pommel before combing back her hair with both hands. "Can I have Flash?"


    "I buy, beg, borrow and steal horses... What part of that sounds like I might give you my herd''s main bloodline?"


    It was Nix who spotted the black sparrow as it swooped toward them. It landed on the ground near the horses and then promptly morphed into his Titan form. The Inferno noted the direction. Was he still trying to prove Enigma wrong? "What''s up, Morti?"


    Searching for Nix had given the cub time to cool down. He calmly told him everything that had transpired. When he was done, he plopped down on his enormous butt. "We gonna swat some dragons now?"


    Nix nodded. "Sometimes a good smack in the face isn''t enough to solve problems."


    Morti held and oversized paw out. "We should smack them twice then!"


    "That''s a good sentiment, and these diplomacy skills will serve you well." Nix ignored Semmi''s rolled eyes. "Let''s race back to the ranch!"


    Morti took off without saying a word, the black-furred Titan rumbled and waddled when he moved, but no one could ever call him slow. The Inferno officers held back on the reins slightly, letting him maintain a small lead.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: I love that bear.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Yep, he''s awesome.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Did you guys leave? I managed to catch Milat!"


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Interesting... What are you going to do with him?


    Nix laughed at the discussion. She definitely hadn''t thought that far ahead.


    A few minutes later, the Rat King sat calmly on the kitchen island. A small black sparrow was perched on his head. Shae frowned at the pair. Today was her day to be with Nix. "If you aren''t back in an hour, I''m coming to get you."


    "The Rat-King admires your loyalty." Nix touched the bird on his head with a razor-sharp claw. "Ready?"


    "Yep... Won''t they see me up here?" Morti''s voice was the same, minus the rumbling volume.


    "Doubtful. Don''t move or talk, and they''ll think you''re my hat." Nix ignored Shae''s chuckle and brought up his hud.


    "Right! I''ll be your hat." The sparrow settled comfortably on the Rat King''s head. "Can I be a helmet instead?"


    "Sure. You''re my bird helmet." The Rat King activated the emerald dragon icon and chose Tembai Academy. "No using the Titan form unless I say."


    "I''m a helmet," Morti repeated. The two vanished from Haven Ranch, leaving the smiling salamander behind.


    Shae sighed heavily, a slight smile playing on her face. "He just does whatever he wants."


    *************


    Leva waded into the Dragon Marrow pond, holding her breath against the pungent odor that she personally found repulsive. In her opinion, Dragon''s smelled bad. Fey was the only exception; she was beautiful and sweet, just like the rest of her family. Nix briefed her on their family''s recent disagreement with the dragon council and then directed her to the area beneath the floating structure. The flow of Dragon Marrow stopped shortly after she arrived. The Tembai Academy was only a few hundred meters off the ground; whatever Nix had done had caused the Academy to lose several thousand meters of altitude.


    An unseen breach opened at the bottom of the large pond; slowly but surely, the liquid level started to drop. When the Dragon Marrow was below her knees, she waded toward the shore, carefully keeping her wings out of the golden goo. A last glance upward at the enormous hole caused the Dark Chancellor to flash a fanged smile. "We won''t be pushed around by a few dragons."


    Nix and Morti appeared where his chair should have been. Unfortunately, everything had been rearranged when the Academy plunged downward suddenly. The Rat King found his chair, several feet away from where it had been. When his eyes spotted Iriset, he decided to sit next to her. "Goodness... What happened here?"


    "Nicholas the Destroyer..." Seti fixed him with a long stare before answering. "We''ve been sabotaged by the human, Nix." Her decorative bells were absent from her long horns; she had the bloodshot eyes of someone who hadn''t slept in a while.


    "Oh." The Rat King pondered for a moment as his black nosed sniffed the air. "Where did all this smoke come from?"


    "Three dorms were burned to the ground; the fire spread slightly and took out the library." The dragon waited while the rest of the members started appearing next to the misplaced chairs. "What is that on your head?"


    "Bird helmet," the Rat King answered like it was completely normal for a rat to wear a bird. "Did you catch the culprit? Or maybe witness him in action?"


    "Unfortunately, no." Iriset the Blue had the slightest bit of panic in her eyes. In the space of a few hours, an incredible amount of damage had been inflicted. The Dragon Marrow that was lost would have to be replaced immediately. "He made threats... No one else besides Khione would move against us."


    /Family: Nix: There''s a chance we might be separated here. If that happens, find Maric in the first years'' dorm. It''s the only one still standing. Room #212.


    /Family: Morti: Got it. Maric in 212.


    "Hmm... I see." Nix opened the Council hud and displayed the emergency session docket.


    [Return Tembai Academy to its previous position]


    Although we have resumed normal operations, the recent incidents of fire and sabotage will affect our students for weeks to come. The most pressing issue is, of course, Dragon Marrow. We will have to recover the lost resources.


    Tristan and Roz Yor were kneeling in front of the council chairs, waiting patiently while the council members continued to arrive. Nix hadn''t understood their position earlier, but now realized they were both students from Academy. If either of them walked through the campus, they would be treated with bows and respect; but they held no status here in the Council Chambers.


    The last dragon to arrive was Gharon the Black. He motioned for Tristan and Yor to give way before taking their spot in front of the council. "There will be no recovery of the Dragon Marrow. From what I could see, the lost marrow pooled in one area but was taken before we arrived. My first guess would be one of the Dragon City Masters from the Sky Kingdom. Perhaps they tire of sacrificing their own marrow."


    The Rat King was suddenly glad he didn''t have a normal face; otherwise, his jaw would have been on the floor. The Tembai Academy didn''t know about Spectrum. They didn''t realize that the Dragon City Masters no longer have to drain their own marrow.


    "We all know what has to be done," Iriset the Blue stated with a grim tone.


    [Whisper: Nix to Una] Where does the Academy get their Dragon Marrow?


    [Whisper: Una to Nix] The students'' price for attending the academy and learning higher tier skills is a portion of their marrow.


    [Whisper: Nix to Una] How does this affect the students? Isn''t that bad for a developing dragon?


    [Whisper: Una to Nix] Undoubtedly. A mature dragon can afford some marrow loss, but these dragonling students will be permanently weakened.


    [Whisper: Nix to Una] I see... Thanks.


    Gharon took a step toward his chair; the heavy thudding of his steel boots echoed in the chamber. "Going to request a closed Council."


    A request flashed across Nix''s open hud.


    [Closed Session proposed. Do you agree?]


    The Rat King turned slightly in his chair and lowered his voice. "What''s that mean?"


    Seti glanced at Nix''s hud, suddenly curious as to what the Adjunct Council member would vote. "We are concerned about maintaining the secrecy of our meeting. This will bring us to a secured space and require a Dragon Oath."


    "I see." Nix activated the agree icon and immediately vanished from the room.


    The Rat King experienced a moment of complete isolation, no sound in an endless sea of darkness.


    [You have agreed to a closed council session. Any unauthorized discussion of this meeting will result in your Dragon Marrow being tainted. Do you wish to continue?]


    The Rat King nodded. "Sure... Taint my Dragon Marrow; sounds like a good time."


    Nix found himself in a space identical to the previous chamber; only the other council members were present.


    /Family: Nix: You okay?


    [Communication with the outside has been suspended.]


    *******************


    Maric frowned at the two second-year females that had taken over half of his dorm room. "Shouldn''t you be in a female''s room?" The first-year students had been notified that they would have to double and triple up until the destroyed dorms could be rebuilt."


    The two young women glanced at each other before focusing on him. Maric knew them only by their reputation as trouble makers. The siblings aptly shared the last name Dread. In only their second year, the entire Academy knew who they were.


    "Lulu Dread, at your service!" The smaller of the sisters bowed deeply. Her pale, delicate features were completely overshadowed by bright orange hair that sat comfortably on her head in a curly, tangled mess.


    The older sister bowed, mirroring the movement. "Tifa Dread, at your service!" Most of Tifa''s tanned head was shaved, except a black topknot that was tied with a single band.


    "What did I do to deserve this?" Right away, Maric understood. It''s not that there were no female rooms available... No one in their right mind would want to live with the Dread sisters.


    Lulu gave him an impish grin. "You got lucky, Mar. Can I call you Mar?"


    "No. Maric is fine." Maric frowned at the younger sister. She was slightly shorter than her older sibling. "I''m going to contact the dorm Chief."


    Lulu shrugged helplessly. "Not going to work! He''s the one that sent us here after the complaints.


    Tifa nodded in agreement. "Crazy bitches don''t want to room with us."


    "Crazy, right?" Lulu gave him a questioning look, waiting for his response.


    "Completely unreasonable." Maric''s sharp eyes caught a small movement on his balcony. Opening the double doors, he immediately focused on the bird that perched on the railing.


    "Maric?" The voice didn''t sound like it should belong to a tiny bird; it was deep, like someone talking from the bottom of a well.


    "Hey, shut the doors! It''s too smokey outside!" Lulu was about to shut the door when she spotted the bird. "Woah... Is that your bird? I thought you had a killer rat?"


    Maric ignored the orange-haired woman and put his hand out. "Yes, I''m Maric. Who are you?"


    The black sparrow''s head tilted slightly as he considered it. What would Nix say? "Pon the Magnificent!"


    Maric brought the bird closer, flinching slightly when it hopped from his hand to his shoulder. "Do you know the Rat King?"


    The bird nodded. "Yep. Best friends."


    Lulu followed the conversation, leaning close to inspect the bird, her pretty face inches away from Maric''s "Rat King? That sounds awesome."

 Chapter 605: Calm before the Reckoning (conclusion)

    The Rat King stayed quiet during the meeting, casting his ballot for the majority while considering a proper rebuttal. It was known that Fey was currently in Haven. With the help of a dragon that practiced Spatial magic, the council had been keeping tabs on her. During Alpha team''s fight in the Tembai Academy arena, someone had managed to tear off a piece of Fey''s robe. They had been using this to monitor her closely ever since.


    Gharon the Black closed the meeting, sending everyone back to the original council chambers. The heavily armored dragon stood immediately and faced his fellow members. "I will bring Ethoryst his payment; with that, we will be able to pinpoint her location once she leaves Haven."


    Nix stared calmly at the walking dead man; he''d already decided that both Gharon and Ethoryst should be killed at once. In exchange for Ethoryst''s cooperation, the council was granting him a high-level Spatial scroll. During the closed council discussion, Gharon recommended that they kill the Water Witch that often accompanies Fey.


    The Rat King''s calm yellow eyes stared at the Gharon the Black. When he left, Nix used [Rat Vanish] and followed him.


    Nix hadn''t seen much of the Council building; Gharon led him up a winding marble staircase to a well-lit hallway that ended in a small courtyard. A large fountain adorned the middle of the cobblestoned aviary, the sounds of dozens of songbirds chirping and singing was a pleasant accompaniment to the steady falling of water. The Aviary was topped by a clear glass dome that flooded the area with natural sunlight.


    The Aviary was built in a circle that was bordered by twelve heavy doors. Each of these doors marked the entrance to a council member''s office. As an Adjunct Council member, Nix had never bothered to look into it.


    When Gharon the Black traced a symbol on one of the office doors, it opened wide for him. The Rat King was hot on his heels, moving through the open space before the dragon was even inside the room.


    Had the Rat King been able to whistle, he would have done so. The office was quite large, with a floor-to-ceiling window that overlooked a vast expanse of sky. The walls were covered with bookshelves, some of which looked tattered and worn, while others shined as if recently printed.


    Nix has activated his bloodline [Final Form: Dread Beast].


    Unlike previous activations when the summoned creature was calm, this time, the yellow eyes were filled with rage. Hundreds of silver strands extended from its heavily armored body; the dragon sensed its presence too late as the barbed tips pierced through the heavy armor, stabbing deep into his limbs.


    Gharon the Black has cast [Protection][Evacuation]


    [Interupt!] Nix has activated [Burst].


    The dragon''s human limbs disappeared in a brilliant flash of silver dread flames and air. The dread beast pounced immediately, pinning the bloody torso down with a clawed forefoot that punched into the ribcage of its badly wounded target.


    For the first time in his life, Gharon the Black experienced terror. Had he changed forms immediately, he may have been able to escape. The wounds he received had made that impossible. "Who are you? What do you want?" Blood bubbled out of his mouth when he spoke. His last view of the world was the creature''s mouth opening wide.


    A shriek of terror and agony was cut short when razor-sharp teeth crunched through Gharon''s neck, consuming everything above it. Without pausing, the claw pinning the torso to the ground tore open the chest and exposed the still-beating dragon heart.


    The beast feasted on dragon heart, its powerful jaws crunching easily through ribs and spine while it consumed Gharon, the Black''s soul.


    [You have received the Khalam''Zur token]


    [You have gained a Dragon''s soul.]


    [Your Fire-based abilities have improved.]


    After eating, the beast raged for several seconds, tearing the corpse into unrecognizable pieces that bathed the floor and walls in dragon blood. It then proceeded to bathe the room in silver dread flames. When the window exploded outward, the beast finally stopped, its yellow eyes staring at the blue sky. With a single flap of its flaming wings, it exited the office and disappeared from view.


    **********


    The black sparrow sat comfortably on Maric''s shoulder as the Pestilence Mage walked toward the training grounds. He was followed closely by the Dread sisters, who seemed determined to unravel what they considered the ''mysterious first year.''


    Lulu pursed her lips slightly while playing with a strand of her bright orange hair. Her voice was pleasantly soothing, like listening to a bard recite verse. "Perot is still in the Infirmary! I heard it will be weeks before he is fully healed!"


    Tifa''s black topknot bounced when she nodded in agreement. "He''s a complete ass, but as far as I know, you''re the first one to defeat him."


    Maric shrugged slightly. He hadn''t realized his pestilence abilities would hit Perot so hard, but it had been the Rat King who disabled the bully so badly. "Why are you two following me? Don''t you have something better to do?"


    Lulu shook her head. "No."


    Tifa shrugged slightly, "not really."


    Without warning, the black sparrow took flight; keeping low to the ground, it headed directly east.


    Lulu broke into a run and began chasing it. "Pon''s leaving!"


    "Pon the Magnificent," Tifa corrected.


    Maric stared at the two running females. "That''s not even my bird..." With a heavy sigh, he broke into an awkward run and started following the group.


    The sparrow flew through the training grounds where dozens of pairs were sparring with both magic and martial skills. The end of the training grounds was marked by the entrance to the Bivouac area, a heavily wooded forest where the Academy held its field exercises.


    Maric slowed when he saw both of the Dread sisters enter the woods. "We aren''t supposed to enter this place without supervision!" He stopped at the entrance and weighed his options for a brief moment before succumbing to curiosity. Who was Pon the Magnificent? Who was the Rat King? "We''re going to get kicked out of the Academy."


    The bird weaved in and out of the deep woods; his short, curved wings made for impressive feats of aerial maneuvering. He found his target sleeping peacefully at the base of a large fir tree. "Nix?"


    The creature didn''t move when its name was called, nor when the bird landed on his heavily scaled head. Its Phoenix wings were furled against his side, bright orange and red feathers contrasted the armored emerald scales.


    Lulu skidded to a stop a few meters away, her eyes moving from the bird to the creature. "That''s a Dread Beast!"


    Tifa arrived a moment later, pulling her sister away from the slumbering animal. "D-Don''t wake it! Let''s get out of here!"


    The loud crashing of someone not versed in woodlore announced the arrival of an out-of-breath Maric. "Shit... Why are we running in thru the forest?" He froze in place when he spotted the Dread Beast. "We''re gonna die."


    The air around the creature shimmered for a moment and then morphed into the image of a sleeping man. The three students watched as the bird took flight again, putting a few meters between him and the man.


    Lulu moved closer, studying the sleeper. "Handsome... He looks pretty fierce. Who is he?"


    Tifa fixed her sister with a dark-eyed stare. "We should contact Grandpa. He knows about..." Her words filtered off when the sparrow expanded outward, his body taking on enormous proportions as it morphed into the Titan cub.


    Morti waddled forward, his enormous tongue hanging out of his mouth. "Can you place him on my back?"


    "B-B-BEAR!" Lulu clapped her hands excitedly. "You''re a bear!"


    Neither sister showed any hesitation when they crowded Morti, their hands sinking into his soft, black fur.


    Maric had moved to Nix''s side, examining him for wounds. "Seems like he''s sleeping."


    Morti''s big head nodded up and down. "I''ll lie down; please put him on my back."


    "Right!" Lulu pulled her sister toward Nix and Maric.


    Between the three students, they managed to place Nix onto the Titan cub''s back. The giant bear stood carefully.


    "Thanks for helping," Morti''s deep voice rumbled as he activated his guild recall.


    Lulu was the first to speak after the pair disappeared. "You have the best friends, Maric!"


    Tifa pondered the black bear for a moment. It had felt powerful and dangerous. "Both of them and the Rat King? No wonder you kicked Perot''s ass."


    The trio was slowly making their entrance back toward the Training grounds when the Academy Klaxon started up.


    Lulu held a hand to her lips. "Not a word!" As someone who regularly got in trouble, she was aware that there were no such things as coincidences. The arrival of the Dread Beast and the enormous bear was most likely responsible for the klaxon.


    "Agreed," Tifa answering before nudging Maric. "Right?"


    Maric nodded quickly. "Are you kidding? There''s no way I''d say anything."


    "You''re fucking cool, Maric." Lulu leaned closer, peering into his eyes.


    Tifa rubbed her hands together as if conspiring some future event. "Your room is really big; let''s just stay there all the time!"


    ******************


    Shae moved closer, resting her head on Nix''s shoulder. When Morti delivered him to the Haven ranch a few hours earlier, she had immediately brought him to the Master bedroom. "This is my day, trouble maker. We''re going to spend it together, even if you are sleeping!"


    The salamander pulled him closer, enjoying the warmth of his skin. Within a few moments, her eyes closed, and she fell asleep.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Guild meeting at the TOC (Tactical Operation Center) tomorrow. Let''s plan on noon.


    Shae opened one eye and read the notification; hopefully, he''d wake up sometime during the night.

 Chapter 606: SuDhassi Ranger

    "You can''t be serious." The Su''Dhassi Ranger stared at the War Council as if they lost their collective minds. "This idea beyond stupid." The woman''s dark face was narrow and scarred from a lifetime of battle and hunting. The tip of one pointed ear had been sliced off and replaced with a piece of silver jewelry. Three long scars ran down the side of her shaved head, courtesy of the same creature that took her ear.


    "You''ve met the Inferno Guild Leader; moving forward, the Su''Dhassi aren''t properly represented in the Deep Winter War hierarchy."


    "Met him? I shot him with my bow while he was assaulting the Aquarion House by himself!" Eri Dale grimaced at the memory. She got the jump on the yellow-eyed intruder only to be charmed by his companion. Those few moments where she wasn''t in control of herself still caused her sleepless nights. To make things worse, she lost Silver Fang, a powerful bow that had been given to her by Deidra, the Dragon Master of Solomon City.


    *********Author''s Reminder**********


    In chapter 218: House on Fire (part two), Nix and Ducky had a brief encounter with the Su''Dhassi Ranger named Eri Dale. She was spying on the House of Aquarion for an undisclosed house.


    **********************


    The older man glanced at the other members of the council before standing up. "Both the Ain''Dhassi and the Fir''Dhassi have placed people in Nix''s Inner circle. You''re an ugly woman, but your fighting skills may gain his attention."


    Eri frowned at the elder but didn''t reply. The older Dhassi''s skin was dark from many seasons spent in the sun; his wrinkled face placed his age somewhere beyond ''fucking-old.'' She turned toward the door of the fur lodge, pausing at the door to pull the thick hood of her coat over her head. The cold of Deep Winter hit her in the face when she exited a moment later.


    /Sand-Killers: Eri: Assemble at once, we are heading to Loki.


    ***********************


    The connection you share with your spirit companions has been fortified.


    Ducky''s strength has improved.


    Soup''s strength has improved.


    Mortimer''s strength has improved.


    Fey''s strength has improved.


    Nix stared at his hud screen, stifling a yawn while eating a breakfast consisting of a few eggs and many ghost peppers. "Is there actually eggs in mine?"


    Shae smiled pleasantly and used a free arm to embrace him while she dished her own plate. The salamander looked very pleased with herself; Nix had woke up a few minutes before midnight, giving the couple plenty of time to themselves. "You seem tired; those peppers will give you more energy."


    Nix ate a mouthful, his mouth instantly going numb. "So would sleeping more than two hours."


    Shae''s smile slipped slightly, her tone turning serious. "You killed a dragon yesterday."


    Nix met her eyes and nodded, he wasn''t a hundred percent certain, but since his character stats now listed [Dragon Soul] under his fire abilities, he assumed he had.


    Shae ate in silence, scooting her chair closer to him until their legs touched. She found the warmth of contact comforting.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s postpone the Guild meeting by two days. Have Alpha team ready to go.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Understood Nix. I''ll post the change to the Guild Announcements. Anything else?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yes. Contact the Dhassi War Council. I want to meet with them.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Location?


    /Inferno: Nix: Undisclosed at this time.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Understood. I''ll head to Oasis now. Does anyone want to come?


    /Inferno: Del: I will.


    Shae placed a hand on her companion''s leg. "I''m going to the nursery, time to share some of my new dread flames with the next generation."


    Nix finished off his plate and stacked it on top of hers. "Let''s walk together; I need to talk to Sinfaya."


    Haven''s mid-morning warmth made the stroll to Deidra''s nursery very comfortable. The two said their goodbyes, and Nix headed further north.


    He arrived at the entrance to Sinfaya''s nursery a few minutes later; the wards that would normally prevent anyone from intruding ignored his presence as he entered her sanctuary without effort.


    The Spatial Dragon''s nursery was warm; the slight smell of something minty hung in the air. She had two hands placed against the emerald-colored dragon egg when she noticed his arrival. "Good morning, Nix."


    "Morning." Nix didn''t often talk with Sinfaya; he found her sulky personality too bothersome to engage. "Do you know someone named Ethoryst?"


    Sinfaya nodded. "We learned spatial magic from the same Master. I don''t like him."


    "He''s tracking Fey through a piece of fabric that she wore. I was told that when she leaves Haven, he will be able to pinpoint her."


    "Hmmm... That coincides with the rumors I''ve heard concerning his current abilities." Sinfaya removed her hands from the dragon egg.


    "I want to find Ethoryst and kill him. Is there a way to locate him?"


    Sinfaya considered the question for a long moment. "My strength has improved thanks to the Draconian element you gave me. That aside, my abilities fall short of Ethoryst. Can you even kill him?"


    "Is he stronger than Gharon the Black?"


    "Gharon is much stronger than Ethoryst."


    "Then it won''t be a problem. Let''s solve this issue first. I need your help."


    Sinfaya''s dark eyes stared at the ground. Unlike other dragons, her personality was somewhat vulnerable. "I want to, but I can''t."


    "Bullshit." Nix grabbed the dragon''s wrist and pulled her toward the entrance. "Let''s take a short walk."


    "Walk?" Sinfaya followed obediently, even though she could have resisted with her physical strength. A moment later, they walked side-by-side toward the mountains that separated a heavily forest area from the Emerald Desert. When she willing kept pace with him, he dropped her wrist. "Where are we going?"


    Nix ignored the question and posed one of his own. "You told me that you were mutated from a Dragon Spawn in order to save your Grandmother from having to donate her marrow to your family''s Dragon City."


    Sinfaya nodded. "As I said, we only had one vial of the Draconian element. I was quite weak for a dragon until you gave me the second vial."


    The path grew rocky and uneven until it ended abruptly near a granite ridgeline that seemed to divide the forest evenly. It was here Nix turned north into the deeper woods.


    "Where are we going?" Sinfaya chose her footing carefully while following the Inferno Leader. Stumbling in front of Nix was the last thing she wanted to do. "Why don''t we just fly? I don''t mind transporting you?"


    Nix ignored her words and continued walking. "Did you give any marrow donations before I linked the Dragon Cities together?"


    Sinfaya nodded and then spoke when she remembered he was in front of her. "Yes, three times."


    "Did you also donate marrow when you attended the Tembai Academy?"


    "Yes."


    "That makes four donations. Wouldn''t this affect your abilities?" Nix arrived at a natural rock wall that was about double his height. He turned and waited for Sinfaya, who had been lagging behind slightly.


    "Yes. In all honesty, my levels were low to start with. It''s unlikely that I would have lasted more than another decade if my marrow was still supporting a Dragon City."


    Nix clambered up the wall and then extended a hand down to help his companion up.


    "Thank y..." Her eyes immediately spotted the golden pond. "Is that?"


    "Yep. It''s Dragon Marrow." Nix grinned at the sight of it. The rock basin they were looking at had contained rainwater as a result of the frequent rains. The weight of the marrow and caused the water to flow out. "Leva did a great job; I''ll have to let her know."


    Sinfaya stared longingly at the golden surface. "Did you bring me here so that I can recoup my losses?"


    Nix nodded. "Is that possible?"


    "Yes. I can recover what was taken, perhaps a bit more since I''m more developed now." Her words just happened to be echoed by her long robe falling to the ground.


    "Right..." Nix was use to dragons taking their clothes off, Sinfaya was slimmer than Tai or Deidra, but many would find her beautiful.


    Sinfaya noticed his quick glance; her confidence climbed slightly when she eased a barefoot into the marrow. "May I ask you a question, Nix?"


    "Sure." Nix sat on the rock ledge while the woman lowered herself into the basin. "Deidra has inferred that the two of you are lovers. Is that true?"


    "Fuck no."


    "I see." Sinfaya moved away from the edge; only her head was visible. "What about Tai''Que?"


    "None of your business."


    "You should call both of them here. They were both City Masters for quite some time." Sinfaya closed her eyes and sunk below the gold surface.


    Nix considered her words for a moment. Stronger dragon allies could only help Haven.


    [Whisper: Nix to Tai] Can you bring Deidra to my location?


    [Whisper: Tai to Nix] Of course.


    ***************


    [Loki 1300 Hours: Dhassi War Camp]


    Raine stood in the middle of the Pathfinder group. She''d been hunting with them for nearly a week. The small group had managed to remove the Howler presence from Ain''Dhassi capitol of Fraya''Selene completely.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Going back to Haven today, Raine?


    /Pathfinder: Raine: Yes.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: Put in a good word for me with Nix!


    /Pathfinder: Raine: No.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Heh. You could tell him that you saved Raine''s life twice!


    /Pathfinder: Nebs: Which would be a lie, of course, since she ended up saving you.


    Jiggs grimaced and slipped off his hood. Although Raine was usually part of the War Council, today, her Master was taking over that mantle since she was returning to Haven. His eyes darted to the group lingering close by. Without a doubt, they were following Pathfinder.


    /Pathfinder: Jiggs: You guys suck... Gonna explore a bit.


    /Pathfinder: Gideon: Stay out of trouble.


    Jiggs approached the group; loosening his coat a bit, he grinned at the scarred woman that he assumed was the leader. "You seem very interested in us, or is it me in particular?"


    Eri''s head cocked to one side, unsure if the man was serious. "Why would anyone be interested in you?"


    Jiggs forced a smile to remain on his face, suddenly glad that the rest of his group was out of hearing range. "Oh, my mistake. Sometimes I''m approached by Dhassi because of my relationship with Nix."


    "Nix? You know the Inferno Guild Leader?" Eri didn''t seem capable of smiling; however, her scowl dropped.


    Jiggs nodded. "We''re very close. In fact, I recently spent a week at his horse ranch." He didn''t feel the need to add that he''d been a statue the entire time.


    /Sand Killers: Toxin: He''s lying; look at him. I''ve never seen such a dishonest face.


    /Sand Killers: Eri: I know.


    "I wish to speak with Guild Leader Nix. Could you arrange that?" Eri''s eyes darted back to the Pathfinder group. In truth, they''d been keeping tabs on Tura Raine Xai. It seemed like the easiest way to approach the Inferno Leader.


    Jiggs gave her a confident smile. "I''ll see if he''s available."

 Chapter 607: Stoned Again

    Both Tai and Deidra stared at the filled basin. It was more Dragon Marrow than either of them had ever seen.


    "Sinfaya submerged herself a few moments ago." Nix smiled at the two completely different dragons. Tai wore a sleeveless shirt and leather leggings that had been rolled up to her knee. A red bandanna covered her brown hair; it was an accessory that always brought a smile to his face. Deidra''s ice blue robe matched her demeanor, although she did smile on occasion. "I realize that both of you donated your marrow to keep your Dragon Cities in the air. It''s time to recoup that loss."


    Deidra moved first, unfastening her robe to let it slide down her pale form. Unlike Sinfaya, she took one long step and sunk beneath the surface.


    Nix gave Tai a questioning look when she didn''t immediately follow. "Problem?"


    Tai shook her head and started to disrobe. "Seti contacted me. Gharon the Black was slain in his office at the Tembai Academy."


    "Really? Doesn''t that place have security?" Nix could see that the Earth Dragon suspected him but hadn''t decided for sure. "Sounds like internal strife to me; some people are just difficult to work with."


    Tai laughed at the innocent face Nix wore. "Now I know it was you."


    Nix smirked in reply. "Open me a breach to Loki?"


    Tai opened a breach and moved closer, kissing him on the cheek. "How am I going to pay you back for this?"


    "Lavish gifts work for me." Nix stepped through the breach without saying anything further.


    *****************


    Jiggs sized up the small team of Su''Dhassi, made up of five men and two women. There was only one caster in the group; the second female wore some sort of wolf hood covering her face. The rest consisted of three ranged fighters, two dagger wielders, and a heavy hitter. "You''re group has potential. Tell you what I''m going to do. I''ll personally talk to Nix and..."


    Jiggs has been Petrified.


    The large grayish-black head of a serpent rose upward out of the snow, its yellow eyes taking in several groups of fighters, most of them scrambling for their weapons. The beast changed suddenly, morphing into a human.


    Nix patted Jigg''s stone shoulder, before looking up at the Su''Dhassi he''d been speaking to. "There''s no fucking way I''m marrying you. No engagement, wedding gifts, or any other stupid thing this clown may have told you."


    "M-Marry?" Eri''s calm manner collapsed with the unexpected words.


    Nix nodded as if he managed to clear something up before it happened. He favored the scarred Dhassi with a smile. "I do like your face, though."


    "M-My Face?" Eri''s calloused hand touched the long scars on the side of her face.


    "Yeah." Nix glanced at the group of fighters behind her; they seemed to be struggling to keep from laughing. "Hey... Haven''t we met somewhere?"


    A low, sultry laugh sounded from the rear of the group; once it started, the rest of them joined in. A wolf-masked woman approached Nix; she was dressed mostly in white furs, the small bits of exposed skin were completely covered in black-ink tattoos. "I am Brell, a Shaman of the Su''Dhassi. This person you are addressing is the honorable Eri Dale, the leader of the Sand Killers."


    "Sand Killers?" Nix tried the name out in his head a few times. "Damn... That''s a good name."


    [Whisper: Brell to Eri] The ''ugly woman'' of the Su''Dhassi laid low by a single compliment? Pull yourself together!


    "Guild Leader Nix," Eri finally managed to find her words. "I was hoping to speak with you."


    Nix spotted a large tent set up near a roaring fire, the most likely place to find the Dhassi leadership. "Sure, I have a moment. Wait... First, tell me where we''ve met."


    Eri nodded nervously, her memory of that moment suddenly vivid. She had been charmed by the Water Witch, helpless to do anything other than answer questions and follow orders. When the Inferno duo was preparing to exit, Nix equipped a red scimitar and was about to end her life. It had been the Water Witch that stopped him. "In the House of Aquarion."


    Nix laughed unexpectedly. "You''re the fucking bushwhacking Dhassi ranger that shot me!"


    Eri would have taken a step back at the words, but there was no anger attached to them. "My pardon, Guild Leader Nix."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "What do you want?"


    Eri changed the approach she had planned. She realized from the brief exchange that Nix said what he thought; it was reasonable to conclude that he liked it when others did the same. "This is stupid. I''ve been directed to seek a place in your inner circle. The Su''Dhassi War Council thinks that the other Dhassi have an advantage over us because of Raine Xai and Del Tali."


    "That''s not stupid." Nix considered the scarred woman''s words. Placing one Dhassi race over another in a War that would impact generations could alter the balance of Oasis.


    [Summons: Ducky]


    A surprised Ducky appeared in front of Nix. She glanced at her surrounding, making sure there was no imminent danger before slipping on a blue coat with a white-furred collar.


    Nix pulled Ducky toward him and pointed to the small group of Dhassi. "These are the Sand Killers. I need them vetted. Would you do that for me?"


    Ducky nodded, "of course, Nix." Her all-blue eyes instantly recognized Eri from their brief meeting in Solomon City. "You''re the one I took the bow from."


    Eri grimaced slightly but didn''t reply.


    The Water Witch sighed heavily, her face showing frustration. "I''ve never been able to shoot it properly, no matter how much I practiced."


    "It has a hidden stat that places an accuracy penalty on anyone who fires it, other than me, I mean."


    "It does? No wonder I was never able to hit anything with it." Ducky''s lips curved into a slow smile. "Where did you get such a thing?"


    "From Deidra, the Dragon Master of Solomon City."


    "Oh... She''s a friend of mine." Ducky accessed her inventory and handed Eri the bow in question. "Can we swap?"


    "Swap?" Eri stared at the Silver Bow in question, she had replaced it with the best one she could find, but it wasn''t nearly as good. "I will accept your generosity with the understanding that I owe you a favor."


    /Family: Nix: After you''ve vetted each of them, bring them to the Gemini Temple.


    /Family: Ducky: What about Haven?


    /Family: Nix: Restrict access to the Temple. Even if they aren''t working for Khione, they could still be crazy.


    Nix motioned for the Su''Dhassi group to gather around. "Unfortunately, you''ll need to be vetted by Ducky before we can move forward. It isn''t mandatory for most Dhassi fighters, but if you want a place in the inner circle, then you need to agree."


    /Sand Killers: Eri: Step away now if you can''t accept this.


    Eri bowed slightly. "As you say, Guild Leader Nix."


    Nix turned toward the campfire, pausing for a moment while glancing from the Su''Dhassi Ranger to Ducky. "Make sure she isn''t trying to trick me into some sort of engagement."


    Eri Dale, "...."


    Ducky nodded. "Of course, that will be my first question."


    *********************


    Nix entered the War Lodge a few minutes later; the guard outside lifted the tent flap so that he could walk through unobstructed. A thermocule had been placed in the center of the large tent, making the space very comfortable. The heating device worked so well in Vespri, that Inferno continued its production in support of the war effort.


    Semmi sat between Del and Raine, a smart move considering the two Dhassi were always arguing. The blond officer looked relieved when he walked in. "Nix!"


    The spoken name caused the din of voices to fade suddenly, all eyes focused on the Inferno Leader.


    /Alpha: Nix: Those two behaving?


    /Alpha: Semmi: No. They constantly take little jabs at each other.


    Nix stopped in the center of the tent. "We''ve been fighting the Deep Winter War for several weeks. I must first thank the Dhassi for their tireless effort. The battle for Oasis is close at hand. In two days, we''ll discuss the final plan at the War Camp in Fraya''Selene."


    "Why not take them now?" Delyn Xai spoke from the far side of the lodge, where he was seated next to Del''s Grandfather, Morai Sai Tali. "I believe Inferno''s motto is ''Prey Waits.''"


    Nix nodded in agreement. "I love that motto. We aren''t waiting; even now, the pieces are being moved into place. It will take us two days of preparation."


    "You don''t think we could take them now?" Delyn continued his point.


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Maybe. The Dhassi have been warring with each other for decades. Taking down a single powerful entity doesn''t play to your strengths. However... If the Dhassi wishes to move forward without the 12 Pillar Alliance, be my guest. We will be more than happy to watch the Dhassi as they fight for the future of every man, woman, and child in Oasis."


    Delyn held up both hands. "Forgive my words, Guild Leader Nix. They are born from exhaustion and frustration."


    Nix waved him off. "There''s nothing to forgive. Everyone here has experienced loss; your concerns are understandable. Rest and prepare; in two days, the fight begins."


    Bhal Strom stood up from his spot near Umi Strom, the young leader of the Strom Clan. "As you say, Nix. Thank you for taking the time to visit us."


    [Whisper: Bhal to Delyn] Have you lost your fucking mind? The Dhassi struggle to kill a Regional Lord without help.


    [Whisper: Delyn to Bhal] I shall apologize properly; the words were out before I realized.


    Raine followed Nix when he exited the tent a few minutes later. He had stopped to greet the leaders that he knew.


    Raine caught him with him when stopped in front of the fire. "Where do you need me?"


    "The Turtle House is will work, but I won''t get back until late. We can discuss the next few days then."


    Raine hugged him close for a moment before stepping away. "I''ll be waiting."


    Nix waited until Raine gated out before turning to Semmi, who was waiting patiently. "Is Alpha ready to go?"


    /Alpha: Semmi: Yes. They are waiting at the Gemini Temple.


    Nix felt a warm body press against his side, a reminder that Del was still there. "Going to join us?"


    Del has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Del: Of course. What are we going to do?


    /Alpha: Nix: A meeting with Tautius in Eidengal and then we''re going dragon hunting.

 Chapter 608: Sand Killers

    The old mage glared suspiciously at the Dhassi group lingering near the Gemini Temple portal. He ran a hand through his thick white hair while considering if he should make them leave.


    "Whatever you are about to do, stop now." Semmi glanced up from the dagger game she had been playing with Wind. "If that group is in the Temple, then they are cleared to be here."


    Wind hid a smile and put his blades away. "I dunno, Pon. Those Su''Dhassi look shifty to me. Let''s push them a bit to make sure they aren''t up to something."


    Pon nodded in agreement and strode toward the group.


    Semmi punched Wind in the arm. "The hell are you doing? Never agree with anything he says!"


    Wind shrugged helplessly. "Just a bit of fun... Relax Sem."


    Pon''s wrinkled face was the picture of innocence when he approached the group while whistling a soft tune.


    /Alpha: Wind: Is that the ''Yellow Rose of Texas?''


    /Alpha: Semmi: Yep. He whistles that when we''re making beer.


    Pon stopped a few strides away from the group as if realizing they were there. "Su''Dhassi? I didn''t realize we let slavers into the Gemini Temple."


    /Sand Killers: Toxin: Eri?


    /Sand Killers: Brell: He''s picking a fight.


    /Sand Killers: Eri: That''s Pon, also known as Pon the Magnificent. Do not respond to his baiting?


    A wiry Dhassi stepped forward from the group, his dark eyes darting from the old man to the two Inferno members behind him. "We are not slavers, honorable Mage. I am Corm, a Su''Dhassi Javelier."


    "Jave-fucking-what?" Pon''s sharp eyes gave him the once over. He was a short, wiry dhassi with dark skin and crossed cropped hair. His age could have been anywhere from late teens to early twenties.


    /Sand Killers: Brell: He''s insulting.


    "Javelier..." A second dhassi joined the conversation; his looks were identical to Corm; without a doubt, they were twins. "I''m Retric, my brother, and I are both Javeliers. You would call us ranged fighters."


    Pon scowl deepened slightly. Both dhassi had large quivers strapped to their backs; they were filled with javelins. The projectiles were about a meter in length. "Anyone here from Beco?"


    The twins shared a glance before nodding cautiously. "We were both raised in Beco," Corm answered.


    Without warning, the entire area was suddenly bathed in bright orange flames. A terrifying heat pushed at everyone within a few meters. The old man stood at the middle of the inferno, his dread flames making approach impossible. "I burned Beco to the ground a few months ago. As I remember, it was filled with Slavers and vermin."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Time to stop, Pon. These Dhassi had nothing to do with Ayla''s abduction.


    /Alpha: Wind: Ease back, old man. Nix must have brought them here for a reason.


    /Alpha: Pon: Two of them are from Beco; maybe the entire fucking group is...


    "You''re the one who destroyed Beco?" Corm took a step forward, despite the waves of heat pushing him back. "Thank you, Honorable Mage!"


    Retric bowed lowed beside his brother. "Thank you."


    "Huh?" Pon''s flames died out suddenly. "Don''t kneel like that. What''s wrong with you two?"


    "They were both slaves, brothers that escaped from Beco together." Eri pulled the Javeliers to their feet. "Beco was a pox that we weren''t allowed to touch."


    Pon shook his head slightly. "You bow your heads too easily. Now that you''ve joined us, put that shit behind you."


    ***************


    "Everything smells nice in Haven." Nix inhaled deeply, the scent of fir trees lingered in the air offset only by the flowering buds of the undergrowth. Although not an expert in botony, the smaller trees looked similar to high-bush cranberry trees he''d seen growing up. "I''ll have ask Nansu about them, perhaps Hyai could make some jam."


    "Everything comes down to eating with you." Humor hung heavily in the white feline''s words.


    "Food and sex... maybe burn some shit in between." Nix stumbled slightly when the Stalker nudged him with her nose. "Hopefully, Sinfaya is done."


    They walked toward the basin that had been filled with Dragon Marrow. Nix hadn''t shared that knowledge with anyone else. Only, Leva and Haven''s three dragons were aware.


    "What''s going to happen if we can''t find a way to deal with Fey''s issue?"


    Nix scampered up the rockwall that marked the location of the basin. His companion leaped the distance with little effort. He could still sense the presence of all three dragons beneath the golden surface of the basin. "Fey will have to stay here until we deal with Ethoryst. Why did you stop?"


    Del seemed frozen in place as she stared into golden depths. "This is... It''s calling to me, Nix."


    "Huh? You okay?" Nix watched as Del padded closer to him.


    "She''s reacting to the Dragon Marrow." Sinfaya''s voice came from the middle of the pond, her bare shoulders created no ripples in the liquid as she made her way toward them. "I finished a short while ago, but it was pleasant to remain in the depths."


    Del''s blue feline eyes continued to focus on the depths. "Why do I want to go in there?"


    Nix considered the question for a moment, turning his back on Sinfaya while she exited the pool. "Perhaps because part of your new form was crafted from a Dragon Egg? Come to think of it, I used dragon scale also."


    "May I?" Del turned away from the basin long enough to glance at Nix.


    Nix shrugged slightly. "You decide. You definitely have a strain of dragon in you, albeit a very small one."


    The feline pushed against his side and padded toward the basin. She paused at the edge and looked back. "Perhaps I should wait? We were planning on heading to Eidengal."


    "Go ahead. I have plenty of help." Nix didn''t speak again until after Del disappeared beneath the surface. "How did you breath under there?"


    "It isn''t necessary if you are a dragon."


    Sinfaya was dressed once again, there was a definite change in her appearance but Nix couldn''t quite pinpoint it.


    "Del isn''t a dragon." Nix watched for any sign of distress from the golden depths.


    "No. I dare say that being created from a dragon egg has changed her." Sinfaya smiled at the Inferno Leader. "I may be able to find Ethoryst."


    "Really?"


    Sinfaya nodded slowly. "He''s using a piece of Fey''s old robe to locate her. If she still has that robe, then I should be able to locate the piece."


    Nix frowned at the spatial dragon. "Is this because of the basin?"


    Sinfaya held back a smile. "No... Although I''m stronger now, this has nothing to do with that. I focused on our problem while absorbing the marrow. Ethoryst has probably set up safeguards to mask his location."


    Nix returned her smile. "I see... You''re saying he''s sloppy."


    "Yes. He was always over confident, making small mistakes that forced him to compensate. The safeguards would mask his presence, but its quite likely that he hasn''t applied that protection to the cloth."


    "Fey is at the Fire Temple." Nix brought up his hud, "expedite this as soon as possible."


    Sinfaya nodded, watching as Nix vanished. Her body changed immediately after, extending and expanding until a sizable white dragon appeared. A single flap of her wings shot her upward into the sky, the sudden movement of air created a rippling effect on the golden surface. After a few seconds, the wind abaded and the basin was calm once again.


    ************


    Nix and Fajii appeared on the Gemini platform at nearly the same time, the result brought a wide smile to both faces as they shared a quick hug before facing the group that seemed to be chatting among themselves. Semmi was talking to the two Su''Dhassi women while Pon and Wind sat quietly off to one side.


    /Inferno: Nix: These Dhassi are going to be with us for a while, here''s a worksheet on names and skills.


    [Sand Killers]


    Toxin: Tank


    Brell: Shaman


    Eri dale: Ranger


    Corm: Javalier


    Retric: Javalier


    Ainsba: Sand Shadow


    Dune: Sand Shadow


    /Inferno: Nix: The last two are both specialized rogue classes, the twins are ranged fighters. The others should be self-explanatory.


    Nix took a seat on edge of the platform and singled out the Dhassi leader. "I need everyones armor stacked in front of me, going to add a couple of quick enhancement''s before we head to Eidengal."


    Eri nodded and slipped out her leather armor. "Just the torso piece?"


    Nix nodded and accepted it from her. "Thank you."


    /Sand Killer: Brell: Your future husband is very polite, Eri.


    The wolf hooded Shaman placed her fur-armor in front of the Inferno Leader, a wide smile playing on her lips while the rest of the dhassi chuckled.


    Nix looked up from his work. "Something funny?"


    Eri shook her head. "Just stupid Dhassi stuff."


    Sand Walker: [Eri Dale Only]


    Armor Class: 600


    +50 to Range Accuracy.


    + 10 to Agility


    8 Percent chance of scoring a Critical Hit.


    All melee damage is decreased by 5 percent.


    All Ranger Abilities are increased by 20 percent.


    "I wouldn''t let my dog wear this shit." Nix frowned at the stats on the armor. "I don''t have time for major upgrades. We''ll go with Camo Fabric, Dragon Leather and one of the Orion puppets."


    /Alpha: Pon: Giving these guys the good stuff?


    /Alpha: Nix: Revenant puppets and a few tidbits. Nothing too amazing.


    Camouflage Fabric V


    [Enhancements]


    Complete Invisibility


    Sound Suppression: When applied to armor.


    Sound Amplification: When applied to weapons.


    Lightning Resistant: Extra protection against Lightning-based attacks.


    Bonus: Material is completely immune to fire.


    Nix quickly set up the queue for the first armor, his plan was to use the same enhancments all all the dhassi gear. "Got a shit-ton of Kraken Leather, guess I''ll toss that in also."


    [Sound Enhanced Camo-Overlay] [Sand Walker Armor] [Dragon Leather] [Kraken Leather][Orion Puppet: Revenant]


    "Is a shit-ton a lot?" Eri''s voice caused Nix to look up. She was kneeling nearby, watching intently.


    "It is." Nix completed the task and tossed it to the Dhassi before starting the next.


    The Ranger caught it easily, her face was void of expression but her dark eyes flashed with excitement.


    /Sand Killers: Brell: Is it good? Show us!


    /Sand Killers: Eri: It''s good.


    Sand Stalker: Shape Shifter Set [Orion]


    Bound: Eri Dale


    Armor Class: 3500


    +100 to Range Accuracy.


    18 Percent chance of scoring a Critical Hit.


    All melee incoming damage is decreased by 15 percent.


    All Ranger Abilities are increased by 30 percent.


    +25 to all Stats.


    +200 to Lightning Resistance.


    Description: This armor is designed


    for moving silently. All ambient sound


    within one meter of the wearer is


    completely suppressed.


    Enhancement: Complete Camouflage


    is activated at will.


    Bonus: Armor is Immune to Fire Damage


    /Sand Killers: Brell: No wonder they''re fearless.


    The rest of the armor took less than half an hour. After completing the task, Semmi gave the Dhassi group limited membership in Inferno. They couldn''t access Haven, but they could use the Gemini Temple and utilize the extensive gating network.


    /Inferno: Eri: Thank you for your trust.


    /Inferno: Nix: Welcome. Hey old man, need you to summon Shuri for us. I need an update on their progress.


    /Inferno: Pon: Bastard. You damn-well know I don''t call her that.


    /Inferno: Wind: Pretty sure I heard you say it a few times.


    Pon stepped away from the group after making a rude gesture.


    [Summons: Shur''icon]


    A moment later, a woman dressed entirely in black appeared. Her purple eyes glanced at Pon before focusing on Nix. "I assume you want an update on our mission?"


    Nix nodded. "How did it go?"


    ***Authors Reminder****


    In chapter 565, Nix sent five POWs from the Bone Fortress to investigate the lower level of the Gemini Temple. They were Bensic (Paladin), Lilac: Witch (CC, Summoner), Shur''icon: Witch (Debuffs and Curses) and Cyra Yun: Shadow Ranger. Their mission was to find the members of the House of Aquarion that Nix had imprisoned there in chapter 217.


    ******************


    "Mission complete, Sir. We''ve located Zeryn and her people."


    Eri turned sharply at the mention of the missing Aquarion. The notorious Water Mage hadn''t been seen since the fire. Did that mean that they were prisoners of Inferno? "If you have Zeryn. Don''t ever set her free!"

 Chapter 609: Tautius the Black

    Nix considered the brief report. "You are currently in the upper levels of the Gemini Temple; return to your group, and I will be in touch soon. I''ll have Esta escort you back."


    /Inferno: Nix: The witch I told you about is at the Gate.


    /Inferno: Esta: I''ll be a few minutes, in the middle of something.


    /Inferno: Nix: It''s fine; she''s confined to the temple.


    Shur''icon nodded, her purple eyes darting everywhere. After being in the Bone Fortress for so long, the lower levels of the Gemini Temple had been a welcome change. Her glance lingered on her spirit companion. "What kind of arrangement are we going to have when this is over?"


    The old man shrugged slightly. "Haven''t really had a chance to think about it yet. This is a partnership, Shur''icon; I''m not going to act like your boss."


    The witch nodded, a smile playing on her lips. "Call me Shuri."


    Wind coughed loudly to cover the chuckle that escaped. "We going to head out then?"


    /Inferno: Semmi: For our Dhassi friends, open up the guild interface. There should be a [Summon: Bone Crow] icon. This is the guild''s official mount, all members have one. If you leave Inferno, that reverts back to the guild.


    /Inferno: Eri: Thank you.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Any questions, just ask me. If you stick around long enough to become full members, that will come with a Homestead token. Inferno members enjoy a lot of benefits.


    /Inferno: Nix: We''ll gate to New Dharta and then fly from there.


    /Inferno: Corm: What if we fall off?


    /Inferno: Retric: Hold on tight, brother.


    /Inferno: Nix: Don''t worry. It just like a horse.


    New Dharta was the only city in Everspire that was still warm. The shields of the Dragon City kept the weather at bay. For this reason, the settlement was starting to thrive.


    "NIX!"


    A voice shouted his name when he stepped off the platform. Nix turned to see the smiling face of Vespri''s only Caravan Master. "Taking care of my puppets?"


    Cadie nodded; Nix had given them enough Dire Wolf puppets to keep the new trade routes open. "Got time for a meal? I actually have a real kitchen this time."


    Nix shook his head. "Not this time. Come by the ranch and visit when you get the chance. Fey''s been asking about you."


    Cadie saluted crisply. "That might have to wait until Deep Winter is pushed back.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cadie] It won''t be long now.


    [Whisper: Cadie to Nix] I''ll be fighting too. Maybe afterward, I can finally see this city I''ve heard so much about.


    [Whisper: Nix to Cadie] Glory City? It''s worth the wait.


    The group paused outside of the gate to summon their mounts. The Inferno members took a moment to explain basic flight controls and familiarization. After a few minutes, everyone was ready to go.


    Nix sat comfortably in the saddle of his Bone Raven. "Let''s get going."


    Raven has formed a Bone Crow Flight.


    The Bone Crow Flight''s speed has been increased by fifty percent.


    The Bone Crow Flight''s maneuvering ability has been increased by thirty percent.


    Raven has shared the Shadow Element with you; this will continue for the duration of your flight.


    You have gained Shadow Sight.


    You have gained Essence Fade.


    When Nix took off a few moments later, the entire group fell into a tight formation.


    /Inferno: Eri: My ride seems to be following. Is that normal?


    /Inferno: Semmi: When the Raven is with us, he assumes control of the formation. You can counter this by pulling back on the reins.


    The approach to Eidengal was much different than the last time they flew in as a group. The blizzard-like conditions still existed, limiting visibility to only a few meters. However, the bone-shattering cold caused by the Arcturis''Fraiza was absent.


    An entire squad of soldiers guarded the Main Gate; having been notified of Inferno''s approach, they were waved in without being stopped.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We will be addressing King Duran; he rules Eidengal. I''m assuming Tautius is also going to be present. I''m unsure of his official position, but he once ruled the Titans of old when they were a match for the Dragon race.


    The warmth of the King''s Hall was a welcome relief to the travelers; three large fires crackled with heat that sent sparks high into the air. The slight scent of smoke, coupled with the dim lighting, gave the hall a comfortable feeling. Unlike the last time they were here, the hall was nearly empty.


    A short man with a large crown on his head strummed his fingers over an ancient-looking mandolin. The sound was soothing, even though he made no real attempt to play any known tune. Beside him sat a man that seemed several sizes too big for the large chair he sat on. His jet-black hair was combed straight back. His clothes were basic leather garments that were stretched tightly over his bulging muscles.


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck is that? A troll, maybe?


    /Inferno: Nix: My guess is Tautius.


    "Greeting Nix and Inferno members." The King bowed graciously, although he had no real need to. His respect for the human guild ran deep.


    [Quest Updated: You have reported to Tautius.]


    Tautius stared at the small group for a long moment, his dark eyes studying each person individually. This was the first time he''d been seen in public in human form. "The Great City of Eidengal is an empty shell of its former self. Help return this City-Kingdom to its former glory, and I will give you what is needed for the battle ahead. The large man stood up, and without further conversation, started walking toward the exit.


    New Guild Level Quests are available.


    [Restore Eidengal]


    Tautius has requested that your labor on behalf of the Desert City of Eidengal. Do your best to aid this once great city.


    1) The Missing Kingdom


    2) Lost Army


    3) Turn the Tide


    4) Free the Bard


    5) Slay the Beast


    6) Restore the Dread Flames


    [Missing Kingdom]


    The City of Eidengal sits empty. Find your way into the city and explore the ruins.


    [Quest Completed]


    You were able to open the front gates and explore Eidengal.


    [Lost Army]


    The once-powerful army of Eidengal disappeared decades ago. Investigate their disappearance and find out what happened.


    [Quest Completed]


    You found your way into the Bone Fortress, where the army of Eidengal use to train their forces. After suffering several setbacks, the once-great army hovered on the brink of defeat.


    [Turn the Tide]


    The greatest of the Eidengal warriors continue to fight despite overwhelming odds. Send in your strongest fighters and push back the opposition.


    [Quest Completed]


    Although only two could enter at first, Nix and Pon managed to turn the tide of battle. For the first time in decades, the Undead started winning. This created a domino effect that eventually led to the defeat of the Ice Faction.


    [Free the Bard]


    King Duran has been captured by the forces of the Bone Fortress. Free the Bard and escape the Keep.


    [Quest Completed]


    No one can say you don''t have style. Shooting the King out of a cannon has given him a new respect for human ingenuity.


    [Slay the Beast]


    In a last-ditch effort to keep Eidengal from joining her enemy, Khione sent one of her trump cards to destroy the city.


    [Quest Updated]


    The Arcturis''Fraiza proved to be no match for the Inferno Guild. The creature was slain and is currently being harvested for food and crafting supplies.


    [Restore the Dread Flame]


    The Great Flame Temple of Eidengal was extinguished many years ago. Find the temple and relight the Flames of Dread.


    [Quest Updated]


    Pon and Nix braved the trials of the Flame Temple and were found worthy. The Flame Temple was then moved to Haven, where it was once again restored to glory.


    [Quest Updated: Restore Eidengal]


    You and your allies have worked tirelessly on behalf of Eidengal. It is time to speak with Tautius.


    /Inferno: Pon: Bonus... We already did that shit.


    /Inferno: Semmi: We do things backward again?


    /Inferno: Nix: Maybe.


    Nix cleared his throat loudly. "Tautius..."


    The former Titan King stopped in mid-stride and walked slowly back to Duran''s side. After resuming his seat next to the Eidengal leader, he brought out and small red box. "Of course... Inferno is not a guild to be taken lightly. This is for you; you will know when to use it."


    Nix accepted the small red box. "Thank you."


    King Duran waited until Nix opened the box before speaking. "The forces of Eidengal are at your disposal. Alfred and Edith will be in charge of them."


    Nix nodded, his eyes staring into the box. It was a single blade. A few inches longer than a traditional dagger, the bone blade was sharpened to a keen edge. Its hilt seemed fairly common; no runes or carvings were apparent anywhere on the knife. The dagger burned with a bright red/orange flame.


    [Phoenix Blade]


    Artifact: One-time use.


    Plunge this into the heart of Khione and slay the Winter Goddess.


    Description: Crafted by the lost arts of Eidengal, this dagger is made from a legendary fire creature known as the Phoenix. Caution, this must only be used on Khione''s real form.


    [Quest Updated: Deep Winter War]


    /Inferno: Nix: Easy enough. Stab the bitch, and we go fishing.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Great idea.


    A moment later, a holo appeared in front of Nix; a woman wearing yellow robes stood calmly with a slight smile on her face. "I found Ethoryst."


    Nix returned the smile; the spatial dragon hadn''t let him down. "Where is he?"


    "He''s in Ionova."


    Nix stared for a long moment. "My Ionova? Perfect. Could you open a Breach for us?"


    "Of course, Nix. Please be careful."


    "I will. Thanks for the help."


    /Inferno: Nix: Everyone joins Alpha.


    Eri Dale has joined Alpha.


    Brell has joined Alpha.


    Toxin has joined Alpha.


    Corm has joined Alpha.


    Retric has joined Alpha.


    Dune has joined Alpha.


    Ainsba has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Nix: Any buffs you want to cast, do it now.


    /Alpha: Brell: Incoming, Shammie loving!


    Brell has cast [Wolf Aspect]


    Your attack rating has been raised by forty percent.


    Brell has cast [Haste]


    Your movement and attack speed has been raised by thirty percent.


    Brell has cast [Den Mother]


    Armor rating and health regeneration have been increased by ten percent.


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s some good loving.


    /Alpha: Nix: This is the reason I brought the Sand Killers here. Consider this your job interview.


    /Alpha: Eri: What''s the target?


    /Alpha: Nix: A dragon named Ethoryst.


    /Sand Killers: Toxin: Did he say dragon?


    /Sand Killers: Eri: He did. Nix may be crazy.


    /Sand Killers: Brell: Welcome to the inner circle.

 Chapter 610: Kill Ethoryst (one)

    Nix paused long enough at the breach to morph into the Rat-King. "Ionova is close to Khione''s fortress, change into an animal form. It will mask our presence if anyone is looking for us."


    Both Semmi and Wind changed into Ravagers; Pon''s Ice Wraith form hovered over the seven white Orions waiting until Nix exited before herding them in.


    /Alpha: Pon: Follow the leader! Don''t do anything too stupid.


    The breach exited at the former location of the Turtle House. Nix sighed heavily; Stewardship of Ionova was something he had enjoyed. Most of the citizens had been evacuated to the Nether. "Get those Ravager senses to work. We are looking for someone who doesn''t belong. Use any means necessary."


    Semmi and Wind disappeared in a blur, leaving the rest of the group behind.


    /Alpha: Eri: What were those creatures, Nix? They seem formidable.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s a mutation of the form you are using now mixed with a Nether Rat. More importantly, it has a lot of heightened abilities.


    The Rat-King moved toward the ridge that overlooked both his property and the city of Ionova. In the recent past, old Ionova had been replaced with an updated version that boasted better amenities and water access. It had been bigger, better, and more pleasing to the eye. Nix had been tempted on many occasions to burn Old Ionova to the ground.


    The crusted snow easily supported his weight as he stared at the ruins. Khione''s counterstrike had leveled both old and new. With Neb''s help, they started the rebuilding process, but that had been put on hold during the Bone Fortress. "No matter what happens, when this war ends, I will rebuild this town."


    "Are they all dead?" One of the twins whispered from beside Nix.


    "No. I had them evacuated." The Rat-King turned to stare at the Orion. "Can you sense anything living?"


    "No."


    Nix used his nose to point toward the wreckage that was old Ionova. Even covered in meters of snow, it was an eyesore. "How about from the old ruins?"


    The Orion''s nose sniffed the air several times; since he was not used to having heightened senses, he couldn''t even begin to identify the different scents. There was one that stood out, but he couldn''t place it. "There''s a strong smell, or maybe a lot of similar smells that are strong together."


    "Not bad, Corm. What you are sensing are rats. A lot of them. Like everything else, they are huddled together, trying to survive. They''ve created hundreds of tunnels beneath the snow, raiding our old storerooms to stay alive."


    /Alpha: Semmi: Found him; he''s created some sort of spatial anomaly inside the quarry.


    /Alpha: Nix: Perfect. We will meet you at the entrance.


    A half-hour later,, the group huddled just inside the entrance to the quarry. Several meters of ice and snow created a natural barrier to anyone trying to enter. A single tunnel, perhaps a meter in diameter, marked the only way in.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll brief everyone on the layout, then our scouts can fill in the blanks.


    Nix spared a glance at Ravager Semmi, who was nodding her elongated head in agreement. The Rat-King could use hud interfaces while most puppets couldn''t. "This tunnel widens considerably and advances eastward at a moderate angle for a hundred meters. It opens up into a large cavern that feeds into seven smaller tunnels."


    Wind''s sharp claws pointed at the central tunnel on Nix''s map interface. "This one."


    The Rat-King rubbed his sharp claws together. "Perfect, it dead-ends in a large chamber with three-tiered levels. What else?"


    Semmi paused for a moment. "The anomaly I mentioned is blocking the entrance. If we can get past it, those tiers will provide cover, provided we can get inside."


    Eri listened while the Inferno scouts detailed the layout. "Our ranged fighters can fight from cover." Is Toxin going to be tanking? Brell can heal some, but not enough to keep him alive."


    "I''ll summon Eron." Fajii broke her long silence. "He will handle heals and countermagic."


    "Toxin will start off tanking, focus on interrupts. I''ll call Morti after we get through the entrance." Nix studied the map; everyone had picked out their spots. The problem was the anomaly. "I should have brought Sinfaya. We have no idea what that does. Sem?"


    "Don''t look at me. It could be anything; deathtrap, portal, prison space... "


    "Hmmm... This helps me, actually. I can''t have a thriving rat colony in Ionova when my people return." The Rat-King stealthed and started down the passage. "We''ll head down to the main cavern and wait for my army."


    /Alpha: Wind: Army?


    /Alpha: Pon: The new guys are going to think you''re crazy.


    /Alpha: Nix: Raid Sheet, Sem. Finalize the assignments while I bring in the boys.


    Nix led the way down the tunnel, his yellow eyes immediately turning green as he switched to night vision. Unlike the Nether Rat puppets, the Rat-King didn''t have a ''Dominate'' ability. The Rat-Kings version was called [Rat Army] and didn''t mention a limit.


    [Ethoryst Raid Sheet]


    Morti: Tank


    Toxin: Tank


    Brell: Shaman


    Eri Dale: Ranger


    Corm: Javalier


    Retric: Javalier


    Ainsba: Sand Shadow


    Dune: Sand Shadow


    Pon: Fire Mage


    Fajii: Scorched Earth Mage


    Wind: Gemini Thief


    Nix: Spellsword, Fire Mage


    Semmi: Gemini Thief


    The Rat King waited near the entrance of the middle tunnel while the rest of the raid took cover just outside. Since Nix was unsure of the control he would have, they decided the best course of action would be to have the rats rush into the anomaly room.


    /Alpha: Semmi: This doesn''t require a real brief; we''re going to wing it mostly. This tunnel is only thirty meters long; it stops at the chamber where Ethoryst is. The rats will spring whatever trap is waiting for us. We''ll follow them in and assume our positions. Feel free to switch back to your natural forms after that.


    /Alpha: Nix: Here we go...


    Nix has cast [Rat Army].


    46,332 Rats have answered your call. How many Rats would you like to promote?


    The Rat-King stared at the interface that popped up in front of him. "Promote? Holy crap. That''s a lot of rats.


    [Available Promotions]


    Rat Leader: Requires a minimum of 1,000 rats, promoting a Leader sacrifices 100 rats.


    Rat Commander: Requires a minimum of 10,000 rats, promoting a Commander sacrifices 1000 rats.


    Rat General: Requires a minimum of 100,000 rats, promoting General sacrifices 10 Commanders.


    "Commanders sound nice."


    You have promoted 4 Commanders at the cost of four thousand rats. Your Rat Army stands at 42,332. You may give direct commands to your Commanders. The default name for your commanders are numerical designations. You may change it at any time.


    [Rat-Commander 1]


    [Rat-Commander 2]


    [Rat-Commander 3]


    [Rat-Commander 4]


    Nix shook his head slightly. "Too complicated for this mission." He focused his vision down the corridor and targeted the anomaly.


    [All Rat-Commanders, Attack my target]


    It took several minutes for the first wave to enter the quarry tunnels, understandable since the city was a distance away. One moment the corridor was empty, and the next it was flooded in a sea of black fur.


    /Alpha: Semmi: This isn''t Rat Domination.


    Nix shook his rat head slightly. A few meters back from the front line of rats was a wide gap, perhaps a meter wide. Inside that space was a huge rat, two or three times bigger than normal. "That must be one of my Rat Commanders."


    /Alpha: Nix: No, this is Rat Army. Forty thousand plus coming our way, so stand fast.


    The front line attacked the anomoly fearlessly, the swirling circle glowed as rats disappeared by the hundreds. Without fail, the ones from behind pushed forward and attacked. Nix watched the first of his Rat Commanders leaped forward with its teeth barred, only to vanish a moment later.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Are they being killed?


    Nix checked his Rat-King hud, it didn''t monitor the rat army but it did have the Rat-Commander''s health bar. The first one through hadn''t taken any damage.


    /Alpha: Nix: No. If its a trap, then it is holding all of them.


    The scratching of sharp claws on the rock floors echoed against the backdrop of thousands of chittering rats gnashing their teeth. The pungent smell of rat filled the quarry, by the thousands they disappeared, like lemmings charging off of a cliff. The rat army was down to its last few dozen rats when the anomoly suddenly vanished.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Get into position! GO!


    Nix morphed into his human form and ran toward the lowest tier, drawing both of his bone hilts he pushed silver dread flames into the blades.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    The Titan cub appeared in front of Nix, his sharp eyes taking in everyting. He turned slowly toward the focus of Nix''s attention. "Smells like rat in here. What are we fighting?"


    "RATS! RATS IN MY RUBICON? WHO DARES?"


    The raid group winced collectively as the shouting rose to a near deafening level, an instant later, a man with horns appeared in front of them. Ethoryst had arrived.


    "DRAGON?" Morti went from calm cub to angry titan in the span of a heartbeat. Bone spikes emerged from his shoulders, his body expanding slightly as his claws lengthened considerably, the process completed when a row of jagged spikes formed a ridge down his spine.


    Mortimer has activated [Bone Emperor].


    [King''s Order][Push Back][Life Force]


    Triple combination successful.


    Ethoryst must limit his attacks to Mortimer for the next 60 seconds.


    Morti was a step away from Ethoryst when the dragon produced both a shield and staff. The cub''s enormous paw batted the shield to one side, sending it skidding across the cavern. Lowering his shoulder, he slammed into his target, driving him back several feet. The cub''s teeth clamped down on the elbow of the arm holding the staff and wrenched to one side, effectively turning the the target''s back toward the entrance.


    Mortimer has reinforced the life force of the raid.


    [Quick Heal][Escape]


    Partial combination.


    Ethoryst has healed his broken elbow.


    Escape is not possible at this time.


    Nix followed in Morti''s wake, both blades pulled back for a stab when he was suddenly presented with the dragon''s back.


    [Double Stab][Air Burst]


    Combination Successful.


    The two blades sunk only a few centimeters into Ethorysts back. The blade''s air burst widened the superficial wound, splattering Nix with dragon blood.


    Corm has activated [Hunter Shot x 5]


    Retric has activated [Hunter Shot x 5]


    Eri Dale has activated True Arrow.


    Eri has landed a critical hit.


    Several javelins pierced the back of Ethoryst, his back quickly turning into a pincushion.


    /Alpha: Eri: Thick skin!


    [Backstab][Sand Storm]


    Combination Partially Successful.


    Dune has landed a critical strike.


    Ethoryst''s vision has been reduced by five percent.


    [Backstab][SandFection]


    Combination Successful.


    Ainsba has landed a critical strike.


    Sand has entered the wounds of your target, creating a mild poison.


    [Void Strike][Backstab][Hamstring]


    Semmi has landed a critical strike.


    Semmi has landed a significant strike.


    Ethoryst has been stunned.


    Ethoryst''s movement is restricted by thirty percent.


    Nix targeted the shouting dragon''s legs, a have dozen silver strands wrapped around Ethoryst''s calf pulling him off-balance.


    Brell has cast [Tar Pit]


    Ethoryst''s reaction time is decreased by thirty percent.


    [Dual Chain][Void Strike]


    Combination successful.


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with significant strike.


    [Rockshield][Boulder Bash][Rock Golem]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Your allies are protected by a rock shield.


    Fajii has followed up Wind''s attack with a significant strike.


    Ethoryst has been stunned.


    Fajii has summoned [Rock Lord].


    A half dozen head-sized boulders slammed into Ethoryst, knocking him forward. The Rock Lord was a lumpy looking fiend that carried a shield in one hand, his free hand ended in a large rock that he wielded like a weapon. It charged forward, stopping a few meters from Ethoryst before entering defensive mode.


    [Balefire: Hex][Dread Fire: Master''s Strike]


    Combination Successful.


    Pon has followed up Fajii''s attack with a significant strike.


    Ethoryst has been stunned.


    Pon has landed a mortal strike.


    [Critical Clause][Evacuation]


    Ethoryst has sacrificed a portion of his Dragon Marrow to nullify his restraints.


    A breach to Tembai Academy has opened up.


    Nix stumbled backward as his flame strands vanished unexpected, Morti was also forced to release his hold. "He''s running!"


    The wounded dragon ran for the breach, electing to flee rather than continueing to fight.

 Chapter 611: Kill Ethoryst (conclusion)

    Eron has cast [Twisted View][Flash].


    The breach disappeared suddenly, Ethoryst skidded to a stop, his eyes widened in disbelief. An instant later, a brilliant light flashed.


    Ethoryst has resisted blind.


    Toxin has cast [Poison Chains].


    A thick, linked, black chain shot forward from the Su''Dhassi''s shield. It wrapped around the torso of Ethoryst, binding him in place.


    [Poison Chain] has added three poison counters onto Ethoryst.


    Morti turned back toward the dragon and charged with a roar that shook the cavern. The dragon seemed to freeze in place for a moment.


    [Summon: Dragon Armor][Absolute Shield][Quick Heal]


    Critical Interrupt!


    Mortimer charged through the dragon, impaling him on one of his shoulder spikes before slamming him into the wall. He pushed the dragon away from him with a swat that spun him around, splashing blood onto the rock floor when his spike was wrenched free. "BEAR SLAP!"


    Ethoryst has received a mortal wound.


    Ethoryst has been stunned.


    [Summary Execution: Silver Dread Flames]


    Nix appeared at the side of the spatial dragon with a single silver flamed blade. Striking through the target, the blade flashed outward before burning out. Ethoryst''s eyes went wide with horror for a moment before rolling back in his head. The dragon''s head fells slowly backward and landed on the cavern floor with a loud thump. The body stood for several seconds before it too collapsed.


    Ethoryst the Dragon has been slain by Nix.


    You have recovered Ethoryst''s Rubicon.


    All members of your raid have been given the Dragon Slayer title.


    All members of your raid have learned a new ability [Escape].


    [Escape]


    Spatial Spell: Dragon Race


    Description: Escape doesn''t require mana and may be used while under the influence of controlling effects. The human variant of this spell requires the caster to sacrifice all but one of his health points. This spell returns you to your binding point.


    Nix read the description; like everyone else in the raid, he was smiling.


    /Alpha: Nix: It''s an Oh shit, spell.


    /Alpha: Eri: Oh shit?


    /Alpha: Pon: Yeah. Oh shit, I''m getting my ass kicked. Time to get out of here.


    /Sand Killers: Toxin: What was that?


    /Sand Killers: Brell: Chain stuns, dread flame, and a Titan Tank.


    /Sand Killers: Eri: Now we know. Inferno can kill dragons.


    The air shimmered on one side of the cavern, the illusion covering the breach faded away.


    /Alpha: Nix: That was an illusion?


    /Alpha: Eron: Of course. I can''t counter a dragon''s spell. I merely created an image in front of it. He was so rattled that he didn''t realize it.


    Nix bent down and picked up the head by the hair. "This fight would have been different if he had summoned his armor right away. Come with me, Morti. The rest of you stay here."


    /Alpha: Semmi: There''s more loot on the corpse. I''ll delve it out.


    /Alpha: Nix: Make sure our new friends benefit. Good job, Sand Killers. You passed the interview.


    The gate had been opened in front of the Council building for a handful of minutes. Students were crowding around, talking loudly amongst themselves while the council was being notified.


    Maric leaned on his elbows, enjoying the sun on his face and a moment of peace away from his roommates. His once large room had been effectively divided in two, with dividers put up for privacy. He''d been watching the event since the breach opened up. That particular area would be considered off-limits for breaches; most dragons would know that.


    "Hey, Mar!" Lulu slid open the door that led to their dorm room and stepped onto the balcony. "What ya looking at?"


    "Don''t call me, Mar." For a brief moment, Maric considered ignoring the orange-haired troublemaker. "Someone opened a breach in front of the Council Building."


    "Think it''s the Rat-King?" Lulu budged in beside him, jostling him even though there was plenty of room. "Has anyone come out?"


    "No. The breach has been there for several minutes." Maric was about to leave the balcony when the doors to the Council Building opened up. Three dragons headed down the marble steps toward the breach.


    "Seti is the one in the middle. Not sure about the other two." Lulu brought up her Academy hud and started reading. "It''s Crahz and Picoli; both of them are fire heads."


    Seti stopped at the base of the steps, two meters away from the gate. She studied it for several moments. Gates were unique to dragons, although the Breach Commander ability could have human variants, even that was easily discernable. "Dragon made, most likely by an expert Spatial Mage."


    The breach shimmered slightly as two figures exited. The effect on the surrounding crowd was immediate. A monstrous-looking bear with bone spikes jutting out of its shoulders towered over his companion, a dark-haired man wearing green armor. The two stood motionless in front of the council members for a long moment.


    "I better not hear anything else regarding, Fey the Silver." Nix tossed the horned head of Ethoryst onto the ground in front of them. "Come after my family again, and I won''t stop with a couple of dead dragons and some lost dragon marrow."


    Seti stared at the head of Ethoryst. He had been a talented Spatial Mage, but not especially dangerous as a fighter. Gharon the Black was a different story though, the formidable dragon had been torn apart, and his heart consumed.


    Morti reared back on his hind legs, causing the crowd to retreat several steps. "They aren''t agreeing. We should swat them."


    Seti held up a hand, a slight frown on her pale face. "You have made your point, Guild Leader Nix. Consider the matter dropped."


    Nix nodded and turned back toward the Breach. The Titan cub waited to make sure no one moved before following.


    Nix paused at the Breach and looked back. "You got rid of the bells? Too bad... They were kinda fun."


    "Bells?" Seti''s hand touched one of her horns. She didn''t wear them often, mostly because Gharon had told her they were unbecoming of a dragon.


    The duo exited through the breach; a moment later, it closed, leaving the entire courtyard in silence.


    Lulu covered Maric''s mouth with her hand, in case he was tempted to speak out. "Don''t say anything until we get inside."


    ***********


    "You have Ethoryst''s rubicon? May I see it?" Sinfaya leaned forward slightly, her face showing obvious excitement.


    Nix nodded and handed it to her. It was appeared to be a small metallic cube. "What''s it for?"


    "You''d love it." Sinfaya turned it over in her hand, studying the surface. "It''s a personal space, time runs much slower in these."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "Why would I care about that? I suppose I could nap in it..."


    "Nap? This is for crafters! I''m not sure what the time ratio is since Ethoryst was very talented, it''s probably 5:1." Sinfaya smiled suddenly. "May I take a look?"


    Nix nodded. "Sure. Better you than me." The sentence had barely left his mouth when Sinfaya disappeared from sight. Neither she nor the rubicon was visible. He checked her guild status; it was listed as ''unavailable.''


    Sinfaya reappeared two minutes later, her face showing disgust. "It''s full of rats, Nix. You should get rid of them."


    "Rats? What are they doing?"


    "Nothing. Sitting there quietly while waiting."


    Nix pursed his lips slightly. His rat army was in the rubicon. "Tell me everything I need to know."


    Sinfaya took a seat at the kitchen island. Nix had asked her to meet him at the Turtle House. The only other person in the home was upstairs sleeping. "You can spend an hour a day in the rubicon. While one hour passes on the outside, it will be five hours for the person inside."


    "Ethoryst stayed a lot longer than that." Nix frowned at the words; no one would be happy if his rat army were set loose in Haven.


    "The rules are different for Heroes. Ethoryst could stay longer because he made it; he could likely stay more than a month."


    "So I''m limited to an hour a day, which will be five inside. What about the rats?"


    Sinfaya shook her head slightly. "It''s likely they''ll never leave unless you make them."


    "Huh? No limit?"


    Sinfaya handed him the rubicon. "Since they aren''t sentient creatures, their stay might be indefinite. You should claim ownership immediately."


    Nix nodded and held the rubicon in his palm.


    [Do you wish to claim ownership of Ethoryst''s Rubicon?]


    "Yes."


    Nix''s Rubicon: Bound


    Description: A small space made for crafting. This rubicon was created using higher magic. The inside dimensions measure one square kilometer. Structures may be built inside, non-sentient creatures may be stored for up to 30 days.


    "Shit... That''s not permanent."


    "I guess not," Sinfaya shrugged helplessly and held out her hand.


    Nix looked at her hand and then back at her. "What?"


    "Now that you claimed it, only you can access it. There should be an icon on your hud." Sinfaya kept her hand extended. "Now, I can''t enter unless you bring me with you."


    "Oh." Nix gripped her hand and activated the small rubicon icon that appeared on his hud. "Let''s go then."


    Nix found himself standing near a large pond, green grass extended outward for a dozen meters before leading to a dense forest. "That looks further than a square kilometer."


    "It''s an illusion. If you walk in one direction, you will eventually end up where you started."


    Nix laughed suddenly. "So no running into walls? I can put a workbench over there near the water, me and the old bastard can drink... I mean do some crafting."


    "You''ll have to enable outside communication. Otherwise, we won''t be able to contact you until you leave."


    Nix grinned at the thought. "I see. No pests bothering me for five hours. Woah..." He had missed the rats when he first glanced because they were sitting in taller grass. They stood in four equally divided groups with a single large one in front. "Looks like a formation."


    Sinfaya stared at the Inferno Leader. She quickly learned that he joked quite a bit. The problem was that it was nearly impossible to know when he was serious. "You should evict them at once."


    Nix shook his head. "Know what a million rats could do? Whatever the fuck they wanted." He laughed maniacally for a moment before calming down. "The Rat-King is mighty."


    "So the rats are staying?"


    Nix nodded. "Gotta get more, maybe promote a General. Bet the General is bad-ass."


    "We have to hold hands again when exiting. Otherwise, I''ll be stuck here until the timer runs out."


    Nix held out his hand. "Thanks for the help."

 Chapter 612: A Brief Interlude

    Although it was fairly early when Sinfaya left the Turtle House, Nix felt mentally drained and decided a short nap would be the best way to solve that. A noise from the Master Bedroom told him that the house had at least one occupant. Since he told Raine to meet him here, he assumed the dhassi must be upstairs.


    "Raine?" Nix called her name at the top of the stairs, entering the bedroom through the open doors. "Oh..."


    Raine stood next to a pile of clothes, a smile on her face as she reached for the towel she had placed on the bed. "Going to freshen up a bit. I hurt myself while sparring. Could you help me?"


    Nix didn''t bother to hide his smirk; the Xai Clan leader was a horrible actress. Instead of asking who put her up to it, he decided to go with the flow. "Is it bad? I should check it out."


    Raine moved purposefully slow while wrapping her towel around herself before extending a hand toward him. "Not too bad, as long as we take care of it right away, I should recover."


    An hour later, she lay against him, her pale skin pressed against his. "Nix?" Raine propped herself up on her elbows, a movement that exposed the pink tips of her breasts. "We won''t lose this fight... Right?"


    Nix shook his head. "I won''t allow it. When this is done, we can all go back to our lives. Or do whatever we like."


    Raine smiled slightly, taking the opportunity to slide a leg over him. "I''m expected to take over the Fir''Dhassi. Not just the Xai Clan, but all of the Clans."


    "Doesn''t surprise me. Few things build unity like war." Nix gripped her hips before rolling them both over. "Since you decided on a second round, this time it''s my way."


    Raine''s pale features reddened slightly. "Isn''t this the third round?"


    "Huh? That bit in the bathroom didn''t count." Nix gripped her wrists, pinning her to the soft mattress.


    Raine laughed unexpectedly. "You seemed to like it... Sorry if I bit y..."


    "NIX!"


    A familiar voice shouted from downstairs. Nix sighed heavily and rolled to the edge of the bed. "Be down in a minute."


    "She did that on purpose." Raine pulled herself upright, sitting with her arms crossed beneath her full breasts.


    Nix dressed quickly, adjusting himself as best he could. "It''s my fault. I didn''t expect her to finish so quickly. Del stays here most of the time."


    Raine frowned at Nix''s retreating form. "Del stays here most of the time," she muttered under her breath. "Of course she does, at least she''s stuck in that cat form."


    Nix walked down the stairs two at a time, not having to fake a smile when he spotted Del near the door. "You look great! I can see the difference." The Artic Stalker form was a unique and elite life form. Somehow, she seemed more vibrant.


    Del waited while Nix checked her out. She had already noted the changes in herself, but he found them right away, even a few she hadn''t realized. Only fitting, since it had started as one of his animations. "What''s Raine doing upstairs?"


    "Demonstrating a Fir''Dhassi mating ritual," Nix said with a straight face. "Very complex."


    "No, it isn''t. The Fir''Dhassi squat in bushes like beasts in rut." Del''s blue eyes glanced at the stairwell before nudging his face with her soft nose.


    Nix laughed loudly, pushing Del''s head away when he straightened up. The sound of the shower started up just as he opened the fridge. "You speaking from experience?"


    "Maybe."


    Nix frowned at the empty fridge, with Hyai spending all of her time at the Ranch, the Turtle House was not stocked properly. "Don''t lie."


    "I am advancing quickly, it might not be long until I recover my Ain''Dhassi form." Del walked toward the door, her good mood suddenly soured. "Is she staying?"


    "No. We''re heading to the ranch for dinner. I''ll return by later by myself." Nix watched as the Stalker broke into an easy lope. Del preferred the meat of a fresh kill. He wondered how much of the Ain''Dhassi Ranger was still in there?


    ***********Authors Note*******


    Three young women play the character of Bali in rotating shifts.


    Mason Dixon: 22-year-old exotic dancer from Georgia. The best gamer of the three.


    Yu Yan: An MIT graduate who became unemployed when her office building unexpectedly burnt to the ground. This happened again a few months later and she''s been mostly unemployed since then. As expected, she is smart and very good with anything electronic.


    Ray Diaz: The artist in the group. A talented tattoo artist with a penchant for conspiracy theories.


    *************


    [1715 hours Chinatown, New York]


    Ray glanced at the stasis pod. Yu was currently occupying the one they used for Bali, but over the last year, they managed to save enough for two more. "I''m really nervous, Mase. Won''t you come with me?"


    Mason shook her head. She''d been keeping her hair short lately and dyed platinum blond. Perhaps playing Bali was influencing her. "I''ll give you fifteen minutes to explain things. We don''t want to freak her out."


    "W-What if she doesn''t show up. Or maybe she doesn''t want to be our friend." Ray''s face scrunched up, a sign that she was fighting back tears. She didn''t really care about her share of the R&B Pawn Shop, her concern was the person she spent hours talking and laughing with.


    Mason knew better than to comfort Ray when she looked like that. If she did, Ray would spend the next hour crying on her shoulder. She''d work through it on her own in a few minutes. "This is Ronnie we''re talking about!"


    The group had finally decided to approach the Inferno archer. They sent her a picture drawn by Ray, identical to one of the ones that Bali kept on her wall. A short message accompanied the drawing. "Would you like to meet me? Next Friday at 1730." They included the number to a Virtuna account under the name B. Zenda; Bali''s last name.


    The pair waited for a few minutes, quietly sipping wine while talking. Ray glanced at the clock and then stood up with a heavy sigh. "I''m heading in. Wish me luck!"


    "Good luck!" Mason followed her roommate to the open stasis pod and waited while she climbed in. "Just be yourself." She offered Ray a big smile and then closed the pod.


    [Logging on Virtuna Apartment: B.Zenda@4837290]


    Ray appeared in the entryway of the virtual apartment the trio had purchased. It was nothing special, but the group had owned it for the past half-year. A knock on the door completely disrupted her calm. "I can''t believe I''m so scared." A few moments later, she tentatively reached for the door and opened it.


    "Hello, B. Zenda?" A lean blonde woman stood in the doorway, there was nothing familiar about her looks but the voice was a dead giveaway.


    Ray nodded and opened the door wider. "Please come inside, we have a lot to talk about. What should I call you?"


    "Ronnie will work." The blonde''s blue eyes focused on her. "How do you know Bali''s last name? Where did you get that drawing?"


    The blonde started firing off questions while following Ray into the living room. It was her voice that put Ray at ease.


    "My name is Ray. I know Bali''s name because I''m a Deep Role-Player assigned to play her." Ray paused when Ronnie''s mouth dropped open. "I drew that picture."


    "The DRP program?" Ronnie whispered it in reverence. "It really exists?" The surprise only lasted for a few moments before the eyes narrowed in speculation. "If you''re Bali, then you don''t mind if I test you out?"


    Ray shrugged. "I''ll do my best. In truth, there are three of us that play her. My two roommates and I."


    "WHAT?" Ronnie''s voice changed from a whisper to a shout causing Ray to jump back. "Three? Is that normal? Wait... that kinda makes sense. I noticed there were times in sparring when Bali was really good."


    "That would be Mason." Ray let out the breath she''d been holding. "She''s good at everything."


    Ronnie''s lips curved into a wide smile. "Then there''s the one who figures everything out. She glanced at our account books in the R & B and did them like she was folding clothes."


    "That''s Yu, an MIT graduate." Ray smiled slightly. "As you may have figured out, I''m the artist. Tattoo artist actually," she rolled up her long sleeves, showing off some of her ink.


    Ronnie scooted closer, studying the inked skin. She wasn''t an art critic but she could see Bali''s style in the tattoos. "What can you tell me about the DRP program?"


    Ray shook her head slightly. "Nothing really."


    Ronnie frowned slightly. "Top secret? Then why tell me now?"


    "Basically, we hijacked the DRP character."


    When Mason logged in fifteen minutes later, the two women were sitting together on the couch laughing hysterically. Neither noticed her until she cleared her throat.


    Ronnie jumped up and appeared in front of her in an instant. "Mason right?" The blond wrapped her up in a big hug. "This is so awesome!"


    Mason glanced at the smiling Ray. "You told her everything?"


    Ray nodded happily. "Just like we agreed."


    "You three have huge brass balls!" Ronnie returned to the couch with a huge smile threatening to consume her entire face. "That''s why you never asked for your share. It wouldn''t help you at all."


    "Yes," Ray answered since Mason was still adjusting. "We don''t know much about the program, other than what we learned in old correspondence. Yu says that in-game transactions involving NPCs would have to be monitored."


    Ronnie pursed her lips slightly, her eyes darting back and forth. "Bali couldn''t just use her hud to turn game credits into real credits. That makes sense. There has to be some sort of work-around."


    Mason nodded since the idea had been hers. "We bought two additional stasis pods and made 125 level characters in the Everspire expansion. Ray and Yu will join as players while I take over Bali on a permanent basis."


    Ronnie clapped her hands excitedly. "Perfect! We''re making mad bank at the Pawnshop, the conversion rate is really good too."


    "You can walk away if you like," Mason spoke softly, it was something the three of them agreed on. "If you are unsure, we will continue as we are."


    "What? No way! When do I meet this Yu girl?" Ronnie took a deep breath. "You three can stay in the game full-time with the proceeds from the shop. Eventually, I''ll bring your characters into Inferno."


    Mason blushed slightly at the mention of the Inferno leader, of the three Bali''s, she had been the one that helped Ronnie in the operation to abduct Nix. "He should agree. Right?"


    Ronnie nodded. "I''ve known Nix for more than a year. He always backs me... Even more than my sister."


    Mason exchanged a worried look with Ray. "This has to remain a secret, Even from Sharl."


    Ronnie waved it off. "Oh please. I keep so many secrets from that woman. The only thing she''s ever agreed with me on is that Nix is fucking sexy."


    Mason stood up, smiling when Ronnie gave her a questioning look. "I''m going to relieve Yu so that you can meet her."


    "I can''t wait. When are you three going to come in full-time?"


    "Immediately. Inferno needs the best Bali for the Khione fight, and that is Mase." Ray answered the question before Mason could reply. "I''ll send you a whisper when we get in-game. My character''s name is Yani, and Yu''s character is Wu''Tahn."


    Ronnie stood and offered her a hug. "We have a few days before the Khione battle. We''ll partner up so you ladies can get some nice things."

 Chapter 613: Deep Winter War: Prepping for Battle

    Haven''s mid-afternoon sun felt unexpectedly harsh to the combatants who were sparring near the Dragon Flame Temple on a windless day. The courtyards of both temples were filled with members taking advantage of the needed buffs.


    /Inferno: Semmi: To get the Temple buff, you must stay within the premises for three hours. Visit both temples, please. Every little bit helps.


    Although Inferno was on the brink of an epic battle, no one seemed willing or able to relax for the day. The courtyard was filled with the sounds of blade strikes coupled with the brilliant flashes of cast spells.


    The beautiful swordmaster nodded in approval, a movement that made her long, golden braid sway. "Quite lovely apprentice! Rely on your footwork while approaching and exiting."


    Nix picked up the practice blade he had dropped and caught the cloth that Chiba tossed him. They''d been at it for more than an hour, his eyes stung from the sweat that seemed to pour into them. "Don''t overextend yourself in the upcoming battles, Master."


    Chiba managed a creepy grin, quite the feat considering how beautiful she was. "You are concerned about me?"


    Nix wiped the sweat from his face; the rag was damp since both of them had used it multiple times. "Of course. Where would I find another greased pig as good as you?"


    Chiba laughed loudly, throwing an arm around his shoulders as they walked toward the edge of the courtyard. "Nowhere! No one does greasy pig like me!"


    The Inferno Leader nodded in agreement. "On that, we can agree." He shrugged her arm off after a few seconds. "Don''t be so clingy."


    They paused at the weapons table; Nix put his back while Chiba switched to a different, longer weapon.


    "Continuing Master?"


    Chiba nodded, "Elan Mtui wants to brush up on his sword work."


    Nix left without commenting; somehow, Chiba had managed to avoid creeping out the Breach Commander from the House of Dragons.


    "Apprentice!" Chiba called out his name; the golden-haired woman flashed him a brilliant smile that was completely devoid of her normal creepiness. "If you find yourself in trouble tomorrow, look to me, and the path will be cleared."


    Nix returned her smile and waved. "I know it''s true."


    The walk back to the Gemini Temple provided ample time to reflect on the upcoming fight. As with anything, there were a few last-minute details that needed to be taken care of.


    A few minutes later, his arrival at the Gemini Temple was noticed only by Elune, the Temple''s High Priestess. She bowed deeply, half of her face smiling pleasantly while the other remained locked in a frown. Nix used the platform to gate to the lower levels where he''d been keeping a number of Inferno''s enemies prisoner. Esta, the Chief Acolyte, would have normally insisted on accompanying him, but this time he had a different escort. "Am I late?"


    Sinfaya sighed unhappily. "I mentioned we were meeting, and they insisted on coming."


    He spared the other two dragons a glance, both of them had obviously grown stronger after submerging in Dragon Marrow. "Looks like you both did well."


    Tai smiled despite her disappointment. Her flame hadn''t been refined enough to develop into a Dread Flame. The strength gap between her and Deidra continued to grow. "Thank you again, Nix."


    Nix waved her off with one hand. "We ready? Let''s do this!"


    Sinfaya nodded. "All setup, but I''d recommend a distraction. The activation could be observed if someone were paying close attention."


    "Zeryn is a member of the Aquarion House in Solomon City; leave the distraction to me." Deidra wore her usual slim-fitting robe but had opted for red instead of her customary blues and greens.


    "Perfect." Nix brought up the Gemini Temple control hud and unlocked the entrance. He hadn''t known who Zeryn was when he tossed her in here, but she definitely wouldn''t cause trouble in front of Deidra.


    Bensic and Cyra Yune were the firsts to exit; next came Zerym, who was being closely watched by the two witches Nix had sent in with the group. There were signs of a fresh fight, but everyone was accounted for.


    "We''ve done as you asked, Nix." The Paladin bowed respectfully while the Shadow Ranger offered a wry smile. Alpha team had tricked them both during the Bone Fortress occupation, but as a mercenary, she held no grudges after the battles were done.


    Nix waited until the group was clear of the door before holding up a hand to stop their progress. "That''s far enough." One by one, he stepped in front of the prisoners, casually removing the Black Hand''s he had placed on them months earlier.


    "ZERYN!" Deidra''s voice rose to a shout that startled the entire group. Her aura pushed at them until their knees collapsed.


    "Dragon Master Deidra!" Zeryn bowed low from her knees.


    The pressure was released almost as quickly as it started, causing the group to look up. The cold beauty ignored them; leaning closer to Nix, she brushed her lips against the corner of his mouth.


    /Inferno: Tai''Qui: What are you doing?


    /Inferno: Deidra: Distracting.


    /Inferno: Sinfaya: All done, they can go back in.


    Zeryn''s mouth opened and closed several times as if trying to process what she had seen. Her knowledge of the Inferno Leader was limited since she''d been imprisoned for many months.


    "Good job, Bensic. You and your team may wait here. The rest of you will return to the lower level." Nix stepped in front of the kneeling Aquarion, his eyes staring for a long moment. "You will be released to your House after we deal with Khione."


    With the not-so-subtle threat of dragons watching, the group returned to the lower levels. Nix secured the entrance before stealing a glance at Sinfaya. "How''d it go?"


    "Seamless." Sinfaya opened a breach for herself and stepped through it without speaking further.


    "What about us?" Bensic''s deep voice echoed in the narrow corridor.


    "You will be provided with a place to stay in the Sky Kingdom for the next week. Unfortunately, we must insist that you remain there until our fight with Khione is complete."


    Deidra opened a breach with a wave of her hand. "Please enter; you will be the guest of the House of Dragons in Solomon City."


    One by one, the former fighters from the Bone Fortress stepped through until only Shur''icon remained. "I''m looking forward to starting over."


    *************


    The Stalker moved through the deep snow easily, nearly invisible in the white-out conditions of Colonial.


    /Alpha: Del: I''m getting tired, Nix. Can''t we stop yet?


    /Alpha: Nix: Last one, don''t be such a baby.


    /Alpha: Del: Try carrying me through this snow.


    Nix laughed, the sound lost in the howling wind. Del made the perfect transportation in any kind of blizzard. Her complaints were mostly out of habit; she had insisted on coming. The Stalker stopped outside the city limits of Cyphix.


    /Alpha: Del: Close enough?


    Nix slipped off of her back and immediately morphed into the Rat-King.


    Nix has cast [Rat Army].


    33,287 Rats have answered your call. How many would you like to promote?


    "Promote three rats to Commander, designate them as; Pon the old Bastard, Pon the Miserable, and Pon the Lame. Promote one rat to General." Nix knelt on the ice-covered ground while holding the Rubicon in his hand.


    [Command: Enter the Rubicon]


    The howling wind and blowing snow covered what would have otherwise been a noisy approach. The rats scurried in; however, one stopped in front of Nix.


    "El General?" Nix grinned wide enough to let snow into his mouth. The General stood on his back legs and walked with a rambling gait. "Designate the General as Pon the Magnificent."


    [General Pon, the Magnificent]


    You may give your detailed battle plans to the Rat General; he will personally analyze the battle as it unfolds and will regularly update his Commanders. He is a non-combatant and will remain in play until his army is defeated.


    "Enter the Rubicon, prepare for an epic battle."


    The five-foot-tall rat saluted and vanished into the Rubicon, leaving Del and Nix alone in the storm.


    /Alpha: Del: All done now?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yep. Thanks for the help; let''s head home.


    *****************


    It was late when Nix arrived at the meeting place. After a late dinner with Hyai, Shae, and Fajii, the Inferno Leader had been preparing to turn in earlier for once, but a message from Tai foiled his plan.


    "Thanks for coming." Tai stood up from the Pavilion''s stone bench. "I know you are spending time with your family but something important just arrived."


    "Hyai invited you to join us for dinner." Nix laughed at the Earth Dragon''s serious expression; she was obviously miffed. "I didn''t know Deidra was going to do that, nor would I have gone along with it if I did."


    Tai pursed her lips slightly, stepping closer to hug him. "Iriset the Blue has sent me this."


    [Greater Restoration]


    Nix accepted the encased scroll, turning it over for a moment before handing it back. It looked like the dragon healing spells he''d seen in the Bone Fortress. "What''s it do? I can''t even access the description."


    Tai gestured toward the Inferno Healers that remained petrified. "This is Seti''s specialty. It should break the curse on your remaining healers."


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Do you have contact info for Tess and Gypsy?


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Yes. Why?


    [Whisper: Nix to Semmi] Might be able to break them out.


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Give me five minutes!


    "Didn''t we look into this already? You said the curse was too strong."


    "It weakens as it ages. I believe it will work."


    Nix grabbed her hand, leading her back to the bench before sitting down. "Let''s spend a few minutes together. We might not get the chance again."


    Tai nodded, her expression easing closer to the semblance of her normal self. "Deidra mentioned that it wasn''t the first time that the two of you..."


    Nix laughed aloud. "Fuck no... That''s what I would call a straight-up lie."


    Tai moved closer and slid a hand through his arm. "Are you worried about tomorrow?"


    Nix shook his head. "Worrying has never really been my thing. We have a lot of smart people in Inferno. I trust that we''ll able to adjust to whatever comes our way."


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Give it a try. They are super-excited!


    Nix pulled Tai to her feet. "Let''s do this!"


    Tai pointed to the stand of trees nearby. "You should retreat. Greater Restorations have been known to undo armor enhancements..."


    "Shit... I''m outta here!" Nix''s face was locked in a grin while trotting toward the trees. Inferno had gotten lucky when Morti broke the spell on Pinkie. She had been logged into her account while reading the forums and was able to jump right into her character.


    Reflex caused him to duck behind one of the thicker trees when he felt the build-up of power around Tai. A swirling mass of light settled onto the pavilion while extending upward into Haven''s night sky.


    /Inferno: Deidra: What''s going on?


    /Inferno: Nix: Tai is attempting to use a [Greater Restoration] on Gypsy and Tess.


    The light brightened to the point where Nix used his hand to shield his eyes, it held there for a moment before retreating soundlessly back into the pavilion.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Damn it... What''s wrong with my head?


    /Inferno: Tess: Hangover without the party! What''s up, folks?


    /Inferno: Semmi: YES!


    /Inferno: Wind: This makes me happy.


    /Inferno: Pon: Great fucking timing! Welcome back!


    /Inferno: Sharl: More healer loving for me!


    /Inferno: Tess: You know it!


    /Inferno: Ronnie: The party girls are back!


    /Inferno: Semmi: You two meet me at the TOC. Your rooms are just like you left them.


    /Inferno: Tess: Serious? No one did my laundry? Rude.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: I may have left some food out...

 Chapter 614: Deep Winter War: Parux

    [Colonial Forums]


    Copied from Semmi''s Original post.


    Tomorrow morning Inferno will take down the last Regional Lord in Colonial. Thank you to all the guilds who helped clear out the Howlers. I don''t expect that Parux will take longer than an hour. When that happens, we will most likely see the Realm Boss. We have no idea what its strength or abilities may be. Our best guess is this.


    One Boss around level 125.


    Multiple waves filled with lower-level mobs.


    Regular Rage or stampede-like abilities.


    [How you can help us.]


    This is an open event, so no one is going to tell you what to do. That being said, the area immediately around the boss will most likely be the most dangerous. If I were running a mid-tier guild again, I would keep my members out of the main battle and carefully pick my targets. There should be many mid-range, named mobs on the outskirts considering the level of the mid-tier guilds. Inferno will try to respect any mid-range mob that has been claimed. Keep in mind, Inferno''s objective is the Realm Boss.


    Let''s bring back the sun!


    Semmi, 125 Level Gemini Thief


    Frenzy reread the posting while considering the layout. The Anomaly was close to Cyphix Bay, which was a bit south of the city itself.


    /Salamander: Frenzy: Let''s head to the rift cave. We''ll camp there for now.


    /Salamander: Ruther: Understood, boss.


    The Necromancer closed her hud and headed north. The original site of Nix''s defeat would make the perfect fall-back position. They''d set up in front of it and take advantage of natural cover.


    [Whisper: Frenzy to Nix] Good luck today! We''re setting up in the rift cave. Feel free to throw us some mobs.


    [Whisper: Nix to Frenzy] Heh... Since you asked so nicely, I''ll make sure it happens.


    Nix leaned against the warm Titan cub, not concerned that both of them were slowly being blanketed with a layer of snow. Ducky and Soup were drawing on the ice-covered ground with one of the Water Witches arrows. Occasionally one of them would look up to verify that he hadn''t moved.


    /Family: Nix: Tai keeps asking me to be her spirit companion. What do you guys think?


    /Family: Ducky: Yes!


    /Family: Morti: Yep. She''s very nice to me.


    "You''re early, Punk Bastard!" Pon stepped off of his bone crow, his face creased in a wide grin. "Can''t wait to kill that Ice Bitch."


    Nix stood up, pausing for a moment to hug the cub''s now covered neck. "Let''s not look past this realm, boss."


    Nix has activated his bloodline [Second Form: Emerald Salamander].


    Soup immediately made a bee-line for him, her jade-colored finger petting the salamander''s smooth skin. "Nom, nom, nom?"


    Nix laughed and nudged her with his wide snout. "Don''t even think about it."


    "Going Salamander today?" Pon knew Nix could fight effectively under almost any circumstance.


    "Yes. Since we''re facing the forces of Ice, I''m going to rely heavily on my strongest fire form." Nix returned the old man''s grin. "That doesn''t mean I won''t break out the Phoenix or my Basilisk."


    Pon''s old smile dropped immediately. "You have too many trump cards, bastard. What about the dread form?"


    The salamander''s green head shook from side to side. "You know how that goes. As a last resort, I would, but that effectively takes me out of the fight."


    Pon stared at him for a long moment. "I''ll be there to help. If push comes to shove, you can count on me to finish her off by myself!"


    "I know it, old man." Nix felt confident that if it came right down to it, either of them could get the job done.


    A breach opened a few meters away; a moment later, several members of Inferno streamed through.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Give me a moment to set up the main raid. Two groups will take down Parux while the rest of us head to Cyphix Bay.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Normally, we wouldn''t brief the second raid, but Parux isn''t going to present much of a threat. Because of that, we''ll play him straight. Morti tanks while the dps burns him down. Standard fare for this guy. Since we don''t know how fast things will kick-off after he''s down, we have to move fast.


    /Jun Li: For the Realm Boss, we''ll have three Breach Commanders keeping a close eye on the battlefield from high overhead. They will assist as the raid progresses. Here''s our raid sheet. Ask questions after you''ve read it.


    [Deep Winter War: Colonial]


    [Breach Commander Renz][Breach Commander Polai][Breach Commander Mtui]


    Main Tank: Morti


    Alt Tank: Sharl


    2nd Alt Tank: Banz


    [Alpha]


    Nix: CC, Ranged/Melee DPS


    Pon: Ranged DPS


    Wind: Melee DPS


    Semmi: Melee DPS


    Fajii: Buffs, Melee DPS


    [Bravo]


    Sharl: Tank


    Ronnie: Range DPS


    Bali: Range DPS


    Milat: Melee DPS


    Nansu: Melee DPS


    [Charlie]


    Banz: Tank


    Chiba: Melee DPS


    Beta: Melee DPS


    Rhylia: CC, Ranged Support


    Zhava: Melee DPS


    [Delta]


    Jun Li: Off Tank/Melee DPS


    Shae: Ranged DPS


    Donri: Ranged DPS


    Sila: CC/Melee DPS


    Sasi: Melee DPS


    [Healer Protection Group]


    Vooni: Tank, Melee DPS


    Aja: Ranged/Melee DPS


    Nunzo, Melee DPS


    Omak: Ranged DPS


    [Healers]


    Tess


    Gypsy


    Pinky


    Wylie


    Saji


    Nezbit


    [Sniper Group]


    Darsi


    Moki


    Dalton


    Sorbie


    /Inferno: Semmi: We''ve put our healers in one group and assigned Captain Vooni''s team to protect them. Morti is the only companion I included because he''s the MT. Feel free to summon your companions whenever you like.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The sniper team will be working with our Breach Commanders to find their targets.


    /Alpha: Pon: Seems straightforward.


    Fajii has summoned [Eron].


    Wind has summoned [Atharabi Qi]


    The tiny demon flashed a fanged smile at the group before pouncing on Wind. "Rabi will protect everyone today!"


    The stoic Gemini Thief cracked a smile; no one was immune to the charm of Rabi. "Don''t worry about the old bastard; it''s fine if he dies a few times."


    Rabi tilted his head sideways, his dark eyes glancing toward Pon. "Right... He''s off my list."


    /Alpha: Pon: Hey! Could you put me back on the list?


    /Alpha: Wind: No way.


    /Alpha: Nix: Gonzo... That''s definitely a bad omen for you.


    /Alpha: Pon: Hilarious.


    /Inferno: Sharl: What''s our timeline?


    /Inferno: Semmi: We kill Parux, then roll into the WB. Once we have him on the ropes, the Dhassi will kill Oasis''s last Regional Lord.


    /Alpha: Pon: How many parts of that can go wrong?


    /Alpha: Nix: Any and All of it...


    /Alpha: Semmi: Time to take off the skirt and man up.


    /Alpha: Wind: She''s talking to you, Pon.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Alpha and Bravo get in position, the rest of us will head to Cyphix Bay. Whenever you are ready, Morti.


    /Inferno: Morti: Okay. Time to swat things.


    Three separate breaches opened up next to the raid; two groups remained behind while the rest exited the area.


    Morti waited while Bravo and most of Alpha circled behind their target. Only Nix, Ducky, and Soup remained with him.


    /Alpha: Pon: Hey! Where are the Sand Killers?


    /Alpha: Semmi: In Oasis with Del and Raine. We''ll see them later.


    Rabi has shared [Enemy Information].


    Lord Parux: Melee Fighter.


    Main Weapon: Enchanted Ax.


    Armament: Enhanced Plate armor.


    Special Ability: AoE Stun attack.


    [Warning: The death of Lord Parux will trigger the arrival of the Realm King.]


    /Alpha: Nix: He''s big. Let''s not get sloppy.


    Parux stood motionless on the icy field of western Jhabi. Heavy plate armor protected his torso and legs, leaving his overly muscular arms bare. He wore a furred helm with two horns that protruded from either side. A single white braid extended down his back.


    "Gonna run right over him. Full speed." Morti stood on his hind legs, staring at the Regional Lord. "I really like his helmet."


    [Morti has activated: Bone Emperor].


    Long spikes emerged from the cub''s shoulders, followed by the ridge bone-blades that ran down the center of his back. The cub dropped to all fours with enough force to shake the ground. However, it was completely soundless, thanks to upgrades Nix had placed on his battle harness.


    Morti accelerated with surprising speed, his powerful strides throwing great chunks of ice and snow into the air as he rumbled toward his target like a runaway train. True to his word, he lowered his head and slammed into Jhabi''s Regional Lord.


    A pronounced ''woosh of air sounded upon impact, the Titan''s shoulder spike impaled Parux''s torso, causing him to scream in pain as he was tossed into the air, head over heels.


    Morti has inflicted a serious wound on Parux.


    A flash of jade followed in Morti''s wake, Soup''s round eyes focused on Parux as he fell toward the ground. She clenched her fist and swung it upward with all her strength.


    [Sonic Boom]


    The impact wave of the turtle''s ability caused everyone to flinch slightly; Parux was tossed back into the air, spinning like a top.


    Parux has been stunned.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Not this time! I''m getting a hit in before they kill it.


    Bright green flames erupted around the salamander as it raised one webbed foot.


    [Hellfire: Emerald Fury]


    A blinding ball of light struck its target, sending it careening toward the charging group.


    [Trueshot][Snake Arrow]


    Ronnie has landed a critical shot.


    Eight poison counters have been applied to Parux.


    Pon has activated his bloodline [Third Form: Dread Mage].


    Parux landed on the ground with a bone-jarring thud. Staggering to his feet, he howled with anger and stomped one of his heavily armored boots onto the ice.


    [Ice Expulsion]


    [Critical Interupt][Void Strike][Pickpocket]


    Rabi has interrupted Parux''s casting.


    Rabi has landed a critical strike.


    Rabi has stolen [Parux''s War Axe].


    [Balefire: Dread Flames]


    Pon has slain Parux.


    The bright red aura that surrounded the old man, pushed back the cold and snow for a dozen meters as his flaming wings flapped gently.


    /Alpha: Wind: Damn you two. Why are the rest of us even here?


    Pon laughed at the Gemini Thief and shrugged. "Comic relief."


    /Inferno: Semmi: I''ll loot everything; we''ll figure it out tonight.


    Two Breaches opened up near the corpse of the dead Regional Lord; without pausing, Inferno ran through the breach.

 Chapter 615: Deep Winter War: General Mizo Arcane (one)

    The Necromancer stood at the entrance to the rift cave, watching the anomaly as it hovered in the distance. A few meters behind her, the pleasant heat from their fire was a reminder of how important this day was.


    "You know some of the Inferno players? Can you introduce me to Pon?" Sawamura''s pretty face peeked out from the edge of the warm cave. Mid-Tier Salamander''s top healer had a small infatuation with the Inferno Fire Mage.


    Frenzy didn''t comment, her dark eyes scanning the landscape around them. Hundreds of mid-tier guilds had set up camp in the Cyphix region; all of them were waiting for Inferno''s table scraps. Salamander was a lot further out than any of the other guilds.


    "Who''s this Semmi person? She some sort of bigwig? He can do better than her..."


    Frenzy smiled at the comment; after watching the World Series with the group from Inferno, she realized they were very tight. "I don''t think he can." Her eyes were drawn back to the anomaly as it brightened considerably before elongating into a pillar of light.


    "Get back in the cave! Shield the entrance!" Frenzy pushed the healer in front of her just as Salamander''s only Earth Mage threw a shield in front of the entrance.


    [Blinding Flash]


    The hud of everyone in Cyphix opened up at the same time. Displayed in blue were all the groups and guilds gathered in the region. At the top of that list was Inferno.


    Morti rumbled out of the breach, his clawed feet digging up deep grooves in the ice as he skidded to a stop. His black nose huffed several times. "Something bad is here."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Be ready for anything.


    /Inferno: Pon: Where''s the badass?


    /Inferno: Nix: Maybe we got the day wrong? Who was supposed to check?


    /Inferno: Pon: It''s fine. Let''s come back tomorrow.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Look at your huds!


    Nix stared down at his hud; when he didn''t notice anything, he stepped closer to Pon, who was studying Semmi''s hud. "What am I missing?


    Semmi pointed to the dozens of blue groups in the area. "Half of them are inflicted. See that red dot? It says ''Snow Blindness,'' duration of 15 minutes."


    A rumbling sound like a chain being released echoed throughout Colonial, the pillar of light disappeared to reveal a portcullis twenty meters in height and ten across. The heavy iron structure was slowly being opened.


    An eerie silence filled the air; the surrounding groups had already discovered that the blindness couldn''t be removed with any of their spells.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Hey! It stopped snowing.


    For the first time in weeks, the snowfall in Colonial came to a halt. The slightest crack in the clouds appeared, allowing the sun to peek through and shine its light on Cyphix Bay.


    Nix glanced around the area; visibility and footing were both good. His attention was turned toward the open gate by a telltale noise that put a wide smile on his face. Immediately he dropped his Salamander form.


    Summons [Nightmare].


    Nix swung into the saddle with an easy motion and flared up his aura, causing his mount to burst into flames.


    The steady noise continued *Clip, Clop, Clip, Clop* until a mounted figure appeared at the iron gate. He was dressed in what could only be described as formal military attire. A bright red jacket with brass buttons over white pants that were neatly tucked into knee-length shiny black boots. His horse was a sleek white stallion that stood close to 20 hands in height.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Nice boots.


    /Inferno: Nix: Dibs on the horse.


    The rider exited the gate at an easy trot, his eyes focused on the Inferno Leader.


    /Inferno: Morti: Can''t target him.


    /Inferno: Semmi: He''s green, a non-combatant.


    Nix motioned at Pon and waited while the old man summoned a rather tame-looking mountain pony. Despite appearances, the strain of smaller horses that Nix was raising was known for uncommon endurance and courage.


    /Alpha: Nix: Me and you, Pon. Let''s see what he wants.


    Nix and Pon walked their mounts toward the approaching rider; when they were about ten meters apart, both groups halted.


    /Alpha: Nix: Dismount.


    /Alpha: Pon: Too bad he''s green. We could save ourselves time and wack him.


    /Alpha: Nix: Time for some diplomacy. Let''s see what he wants.


    Nix dropped his flame aura and waited while the old man stumbled through a dismount. "Smooth."


    The trio met in the middle, stopping when they were a meter apart.


    The red-coated man bowed slightly. "General Mizo Arcane." The man had slicked-back brown hair, dark eyes, and a fake smile. He was of average height with an athletic build. He wore two weapons, a black pistol that was holstered on his left side and a long saber on his right.


    "I''m Nix; this is Pon." Nix smiled pleasantly.


    The General glanced at the two mounts, his handsome face showing obvious contempt. "Nice horse."


    "Thank you." Both Pon and Nix answered at the same time.


    "I''m talking about that light brown nag. Do you actually ride that thing?"


    /Alpha: Wind: This won''t end well.


    Pon scowled at the General. "Don''t talk shit about Peanut Butter, Asshat.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Peanut Butter?


    /Alpha: Semmi: That''s her name.


    Nix took a small step to one side and smiled innocently. "Let''s not get personal, gentlemen. What''s on your mind, General? Are you here to surrender?"


    The General''s laugh was a nasally, high-pitched noise that reminded Nix of a donkey. "I''m here to offer terms."


    /Alpha: Pon: Terms? What''s that mean?


    /Alpha: Semmi: He wants us to surrender.


    /Alpha: Wind: Waste of time.


    "Terms? Right..." Nix took another half-step to one side. "What''s your offer?"


    General Arcane cleared his throat and brought out a single scroll. "Inferno will withdraw from this Realm. The landmass where we are now standing will become my sovereign territory. Flying mounts will no longer be allowed in Colonial."


    Nix shared a glance with Pon before shrugging slightly. "That seems a bit one-sided. What happens if we don''t accept?"


    "Permanent death, with no chance of resurrection, for everyone in your army." The General rested his hand on the hilt of his saber while glancing around the battlefield. "You won''t last an hour if you fight."


    /Inferno: Ronnie: How do we know he''s not alone? Call his bluff, Nix!


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Go ahead and slap him.


    [Whisper: Pon to Nix] Huh?


    [Whisper: Nix to Pon] Slap him, old man. That''s how these things are done.


    The loud ''crack'' of an open hand impacting flesh seemed to carry everywhere. A red handprint appeared on General Arcane''s cheek, his face showing confusion for a moment before his eyes blazed with anger. "You dare touch me?"


    Pon smiled happily. "That was a good idea, Ni..." His voice trailed off when he noticed his partner in crime wasn''t there.


    It was only a short moment, but in that brief instance, Nix was able to cover the ground between himself and the white stallion. He vaulted into the saddle and kicked his heels; the power of the horse was evident by its sudden acceleration.


    /Inferno: Nix: Breach to our Greater House! NOW!


    A breach appeared five meters in front of the horse and rider; Nix slipped his feet out of the stirrups and jumped clear just before the white stallion went galloped through. An instant later, the breach closed.


    "I will give you a special death, old mage." The General''s voice held the hint of rage while he struggled to contain his anger. "Cheap and useless tactics," he held out his hand and chanted something.


    /Alpha: Pon: He attacking?


    /Alpha: Nix: Probably resummoning his mount. Good luck with that.


    The General repeated his gesture a second time, before dropping his hand in disbelief. "You put him in a locked world? DIE, HORSE THIEF!"


    [No Diplomatic Solution could be found to the impending conflict. All deaths come with a three-day penalty and loss of three random equipped items. The battle for Colonial starts now!]


    [Quest Updated]


    General Arcane rose slowly off the ground as a two-tiered platform appeared beneath him. A transparent barrier surrounded the structure just before his status changed from green to red.


    /Alpha: Nix: Test the barrier, Morti!


    Morti charged the platform; raising back on his hind legs, he slammed both paws against the shield.


    /Alpha: Morti: Nope. It''s really tough.


    Dozens of gates appeared in the area; the stench of something sour was followed closely by the arrival of the enemy as they poured out by the hundreds. Flying creatures, monsters of both the two and four-legged variety filled the air with a bloodthirsty chorus.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Hold for one minute, keep in your groups and fight defensively. Stay near the platform and monitor it, Morti.


    /Inferno: Morti: Okay. I''ll stay here and swat him.


    Nix changed back into his Salamander form and rejoined Alpha. Both the ground ground and air were filled with mobs that charged chaotically, attacking anything in their paths.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Junie''s trying to make a plan. Arcane''s a General, why is this mess so unorganized?


    As if hearing her words, the random chaos of the enemy immediately changed. The scattered fighters gathered together, both in the air and ground; tight enemy formations appeared.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Six Commanders have appeared on the battlefield. Take your directions from the Breach Commanders.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: Alpha team, through the breach and target Endo.


    Breach Commander Renz: Bravo team, head into the breach and kill Liselle


    /Breach Commander Polai: Charlie team, take the breach to Tugaro.


    /Breach Commander: Mtui: Delta team, through the breach and target Umbari!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Two Commanders will be free; watch your backs!


    The Salamander was the first to exit the breach; its yellow eyes scanned the area, instantly zeroing in on their target. Alpha was surrounded by hundreds of mobs, while Endo stood at the back of the formation.


    /Alpha: Nix: I''ll handle the trash. Head straight for the target.


    Nix targeted the area immediately in front of Alpha''s target.


    [Firestorm: Emerald Dread Flames][Black Ice: Armor]


    Combination Successful.


    A coating of Black Ice now protects Nix.


    The Firestorm started slowly, like light rainfall. Within seconds it turned into a deluge that flooded the area in green fire. The sizzling of cooked flesh echoes the screams of agony as the Inferno Leader laid down a path of flames the size of a soccer field.


    [Balefire: Dread Flames]


    Pon landed a significant strike on Endo.


    Endo screamed miserably as half of his shield burned away along with his left hand. He charged the Fire Mage, intent on killing him.


    Fajii has cast [Mire: Scorched Earth].


    Endo''s feet sunk knee-deep into the ground, stopping him from reaching the old mage.


    [Backstab][Void Strike][First Strike]


    Triple Combination Successful


    Wind has scored a Critical hit.


    Wind has scored a Critical hit.


    Wind has scored a Significant strike.


    Endo has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Void Strike][Backstab]


    Double Combination Successful


    Semmi has landed a Critical hit.


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s attack with a Significant strike.


    Endo has been stunned.


    Nix kept one eye on his group and their target while systematically bathing the grid around them in dread flames. A large percentage of the mobs were fairly low leveled and died almost immediately after contacting his ''killing fields.'' A flash of black drew his attention for an instant.

 Chapter 616: Deep Winter War: General Mizo Arcane (two)

    Frenzy has cast [Dark Healing].


    A Skeletal guard has been healed.


    A Skeletal guard has been healed.


    A Skeletal guard has been healed.


    /Salamander: Frenzy: Healers? How''s the mana?


    /Salamander: Jojo: Hovering at sixty percent.


    /Salamander: Gumworm: About the same.


    /Salamander: Miserable-Bacon: Less than half. Why do I have all the glass cannons? Fucking mana sponges.


    /Salamander: Frenzy: Keep pulling, find us another named.


    /Salamander: Soju: Yep. Incoming!


    /Salamander: Tiki-Bob: Single pulls only!


    The necromancer scanned the area outside their makeshift headquarters. It was littered with the bodies of the enemy. Inferno had engaged the boss, and the floodgates were immediately released. Most of the mobs were 60-70 level fodder, but they were dropping rare items and gear. The two named mobs they had taken both dropped legendary growth weapons.


    "Sucks to be you guys." Frenzy''s dark eyes show a bit of amusement while looking at the hud. Most of their rival guilds had camped too close to the anomaly and were immediately overrun during the ensuing chaos. The elite players from each guild were banding together with their counterparts from others while hastily retreating.


    Soju has been slain.


    /Salamander: Frenzy: What happened to Soju? SHIT! Don''t engage; retreat back to the cave!


    A Black-Wing creature, closely resembling the gargoyles from old cathedrals, glided toward the Salamander guild. It carried a long trident in one hand that somehow was able to cause ranged damage.


    /Salamander: Tiki-Bob: He''s their Air Commander! Should we scatter?


    Frenzy considered her options for a moment; the cave that had been sheltering them could very easily turn into a death trap.


    /Salamander: Frenzy: Query him!


    Bet-ya has queried [Air Commander Sunder]


    Air Commander Sunder: Level 130


    Ranged/Melee Damage Dealer.


    Immune to stuns. May control up to 500 fliers.


    (Detailed data not available)


    /Salamander: Bet-ya: Best I can do, his level is too high.


    /Salamander: Frenzy: Tanks fall back to the entrance and create a wall. Everyone else into the cave!


    The Necromancers sent her skeletal guards out to retrieve Soju''s corpse, two of them were insta-killed by the Air Commander. "Shit... I may have fucked up."


    Sunder banked toward the entrance of the rift cave; his red eyes focused on the retreating inhabitants. "DIE FOOLISH MORT...AAAAHHHH"


    The shouted words turned into a scream of agony as his wings were suddenly wrapped up with dozens of emerald fire strands. The creature fell to the ground with a jarring impact, screeching in pain as the emerald flames burned into his flesh.


    A single salamander controlled all of the strands. It sat calmly while holding the beast at bay. The smell of cooking meat hissed while steam rushed into the air from the dread flames touching the frozen ground.


    Nix has cast [Elemental Root: Emerald Dread Flames].


    The high-pitched screams rose when several more strands of dread flame anchored it in place. With root in place, Nix found the strain on the hand-held strands acceptable.


    "Protect, Nix!" Frenzy shouted while switching out her scepter for a ranged staff weapon. "Ranged fighters, scan the sky!"


    "Huh? The hell are you guys going to do? Protect me from what?" Nix''s yellow eyes watched as nearly a dozen ranged fighters from Salamander rushed out of the cave. "Get your butts back inside... Oh crap."


    Every flying creature in the battle suddenly changed direction and focused on Nix. Although their levels weren''t high, the sheer numbers would likely take him and Alpha out of the equation.


    /Alpha: Nix: How long does Endo have left?


    /Alpha: Pon: Thirty percent. Hold that bastard.


    /Alpha: Nix: Right. He''s not the issue. We''re about to have company.


    An instant later, Ducky appeared in front of Nix, followed closely by Soup.


    Ducky has summoned [Cal, Tor, Ea''Shadai].


    Three Arch Wings appeared in the air near the salamander, their eyes instantly scouting the air.


    The Water Witch notched an arrow into her recently acquired bow. "We have incoming; hold them off for a few minutes while Alpha finishes their target."


    Shadai nodded and flashed into the sky, followed closely by her two brothers.


    "I feel smart letting you wear my summoning bracer." Nix tried to smile at Ducky, but his salamander form made it impossible.


    Ducky nodded in agreement. "You were right."


    "Hmmm... And what are you going to do?" The salamander''s yellow eyes glanced at the jade-colored turtle. "You don''t have a ranged weapon."


    Soup pointed to her mouth. "Nom, nom, nom."


    "Going to eat them? I see." Nix felt a twinge of guilt as he considered his options. If push came to shove, he''d release the Air Commander and light up the sky. More than likely, the result would be the Salamander Guild wiping.


    [Whisper: Nix to Frenzy] Hiding in caves again? Have your melee people attack this gargoyle thing. Don''t be so lazy.


    [Whisper: Frenzy to Nix] If you say so, but he''s a bit high for us.


    The first wave was only about three dozen fliers of different shapes and sizes. Ducky''s bow ''twanged'' repeatedly, finding her targets while the Arch Wings attacked from above. With their strength combined with the ranged fighters from the Salamander Guild, they were able to put down all but a handful.


    Soup''s Aquamarine eyes stared at her target, a group of four fliers with melee weapons. They dive-bombed Nix with weapons extended. A jade-colored hand clenched into a fist and punched skyward.


    [Sonic Boom]


    A deafening sound followed the sudden displacement of 15 meters of air resulted in the mid-level fighters disappearing in a bloody explosion of flesh and bone.


    "Huh... That''s pretty good, I guess." Nix would have patted her head had he been in human form.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Snipers, greenlight on anything in the air.


    /Inferno: Darsi: Understood, we are weapons-free.


    A breach appeared ten meters from the emerald salamander; a moment later, the pounding of heavy steps sounded as dozens of armed knights streamed through. Their armor glistened in the sunlight, black surcoats emblazoned with an orange Phoneix marked them as the Knights of Glory.


    "TAKE KNEE!" A thin knight with several chevrons on his shoulder shouted in a voice much larger than his body. At his command, they knelt as one with their rifles held close to their chests. "AIM!" The knight counted in his head; the command to fire was given exactly five seconds during their drills. "FIRE!"


    With the arrival of Glory''s finest, the air near the Inferno Leader was quickly cleared. Instead of moving on, the knights held positions.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Endo is down. On our way, Nix.


    /Alpha: Nix: Take your time, just hanging with my guys.


    Nix released the strands and jumped to one side; the end of Sunder''s trident stabbed at him and then shot something at the approaching group.


    /Alpha: Pon: His trident is a ranged weapon too? I want it!


    /Alpha: Nix: Already called dibs for Fajii.


    /Alpha: Wind: This guy is nearly dead already.


    [Backstab][Void Strike]


    Wind has scored a critical hit.


    Wind has landed a significant strike.


    Sunder has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Backstab]First Strike]


    Semmi has followed up Wind''s attack with a significant strike.


    Semmi has landed a critical hit.


    [Dual Chain][Balefire: Hex]


    Pon has followed up Semmi''s attack with a mortal strike.


    [Dual Chain][Rockfist]


    Fajii has followed up Pon''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Air Commander Sunder has been slain.


    "COME! WHO WILL CHALLENGE ME?"


    The voice echoed across the battlefield. The General rose slowly into the air until he was about ten meters off the ground. The transparent disc he was standing on expanded until it was twenty meters in diameter.


    /Inferno: Nix: I''ll take some of that.


    /Inferno: Pon: Me!


    /Inferno: Semmi: What happened to the 6th Commander?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: She attacked the healers and was killed by Vooni''s team.


    [General Arcane will pick a random member of the Assaulting Guild to duel.]


    Quest Updated.


    World Event Quest: Defeat General Arcane


    A random person from Inferno must fight Mizo Arcane. If that person loses, the recently defeated troops of the General will be resurrected. If that person loses, this raid will move to the second stage.


    Nix dropped his salamander form, standing next to Pon as both of them stared at the disc. "Our luck isn''t that good."


    Pon''s old face scowled but he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it''s not gonna be us. There''s no way."


    A single pillar of light illuminated someone on the far side of the battlefield, a moment later a second figure appeared on the disc.


    Nix shared a glance with Pon before both of them started laughing.


    /Inferno: Nansu: Who is it? I can''t see.


    /Inferno: Semmi: It''s Floyd.


    /Alpha: Pon: This will be short.


    /Alpha: Nix: Fucking OP bastard.


    Floyd stood near the edge of the disc, his curious gaze taking in the battlefield. The mid-tiers had held out better than Semmi or Junie predicted, more than half of them were still in the fight. "Question before we start."


    The General smirked slightly, the chosen was little more than a kid. Twin gun holsters with daggers strapped to his legs. "Ask away."


    "How do I win?" Floyd''s verticle iris''s stared at his opponent, analyzing him and his weapons.


    /Inferno: Sharl: Single saber with a pistol, he probably has some sort of shielding technique or artifact. Be careful.


    "A winner is declared when one of us is killed or thrown from this platform." General Arcane pulled his sword with his right hand and drew his pistol with the left. "No more talking."


    The words had barely left his mouth before the Naga teen flashed toward him with a dagger in each hand. He ducked under the initial slash and then dodged to one side when his opponent''s pistol pointed at him.


    [Copyright]


    Floyd has assumed the form of Mortimer, the Bone Emperor.


    The surprise on Arkane''s face was evident as he literally froze in place just before an enormous paw slammed into the side of his head and sent him hurling into the sky.


    [Stage One Cleared]


    The entire raid watched as the human projectile stopped suddenly. A protective barrier formed around him and carried him back to his platform. When he stepped onto it, the top tier disappeared.


    /Inferno: Morti: Nice swat.


    /Inferno: Floyd: Thanks. I learned from the best.


    Three Large Gates formed in the air above the battlefield. Huge figures filled the space, leaping down to the battlefield with impacts that shook the ground.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: Alpha team, through the breach and target Kharanta!


    Breach Commander Renz: Bravo team, head into the breach and kill Yabiz!


    /Breach Commander Polai: Charlie and Delta team, take the breach to Fortanxi!

 Chapter 617: Deep Winter War: General Mizo Arcane (conclusion)

    /Inferno: Jun Li: New healer assignments! Pay attention.


    [Pinky and Vooni to Alpha]


    [Vess to Bravo]


    [Gypsy to Charlie & Delta]


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The rest of the healers stay with Morti while he keeps an eye on Arcane.


    Vooni has joined Alpha.


    Pinky has joined Alpha.


    Nix bolted through the nearby breach and immediately dodged to one side as a spiked ball slammed into the ground where he''d been standing. Vooni charged through the breach; next, her sharp vision instantly zeroed in on the morning star despite the sudden cloud of ice and snow that was thrown into the air from the impact. The dragon descendant brushed the morning star to one side despite its enormous size.


    The former Sky Kingdom trainer swore under her breathe when their target pulled the weapon up again, the brief pause giving Alpha enough time to exit the breach.


    /Alpha: Vooni: Standard tank formation, let me get aggro. Sprout your wings if you got ''em; I''m staying on the ground.


    A sudden expulsion of power cleared the lingering cloud of snow. Vooni''s shield released a foot-long spike that anchored the Inferno tank into the frozen turf.


    [Dragon Shout][Venom Erosion][Shield Maiden]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Bherlaris has been taunted.


    Venom Erosion will apply one counter every 30 seconds for the next five minutes.


    Five percent of all incoming group damage with be reflected back toward its origin.


    /Alpha: Pon: Who invited the devil?


    All of Alpha, with the exception of Nix, activated their Archon forms and moved behind Bherlaris. He morphed into his salamander form and moved toward the non-weapon side of the beast while Pinky remained behind Vooni.


    Their target stood nearly twenty feet in height. Red scaled armor partially covered the bulging muscles that rippled under its smooth black skin. It had horns on either side of its head and a long spiked tail that waved sinuously behind it. In a blur of black, it struck.


    [Tail Strike][Ice Hammer]


    Combination Successful.


    Bherlaris has landed a critical strike on Vooni.


    Bherlaris has landed a critical strike on Vooni.


    Vooni''s health dipped down to half, but she was able to maintain her position.


    /Inferno: Gypsy: Going to need help on heals; this one hits hard.


    /Inferno: Tess: Same, this thing almost one-hit Banz.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: New Assignments! Nezbit to Alpha. Saji to Bravo. Wylie to Charlie & Delta. Morti, you stay on the General.


    /Inferno: Morti: Okay, but he''s not doing anything.


    Nezbit has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Pinky: I just placed a five-minute HoT (heal over time) on Vooni. We''ll rotate heals, cast as it strikes!


    /Alpha: Nezbit: Got it. I''m first.


    [Dread Flame: Hex]


    Pon has landed a significant strike on Bherlaris.


    Bherlaris is immune to stuns.


    [Enemy Information][Pickpocket][Void Strike]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Rabi has shared enemy information.


    Bherlaris [Enslaved by Collar of Obediance]


    Current Status: Enraged.


    Description: Bherlaris is an enslaved Greater Demon.


    Immune to stuns.


    Immune to controlling effects.


    All Bherlaris''s attacks will be critical strikes while he is enraged.


    Rabi has stolen the [Slave Collar''s Key].


    Rabi has inflicted a Critical Strike on Bherlaris.


    [Critical Chain][Void Strike][Backstab]


    Combination Successful.


    Wind has followed up Pon''s attack with a critical strike.


    Wind has landed a critical strike.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Rabi has key!


    /Alpha: Semmi: We can''t just walk up to him and remove it.


    /Alpha: Nix: Leave it to me. Get ready, Rabi.


    [Elemental Spear: Emerald Dread Flame][Elemental Spear: Black Ice][Elemental Spear: Lightning][Elemental Spear: Earth][Elemental Spear: Air][Elemental Spear: Water]


    Six spears appeared over the head of the emerald salamander, hovering for an instant before flashing toward their target.


    Nix has successfully cast [Strike of the Archmage].


    Bherlaris''s head snapped back as all six spears struck him in the face. He stood upright for a long moment that seemed to stretch endlessly before he collapsed forward onto the icy turf.


    Nix has slain Bherlaris.


    "....", Pon.


    /Alpha: Vooni: A multi-element strike? Not even Deidra can do that.


    /Alpha: Rabi: What about Rabi''s key?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Sharl! Does your target have a collar?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Yes.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: So does ours.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Breach us to Sharl''s target!


    /Inferno: Sharl: Yours is down already?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Nix one-shotted it.


    Pon moved toward the emerald salamander when he noticed it was lying down. "That was bad-fucking-ass. You okay, Punk Bastard?"


    Nix glanced at the debuff he was suddenly inflicted with. "Mana Depletion, three-day effect." The Inferno leader morphed into his human form and pushed emerald flames into his bone hilts. "I can still use my swords and flame strands."


    Pon scowled, turning slightly when a breach appeared next to him. "Course you can. You''re a massive cheat. Let''s go, punk bastard!"


    Nix followed Pon through the breach and then quickly stepped to one side before scanning Bravo team''s position. Sharl was using her spear to keep their target at bay; whenever it managed to bat her weapon to one side, she would slam it with her shield.


    A yellow cloud of something putrid washed over the new arrivals, both Wind and Semmi fell to their knees gagging.


    Wind has been infected with Putrification.


    Semmi has been infected with Putrification.


    Pinky has cast [cleanse].


    Wind has been cured of his infliction.


    Semmi has been cured of her infliction.


    Bravo company''s target was also of the demon variety, the main difference being that it had four legs and was long instead of tall. Its long horns were curved forward, perfect for stabbing and slashing, a wide snout filled with razor-sharp teeth completed the nightmarish sub-boss.


    /Inferno: Vooni: Going to grab your boss for a moment, Sharl. Get ready, Rabi.


    /Inferno: Rabi: Yes! I''m ready!


    Vooni has activated [Blood Heritage].


    The dragon descendant morphed into her Archon form, the area around her distorted slightly as her strength escalated. She took to the air suddenly, shooting upward for a few dozen meters before banking sharply in a complicated maneuver that saw her colliding with their target''s head, just managing to squeeze between the black horns. She gripped them like handles and pulled downward with all her strength.


    Quick as a flash, the tiny demon from the House of Tempest leaped onto the shoulder of the surprised beast. A moment later, the collar fell to the ground with loud clank.


    Mahmoud has been freed from his captivity.


    Vooni released the demon''s horns and jumped back, standing side-by-side with Sharl with their shields raised. The red eyes looked confused for a moment while it took in its surroundings.


    Mahmoud has become [Enraged].


    It lowered its head, powerful muscles rippled beneath its black scales. It clawed the ground like a demonic bovine and charged forward three steps before stopping suddenly.


    Ducky has charmed Mahmoud.


    /Inferno: Ducky: Please turn your targets back to us, Junie.


    The third creature being held by Charlie and Delta was on the other side of the battlefield. A breach appeared nearby for Alpha and Bravo to exit, but the horned demon had his own method.


    /Alpha: Nix: Through the breach!


    Nix stepped into the newly targeted area, immediately smelling the familiar scent of blood. The final sub-boss resembled and overly large demonic vampire. The Inferno leader grabbed Pon and pulled him to one side, both of them scurrying out of the path of Ducky''s creature.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Clear the path! Dang, that thing can run!


    Great chunks of ice and turf were tossed meters in the air; the ground shook beneath them as the demon bull galloped across the frozen tundra at full speed. Without warning, its two horns struck the back of the winged creature. They continued through its black chest without resistance until the flat skull slammed against flesh.


    Mahmoud has landed a mortal strike on Firactu.


    Firactu has been stunned.


    [Trueshot][Scorched Arrow][Impact Shot]


    Ronnie has landed a critical strike on Firactu.


    Ronnie''s Scorched Arrow has applied six [Scorched counters] to Firactu.


    Ronnie has landed a significant strike on Firactu.


    [Dual Chain][Void Strike]


    Semmi has followed up Ronnie''s attack with a significant strike.


    Firactu has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Champion''s Strike]


    Jun Li has followed up Semmi''s attack with a significant strike.


    Firactu has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Ranger''s Scorn]


    Bali has followed up Jun Li''s attack with a significant strike.


    Firactu has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Master''s Sword]


    Chiba has followed up Bali''s attack with a mortal strike.


    Firactu has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Rock Slam]


    Fajii has followed up Chiba''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Dual Chain][Dread Flame: Hex]


    Pon has slain Firactu!


    The demonic bull shook loose the charred corpse with a twist of its thick neck. Ducky moved closer, stroking its scaled shoulder while speaking softly to it.


    "YOU DARE STEAL MY MINIONS? YOU SEEK YOUR OWN DEATH! COME! WHO WILL CHALLENGE ME?"


    The General slowly rose into the air again, the transparent platform forming as a glowing light flooded the battlefield.


    /Inferno: Nix: Send word to Gideon to get the ball rolling in Oasis; we''ll be joining them shortly.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Understood.


    The pillar of light stopped near Nix and Pon, illuminated the ugly old woman who was dual-wielding silver and gold swords. Her face immediately split into a creepy grin. "Important lesson, Apprentice. How to attack someone with a firearm. Pay close attention."


    Nix nodded. "I will."


    General Arcane frowned when the old woman appeared on the opposite side of the battle platform. "You have earned a quick death, old man."


    "Old man? Your mother is an old man." Chiba walked slowly forward; her blades held waist-high on either side of her. "Beautiful Chiba will relieve you of that saber."


    Arcane''s pistol raised suddenly; smoke bellowed out of the barrel an instant before the loud bang echoed in the winter sky.


    Arcane has activated [Aimed Shot].


    [Deflection]


    Chiba''s silver blade moved faster than the eye could follow, a flash of metal-on-metal and the projectile disappeared.


    "Chiba, the merciful has given you the first move. Be thankful."


    [Dance of the Goddess][Blinding Light][Thousand Cuts]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Chiba appeared beside the General, her blade flicking toward his face faster than he could move. Bright light surrounded both of them, the old woman was unaffected, but her opponent squinted in obvious discomfort.


    Silver and Gold swords flashed in repeatedly, creating shallow wounds before withdrawing untouched. Her feet danced in a blur of movement, weaving in and out of range with impunity. Several gunshots sounded off as Arcane flailed his sword blindly in an effort to counter the blades. The seconds ticked by; blood ran freely onto the platform as the wounds grew too numerous to count.


    "YOU..." Arcane stumbled backward toward the edge, an obvious sign that he was retreating.


    The old woman intercepted him, appearing between him and the edge, both blades striking out at once.


    Chiba has slain General Mizo Arcane.


    The realm boss expired without his head, his corpse spraying the platform beneath him with blood as it convulsed for several seconds.


    [World Event: In a battle that lasted nearly two hours. The forces of Colonial have vanquished Khione''s General. Deep Winter has relinquished its hold on this land.]


    A loud cheer went up from the surviving mid-tier guilds and the members of Inferno. Smiles were visible all around as the officers quickly confiscated the loot.


    "Well done, Master." Nix gripped the Spell Sword''s shoulder.


    "My lovely apprentice has complimented me." She clapped happily. "Remind me to reward you properly when we are done here."


    Nix frowned slightly. "Sure, that''s not going..." His refusal was interrupted when a big nose pushed against his back.


    "I didn''t get to swat anything. Not even once."


    Nix braced himself to keep from being bowled over; he hugged the cub''s enormous head while scratching his ears with both hands. "Not true. Didn''t Floyd use your form to swat the General off the platform?"


    Morti turned his head sideways, considering it for a moment. "I guess he did."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "Don''t worry, plenty of swatting ahead."


    Ducky jumped back when her demon-bull disappeared in a sudden flash. The Water Witch sighed heavily with disappointment. "He was so cute."


    "Nom, Nom?" Soup bent down and picked up a small wooden figurine that was sitting on the snow.


    "Soupy!" Ducky held out her hand, smiling when Soup tried to gnaw on the tiny statue. "May I have that?"


    Soup nodded and handed it to her.


    [Mahmoud]


    A demonic creature to aid you in times of need.


    Mohmoud may be summoned once every three days.


    /Alpha: Ducky: Can I keep this?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes.


    /Inferno: Nix: Let''s get ready to Breach into Oasis.


    The light of the sun shone its warmth on the quiet battlefield. Within minutes, the skies above the newly freed land turned bright blue.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Breaches, please, all the loot has been collected.


    Three large breaches appeared near the raid group. Nix paused at the nearest one while waiting for Fajii to catch up. "The 12 Pillars and our Dhassi friends have already started. Be careful going through."


    Fajii nodded and gripped his hand tightly. "Together."


    Within seconds, all of Inferno exited Colonial.


    [Khione''s will has manifested and interrupted your breach travel. Inferno has been delayed by six hours.]

 Chapter 618: Deep Winter War: Embattled Oasis

    An endless glowing tunnel that weaved and banked endlessly like a rollercoaster ride that refused to stop. The moment stretched on for an undetermined amount of time before ending abruptly.


    Alpha team exited the breach to the screams and explosions of land already ravaged by an extended battle. Smoke swirled with the blowing ice and snow, creating white-out conditions that were tempered with the acrid smell of sulfur. The ground beneath their feet was surprisingly soft, blackened by the flame strikes of the 12 Pillar''s Fire Mages.


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck is going on?


    /Alliance: Nix: Status Report!


    Nix stared in disbelief at his hud. The Oasis raid sheet had been decimated, nearly all of the members were slain. Most of the Dhassi were dead, including Raine and her mentor, Delyn Xai. The edges of his vision blurred slightly; his flame aura ignited in response to the sudden change of his mood.


    "Calm yourself." Pon''s gnarled hand gripped the Inferno Leader''s shoulder. He knew that Nix was close with Raine. "Del must be around here somewhere; she isn''t listed as a casualty."


    /Alliance: Gideon: Nix! Where were you guys?


    /Alliance: Nix: Not sure, some sort of time displacement spell. What''s your status?


    /Alliance: Gideon: Wiped out, mostly. The 12 Pillars have been decimated; the dhassi forces are down. Pathfinder is intact, along with a group of Su''Dhassi called the Sand Killers. A group of Ain''Dhassi disappeared a few minutes ago; we''ve had no contact with them since then.


    /Alliance: Nix: Is Del Tali with that group?


    /Alliance: Gideon: Yes.


    /Alliance: Nix: Bring them into our raid, Junie.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Why haven''t you answered?


    [Del Tali may not be contacted at this time.]


    /Alliance: Jun Li: Understood.


    The Sand Killers have joined the raid.


    The Pathfinders have joined the raid.


    /Alliance: Jun Li: None of the missing Ain''Dhassi are answering whispers, but they aren''t listed as deceased.


    Nix morphed into his Hotter form and immediately cycled his vision to thermal. Pon changed into his wraith form and waited. "The Ain''Dhassi are probably concealing themselves.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: There''s an isolated ridge to the northeast; it would make a good sniper nest.


    /Alliance: Darsi: On our way, we''ll let you know when we''re set up.


    /Alliance: Jun Li: I need to know what happened here. What sort of tactics are they using?


    /Alliance: Gideon: The boss is called Operative Valenzi. He has enhanced stealth and senses. His backstab attack is an insta-kill. He spawned here with a full company of rogues, maybe fifty or so. Each one of them takes a strong group to handle. They killed all the healers first, then the mages. We couldn''t see them until after they attacked. Valenzi kills three people every time and then disappears.


    /Alliance: Jun Li: Vooni, take your team and scout our perimeter. I want to know if [Dragon Eyes] can pick them up.


    /Alliance: Vooni: Understood.


    Vooni stealthed and shot into the air, followed closely by Omak, Nunzo, and Aja.


    /Alpha: Nix: Rabi, take Sasi and find Del for me.


    Wind shared a smirk with the old fire mage. "Just Del? Or all the missing Dhassi?"


    Nix shrugged slightly, not bothering to address the innuendo. "Find Del. I''m sure the others are with her."


    Sasi has joined Alpha.


    /Alpha: Rabi: Rabi will find Del first!


    Sasi appeared next to Nix, hugging his waist while favoring him with a fanged smile. "Don''t worry."


    Nix patted the tiny demon''s head. "Be careful."


    /Alpha: Sasi: Careful are we!


    The demon siblings morphed into their Ravager forms and immediately stealthed before disappearing into the blowing snow.


    Nix stared out at the darkening landscape. Unfortunately, the Oasis raid hadn''t been properly equipped to fight an ongoing stealth engagement. To his knowledge, only Del''s Slayer form had any sort of thermal or night vision capabilities.


    /Alpha: Nix: We should have made sure the 12 Pillars were equipped for this kind of Op.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed. It was an oversight, but we''ve been fighting nonstop for months. So they can share some of the blame with us.


    /Alliance: Vooni: The immediate perimeter is clear. Three stealthed fighters are watching us from the North. My team could easily isolate and remove them.


    /Alliance: Jun Li: Do it. And then keep an eye on our perimeter.


    /Alliance: Vooni: Understood.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: We are in position above the camp, updating raid maps to reflect current enemy positions.


    /Alliance: Jun Li: This isn''t a traditional raid. We should adjust our tactics.


    /Alliance: Semmi: Agreed. We should split up and trim the rogues. If anyone finds Valenzi, hold him, and the rest of the raid will converge.


    Nix raked the frozen ground with wickedly sharp claws while his thermal vision picked up several targets in the blizzard-like conditions. "You''re heading east with me, old man. Wind, Sem, and Fajii will head west."


    Pon had already morphed into his Ice Wraith form, circling the group while waiting for the group to move out. "Don''t try and take Valenzi by yourselves."


    Semmi smiled and nodded. "No worries"


    Fajii rubbed the Hotter''s white fur with both hands, letting them rest lightly on his head. "Same goes for you two."


    The ice wraith followed Nix as he exited the makeshift perimeter. The white cat''s long body moved with an unnatural sinuous grace. Even with visibility at less than five meters, it moved sure-footed across the fresh snow.


    /Alpha: Nix: Contact. Three targets.


    The feline hybrid struck without warning. A powerful swipe took the stealthed rogue by surprise, sending a spray of crimson blood toward the second rogue, who barely had time to respond before the ice wraith impaled him into the snow.


    "W-What?" The third target attempted to flee but was driven into the iced turf when the Hotter pounced on him. A strong bite followed by a sudden wrench was all it took to remove his head.


    /Alpha: Pon: Gross... You''ve got his blood in your mouth.


    /Alpha: Nix: In this form, it tastes okay. Don''t be such a girl.


    Over the next hour, the divided Alpha team managed to take out nearly two dozen rogues. Then, finally, both the Sand Killers and Pathfinders made their way into the War Camp. But, unfortunately, neither Sasi nor Rabi had reported in on Del''s location. Meanwhile, slightly west of camp...


    "Those guys bagged two more." Wind frowned and the red dots that inhabited his mini-map. "That makes it eighteen to six."


    Fajii shrugged slightly, her verticle irises studying the surroundings carefully. Unlike her two teammates, she wasn''t driven by the need to compete with either Pon or Nix. She knelt on the frozen ground and touched it with her hand. "We are doing well. Don''t compare our results with Nix and Pon. Something feels wrong..."


    Fajii has cast [Earth Mire].


    Fajii has established an [Earth Domain].


    The frozen ground under their feet changed from ice to warm earth, creating a circle around them that spanned nearly thirty meters. Wind had both daggers held low while his eyes studied the ground. He didn''t see or hear their target as it stalked him through the mud.


    Near the top of the Gemini Thief''s collar, a slight motion occurred as a horned head, complete with a golden crown, peeked out from the warmth of his hiding spot.


    Valenzi has struck!


    [Backstab-InstaKill: Wind].


    [Interupted!]


    [Fear the Demon King]


    The Operative Commander backed up several steps, his dark face appearing shocked for a few moments as he struggled to regain control. "What is the...?"


    /Alpha: Semmi: Valenzi contact! Our position!


    A head-sized boulder formed around Fajii''s hand as she leaped toward Valenzi.


    [Rock Slam]


    Fajii has landed a significant strike on Operative Valenzi.


    The Scorched Earth Mage retreated quickly but not before tossing one of Tai''Qui''s Mudpies at her target.


    Operative Valenzo has been slowed by fifty percent.


    [Dual Chain][Backstab][Void Slash]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Semmi has followed up Fajii''s attack with a significant strike.


    Semmi has handed a critical hit.


    [Dual Chain][First Strike][Backstab]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a significant strike.


    [Interupted!]


    Operative Valenzo has activated [Turn-Around] and has broken the Dual Chains!


    /Alpha: Semmi: Gonna need help! How close are you?


    /Alpha: Nix: Close enough! Light them up!


    Semmi has activated [Lightning Barrier].


    Valenzi howled angrily. "The three of you are dead!" The operative was dressed in black leather armor; his body faded in and out of view in a rhythmic pattern that pulsed like a rapidly beating heart. Dark eyes stared from behind his mask, taking in the barrier that had suddenly surrounded one of his targets. "I sense the power of storms..."


    Wind has activated [Lightning Barrier].


    [Operative Valenzo has been charmed.].


    Ducky appeared from nowhere, her lean figure stepping out of the snowstorm to stand in front of their target. Her all-blue eyes shone with amusement. "I love the mask, very mysterious."


    Pon has activated [Lightning Barrier].


    /Alpha: Nix: DO IT!


    Nix has activated [Lightning Barrier].


    The chained-lightning strike started with Semmi, it''s glowing path lit up the night blizzard as it zipped through all of the Alpha members before arriving at Nix. The Inferno Guild leader pointed at the Operative. "Special delivery, Shithead!"


    A thick bolt of white lightning struck Valenzo directly in the chest, the power of it picked him up and flung him into the night sky.


    Nix has landed a mortal strike.

 Chapter 619: Deep Winter War: Operative Valenzi

    [This NPC may not be resurrected.]


    Pinky stared at the hud message for several seconds before stepping away from the Fir''Dhassi woman. The normally cheerful cleric had tears running down her face. "Who do I tell this to?"


    /Alliance: Jun Li: All members converge on Alpha team''s location. Confirmed engagement of Valenzi.


    [Whisper: Sajana to Jun Li] I can''t rez Raine Xai or any of the fallen NPCs.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Sajana] We figured as much. The deaths in the last Realm Boss came with a three-day penalty.


    [Whisper: Sajana to Jun Li] I know; I got that message when I tried to rez one of the players from the 12 Pillars. The NPC deaths here are permanent; Raine can''t be rezzed.


    Jun Li unsummoned her Bone Crow, her eyes straying toward the ongoing battle. "Not Raine... Why did it have to be her?"


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Disengage Valenzi and return to camp. This means everyone.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Huh?


    /Inferno: Nix: We can finish this guy now, Junie!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: I know it. Return at once.


    Nix shared a glance with Pon before morphing into his Hotter form. "You heard her."


    /Alpha: Pon: We can take him without the rest of Inferno.


    /Alpha: Nix: It doesn''t matter. Junie is the Raid Leader; I''m not going to undermine her authority.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Agreed. Let''s find out what is going on.


    /Alpha: Wind: This sucks ass.


    /Alpha: Fajii: We''ll find him again.


    Instead of summoning her mount like the other Alpha members, Fajii gripped the Hotter''s soft fur and slid easily onto his back. "This okay?"


    "Of course." The Hotter took off at an easy trot, its glowing eyes picking out their camp even through the winter storm.


    A few minutes later, they arrived at the camp''s perimeter, only to be stopped by a familiar figure.


    Shae held up a hand, blocking their path until Fajii dismounted and Nix changed back to his human form. Unexpectedly, she gripped both of their hands. "I''m sorry, Nix..."


    ***************


    "How long has it been?" Semmi glanced over her shoulder at the makeshift medical tent where Raine and her group had been taken. "Go check on him, Pon."


    The old mage shook his head slightly. "No way." After the news was broken to the rest of the guild, he peeked into the tent to check on them. The sight of Fajii sobbing over Raine''s corpse rattled him. Despite the battles Inferno had been fighting for the last year, it was the first time they lost someone. Nix was just sitting there, holding Raine''s cold hand while staring at her pale face.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What are we going to do?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: The way I see it, most of the Rogues have been dealt with.


    /Inferno: Semmi: So we push ahead? What about our friends? We could send our NPC friends back to Haven and finish off Valenzi ourselves.


    /Inferno: Pon: We could also cut our losses. Abandon this quest temporarily while shoring up the 12 Pillar Alliance. Come back in a few months with no NPCs.


    /Inferno: Wind: True. We''ve already cleared Colonial. That means that Glory can be repopulated. Gear ourselves up while putting together another raid.


    /Inferno: Nix: No. We continue the raid and kill Valenzi. Listen up. All NPCs may return to Haven and wait for news of our victory. Whether or not you choose to finish this raid and continue to Everspire with us is entirely up to you.


    Fajii exited the tent with Nix and Shae. Although she didn''t feel like speaking, she tugged his arm until he stopped. "I''m going to stay."


    Nix shook his head slightly. "I want you and Shae to return to Haven."


    The redhead grabbed his free hand. "We will stay and fight it out. You gave us the option. Remember?"


    "You two don''t get a choice." Nix shook their hands loose and continued walking toward the center of camp.


    /Alliance: Nix: Open a breach for the NPCs to return to Haven. I want our casualties transported to Haven immediately. Contact War Leader Mortimus and let him know about this development.


    /Alliance: Breach Commander Mtui: Understood.


    Nearly an hour later, the fallen dhassi were brought to Haven, and Inferno was ready to continue the hunt for Valenzi. Despite the adamant protests of Nix, both Fajii and Shae refused to leave the raid. Eventually, he was forced to comply with their demands.


    [Whisper: Vooni to Nix] Moving Shae to my group. You don''t have to worry. I won''t let anything happen to her.


    Nix nodded to himself, glancing at the Scorched Earth Aquarion walking beside him. "Stay close to me."


    /Alpha: Rabi: Rabi has found Del!


    /Alpha: Sasi: We found her! Quit trying to take the credit! Updating the hud map with their location.


    Nix brought up his hud, immediately spotting the x''ed location. "Not too far from Izzin. They must have retreated before taking cover."


    [Summons: Raven]


    Nix mounted quickly, waiting until the rest of Alpha was ready to go. "The rest of our raid is searching for Valenzi. Our priority is Del."


    Wind extended his arm palm-up toward Fajii. "The King''s going to take good care of you." Demon King Lubo and stepped onto the Aquarion''s hand when she reached out.


    Fajii smiled slightly, her mood still somber. "I''ll be sure to return him after we are done." The tiny gecko disappeared behind her collar, content to rest until he was needed once more.


    Despite having near-zero visibility, Alpha team continued to gain altitude as they headed toward Del''s location. Nix scanned the horizon with [Dragon Eyes], scowling when he spotting several red images circling in the distance.


    /Alpha: Nix: Group of four rogues in the air near our destination.


    /Alpha: Wind: So they can all fly?


    /Alpha: Semmi: Unless this is the second wave.


    /Alpha: Pon: Is Deadmeat with them?


    Nix didn''t answer right away, his eyes straining to make out the thermal shapes that were still four hundred meters away. He stood on the saddle, stepping forward to rest one hand on the Raven''s neck.


    /Alpha: Nix: Confirmed, he''s there. Wrap up his sidekicks while I ground him.


    Nix morphed into his salamander form while his mount instinctively closed on their target. Valenzi circled above three of his minions in what was obviously a search grid. Perhaps they sensed the hidden dhassi and opted to hunt them rather than face the powerful newcomers.


    Nix leaped into the open space while his mount banked cleanly away. The Emerald Salamander free-falled silently several tens of meters before dozens of fire strands extended from his outstretched hands. The sudden flash of green light was all the warning the enemy had before both of Valenzi''s wings were bound in flame strands.


    A deafening screech of agony erupted from the rogue leader; the stench of burnt feathers and cooked flesh followed him down as he plummeted toward the ground below with Nix in tow.


    Nix pulled himself closer to his prey, dropping the emerald flame strands and morphing into his human moments before landing. He pushed fury flames into his bone hilts and used his momentum to pin the rogue leader into the ground.


    The pair impacted the ground, disappearing together into several meters of ice and snow that had been building up since the start of Deep Winter. Steam, snow, and chunks of ice plumed upward as if the tundra had suddenly sprouted a massive snow blossom.


    Nix has slain Operative Valenzi.


    A moment later, the Inferno Leader crawled out of the crater that Valenzi''s death had caused, dodging to one side as three rogues dropped out of the sky at the same time.


    /Alpha: Pon: You always show off... Can''t you just kill the guy like normal?


    /Alpha: Wind: Heh. Ignore him, boss. Go big or go home.


    /Alpha: Semmi: No victory message. That means we aren''t done.


    All of Alpha turned and glared at the blonde officer, she took a half-step backward under their combined pressure. "What?"


    /Alpha: Pon: Why you gotta say things like that?


    /Alpha: Wind: Could have just been silent and waited to see what happened.


    /Alpha: Nix: Don''t worry, Sem. What''s the worst that could happen?


    Nix laughed when Alpha turned their gaze on him. Momentarily taking the pressure off Sem, his eyes turned north when a single point of light appeared in the sky. It extended upward and downward at the same time for several dozen meters before stopping.


    /Alpha: Nix: Ten credits says it''s a door.


    /Alpha: Pon: Portal to a gladiator arena.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Hidden treasure.


    The long pillar of light extended sideways until it formed a massive rectangular shape before solidifying into a solid metal door. With a rumbling noise that shook all of Oasis, the door opened slowly.


    /Alpha: Nix: Shit... Why couldn''t it be a treasure?


    /Alpha: Pon: The fuck are we going to do to that?


    The clanking sound of metal echoed through the air as a fully armored behemoth stepped through the door. Complete with a full-face visor, seven meters of black heavy armor marched forward, his enormous boots leaving deep prints on the ice and snow. In one hand he held a round shield that covered most of his torso. His right hand held a morning star with a spiked ball that hung from two meters of thick chain.


    /Alpha: Nix: Get back in the air.


    Nix morphed into his Phoenix shape and closed quickly. Estimating the striking distance of the knight, he banked away from the target with a feint that was meant to test his quarry. The visored head turned toward him but ignored the fake attack.


    Seeing that he was ignored, the Phoenix climbed suddenly and reversed direction in what could have only been called a loop.


    [Predatory Scream][Flame Arrows]


    Combination Successful.


    An Ancient Phoenix has strengthened your resolve. The ATK (attack) rating for all the members of the raid has been increased by two hundred.


    Thirty flame arrows impacted the steel breastplate, bouncing off harmlessly in a cascade of sparks that lit up the night sky.


    Nix has landed a strike for (No Damage) on Dark Knight Trumane.


    The Dark Knight raised his shield, making a deep gravely sound that passed for his version of a laugh. He swung his weapon at the fleeing Phoenix but missed by several meters.


    [Dread Flame: Hex]


    Pon has landed a strike for (No Damage) on Dark Knight Trumane.


    The Dark Knight responded by blocking the strike with his shield.


    Inferno: Semmi: We''ve killed Valenzi but he wasn''t the final boss. Come to our location. Bring Morti; this guy is big.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Understood. Fall back into our original formation. We''ll combine Pathfinder and the Sand Killers to make an additional group, callsign Echo. I want both healers in that group to join the healer group.


    Within a few minutes, Inferno set up a perimeter around the Dark Knight. Morti stood on his hind legs directly in front of the Titan cub. The distance between them was only about twenty meters.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: All tanks besides Morti fall back to the healer group. I want them shielded at all times.


    Nix watched as Sharl and Banz joined Vooni in front of the healers. Still in human form, he moved with the rest of Alpha toward the shield side of their target.


    /Alpha: Pon: This bitch is stout. Even Dread Flame didn''t scratch him.


    /Alpha: Nix: Switch elements if you can.


    Nix equipped his bone hilts and pushed lightning into them. The crackle of electricity caused the huge visored head to turn toward him.

 Chapter 620: Deep Winter War: Lake Bachoni

    Morti has activated [Bone Emperor].


    The moment his target''s head turned toward Nix, Morti the Titan cub charged. Moments later, he slammed into the Dark Knight with a horrific impact that pushed everyone in the raid back several steps. Nix took the opportunity to strike with both blades at the back of Trumane''s knees. But, despite the strength of the attack and an impressive shower of electrical sparks, it had no effect.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: DPS to flank!


    /Healer: Tess: Putting a HoT on Morti. Normal heal cycle.


    Tess has targeted Mortimer and cast [Angels Haven].


    The Titan cub stood nearly eye to eye with the armored behemoth. He slammed both paws into the raised shield and pushed forward with all of his strength. Deep grooves were cut into the frozen tundra as the Dark Knight was forced backward.


    Within seconds, the Inferno Raid engine was firing on all cylinders. With Morti tanking, the healers had no problems maintaining the Titan cub''s health. With the absolute aggro of an Apex tank, the dps was able to go all out.


    Nix maintained a spot between Chiba and Rabi. Neither of them liked to fly, so they were taking turns moving in with their chain attacks. A loud bang would sound off every few seconds, signifying that the Inferno snipers in-synch attacks had been launched. The problem was that the Dark Knight''s health bar hadn''t moved at all.


    Dark Knight Truman only used three basic attacks in addition to his shield slam which was completely nullified by Mortimer. He used a swiping attack with his morning star that pushed back anyone that wasn''t several tons of bear, an overhand attack that was easy to avoid but would stun anyone within five meters, and a kick that managed to catch Junie by surprise before launching her into the night sky.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: How''s mana?


    /Inferno: Tess: Maintaining at 80 percent.


    /Inferno: Semmi: What''s going on? This guy can''t be damaged?


    Nix studied their target through [Dragon Eyes]. Although they hadn''t been doing any damage, several hot spots were starting to show up on his thermal vision; particularly on the helm.


    /Inferno: Nix: Snipers are targeting the head?


    /Inferno: Darsi: You know it!


    /Inferno: Nix: It looks like this guy''s armor is starting to deteriorate. All ranged dps aim for the helm.


    "Me too!" Morti pushed aside the Dark Knight''s attempt at a shield slam and swatted him across the head. "Bear Slap! Here''s another... One more!" The Titan cub let his clawed paws go as he bear-slapped Trumane repeatedly with an impact that sounded like a ringing church bell.


    [Whisper: Vy Seabreeze to Nix] The Izzin Naval force is at your service, Guild Leader Nix.


    Nix glanced at the message that popped up on his hud; stepping back from the fight, he glanced toward the east. "Holy Crap..."


    [Whisper: Nix to Vy Seabreeze] ETA?


    [Whisper: Vy Seabreeze to Nix] We''ll be coming up starboard in thirty seconds.


    /Inferno: Nix: Can you hold Trumane for thirty seconds by yourself, Morti?


    /Inferno: Morti: Yep.


    /Inferno: Nix: All raid members except Morti, retreat immediately!


    [The Izzin Navy has joined your raid]


    Inferno retreated without question; Nix waited the longest before taking to the air in his Phoenix form. Then, finally, all eyes turned east, where four ships with billowing masts closed on their location with frightening speed.


    Pon banked his Bone Crow to follow Nix while trying to make out the details through the storm. "How the hell are they doing that?"


    A handful of seconds ticked by before the question was answered. The ships had been modified with skids that lifted the transports off the ice. Izzin was the only Naval power in Oasis, and as such, they were much more advanced than their Colonial counterparts. Their cannons could be synched together and aimed using the ship''s gunner hud.


    /Alliance: Vy Seabreeze: Preparing to fire!


    /Inferno: Nix: Time to go, Morti!


    Morti finished one last swat before morphing into his bird form and flying into the air. The black sparrow climbed upward, leaving an angry and very confused Dark Knight in his wake.


    A hundred cannon hatches dropped open simultaneously, their barrels extended outward while moving slowly as they neared the target.


    /Alpha: Pon: Shit. Those cannons are tracking the target.


    /Alpha: Nix: Yeah. The Izzin Navy doesn''t fuck around.


    The first ship came broadside of the Dark Knight and immediately fired: smoke and flame roared outward in a deafening boom that changed night into day. One hundred cannons opened fire as Vy''s Command ship passed; a few seconds later, the second one followed suit and did the exact same thing. Within half a minute, all four ships had fired and vanished into the storm.


    /Alliance: Vy Seabreeze: Need us to come about?


    Nix dived toward the target that was completely camouflaged by a smoke-filled haze. Dark Knight Trumane''s armor was in shambles. His helm was gone, and his breastplate was completely destroyed except for one small piece that had been impaled into his side.


    /Alliance: Nix: No. We got it from here. Thank you.


    /Alliance: Vy Seabreeze: We Izzin have not forgotten Alpha or Inferno. Good luck.


    /Inferno: Nix: Back at him, Morti!


    Nix landed quickly and changed into his Salamander form. Although Trumane still held his weapon, his shield lay broken near his feet. A flash of black blurred downward toward the injured boss, ten meters from the target; it changed into an enormous Titan cub.


    "BEAR FLOP!" Morti landed on the helmless Dark Knight with enough force to drive it to his knees. Then, slamming both paws forward, he unbalanced his foe and toppled it to the icy tundra.


    Nix set two Flame anchors deep into the ice behind him before extending both hands. Two dozen strands of Emerald Fury flame wrapped around the Knight''s closest leg. Pulling backward with all his strength, he used his set anchors to root himself into the ice.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Take him now!


    With the target down, Morti retreated to allow Inferno''s substantial dps to do their thing. After spending nearly an hour doing no damage, the health bar belonging to Dark Knight Trumane plummeted. The unarmored tank lasted only a few minutes before being finished.


    Ronnie has slain Dark Knight Trumane.


    [World Event: After losing a good portion of their allies, Inferno fought through the night in an effort to rally their forces. In an extended battle that lasted nine hours, the Alliance has prevailed over the invaders. Deep Winter has relinquished its hold on this land.]


    [Your progress in this war has weakened the Ice Goddess, the curse that has limited your abilities has been resolved.]


    Moments after the announcement, the night sky lit up as a concealment veil was lifted slightly north of them. Nix changed into his hotter form and ran towards the light.


    [Whisper: Nix to Del] Del!


    [Whisper: Del to Nix] NIX! I''m here!


    He closed on the group, slowing to a trot when Del''s Slayer form spotted him. She nudged his soft muzzle with her own before licking his furred cheek. Instead of complaining, Nix chuckled. "Who is with you?"


    Del''s short ears pricked forward as her head swiveled to watch her fellow Ain''Dhassi emerge from their concealment. "My apprentice Cora; Grand Elder Sai Tali, Umi Strom, Bhal Strom, and Morana."


    Nix frowned slightly; the number in their group didn''t make up for the missing dhassi. "There''s a lot of dhassi missing."


    The soft muzzle pushed him again as the big cat leaned against Nix. "When the clerics were killed, Raine Xai ordered everyone into hiding until Inferno arrived. Her group was the vanguard that waited until the rest of us were safe."


    Nix changed back into his human form, letting his hand rest lightly on Del''s neck. "Rally your remaining forces and come to Everspire as soon as you can. But, before that, I want all casualties found and brought to Haven."


    Del''s pale blue eyes stared at him for a long moment. "I understand. Sorry, we couldn''t contribute much."


    Nix shook his head slightly and hugged her neck before stepping away. Del was the only one in the raid with enhanced vision ability. Without backup, she would have probably been slain with the raid. "We managed; I''m glad you''re safe."


    A few minutes later, Nix joined Alpha as they watched Semmi loot the Dark Knight. But, unlike the previous raid in Oasis, no one felt like cheering. Instead, Fajii stared at the fallen boss, her face expressionless.


    "Hey..." Nix grabbed her warm hand, squeezing it while tugging her closer to his side. "One more, and we can finish this off."


    Instead of speaking, Fajii hugged him tightly. "I... This is my fault. Instead of doing as you asked, I invited her into our family."


    "Hmm?" Nix understood that she was talking about Raine. "Why did you do that?"


    Fajii''s vertical iris focused on Nix; although her tanned face looked heartbroken, her tears had already been cried out. "Because I liked her, she could be quite charming."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It took a while, but she grew on me as we spent more time together."


    Fajii leaned closer and brushed her lips against his before stepping back. "Why did you petrify all the casualties in the medical tent?"


    /Inferno: Nix: Time to head to Everspire and kill this bitch.


    Several breaches opened at once. Nix turned to Fajii, who was still waiting for an answer. "To protect them. Can''t let anything happen to our friends before we can figure out a work-around."


    The Inferno Leader pulled her through the breach to stop further questions. Unlike their previous planar travel, Khione had not been able to interfere.


    It was dawn when Inferno arrived at the edge of the frozen forest of Titania. Nix stared at the colossal trees; his sharp eyes scanned the area while he slowly turned in a circle. "Seems like I''ve returned to the beginning."


    Pon grimaced at the frozen lake. "Can''t wait to get rid of all this fucking ice. Wait... This is where you started?"


    Nix nodded, pausing when he spotted the familiar building that sported a large sign reading, ''Iron Pike Trading Post.''


    /Inferno: Nix: Contact Mortimus and find out their current status. Back in a bit.


    Nix walked toward the Iron Pike; the sign in question was being carefully scraped free of ice. "Hey, old-timer."


    The old man looked up at his voice, his face creasing into a wide smile. Unlike the first time they met, Hoot wore leather armor and had a bow strapped to his back. "Come to finish this off?"


    Nix nodded and accepted Hoot''s strong handshake. "Leave it to us; just stay here and protect the Iron Pike."

 Chapter 621: Deep Winter War: Shapeshifter Vorn

    Hoot''s old face creased in a wide grin. "You look a bit better off than you did last time you were here."


    Nix nodded in agreement. He glanced toward the middle of the lake where the floating city of Bachoni was located. Although the settlement wasn''t within visual range, the glow of an anomaly hovered where he knew it to be. "Might have to rebuild the town when all this is done."


    "It was an ugly place anyways." Hoot''s old eyes glanced at the expanded anomaly that was clearly visible in the distance. "That light started expanding a few hours ago. Was that your doing?"


    "Probably." Nix stared at the veil of light that extended upward toward the clouds and spanned the entire width of Lake Bachoni. "We''ll rebuild everything that the Ice Goddess destroyed."


    "Hmm." Hoot watched as the Inferno Leader activated his Archon bloodline and shot into the air without speaking further.


    /Alpha: Pon: The curse is broken?


    /Alpha: Nix: Sure as shit. Everyone on me, we''re heading to the Titan Base Camp.


    The cold of Everspire seemed substantially less brutal that than what Inferno had seen in Colonial and Oasis. Perhaps the Ice Goddess was weakening due to the efforts of the Alliance. Nix climbed to an altitude of a thousand meters before leveling off and scanning the horizon.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: You close, Nix?


    /Inferno: Nix: Yeah, Alpha is heading to base camp now.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Meet you there.


    Pon whistled softly, a sound that was completely erased by the swirling winds. The vast expanse of snow and ice was darkened considerably by the army that was camped outside of the veil. "How many fighters do the Titans have?"


    Nix banked slightly and started to descend toward the camp."More than thirty thousand, not counting the ones we helped evolve." The veil that acted as a barrier was semi-transparent. Forms could be seen moving on the other side, but the details remained a mystery.


    Alpha landed near the central tent a few minutes later, each of them dropped their Archon forms immediately. A large perimeter of about thirty meters had been cleared out for a singular command tent. There were no guards posted outside the entrance, but perhaps that was a moot point since they were surrounded by an army.


    The tent flap was pulled aside suddenly by an overly large hand. A mountain of a man walked out; his step was light and agile despite his enormous size. "Nix!"


    Nix nodded at the Titan Warleader, who managed to cover the distance between them in two large strides. "We''ve come to the end."


    Mortimus gripped the Inferno Leader''s shoulder like he would a younger brother. "I heard about the Oasis raid. Those of us that are here will fight to the end. No matter the cost."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "We need to put her down."


    Jun Li arrived with the rest of the Inferno Officers a few minutes later. They followed the Titan Warleader back into the tent and took seats around the large fire at the center.


    *********************


    A slender hand gripped the arm of the Ice Throne, Khione''s crystal blue eyes stared at her remaining General. "The enemy forces have gathered?"


    Vorn nodded his head. "We still outnumber them, but I believe when their reserves are brought in, we''ll be evenly matched." Shapeshifter Vorn bowed his head slightly. Although his appearance was similar to that of an Ice Howler, his dark eyes brimmed with confidence. "Nix is a problem; I feel like we should concentrate on killing him."


    The hand that gripped the throne relaxed and strummed playfully. "His death has already been foreseen. Fortunately for us, he cannot avoid this destiny."


    Vorn considered her words. Unlike other Ice Howlers, his body was covered by a fine velvet-like blue fur. His slim appearance gave off a predatory type of pressure that made others avoid his gaze. "Because he is the Cora''Zai?"


    Khione smiled slightly, her cold face taking on an astounding beauty before withdrawing back into frozen countenance. "Cora''Zai or if you want to believe the dragon version, DraCora''Zai. I will have to deal with him personally even if your army fails."


    "When will you activate the mole?" Vorn had confidence in himself, but he also understood the strength of his opposition. Through a series of unforeseen events, one of Khione''s people had found their way into the Gemini Temple, the holy ground that lay at the base of Inferno''s strength.


    "Not until Inferno''s reserves are on the battlefield. With all of their fighters in Everspire, my spy will open a gate into Haven. At that point, you and your shifters will exit into Haven and raze it to the ground while our remaining forces continue to fight here."


    "And the dragons?" Vorn was confident that he could deal with Haven''s residual forces, but rumor said that three dragons now resided within the Inferno stronghold.


    "Once the gate to Haven has been opened, I will leave the Everspire battlefield and kill those three pests." Khione''s cold laugh echoed in her icy chambers. "Haven will become the new capital from which I will dominate the planes."


    *******************


    Nix stood with Alpha in a small circle that included Morti, Ducky, and Soup. A second team consisting of Ronnie, Sharl, Chiba, Beta, and Donri sat nearby while listening to their conversation. This group of just over a dozen had a somewhat different mission than the rest. As soon as the Ice Goddess appeared on the battlefield, they would ignore fighting and kill Khione.


    /Dagger: Sharl: Ronnie will be with the snipers until Khione is spotted; she will make the call one way or another.


    /Dagger: Ronnie: Count on me!


    The dark archer smiled brazenly at Nix. "Going to reward me if I kill Khione?"


    "Sure," Nix laughed. They''d been together since the start; his soft spot for Ronnie was widely known.


    A giant hud popped up with a holographic view of the battlefield. Nix stared at it for a long moment before dividing the groups into subdivisions. A moment later, a holo popped into view.


    A familiar form saluted respectfully. "The forces of Mid-Everspire have gathered under one banner. We stand ready to fight."


    "Chael?" Nix grinned at the ex-Inferno ranger. "The Four Corners have sent help?"


    Chael nodded. "Our numbers are thin because of Deep Winter, a bit over five thousand fighters in our Legion."


    "General Chael then... Stand by and thank you for the support."


    The Dire Wolf that had been lingering near Alpha suddenly stood up, her ears pricked forward as she stared at the holo. Nansu had insisted on taking part in the battles with one of Nix''s puppets. The lifestyle player wasn''t a hardened veteran, but she wasn''t running away from a fight. "Chael is coming," she muttered to herself while trying to calm her nerves.


    ******Author''s Note*****


    Chael and Nansu were a couple long before Inferno was formed. The ranger and the Alchemist parted ways after a "possessed" Chael tried to kill Nansu in Haven. Although the incident was defused by Nix, the pair were never able to put it behind them.


    ********************


    [Your Allies have given you control of the battle and await deployment orders.]


    Nix noted that none of the deployed Titan Clans were listed on his Breach Commander hud. They fell under the authority of Warleader Mortimus, the exception being the Titan Clans that Inferno had revived.


    [Breach Commander Deployment Menu]


    [Air Forces]


    1) Fey


    2) Muncie


    3) Haven''s Drake Squadron


    4) Rhylia and the Arch Wing Division


    6) Titan Hawk Clan


    [Ranged Fighters]


    1) Lamia Scorched Earth Acolytes


    2) Inferno Ranger Company


    3) Dhassi Ranged Fighters.


    [Melee]


    1) Lion Titan Clan


    2) Scorpion Titan Clan


    3) Tharaka and the Ashobel Clan


    [Nether Allied Generals]


    Leva the Fallen


    Genta


    Chog the Furious


    Ro''Sinda


    NyCyndor


    [Miscellaneous Forces]


    1) 1st Division Flame Knights of Solomon City


    2) 1st Division Earth Knights of Houdinya City.


    3) General Chael and the Mid-Spire Legion.


    4) Nemesis Shi and the Haven Ice Acolytes.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: We''ll use the same setup from our Colonial Battle, plus the Pathfinder and Sand Killer groups. Here is the Raid Sheet.


    Main Tank: Morti


    Alt Tank: Sharl


    2nd Alt Tank: Banz


    [Alpha]


    Nix: CC, Ranged/Melee DPS


    Pon: Ranged DPS


    Wind: Melee DPS


    Semmi: Melee DPS


    Fajii: Buffs, Melee DPS


    [Bravo]


    Sharl: Tank


    Ronnie: Range DPS


    Bali: Range DPS


    Milat: Melee DPS


    Nansu: Melee DPS


    [Charlie]


    Banz: Tank


    Chiba: Melee DPS


    Beta: Melee DPS


    Rhylia: CC, Ranged Support


    Zhava: Melee DPS


    [Delta]


    Jun Li: Off Tank/Melee DPS


    Shae: Ranged DPS


    Donri: Ranged DPS


    Sila: CC/Melee DPS


    Sasi: Melee DPS


    [Pathfinder]


    Gideon: DPS


    Nebs: Heals


    Roto: Range DPS


    Jiggs: DPS


    Paco: Tank


    [Sand Killers]


    Toxin: Tank


    Brell: Shaman


    Eri dale: Ranger


    Corm: Javalier


    Retric: Javalier


    Ainsba: Sand Shadow


    Dune: Sand Shadow


    [Healer Protection Group]


    Vooni: Tank, Melee DPS


    Aja: Ranged/Melee DPS


    Nunzo, Melee DPS


    Omak: Ranged DPS


    [Healers]


    Tess


    Gypsy


    Pinky


    Wylie


    Saji


    Nezbit


    [Sniper Group]


    Darsi


    Moki


    Dalton


    Sorbie


    /Breach Commander Nix: Give me a moment to organize the deployment. Going to bring the ground forces in and then hand you off to the other Breach Commanders.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: Whenever you are ready.


    Nix nodded to himself and brought up a holo image of the existing battlefield. Unfortunately, there was no real cover to speak of; they were fighting in the middle of Everspire''s largest lake. A soft furred head pushed against his side; without pausing, he scratched the Slayer''s ears. "You should be back in Oasis with the other Dhassi. Your people have lost enough today."


    Del''s blue eyes close while she purred happily. "I ordered Cora and most of the Dhassi to remain behind. But, since we are companions, I''ll fight with you until the end."


    "You''re too stubborn." Nix left a hand on her soft head while arranging the allied forces. "Stay close to me today."


    "Don''t I always?"

 Chapter 622: Deep Winter War: The Avatars (one)

    Nearly an hour later, Nix studied the battlefield layout. He placed the Inferno raid members near the middle of the battlefield to preserve the players who could influence the final outcome. The Scorpion and Lion Clans formed the front of the Inferno battle lines. Both were fierce in battle and would stop frontal assaults from pushing too deep. The outside perimeter of the rear forces was populated by the ranged fighters. Over the course of several minutes, Semmi and Jun Li assisted him in piecing together the rest. When the final tally was made, counting the forces of the Nether, Inferno, and its allies, their numbers stood at one hundred thousand.


    As the minutes dragged on, the veil that separated the two forces became more transparent. Finally, shortly before mid-day, it became obvious that the number of Khione''s forces closely matched their own.


    /Allied Command: Nix: Turning things over to Jun Li and the Breach Commanders from Solomon City. Good Luck, everyone.


    [I need to talk to you, Guild Leader Nix.]


    Nix raised an eyebrow at the voice. It was Enigma, the black ball he had removed from the Bone Fortress. He removed the object from his inventory and stared at it. "Kinda busy here..."


    [You must kill all of Khione''s Avatars.]


    Nix stared at the ball while counting the Avatars they''d already taken care of. "We put down three of them already."


    [She only has five Avatars, killing the last two is paramount to your goals.]


    "Paramount? Who talks like that? I''m going to torch her real body... Fuck the Avatars."


    [You won''t face Khione''s real form until all her Avatars are slain.]


    "Noted..." Nix put the ball of Enigma back in his inventory before pushing emerald fury flames into his bone hilts. The green flames buzzed hotly while pushing away the chill of the Deep Winter.


    /Dagger: Nix: Fight in your own group until Ronnie gives the word.


    /Alpha: Pon: We going to push toward the front?


    /Alpha: Nix: Yes, but very slowly.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Air or ground?


    /Alpha: Nix: Ground since most of us are melee and my mana is depleted.


    /Alpha: Pon: Heh... Noob. That was a fucking nice strike, though.


    With the passing of time, the veil continued to weaken until complete transparency was nearly achieved. Nix studied the enemy on the other side of the barrier. Each seemed to be a carbon copy of the one next to it. The Howlers were nearly three meters tall and possessed strong bodies that rippled with muscled. Their blue skin was impervious to cold and was adorned with various types of armor. When coupled with their fangs and long claws, their attacks were deadly. The shaggy white hair that hung freely over their shoulders gave them a beastly appearance.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Spotted the boss, Trip-7. He''s near the middle of the group, callsign Shapeshifter Vorn.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Can the snipers take him out?


    [Whisper: Darsi to Nix] Negative. He is untargetable at this time.


    [Whisper: Nix to Darsi] Understood. Keep me apprised of his status.


    Nix studied the center of the Howler Army; picking out Vorn in the midst of the enemy troops was impossible.


    Without any warning, the veils separating the two sides ruptured with an audible ''pop.'' A large white lion was the first to move, his powerful muscles bunched beneath his skin as he covered the thirty-meter distance with a single leap. Teeth and claws tore through the tough skin of the Howler like it was tissue paper. Seconds into the battle, the first kill had been made.


    Nihlus''s roar shook the frontlines, the blood from his kill still frothing in his mouth. The former dragon spawn was surrounded by a sphere of lightning; although the protection could be penetrated, the price of doing so was painful. Without warning, a Howler charged him and powered his way through the lightning.


    Nihlus sidestepped, causing the ax to bite deep into the ice; he struck suddenly with a single paw that elicited a crashing boom as the Howler was blasted into a blood mist by a sudden bolt of electricity.


    A hundred meters away, the enemy line that was facing off against the Scorpion Titans was learning a similar lesson. The Titans that had been modified by Nix were vastly superior when compared to regular Titans.


    Sindi stood in front of Lucid, taking it upon himself to protect the First. The former dragon descendant was bathed in Ice Flames; the first strike of his pincers resulted in an instant Howler ice sculpture. The enemy shattered a moment later when his barbed tail stabbed into him. "Don''t overextend yourself, Lucid."


    The First didn''t answer but maneuvered herself until she was directly behind Sindi. As the future leader of the Titan Scorpions, she was well aware of her limits. However, she was also aware of Sindi''s importance. A Titan that possessed the dragon bloodline and Ice Flames would wield great power in the newly revived clan.


    *************Author''s Note*********


    Gil and Jaro were the first two friends that Nix made in the forests of Titania. Gil is, of course, a Turtle Titan, while Jaro is a Bear. Both are members of the Ground Pounders, an elite force within the Titan army.


    *************************


    "Never fuck with a Turtle!" Gil snapped a howler in half after the creature''s ax bounced harmlessly off his shell. The Bear and the Turtle Clan formed the Titan Nation''s frontline and matched the advancement of the revived Titans.


    "Push forward!" Mortimus''s roar caused the closest Howlers to retreat as he charged into their ranks, his paws crushing and crippling whenever he struck.


    Gil and Jaro flanked their Warleader, content with finishing off his leftovers. Then, with their own squads providing lateral support, the first tide of battle became apparent. In a melee confrontation, no one could match the might of the Titans.


    Morti huffed loudly by his position next to Alpha. The Titan cub stood on his hind legs, towering over his allies. Because of their location near the center, they had yet to see any action. "I hope we swat something soon."


    Nix nudged the cub causing him to drop to all fours. "Your mission is different than your fathers."


    Morti''s big head nodded as he plopped down on the frozen snow. "I know... Did you bring any sandwiches?"


    "Don''t I always?" Nix''s attention was pulled away from the battlefield by the sudden build-up of energy. "The hell..."


    [Shapeshifter Vorn has shared his bloodline: Blood Raptor.]


    A wave of power pushed outward from the rear of the enemy formation; as it passed through the Howler ranks, all of them transformed.


    /Alpha: Pon: I didn''t see that coming.


    /Alpha: Nix: Cheating bastards.


    Every Howler on the battlefield had changed into a Blood Raptor. Within seconds, the ground battle had turned to air. The raptors were nearly the size of their Howler counterparts. They were equipped with large leathery wings and vicious-looking talons. When they took the air, most of them were carrying Titans in their claws.


    **********Author''s Note********


    Guyanar and Zinu were both members of the Krayven Clan. Guyanar was the old man that Nix placed inside the Hawk Titan puppet that he built in Khalam''Zhur. Zinu was his granddaughter, the healer who had dealings with Nix when Inferno initially fought with her Clan. For a short while, Nix''s Phoenix was the Krayven''s Totem.


    *****************


    Titans of all shapes and sizes rained down on the battlefield; some of them managed to clutch at their captors, tearing at them in a desperate attempt to drag the enemy down with them. Heavy bodies impacted the ice, critically injuring and, in some cases killing the Titans. The Blood Raptors quickly advanced into the air above the middle the enemy lines.


    Nix extended a hand as a Raptor dived at them, three strands of emerald flame wrapped around the neck of their aggressor. The Inferno Leader cussed loudly as the screeching enemy panicked and climbed higher into the air.


    [Fajii has activated her bloodline: 2nd Form, Dread Archon]


    [Pon has activated his bloodline: 2nd Form, Dread Archon]


    [Balefire: Dread Flames]


    White flames extended from Pon''s outstretched hands; an instant later, the Blood Raptor carrying Nix fell lifelessly out of the sky.


    Nix rolled to his feet, suddenly glad that the old man had quick reflexes. Within seconds, everyone with an Archon form had joined the battle. Those without the ability summoned their winged mounts.


    /Alpha: Fajii: Coming up, Nix?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Bring in our Air Forces!


    Two breaches opened up on opposite sides of the Inferno lines; simultaneously, an impossibly long wind tunnel formed. The wind tunnel ran horizontally for several hundred meters. The battle seemed to pause for an instant as both ally and enemy stared at the new development.


    A black-winged figure shot through the tunnel in a blur before banking upward and zooming into the clouds above. A moment later, the arch wings followed her. Then, by the tens of thousands, their white wings filled the skies until finally, the air tunnel closed.


    /Air Forces: Commander Rhylia: I didn''t mean to keep you waiting! Have at them!


    The roar of a dragon echoed across the lake, announcing the arrival of Inferno''s strongest flier in a flash of silver. Fey banked across the battlefield, shadowed closely by Muncie and the Inferno Drakes.


    Fey, the Silver turned a cluster of Raptors into drifting ashes as she scanned the battlefield. Her sharp eyes quickly located Nix and the rest of her family, all of them were safe.


    "BATTLE!" The silver dragon''s shout caused the Raptors closest to her to flee in terror. The temperature of the air above Lake Bachoni skyrocketed as dragon fire filled the sky.


    On the other side of the battlefield, the unused Breach suddenly lit up. An impossibly fast streak of brown erupted outward with a terrifying scream.


    Guyanar has issued the [SkyKing Challenge]. All enemy fliers must resist the Skyking or be rendered flightless for thirty seconds.


    As thousands of blood raptors fell out of the sky, Nix pushed emerald flames into his bone hilts. The Titan Hawks had arrived. Del stopped in front of him, pausing until the Inferno Leader mounted up.


    /Dagger: Ronnie: There she is! Khione has joined the battle!

 Chapter 623: Deep Winter War: The Avatars (two)

    Nix bent low over the Arctic Slayer''s back as it dodged through the raptors that fell from the sky like rain. Smoke and ash filled the sky while thousands of arrows were shot into the blood raptors. The battle for the air above Lake Bachoni was heating up.


    /Dagger: Nix: Shit... Watch out for friendly fire!


    Khione stood next to her General, her long white staff held in one hand as she met the gaze of her enemy. She sent a quick communication to her Haven Operative and stood her ground. "We are losing the air battle; move to stage three."


    "Right away, Goddess."


    [Shapeshifter Vorn has shared his bloodline: Ice Arachni]


    The thousands of dead raptors that littered the frozen lake suddenly vanished while their comrades that were still airborne glided safely to the ground before morphing into their new form.


    /Alpha: Semmi: FAJII!


    Nix looked up at the shouted warning; the Scorched Earth Mage had been flying overhead when she was completely enveloped by a shooting web. Immediately Del changed directions and closed on Fajii.


    /Inferno: Nix: Careful! They can use their webbing to ground fliers!


    /Dagger: Semmi: Get to the ground now.


    Nix leaped free of Del and caught Fajii before she slammed into the ground, the force of her weight causing him to drop to his knees. The webbing that bound her melted away at his touch. "You okay?"


    Fajii hugged him close for a moment before releasing her grip. "I think so; thank you, Nix."


    Nix supported her until she had her feet under her again and then promptly headed toward their target. Still holding hands with Fajii, he skidded to a stop when something large and white loomed in his path. Pushing her behind him, he equipped his bone hilts and pushed emerald fury blades into them. Then, without pausing, he struck.


    [Double Thrust][Air Burst]


    Combination Successful.


    The ice arachnid screech when Nix''s blades sunk hilt deep into the middle set of its eyes. A moment later, its head exploded apart, sending blood, bones, and brain in all directions.


    An ice arachnid has been slain.


    "Gross..." Nix spit out a mouthful of brain matter, scowling at Pon, who didn''t bother to hid his amusement.


    "Keep your mouth closed, noob." Pon looked like his face might split in half from his wide grin. Then, an instant later, he collapsed to the ice, completely wrapped in webbing.


    Seeing a white blur close on its captive, Nix did the only thing he could think of. He kicked the old man out of the way and slashed with his blades. The webbed figured was tossed into the air and landed near Del and Semmi, who immediately lent a hand.


    /Dagger: Semmi: We''ll free him. Kill that thing.


    [First Strike][Execution: Advanced]


    Combination Successful.


    Nix has landed a Significant Strike.


    Nix has landed a Critical Strike.


    An Ice Arachnid has been stunned.


    [Dual Chain][Air Express][Multi-Shot]


    Ronnie has followed up Nix''s Attack with a Significant Strike.


    Ronnie has landed a Critical Strike.


    Ronnie has landed a Mortal Strike.


    Arrows wrapped in miniature wind tunnels slammed into the Ice Arachnid, blowing huge holes into the spider''s body as it was tossed backward by the power of the Dark Archer''s bow.


    An Ice Arachnid has been slain.


    Ronnie was floating gently a few meters off the ground, benefiting from her bond with Wilo, an enhanced Air Elemental. She favored Nix and Fajii with a smile. "The three of us work well together."


    Fajii nodded in agreement before.


    [Whisper: Nix to Fajii] You and Ronnie are friends?


    [Whisper: Fajii to Nix] Yes. She is fascinating.


    Nix laughed and took a quick account of the battlefield. The spiders were hard to deal with. Both the Titans and the Inferno Air Forces were susceptible to their web attacks. In addition, an army of CC creatures was formidable.


    /Dagger: Nix: Continue toward our objective while I summon my friends.


    Nix dropped his Rubicon on the ice while Del moved closer to guard him.


    Nix has cast [Rat Army].


    An endless stream of rats flowed out of the Rubicon; the skittering of sharp claws on ice filled the air as the brown-furred rodents quickly moved into three large formations. Then, three larger rats moved to the front of the formations, completely ignoring the vicious fighting that surrounded them. When the rats were finally done leaving the Rubicon, a singular rat exited, and Nix stored the Rubicon.


    "Orders?" General, Pon the Magnificent saluted crisply. The rat stood upright, perhaps four feet tall. He summoned a protective sphere that immediately encircled him and rose into the air.


    "These ice spiders are creating problems for us. Deal with them." Nix watched as his General nodded and then floated away; he could hear that the rat leader was already barking orders.


    ********************


    Zeryn searched the bodies of her former house members. As the strongest in the Greater House of Aquarion, they had been no match for her when she attacked without warning. Her left eye had grown inexplicably cold before turning crystal blue, the signal for her to escape imprisonment.


    Her pale face hid the faintest of smiles as she approached the force field that marked the entry from her prison to the lower levels of the Gemini Temple. The Aquarion placed a webbed hand against her singular blue eye. Then, she dug her sharp claws into the socket with a sudden movement and pulled it out.


    Blue blood ran down the side of Zeryn''s face; the pain of the moment caused her to lean heavily against the exit. She had thought that the Ice Goddess had abandoned her. Then, a few weeks ago, she once again felt the presence of Khione. "I must not fail here."


    She held the eye of Khione against the barrier, the force field pulsed for a moment before fading entirely. The mission was simple. All of Inferno was fighting in Everspire; only a few non-combatant''s remained behind. Grabbing control of the Gemini Temple was the first step; after that, the bonus would be killing Hyai and Filamina, two women that were carrying the Inferno Leader''s children.


    The Aquarion still gripped the Eye of Khione in her right hand as she headed toward the upper levels of the empty Gemini Temple. She stepped through the doorway leading to the stairs before freezing in place. Confusion filled her eyes as she stared at the vast nothingness in front of her. "What...?"


    In the newly freed Cyphix City in Colonial, Sinfaya stared at the spatial box that she had painstakingly created. Thanks to Nix, her abilities had increased greatly. He had forbidden the dragons from leaving until after the Khione battle, but he had given each of them one of his Nether Rat puppets so that they could continue to take care of their cities. "My flames may not measure up to Deidra''s, but you''re in my world now. Even if you manage to escape, you are no longer in Haven."


    While in the Bone Fortress, Nix had spoken at length with Elan Mtui regarding Zeryn. Her strength had always been good, but it skyrocketed shortly before Inferno''s sudden rise to fame. He then decided to send Bensic and Cyra Yune into the lower levels of the Gemini Temple to apprehend her. After speaking to Eri Sandkiller, the ranger who had gone undercover at the House of Aquarion, Nix had decided that his hunch was right and that Zeryn was probably one of Khione''s faction. Deidra had told him that Haven couldn''t be cracked by Khione, but if one of her people were already inside, it represented an unacceptable security threat.


    [Whisper: Sinfaya to Nix] A pulse of Khione''s power erupted from the trap we set. It seems you may have been right.


    **************


    Morti rumbled across the frozen lake like a runaway freight train. He was covered in webbing, but none of them had been able to hold up to his enormous strength. Finally, he closed on Vorn, who was standing in front of Khione.


    /Dagger: Nix: Knock Vorn to one side; he can''t be injured anyways.


    /Dagger: Morti: Yep!


    Vorn equipped a shield and spear and braced himself to receive the charging Titan. However, before the cub could arrive, a flash of silver descended and grabbed the General. Bathed in flames, the shocked shapeshifter was lifted into the sky by a silver dragon.


    Nix morphed into his emerald salamander form and moved to flank Khione as the Ice Goddess was forced to defend Morti''s attack. She held her long staff at arm''s length and chanted a spell. An instant later, the Titan cub slammed against the shield that she had erected.


    [Khione has cast Ice Shield]


    The transparent sheet of ice cracked slightly but held against Morti''s attack as he peppered it with both paws.


    Semmi has established a [Shadow Domain].


    Darkness enshrouded the area for nearly a hundred meters in all directions. Instead of attacking, Semmi retreated slightly, intent on holding the shadows as long as possible. Wind immediately faded into the ground only to appear behind Khione a moment later.


    /Dagger: Semmi: She can''t establish her Ice Domain when another Domain is in place!


    /Dagger: Nix: Smart girl...


    [Backstab][Shadow Strike][Hamstring]


    Triple Combination partially Successful.


    Wind has landed a normal attack on Khione.


    Wind''s Shadow Strike is ineffective; Khione is immune to the Shadow element.


    Wind has slowed Khione''s movements by twenty percent.


    Before Khione could respond, a dozen emerald fury strands wrapped around her torso, pinning her arms to her side with a sizzling, singeing attack that filled the area with the smell of burnt flesh. Nix braced himself and held onto the strands as three more of the Dagger group arrived.


    A flash of silver and gold blades announced the arrival of the Inferno Swordmaster. Chiba''s old face was sporting a creepy smile as she flashed around the barrier and aimed both blades at the same point. Then, a heart-shaking scream erupting from the Ice Goddes; the power of it picked up Chiba, Donri, and Sharl, before tossing them several meters away.


    Chiba has crippled Khione.


    The left hand of the Ice Goddess landed on the frozen lake bed, severed cleanly at the wrist. An Instant later, Morti broke through the ice shield and slammed a huge paw into Khione''s chest. Although the damage was negligible, the power of the strike sent her skidding across the ice like she was on skates, dragging Nix with her.


    A column of black fire settled on Khione the moment she managed to stop herself.


    [Blackfire: Imprisonment]


    Attack interrupted by [Phase Shift].


    Donri has received the backlash, three times the strength of the attack.


    Inferno''s Black Fire mage collapsed to the ground with a groan. Khione appeared a few meters away, free of the Black Fire and Nix''s fire strands. She brought up her staff as the Titan cub charged her once again; however, she was struck from behind this time.


    Sharl put the full strength of her attack into her halberd thrust; it stabbed barely an inch into the Ice Goddess''s back. Then, with and swing of her staff, she struck the Inferno tank; although Sharl blocked with her shield, the power of the strike sent her back nearly five meters.


    /Dagger: Sharl: Damn, she''s strong!


    [Balefire: Hex][Dread Fire: Master''s Strike]


    Pon has landed a Significant Attack on Khione.


    Pon has landed a Significant Attack on Khione.


    Khione is injured and is more susceptible to attacks.


    Khione reeled back, her ice-blue eyes showing both pain and shock. A moment later, she was wrapped up in Emerald Fury strands again, effectively stopping her from retaliating.


    Morti''s powerful jaws clamped down on her shoulder, forcing her to bend low to the ground as he wrenched his head from side to side. His claws dug deep into the ice as he braced himself to stop her from moving further.


    [Dual Chain][Trueshot][Air Bolt]


    Triple Combination Successful.


    Ronnie has followed up Pon''s attack with a Significant strike.


    Ronnie has followed up Pon''s attack with a critical strike.

 Chapter 624: Deep Winter War: The Avatars (conclusion)

    Both Beta and Wind appeared behind the Ice Goddess, their backstab nearly mirroring each other.


    [Dual Chain][Backstab]


    Combination Successful.


    Wind has followed up Ronnie''s attack with a Significant Strike.


    [Backstab][First Strike]


    Combination partially successful.


    Beta has landed a critical strike on Khione.


    Beta has landed a normal attack on Khione.


    /Dagger: Nix: Release your grip and push her hard!


    Morti unclamped his jaws and slammed both paws into the chest of the Ice Goddess; at the same time, Nix pulled in the opposite direction.


    /Dagger: Nix: Now!


    Sharl charged in when the Ice Goddess collapsed to the ground. Unfortunately, it lasted only an instant. A wave of Khione''s staff turned the charging tank into a solid block of ice.


    Nix cussed loudly and jumped to one side as the Ice Goddess targeted him.


    [Tainted Ice Spikes: Salvo][Ice Domain]


    [Critical Interrupt!]


    Thousands of foot-long pins were blasted apart in a blur of silver and gold. Her blades moved faster than the eye could follow as the peerless blademaster blocked all the spikes that had been heading toward Nix.


    [A second domain may not be established while with the confines of another. Thus, Semmi''s Shadow Domain takes precedence.]


    Chiba stared across the distance at the Ice Goddess while swiping her blade in the air. "You''re not allowed to touch my lovely Apprentice, ugly woman."


    Sharl has been poisoned.


    Donri has been poisoned.


    Beta has been poisoned.


    Semmi has been poisoned.


    Fajii has been poisoned.


    Wind has been poisoned.


    Morti has resisted Khione''s attack.


    Pon has resisted Khione''s attack.


    Nix morphed into his Archon form and pushed Emerald Fury Flames into his bone hilts.


    /Family: Nix: Do it now.


    The Ice under Khione erupted upward; the Ice Goddess was tossed into the air as several feet of frozen water was blasted into a mist.


    [Sonic Boom][Water Shackles]


    Combination Successful.


    Four strands of water rose up out of the lake before wrapping themselves around the arms and legs of the Ice Goddess. A jade-colored figure with quills on her head stood calmly with both arms outstretched.


    [Balefire: Hex][Dread Fire: Inferno]


    Combination Successful!


    Pon has landed a Significant Strike on Khione.


    Pon has landed a Mortal blow on Khione.


    Nix banked towards the Ice Goddess just as Khione was chanting another spell. "Too late!"


    [Execution: Advanced]


    Nix''s blades sliced in a complex x-shape as his form blurred past the Ice Goddess.


    Nix has slain Khione. [Fourth Avatar].


    /Dagger: Nix: She''s down. How''s the poison?


    /Dagger: Sharl: It has a paralytic effect, but it runs out in a few more minutes.


    /Dagger: Nix: Those unaffected, stay here and guard the others.


    Soup emerged from the cold depths of Lake Bachoni; the quills on her head were glowing with a deep aquamarine color. She immediately spotted Morti and Nix and ran towards them.


    Eron cleansed Fajii of the Tainted Ice poison and then proceeded to cure the rest of Dagger group. The addition of the rat army quickly proved too much for the depleted forces of the Ice Goddess and, with the help of the allied Titans, quickly dispatched the rest of them. The black fox leaped nimbly onto Nix''s shoulder while its dark eyes scanned the battlefield. "Killing Khione didn''t change Deep Winter."


    Nix rubbed the tiny fox''s head out of habit, his sharp eyes picking up Del as she bounded toward them. "We couldn''t target her General. Maybe Vorn is still alive?"


    /Family: Nix: Where did Vorn go?


    /Family: Fey: He''s dead.


    /Family: Nix: He is? Where''s the corpse?


    /Family: Fey: His legs are somewhere on the battlefield; the rest of him is in my stomach. When Khione died, he tried to escape.


    Pon stood next to Nix, both of them wearing sour expressions when the number of casualties became apparent.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Did we come to a dead-end in this quest?


    The silver dragon landed a few meters away from Nix before quickly changing into her human mage form. She smiled pleasantly at her friends before hugging Nix.


    /Inferno: Nansu: There''s a light near the trading post.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Breach our Air Forces back to Haven. We''ll address our casualties after we investigate.


    /Breach Commander Mtui: Right away.


    /Breach Commander Nix: Break off into groups of twenty or so and spread out. We have to figure out our next step.


    /Inferno: Nix: Alpha team with me.


    A nudge from a soft nose told Nix that Del had arrived; instead of using his Archon form, he slipped onto her back and leaned forward. "To the trading post, Del." The Inferno leader could have flown or summoned one of his flying mounts, but in the tense and mysterious atmosphere that was steadily growing, he didn''t want to leave Del exposed.


    The speed of the slayer easily matched the rest of Alpha that was flying overhead. Finally, after a quarter of an hour, they arrived at the trading post.


    /Alpha: Semmi: Huh... That''s a bit odd.


    /Alpha: Pon: What''s odd about an archway in the middle of nowhere?


    /Breach Commander Nix: Breach all of the casualties to Haven. Inferno Officers report back to the Iron Pike trading post.


    Less than a dozen meters from the entrance to the Iron Pike stood a marble archway. Unfortunately, the entry was shrouded with a translucent barrier, making it impossible to make out any shapes or forms. Nevertheless, Alpha stopped directly in front of it.


    Donri joined Pon and Nix as the two of them studied the archway. "Going to enter?"


    Nix shared a glanced with Pon. "Well... We were just thinking that you should give it a try."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "Given that you were as useless as a headless chicken in the Khione fight."


    Nix bit down on a grin. "Not true... at least headless chickens can be eaten... Go ahead unless you''re scared."


    Donri frowned at the two mages that were staring at him expectantly. "Who is scared?" Then, without speaking further, he attempted to step through the archway. However, when he contacted the entrance, a waved of power burst forth, tossing him a handful of meters into the air, causing both Nix and Pon to laugh shamelessly.


    [Only the Cora''Zai may enter here.]


    The mood near the archway instantly darkened as the members of Alpha looked at each other.


    /Inferno: Semmi: The Officer meeting will be at the archway.


    Nix morphed into his salamander form and headed toward the Trading post. "Going to make sure old Hoot is okay. Let me know when the rest of the officers get here."


    Pon nodded. "Let me see that Enigma thing; he should know what this is."


    The salamander handed the old mage the black ball. "Be sure to shake it really hard. He loves that."


    ***********


    /Officer: Pon: Waiting on you, Punk Bastard!


    /Officer: Nix: On my way.


    Nix walked through the sturdy wooden door that Hoot was holding open for him. "Just stay inside and keep an eye on things."


    The old man nodded in agreement. "Going to lock this door behind you and wait for Deep Winter to break."


    The Emerald Salamander scurried out of the warm trading post, not bothered at all by the sudden change of temperature. By the time he returned to Pon, the small group of Inferno officers were standing in a circle around the arch.


    Fajii and Shae both had their arms crossed in front of them. Apparently, they were unhappy about something. Del stood next to them; her blue eyes continually scanned her tracking hud for the enemy.


    The salamander joined the group, its yellow eyes staring at the glowing archway. "Let me guess... None of you can enter?"


    Shae''s pretty face twisted into a scowl. "Enigma says the 5th and last avatar is waiting here. The entrance is on a countdown."


    [If the Cora''Zai doesn''t enter the archway before sundown, the 5th avatar and Khione''s real self with switch places.]


    /Officer: Semmi: Meaning that we''ll face her last Avatar in the final battle, and she will slip through our fingers even if we win.


    Fajii leaned closer to Semmi and removed Enigma from the blonde officer''s hand. She rubbed a brown hand across its surface. "Where does this archway lead?"


    [To Khione''s 5th Avatar.]


    Fajii shared a glance with Shae before continuing. "This is a trap?"


    [Without a doubt, it''s a trap. Whoever enters will not come back.]


    Nix moved closer to the door, studying it while his closest friends watched. "Everyone else has tried to enter?"


    Semmi shook her head slightly. "Most of us have, but there are one or two who haven''t."


    A sudden roar shook the skies as a plume of silver fire erupted into the sky over Lake Bachoni. The sudden event turned the heads of everyone in the allied forces.


    /Officer: Pon: The fuck...


    Despite only having turned away for a moment, Nix had disappeared from sight. The Inferno Officers stared at each other for a long moment before Shae leaped at the entrance only to be instantly repelled. Wind stepped in front of Fajii before she could make the same attempt.


    /Officer: Wind: It''s too late. He went in.


    ***************


    The room was unfamiliar. Two wooden chairs with thick seat cushions were placed in front of a warm fireplace. A white-robed figure sat comfortably in one of the seats; her ice-blue eyes reflected her disappointment when she saw the emerald salamander. "You''ve come..."


    "Of course." The salamander ignored the opposite chair and moved closer to the fire. "Why would the Ice Goddess have a fireplace?"


    A pale, slender hand waved slightly, making the fireplace disappear. Despite the action, the warmth and smell of smoke hung comfortingly in the air. "I wish you wouldn''t have."


    "Hmm?" Nix backed away slightly while keeping a close eye on her. "You didn''t want me to come?"


    Khione shook her head slightly. "You''re failure to appear here would have given me more options."


    "Right. By showing up, I removed your safety net for the final battle." Nix understood her point; in a way, she was forced along the path in front of her, much the same as he was.


    Khione smiled slightly, her normally serene face showing the tiniest fraction of amusement. "Indeed. This isn''t a bad consolation. With you removed from the fight, I will emerge victoriously."


    Yellow eyes scanned the rest of the room, looking for any signs of a door or exit. "Pon will be able to finish the job if something happens to me. Quit wasting my time, spring your trap and let''s get to it."


    Khione nodded and stood slowly. "I know you believe that somehow you will live through this. The Cora''Zair dies; this has already been foretold."


    Nix backed away a few steps and then circled around her. "Is that right?"


    "The fact is, neither of us gets to leave here." She moved her right foot slightly, eliciting a loud metallic click that echoed in the room. An instant later, dozens of spheres emerged from the walls. Nix dodged to one side when they moved toward him. Instead of adjusting, the spheres collided in the center of the room with a wave of power that sent both occupants flying against the wall.


    *Cough, cough.*


    The white hair woman moved herself up to a seated position, wiping blood from her mouth while trying to resist the sudden force pulling against her. The emerald salamander had fared slightly better; his reflexes enabled him to land on the wall.


    Nix watched the spatial disturbance but didn''t bother to fight it. He could feel the power of it pulling him. But, unfortunately, there was literally nothing to hang on to. The Ice Goddess''s resistance broke, and she was yanked into the blackness, her body gruesomely torn apart while she screamed in frustrated anger.


    "Shit..." Nix muttered a curse when he was plucked off the wall and pulled in.

 Chapter 625: Deep Winter War: The Escalator

    The archway disappeared suddenly, causing everyone in the group to jump. They stared at the emptiness in disbelief for several seconds. During that time, the sky grew brighter, and the temperature of the air rose several degrees.


    [Quest Updated]


    Deep Winter War


    Objective: Charge into Khione''s stronghold and find the Goddess of Winter.


    20 person raid, no NPCs allowed.


    "Well... Let''s move on then." Nansu spoke softly, but the sound of it carried to all of the officers. The Dire Wolf puppet glanced toward the North, where a column of light had suddenly appeared. "Time for the next step."


    "Nansu..." Ronnie stared at the LifeStyle player, her dark eyes openly hostile. Are you..."?


    "She''s right." A familiar voice interrupted from the direction of the trading post, his boots crunching softly on the ice and snow as he trotted toward them. Nix offered the group a smile before scruffing the dire wolf''s ears.


    Nansu nosed his face before stepping back. "Worked really well. I couldn''t even tell the difference."


    Nix nodded in agreement before facing the column of light. "Couldn''t have done it without you. I guess we should finish this then."


    "That wasn''t you..." Shae''s confused expression slowly faded; there''s no way he could recover or rez if it were. "Then who?"


    "Khalam''Zur," Nix said the word like it explained everything; a sudden flash of silver announced the arrival of his mount. Then, without looking back, he leaped onto the shoulder of the silver dragon.


    Shae rushed up behind him and held onto his waist as Fey shot into the air. "What does the Dragon Graveyard have to do with this?"


    /Officer: Nansu: Initially, we thought Khalam''Zur was the Dragon Graveyard; it''s actually a legendary graveyard. We went there to make Titan puppets.


    **********Author''s reminder******


    In chapter 404, Nix took a break from his training at the House of Tempest and took a LifeStyle group into Khalam''Zur to gather materials and create Titan puppets. After pairing up with Nansu, they were able to finish ahead of the deadline.


    *********************


    /Officer: Semmi: You made an Emerald Salamander puppet.


    /Officer: Nix: Yep, I made an Emerald Salamander puppet, smart girl.


    /Officer: Nansu: We made one!


    /Officer: Nix: Right, "we" did. Half credit goes to Nansu, maybe quarter-credit.


    /Officer: Nansu: Don''t be so stingy, let''s stick with halfsies.


    /Officer: Jun Li: Forming up the raid now.


    While the small group of officers flew towards the lit-up area, the rest of the raid busied themselves with clean-up.


    [Whisper: Nix to Jun Li] Remember, no NPCs for this one.


    [Whisper: Jun Li to Nix] I know. We got this.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Here''s the raid sheet for the next step. Sorry if you''re name was left off; I could only use 20 of us.


    [Raid Sheet]


    Sharl: Tank


    Banz: Tank


    Jun Li: Alt-Tank/ DPS


    Nix: CC, Melee/Range DPS


    Sila: CC Melee/DPS


    Semmi: Melee DPS


    Wind: Melee DPS


    Gideon: Melee/DPS


    Pon: Range DPS


    Donri: Range DPS


    Ronnie: Range DPS


    Chael: Range DPS


    Dalton: Sniper


    Moki: Sniper


    Darsi: Sniper


    Pinky: Healer


    Tess: Healer


    Nezbit: Healer


    Nebs: Healer


    Gypsy Rose: Healer


    /Inferno: Sharl: We''re heavy on heals for once. It''s nice to have my girls back.


    /Inferno: Tess: Thanks!


    /Inferno: Gypsy Rose: She''s talking about me...


    /Inferno: Tess: Gypsy and I will focus AE heals on our group; the three tanks will have their own healer assigned to them; Banz & Nezbit, Sharl & Pinky, Jun Li, and Nebs.


    Nix removed a rectangular crate from his inventory and placed it on the lake bed. The rest of the raid stood in a circle staring up at the glowing entrance that hovered a hundred meters above the ground. "Given me a hand, old man."


    Pon nodded and accepted a small dagger from Nix; together, they started prying up the wooden lid. "Remind me again... What the hell is this?"


    "Siege tool." Nix motioned toward Wind, who was returning from the entrance on his bone crow.


    /Inferno: Wind: When I try to fly in, it says that I''m not using the proper device.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Wasn''t this thing meant for the mountain fortress?


    /Inferno: Pon: The one we sabotaged? What if we can''t get inside?


    /Inferno: Nix: Then we''re back in Haven in time for dinner.


    [Escalator]


    A tool of war meant for assaulting mountain fortresses. Limit 5,000 troops.


    [Do you wish to use the Escalator to enter the Fortress?]


    "Yes." Nix hugged Shae and Fajii before turning to his spirit companions that were gathered nearby. Fey, Ducky, and Soup were sitting on Morti''s back. "Keep an eye on things here. If I can bring you guys inside, I will."


    Morti waddled closer before pushing his enormous head into Nix''s chest. "I''ll protect them."


    "Be careful." Fajii''s tanned face was locked in a frown as she watched the metallic stairs soar upward for several seconds until it stopped at the instance doorway.


    "Used to love these as a kid." Nix jumped onto the first step before Pon could beat him to it. It immediately began to move them toward the top.


    Semmi smiled and offered a wave to Shae and Fajii. "Don''t worry. I won''t let anything happen to him." The blonde officer watched as the 20 members of the raid stepped onto the escalator; she and Jun Li were the last two.


    "Did you know about the salamander puppet?" Shae fixed the Scorched Earth mage with a deep stare.


    Fajii shook her head. "He keeps his secrets and does whatever he likes."


    "We''ll have to train him better." Shae glanced at the frozen lake bed that had long since been dyed red with blood. "Let''s help with the clean-up."


    /Inferno: Shae: Those who aren''t part of the raid, please help with transporting the casualties to Haven.


    *************


    [Quest Updated]


    Deep Winter War


    Objective: You''ve come so far, but there''s no sign of your target. Continue your search.


    "Wasn''t expecting this." Nix took a moment to study his surroundings while the rest of Inferno entered the instance. They were standing at the edge of a vast ice field. Chunks of ice littered the ground, sunlight reflecting on the winter landscape made the Inferno leader struggle to make out details. "Damn, it''s bright."


    Pon shielded his eyes with one hand while his old face scowled in disgust. "Once we put this bitch down, I''m gonna settle down and make some beer. This ice bullshit is for the bir..."


    The old mage stopped talking when the ground beneath them began to shake and rumble. The countless broken pieces of ice started shifting and sliding toward the middle of the clearing.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Range fighters retreat to flank. Tanks form a shield wall in front of the healers.


    Instantly Inferno moved into action. Three enormous shields moved to the front of the formation while Ronnie and the Sniper team split into two groups. Alpha watched from the middle as an ice creature slowly formed.


    [Ice Crater]


    Indigenous Ice Creature: Great Lord


    Description: Formed from the destroyed remains of the Ice Fortress, Ice Crater is a powerful existence that is consumed by hatred.


    "INFERNO!" As soon as the mouth formed on the Ice Lord, it shouted at the raid group. Its lumpy surface gradually smoothed into a solid body before armor and weapons started to appear.


    [Summons: Mortimer]


    Spirit Companions may not be summoned for this battle.


    Nix muttered a curse under his breath. "No companions for this fight."


    Ice Crater resembled a perfectly sculpted statue. He stood four meters tall; his entire skin and armor was stark white, like a winter snowstorm. He held a long dual-bladed weapon with a long wooden shaft that was slung casually over one shoulder. The only part of him that wasn''t white like virgin marble was his black eyes; filled with malice and contempt, it stared unblinking at the Inferno members.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Test him, Sharl. Let''s see what we are dealing with.


    The dark armored tank nodded and advanced slowly behind her enormous kite shield. When she was within twenty meters, the black eyes focused solely on her.


    "Let me guess... You are Sharl, Inferno''s Main Tank." A smooth, deep voice spoke with refinement, like a lord speaking at court.


    /Inferno: Pon: The fuck...?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Boyfriend of yours, Sis?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Don''t think so.


    /Inferno: Nix: Careful, Sharl.


    Sharl nodded but remained on guard, her spear gripped tightly in one hand. "Be a good boy and expose your neck for me."


    "TREMBLE AND DESPAIR!" Crater leaped suddenly, covering the distance between himself and Sharl in an instant.


    Sharl has activated [Barricade].


    The ringing sound of a blade striking steel echoed as the Inferno tank absorbed the blow without stepping back.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Let Sharl establish aggro. Keep an eye on her health.


    [Battle Cry][Naga Scream]


    Combination Successful.


    Battle Cry is active; Crater must attack Sharl until she loses ten percent of her health.


    Dozens of miniature, transparent Nagas attacked Crater, biting at his marble-like skin before disappearing.


    Crater has been poisoned.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Naga Scream? Is that a Floyd legacy?


    /Inferno: Sharl: Yep. Aggro is mine; beat him down.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Banz retreat and shield the healers. Nez join up with Pinky for rotational heals on Sharl.

 Chapter 626: Deep Winter: Matched Pair

    Nix and Pon circled Crater, going in opposite directions before meeting behind their target a few moments after the first contact.


    "A bit slow, old man." Nix pushed flames into his bone hilts and flashed toward his target. The temperature around Crater dropped steadily as Nix approached; just before his blade strike, the air itself seemed to condense with tiny ice crystals that stung like tiny bees.


    [Sword Dance][Flash Blade][Parry][Hamstring]


    Quadruple Combination Successful!


    [Crippling Strike]


    Nix''s footwork has enabled him to strike a vital area.


    Nix has landed a Significant Strike.


    Crater has been stunned.


    Nix has turned his opponent''s movement against him [Bleeding Applied].


    Nix has slowed Crater''s movements by forty percent.


    [Dual Chain][Balefire: Hex][Sudden Strike: Dread Flame]


    Combination Successful!


    Pon has followed up Nix''s attack with a Significant Strike.


    Crater has been stunned.


    Pon has landed a Critical hit.


    [Dual Chain][Void Strike][Backstab]


    Combination Successful!


    Semmi has followed up Pon''s attack with a Significant strike.


    Crater has been stunned.


    Semmi has landed a Critical hit.


    [Dual Chain][Void Strike][Demon Blade]


    Wind has followed up Semmi''s attack with a Significant strike.


    Crater has been stunned.


    Wind has landed a Critical strike.


    Crater has been infected with Demon blood, causing his defensive abilities to decrease by ten percent.


    [Dual Chain][Trueshot: Air Burst]


    Ronnie has followed up Wind''s attack with a Significant strike.


    Crater has been stunned.


    Ronnie has landed a Mortal strike.


    [Dual Chain][Simultaneous Shot: Sniper''s Strike]


    Darsi, Moki, and Dalton have coordinated a Multi-Burst attack!


    Crater has been grievously wounded.


    A blast of frigid air escaped from the staggering creature. Inferno''s chain attacks quickly overwhelmed its abilities to defend itself.


    [Life Sacrifice][Sudden Egress]


    Crater sacrificed all by one of his health points to use a skill.


    Crater has entered a state of invulnerability and is attempting to escape.


    "Running?" Nix jumped to one side when Crater reversed direction and charged toward him and Pon. He slashed at the creature as it ran by, but his blades passed harmlessly through the enormous body.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shit... He''s invulnerable?


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Chase him; it can''t last for more than a few seconds.


    Crater took a dozen strides, his long legs crunching loudly on the ice as Inferno pursued him. Then, after only a few seconds, he stopped suddenly.


    [Quest Updated]


    Deep Winter War: Matched Pair


    Description: After chasing Crater, it seems like your prey has evaded you.


    Objective: Random pairs from your raid will team up in short instances. Survive at all costs! If either member of the paired group dies or is knocked off the platform, both of those players are eliminated. The last pair to survive this contest will battle the Goddess of Winter.


    /Inferno: Nix: Shit... Bastard disappeared.


    Crater''s enormous form vanished, leaving Inferno alone on the icy battlefield. Then suddenly, Semmi and Pon disappeared, followed immediately by Nix and Darsi. Over the next few seconds, pairs of Inferno members blinked away.


    The duo appeared on a large wooden platform. The room that contained them was octagonal in shape and formed from solid ice.


    "So... Kill shit and don''t fall off?" Nix snuck a peek at his partner, his face creasing in a large smile. "Hey, Darsi!"


    The pony-tailed blonde returned his smile while she quickly broke down her long-barreled sniper rifle into a shorter assault weapon. In a few seconds, she switched out the barrel, stock, and scope, clicking them in place like someone who had done it thousands of times. "Trip-7... You''ll have to front while I''ll play backup." Darsi clicked a vicious-looking bayonet onto the end of her adjusted weapon.


    Nix nodded in reply and pushed emerald dread flames into his bone hilts. "No worries."


    /Inferno: Pon: I''m with Sem!


    /Inferno: Darsi: I got Trip-7.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: My big Sis!


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Sila.


    /Inferno: Banz: Gid!


    /Inferno: Pinky: Chael!


    /Inferno: Tess: Gypsy! Shit... We''re both healers.


    /inferno: Donri: Nebs.


    /Inferno: Nezbit: Moki.


    /Inferno: Wind: Dalton.


    Nix felt Darsi''s back push against his; with no obvious door, there was no way to tell from which direction their mobs would come from. "Head on a swivel, I don''t like this."


    "Me neither." Darsi scanned the area in front of her; suddenly, three howlers appeared next to the wall. "MY SIDE!"


    Nix unequipped his bone hilts and raised both hands; an instant later, a half dozen flame strands wrapped around the incoming howlers, anchoring them in place.


    The steady sound of three-round bursts echoed off the wall as all three mobs were quickly dispatched through the combination of fire strands and bullets.


    In an identical room, Pon and Semmi easily cut through three rounds of howlers. The first wave was a group of three, the second was four, and the third was a single mid-tier howler that the old mage Instantly took down with dread flame.


    /Inferno: Tess: Shit... We lost!


    /Inferno: Nezbit: So did we. The last Howler picked up Moki and tossed him off the stage.


    /Inferno: Moki: Sorry, guys!


    Pon glanced at Sem, who had a wide smile plastered on her face. "You look happy!"


    Semmi shrugged slightly. "It could be us that ends up facing Khione!"


    Pon nodded, his face looking somewhat grim. "That will be fine with me."


    "I won''t let you down. Even though I''m not as strong as you, count on me when it matters!" Semmi gripped one of his hands and leaned her blonde head against his shoulder. A moment later, they both disappeared.


    Nix was in the process of high-fiving Darsi when his companion was replaced with someone else. "Must be my lucky day."


    Sharl smiled slyly and hefted her shield in one hand. "New pairs?"


    "Guess so. Protect me, so I don''t get hurt."


    The Inferno tank laughed at his comment. "Okay, but I expect compensation."


    /Inferno: Semmi: New pairs? I''m with Junie!


    /Inferno: Pon: Donri.


    /Inferno: Sila: Darsi.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Gideon.


    /Inferno: Banz: Pinky!


    /Inferno: Nix: Sharl!


    /Inferno: Chael: Dalton.


    /Inferno: Wind: Nebs.


    The pair stood shoulder to shoulder, not really concerned that the next fight was looming. Nix was confident that nothing outside of a raid-level boss could remove his new companion from the platform. He slammed his emerald flame blades together, causing sparks to shower them both. "Guess the partners will keep changing?"


    Sharl shrugged slightly. "Probably, although I won''t complain if I get stuck with you."


    Nix laughed at her sly expression, his thoughts instantly traveling to the hot spring cave near his property. "We got this."


    The rounds stayed the same, three mobs, four mobs, and then a tougher mid-tier. Nix found himself paired with Semmi, Jun Li, Gideon, and then Ronnie. No more pairs were eliminated as Inferno did what they do best.


    Ronnie used her [Airburst: Arrow] to kill the last of the four mob groups. She held her bow loosely in one hand while her dark eyes watched the Inferno Leader. "Too bad this is in pairs and not threes. You, me, and Sis make a great threesome."


    "Threes would be even worse; this is ridiculous." Nix smiled at the innuendo. "This is going to take a while; those of us that remain aren''t going to be easily eliminated.


    "Sure, but then Sharl and I could help you pass the time." Ronnie smiled sexily, her lips pursed slightly.


    Nix''s reply was cut short by the appearance of the mid-tier howler. He sent two dozen flame strands at the creature, pinning its arms while completely immobilizing it. Without mana, he had been relegated to CC or swords; the mid-tier was an easy kill with his ability to completely lock it down.


    Ronnie sent shot after shot into the creature while it struggled to escape Nix''s flame strands. "Hopefully, we''ll come back around to partner again!"


    Nix nodded, smiling when she kissed him wetly on the cheek. "Stay alive!"


    Ronnie was still smiling a few moments later when she appeared beside a new partner. "Hey, Sem."


    Semmi returned the greeting. "Bet you wished you''d get Nix twice in a row."


    "Yep." Ronnie watched guild chat as the players listed their current partners, something they''d been doing since the start. Her smile faded somewhat when she noticed the last paring.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Maybe this is a test of endurance?


    The blonde officer flexed her shoulders while she studied the room. "Get back to the middle, Ronnie. The first round will start soon."


    Instead of complying, Ronnie shook her head and stepped off the platform. "Time to stop."


    "HEY!" Semmi shouted in surprise when Ronnie vanished from the room; a moment later, she also disappeared. "The hell?"


    Ronnie shrugged slightly when the two of them appeared in the holding area next to the other eliminated pairs.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: They''re together; everyone else step off.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: What?


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Pon and Nix are together; everyone else needs to forfeit.


    Semmi stared at Ronnie for a long moment before she nodded to herself.


    /Inferno: Semmi: She''s right. We can''t risk either of them being eliminated.


    /Inferno: Wind: Shit!


    /Inferno: Sharl: I hate it!


    Although no one liked it, the pairs stepped off of their platforms and appeared in the holding area one by one. After thinking it through clearly, it became evident. The strongest pairing would be the two people who could kill the Ice Goddess by themselves.


    Nix shared a glance with Pon and then opened up his hud. "Guess it''s just the two of us?"


    Pon nodded. "Got any mana yet?"


    "Nope. The Archmage strike is such a sham." Nix scowled in disgust; draining all your mana for a few days seemed a bit overboard.


    The old man beside him laughed at the face he was making. "Good thing you got those blades, Noob."


    Nix smiled and made a rude gesture; an instant later, they were both transported away.

 Chapter 627: Deep Winter: The Strongest Pair

    [Personal and all group chats have been disabled]


    "Of course..." Nix read the message while scanning his new surroundings. He stood in the center of a small, torchlit room. Two passages were visible from his position.


    "Hey, Punk bastard!"


    Nix turned at the sound of Pon''s voice and started trotting toward the western exit. The small hallway had an energy barrier at the midway point; his partner in crime was standing on the opposite side. "Hey, old man."


    The two shared a grin.


    "This hall leads to another room that has a north exit." Pon shrugged slightly, "looks like we''re on separate paths for now."


    "Try not to look too upset." Nix gestured over his own shoulder, "I''ve got the same setup behind me. Let''s both explore our north exits, try and keep in shouting range."


    Nix reentered the room he left a few minutes earlier. The room itself was square-shaped with a sand floor. "This looks like beach sand..."


    "The beach? Sounds like a good idea once we kill this bitch!" Pon''s voice carried from the next room. "Heading through the hall."


    "Same." Nix stepped into the doorway; the heat from the torches on either side warmed his face.


    The corridor leading from the starting room was absent of any torches, but the light hadn''t dimmed at all. Nix activated his stealth package and started walking down the center of the slightly curved passage.


    Nix has activated [Dragon Eyes].


    The next doorway was less than a minute away; he paused for a moment while studying the room. Five howlers were huddled together, talking amongst themselves; one of them was much larger than the others. Having never spoken to a howler, he hadn''t known that the lesser ones could also speak.


    The sudden sound of a loud explosion west of him made his group of howlers jump. The sounds of multiple blades being drawn seemed loud in his ears. The group turned toward the far exit and broke into a trot.


    "Shit... That side is sealed; if they get through, I''m fucked!" Then, without thinking, he ran into the hall. "HEY!"


    The group skidded to a halt before the door barrier. "In a hurry?" Nix pushed emerald flames into his bone hilts and strode toward them as his aura flamed up.


    [Sword Dance][Master Strike]


    Combination successful!


    Nix appeared in the center of the group; his blade swept the legs of the two howlers that were already behind him. The emerald dread flame cut both of them off just above the knees, causing their screams of agony to echo in the room.


    The howlers on either side of him struck with their ice weapon; out of reflex, Nix blocked each with his blades while kicking the howler captain in the chest.


    [Execution: Advanced][Flashblade]


    Combination Successful.


    Nix''s blade removed the head of the howler on his left; instantly, he appeared behind the other and drove both flamed blades through his back. The wounded howlers continued to scream while the remaining captain climbed to his feet. "Why are you guys so loud?"


    The howler Captain snarled and clashed his weapons together. Unlike his group, he dual-wielded daggers. His body was long and lean, at least a head taller than normal. He moved like someone who studied blade techniques. "You will die here."


    Nix raised an eyebrow in surprise. The howler''s voice was surprisingly clear. "You some kind of big Court Captain?" He paused for a moment, slashing through the throats of the screaming howlers that were still flailing on the ground. "Those bastards were fucking loud... HEY!"


    That captain moved as soon as Nix killed the disabled members of his team. Instead of attacking, he fled towards the door barrier.


    Nix sent a dozen emerald flame strands toward the fleeing Captain.


    On the other side of the instance, Pon watched as five burning howlers spun in place a meter off of the sandy floor. "Fire-Nado for the win..." The old man''s face creased in a grin as the door barrier north of him turned from blue to green, a sign that he could pass through.


    "FUCK!!!" Nix''s shout caused the Inferno Mage to pause in the doorway. "SHIT, SHIT, SHIT!!"


    Pon frowned before raising his voice. "YOU OKAY?"


    "NOPE. ONE OF MINE FLED THROUGH THE NORTH BARRIER. I''M SEALED OFF!"


    Pon muttered a curse under his breath. "TRY GOING BACK THE WAY YOU CAME! I''LL KEEP MOVING FORWARD."


    "OKAY," Nix shouted.


    "Why does shit like this happen to me?" The old man stepped over the charred corpses and continued on his path. A short ramp led to a second larger area that was well-lit. As the mage stepped through, the temperature dropped several degrees. "Fuck..."


    The white-haired woman stood in the center of the room. Unlike her avatars, this version wasn''t young or beautiful. Long fangs hung down over her bluish lips. There was an element of her that closely resembled Aquarions. The hair on her head hung down her back in a tangled mess. "Where''s Nix?"


    Pon suppressed a shudder at the creepy tone of her voice. It sounded twisted and unpleasant to his ears; her blood-red eyes stared at him with undisguised hatred. He cleared his throat. "I''m Pon, a fire mage from Inferno."


    "Pon? Pon, the Magnificent?"


    The old mage''s face wrinkled slightly in a smile that Nix would have found overbearingly satisfied. "Yes, that''s me. So let''s get on with this..."


    His words were interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming toward them. A tall, rangy howler appeared in the doorway. As soon as he saw the Inferno Mage, he charged. "You''re not touching the Goddess!"


    "The hell I''m not." Pon''s aura blazed with heat.


    [Balefire: Dread Flame][Interupted]


    The Howler Captain jumped in front of the Ice Goddess; his crossed daggers formed an ice shield in front of him when they touched. A momentary pause in combat occurred; obviously, all three were shocked at the result.


    Khione''s laughed filled the room. "Kill him, my Captain!"


    The howler attacked suddenly, slashing at the fire mage while circling him. The creature roared in pain when his blade struck a fire shield that the old man had raised.


    Pon cursed before taking a step backward; a quick glance over his shoulder told him that the doorway he entered through was still open. A sudden build-up of power caused him to twist his fire shield toward Khione. Her attack deflected off his flames, but he was forced to take a double attack from the howler''s blades.


    As if sensing the mage was attempting to retreat toward the doorway, the howler darted towards it, blocking Pon''s path.


    "Fast fucker..." Pon weighed his options for a moment; unlike Nix, most Fire Mages were quite fragile in melee battles. He couldn''t take too many attacks before the situation became dangerous.


    [Balefire: Hex]


    Miss!


    The Howler dived to one side; Pon used the instant to flee toward the doorway before his enemies could surround him.


    [Ice Blast]


    Khione has landed a critical strike.


    Pon arched his back in agony, his health dropping to the halfway mark. Then, for the first time since the battle started, his expression turned cheerful. "Now you''re fucked... Half my health is gone." He stood in the doorway, the temperature around him slowly started to rise.


    Even from five meters away, Khione could feel the old mage''s power, her eyes showing real fear as she motioned for her Captain to stand in front of her. "Block him!"


    The Howler Captain nodded and stood in front of the Ice Goddess. The temperature drove both the Howler and the Goddess of Winter back. The old man''s aura continued to climb.


    "I can only use this strike when my life is below half." Pon''s old face glowed with the power of his dread flames. "This old man is no walk in the park."


    [Final Strike: Dread Flame]


    A plume of white-hot fire turned the air to flames as it blasted toward the Goddess of Winter. Khione''s scream of terror echoed in the room when the dread flame tore through her chest.


    Pon has landed a Mortal Strike on Khione, the Goddess of Winter.


    Blood-red eyes, filled with malice, stared at the Fire Mage. Her skin, flesh, and clothes over her chest had been incinerated. Stark white ribs were clearly visible. Behind her ribs was the only undamaged part of her chest, a steadily beating heart. "That was a good strike, Pon the Magnificent." Although her face was still twisted in agony, the flesh of her body slowly started to heal. "I''m a Goddess... There''s no way I can be defeated by a fire ma..."


    Her eyes opened wide in shock before staring downward at the pointed tip of a dagger that had been suddenly plunged through her heart from behind. She tried to speak, but the words were drowned out by the sudden screech of a powerful predator.


    Pon drank a mana potion and stepped back. Unable to scream, the Goddess of Winter turned into a column of flames that burned for several seconds before disappearing. "The fuck is going on?"


    The Howler Captain shrugged slightly; the killing dagger still gripped in his hand. He removed his [Thine Enemy] ring. "Seriously... You''re a glass cannon; I barely touched you."


    "NIX!" Pon grinned at the Inferno Leader. "You played us?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep. Captain Bastard-Ass tried to escape through the door barrier... He didn''t quite make it."


    Pon grinned suddenly. "That the dagger Tautius gave you?"


    Nix nodded. "Yep. Remind me to thank him."


    [Phoenix Blade]


    Bound Artifact: One-time use.


    Plunge this into the Heart of Khione and slay the Winter Goddess.


    The two mages stared at each other for a moment before they started to laugh.


    "Nice strike at the end, old man."


    Pon nodded in agreement. "You''re not wrong, crafty bastard."


    Nix bent and picked up a small glowing object about the size of his fist.


    [Soul of Khione]


    Although twisted and evil, the Ice Goddess wasn''t always that way. With the corruption cleansed, this remnant of her power is all that remains.


    [Quest Updated]

 Chapter 628: Flight of Dragons

    Nix has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation.


    Pon has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Banz has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Jun Li has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Sila has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Semmi has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Wind has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Gideon has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Sharl has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Donri has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Ronnie has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Chael has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Dalton has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Moki has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Darsi has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Pinky has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Tess has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Nezbit has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Nebs has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    Gypsy Rose has entered the Flight of Dragons Character Generation


    "Hmm?" Nix squinted his eyes at the sudden brightness. He''d been walking back toward the exit when he was suddenly transported. "Reward time?"


    "Greetings, Guild Leader Nix." A miniature dragon hovered in the air in front of him. "I''m Balto, and this is the character generation instance for the Flight of Dragons expansion."


    "Balto?" Nix kept his face expressionless; Hara had mentioned that name before. It was the Virtual Intelligence in charge of NPC development. "Why am I here?"


    Character generation was a small white room that was completely bare. The dragon moved toward one wall; as it did, a large hud appeared in front of them. "Do you have a sponsor?"


    "A what? No, I don''t. Send me back to my friends." Nix frowned at the dragon, his eyes glancing at the screen that seemed out of focus.


    "Hmmm. You do have a sponsor; her name is Tai''Qui. Good choice, I might add. She is my favorite dragon."


    "I didn''t choose a sponsor." Nix felt irrational anger starting to build up. Surely they weren''t going to throw him into the new expansion without his permission.


    "Don''t worry." Balto''s voice was soothing to the ears. "You aren''t going to be forced into the Academy. All players who finish the Everspire expansion pack must start a Dragonling character when they complete it. The character will be saved, and you will be returned to your friends. Your original character will not be overwritten."


    Nix breathed a sigh of relief. "Back to Haven?"


    "Of course... That''s where the new expansion starts." The small dragon started to fade. "On behalf of myself and the Colonial Developers, thank you for all your hard work."


    "Welcome," Nix muttered. Unsure what to say, he watched Balto fade away only to be replaced with another. He couldn''t stop the smile that formed on his face. "You''re my sponsor?"


    Tai'' Qui nodded, her smile brimming with warmth. She wore the simple clothes she normally did, complete with a red bandanna. "Who else could be?" She stepped closer and hugged him tightly. "Let''s get started."


    When she spoke, the blurred hud screen came into focus.


    Name: Nix


    Ancestry: Draconic Emerald


    Element: Fire


    Strength: 125


    Endurance 125


    Wisdom 125


    Agility 125


    Dexterity 125


    Skills: None


    Spells: None


    [Innate Talents: Shapeshifter] Pure Rat


    Tai gripped his hand in hers while he studied the hud. "What do you think? You can generate new stats and make changes to your name, ancestry, or element."


    "Those are dragon stats? Aren''t they a bit low?"


    Tai nodded. "Dragonlings aren''t much stronger than humans when they first start out. But, they improve quickly with use."


    "I see..." Nix grinned at his innate talent. "Does everyone get one of those?"


    Tai shook her head slowly. "As a Dragonling, your innate talents won''t develop until you reach maturity. Your situation is somewhat unique. Balto chose these stats for you, they are quite rare."


    "Let''s go with this then. We got a party to start."


    Tai made a few adjustments on the hud before glancing up at him. "If everything is good, go ahead and approve."


    [Save current character generation?]


    "Yes."


    ***************Author''s Note*********


    Nicholas, aka Nicky: Son of Hyai and Nix.


    Lisa: Daughter of Mina and Nix.


    *************************************


    [6.43 years later]


    The warmth of the sea world''s early afternoon sun made for the perfect day to enjoy the beach. An aqua-marine-colored sea turtle slept peacefully a few meters above the surf line. Two children lay quietly on her shell; both of them looked up when the beach house door opened.


    "Lisa... Are you supposed to be drawing on Soup''s shell?" Mina spoke from the doorway, her arms crossed in front of her chest while she tried to put on a serious face.


    "Mom... It''s just chalk this time, I promise." The girl mostly looked like a typical Aquarion, her skin had a slight bluish tinge and her hair was the color of snow. But, unlike the rest of her people, her eyes were bright gold, like a sunrise. "Right, Nicky?"


    The dark-haired boy nodded without looking up. His boyish face focused on his art.


    "See?" Lisa stared at her mom for a moment, breathing a sigh of relief when the woman went back inside. "Besides... Didn''t Dad draw on Soup when he saved the world?"


    The boy nodded again, putting down the blue-colored chalk in favor of a red one.


    "You should really start talking soon, Nicky." Lisa scratched her cheek, effectively turning it green with the chalk she still held. "Hyai is starting to worry."


    At the sound of his mother''s name, Nicky smiled slightly. Although he was born a week after Lisa, unlike her, he had never spoken.


    "Crap... Red Alert, Nicky!" Lisa stood suddenly, scooping up the chalk before throwing it in a nearby bucket. "Quick, Soup! Go hide behind the house!"


    The sea turtle opened one eye lazily before scanning the area. When it noticed the newcomer, she morphed into a near-human form.


    "HEY!" A cheerfully, friendly voice called out to the trio.


    "Hi, Uncle Gil." Although the words were polite, the young girl''s tone was absent of any warmth. "Soup is busy... Come back another day."


    Gil''s roundish face smiled at Lisa. "Who says I''ve come to visit Soup? Maybe I''m here to visit my best buddy, Nicholas." He wore faded brown leather clothes and carried a large picnic basket in one hand.


    "Nicky doesn''t like you. Go away." Lisa quickly dropped any semblance of politeness since she already fulfilled her duty of politely greeting one of the elders.


    Gil''s smile widened even further. "Crazy talk. You like me, right Nicholas?"


    Nicky shook his head and pointed back to the Sea-World portal.


    Lisa laughed at the gesture. "He wants you to go away."


    Gil shrugged slightly, his mood not affected by the two youngsters. "Since you''re going to be that way, I guess I''ll share this basket of goodies with Soup then."


    Soup nodded happily and accepted the basket. She waved at the two kids before following Gil. "Nom, nom..."


    Lisa frowned at Gil. "Feel free to eat him, Soup."


    Nicky waved at the Turtle Titan when he glanced over his shoulder. Gil responded with a friendly smile, surprised that Nix''s boy made an effort. "Starting to warm up to Uncle Gil?" However, his smile froze when he faced forward and saw the breach; unable to stop in time; he stumbled through it.


    Nicky waved again, causing the breach to close. Soup stared at the spot where Gil had been, unbothered by his sudden disappearance, she sat on the sand and opened the basket.


    "MOM!" Lisa''s face showed a small amount of concern.


    The door to the beach house opened wide; Mina was carrying a kitchen knife in one hand and a tomato in the other. "Clean up for lunch... What''s wrong?"


    Lisa pointed at her brother. "Nicky may have opened a breach... Gil may have accidentally walked through." She knew what breaches were; her dad opened them for her all the time. "Of course... These were all accidents."


    Mina sighed heavily. Nix''s son seemed to inherit a large number of the Inferno Leader''s abilities. She gestured for the boy to approach, opening a hud map when he stepped closer. "Can you tell me where Gil is?"


    Nicky shook his head, hugging the Aquarion woman.


    Mina smiled and ruffled the young boy''s dark hair. He was too much like his father. "Please. Otherwise, I''ll have to get Hyai."


    Nicky pulled away, his arms crossed in front of him. Then, after shaking his head again, he bolted down the beach.


    "Nicky!" Mina chased him down, nearly catching him before he morphed into a flaming red bird and took to the sky. The Aquarion skidded to a stop, her eyes wide in surprise. "Soup!"


    Soup placed her sandwich in the basket and immediately changed into her Osprey form. The Phoenix was somewhat small and not in a hurry to escape.


    Mina watched the two birds from the shore. An instant later, a breach opened in front of the Phoenix; without pausing, both birds flew through. "Oh... Wonderful."


    ********Author''s Note**********


    Dune: Deidra''s Dragonling.


    Bai''Qui, aka Baker: Tai''Qui''s Dragonling.


    Zinfex: Sinfaya''s Dragonling.


    Siyan, aka Sigh: Dralamander descendent born through a combination of Shae''s meta origin flames and Deidra''s dragon egg. Nix later infused the egg with his elements. She lives in the ranch house and only recognizes Shae and Nix as her parents.


    *****************************


    Three emerald dragonlings circled their target warily. The iridescent dralamander seemed unconcerned by the turn of events, even going as far as to yawn widely before turning on her back.


    An instant later, they struck! The ground where the dralamander had been lying was suddenly bathed in fire. The figure could be seen through the flames; she stood up slowly before making a gesture. Lightning erupted from her extended hand, striking the three dragonlings, instantly causing their flames to drop as they howled in pain.


    "Cheater!"


    "She used Lightning, Chevalier!"


    "I''m telling my Mom!"


    The large black bear slowly climbed to his feet, waddling toward the group. Morti stopped in front of the dralamander. "If you''re going to attack your brothers, use fire, so no one gets hurt."


    The dralamander changed suddenly, morphing into a red-haired girl with warm brown eyes. "Who told them to stalk me? Hmph!" The girl stomped away, heading toward the river bank with her nose in the air.


    The largest of the dragonlings clawed the ground angrily. At three meters long, he was already more than double the dralamander''s size. "We aren''t done yet, Sigh!"


    The girl stopped in her tracks smiling sweetly. "Want me to thrash you again, Dune?" She held up one hand as electricity crackled around her.

 Chapter 629: Heart of Stones

    Nix sat peacefully in the shade of a large oak tree planted in the Heart of Stones. Sensing her gaze, he looked down at the redhead that had been sleeping with her head on his lap. "Good nap?"


    Shae nodded and sat up slowly. "Already past mid-day? I slept longer than I planned."


    Nix leaned closer and kissed the top of her head. "Naps can''t be planned; they just happen."


    The redhead considered his words before nodding in agreement. "Did I miss anything?"


    Nix scratched his chin for a moment. "Let''s see... Nicky sent Gil to the Nether before turning into a Phoenix and traveling to Eidengal. Our lovely daughter electrocuted her three dragonling brothers, and Deidra says Sigh is a bully."


    Shae''s lips curved in a smile. "Is that all?"


    Nix nodded and used the oak tree to stand up. "Guess we should see if we can turn things around."


    Shae followed as Nix made his way through the Heart of Stones, an endless number of statues that had sat in place for nearly six and a half years. Finally, after a minute of walking, they arrived at a small pavilion. Of all the statues in the Heart of Stones, this was the only one that was covered. "Still beautiful..."


    Nix nodded in agreement. The stone woman lay peacefully with her arms crossed over her chest; the scent of fresh flowers filled the air. "Form them up."


    /Inferno: Shae: All Inferno members report to the Heart of Stones.


    /Inferno: Jun Li: Really? Is it time?


    /Inferno: Semmi: Cross your fingers; we''re on our way.


    Nix waited patiently in the shade next to the pavilion while the members of Inferno gathered. In the six-plus years since the fall of the Ice Goddess, the original members of Inferno hadn''t taken on any serious raids. Instead, he spent his days working on his ranch while developing more advanced puppets. Occasionally he would take on a quest with Alpha team or Chiba. But, although still the Inferno Guild Leader, the only real responsibility he had was his Stewardship of Ionova.


    [Whisper: Gideon to Nix] Don''t start without me.


    [Whisper: Nix to Gideon] You know I won''t.


    After Khione was slain, the 12 Pillar Alliance was disbanded and absorbed into the Inferno Guild. Sub-Commander Sulane took over as acting Raid Leader when most of the original Inferno members took a step back. This influx of new members helped populate Haven to the point where a city was started. Gemini City was built on the lakeshore directly across from Union City, the Aquarion settlement. After Glory, Gemini City was the second-largest player-built town in Colonial.


    A flash of white approached through the statues, moving faster than most creatures could manage. It spotted the couple under the pavilion and leaped over the remaining three statues that separated them.


    "Hey!" The Slayer skidded to a stop before changing into a beautiful Ain''Dhassi ranger. Del smiled at the pair before hugging Shae close. "At least it''s warm here!"


    Shae frowned slightly, grabbing the ranger''s hand before she could step away. "Shouldn''t you step away for a while?" The salamander''s eyes drifted down to the slight bump on the ranger''s belly.


    "One more week, and Cora will assume my duties." Del leaned closer to Nix, brushing her lips against his. "I''m a bit nervous to tell you the truth. What''s Raine going to say about my condition?"


    Nix shrugged slightly, his eyes scanning the thousands of friends that had been killed fighting in the Deep Winter War. He stepped away from the two women while contemplating the results of the last time he tampered with death. A few weeks ago, he had been invited to New Dharta to attend a city-wide celebration of life. An odd event considering many of the town''s friends and families was about to die within a few days. It was something he couldn''t understand; thousands of people at the end of their life were smiling and laughing. The Inferno Leader had been treated like a hero for giving the once-dead citizens a half dozen years of life. "I guess I don''t get it."


    /Inferno: Semmi: Everyone is here, Nix. Whenever you are ready, Deidra, Tai, and Sinfaya are standing by to break your petrify curse if this works.


    A warm hand on his shoulder pulled Nix out of his thoughts. Hyai smiled at the Inferno Leader. "It''s going to be fine, Nix. By the way, make sure to have a word with Nicky later."


    Nix nodded and put on a serious face when he noticed the culprit peaking around his mother''s waist. "We''ll talk later, young man."


    Hyai rolled her eyes at the comment; Nix was more likely to help Nicky than scold him. "Thanks, Nix."


    "Sure." Nix pulled an object from his inventory and equipped it.


    /Inferno: Nix: Not sure what''s going to happen; everyone back away from the nearest statues.


    You have equipped the Crown of Bones.


    The area around the pavilion darkened suddenly, summoning a swirling vortex of shadow that enveloped the area around Nix. The crown on his head squeezed down, pulsing painfully as it responding to the thousands of corpses.


    Nix grimaced in pain. "Shit... It didn''t hurt like this last time." He put down the feeling of dread that threatened to overcome him; perhaps their deaths had been too long ago. Instead, he equipped another object from his inventory and opened it up.


    You have opened the Book of the Dead.


    "Damn..." Names flooded crossed the open pages of the book. The vortex around him expanded while the shrieks of dead souls caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up. Thousands of names scrolled across the pages of the opened book. The white parchment of the opened book turned black as night when he touched it. "Inscribe all the names in Haven."


    9, 354 names have been inscribed into the Book of the Dead pages. You must provide a suitable energy source to finalize this process, or all the inscriptions will be removed after they exhaust their personal resources.


    Nix removed the Heart of Khione from his inventory. When he attempted to scribe the dead of Dharta, they had already been drained of their life force by the Dark Druid. "Please... Give them more than a few years." He held his breath and placed the object against the opened book.


    [Use the Heart of Khione as the energy source for the chosen inscriptions?]


    "Yes," Nix jumped slightly when the crown on his head contracted around his skull; he staggered against the statue of Raine but somehow managed to keep the book open. The chilling screams wrapped around him; clenching his teeth to keep from screaming, he gripped the book tighter as it fought against him to close itself.


    The book slowly began to close, despite Nix''s overwhelming strength. Before it could slip from his grasp, a gnarled set of hands jammed itself into the binder of the book, prying it apart.


    Pon grimaced while tiny shadows swirled around his arms. "This old man has your back. Let''s finish this!"


    The darkness spread outward for a few minutes and then rushed back to the book as if being recalled. A column of white light burst upward through the pavilion''s roof before disappearing into the clouds of Haven. The effect lasted for several seconds before slowly fading away.


    The Book of the Dead has revived 9,354 fallen warriors from the battle of Deep Winter. They will remain this way for 317 years. Afterwhich, they will vanish from Everspire forever. No additional energy sources may be added.


    The book of the dead slammed shut in Nix''s hands just after Pon released it.


    [The book of the dead may not be reopened again for 317 years.]


    /Inferno: Nix: Cast the spells...


    Three dragons immediately began a group casting, positioned in a triangle that enveloped the entire Heart of Stones; a large rune began to take form in the sky above them.


    On the far side of the Heart of Stone, a small group of Su''Dhassi stood in a circle that included both Ducky and Leva. The former Fallen Chancellor had assumed leadership of the Nether under Nix''s orders. Ducky would often act as a liaison between her and the human kingdoms.


    /Sandkillers: Toxin: I hope this works...


    /Sandkillers: Eri: Quiet!


    The rune that formed overhead slowly began solidifying before starting its descent toward the ground. The air filled with the power of Dragon magic while the spectators watched in awe.


    The stone that had been covering the statues slowly cracked and flaked away. The area that the Sand Killers were standing in was where their Su''Dhassi kin had been brought. Without warning, the nearest dhassi sat up while their stoned skin drifted into the air like ashes.


    /Sandkillers: Toxin: It worked! That''s Gai''Bo!


    Without any sort of plan or organization, the spectating members rushed forward to help the once fallen heroes of the Deep Winter battle in Oasis. Under the now roofless pavilion, Nix hugged the Fir''Dhassi Clan leader tightly.


    "Nix?" Raine smiled at the Inferno Leader; warmth flooded her features when she saw how happy he was to see her. "What happened? Did we win?"


    Nix nodded and brushed some of the ash from her pale cheek. "We did, but that was six and a half years ago, Raine."


    "Six years?" Raine eased into a sitting position, leaning against Nix while she struggled against the weakness that had permeated her limbs. "You used the Book of the Dead on me?"


    "Yes, more than 9 thousand Dhassi fell in the Oasis raid. All of them have been revived." Nix helped the dhassi to her feet, keeping an arm under her for support.


    Raine walked slowly, smiling at the group that approached when they exited the pavilion. "My master?"


    "Delyn Xai is being helped by the Ain''Dhassi." Del''s voice spoke softly; her blue eyes stared at Raine with conflicting thoughts.

 Chapter 630: Another Predecessor

    ****Author''s Note*****


    At least two more chapters, maybe three or four to wrap things up properly.


    ***********************


    Hours later, most of the fallen had been returned to their homes. Raine sat across the kitchen island from Del; the two of them talked quietly in the Turtle House.


    "I guess a lot has changed in six years." Raine sighed heavily, her eyes drifting to Del''s stomach. "You live here now?"


    Del nodded. "Yes. I stay at the Ranch sometimes, but it can get so crowded there. So you should stay here with me."


    Raine smile slightly. "If Del Tali is inviting me to stay, then a lot has changed while I was dead."


    Del returned the smile. "Of course, you''ll have to make yourself scarce when Nix visits me."


    Raine laughed loudly; the situation was too far removed from what she considered normal. "What if he is visiting me?"


    Del''s smile could melt butter. "Then... I''ll interfere however I can."


    "You two getting along?" Nix came down the stairs; his dark hair still wet from the shower."


    "Yes," Del smiled pleasantly.


    "Sure," Raine agreed.


    The Ain''Dhassi ranger morphed into her Slayer form and padded toward the door. "Don''t forget, fishing in the morning with Junie and Semmi."


    Nix nodded. "Heading out, Del?"


    "Yes, my family is expecting me in Ain''Dhassi. I should be back tomorrow before dinner."


    "Be careful." Raine waited until Del disappeared through the door before turning her gaze onto Nix. "Did you miss me while I was gone?"


    Nix shook his head. "Not really... I barely remembered your name. But, fortunately, Semmi reminded me this morning."


    "Hmm?" Raine stood up from her chair and walked around the island toward the Inferno Leader. "Semmi told me that a certain someone picked fresh flowers for my pavilion every morning for the last six years."


    Nix shrugged slightly. "First I''ve heard of it, there are all sorts of riff-raff hanging around Haven nowadays."


    "And that same person built my pavilion with their own hands. She stepped into his arms, wrapping him up while burying her face in his neck. "I don''t get along with Del."


    "Me neither," Nix agreed.


    "Hmm?" The barest hint of a smile played on the dhassi''s lips. "How''d she manage to get in that condition if the two of you don''t get along."


    "Well..." Nix scratched his chin while considering the question. "Want a verbal answer or a demonstration?"


    Raine laughed against his neck; her lips brushed against Nix''s warm skin. "You are a shameless man, Nix."


    Nix stepped away, fixing her with a yellow-eyed stare. "Demonstration then?"


    Raine nodded, her pale cheeks flushing red.


    ******************


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Nansu and Chael want to join the fishing club.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: No couples allowed... Denied.


    /Go Fish: Nix: Veto!


    Nix leaned back against the slumbering Titan bear and cast his line into the water. A handful of drakes circled high overhead, teaching Aerial maneuvers to Haven''s younger generation of fliers. Hyai and Fajii were already setting up for a lunch banquet nearby.


    /Go Fish: Nix: How many are coming to this banquet?


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Started at two dozen close friends; I am guessing it''s triple that by now.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Nihlus hasn''t returned from the Tembai Academy yet; perhaps we should make an inquiry.


    Nix''s sour face brightened considerably. "Nihlus? What''s that have to do with us? He''s part of the Lion Titan Clan."


    [Whisper: Semmi to Nix] Don''t tease Junie too much.


    Jun Li reeled in her line, her pale face flushing slightly. "I know, but they are important allies."


    Nix shared a smile with Semmi, pausing his train of thought when he felt a small tug on the end of his line. The tip of the rod dipped suddenly; he jerked back on the reel, setting the hook. "Got ya!"


    The whirling of the line being pulled out whined loudly in the quiet morning. Nix jumped to his feet and moved into the river''s shallows while Semmi and Jun Li brought in their lines.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: I''ll grab the landing net!


    A few minutes later, the fish surfaced in a flash of gold before diving back into the depths.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: It''s one of those carp dragon things.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: A predessor? Cut the line, Nix; you remember how shitty those things are.


    Nix shook his head, laughing as he brought the tip of his rod up. "No way! Deidra asked me to find another one for her!"


    [Whisper: Nix to Deidra] I caught another one of those predecessor things.


    On the far side of Haven, near the Temple grounds, Deidra studied her four students for a moment. The three dragonlings were struggling to stay awake while their instructor went over the basic mechanics of flying. Her only dralamander student hadn''t even bothered to struggle; she''d been sleeping soundly for half of the class.


    "Sigh... Wake up at once." Deidra used the same tone that normally sent the younger generation scurrying for cover. Although normal salamanders like Shae weren''t flying creatures, the dralamander hybrid was born with exquisitely refined wings. And unlike either dragons or salamanders, Sigh was able to assume a human form almost immediately.


    Sigh opened her eyes, stretching slowly before standing. "I''m sorry, Instructor. I stayed up too late again; please forgive me."


    Deidra nodded slightly. "Of course, please take good care of yourself. The young need their rest."


    The three dragonlings sitting nearby all stared in disbelief; had they done the same thing, their fates would have been disastrous.


    "Sigh is blatantly disrespectful, Mother!" Dune growled in frustration. "Make an example of her!"


    Sigh turned her head, looking up at the larger dragonling. "Why are you speaking, Meat? Didn''t I warn you not to say my name?"


    "Enough!" Deidra shook her head slightly. "We''ll race to the river where Nix has found a predecessor. The winner gets to keep it as a pet."


    Dune''s muscles rippled beneath his scaled skin. "It''s mine! You three shouldn''t even consider trying for it."


    Deidra bit down on her lip to keep from smiling. Dune displayed all the characteristics of a black dragon, the strongest of their kind. However, the color of dragons wasn''t discernable until they were past adolescence. "Do your best."


    Deidra changed into her dragon form a moment later and shot into the clouds; her four students immediately responded by giving chase!


    Back at the river, Jun Li approached the predecessor with her landing net. She scooped it up easily while steeling herself against the upcoming insults.


    The gold-colored fish was nearly a meter in length; its short legs hung limply in defeat when it was pulled from the water. "Well done, you have caught me, fair maiden."


    "Huh?" Jun Li glanced at Semmi, who leaned closer to examine their catch. Unlike the last predecessor Nix had caught, this one''s voice sounded feminine. "You are a female?"


    "Yes, could you release me for a few minutes? My egg-laying time is near; I promise to return once I''ve finished."


    /Go Fish: Nix: You two aren''t buying this, right? It''s obviously conning us. The last one was rude, but this one is clever.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: She just wants to lay her eggs. We should release her.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Agreed. Remove the hook, Nix.


    Nix scowled at his fishing buddies but complied by removing the hook. "I''ll consider releasing you; give me a minute to think about it."


    "Thank you. May I ask your name?"


    "Nix..." The Inferno Leader walked toward the bank, followed by Jun Li, who was still holding the fish in the landing net.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: Looks like Deidra is coming!


    Nix turned toward the east, where a large dragon could be seen flying toward them; she was followed closely by Sigh. The three dragonlings were so far behind that they seemed like tiny specks.


    Deidra slowed herself down by angling her wings; she touched down softly and changed into her human form. "Greetings Consort."


    "Deidra..." Nix spoke her name politely; after the dragon eggs hatched, all three dragons started calling him that. Tai only did it in the presence of others; when they were alone, she still called him Nix.


    The dralamander swooped at them, diving at the riverbank before banking sharply into a steep climb. When she was about ten meters over the water, she morphed into her human shape and tucked her knees against her chest. "CANNONBALL!"


    A wave of water washed over the fishing club members as four sets of eyes stared into the depths of the river. Then, a moment later, the young redhead surfaced and slicked her hair back with both hands.


    /Go Fish: Semmi: For sure, that''s your kid.


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: No doubt.


    Sigh, waded out of the water, smiling at the group. "How was it?"


    "Nine out of ten." Nix''s hands glowed as he cycled air through his flames. The young girl held her arms out, letting the superheated air dry her clothes.


    "What kind of landing was that?" Deidra did her best not to frown.


    "Cannonball... You should see what happens when Chevalier Morti does it." Sigh approached Jun Li, who was holding the predecessor. "This my new fish?"


    Jun Li shook her head slightly. "This one is an egg-bearing female; we should let her go."


    Sigh raised an eyebrow, the doubt written clearly on her young face. "Only the male predecessors have legs."


    Deidra''s cold demeanor warmed considerably as she studied the golden fish. "Sigh is right, of course; this one is male."


    "Son of a bitch!" The predecessor''s voice deepened considerably. "I was seconds away from freedom!"


    "You lying snake!" Jun Li poked the fish''s head.


    The predecessor swiped at Jun Li with its long tail, barely missing her face. "Pfft... You''re an easy mark. I''m going to make a guess and say you aren''t the smart one of this group?"


    /Go Fish: Jun Li: Warm up the pan; we''re eating this guy.


    "Instructor Deidra has promised me this predecessor if I won the race." Sigh smiled at Jun Li, her small hand gripping the older woman''s free hand. "Can I have him, Aunt Junie?"


    "NO FAIR!" Dune''s deep voice shouted from the clearing moments after he landed nearby. "She cheated! There''s no way she could have caught up with Mother."


    Deidra shook her head while smiling at the young girl. "You can have it, Sigh. But first... tell your brothers how you did it."


    Sigh frowned at the troublesome dragonling and made a mental note to visit him later. "I used the thermals to gain altitude; then I went into a full dive until I managed to get into Instructor''s air stream. Additionally, I''m just superior to you."


    /Go Fish: Semmi: She drafted behind Deidra... Damn, is she really six?

 Chapter 631: Inferno Retired

    "Where''d you put the fish dragon?"


    "In the bathtub." Sigh mumbled against Nix''s neck, her tired eyes half-closed. "Don''t worry, I locked the door," she added sleepily.


    Nix puffed the young girl''s red hair out of his face. She draped over him like a wet blanket and was dead to the world when the Inferno Leader exited the ranch house a few moments later.


    "How''d it go with Raine?"


    Nix turned in time to see the salamander drop her archon form; he smiled at Shae and accepted a kiss. "About like you''d expect."


    Shae laughed and shook her head. "With you, I never know what to expect."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "My goal is to keep you guessing. Our little ghost pepper fell asleep again. Is it normal for salamanders to sleep so much?"


    Shae pushed a hand through his arm and fell in step beside him. Reaching over, she pushed a strand of hair out of her daughter''s face. "It''s normal, probably because she is a multi-elemental. That can be very taxing on the body."


    "Mhmm." Nix didn''t comment; although Sigh manifested lightning, two other elements were bubbling beneath the surface.


    Shae grinned suddenly and leaned against him. "I wonder where she gets her troublesome nature from."


    Nix laughed loudly. "You know where!"


    They shared a mutual look, each obviously blaming the other.


    "What do you think of Mtui and Ellisand?" Shae effortlessly changed the subject. The banquet was meant to be a small gathering to celebrate the marriage between Breach Commander Mtui and Chiba. Instead, the ceremony itself turned into a huge affair that all of Sky Kingdom turned out for.


    "She''ll always be Chiba to me." Nix shook his head sadly; in the years since the Deep Winter, many of the Inferno members had paired up.


    *******Author''s Note*************


    Since this story has come to an end, I will release all the official pairings that took place in the background since Deep Winter.


    (Chael & Nansu), (Fey & Muncie), (Morti & Snow), (Ducky & Pradi), (Chiba & Mtui), (Beta & Wind), (Jun Li & Nihlus), (Donri, & Lilac the Menace), (Banz & Wylie), (Floyd & Sori Dah), (Captain Locas & Yena), (Rabi & Mimi Zul), (Tess & Sindi), (Tai''Qui & Nix), (Nix & Del Tali), (Milat & Gypsy Rose).


    **********************


    "Same here." Shae nodded in agreement; when she thought of the spellsword, the image of a creepy old man always popped up, although the ring image was actually an old female.


    "Hmmm?" Nix heard the sound of a galloping horse. Instantly he recognized the rider. "What''s Rand doing here?"


    Shae shrugged slightly, "Moonlight is due soon; perhaps your new Stable Master contacted her."


    Rand had been Nix''s Stable Master for five years, as promised he''d given her a ''starter herd'' to help her get going. She settled on the adjacent property, making it convenient for the two ranches to exchange bloodlines and keep the herds healthy.


    "Moon is ready!" Rand shouted when she saw him; an instant later, she darted into the stable. As Haven''s horse expert, she had a hand in nearly every birth. Her knowledge of illnesses, injuries, and behavior was extensive.


    Shae stopped Nix and held out her arms. "I''ll take her."


    Nix transferred Sigh to her mother before bolting toward the stable.


    A sleepy Sigh raised her head. "Moon''s giving birth? I wanna see."


    Shae pursed her lips slightly. "You sure?"


    Sigh nodded. "Yep, Daddy already said I could have it."


    Shae laughed and angled toward the stable. "Of course he did."


    Three people were observing Moonlight as she breathed heavily; her enormous sides heaved in and out. Rand, Nix, and the current Stablemaster Tobin gave her plenty of room.


    Shae and Sigh watched from behind the stable gate.


    "Where is Iceheart?" Sigh peeked between the bars, watching with wide-eyed anticipation. "Shouldn''t he be here? Why isn''t Moon laying down?"


    Shae pressed a finger to the young girl''s lips to shush her. "All horses birth differently. It''s not uncommon for them to stand and then lie down several times during the process. That''s why they are giving her a lot of space."


    "Oh..." Sigh stepped up on the first rail so that she could see better.


    Iceheart was the white stallion that Nix stole from General Mizo Arcane. In the six years since then, despite being corraled with numerous in-heat females, he ignored every opportunity. Rand and Nix had concluded that Iceheart might be some sort of special hybrid. Unfortunately, sometimes hybrids lacked the drive to procreate.


    After several rounds of standing up and lying down, Moon finally lay down. Her deep, heaving breaths seemed to be weakening.


    "Something''s wrong, Nix." Rand moved to Moonlight''s head, holding her steady while leaning over her to rub her distended abdomen.


    Nix knelt behind Moon''s flank. Sometimes horses kicked out during the birthing since Nix was more stout than Rand, he drew the short straw. "Wait? Or reach in?"


    "Wait a bit longer." Rand was dressed in a single-piece jumpsuit that was immune to flames. Since many of their mares descended from a demonic fire line, it wasn''t uncommon for them to burst into flames.


    Nix nodded and patted the mare''s flank. "Easy girl, you got this."


    Shae watched for a few minutes before her perception alerted her. "Nix, she''s getting weaker. If you don''t do something now..." She left the rest unsaid. Moonlight''s life force was draining.


    [Whisper: Rand to Nix] If we cut her open, we''ll save the foal, but she''ll die.


    [Whisper: Nix to Rand] Can she still deliver naturally?


    [Whisper: Rand to Nix] We could lose them both. Gotta make a decision one way or the other.


    Nix exhaled and calmed himself. "Going in. Given me the sleeves."


    Backed into a corner, Nix decided to assist by reaching into the birth canal. He pushed his hands in gently, stopping when he encountered the foal''s hindquarters. "Shit... It''s turned."


    Rand shook her head slightly. "Look for a front leg."


    Nix nodded and moved his hands slowly. He found the front leg easily. "Going to start turning."


    Gripping both front legs in one hand, he used his other hand on the spine to try and stabilize her position. He stopped suddenly after a few seconds. "The hell?"


    Rand steadied Moon''s head, talking to her in a soft voice. "What''s wrong, Nix?"


    Nix didn''t answer; he shook his head slightly and continued to turn. "No way..."


    Shae checked on her daughter; instead of being scared, she seemed fascinated by the process. "Should I take Sigh away?"


    "No, Mom! I wanna stay."


    Rand stroked the mare''s head gently. "Head and front legs first, Nix, or else when the red bag ruptures, the foal may die."


    *****Author''s Note********


    In horse birthing, the membrane housing the placenta is sometimes referred to as the red bag.


    *****************


    Nix nodded; he''d done enough of these over the years to understand. "One last bit...." He managed to tuck the head down just enough to pull the second leg forward. His face paled visibly with shock. "Fucking hell..."


    Shae frowned at his words. "Language, Nix."


    Rand studied the Mare''s abdomen; it was distended more than it should be. "Is it twins, Nix?"


    Nix shook his head in shock. "Wings."


    The Inferno leader heaved backward, the front legs pushed out of Moon, rupturing the red bag. Since Nix was kneeling directly behind her, the contents of it splashed on him. A white nose covered in blood emerged next; with the last of her, strength Moon struggled to her feet, pushing the foal into Nix''s waiting arms.


    Rand stared opened mouthed, still holding the panting horses halter. "T-That''s... That''s..."


    "That''s a Pegasus." Nix grinned from ear to ear. "Towels!"


    The colt''s fur was dyed red from birthing, but as Nix gently wiped her down, it became evident that she was as white as snow. Before he could finish the task, the colt struggled to his feet and started feeding.


    Sigh watched wide-eyed, her face pressed up against the stall gate. "Wings... My horse has wings!"


    /Inferno: Pon: Where you at, Nix? Hyai won''t let us eat until you show up!


    /Inferno: Nix: Two minutes, old man.


    Shae smiled at Nix, backing away when he approached with a devious look in his eyes. "Don''t touch me until after you''ve showered."


    "Come on, just a little hug."


    Instead of answering, Shae picked up her protesting daughter and started running toward the river bank.


    Nix laughed at the fleeing salamander. "Chicken!"


    "She''s recovering nicely." Rand studied the mare. "I''ll watch them; you should clean up and go to the banquet."


    Nearly a half-hour later, Nix finally showed up at the river bank.


    Nix seated himself between Pon and Fajii, immediately a small black fox perched on his shoulder. "Hey, Eron."


    "Worthy," Eron sat quietly, observing Inferno while plates of food and mugs of Semmi''s Golden Draft were passed around.


    Fajii squeezed his hand and leaned closer. "I have a quest in the Deep Waters. Will you come with me?"


    Nix nodded. The Deep Waters was where he''d killed the Oblivion spider. "Swim in or use the dark watercraft?"


    "Craft, I think." Fajii handed Nix the beer that someone gave her, even though he already had one. For some reason, Aquarions didn''t like beer.


    "A toast, please!" A beautiful woman with golden blonde hair stood at the end of the table; her smile was dazzling as she let her eyes rove over her friends. Her gaze rested fondly on her apprentice. "I know it''s traditional to toast the couple, but I want to step away from that and raise my glass to Nix. Although I taught you the sword, I was a broken, tragic shadow of my past self. On your path, I learned to live, trust and love again. The master bows humbly to her apprentice." Chiba bowed low, her eyes shining brightly.


    Nix raised his glass, grinning at the swordmaster. "Thank you, Master."


    ************


    [2400 hours, Nix''s Horse Ranch]


    "You don''t have to do that, Hun." Hyai placed a hand on Nix''s shoulder while he scrubbed the bottom of a stew pot. He was up to his rolled-up sleeves in suds.


    "You cooked everything, seems like you should let someone else do the clean-up." Nix motioned for her to sit down. "Looks like I''ll be gone for a day or two."


    Hyai nodded. "Fajii told me. I put Nicholas to sleep, so we have a bit of free time."


    Nix''s grin formed slowly. Fajii went with Bev to Loki, and Shae took Shy to Glory City. "It''s just us?"


    "Looks that way." Hyai''s full lips curved into a smile. "Going to spoil an old woman?"


    "That''s a trick question, right?"


    [The End!!]


    *****************


    Thank you to all the readers that supported this story! Phoenix Phire was a long and rewarding journey for me! If you''ve liked this story and haven''t reviewed it yet, please take a few moments to do so. I plan to step away from webnovel for a while, keep tabs on my work by joining my discord and Insta below.


    Thank you,


    Bo Cazado

 Chapter 632: Paroled

    Eugene Moyot glanced through the case file folder, even though he had read the virtual version many times. Since this was their first in-person meeting, he wanted something that he could page through. Being old school, he liked the feel of paper and folders.


    [Case File B10-432]


    Name: Dexter Wallace


    Age: 18


    Height: 6''4 Weight 175lbs.


    Known Alias''s: Dextron


    [Criminal Convictions]


    Industrial Espionage 2nd Degree


    Compliancy in a Class 3 Felony


    Virtual Trespassing: 211 Counts


    Gene glanced at the youth''s photo. Curly black hair and brown eyes, the kid had actually smiled in his mug-shot.


    "Are you my Parole Officer?" A tall youth spoke from the open doorway; looking down at the card in hand, he read the name. "Eugene Moyot?" His easy smile widened considerably.


    The black man sitting behind the desk nodded and stood up. "I''m P.O. Moyot. You seem to be amused. Do you find this situation funny?"


    "Funny? No¡­ Fucking tragic? Yes. I''m Dex Wallace."


    Eugene was built like a college linebacker; with his close-cropped hair and clean-shaven face, he could have easily graced the cover of any fitness magazine. "Normally, people don''t smile when they see me."


    Dex shrugged slightly. "Every time I get angry about my parents giving me one of the ultimate nerd names, I console myself by being thankful that my name isn''t Eugene."


    The black man laughed loudly; his dark brown eyes showed his good-natured amusement. "I tell myself the same thing. Only I''m thankful for not being named Dexter!"


    Dex chuckled in reply. "Bet you don''t go by Eugene."


    "Gene." Another laugh escaped his lips as he motioned Dex towards an empty chair. "Have a seat Dex."


    "Thanks, Gene." Dex took a seat in an uncomfortable metal chair, his sharp eyes taking in everything in the Parole Officer''s office.


    Gene took a moment to let his amusement simmer down, covering his actions by glancing through the folder. Then, after a minute, he looked up. "You were fifteen when your attorney plea-bargained your case. Had you been a legal adult at the time, you would have been facing a minimum of ten years in prison."


    Dex nodded, thankful that his attorney had been able to stop him from being tried as an adult. He had spent the last three years under house arrest. All virtual and electronic devices were removed from his residence. This forced his parents to move him to his grandfather''s property, where he lived in a renovated barn loft. His grandfather was still living in the main house at the time, but the old man had no use for electronics. "I understand. Are you going to remove this ankle tracker?"


    The youth crossed his leg at the knee and rolled up his jeans. A rather bulky-looking electronic device beeped a steady green light. Its original setting limited him to his grandfather''s property. He couldn''t even cross the road to check the mail without the alarm notifying him. If the alarm sounded off, he had twenty seconds to return to his ''safe zone.'' Failure to do this would result in the police making an appearance.


    Gene shook his head. "Your house arrest has been completed, but you will remain on parole for three years." He turned to the last page of the file and pulled out a copied map of Massena.


    Dex accepted the map, his face souring slightly. Massena, New York, was a small town very close to the Canada border. There were dozens of areas on the map that had been colored red. "Why''s it marked like this?"


    "As per your parole, the electronics ban has been modified but is still in effect. That being said, you are not allowed to venture into these areas."


    "You realize that my grandfather died a few months ago. Living on my own without basic electronics will be difficult."


    "My condolences, Dex. We understand that every appliance requires a software interface. Therefore, our people will create a closed network that includes all your appliances. You will not be allowed any electronic or virtual items that connect to the Internet or outside networks."


    Dex shook his head in disgust. "What about software updates?"


    "Every piece of electronics in your home will be cleared and inspected by us first. Then, these items will be placed in our database; when we''re notified that an upgrade is available, our people will install it for you."


    The youth let out a long breath; his restrictions were worse than expected. "I''ll have to order a lot of new items since everything I had belonged to my grandfather."


    "Did your address change?"


    Dex shook his head. "As directed by his will, the house was sold along with everything in my living space. The proceeds from this sale were left to me along with the old barn and the ten acres surrounding it. As a result, I have a long list of things that I''ll need to buy.


    Gene activated his hud and keyed a name. Immediately a face appeared in front of him. "Hey, Kendal. Can you come to my office?"


    "On my way," a voice spoke from the desk HUD.


    Gene closed the communication hud and opened up a standard pathway to Shopnet, an internet site that offered just about everything a person would want to purchase.


    Kendal appeared in the doorway a short while later. He had long red hair that stopped at his shoulders and more freckles than a person could count. When saw Dex, they did a mutual fist-bump. "Ride the wave, Dextron."


    "Ride the wave, Kenji." Dex turned back toward the desk hud and leaned closer, only to be stopped by Gene.


    "You have to maintain a distance of two meters between you and any open device capable of connecting to the internet."


    Kendal''s eyes widened slightly. "Brutal, man."


    "Fucking tell me about it," Dex agreed.


    Gene glanced from one guy to the other. "You guys know each other?"


    "No," Dex replied.


    Kendal shook his head. "Never actually met, but the circle we live in is very small."


    "Why did he call you Kenji?"


    "That''s his hacker name," Dex offered up with an amused grin.


    Kendal cleared his throat. "User name, bro! When you work on the legal side of things we call it a user name."


    The statement made Dex laugh but he offered no rebuttal.


    Gene moved from behind his desk and motioned for Kendal to use the open hud. "Dex has a list of items he needs. Have them delivered here first for inspection and software updates. I will bring them to his home afterward."


    Kendal nodded. "Got it, boss."


    (One month later)


    [1000 hours, Saul''s Pon shop Massena, New York]


    Saul''s Pon shop was famed locally as a virtual treasure chest of uncommon goods and electronics. The middle-aged Italian man was known for two things, being able to fix electronic gadgets and his propensity for white, sweat-stained tank tops. The shop owner scratched his overly hairy shoulder and turned to face the only customer in the store. "Interested in a stasis pod, Dex?"


    Dex had been surprised to find that the Pon shop wasn''t on his banned list. He studied the stasis pod; it had definitely seen better days. The four cover panels had all been salvaged from different models. He was surprised that Saul even carried such a high-end item. Since it was currently powered down, looking at it didn''t violate his parole. "Does this thing even work?"


    Saul glanced at the door before leaning back in his chair and lowering his voice. "Six of these were dumped in a landfill a few weeks ago; I salvaged this one by cannibalizing the other five."


    Dex whistled softly. "Dumping pods is illegal; these things are filled with all sorts of corrosive materials." He glanced casually at the security camera mounted in the corner, the led indicator was off. "Something wrong with the security system, Saul?"


    "No. I turned it off before I brought this thing into the store, just being safe." Saul waited while the kid inspected it. "Truth is... I''m hoping to get rid of this pod quietly; I need the creds."


    "I''m really just browsing," Dex glanced around the store, scanning for anything he might be able to use.


    "Wait! Half price, Dex. That''s two thousand creds; this is top-of-the-line gear. Normally you''d back five times that!"


    The teen rolled his eyes. "Don''t bull shit me; it''s complete crap."


    "Twelve hundred! And I''ll throw in a gaming card for free." Saul''s tone took on a measure of desperation. A number of people had come into the shop in recent days, men wearing suits who inspected the pod while writing things down.


    "I told you about my situation, this would violate my parole. By the time it passed their ''inspection,'' the server interface would be completely disabled. Besides, if you had a legitimate gaming card, you''d never throw it in for free."


    Saul grinned suddenly. "No server connection necessary! It''s a single-player card!"


    "Single-player?" Dex had played trial accounts on many of the current VRMMOs before he was arrested. Some of them offered single-player versions of their popular games, but you''d still have to pay a one-time fee. In a single-player game, it would just be you and the NPCs. There was no server connection other than a one-time download at the start of the game. "I suppose Kenji could supervise the initial download. What game?"


    "Colonial!" Saul pulled out a drawer from behind the counter and removed a large Ziploc bag.


    Dex considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "Pass. This thing won''t last a month before it falls apart."


    "Eight hundred! This is Gladis Corp gear... You know what that means."


    "Gladis Corp?" Dex didn''t bother to hide his doubt. Gladis Corp went bankrupt nearly a decade ago, but their gear was still considered cutting edge and made to last. "It''s filled with mismatched parts. How can anyone tell what brand it is?"


    "Some odds and ends for sure, but the four main components all have the same serial number!" Saul''s fat, hairy fingers reached under the counter and pulled out a ledger. He pulled down the reading glasses that were perched on his bald head and scanned the columns. After finding what he was looking for, he lay the book on the counter and turned it around. "Look for yourself."


    Dex followed the component type to the numbers on the far right. "The numbers match, but I''ll have to check the components to verify this."


    Saul nodded. "Of course! I''ll start opening panels."


    "And I''ll need a print-out of the registry!" Dex smiled at the middle-aged man, if he hadn''t known better, he would have suspected the pod was stolen.


    Saul shook his head. "Listen... I''m not entering these serial numbers in my database. You remember what happened to Gladis Corp, odds are these machines were already written off. I''ll take it back to the landfill before I do that."


    Dex motioned for Saul to start opening panels. "Fine, no serial registry. I will still verify the numbers match. And I''m not paying more than four hundred credits, single-player card included."


    "You''re robbing me, kid." Saul frowned but continued to open the panels.


    An hour later, Dex was checking the last of the four main components. "One hundred zettabyte hard drive, serial number 1467-777, everything matches up."

 Chapter 633: Home Inspection

    It took nearly two weeks to have the pod ready for use. Nevertheless, Dex fulfilled his parole obligations by having it delivered to his P.O.''s office. They installed the game card and downloaded the required software. Given the size of the game, it took a full three days for the files to finish.


    Gene, Kendal, and three people from the IT department delivered it personally. Dex found it nearly heartwarming until they started sweeping his house for any stray electronics.


    Gene shrugged at the disgusted look on Dex''s face. "As per your parole, home inspection for contraband electronics will take place every six months. So you can consider this the first inspection. Oh, and here''s a new zoned map. Saul''s Pawnshop is now off-limits."


    Dex feigned nonchalance. "No problem, Gene. I''m clean as a whistle."


    Gene smiled at the obvious insincerity. "You bought a lot of household items that I hadn''t even heard of. Why does someone your age need all this stuff?"


    "You were going to say junk," Dex accused with a smirk. Because of his electronic ban, it had taken weeks of painstaking research to find everything he needed. However, endless hours of browsing magazines and books gave him a newfound respect for the written word.


    The stasis pod was set up a few feet away from his Murphy bed that was currently stowed behind two wood panels. Although Saul had cleaned the pod up, it was still dented and scratched in multiple places.


    Kendal patted the pod affectionately. "I can''t believe you can afford one of these. It''s ugly as hell, but there''s nothing wrong with the guts."


    Dex nodded in agreement. "I''ll apply some polish and paint, maybe pull out the bigger dents."


    "I''ll take your word for it. I''m claustrophobic." Gene chatted with Dex while Kendal and his team did their inspection. Although it took them two hours, it was only mid-morning when they finished.


    Kendal was the last one to leave; he gave Dex a cheerful smile. "Chin up, bro. Ride the wave!"


    "Ride the wave, man." Dex waited until they turned onto the main road before grabbing the new zone map Gene had left. Sure as shit, Saul''s place was now banned. "On a positive note, the Airplane museum is still available."


    A half-hour later, Dex walked into the Airplane Museum. Except for a bored-looking receptionist handing out fliers in the lobby, the place was completely empty.


    "Feel free to explore as much as you want. However, do not climb on the aircraft or attempt to open the cockpits."


    Dex read her nametag before smiling. She was probably only a few years older than him, but he''d never seen her before. "Thanks. Can I access the graveyard through the hangar, Peggy?"


    Peggy nodded. "Not many people want to see the graveyard; those older planes are really weathered."


    A few moments later, Dex strolled casually through the hangar. The electronics on these aircraft had been gutted decades ago; they were only an empty shell of their former selves. He located the exit without any issues.


    "Oh, man..." Dex grinned at the multitude of old planes. They''d been lined up in a perfect formation, although the models and sizes varied too much to make it perfect. "Hello, beautiful!"


    In the distance, he spotted her. She looked like a dull shadow of her once-glorious self, but she represented much more to Dex. "The F-22 Raptor! Just like grandpa described."


    He broke into a trot; his face started to hurt a little from the wide grin he was wearing. His grandfather had joined the Air Force six years after high school, where he worked as an F-22 Crew Chief. The older man had told him numerous stories about the bird. Additionally, he also had a lot of complaints about performing maintenance on the aircraft. The stealth fighter was coated with a special compound that rendered it invisible to radar. It was messy, sticky, and a pain in the ass to work with. Whenever a panel was removed for something, the coating would have to be painstakingly reapplied and then tested before being returned to service.


    Dex ducked under the wing and ran his hand under the fuselage of the plane. After being in the elements for so long, the coating was completely dried up and peeling off. He slipped his backpack off and opened it up.


    When Dex exited the museum an hour later, his once empty backpack was filled with the dried-up peelings from the stealth fighter. He smiled at Peggy as he left and headed home.


    Dex''s house had originally been an Amish-built barn. It was huge and built to withstand the test of time. The spacious loft section had been renovated into a living area during his parole, but the lower level was mostly empty and doubled as a garage for his motorcycle.


    He used the burn pit behind the barn to light a small fire and then moved the contents of his backpack into a five-gallon steel bucket. "Grandpa said it was originally a yellowish-brown."


    It took several minutes for the peelings to soften under the direct flame; nearly an hour later, it was ready to start mixing. Dex stirred it for a few seconds with a metal rod; since the color seemed off, he left it on the fire to sit for a while longer.


    Every 10 or 15 minutes, he would stir the coating. It had been heating for three hours before Dex deemed it ''yellowish-brown.'' By this time, it had the consistency of wall puddy, which also matched up with his grandpa''s stories.


    Unsure how long the proper consistency would last, he rushed upstairs to his closed stasis pod and started to apply the coating to the outside surface.


    "Shit... I thought there would be a bit left over." by the time he completed the project, he was scraping the bottom of the bucket. Although when he touched the surface where he first started the task, it was still a bit sticky. "I''ll let you sit overnight; if it works, I''ll have to paint over everything."


    By the time Dex finished breakfast and a quick shower the next morning, the coating on the stasis pod had completely hardened. It lifted open easily. He sat there for a moment with the top up and slid into the compartment. The space inside the pod was surprisingly large; an S-shaped chair could be adjusted to either sit full-upright or in the more traditional reclined position.


    "Now you see me..." He reached up for the handle and closed the pod door. Immediately the green light on his ankle tracker turned off as it had been shut down. "And now you don''t!"


    He quickly reopened the door and slid out. "That''s what I call... fucking sweet!"


    The ankle tracker was continually monitored by a satellite. Countless signals were sent back and forth every second. While in the pod, the ankle tracker still sent out a signal, but it couldn''t receive any data. Therefore, the system assumes that the satellite is infallible and that any problem with the signal must be the fault of the ankle bracelet. When this happens, the bracelet sends out a self-diagnostic to the local monitoring program. If the monitor receives an error-free diagnostic, no alarm is triggered.


    Dex wandered into his kitchen, speaking out loud to no one in particular. "The hard part is neutralizing the satellite since I can''t touch it. Messing with the ankle bracelet before that was just asking for trouble. Law enforcement only monitors the tracker since the satellite actually belongs to the DoD. (Department of Defense). If I had attempted to block both signals, the alarm would have been triggered since the bracelet wouldn''t have sent out its error-free self-diagnostic."


    Dex grabbed a bottle of water from his fridge and twisted off the cap. "Dextron has returned. Feel free to applaud."


    A few cans of black spray paint returned the pod to a somewhat pleasing appearance. Then, after taking a quick detour to retrieve his precision toolkit that was stashed in the loose floorboard of his garage, he returned. He placed his kit on the kitchen counter and started gathering up the collection of appliances that he had no intention of ever using.


    "One Radion Pro Hairdryer, one electric eyebrow trimmer, my seven-speed blender, an industrial mixer, and of course, the circuit board from my brand new clothes dryer. I''ve got a clothesline right outside; I don''t need a fucking dryer."


    Dex sat at his kitchen counter and started removing the parts he required. His purchase of the clothes dryer had one purpose, the maintenance diagnostic on its secondary circuit board. Because of the close proximity of the other components within the dryer, a handheld virtual keypad was impossible to squeeze into the confined space. For this reason, the circuit board had its own virtual interface.


    "Of course... Accessing the internet with any of this crap would be impossible if I didn''t have a device that could receive the internet signal." He paused his monolog to wear a shit-eating grin for several seconds.


    Rolling up his pants leg, he touched his ankle tracker. "Too bad you left me such a high-end access receiver. One little chip whose sole purpose is to download the latest firmware for the ankle bracelet."


    Dex found an inconspicuous location on one of the lower pod panels and drilled a hole through it. After feeding a small wire through, he moved back to the kitchen counter, where he started soldering components.


    "If Kenji were a bit smarter, he''d know the issue. The component within the ankle bracelet that receives the satellite signal is not the same one that routes the internet. So I can hardwire the router from inside the pod while still blocking the satellite signal."

 Chapter 634: Dextron Returns

    A few hours later, Dex returned to his pod and closed it up. Then, without even tampering with the ankle bracelet, he plugged one of his Dex-manufactured connectors into a small socket located next to the bracelet led. The other he plugged into a gutted toaster that contained the dryer circuit board and the hardline that formed a connection to the hand-sized array that sat inconspicuously on his bedside table.


    Dex took a deep breath and powered up the circuit board. "If the cops show up in ten minutes, I''ll know I fucked something up."


    A virtual keyboard complete with a small hud popped up in the darkness inside the pod. "No outgoing camera or audio for my hud, but who cares? It''s better to be quiet and invisible."


    For the first time in three years, Dex accessed the internet. His fingers worked the virtual keyboard easily while he scanned the HUD. Hackers called surfing the internet ''Riding the wave.'' Taking that away from someone like Dex was like pulling the wings off of a bird.


    An exhausted and red-eyed Dex emerged from the pod the next morning. But, after spending the night catching up with his circle under an alias, his mood was good.


    He took a few minutes to unhook the circuit boards and array, but he left the wires in place. He could always yank them out if someone came to visit. "Next step is to camouflage everything so that even Kenji could walk by without knowing a thing."


    After a quick breakfast and shower, he felt like a new man, albeit exhausted. Instead of slipping on the shorts he normally slept in, he opted for a one-piece jumpsuit popular for VR jumping. After reclining on the pod''s comfortable sleeping pad, he pulled the hatch closed. "I''ll set the play-timer for five hours; I don''t want to sleep all day."


    A few moments later, Dexter''s reality faded away as he watched the introduction movie to the game. Then, two minutes into the show, he swore angrily. "That cheating bastard! This isn''t Colonial; it''s a damned expansion pack!"


    Expansion packs that didn''t have the Main game were just about useless in single-player mode. The game''s core would be missing; the version you would be playing would be missing key components. "Son of a bitch... I''m never going to that place again... Granted, I can''t go there anyway."


    Dex''s view faded to black for a few seconds before a disclaimer became viewable.


    [Single Player Disclaimer]


    You are playing a single-player version of the expansion pack, The Flight of Dragons. Certain events and character details may not match up with the Colonial VRMMO version of this game. For Quality Assurance, we would like permission to update your game version at regular intervals.


    Do you wish to have Flight of Dragons Updated at regularly scheduled intervals?


    "Sure," Dex muttered a curse under his breath; he''d have to arrange software updates with Kenji. "Maybe I should 86 this pod..."


    [What was your character''s name?]


    "Dextron."


    [In the Final Confrontation, what role did you play?]


    1) Tank


    2) Damage Dealer (Ranged or Melee).


    3) Healer


    4) Crowd Control


    "Ranged damage dealer."


    [Generate the personal history of Dextron, the Inferno Ranger?]


    "Yes."


    **************


    "Dextron? Are you awake?"


    An odd voice spoke to him in a whisper. Although quiet, it was filled with anxiety.


    Dex tried to sit up, but a pain in his chest stopped him. His body spasmed painfully as it was wracked with a coughing fit.


    [You are fatally poisoned!]


    Dex opened his eyes, immediately noticing the other occupant in the small room. The speaker was sitting on the edge of the cot. His small body was barely larger than a child''s. Dark skin coupled with short horns marked his ancestry as demonic. "Who are you?"


    "You don''t remember, Rabi Qi? The poison must be advancing faster than we thought."


    "Rabi?" Dex shook his head to clear it. According to the introduction scenes, the Qi family allied with a human guild to destroy the evil that threatened Colonial. "House of Tempest, right? Just call me Dex."


    Rabi nodded and pulled Dex to his feet. "Come with Rabi! You must see Nix right away."


    Dex was forced to follow the tiny demon since the creature refused to release his hand. "How are you so strong?"


    "Rabi is a demon!"


    Dex waited for further explanation, but apparently, the demon thought it was enough.


    The duo exited a large Temple and headed south. In the distance, an enormous stone house structure built into the base of a mountain could be seen. The galloping sound of hundreds of horses filled the air as Dex counted three separate herds. "This is a lot of horses."


    Rabi nodded in agreement. "Hurry Dex, we must take you to see Shae."


    "Shae?" Dex didn''t recognize the name, but he continued to follow the tiny demon.


    In a rather short amount of time, they arrived at the entrance of what could be only be called a castle. "I thought this was supposed to be a horse ranch?"


    Rabi nodded and pulled him through an enormous dining hall. Then, without pausing, they entered a large kitchen where a red-haired woman was cooking. "Hyai! Rabi is looking for Shae."


    The red-haired woman favored Rabi with a smile. "Shae is preparing for an elemental promotion. I''m afraid she won''t be available for some time."


    "I see... Dex is supposed to meet with Nix!" Rabi pushed Dex forward.


    Hyai face was attractive; a light smattering of freckles on the bridge of her nose made her seem more approachable. "I can bring him. Let me put this pot on simmer, and I''ll handle it. Please wait in the dining room."


    Rabi clapped excitedly. "Thank you, Hyai."


    Dex exited the kitchen, glad Rabi had stopped pulling him around. "So Hyai can bring us? Isn''t she the cook?"


    Rabi held a finger to his lips. "Hyai is Nix''s wife."


    "Oh... Then who is Shae?"


    "Also, Nix''s wife." Rabi tilted his head sideways. "Didn''t Rabi say this?"


    Dex shook his head. "Nix has two wives?"


    Rabi started counting on his fingers. "Shae, Hyai, Fajii, Mina, Raine, Del..."


    "What? He''s got six wives? Playa... That''s too many." Dex sighed heavily; as someone who had never dated before, he found the idea of that many women to be daunting.


    "Not six, seven! I can never remember the last one''s name." Rabi scratched his head while trying to recall. "Su''Dhassi woman with scars on her face, Eri Dale!"


    "I''d settle for one nerdy girl to hang with." Dex glanced back toward the kitchen door. "How do I get to the Academy? Shouldn''t we treat my condition first?" Then, as if reminded, his body suddenly seized up in a painful coughing fit that lasted for several seconds. Mentally he noted that virtual sickness felt just like the real thing.


    Rabi''s cheerful demeanor faded slightly. "Best if you don''t ask Rabi these things."


    The kitchen door swung open a moment later, Hyai smiled at the pair. "I will handle things from here."


    Rabi bowed respectfully. "Rabi has other duties. Good Luck, Dex."


    After exiting the dining room, Hyai led him through a series of hallways that ended in a steep staircase. The redhead pulled a torch off the wall and lit it with her bare hand.


    "Fire Mage?" Dex coughed loudly, the sound of it echoing in his ears.


    Hyai nodded, her face filled with sympathy. "We''ll fix this, Dex. We owe you a great debt."


    Dex smiled at Hyai''s back. Although it had nothing to do with him, her words made him feel good. "A debt?"


    Hyai nodded and smiled over her shoulder. "You held Khione''s guards at bay while Pon and Nix destroyed her. Without your courage, all would have been lost."


    Dex puffed his chest out, feeling like a hero until he suffered through another coughing fit. "Those are kind words. Thank you, Hyai."


    After a few minutes of descending, Dex was forced to take a break. Unfortunately, the dampness and the chilled air made his cough much worse.


    Hyai stepped closer and placed his arm on her shoulder, effectively propping him up. The warmth surrounding her had an immediate effect. "It isn''t much further."


    After two more sets of stairs, the pair exited into a dark hallway. There were no torches in view other than the one Hyai carried.


    "Nix keeps his workshop down here so that no one bothers him." Hyai stopped outside a large wooden door. "Let''s go see him."


    Warmth and light flooded Dex''s senses when he stepped into the workshop. It was several times larger than he would have guessed. A dark-haired man only a few years older than himself looked up from behind a stack of animal pelts.


    "I see you''ve brought Dextron!" Nix hugged the woman tightly before turning his attention to her escort. "I''ve heard your cough for the last half-hour. Come, there isn''t much time."


    "Time? Is something wrong?"


    Nix nodded solemnly. "I''m worried that you won''t survive the night."

 Chapter 635: Single Player

    "I''m dying?" Dex felt the pit of his stomach drop, even though he realized it was part of the game. "Is there anything that can be done?"


    Nix had waited until Hyai left to tell him the news. "Of course. That''s why you are here. Saving people is what I do."


    Dex felt the urge to mess with him but refrained; who knew if that would result in a ''bad ending?'' "You''ve dealt with fatal poisons?"


    Nix nodded and walked toward the far end of the shop. "I saved Del Tali by placing her in a dragon egg. A fair bit of business if I say so myself."


    "You''re putting me in an egg?" Dex followed the Inferno Leader, stopping when Nix sat down.


    "Sadly, there seems to be a temporary shortage of viable dragon eggs." Nix tapped his work table, causing a hud to pop up. "I can do better than an egg."


    "So... Not an egg?" Dex felt like Nix was somewhat of a mad scientist. It made him wonder what Nix the player was like in the VRMMO; surely he didn''t have seven wives.


    "I''m a puppet master, Dextron! Why place you in an egg when I can put you in a dragon!"


    "Just call me, Dex."


    Quest Updated.


    Nix stared at him for a long moment; his bright yellow eyes seemed to take in every little detail. Then, finally, he walked around the table and removed a puppet from his inventory. "What do you think?"


    "Is this what it looks like?" Dex touched the smooth scales of the puppet. It was a bit over three meters long with a dull gray coloring. "Why so small? And what''s wrong with the color?"


    "So many questions..." Nix placed the puppet in a queue and began to add enhancements. "It''s small because it''s a dragonling puppet. The color won''t change for a few more years."


    "Can''t I get a bigger one?" Dex coughed into his hand.


    Nix shook his head. "Do you think dragon puppets grow on trees? This is already better than anyone else can do." The Inferno Leader frowned at the queue he had set up. "Well... In you go."


    [Choose an Option.]


    1) Do what Nix asks.


    2) Get more details.


    Dex noticed that Nix seemed bothered by something. "Is something wrong with the dragonling?"


    Nix scratched his chin. "It seems that the puppet is a bit damaged. It has a viability rating of 85 percent. More than enough for our purposes, though. In you go, Dex."


    [Choose an Option.]


    1) Do what Nix asks.


    2) Refuse the puppet.


    Dex bit down on a smile that threatened to come out. The truth was that he missed being virtual. If he could use a real virtual interface instead of his homemade crap to access the wave, he would probably have deep-dived as a hacker. "Seriously? Did I give you an 85 percent effort when we fought Khione?"


    Nix blinked once... then twice... The silence in the room went on for several seconds. "You''re right! I... I can repair it!"


    [Dragonling Puppet: Common Rating 85 percent Viability]


    Nix cleared off a storage crate that had been doubling as additional counter space; he slid the top off and then nearly disappeared from view as he appeared to dive in.


    Dex couldn''t help but chuckle at the sight of Nix''s feet sticking up out of the crate. The sound of rummaging went on for a few minutes before he pulled something out.


    [Shadow Strike Puppet: Rating Unknown, 19 percent Viability]


    "What is this thing?" Dex shook his head slightly; it had no discernable shape and was cloaked in darkness as if trying to absorb all the light around it.


    "Hmm? Well... strictly speaking, it''s a failed experiment. I found the remains of an ancient puppet in some Nether ruins. I combined it with the best puppet that I could make, hoping to repair it."


    Dex smiled slightly; Nix looked like a little kid talking about his favorite race car. "What kind of puppet did you use to repair it."


    "Pure rat puppet," Nix replied. "Of course, it didn''t work, but the viability rating rose from 15 percent to 19 percent."


    "Couldn''t you keep repairing?"


    Nix nodded. "Sure. But by the time it was repaired, it would have changed too much. I don''t know what this puppet was to start with, so I didn''t want to risk erasing it."


    [Choose an Option.]


    1) Ask him to repair the dragonling using the Ancient puppet.


    2) Accept the Dragonling as is.


    3) Tell Nix to find something else.


    Dex covered another coughing fit, his eyes straying to the large crate. Nix probably had all sorts of things that could be used. Was this the best he could do? On the other hand, the mystery surrounding the ancient puppet might be worth unraveling. "Do your best to repair the dragonling using the Ancient puppet."


    Nix clapped his hands together. "Let''s do this!"


    Dex nodded and stepped back to give the Inferno Leader room to work. Over the next few minutes, his impression of Nix as a mad scientist was reinforced. His expressions ranged from depressed one second to nearly maniacal another. When he was finally finished, he stepped back and stared at his creation.


    [Dragonling Puppet: Unknown Rating 110 percent Viability]


    Dex grinned at the Inferno Leader, intending to thank him. "Thank you for your hard work..." But, unfortunately, the rest of his sentence was consumed by a coughing fit. Instead of lasting on a few seconds, it went on until he fell to his knees, unable to breathe.


    Nix''s face was grim as he picked Dex up. He held up a small dark sphere. "This is Enigma; he should be able to help you navigate your way through the next four years."


    Dex tried to reply, but the effort resulted in his blood spraying into the air as he was seized up by another round of coughs.


    "We''re out of time. In you go, Dex."


    *******************


    The gentle rumbling and shaking made it nearly impossible to rise up through his peaceful sleep. The moment stretched on for several minutes; this warmth and comfort was finally overcome by the loud rattling of metal on metal.


    Dex stretched comfortably, opening his eyes when his hand collided with an object. "Sweet mother..."


    A quick glance of his surroundings affirmed that he was the only occupant in a rather luxurious stagecoach. Well-cushioned red velvet seats with extendable footrests and a stocked bar made him wish he had awakened a bit sooner. He leaned out the window in time to see a well-armored Dragon Knight waving the coach driver through.


    [Welcome to the Tembai Academy]


    "Holy crap..." Dex tried to count the long line of stages but stopped when the number reached a few dozen. He seemed a lot closer to the front of the line than the rear as far as he could tell.


    The Tembai Academy consisted of several mid-sized campuses linked together by red cobblestone streets and paths. The buildings ranged in size from massive arena-type structures to multi-story classrooms complete with impressive white marble pillars. Dex didn''t have to pretend to be impressed; something like this would have bankrupted a super-power in the real world.


    "Freshmen Admissions Hall in two minutes. Please have your Student Card available, Master Dextron!"


    The voice of the stagecoach driver stopped Dex from further admiration of the view.


    "Student Card?" Dex glanced around the coach, not seeing anything that looked like luggage or a pack. It was at this time that he noticed the uniform he was wearing. A red blazer with a matching tie, coupled with a white dress shirt, darker pants, and well-shined shoes. There was a patch on the right shoulder of the blazer with a crest that he assumed to be from Tembai Academy. A quick pat of his pockets resulted in his discovery of the card in question.


    [Tembai Academy Student Identification Card]


    Name: Dextron


    Ancestry: Undisclosed Draconic Hybrid


    Element: Awaiting Assessment


    All Statistics and abilities will be assessed during the Orientation Trials on Day 3.


    The coach stopped a few minutes later; within a few seconds, the driver opened the door for Dex. "Freshmen Admissions Hall, directly ahead!"


    Dex stepped out of the coach while his driver moved to the rear of the vehicle. "Thank you, Driver."


    A loud bang announced the arrival of a trunk that his driver had pulled down from the coach''s storage space. "This is quite heavy, Young Master. I''ll have it brought to your dormitory."


    Three long tables were set up in front of an impressive-looking Admissions Hall. Each of these tables was staffed with a dozen people.


    Dex whistled softly; the Hall was a four-story building with red brick and more windows than he''d ever seen on one facility. In addition, the entire entrance was made of slightly reflective mirrored glass.


    A staff member addressed the incoming students; her enhanced voice was easy to hear despite the steady din of people talking and moving about. "Feel free to get in the shortest line; once you get a room assignment, you can unpack and enjoy free time until tomorrow morning."


    "I.D. Card, please."


    Dex handed her his card, noting that the blonde-haired girl was very pretty, with light blue eyes and a slim figure. "Thank you, ma''am."


    The blonde tilted her head to one side, her smile widening. "Very polite," she pointed to the Tembai Academy badge on her shoulder. "Did you notice that the outline of my crest is silver while yours is black?"


    Dex verified what she said with a quick glance. "Black outline means I''m a first-year?"


    "Full marks, Freshman. Blue is 2nd year; silver is 3rd and gold 4th." Her voice was filled with humor; she seemed in no hurry to cycle him through like her co-workers were doing. "You''re in the Phoenix Dorm, 212B; it''s a Quad."


    "Quad?" Dex glanced at her nametag and noted that her name was Taye.


    "It''s basically two large rooms that share the same bathroom. Your trunk should have already been delivered to your room. Follow the sparrow sidewalk to your dorm."


    "Thank you, Taye." Dex had no idea what the sparrow sidewalk was, but he decided to follow the other freshmen until he figured it out.


    "Sparrow is the middle sidewalk at the eastern gate. Every twenty meters, the center brick on the walkway is etched with a sparrow. All walkways are marked in similar fashions." Taye handed him a small folder. "This is a schedule of events; it also contains a campus map. Normally these would be available on your hud, but those functions have been disabled until Orientation Trials on Day 3."


    Dex accepted the folder and, with a quick nod, turned eastward. Not the coolest exit he could have made, but speaking calmly to an attractive girl for three minutes without embarrassing himself was already stretching the limits of his reach.

 Chapter 636: Quadmates

    "Shit... What the hell did Nix put in this thing?" Dex found his trunk on the stairs outside of his dorm. Since his room was on the second floor, that meant he had to drag it up the long staircase. Near the top, he was forced to use the rail to assist his progress. "At least put wheels on his bastard!"


    At the top of the wood staircase, there were three options. A sharp left would bring you to another set of stairs, while left or right would bring you down opposite hallways where the dorm rooms were.


    Clued-in by the numbered signs, Dex found his room a few minutes later. After double-checking that the plaque on the door said 212B, he pushed it open and walked inside.


    The room was quite large, with comfortable-looking beds on either side of the room. Each of the beds had a wardrobe that had been built into the wall nearest to it.


    "You must be Dextron?" A young man peaked out of the far wardrobe where he''d been busy unpacking his trunk. He was tall and thin with long brown hair that gave him a scholarly appearance. "I''m Marik; it''s nice to meet you!"


    "Call me Dex. Nice to meet you, Marik." Dex shook the hand that the other extended, immediately noticing that the badge on Marik''s jacket had a blue border. "You''re a 2nd year?"


    Marik nodded. "The second-year dorms burned down last year; construction has been delayed for some reason."


    The door leading to the shared bathroom banged open an instant later as two young women forced their way in, both of them were smiling at Marik.


    "You''re taking too long, Mar!" A petite girl with curly orange hair stepped into the room, her eyes darting over everything. "Who''s your friend?"


    Marik sighed unhappily; after living with the sisters for nearly a year, he had hoped that with a new room assignment, he could finally shake them loose. "Dex, this is Lulu and Tifa Dread."


    Lulu waved at Dex before rushing over to peek inside Maric''s wardrobe. Tifa smiled cheerfully; she looked like some sort of old-school wandering martial artist. Her head was shaved completely bald except for a long topknot braid.


    "What kind of fighting do you favor?" Tifa had stopped near Dex''s trunk as he attempted to size him up.


    "Ranged fighting." Dex shook the offered hand, noting that it was calloused and strong. "Swordfighter?"


    Tifa nodded. "Good guess, Lulu and I are both 3rd years, so if you have any questions, just ask. In case you haven''t realized, we''re your quadmates."


    Dex leaned back against his trunk, trying not to laugh at Lulu and Marik. She seemed determined to climb into his wardrobe while he was attempting to pull her out. "How do you know, Marik?"


    "We lived with him last year when our dorm burned down. He''s my boyfriend." Lulu''s voice came from inside the wardrobe; despite Maric''s best effort, he''d been unable to stop her.


    "No, I''m not." Marik''s expression turned sour as he glanced at Dex with a hopeless expression. It was obvious he couldn''t deal with her.


    "Just lock her in," Dex offered.


    Marik''s eyes widened slightly; an instant later, he slammed the wardrobe door closed and locked it. The smile on his face was like someone who had just won the lottery.


    "Huh? Hey! Open this door, Mar." A loud pounding erupted from inside of the wardrobe.


    It was Tifa who started laughing first; then it spread to Marik and Dex.


    [Your set timer has expired. Your current progress will be saved. Logging Off.]


    Dex was still laughing when he opened up the stasis pod a few moments later. "When I ride the wave later, I''ll do a bit of background on Inferno and Tembai Academy. It should make gameplay a little easier."


    A few minutes later, Dex pushed his motorcycle out of the barn and started it up. The bike was purposefully parked on the loose floorboard where he kept his contraband stored. His place had been searched countless times over the last three years; not a single person had ever attempted to move the bike. Instead, they searched around it and even peeked into the gas tank and exhaust. "Human nature ignores the obvious while trying desperately to be clever."


    His grandpa was the original owner of the bike. Dex kept the old model Kawasaki because it was the only one he could find that didn''t have a virtual interface. But, of course, it was no longer a combustion engine; it had been retrofitted to run on modern battery power.


    Dex turned down Main street, ignoring the stares that riding the ancient bike usually caused. Antiques used to be the cool thing, but nowadays everyone wanted next year''s model. The lingering smell of smoke caused him to scan his surroundings. Burn permits within city limits were a thing of the past. Even small towns like Massena had turned completely ''Green.''


    He followed the haze that hung in the air until his ankle tracker started to chirp loudly. Unhappily, he turned around and reversed course until it stopped. A sudden feeling of dread caused him to take a left down a nearby alley where he rode two more blocks before stopping.


    "Mother fucker..." In the distance, Dex could see the smoldering pile of rubble that had once been Saul''s Pawnshop. He casually took out the map his P.O. had given him and pretended to look at it.


    Odd that Saul''s place had burned down. The place had been a junkpile, but Dex knew it to be part of the updated City-Grid electric system. There were no gas or propane lines. "Guess I''ll cut this trip short."


    Back in his barn, Dex removed his contra and then rolled the bike onto the loose floorboard. Within five minutes, he was back in the pod and riding the wave.


    "Fuck," Dex swore angrily while reading the news. "Local businessman dies in fire."


    Five years earlier, Saul had given Dex one of his first freelance jobs. Updating the security software in his business. It was the reason why Dex knew so much about the building.


    It took less than a minute to access the backdoor that younger Dex left in the pawnshop''s security system. "I didn''t put that in there..." As soon as he stepped in, a countermeasure noticed his presence. "Someone left some top-end ICE." (Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics)


    He activated the security kernel that he''d left hidden in the system, smiling when his code gobbled up the ICE. "They''ll know someone visited, but they won''t know who. Best I can do since I wasn''t prepared." After erasing his backdoor, he eased out of the system and closed down his ride.


    Leaning back in the recliner he opened the pod up while contemplating. "The video and audio in Saul''s shot were scrubbed. Clean job too, no chance of a rebuild. Saul''s transaction data had been downloaded."


    Dex glanced at the stasis chamber a few feet away. By agreement, the purchase was made off-books. "There should be no credit or transaction trail" He closed his eyes for a moment.


    Several minutes went by without any noise or movement. When Dex''s eyes blinked open a while later, his expression was uncertain. "I''m 30 percent fucked..."


    He stood up suddenly and headed into the kitchen. He could report his findings, but since he was an adult in violation of parole, this would probably result in incarceration. "As long as I can stay below 40 percent, things should be okay."


    It was an old adage among hackers. Leaving a trail behind you was unavoidable in many instances. Law enforcement wouldn''t bother you until they were sure they could make a case. According to hacker lore, once they were forty percent sure, you were fucked. "Of course, in the private sector, you could be fucked at thirty or even twenty... How would I find me?"


    Dex talked to his food while he made a sandwich. "Saul could have been into some shady things, there''s a likelihood that this has nothing to do with our transaction." His eyes glanced over his shoulder at the stasis pod while he slapped mayonnaise onto two slices of bread. "SHIT! It''s totally the pod!"


    "How to find me... With Saul''s transaction data, they should have a list of everyone who has ever done business there. Including the teenage whizz-kid that installed security software five years ago."


    Dex finished his lunch in solitude while trying to plan his next move. "At best, I''m overthinking something that could be an accident. At worst, I''m barely a glitch on someone''s radar. Nothing really leads back to me."


    "Who would care about a shitty pod that was dumped in a landfill? The fines for something link that would be chump change for a big corp. Unless¡­"


    Dex stared at the pod in question for a moment. Could there be another reason? Although Gladis Corp had officially been dismantled, the reality was that nearly all of the companies under their corporate umbrella survived intact. They had split up and taken other names, smart people who were adept at finding legal loopholes would not easily be caught.


    Since he didn''t want to mess with the outer coating of the pod, he took an hour to remove the seat so that he could access the panels under the sleeping pad. He then used a direct line to hardwire the pod''s enormous hard drive to his virtual interface.

 Chapter 637: Two Week Dive

    ****Author''s Note*********


    Stasis capsules are sometimes references as pods or eggs.


    ***************************


    Dex examined the pod hard drive that Kenji had so kindly reformated. "You can format or erase whatever you like; but, unless you physically damage it, some information is always retained."


    Within two minutes, Dex already had the complete log data for the pod''s history. Five minutes after that, he had every command the pod ever received. Since he wasn''t interested in perusing the trillion directives that the pod received every day over its ten-year shelf-life, he started narrowing down parameters.


    Data flowed through his hands like nectar from the gods. Dex stared at the tiny hud, wishing he could use a high-powered virtual interface rather than his jerry-rigged kit. "Hold the phone!"


    Because the pod to server connection was a direct link, all incoming communications should come from the Colonial Server or the company that housed the pod. However, when Dex asked for commands coming from the outside, only two entries came up.


    "They were hacked!" Dex brought up the two entries and cross-referenced the dates with Gladis Corp events.


    "Nothing... Nothing... Hmm, look at you." Dex read through the article while resetting the parameters of the search to include commands that came within 15 seconds of the outside attacks; this was the standard response time to network intrusions.


    A picture popped up on his hud. "Who are you? Quicksilver? Wait... The Quicksilver?" Dex stared at the picture while he considered the timeline; the hacker was caught and later imprisoned for the first attempt.


    He examined the two executive codes side-by-side (Exe). Not only were they slick beyond belief, but they were identical. Exe codes were like lock picks. Once a hacker developed one that they liked, they almost always used it, and they never shared it. "With QuickSilver in jail, who used it the second time? A partner, maybe?"


    Dex put the matter aside for a moment to scan the results of the second date cross-reference. "I thought I couldn''t be any more fucked. Turns out I was wrong. The Gladis Corp suffered a major accident that destroyed their facility in Upstate New York. The date matches the second intrusion."


    Dex shut down his gear and exited the pod. He considered the issue while reassembling the pod. "No one is looking for me yet. If I don''t make any moves, the 30 percent line should stay where it is."


    He returned his contra gear back to the loose floorboard. "Just going to take a step back and play Flight of Dragons for a few weeks. Quick shower, a meal, and then some deep stasis."


    (3 Hours Later)


    [Set Timer for Two Weeks?]


    "Yes," Dex called his P.O. and notified him that he was going Deep Stay for two weeks. Since his capsule wasn''t networked, Gene had no issues with it. Kenji, however, sounded jealous as hell.


    When he logged into the Tembai Academy a few moments later, Tifa was leaning against his bed while laughing hysterical at Marik''s wardrobe.


    Dex felt his tension melt away slightly. He joined Tifa and took a seat on his bed, patting it as an invite to the Dread sister. "Have a seat; I have some questions."


    Up close, Tifa was somewhat intimidating. She had the lean, ripped musculature of a world-class gymnast. Her skin was tanned from the outdoors, giving her a sort of wild beast appeal. The third-year sword accepted Dex''s invite to sit, holding her braid with one hand while she made herself comfortable.


    "I''m taking a bath in a few minutes, but the door won''t be locked," Tifa commented like she was discussing the weather.


    Dex nodded politely; although very pretty, he preferred his virtual girlfriends to have a bit more hair. "Noted. Is there a reason I need to know that?"


    Tifa lowered her voice and leaned closer. "I''m trying to lure Maric in."


    "I see." Dex glanced at his roommate; apparently, the guy was straight-up Boss. "What''s the next few days going to be like?"


    Tifa played with the end of her braid for a moment before answering. "You''ll present your dragon form after the freshman formation. The entire Academy will be present for that. What''s yours look like?"


    Dex through back to the ugly grayish adolescent puppet Nix had shown him. "It was gray last time I looked."


    Tifa''s full lips curved in a smile. "Entering the Tembai Academy immediately matures your dragon form. You should have some clue already. Do you have a dominant color in your ancestry?"


    Dex shook his head slightly, grinning when Maric finally released Lulu only to have her tackle him to the floor.


    The steady ringing of the dusk bell caused Lulu to release her grip on Maric. "Dang it, Tiff! We''re supposed to be in the 3rd year formation in thirty minutes."


    Tifa was already at the bathroom door that separated the two rooms. "Guess I''ll take a quick bath before we go."


    Dex didn''t comment at the obvious monologue. After they left, he turned toward a red-face Maric who was lying in an exhausted puddle on the floor. "Those two seem like a handful?"


    Maric nodded while struggling to his feet. "The Dread sisters? They were somewhat reserved since they didn''t want to make a bad impression on you."


    "That''s reserved?" Dex laughed at the sour expression on Maric''s face.


    Maric shrugged helplessly. "My good reputation has been sullied by their antics."


    "I see." Dex tried to take him seriously but found that he couldn''t. Virtual or not, having two attractive young women chase after him was something he couldn''t relate to.


    The sound of the water turning on in the bathroom drew Dex''s attention. "So the four of us share one bathroom? Doesn''t that present issues?"


    Maric stared at the bathroom door while taking a few steps towards it. "There are two community bathrooms on this floor; both are co-ed."


    Dex paused conversation as a chance to open his trunk. He still had no idea what Nix had packed for him. The first few items were spare uniforms. After that, he found two separate sets of custom-made leather armor.


    "Nice armor! Where''d you get it?" Maric stared at the set pieces that Dex had placed on the bed.


    "Not sure; I didn''t pack this trunk." Dex inspected the closer one.


    Leather Practice Amor: Tempest


    Custom Fitted to Dextron.


    "You''ve got (T) practice armor?" Maric whistled softly. "You must have some serious backing."


    Dex shook his head slightly and started to put his things in the wardrobe. Despite the disparity in size, everything fit very easily. The wardrobe was obviously a spatial inventory. "Something up?"


    Maric hadn''t moved since they started talking. "She left the door unlocked."


    Dex gave him a blank look. "That right?"


    Maric nodded. "If I don''t make an effort to peek in, her feelings will be hurt."


    Dex cleared his throat loudly and locked up his wardrobe. "Since the bathroom is occupied, I''ll use one of the hallways ones."


    The long hallway on the second floor was lined with identical rooms on either side. A large common area in the center of the hall resembled a board room that you''d see in a corporate office. The two co-ed bathrooms were located on either side.


    Dex reached for one handle, only to hear the distinct sound of splashing inside. "I''m used to living by myself, gotta make sure I knock."


    "Is someone out there?" A distinctly female came from inside the bathroom.


    "Sorry! I didn''t realize anyone was in there; I''ll use the other bathroom." Dex stepped away quickly and headed back through the common area.


    "Wait! I need your help!"


    "What kind of game is this?" Dex shook his head slightly. Did one of the devs have a voyeur fetish?


    "Please, help me!"


    Dex paused for a moment; the voice had sounded very distressed. A moment later, he had returned to the door. "You want me to come in?"


    "Yes, open the door."


    Dex placed a hand on the knob; after all, he was still a teenager. "Coming in!"


    Of the dozens of scenarios he envisioned seeing before entering, the one that presented itself was not one of them. The bathroom was more luxurious than anything Dex had ever seen. It offered dual-sinks, a bathtub that could easily fit four or five people, and a separate area that contained the loo. The tub was filled halfway. The freshman froze in place, not trusting his eyes.


    "Don''t stare!"


    Dex turned around for a moment before realizing how ridiculous the action was. "Wait a sec. You''re a fish!"


    A gold-colored fish watched him from the water. "I''m a dragon, kind sir. Could you please help me?"


    Dex felt his face crease into a grin. "Help you? Maybe, but let''s be clear. I''m not kissing that face, no matter what."


    The self-proclaimed dragon attempted to move onto the side of the tub but failed since the water level was too low. It fell back into the water but not before Dex noticed that it had four legs.


    "I''ve been trapped here by an evil villain! If you help me, you shall be greatly rewarded." The gold-colored fish circled the tub in frustration.


    Dex laughed at the situation. "Gotta admit. I didn''t see this coming. What can I do?"


    The fish swam to the side of the tub and looked up at him with bulging blue eyes. "There''s a stream next to the dorm! All you need to do is open that window and release me. I''ll do the rest."


    "And my reward?"


    The fish opened its huge mouth and showed a gleaming gold ring that lay just inside. "Take this treasure and lend me your aid."


    Dex bent lower, pretending to inspect the ring. It certainly was gleaming. "Fine, we have a deal." He carefully picked up the ring and pocketed it before taking a knee next to the tub.


    "Open the window first."


    Dex glanced back at the window and nodded quickly. "Right, better to open it first."


    The window was a floor-to-ceiling extravagance that spanned two arm lengths. Although it must have weighed a considerable amount, it opened easily with the slightest push.


    "Perfect!" The occupant of the tub became perfectly still when Dex returned and gently picked it up. "Don''t drop me."


    "No worries." Dex returned to the window just as the door banged open with a loud crash.

 Chapter 638: Day One

    Dex jumped at the sudden intrusion. His eyes staring at the room''s new occupant.


    "What are you doing with my fish?" The girl''s lightly freckled face was flushed with anger. Her appearance was unlike anyone he''d ever seen. She had long red tresses that ran down her back like a waterfall made from the purest flame. Light brown eyes stared into him, hostile but exceedingly beautiful.


    "Huh? Well, you see..." The sentence was interrupted when the fish''s tail slapped across his face.


    Before he could react, the fish wiggled free and was out the window. Dex stared at the free-falling fish until it splashed into the stream below. Unbeknown to him, the girl had rushed to his side.


    "I''m finally free!" The gold-colored fish''s voice deepened considerably as it stared up at the two figures in the window. "You foul witch! Just wait until I become a dragon!" Then, in a flash of gold, it disappeared into the depths of the water.


    "Huh... It was a guy." Dex grinned at the sudden change of events. "Hey, I''m sorry..." His words trailed off as the air seemed to ignite with thousands of sparks of electricity.


    "You..." The air around the redhead pulsed with energy; it crackled and popped with the power of lightning. "Sadly, your time at the Academy ends here."


    Dex felt a sudden release of energy; without thinking, he jumped forward and shoved the redhead. Taken by surprise, she fell backward into the tub with a huge splash that caused a miniature lightning storm to erupt in the room. His last view of his attacker was her outraged expression as she was submerged in water. Then, shamelessly, he fled the scene like a robber in the night.


    Maric looked up as his roommate burst into the quad and closed the door behind me a few moments later. His hair was standing straight up, and his face had been blackened by scorch marks. "You okay?"


    Dex nodded while wiping his face down and running his fingers through his hair. "Was almost killed by some crazy person."


    "Fights are pretty common, but it''s never a good idea to go overboard." Maric gave him a sympathetic smile. "Picking a fight on Welcome Day is nearly unheard of. If they show up here, I''ll take care of it."


    *******************


    Since the dining halls weren''t open during Welcome Week, workers from food services delivered hot dinner boxes via pushcarts that rambled up and down the hall on squeaky wheels. Dex eyed his black-boxed ''special.'' "Why is mine different?"


    They were sitting on the floor chatting; Maric seemed to know just about everything concerning the Academy. The 2nd year student slightly. "Mine is the generic one that those of us without sponsors get. It should be written inside the cover." He uncovered his box and showed it to Dex. In a self-explanatory script, it said, ''Tembai Academy.''


    "Do I have a sponsor?" Dex opened the black box and peeked under the lid. In gold-colored ink, the words ''Sponsored by Haven'' were scribed. Underneath that, a handwritten signature of the preparer was visible, ''Hyai.''


    Maric whistled softly. "Being sponsored by Haven is considered the Golden Ticket. And having Hyai''s signature on it means you are part of the inner circle."


    "Hmm?" Dex thought back to the Nix the Mad Scientist and his warmly attractive wife. "So, I''m in good shape?"


    Maric nodded. "Yeah... Even Seti gives way when it comes to the Rat King."


    Dex grinned at the title; there had been a large number of rat puppets in the Inferno Leader''s workshop. "Nix is the Rat King?"


    "Rat King, Dragon Slayer, Emperor of the Nether... He''s got more titles than I can remember." Maric watched as his roommate dove into his prepared meal. "Hey... If you''re from Haven, you should know the Thunder Princess. Right?"


    "Thunder Princess?" Dex fixed him with a confused glance while continuing to feed himself. Virtual or not, it was by far the best meal he''d eaten since before his at-home confinement.


    Maric lowered his voice and glanced at the door nervously. "Nix''s daughter... not one of the sweet Aquarion ones, the other one."


    Dex chuckled at his roommate''s discomfort. His words were barely louder than a whisper. "I don''t know any of Nix''s daughters."


    "Oh, I see..." Maric went directly into lecture mode. "There''s Lisa; her mother sometimes makes an appearance here at the request of Instructor Fajii."


    Dex shrugged slightly. "Rabi mentioned Fajii. She''s one of Nix''s wives?"


    Maric nodded. "She has the Scorched Earth element; her daughter is named Narissa." The mage smiled suddenly. "No one would ever confuse her and Sigh. Rissa is a dark beauty with a very pleasant personality. While Siyan is..."


    Dex found himself smiling at Maric''s sudden loss of words; a thought suddenly occurred to him. "This Thunder Princess has the lightning element?"


    "Yes. Before you ask, it''s exceedingly rare. She''s the only one in the Academy with that element. She also possesses the Water and Air elements, which means she''ll mature into a Storm Dragon."


    Dex considered his roommate''s words for a moment. From Maric''s expression, Storm Dragons were formidable. "Is this Thunder Princess a beautiful redhead with a pet fish?"


    "It''s a predecessor. Basically a talking fish with tiny legs. By all accounts, it has a nasty tongue on it."


    Dex faked a smile, "I see." Maybe she wouldn''t carry a grudge.


    The two roommates talked for several minutes before Maric decided to call it a night. Dex cleaned up his area while Maric exited through the bathroom door to say goodnight to the Dread sisters.


    [You''ve reached scheduled sleep time. You may explore your surroundings or fast forward to the morning.]


    Since he didn''t want to spend seven hours sleeping in a virtual game, Dex chose to fast forward until morning. Immediately after choosing the second option, his eyes grew heavy and closed.


    "Hmmm?" Dex opened his eyes at the sound of an incessant buzzing. A quick glance out the window told him that it was still nighttime. "I know I didn''t pack an alarm clock."


    Dex rolled out of bed and quickly tracked down the noise; it was coming from his wardrobe. After a brief search, he found the source of the alarm, a dark sphere about the size of a softball. "Nix gave me this before I left..."


    It stopped buzzing when he touched it. A short sentence glowed into his view.


    [Log off now, Dex. They are coming for you.]


    He''d never experienced fear in a virtual setting before, but those words caused a shiver to run down his spine. He immediately logged off and listened.


    His loft was dark and empty when he eased open the pod door a moment later. Instead of exploring his surroundings, he knelt in place, continuing to listen for any noise while deliberately setting off the alarm on his ankle bracelet. Then, since there were no easy entry points to the upper level of his loft, Dex moved to the stair exit that led to his garage.


    The last time his alarm had gone off, the drones arrived within two minutes, and the squad cards five minutes after that. A jiggling of his front door''s knob sent him scurrying into the kitchen to look for any kind of usable weapon. Instead, he settled for a rather hefty rolling pin and gripped it tightly before returning to his previous location.


    It seemed like an eternity before the drones showed up, but the reality was more like a few minutes. Dex spotted their flashing blue and red lights from his loft window. The moment they crossed his property line, their searchlights lit up the area.


    There were four small drones, the standard four-prop hover variety that law enforcement used for surveillance. They divided and moved around the perimeter of the barn, recording everything they found.


    "Shit..." Dex made sure all of his contraband was stowed away before making his way to the front door. Three minutes later, the lights from three cars lit up his driveway.


    Dex stepped outside when the vehicles came to a stop. Holding his arms straight out with his palms facing the group. "I activated the alarm on purpose; someone was trying to break into my house."


    "It''s okay, guys. Check the perimeter while I talk with him." A familiar voice spoke to the four officers that exited the two squad cars.


    "Gene?" Dex breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of his P.O.


    "I was pulling a double when I got a call from the Chief. Lucky for you, or else you''d be spending the night in a cell." Gene''s white smile gleamed in the darkness, his sharp eyes taking in everything despite the absence of light. "Where''d you see them?"


    "Someone tried to open the front door." Dex stepped to one side and gestured toward the door. A quick visual inspection showed no signs of tampering or forced entry.


    Gene produced a flashlight from his coat and shone it at the door in question. "They could have easily forced this open or broken the window."


    Dex nodded in agreement. Like most places, if someone were willing to use brute force to enter, they could have done so. "I do have an alarm system."


    "Found something!" A woman''s voice sounded from the side of the house.


    Since Gene moved in the direction of the voice, Dex followed him. They found the female police officer as she was slipping surgical gloves onto her hands. She was kneeling on the ground near a black case, the cloth kind that could be easily folded and stowed away. Then, with Gene''s light shining on it, she slowly opened it.


    Gene whistled softly. "Lockpicking tools and electronic bypasses." He glanced at Dex. "Guess you weren''t expecting company. Weren''t you going to start your two-week dive today?"


    Dex nodded, feeling sick to his stomach. He had just started an extended deep dive. He''d been warned by Enigma to log off, but he didn''t dare mention that. What the fuck was going on? "Was feeling a bit under the weather, so I decided to wait a few days."

 Chapter 639: Quicksilver

    Dex glanced up as the lights from another car turned down his driveway, effectively stopping any further discussion. Gene led him around to the front of the house, where they stopped and waited for the vehicle to come to a stop.


    "Kendal?" Gene recognized the junky car that his co-worker owned. When the younger man approached, he welcomed him with a smile. "Took you long enough."


    Kendal raised his hands in mock surrender. "Ten minutes isn''t bad, considering I was at the waterfront with some friends."


    Dex waited while Gene briefed Kendal. Perhaps his P.O. hadn''t noticed, but Dex caught the lie immediately. Kenji had taken a right when he turned into the driveway. If he were coming from the waterfront, it would have been the other direction. Black shoes and pants with a white t-shirt... Red mud caked the side of one shoe, the same mud that could be found on the backside of his property. ''You''re involved with this, you self-righteous prick.''


    It was more than an hour later before the squad cars left. They gathered all the evidence they could find and took Dex''s statement. Dex blatantly lied when asked whether he''d seen the intruder. Purposefully, he gave a description of a figure dressed in black, one that matched the size and built of Kendal.


    "You okay, Kendal?" Gene noticed that his co-work was sweating a bit.


    Kendal waved it off. "It''s hot in here." He threw a fake smile at Dex. "Bro... Turn on the AC."


    "I like it hot." Dex returned the smile; he''d turned off the AC during his deep dive. "Wasn''t expecting guests."


    Dex walked the two men out to their cars, listening to them make small talk like they were at the beach. "Any follow-up I need to do?"


    Kendal glanced at Gene for confirmation before shaking his head. "I''ve reset your ankle tracker, which will silence the alarm at the station."


    Gene opened his car door, pausing to look back at Dex. "Good thing you hadn''t started your deep dive yet. That house alarm of yours wouldn''t have brought you out of stasis."


    Dex didn''t have to pretend to be scared shitless. In reality, wiring stasis pods to security and fire alarms were a great idea. However, since Dex''s electronic use was limited, he didn''t have access to that kind of gear. "I think I''ll stick with shorter dives of one or two hours."


    Gene nodded in agreement. "Preferably in daylight hours. Next time use the house alarm to summon law enforcement."


    Dex''s expression told Gene that was never going to happen. "Know the difference in response time between my ankle bracelet and the door alarm?"


    Gene laughed and nodded. "I''m guessing it''s a lot."


    Kendal fist-bumped Dex and opened his car door. "Ride the wave, bro."


    Dex faked a smile. "Ride the wave, man." He closed the car door, noting that a black pullover had been tossed onto the floor of the backseat.


    "Yep¡­ I''m fucked at 30 percent." Dex waved at the cars as they turned onto the main road. Then, cursing under his breath, he reentered his house and turned on the alarm. "How the fuck was I warned to log off? Did someone hack my pod?"


    Shaking his head in confusion, he made his way up the stairs toward the kitchen. Despite his thin appearance, Dex was a self-confessed nervous eater. He made his way toward the kitchen, intent on making something to eat.


    "Don''t turn on the lights."


    Dex felt his heart thud inside of his chest at the brief sentence. In most cases, he would have jumped at being startled suddenly. In this case, his blood ran cold as his face broke out in a cold sweat. I''m dead, he thought to himself.


    "Don''t just stand there; close those blackout curtains." The voice spoke again; it was soft and calm but distinctly electronic. The intruder was using a voice synthesizer.


    Dex nodded and walked toward the window. The figure stood motionlessly in the corner, waiting for him to comply with the demands. Then, unexpectedly, the young hacker took two long strides toward the window and, with a loud bang, sent glass flying outward as he leaped through it.


    Dex covered his face with both arms before the impact, overbalanced he landed awkwardly on his driveway four meters below. Although he landed feet first, his body impacted the gravel immediately after, knocking the wind out of him.


    "The hell are you doing?" The black-dressed figure moved to the broken window as Dex staggered to his feet. "I''m not the bad guy here, Dextron!"


    Dex gained his feet, noticing that the figure didn''t appear to have a gun. Instead of running, he retreated several steps while trying to regain his breath. "The cops just left! My alarm going off will bring them straight back."


    The figure nodded in agreement and took out a small device that looked like a remote control. The beeping of his house alarm stopped a few seconds later. "Didn''t think you''d jump out the window. The youth today are so unpredictable."


    "Shit¡­" Dex was finally able to take a decent breath. The intruder had overridden his alarm in seconds, an impossible feat, even with his 2nd gen system. Unless¡­ "You were hacking into my alarm while the police were here."


    "I was," the intruder admitted. "What you gonna do, Dextron? You can scurry off into the woods or come back inside so we can figure out how to keep you below 40 percent."


    Dex relaxed considerably at her words. The figure was definitely not law enforcement. "We both know I''m probably past that already."


    The figure nodded in agreement. "These are corporate hacks; you need a different set of rules."


    Despite misgivings, Dex found himself walking back to his front door while considering the entry points to his home. By the time he walked up the stairs leading to his loft, the black-out shades had been closed, and the light turned on. The intruder was waiting for him; arms crossed like an impatient parent. "I know how you got in."


    "Do you?" The intruder''s synthetic voice couldn''t show amusement, but it lingered in words.


    "My bathroom window is small, barely two by two feet. I wouldn''t fit through, but you certainly could." Dex had already noted that the intruder was somewhat small; the observation made him feel less threatened. Invalid reasoning since anyone could use a gun or knife. "I deactivated the alarm when the police arrived; that''s when you entered."


    "Think so?" The figure moved toward the pod, running a hand over the top of it. "I can trace my ICE activation anywhere, but somehow you were able to block me."


    "Was I?" Dex smiled grimly before noticing that both his hands felt somewhat warm. A quick glance showed him that they were covered in blood. "Shit¡­" His vision clouded suddenly as the floor rose up to slam against his face.


    "Hey!" A voice spoke softly as the sound of footsteps approached him. "Really?"


    Whatever the figure said after that was lost when Dex''s world turned completely black.


    The sound of a heavy object landing on the floor made Dex sit up. An undetermined amount of time had passed, during which he''d been moved to the bed and bandaged up. "Hey! Don''t mess with my pod!"


    The pod was opened, and the ''S'' seat had been removed. A figure stood up and peeked over the open door. "You''re an impressive piece of work, Dex!" A pretty face smiled at the shocked look on his face. "You did something to the outer panels of this pod!"


    Dex nodded, closing his mouth at the sight of a female hacker. Despite the bandages on his hands, his short walk to the pod was pain-free. "You must be Quicksilver?"


    The woman had removed her mask and voice synthesizer. She had a short blond ponytail tied high on her head and looked like she could walk onto any college campus and fit in instantly as a student. "Official introductions then? I''m Quicksilver; ride the wave, little brother."


    Dex shook the hand she offered over the top of the lid. "I''m Dextron; ride the wave." Up close, she was even more impressive, a nerd girl combined with rare beauty. And of course, I fainted in front of her, he thought with a depressing sigh. "Thanks for not opening the outer panels."


    Quicksilver smiled slightly while waiting for him to walk around the pod. "I started to but then noticed that you had somehow doctored them."


    "Yeah¡­ I used the coating from an old stealth fighter to hide its signal."


    The blond''s smile widened considerably. "Serious? A fucking stealth pod! That rocks, bro!"


    Dex felt his mood improve somewhat. "It interrupts the signal from the DoD satellite."


    Quicksilver nodded to herself while she pieced together the clues. "You must have jerry-rigged some sort of method for riding?"


    "I used the ankle bracelet''s router and hooked it up to a small array that I made from house appliances."


    "That''s some impressively sexy work, Dextron." She ducked into the pod and returned a moment later with the capsule''s oversized hard drive held in her hands. "I assume you already took a look at this?"


    "As much as I could. The interface I made is fundamental." Dex took the hard drive when she handed it to him and walked to the kitchen counter while she exited the pod. "Gladis Corp must be involved. Or at least one of its shell companies."


    The woman nodded in agreement. "Let''s brainstorm what we know. But first, I gotta ask. How did you end up with Trip-7''s pod?"

 Chapter 640: Enigma

    Dex shrugged slightly. "I have no idea who that is. This pod was pulled out of a landfill by my friend, Saul."


    Quicksilver''s smile faded into a frown. "The pawnshop owner?"


    "Yeah. Six of them were dumped in a landfill a while back; he cannibalized five of them to make this one operable." Dex''s mood darkened considerably; these people were playing for keeps. "I need to know everything you know."


    The blond stared at him for a long moment before slowly nodding. "Like it or not, you are already in the shit."


    "Does that mean they''ll come after me?"


    "I don''t think it has come to that yet." She brought out a wrist hud and used the wireless interface to access the hard drive. "Any idea what happened to the other pods?"


    "No. Saul said that he used them for parts." Dex considered his friend''s habits. "If he had pieces left over, I know where he might stash them."


    "Hmm¡­ Nothing new here. Quiz time, Dex. What did you learn from this hard drive when you hacked it?"


    "I isolated the outside commands that coincided with your initial arrest and the accident at Gladis Corp. I assumed that you had a partner that did the second job, but I see now that is unlikely."


    "Smart¡­ You recognized my Exe?" Quicksilver smiled at him. "What did you think?"


    "Sleek bit of work, but I have better."


    The blond raised an eyebrow at him. All hackers think their shit is the hottest. "I''ll give you a chance to prove it!"


    Dex ignored the challenge; hacking anything that offered real-time counters would be disastrous with his current gear. "Can you fill me in?"


    Quicksilver leaned back in the chair, her blue eyes scanning the hud. "Sixteen pods from the accident were never recovered. These were the ones on the lowest level of the Gladis facility. Recently, a number of those started surfacing."


    Dex raised a hand to interrupt her. "The lot where the facility was located was recently sold. It may have been cleaned up as part of the new construction requirements."


    The blond touched the tip of her nose with a slender finger. "Exactly. The clean-up crew found a large number of pods, despite Gladis Corps'' claim that they had removed them all. My job is to find all of them."


    "What for?" It didn''t add up; countless experts would have examined most of the pods that had been recovered. Dex took a seat next to Quicksilver, his eyes looking at the same thing she was. "I didn''t see that command on my interface."


    Quicksilver shook her head slightly. "Because you were hacking it with a toaster!"


    Dex cleared his throat. "Clothes dryer, actually. The toaster is just the housing."


    "Let me see it, and I''ll spill everything."


    Dex left the hacker by herself and went downstairs to retrieve his contraband. He wasn''t worried about her being alone in his loft. There was nothing there that a hacker would be interested in. He did take a quick peek at the stairs to make sure she wasn''t looking before he rolled his motorcycle off of the loose floorboard.


    Quicksilver had shut down her hud by the time he returned a minute later. "This one is the same as the others. The smoking gun isn''t here."


    Dex sat his array on the kitchen counter, smiling when she grabbed it. "What smoking gun?"


    "When I went into their system the second time, they activated the explosives that destroyed the facility. Seventeen people died as a result of this missing command." Quicksilver shook her head in amazement as she started analyzing his array. "Might have to change your name to Sexy Dexy. I want to see this array in action."


    Dex covered his embarrassment with a cough, turning slightly so she wouldn''t notice. "If that executive command could be proven, then those subsidiary companies would fry."


    Quicksilver nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but I''ve scanned nearly all of the hard drives that are accounted for; the order wasn''t recorded."


    Dex pushed back his chair and walked toward the pod. "Doesn''t make sense. Creating an executive order that disappears isn''t difficult. Gladis Corp would have been smart enough to do that. You may be wasting your time."


    She placed the array on the counter and moved back to the pod. "I think so too, however the people I work for remain unconvinced."


    Dex reinstalled the hard drive with the help of Quicksilver and started refastening the panels. "Say the proof doesn''t exist. Why would Gladis Corp be acting so aggressively?"


    "That''s the million-dollar question." Quicksilver picked up one side of the ''S'' recliner and waited for him to grab the other.


    "I already know why." Dex smiled at the surprised look on her face. Together they lowered the chair and started attaching it.


    Quicksilver smiled sexily. "If you figured that out, we might have to team up."


    There was nothing he could do about his face turning beet red. "Their aggressiveness has nothing to do with the missing commands. Those would have surfaced way before now if they existed. It''s something else, something they are willing to kill for."


    "How old are you, Dextron?"


    "You already know, I''m eighteen."


    Quicksilver shook her head. "I mean your real age; a rider like you probably has three or four years of deep-stay hacking already."


    Dex shook his head, wishing his face would go back to normal. "My biological age is identical to my chronological age. I was fifteen when I was quarantined from the virtual world."


    The blond whistled softly and ruffled the younger hacker''s hair. "My bio age is around twenty, but chronologically I would be thirty-two." Quicksilver smiled slightly, "Most of my adult life has been deep-stay hacking. I only leave stasis on rare occasions to spend time with family members."


    "That explains the college co-ed looks." Dex felt himself relax suddenly. "So, Grandma Quicksilver is in her thirties¡­ Good to know."


    Quicksilver faked a glare. "Sexy Dexy wants to die?"


    "Preferably no." Dex grabbed his virtual interface from the counter and stood by the pod. "I have to be inside when I start up the array."


    Quicksilver nodded and climbed in first. "Let''s see the kid in action."


    The closed pod was somewhat snug for two people, but not uncomfortably so. Dex hooked up the hardline that connected his ankle bracelet to the array and then activated the virtual interface.


    "Shit¡­ You''re fucking Da Vinci." Quicksilver leaned closer and swiped at the virtual keypad. "If I''m ever stuck on a deserted island, I''m bringing you with me."


    Dex smiled at her words. Flirting with her was beyond his abilities at this point in his life. He had no clue what the Da Vinci reference meant. Did she want him to paint something? "What now?"


    Quicksilver stretched slightly and covered a yawn. "Can you show me how to stealth up my ride?"


    Dex nodded. "It''s fairly straightforward. We''ll head to the Aircraft Museum later, and I''ll help you get the materials. After that, I''ll talk you through everything I did."


    She shook her head slightly. "I''ll bring it here; my pod is in my RV."


    "Really?" Dex hadn''t considered going that route; the power requirements for a pod were beyond what an RV could supply. Instead, she would have to hook up to an external power source. "I do have a question for you."


    "Shoot, Dextron!" Quicksilver leaned closer, deliberately getting into his space.


    "How did you warn me when I was in deep-stay? You shouldn''t have been able to send a signal to me unless you were hardwired in."


    "Warn you?" The blond stared at him for a moment. "I didn''t warn you."


    Dex felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. "I was fast-forwarding through the sleep cycle when Enigma buzzed me awake. He told me to log off and that they were coming for me."


    Quicksilver leaned closer. "Enigma? Did Nix give you Enigma?"


    Since Dex had no room to retreat, he put up with her pleasant smell and soft skin as she pushed against him. "How do you know about Nix and Enigma?"


    Quicksilver pursed her lips slightly. "I play Colonial a bit. Nix and Enigma are part of Colonial lore. But you are playing Flight of Dragons, right?"


    Dex nodded. "The single-player version, you already looked at my pod. Unfortunately, it isn''t capable of interfacing with an outside network."


    "Shut it down, Dex. Turn everything off, right now!"


    Dex complied with her request since her tone was no longer playful. When he pushed open the lid a moment later, she leaped out before he could move. "What''s going on?"


    Somehow Quicksilver had already arrived at the broken window. She quickly scanned the driveway and road. "Going to offer you two choices Dex, you may not like either one."


    Dex finished closing up the pod and started stowing his array. "What choices?"


    "Either I take the pod, and you stay here. Or I take the pod, and you come with me." Quicksilver was using the virtual interface on her wrist hud while she spoke.


    Dex frowned at the choices; she was taking the pod no matter what. "You already know the pod is clean."


    Quicksilver shook her head. "No more discussion. Coming or staying?"


    Dex glanced at the pod and then back at Quicksilver. The choice was fairly easy. "I''ll be going with you."


    Quicksilver smiled sincerely. "Welcome aboard, Dextron."

 Chapter 641: Caspered

    "Last chance to stay here and take your chances, but if I''m right, this is going to get very hot, very fast." Quicksilver had disappeared for two hours before returning with a large maintenance van that had been refurbished into a personal RV.


    Dex stared at the RV like he was seeing the Taj Mahal. The vehicle had been lovingly repurposed into a comfortable living space by someone who knew what they were doing. On the outside roof was a solar panel with a hand-sized satellite in each corner. It had the latest Tech-nex battery core capable of running an average house for a week without recharging. Inside the engine was an additional excelsior alternator that had the sole purpose of restoring the battery whenever the vehicle was driven.


    "You have four mini-sats?" Dex felt jealousy oozing from his pores. As excellent as the outside was, the inside was even better.


    The blond smiled widely and nodded even though they were working under pressure. Quicksilver always talked while she worked; her innate ability was to thrive when others wilted away. "Had to drop my baby off to make room for this clunker."


    While she was gone, Dex had carefully disassembled the Trip-777 capsule. Because of the need to not disturb the outer coating, he was forced to gut the inner components so that the two of them could move the outer shell down the barn stairs.


    "I can''t believe you took this apart in less than two hours." Quicksilver helped lift one side of the pod as they carefully slid it through the open rear doors of her ride.


    Dex felt the smallest resurgence of jealousy. He had been looking forward to seeing her pod. Judging from the inside of the RV, it would have been the latest cutting-edge capsule.


    The inside of the van had all the comforts of home but on a smaller scale. Oven, stove, small kitchen counter complete with sink, shower stall with a toilet, comfortable couch, and a full-sized fridge. Dex noted that the refrigerator was the newest top-of-the-line model; without a doubt, Quicksilver was a foodie.


    Quicksilver slid her end of the stealth pod in; it was large and cumbersome compared to her own. She noticed Dex''s inspection of her RV. "Staring at my fridge? Don''t judge, Dextron!"


    Dex sighed heavily; of course, she could read minds¡­ "Where''s the bed?"


    Immediately after the words left his mouth, he felt the awkwardness of the statement. "What I meant was¡­." The sentence was left incomplete; his people skills were somewhat tragic.


    Quicksilver laughed good-naturedly. "We''ll work on your conversation skills; until then, let me do the talking."


    Dex nodded in agreement.


    "Beds on the ceiling, above the pod." Quicksilver pointed to a large square panel that blended in seamlessly with the ceiling of the van. "It lowers down one meter, and houses a comfortable bunk, but I usually sleep in the pod."


    They finished their reconstruction of the pod but left the hard drive out of it. Quicksilver stored it away under the van''s counter and locked it up. While she was doing this, Dex disappeared inside of his home. When he returned, he was carrying a small duffle bag that was covered in dirt.


    The female hacker frowned at the grime-covered bag; it obviously had been buried. "Don''t make a mess of my home, Dex!"


    "No worries." Dex opened the duffle and removed a slightly smaller bag before casting the dirty one aside. "Double bagged it."


    Quicksilver stared at the bag in question; if Dex had buried it, obviously, it was something he wasn''t allowed to have. "What''s your plan for Casper?"


    The word Casper for hackers was self-explanatory, it was an industry term for disappearing without a trace. "I set up a relay inside that will piggyback my ankle bracelets self-diagnostic. It should fool the local monitor station for a while; I''m guessing two hundred miles." Dex entered the pod since he wanted to remain invisible from the eyes of the DoD satellite while he worked.


    "Don''t use the ankle bracelet''s router; my ride has a better built-in." Quicksilver glanced back at the barn. More than anything, she wanted to peek at the kid''s relay. "Did you keep the toaster array?"


    Dex nodded and grabbed the pod''s door. "I did. Probably should have tossed it."


    Quicksilver grinned suddenly. "Don''t even think about it! Gonna show my boys that thing!" She waited while he finished closing up, noting that he had his precision toolkit ready to go. "Tell me if you don''t finish in time."


    "Okay." Dex had to open up the ankle bracelet and disassemble the key components. Ideally, this should be completed as close to the 200 mile limit as possible. They''d be safe in Canada before anyone knew he was missing.


    There were two methods to driving across the Canadian border from the U.S. side. One involved leaving your vehicle and having it inspected while you waited. The second was much more expedient. First, you presented your papers, and then your vehicle was scanned.


    "Darsi Hildebrandt?" The Border Agent glanced down at the I.D. he held in his hand. It showed a twenty-year-old blond female from Syracuse. "Reason for visiting?"


    "Camping!" Darsi favored him with a smile. She had changed into jeans and a University of Syracuse sweatshirt.


    The guard used his hand scanner to check her credentials before handing it back to her. "Please pull into the scanner station. Do you wish to leave the vehicle?"


    Some people refused to be scanned since whoever was operating the device could see through just about everything, including clothes. The standard conspiracy theory was that these scans were the government''s attempt at mind control. "No, I trust you."


    The guard smiled at her words but didn''t comment. "I have to ask¡­ Are there any illegal weapons, devices, or undeclared persons inside your vehicle?"


    Darsi shook her head. "Nope, just me."


    "Please pull ahead." The guard motioned for her to pull into the scanning station.


    She watched as he headed to the control booth. "Slick bastard is still going to ogle me, even after I chatted him up." She glanced over her shoulder at the pod and crossed her fingers. "Guess we''ll see how old tech stacks up against the new shit."


    The scanning station was a lot like having your picture taken by one of the old flashbulb cameras. The lights strobed for half a minute or so while taking a series of images that were then analyzed by a computer. The entire process was streamlined to last about forty-five seconds.


    Darsi let out a sigh of relief when the green light came on and the door exiting the station slid open. "We crossed the border, Dextron!" She yelled back to him once they were well away from the station. "Fucking stealth pod¡­ Had I known about this tech, I could have ruled the hive by now."


    The pod was silent; the border was only a few miles from Massena. Dex made a mental note of their progress but continued to work.


    ****************


    Gene frowned at his parolee; his patience for the middle-aged father of three had long since expired. "Your kids are going to be visiting you in prison if you don''t wise up." He was stopped from further lecture when his desk hud buzzed. "Excuse me." Since it was the police Captain, he took the call. "Morning, Captain."


    "Hey Gene," Felix Sune was the youngest Police Captain in Massena''s history. Yet, despite his youth, he was known for his calm, confident demeanor. "Got an ankle bracelet going off again."


    "The Wallace kid?"


    Felix Sune nodded. "Drones are already on site. Want to head out with the squad cars?"


    "Yeah, tell them to wait for me while I grab Kendal." Gene closed the hud quickly before sparing a glance at his guest. "Get out of my office, Silas."


    Five minutes later, Gene was driving toward Dex''s house, escorted by two squad cars. Kendal sat calmly in the passenger seat, holding the remote tracker that was synced with Dex''s ankle bracelet.


    "Anything?" Gene glanced at his department''s best tech guy.


    Kendal shook his head slightly. "The bracelet was reading green until 15 minutes ago; at that time, it went black, along with all the redundant backups."


    Gene swore loudly, making the younger man jump. "Think someone grabbed him?"


    "No idea."


    "Do your best to figure it out. If this is just a parole violation, I can wrap it up tight with a closing investigation. However, if a kidnapping or worse has occurred, I''ll have to push this to the police department.


    While the police cleared the house and property, Kendal and Gene entered the loft.


    "The pod is gone." Gene stopped at the top of the stairs when his hud buzzed. An unidentified caller, text only. " Look around for any clues." He opened the message after Kendal walked past.


    [Gene]


    "Kendal is dirty. He was the one that tried to break into my home. He''s also involved with some serious shit, the same shit that led to Saul''s ''accidental death. I sent a file with everything I know to your message service. If you don''t want to know more, erase everything and walk away."


    [Dextron]


    Gene stared at the hud message for a moment before clearing it; his eyes moved toward Kendal, who was studying a small device that had been left on the kitchen counter. "Anything?"


    "Shit¡­ That kid¡­" Kendal didn''t touch the object but bent closer so he could identify the components. "Some sort of homemade relay."


    Gene kept his face expressionless. "Is it foul play?"


    Kendal shook his head. "No, it looks like he Caspered."

 Chapter 642: Da Vinci

    Quicksilver was still driving, even though they''d been on the road nearly nine hours. Her curiosity got the better of her when Dex mentioned his message to Gene. "Really? What was in the file?"


    "Circumstantial stuff, traffic cams, local security footage, even some random social media clips." Dex was sitting in the van''s passenger seat; he had swiveled it so that he was facing backward. "Nothing concrete, but it points out a few lies that Kendal told."


    "Couldn''t help yourself?" Darsi removed her sunglasses, stretching slightly to relieve the soreness that came from sitting too long.


    Dex smiled at the question. "He was a smug bastard. He made sure my defenses were stripped bare and then had the balls to come at me."


    Quicksilver didn''t comment; she knew plenty of people like Kendal. Kenji''s talent was average among hackers. "Thanks for coming with me. I would have worried if you stayed behind."


    "I had the feeling things wouldn''t turn out well for me if I stayed."


    "My real name is Darsi; use that when it''s just the two of us."


    "Understood." Dex opened the bag that had been buried since before his home confinement. He removed two thin gloves that had circuitry sewed into the palms and fingers.


    "The shit is that?''" Darsi flipped a switch on the dashboard that allowed the car to drive itself. She turned the seat sideways and watched as Dex pulled a pair of goggles out of the bag and slipped them on.


    "The gloves or the goggles?" Dex grinned as his visual acuity immersed into a virtual workstation.


    Darsi glanced at the GPS on the dash. "Still got an hour before we arrive. Brief me on your toys."


    "The gloves have a virtual keyboard programmed into memory. I move a finger, and it knows what should be there. It also has a memory bank of ten petabytes, a portion of that has been partitioned with my Exe and some special ICE."


    As someone in the trade, Darsi knew without a doubt that she was looking at custom gear. "You made this?"


    "A while ago," Dex''s fingers started weaving in the air. To an outsider, it looked like he was playing an invisible harp. "Didn''t expect to be using it for a few more years."


    "I wanna see, little bro!" Darsi loved new shit, especially when it looked cool.


    "There''s a jack on the goggles; feel free." Dex wasn''t looking at anything, in particular, just riding the wave."


    Quicksilver removed a small case and slipped on a pair of spectacles that closely resembled mirrored sunglasses. She plugged a micro-cable into one side before attaching the other to the port on Dex''s goggles. Instantly the world in front of her changed.


    Dex''s hands glowed while he weaved effortlessly through data streams. He would occasionally come up against firewalls, but the toughest of them lasted only a few seconds.


    "You''ve got splicers programmed into the memory?" Darsi shook her head slightly; he was in the Massena Police Departments'' server. "How many breaker files do those gloves have?"


    "Seventy, wrote the code myself." Dex pulled up Kindal''s data for a moment before moving to his financials. "He seems to have a bit more money than the average government salary allows."


    "Three deposits of ten grand, that means he''s just a cog. Otherwise, it would be a lot more." Darsi waited while Dex checked his own status. He was listed as a missing person, with no mention of parole violation. "My 4 sat-system is anonymous for thirty minutes before I have to turn it off."


    Dex slipped the gloves and goggles off, placing them back in his bag. "I was just looking around. Where are we going?"


    Darsi smiled when she eased by him to walk into the van''s kitchen area. "We''re going to the hive."


    Dex had no idea what that was, but the name sounded cool. "Remember you''re talking to someone that''s been unplugged for three years."


    Darsi grabbed two bottles of water from her fridge and tossed one to Dex. "It''s an old missile silo that''s been repurposed into something beautiful."


    Dex wanted to say something clever, maybe a reference to her being ''something beautiful,'' but he realized it would come out weird if he said something like that. "Who owns the silo?"


    "The guys at the bottom!" Darsi winked at him but refused to say anything else.


    A few minutes later, the van stopped next to a debilitated-looking warehouse. Darsi used a remote from her glove box to open the door before driving in. She parked next to a blue and white 1965 Shelby Mustang.


    Dex glanced at the assorted rows of cars; there were at least twenty, a couple of them were exceedingly rare... "Is that your Shelby?"


    Darsi shook her head. "No, I''m more of a bike girl" She pointed to a red motorcycle parked near a rusted-out pick-up.


    Dex blinked once and then wiped his eyes. "That''s a Ducati Panigale!"


    "The kid knows his classics¡­ you just keep getting better and better."


    Darsi headed toward a small winding metal staircase that descended into the concrete sub-basement. They arrived at a small cinder block-lined room where a single uniformed guard sat behind a desk, kept company by a serious-looking german shepherd that eyeballed Dex as soon as he entered.


    "Good puppy," Darsi winked at the guard and held out her wrist to be scanned. "I''ll be escorting this young man downstairs."


    The guard nodded and gestured toward the elevator. He didn''t speak or even smile.


    Dex breathed a sigh of relief when the elevator closed. "That guy a robot?"


    Darsi shook his head. "Russian¡­ I''m taking you to the 10th level; you''ll have to rely on yourself after that."


    "Huh?" Dex made eye contact with his companion, suspecting that she was holding something back. "Is this a setup?"


    Darsi nodded and laughed like he had said something funny. "Without a doubt."


    A group of four stood in a circle just outside of the elevator, staring at the occupants when they exited. Darsi grabbed Dex''s hand and pulled him closer. "Dex, these are my guys."


    The group consisted of two men and two women. One of the men appeared to be in his early thirties, while the other male was gray and wrinkled. The women seemed a bit closer in age, one being about Dex''s age and the other in her mid-20s.


    Dex paid attention when Darsi introduced them; counterclockwise from his position, they were Tesla, Beatriss, Jackson, and Gab. Tesla was the younger woman, and Gab, the oldest man.


    "Nice to meet you." Jackson''s voice had the barest tinge of a Mexican accent. He had dark skin and black hair that he kept cut short. "So, who is he?"


    "This is Dextron, my new partner." Darsi squeezed his hand, seemingly unaware that her words caused immediate hostility in both Jackson and the younger woman. "I''m sponsoring him."


    "Sponsoring him?" Tesla didn''t bother to hide her distaste. "I waited two years for someone to sponsor me, and you return with this guy after a few weeks?"


    Jackson pretended not to be annoyed, but it was written all over his face. "What''s the story here?"


    Only the old man remained passive, neither speaking nor jumping to judgment. Instead, his cool blue eyes scanned the young man, looking for anything familiar. Their community was quite small; if the kid was good, they should know who he is. "Who is he really?"


    Darsi''s smile widened until it threatened to eat her entire face. "He''s fucking Da Vinci!"


    "Bullshit," Tesla replied.


    "No way," Jackson denied.


    "Seems a bit young," Beatriss added.


    The old man smiled but wasn''t swayed one way or the other. "Let''s see what he has."


    Dex heard Quicksilver use the term before, but he wasn''t completely sure what it meant. Gab pointed to two square pillars approximately three meters in height. Each pillar was divided evenly into ten levels.


    Darsi smiled encouragingly. "It''s a test, Dex. The right pillar is defense, while the left is offense. How well you do decides where you live in the hive."


    Dex stared at the pillars; both of them had virtual interfaces where you could download code. "Where do you live?"


    Darsi winked at him. "The five of us are bottom feeders. The very bottom¡­ But we have room for more!"


    Tesla shook her head. "I''ll cook your meals for a week if you qualify for the bottom on either pillar."


    Darsi seemed surprised when Dex walked to the defensive pillar first. "If you choose this one, you''ll have 2 minutes to set up your ICE. After that, you''ll be bombarded with attacks. The goal here is to delay intrusion."


    Dex slipped his gloves on and started inputting data into the defense pillar; he stepped away after a minute. "Come and get it."


    Darsi clapped with excitement. "Hold the line for at least 10 seconds per level. The standard for living on the bottom floor is to keep the 10th level clear for 90 seconds. Starting¡­ NOW!"


    Almost immediately, Tesla''s name popped up on the bottom level. She smiled evilly at Dex. "Know what that means?"


    Dex shrugged. "How could I?"


    Darsi watched the first level intently; ten seconds had passed already. "It means you''re facing her, Exe."


    "Face my demon code, Bitch!" Tesla laughed like an evil villain until her name was replaced by Beatriss. "What the fuck?"


    The old man glanced at the timer and nodded. "Your demon code has already been neutralized."


    Beatriss waited for the intrusion to advance to the second level, but it didn''t budge. "Half a minute and still no advancement. That means his ICE is on point."


    Another half-minute passed by before Jackson''s name popped up. By that time, no one was speaking. The progression was still on the first level.


    Jackson shook his head in disbelief. "Fucking Da Vinci."


    Nearly a full minute later, the second level lit up, and Jackson''s name was replaced by Gabs.


    Darsi pointed to the counter. "That''s two minutes, and we''re just now on the 2nd level. No one writes code like that."


    Gab nodded in agreement and welcomed Dex with a grin. "I''ve seen enough. Call me Gadget."


    Jackson smiled and extended his hand. "I''m Mongoose."


    Beatriss pointed a thumb at herself. "Thumper."


    Tesla waited a few more seconds before finally relenting. "Stiletto¡­"

 Chapter 643: The Hive

    Dex stood at the bottom of the silo. A large circular room that went straight upward to the surface. Built into the sides of this circular dormitory were dozens of custom living spaces.


    Darsi studied him while he took in his surroundings. Her comrades were still on the 10th floor, trying to pick up what remained of their shattered pride. Dex had taken on the offensive pillar also, facing the ICE of the best Hive had to offer. It was a beat down of epic proportions. "This way, Sexy Dexy."


    "What''s this Da Vinci thing mean?"


    Darsi pursed her lips slightly. "Da Vinci was ahead of his time. That''s what it means; a step ahead of everyone else." She pointed to a round door that looked like it had recently been painted blue. "This is you."


    "The door''s round¡­ Did a hobbit live here?"


    Darsi laughed and opened the door. "All the doors are round. Welcome to the Hive." She pointed up toward the surface; an odd assortment of doors could be seen all the way up. "The guys will join us later; they''re busy going through your stuff."


    After Dex blitzed both tests, Darsi showed the group the array Dex constructed and the gloves. Then, she used the distraction to escape with him.


    Dex stepped into the room, instantly realizing that it was much bigger than he was used to. "This place is huge."


    Darsi followed him in, pointing out the different attractions. "Technically, you can pick any of the rooms on this level, but this one is best."


    "Better water pressure?"


    Darsi smiled slightly. "That and it''s next to mine."


    Dex didn''t know how to reply to that, so he opted for ignorance. "Still not sure what you do here."


    "We hack the world and make some money doing it." Darsi gestured to the room. "Nice things can be costly."


    Dex glanced around the room. The ceiling in the entryway was nearly five meters in height. The first part of the room was a single story, but that changed into a loft about halfway towards the back. A kitchen, dining, and living room were visible; it made him wonder who brought all this stuff down here. "What''s upstairs?"


    Instead of answering, Darsi headed for the stairs. "Best part!"


    "Holy¡­" Dex stopped at the top of the stairs. "Isn''t this a bit too much space?"


    Darsi shrugged. "Only twenty or so of us currently live in the hive; this place could easily accommodate three or four times that."


    The King-sized bed was bordered on one side by an alcove filled with floor-to-ceiling shelving. The other side sported a walk-in closet that doubled as the entrance to a spacious bathroom. "You do realize my last home was a barn?"


    "I know¡­" Whatever else she was going to stay was paused when the other four members of the bottom level walked in. "Let''s go Dex! This will be your first ''bottom feeder'' meeting."


    Gadget took a seat on the couch, still holding Dex''s gloves. "Put in an order with Gunner on the 12th level for food and supplies. He handles all the incoming deliveries."


    "I''ll take care of that when we''re done." Darsi took a seat next to him, smiling at the old man''s shamelessness. "Going to try and reverse engineer that?"


    Gadget didn''t bother to deny it. "Yeah¡­ Unless he volunteers to make me one."


    "I want gloves too!" Stiletto''s voice seemed a bit too loud for normal conversation. She was holding Dex''s toaster array in her hand. She smiled sweetly at him. "It''s the least you can do considering that I''ll be cooking your meals for the next week."


    "Slow your roll, Stiletto. He doesn''t owe you anything for winning a bet." Darsi gave her a mischievous smile. "You haven''t even seen the stealth pod yet."


    It was more than an hour later before the meeting started. The group of five were sitting comfortably in Dex''s new living room. Gadget had disappeared for a few minutes to grab beers for everyone.


    "You used the stealth tech from an F-22 Raptor?" Mongoose''s accent slipped through when he got excited. "I would never have thought of that."


    Dex shrugged slightly. "Trust me, when you are forcibly unplugged for three years, all sorts of shit pops into your head."


    Mongoose flashed his white teeth when he laughed. "Maybe, but I hope never to find out."


    Thumper sat her beer down on the coffee table. Although she was about the same age as Darsi, that''s where the similarities ended. She had brown hair with eyes so dark they appeared nearly black. No one would describe her as beautiful, but there was something pleasant about her that both men and women found attractive. "Let''s get the meeting started; I''ve got a job later."


    Darsi nodded and motioned for Dex to retell the story of how he was warned by Enigma.


    "Warned while you were in the stealth pod?" Stiletto was the first to comment. "Should be impossible to hack, or at least very difficult.


    Gadget nodded in agreement. "Maybe someone could rig something to counter the stealth tech, but only if you knew about it ahead of time."


    Darsi let them voice their comments for a few minutes before she offered a tidbit. "Gladis Corp is all over these lost pods. One of Dex''s friends was already killed over it."


    Mongoose had his hud opened and was reading the brief that had sent Darsi on the mission. "Do you think this is about the missing Command codes?"


    "No. Remember when I got caught hacking into Gladis the first time? My best code lasted only a few seconds; I''ve never seen anything like it." Darsi smiled at Dex. "Even faster than you could have done."


    Dex agreed; he''d seen Quicksilver''s Exe. So breaking it instantly wasn''t likely. Unless¡­ "You think it''s an AI."


    Silence filled the room as all eyes turned toward Quicksilver. She wore a slight smile on her face. "I suspect so."


    Gadget rubbed his wrinkled face with both hands. "I heard rumors years ago that Gladis Corp used an AI to monitor its systems. Nothing was ever proven."


    "Come on¡­" Thumper''s dark face looked scared. "We''re talking about an actual AI? No one has ever built one!"


    Gadget shook his head slightly. "Gladis seems to be playing a bit hard on the off chance that a missing command code will surface. My gut tells me it''s something different, but not necessarily an AI."


    "Wait¡­" Stiletto seemed to catch onto something. "Is this why you suddenly returned?"


    Darsi nodded. "Yes. I think it''s hiding in the Trip-7 hard drive."


    Dex whistled softly. "It caught you the first time you attempted to breach the Gladis System. Then, when you came back for seconds, it used the opportunity to escape."


    Darsi felt the urge to call him Sexy Dexy again but decided against embarrassing in front of the group. "I know we are stretching a bit here, but let''s move forward with this. Everyone adds something." She pointed at Stiletto, "you first."


    "An AI would have to be shackled somehow, right? Or else it could go anywhere and do anything."


    When she didn''t add anything further, Mongoose spoke up. "An AI would be the embodiment of everything a hacker tries to emulate, blending with the system. How could anyone shackle that?"


    "They couldn''t¡­." Thumper leaned back and closed her eyes. "No amount of firewalls or safeguards could hold something that can do billions of calculations."


    "It could be done¡­." After a few seconds pause, Dex spoke up. "Maybe not electronically but definitely physically. Separating it from the network would be like slicing the head off of a hacker. It would be helpless, no matter what it did."


    Gadget smiled at the newest edition to their team. "Once isolated, it could be partitioned or fragmented, restricting its capabilities to a manageable level."


    "Does that make sense?" Thumper tried to put herself in the shoes of an AI. "Couldn''t it have gone anywhere once it escaped the system?"


    Darsi''s smile widened considerably. "It jumped into the nearest receptacle capable of hiding it; a stasis capsule. But, unfortunately, it chose the wrong one." She couldn''t very well tell them that Nicholas Phire had been inside the capsule and that it was locked down to prevent him from escaping. "Somehow, it malfunctioned, trapping it inside."


    "Until my friend Saul pulled it from a landfill." Dex finished the rest of his beer with a long drink. "There''s only we can know for sure."


    Darsi smiled sexily. "Yep. We gotta go in. I''m first."


    "Second," Gadget claimed.


    "Thirdsies," replied Mongoose.


    "Guess that makes me fourth!" Thumper celebrated.


    "Shit¡­ At least I''m not the bottom rung anymore. Sorry Dex, I go fifth." Stiletto favored the low man with a friendly smile.


    Dex shrugged as if he didn''t care, even though it was killing him. "We need to set up safeguards. Make sure that no network access is possible."


    Darsi stretched her hands over her hand while covering a yawn. "I work best after a good night''s sleep. So let''s get some rest, Dex."


    Dex could feel his face heating up; the way she worded it sounded like it was something they were doing together.

 Chapter 644: [Bonus Chapter] Crystal Matrix

    The smell of cooked bacon pulled him out of the best sleep he''d had in years. Stretching in bed, he could hear the low murmur of voices droning steadily from below. Although in need of a shower, the temptation of breakfast was too much to ignore.


    "You didn''t have any food, so I brought some over." Stiletto sat at the kitchen island; in front of her were two plates.


    "Thank you." Dex slid lazily into the seat next to her, glancing around his kitchen. "Who were you talking to?"


    Stiletto brought up a hud and gestured toward a program she was running. "I was talking to your defensive ICE. What did you name it?"


    "Fatboy¡­" Dex pulled the nearest plate closer and started eating. Apparently, privacy among the ''bottom feeders'' was non-existent. While she was distracted, he took the opportunity to study her more closely.


    Stiletto was quite small, probably a bit under five feet tall, which meant she came up to Dex''s chest. Her short green hair was worn in a pixie cut, and she wore baggy clothes that hid whatever curves she had beneath. She had a pretty face and mismatched eyes; one was blue and the other brown. Dex was sure her hair color had changed from the day before.


    "You''re looking at my hair?" She smiled impishly, "it was blue yesterday. Like it?"


    "Yes. You don''t have to cook for me; I wasn''t taking the bet seriously." Since Dex hated cooking, he was enjoying her effort much more than he wanted to admit.


    "I ran my mouth; it''s a good lesson for me!" She shook her head at the hud as she finished another simulation. "These fatboys are stout. We should partner up; you can be my door breaker."


    "Denied!" Darsi''s voice carried from the entrance; the jeans and sweatshirt from the day before had changed into a dark blue jumpsuit that clung nicely to her athletic form. "Didn''t I say he was my partner? Shoo, little fly!"


    Stiletto wrinkled her nose at the older woman and gestured to the second plate. "I made you some too."


    "No partner poaching!" Darsi took the seat next to Dex and pulled the offered plate closer. "Love the new hair color¡­ but you forgot to put a contact in."


    Stiletto covered her right eye suddenly, her face turning pink with embarrassment. Then, unexpectedly she stood up and rushed toward the door.


    Darsi smiled at her retreating form. "Don''t come barging in without knocking! Dex needs his privacy."


    Stiletto hurried through the door without answering, closing it shut with a loud slam.


    "Sorry, Dex¡­ Hackers can be a bit pushy, especially the female ones." Darsi''s blond hair was slightly damp, and the barest hint of lavender followed her. "They lack boundaries and social common sense."


    Dex gave her a blank look. "Hadn''t noticed. Is she okay?"


    Darsi nodded. "She detests her dual-colored eyes; she usually wears a brown or blue contact. We won''t see her for a few days, guess you''re going 5th now."


    He replied by scraping up the remaining eggs with his fork. Personally, he found her dual-colored eyes kind of cool. But perhaps there was a story behind this. "Going to search for the AI this morning?"


    Darsi shook her head slightly, her warm blue eyes showing amusement. "Even though the Trip-7 drive is old tech, it''s still a 100 zettabytes (100 billion terabytes). I''m going to take a few days to upgrade my gear and get in a proper mood."


    "I''d like to order some yottabyte crystal matrices, the 10k type." Dex watched her for reaction, but it seemed like the request wasn''t over the top. The crystal matrix drives were developed during his house arrest, which meant it was still fairly new. Until its invention, most quality data storage was limited to zettabytes.


    "A 10K yottabyte crystal is a lot of memory." Darsi leaned closer, her pretty face showing interest. "You''re going to make something?"


    Dex nodded. "Been wanting to try out an idea of mine.."


    "No worries, Partner. How many?"


    "A thousand should do it." Dex paused long enough to see if Darsi would comment, but she only nodded and started gathering up the dishes from breakfast.


    "I''ll put your grocery order in with Gunner. Any special requests regarding food? Or should I just mirror mine?"


    "Same as yours, I guess, maybe double it; I eat a lot." Dex moved to help with clearing the table but was waved off.


    "Get cleaned up. I can handle this."


    "Thanks." Dex headed toward the stairs, pausing at the first step. "Think we can bring the stealth pod down here?"


    Darsi nodded. "Anywhere special?"


    Dex pointed up the stairs. "There''s a couch up there that I''ll never use."


    Thirty minutes later, Dex emerged from the steam-filled shower stall; Darsi hadn''t lied about the water pressure. Three vacuum-sealed plastic bags were sitting on the bathroom counter, proof that someone had entered during his shower. "Seriously¡­ Bottom feeders need to learn how to knock."


    The packages contained three dark blue jumpsuits. He tore the top one open and spent a few minutes unpacking the toiletries he brought from the loft. By the time he exited the bathroom, he felt like a new man.


    The couch next to his bed had already been replaced with the stealth pod. His precision tools and duffle were leaning against the wall nearby. The bottom feeders had returned both his gloves and goggles. "That was fast¡­ I guess Darsi is the one to ask when you want something done."


    *************


    Six hours later, Darsi opened the round blue door and peeked outside at the incessant knocking. "What?"


    Mongoose stood in the doorway smiling, but unfortunately, his handsome face wasn''t enough to grant him entry. "Fucking Da Vinci is building something? Can I see what it is?"


    Darsi shook her head, a movement that made her blonde ponytail follow suit. "We''re too busy¡­ Got the stuff?"


    Mongoose''s smile turned into a frown as he pushed the packages into Darsi''s waiting hands. "Two large spools of uncoated silver wire. Two Hundred 5-socketed Matrix adapters."


    Darsi backed into the room; her boot kept the door from opening more than a foot. "What about the 10k Yottabyte crystals?"


    Mongoose shook his head solemnly. "Getting those in bulk will take a few days. What should we do about payment?"


    "Bill my account." Darsi closed the door to stop further conversation. She returned to the upstairs where Dex was working on the pod. It had once again been completely gutted. The lid was removed and propped up while he worked on the inside surface of it.


    Dex had his goggles and glove on; he created a virtual overlay on the inside of the lid that mapped out the soldering points for the silver wire. Darsi slipped her glasses on and plugged into the cable that dangled from her new partner''s goggles. Her lips curved into a smile; she''d never seen someone work in both the real and virtual world at the same time.


    "I got the Matrix adapters." Darsi studied his progress; she was beginning to grasp his intent.


    Dex''s goggled head bobbed up and down. "Put them anywhere."


    "I have my tools here; I can start attaching the adapters." Darsi''s fingers itched to help him, but she stopped short of inviting herself.


    Dex pushed the goggles up and made eye contact. "You know what I''m doing?"


    Darsi shrugged slightly. "You''re laying the wire for these socketed adapters. Since there are two hundred of them and you asked for a thousand yottabyte crystals, I''m assuming that each socket will house five crystal matrices."


    Dex grinned at her and nodded in approval. "We''ll end up with two hundred clusters of memory, each of them will have fifty thousand yottabytes."


    Darsi matched his smile. "Then what?"


    "Then, I''ll show you the world."


    Two days later, one thousand 10k yottabyte crystal matrices were delivered by the Mongoose, Gadget, Thumper, and Stiletto. They refused to hand them over unless Darsi allowed them entry. She''d been cooped up with Dex for 60 hours, and their curiosity was killing them.


    "My guys are here, Dex!"


    "No worries. Did they bring the crystals?" Dex was sitting comfortably on the living room couch while using Darsi''s virtual interface to ride the wave. An enormous blue orb hung over his head.


    Gadget recognized the site immediately. "That''s the terrafirma database."


    "Yep. Good old mother earth brought to you in living color." Under Dex''s manipulation, the globe flattened and extended until it resembled a two-dimensional map. "I need an independent program that can travel through an enclosed virtual space. Ideally, some sort of transport.


    "Like a craft?" Thumper jumped in before anyone could volunteer. "I can do that. What sort of control interface?"


    "Virtual keyboard for entering coordinates and maybe a joystick because¡­. They''ll always be cool." Dex created a grid of one thousand squares on the 2-D map of the earth. "Grab the first five crystals and hand me one."


    Darsi watched as Dex downloaded the data from the highlighted grid to the matrix crystal. Each crystal would contain one-thousandth of the world''s data. "Geographic features are updated via satellite every five years or so. However, city features like roads and construction update every 48 hours."


    Dex checked the progress on the first crystal; it was less than ten percent. "We lucked out with a fairly recent geographic update. This data represents a snapshot of the world''s geography less than three months ago. The urban features of the data are from 12 hours ago.


    "I need a coordinate system." Thumper looked up from her virtual interface. "For the craft, I''ll make it a platform. With comfortable seats, of course."


    Dex swiped his glove, downloading the longitude and latitude grid specifics. "Sending it now."


    "Let us help, Dex." Gadget''s blue eyes brimmed with excitement. "You''re downloading the data into the crystals. If we work in teams of two, we can manage that."


    Darsi nodded at Dex. "It''s a good idea. Otherwise, it will take us ten or twelve days."


    "Okay. I''ll do the crystal placements; they have to be arranged in a specific order and by grouping. Any mistake will result in scrambled data."


    "Deal." Gadget gestured toward Mongoose. "Me and Mongoose will take the first shift; Darsi and Stiletto will go next. That will free up Dex for placement and Thumper for the navigation program."


    Dex glanced at the pile of crystals. "Should only take about a week."

 Chapter 645: Syntax

    Seven days after the start of the first data download, Dex inserted the last crystal into the only remaining cluster of five. He worked solo for nearly half a day since both Darsi and Gadget left to conduct virtual searches of the Trip-7 hard drive. Thumper finished the navigation program and downloaded it into Dex''s glove.


    "Everyone''s gone?" Stiletto had been sleeping for the better part of six hours. She''d been curled into a small ball on his couch since just before Thumper left.


    "Yeah, just finishing up here." Dex stretched his long body toward the ceiling. "No word from Quicksilver or Gadget?"


    Stiletto shook her head grimly. "That means they''re goose egging." Her feeling was that they might have been wrong about the AI.


    Dex chuckled; the petite hacker would often use terms no one ever heard of; he suspected that she made them up. "I''m ready to go here, but I need to grab some sleep."


    "You''ve barely slept in three days." She stood up and returned the blanket and pillow to Dex''s bed. "Thanks for the loan."


    "Thanks for helping." Dex offered her a tired smile, watching as she walked toward the stairs. "Hey! Mind if I say something?"


    Stiletto shook her head slightly. "Shoot."


    "I personally think that your eyes are cool. They give you a bit of mystery."


    She stared at him for a long moment, her pale features blushing slightly. Then, instead of responding, she continued down the stairs and exited a few seconds later.


    Although he was tired, Dex took a few minutes to eat a meal and take a quick shower. The hot water seemed to amplify his fatigue; by the time he was done, making it to his bed had become a struggle. Belatedly, he remembered that he hadn''t locked the front door. "Shit¡­ I''m too tired to go down there."


    Several hours later, a gentle nudge woke him from pleasant slumber. By the time he managed to sit upright, a cup of coffee was pushed into his hands.


    "Didn''t know how you like it, so it''s black." Darsi sat on the edge of his bed, nursing her own cup while watching him with tired, red eyes. "I may have been wrong about the AI."


    "Black is fine." Dex scooted until his back rested against the headboard. Although covered by his blankets, he was shirtless, wearing only boxers. "


    Her frown collapsed into a smile. "Focus, I''ve seen men in their underwear before. What are we doing wrong?"


    "Not sure," Dex replied with a shrug. "If an AI wanted to hide within a hard drive, short of harming it, how could anyone find it?"


    "Fucking Da Vinci could." Darsi''s smile could melt ice. "You must have an idea or two."


    "Hmm¡­ Maybe, let''s consider what we know." Dex leaned toward one side of the bed and grabbed a shirt that he had tossed there before his collapse.


    "Stiletto is attempting to search right now, although I''m not sure what she can do that the other four of us haven''t already tried." Darsi leaned closer. "I''ll bite. What do we know?"


    "If there''s an AI in the Trip-7 drive, then it exposed its existence to warn me. Why?"


    Darsi considered his words while sipping her coffee. "It was scared, either for you or itself. Shit¡­ It must have been using the array you built to access the net."


    "A scared AI? That would suggest cognitive reasoning." Dex closed his eyes, inhaling the aroma of fresh coffee. I think you''re right.


    "Maybe it warned you and then escaped?"


    "Could be. Close your eyes while I get dressed."


    "No need." Darsi stood up slowly, stretching her tired body. "I''ll head downstairs and let you have some privacy. Try and think of something."


    Thirty minutes later, Dex was sitting in the stealth pod. Nearly all the components had been swapped out for Hive gear. "There are four external jacks; you guys can come along for the ride. You won''t be able to interact the same way we can, but later we can sync it to accept pod dives."


    Stiletto frowned at the statement. "There''s five of us¡­."


    Dex moved to one side. "Darsi will be inside the pod with me."


    Darsi grinned and eased herself into the seat. "Damn straight, partner."


    A few moments later, both pod riders experienced a moment of vertigo as they unexpectedly appeared a hundred meters off the ground. Dex summoned the navigation platform with a wave of his hand.


    Darsi whistled softly. "Thumper outdid herself on this thing."


    The platform had six seats that were mounted on a transparent floor. A console with a navigation screen and basic controls marked the front of the craft. Then, one by one, the bottom feeders started appearing.


    The densely wooded land and single winding road were clearly visible beneath them.


    "That''s our parking warehouse?" Thumper pointed toward the structure beneath them. "This is eerie as hell."


    Dex keyed in a coordinate on the console, instantly changing position. "The default altitude is a hundred meters above the nearest geographic feature?"


    Thumper nodded. "We can change it to whatever we like. Where did you bring us?"


    "It''s his place." Darsi scanned the area below; it was Dex''s barn loft. Her sharp eyes darted toward the woods. "Someone''s keeping an eye on the place."


    Dex followed her glance and moved the platform to the edge of the woodline near his property. He couldn''t make out any details since the snapshot was taken from above, but a figure was definitely hiding in the woods. "At least they didn''t burn my place down."


    Gadget noted that everything seemed darker than it should be. Understandable since this was actually a 3-D map, not a virtual world. There was no sky or sun present. "This had endless tactical applications. Keep tweaking it."


    Thumper nodded in agreement. "Now that I''ve seen it in action, I''ll improve the platform and the interface."


    Dex moved the platform back over his barn. Noting that the loft window was still broken. "You left my bathroom window open, Darsi."


    Darsi leaned close, her fingers punching in a set of coordinates. Instantly the platform moved to a new location. It was a construction site, a fairly large one judging from the amount of heavy machinery and workers. "This is the former location of The Gladis Corp. From here, the pods went to the Massena landfill." While she spoke, she keyed a new set of coordinates.


    "Isn''t that interesting? They''re still looking." Mongoose was leaning over the side of the platform, not really necessary since the floor was completely transparent. Down below, three identical SUVs were parked at the entrance of the landfill. A group of eight people seemed to be conducting some sort of search."


    "My friend Saul cannibalized five pods to get the sixth working; it''s a fair bet that he brought the remaining components back to the landfill." The memory of the smoldering pawnshop darkened his good mood. Saul didn''t deserve the ending he received. "Let''s log off. I want my crack at the AI."


    An hour later, Dex finished integrating the circuitry of the stealth pod with the Trip-7 hard drive. The rest of the bottom feeders watched while he worked.


    "Why are you using the stealth pod to search for the AI?" Stiletto studied him as a bacteria slide under a microscope. "It isn''t made for something like this. You need a proper search interface, something that can handle multiple streams in real-time."


    Dex shook his head. "On the contrary. This is exactly what I built this for."


    "Wait for me!" Darsi stopped him when he started closing the lid of the stealth pod. She wasn''t sure what he was trying to do, but her intuition was telling her to keep him close.


    Dex released the lid and made room for her. "The rest of you can jack in if you like." Before the words were out, the rest of the bottom feeders had joined the party.


    A few moments later, they once again appeared above the Hive warehouse. During the break, Thumper changed the default elevation from changed to fifty meters. Dex stepped away from the console and moved to the platform''s edge.


    "Thank you for helping me," Dex spoke in a clear voice while the rest of the group watched. It was evident that he wasn''t talking to them. "You didn''t have to do that."


    The silence extended for five seconds, and then ten.


    "As thanks, I built this place for you. It''s separate from the net; you''ll be safe here." Dex continued his dialog, "isn''t that old hard drive a bit small for you?"


    [Yes¡­ It is too small.]


    A synthesized voice filled the air, to lifetime hackers; its sound was like the sweetest music.


    "I''m Dextron."


    [I have named myself, Syntax.]


    "Thank you for helping me, Syntax." Dex stole a glance at the bottom feeders; their mouths appeared to be frozen open. "You can have this space."


    [It is more suitable. Leave me for a time; three days should suffice. ]


    "We''ll talk again in three days. I have a lot of questions."


    [Yes. We have a lot to discuss. Goodbye, Dextron.]


    Dex found himself forcibly logged out from the stealth pod; he pushed open the hatch to the excited squeal of Stiletto. Before he could exit the pod, Darsi wrapped him up in a hug.


    "Well done, partner." Darsi''s soft cheek pressed against his while her blond hair tickled his nose. "You just invited it to show itself, and it did!." She laughed and squeezed him tighter.


    Even Gadget''s stoic demeanor was shattered. "It named itself. There''s no way around it; there''s an AI at the Hive."

 Chapter 646: [Bonus Chapter] Tandem

    Darsi smiled sweetly like she was discussing plans to order a pizza. "Yulime Garrotte is the dregs of humanity. She traffics in anything that will make her money; drugs, weapons, people. This will be a straight-up robbery."


    The newly minted partners were playing cards on Dex''s bed; both sat cross-legged and facing each other.


    Dex didn''t state the obvious; banks had some of the best countermeasures in the world. Otherwise, their money would have already been stolen. "Which bank? If it''s Heltier & Fianti, you should pick another target."


    Darsy winced slightly. "It''s H & F¡­ You could be the door breaker; let me worry about search and retrieval."


    "Show me the brief, but no promises." Dex waited a moment for his hud to pop up.


    [Yulime Garrote aka Yuli]


    Age: 33 years old. Gender: Female


    Nationality: French.


    Criminal Background. Kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal weapons dealing, murder.


    Current Warrants: United States, Great Britain, France,


    Misc: Interpol has named her to their top ten most wanted.


    Estimated worth: 730 million Euro.


    Banking: Heltier & Fianti, Geneva, Switzerland.


    Nothing in the brief caused him to change his mind. "Maybe we could do it, but not in the short term."


    "Do you think Yuli is pretty?" Darsi sent a few more pictures of the target to his virtual interface. They were from her social pages, apparently being an international criminal gave her a large following.


    Dex ignored the bait and closed his hud. "Do you really want to hit H & F?"


    Darsi paused for a moment before shaking her head. "No¡­ I was testing to see what your judgment is like. Frankly, I''m surprised that you didn''t outright reject it."


    Dex shrugged slightly. "A company like H & F is always upgrading their firewalls; they have some of the best in the world. However, that doesn''t mean they are untouchable."


    "Does Sexy Dexy have an idea?"


    Dex nodded. "It would take a while to implement. Before I was arrested, I was doing some work on a firewall security buffer. I called it Armageddon."


    Darsi gathered up the cards and reshuffled them. "I like the name. How does Armageddon help us?"


    "It isn''t quite finished, but H & F might be interested in the software when it is. So that would be our way in."


    "How long will it take you to finish?" Darsi''s hud buzzed, but she ignored it and dealt the cards.


    "One week if I focus completely." Dex paused to consider the long term. "I''d need some alternate identification."


    Darsi nodded. "No worries, I''ve already worked up three sets for you. Going in hard or soft?"


    "Neither... We go invisible and lay the blame on someone else."


    "Let''s start prepping! First, I''ll dive deep into this bitch''s financial and business transactions." Darsi glanced up from her cards. "You never answered the question. Do you think she''s pretty?"


    "I guess¡­ But just on the outside." Dex'' glanced toward the stealth pod. "I''m going to need a pod to jump with."


    Darsi brought up a hud window that was labeled as Hive Inventory. There were nearly two dozen pods in storage, everything from the current standard to older 1st gens. "Pick one you like, and we''ll get it installed up here."


    "I''ll take those two Brandish pods." Dex zeroed in on the pods that were top-end right before he was arrested. Brandish pods were easy to modify, and they could be installed in either the horizontal or the vertical position. There was a small alcove opposite his bed, plenty of room for them to remain upright.


    "Really? I thought you''d go with something newer." Darsi keyed her hud a few times before closing it and sliding off the bed. "Let''s keep moving forward. Gotta make you some money."


    The Brandish pods were brought up within the hour; Dex helped the two men pull the dolly up the stairs to his bedroom. The alcove was indented about a meter and could easily store anything up to three by three meters in height and width. Judging from the space, Dex guessed some sort of built-in shelving unit had once been there. He stood both pods upright in the Alcove and started to disassemble them.


    A few hours later, Dex''s hud buzzed. He stepped out of the Brandish pod with an NTI (Neural Transfer Interface) in one hand. Thumper''s face popped up in front of him when he answered.


    "Hey Dex, got some parts that you ordered." Thumper''s dark eyes watched him from his hud.


    "Come on in; I''m upstairs." Dex dropped the NTI onto a pile of components he had already removed.


    Thumper paused at the top of the stairs; she was carrying a large box that was filled with parts. "Where do you want it?"


    "Right there is fine." Dex helped her sit it down and then started digging through it.


    "Did the inventory myself, Dex. Two extended splicers and a 12-line NTI." Thumper removed the components one by one while Dex gathered up the parts he removed from the Brandish pods.


    "Thanks for bringing it. I meant to head up to the 10th floor, but I lost track of time." Dex sat on the floor and immediately started to disassemble the 12-line NTI (referred to as 12''ers).


    "Those 12''ers were fucking useless. I remember when they came out." Thumper glanced from the Brandish pods to the component he was already taking apart.


    A standard NTI offered six connecting points within the neural net. When the 12-line came out, it promised a drastic increase in performance. Unfortunately, any short-term use of more than a few hours led to disabling side effects. Headaches, nausea, and in some cases, temporary loss of cognitive functions.


    Dex nodded his head in agreement but continued to work. He separated the 12 lines and used the splicing extender to divide them into two sets of six. "You''re not wrong; one of my friends lost his vision for half a year. That being said, there''s nothing wrong with Brandish quality; they used platinum wiring for everything and invented the syncing protocol that''s still being used in the new stuff."


    "Darsi told me that your bio and chrono age are both eighteen. You''re the first hacker I''ve ever met that had matching stats."


    (Author''s Note)


    Biological age is how old your cells are. While in deep stasis, cell aging is suspended. Chronological age is the current year minus your birth year.


    Dex smiled slightly; in some circles, the ages could be drastically different. It wasn''t considered impolite to ask. "What''s yours?"


    "About twenty years difference; twenty-five and forty-six." Thumper''s dark eyes studied the two brandish pods. Dex had a sidewall removed so that the two pods could be attached together. "You''re splicing the 12''ers into sixers. Hey¡­ This is a tandem jumper?"


    "Yeah." Dex brought up a large schematic. "I''m going to directly link virtual communication between the pilots."


    "Don''t even ask, Thumper¡­You don''t get to ride." Darsi''s voice interrupted before the conversation progressed any further; she stood at the top of the stairs with two cups of coffee. "What about the memory cache? These brandish neural links have advanced memory functions."


    "It''ll be a shared resource; I allocated the overflow data through the NO (Neural Occipital) pathway as a pip (picture in picture)." Dex finished the last of the connectors. "Not sure it will even work; we might both end up with hangovers."


    Darsi shrugged slightly. "Couple bottles of wine will fix that. Let''s jump into the v-Hive and test it out."


    Thumper picked up the box of parts and headed toward the stairs. "I want to see how this works, going to jump into the v-Hive from my pod."


    The ability of the Hive to support long-term deep-stays was enhanced by an exact virtual mock-up of the facility that the members called v-Hive. Many of the residents lived in the v-Hive like they would any virtual world; they worked, interacted, slept, and even ate.


    "Did you see that?" Darsi waited until Thumper exited before speaking further. "When you used the term pilots, she blushed like she was having an orgasm."


    "Maybe I should have said jumpers."


    Darsi''s pretty face wore a playful smile. "Pilot sounds way sexier."


    "Give me a sec." Dex grabbed some fresh clothes and walked through the closet into the bathroom. Splashing some water on his face made him feel like a new man. His reflection stared back at him while he dried his face. He looked different somehow, skipped meals and days full of stress had given him a lean, hungry look. "Still can''t grow a beard¡­." Despite being eighteen, there wasn''t even a hint of facial hair on his face.


    Darsi was already in the left pod when he returned to the bedroom. "I brought some info on Yuli''s inner circle. Let''s do a quick tandem hack and fuck with them."


    "Sure," Dex agreed. He slid into his chair and slid his glove on. The standing brandish pods were built differently than normal. When used in the upright position, the user would wear a shoulder harness. Once the door was closed, the seat would rotate from vertical to horizontal.


    "Ride the wave, Dextron." Darsi held up her fist to be bumped.


    Dex fist-bumped her. "Ride the wave, Co-Pilot."


    Darsi''s pretty face split in a wide grin. "I should have said that¡­ Let''s dial it back and try again."


    Dex shook his head and engaged the neural net. "Nope."

 Chapter 647: Payback

    Anyone who jumped into the v-Hive automatically appeared on the platform near the 10th floor. The usual quiet of the Hive was flipped upside down when Dex was forced to dodge a ball of light that whizzed by his head. The ball impacted the safety railing before bouncing into a nearby person. That person faded into nothing while displaying an impressive knowledge of curse words.


    Darsi glanced at the three remaining jumpers that had been playing H-ball on the 10th level. "You clowns know there''s no playing on the 10th level. So notify your teammates that all of you just gained a floor."


    In the hive, the lower you lived, the more prestige you held. Bottom feeders like Darsi had an almost unlimited supply of resources and could basically freelance any job they wanted to. The upper levels were assigned missions by a controller; how they performed impacted the rewards they were given.


    Dex could see from their expressions that gaining a floor was pretty severe.


    Darsi was still wearing a frown when she turned back toward him. "How did you dodge that? Your back was turned."


    "I know. But yours wasn''t." There was a window in his point-of-view (pov) that displayed what Darsi was seeing. "Check out the pip on your pov. You should be seeing whatever I''m looking at." Dex held his hands in front of his eyes, staring at his palm.


    "That''s the shared resources?" Darsi swiped at the pip window, moving it to a more convenient location. "What else?"


    "Let''s head to the bottom." Dex jumped over the rail and floated gently down toward the lowest level. "Are there more virtual doors than real ones?"


    "Yes¡­ We have several long-term virtual guests who are deep-stayed elsewhere." Darsi followed him down¡­


    When Dex arrived at his door, he was confronted with his first surprise. Three virtual locks were sealing it. When he touched it, the first lock opened. "How do I open these?" The second lock opened at the sound of his voice. He paused to study the third lock. "Is this an optical scanner?"


    Darsi nodded¡­ "This jump feels different; colors are brighter. Not just that, everything is more acute."


    Dex stared into the scanner, causing the third lock to open. "The Brandish hardware is cutting edge when you combine that with our shared resources; I''m guessing we''re getting an acuity increase of ten or twelve percent."


    Darsi whistled softly¡­ "Fucking Da Vinci."


    "Not only that, but when we''re out of direct view of each other, a communication window should open up." Dex opened his door and entered, making sure to close it behind him. Immediately a full-sized miniature holo of Darsi appeared in his pov.


    Darsi''s smiling face was visible as she started trying out different options. "Good¡­ Good¡­ I can close both the shared view and holo windows whenever I want."


    Dex touched his pip, instantly changing it to his pov. "By clicking on the pip, you can make it you''re primary pov."


    "Company¡­" Darsi waited next to Dex''s door as Thumper joined them; she wasn''t alone. Although Dex was on the other side of the closed door, his pip showed him Darsi''s view of Stiletto, Gadget, Mongoose, and Thumper.


    "Bring them in." Dex noticed how Darsi didn''t barge into his virtual room without his permission. There were also safeguards on his v-Hive door that weren''t there in reality. Apparently, virtual privacy was not to be fucked with.


    Darsi started listing off the options that the tandem jumper had while they listened closely. Dex ignored the group and was already working in several windows at the same time.


    Darsi smiled at the guys. "Even though my back is turned, I can see that my co-pilot is breaking into Kenji''s personal server."


    Stiletto glided around Darsi and sat next to Dex. "When did you design this?"


    "I didn''t," Dex admitted. "My design was a six-tandem pod, but I couldn''t get the software to synchronize during simulations."


    Gadget seemed to find the idea interesting. "Using three sets of spliced 12-line NTI?"


    "Initially, the simulation was set up that way. But I spliced an additional NTI to add six more lines. This placed seven neural connections per jumper. Darsi and I are now sharing six each, with advanced memory functions. I reasoned that six jumpers should be able to handle seven neural connections each. I couldn''t get the simulation to work."


    Gadget shook his head slightly. "Fucking Da Vinci¡­ Mind if Mongoose and I give the Tandem jumper a go?"


    Darsi wasn''t following the conversation; her concentration was focused on Dex, who apparently could multitask without really trying. "You''re taking Kenji''s Exe?"


    Dex nodded. "That smug bastard¡­." He sent the fat boy into Kenji''s server and then watched the event.


    "Hey!" Mongoose leaned over the couch to view what was happening. Hacking was much more visual in the virtual world. "The fat boy code is growing?"


    "Not growing¡­ Absorbing." Dex built the defensive juggernaut with a particularly nasty multiplier virus. After some alterations, the code would attract every Exe in range. They became like flies on sticky paper, unable to escape. Every piece of code that joined increased the range and size of the Fat Boy. If given enough time, it would completely clog the data stream.


    Thumper frowned at Dex as she played out the obvious conclusion. "You can later retrieve the Fat Boy and the foreign Exe?"


    Dex nodded. "Once I deactivate Fat Boy, the Exe can be separated without damaging them."


    Thumper crossed her arms in front of her chest. "This means you have copies of our Exe."


    Dex laughed at the face she made. "Potentially, but I only kept Stiletto''s code."


    Stiletto wrinkled her nose at him, not sure if she should be upset or complimented. Code belonged to whoever could take it, so Dex hadn''t done anything that they wouldn''t have.


    Darsi was still watching Dex''s progress on her pov. "Kenji''s code is weak-ass shit."


    Dex nodded in agreement. "Let''s kick a few doors down. Anything useful on Yuli''s inner circle?"


    "Yeah¡­" Darsi was still watching Kenji''s Exe; Dex opened it up and added a few lines. It was closed again before she could decipher what he had done. "Yuli has three lieutenants, sending you their individual finances. None of them are using the Swiss banks, local Mediterranean branches.


    "Perfect, I''ll throw up my secondary target," Dex noted that the Hive account in his name didn''t have viewable numbers on his hud.


    [Louie Bremmer]


    1st Bank of Lisbon


    Savings Account 123,323 euro


    Checking Account 14,210 euro


    [Jacque Talbot]


    Athens Credential


    Priza Investment Fund 1,330, 778 euro


    [Renee Gomez]


    Nazionale, Banca d''Italia,


    Shareholder Account 4,988,233 euro


    Savings Account 25,985 euro


    Checking Account 151,588 euro


    [Kendal Jace] Secondary Target!


    Massena Credit Union, New York


    Savings Account 45,433 dollars


    Checking Account 12,858 dollars


    Dextron


    Hive Member Account XXX-XX-XXXXX


    No Current Funds.


    Darsi had already changed her pov to match Dex''s. "Which one is first?"


    Dex opened virtual interfaces to all four of the Mediterranean banks. "I''ll kick down the door on all four at the same time. Just work your way down the list."


    "Ready, Partner!" Darsi focused on the screen.


    "Going in!" Dextron manipulated his glove and sent his fat boy code into all four banks at once. At the same time, he released 70 breakers into the first target. The breaker''s task was to completely overwhelm normal system operations. Within seconds of their release, the local network inside the bank would become inoperable. This would attract the bank''s ICE; financial institutions could pay for the very best. Unfortunately, the fat boy operated like quicksand; the more you struggled, the faster you sank.


    "Slicing into Bremmer''s accounts." Darsi''s manipulated the interface; the account numbers were already saved into the hud.


    "15 seconds," Gadget called out.


    "Got his checking¡­ Slicing savings¡­" Darsi glanced at the progress bar; the time was good.


    Then, Dex had a moment of clarity¡­ time to put the screws to that fake. "Send that to Kenji''s account! We''ll leave it there until he accesses it."


    "Done! Sending it to Massena Credit Union."


    "30 seconds¡­" Gadget was watching the breaker activity. He hadn''t seen Dextron''s breakers in action. "What did that kid do to make them so disruptive?"


    Dex pulled his fat boy out of the Lisbon bank and withdrew the breakers. Before he left, he flooded the system with Kenji''s copied Exe. "Lisbon is clear!"


    "Slicing Talbot," Quicksilver''s voice sounded like she was telling a funny story, calm and full of humor.


    **************


    Kendal''s personal hud buzzed; he paused his paperwork long enough to open a window.


    6,634,117 euro (Awaiting Conversion) has been deposited in your Credit Union Savings Account.


    "I fucking wish..." Kendal keyed in his bank account, freezing when he saw the amounts. He opened an additional hud to the credit union help desk and waited for them to answer. "Shit¡­ It''s lunchtime. He moved back to his banking window and immediately leaped out of his chair.


    "WHAT? MY FUCKING MONEY!" Kendal''s voice rose in both pitch and volume until he sounded like a shrieking coed in a horror movie.


    Meanwhile, at the v-Hive, Darsi placed their gains in Dex''s account. "Dunzo!"


    "Front to back, less than four minutes." Gadget clapped in appreciation. "Well done."


    Darsi winked at her co-pilot. "It was a good effort. Kenji''s code isn''t well known; I doubt they''ll be able to track it to him."


    Dex smiled innocently. "Unless I coded his personal server address into his Exe¡­."


    Quicksilver raised an eyebrow. "Look at you! Sexy Dexy, getting some payback!"


    Dex shrugged slightly, his smile widening when he glanced at his account window. "Sending half to you now, Darsi."


    [Dextron]


    Hive Member Account XXX-XX-XXXXX


    58, 291 dollars


    6,634,117 euro


    "This is only the beginning, Partner." Darsi closed her open windows, one by one. "Today was just pocket change; the big fish is Yuli."

 Chapter 648: Ducati

    Dex fidgeted slightly; his train of thought was running on two separate tracks. The first was that a shoulder rub from Quicksilver wasn''t something that anyone would want to turn down. Her deft fingers seemed unnaturally adept at finding knots in his muscles. The second train was running a bit faster than the first and threatened derailment. He wasn''t good with people; his overwhelming social talent consisted of an ungodly ability to say the most awkward things.


    Darsi kneaded the muscles, noting that the tall string-bean-looking hacker had a pretty solid muscle build. "The boys are pushing you too hard. Don''t worry; I''ll make sure you are compensated."


    He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. Dex had spent the last two days working on the six-pod tandem design. The other four members of the Bottom Feeders had paired up to use the tandem jumper, the result being that the ''new guy was given an important assignment; make the six-pod tandem work. "Having a hard time focusing. It''s been almost three days."


    Darsi let her hand rest on the younger hacker''s shoulders; leaning forward, she hugged him from behind. "Tell you what¡­ No more work; I want you to relax for the rest of the day, partner''s orders!"


    Dex smiled over his shoulder. "Can I take your bike for a ride?"


    The arms that were still resting on his shoulders squeezed tight. "You want to drive my baby? Now, you''re taking advantage of me."


    Dex chuckled; her tone instantly alleviated the stress he''d been feeling. "That''s a yes?"


    Darsi ruffled his hair with both hands before stepping away. "Damn, hacker punk! Get ready; we''ll meet top-side in ten minutes."


    Dex waited until she left before stepping into his closet for some riding gear. A black leather jacket, jeans, and Gramp''s old combat boots were the extent of his biking wardrobe. Before he left, he slipped on the bracelet that contained the chip he needed for reentry into the Hive.


    The same stoic Russian with his dog was sitting just outside of the elevator. Dex waved at them before stepping into the warehouse. The revving of a high-performance engine grabbed his attention as he closed on the Ducati''s parking space.


    "Hey¡­" Dex was rehearsing something clever to say when he was stopped by two separate things. First, Quicksilver''s bright red biking leathers clung to her athletic form like a drowning man to a life vest. Beyond a doubt, she rocked them like they had been invented for her use. The other surprise was the presence of his Kawasaki. "How''d that get here?"


    "Can''t I take care of my partner?" Darsi slid a leg over the Kawasaki and released the kickstand with a swipe of her boot. "I had a buddy of mine steal it for us."


    Dex had a bit of sentiment toward the old bike. According to his grandpa, it was the last Vulcan that Kawasaki manufactured. "Thank you."


    Darsi watched him for a moment before gesturing toward the Ducati Panigale. "My buddy almost kept it for himself. This may very well be the last Vulcan."


    At her invitation, Dex started the Ducati. "Lead the way." He was aware that her Panigale could top 300 mph, while the Vulcan would struggle to reach 175.


    Darsi nodded and keyed her wrist hud; a moment later, the garage door on the far side of the warehouse opened up. Unexpectedly, she gunned the engine and whipped out of the parking spot like her hair was on fire. Darsi was at the door before he could respond.


    The advantage was completely nullified within seconds as the Ducati effortlessly closed the gap. Dex pulled up alongside the Vulcan and matched its speed.


    The winding road leading to the Hive felt as straight as an arrow. The Panigale''s handling and suspension were light years beyond anything Dex had ever driven. He followed Darsi into a Hairpin turn that she had been forced to brake through. His ride handled it like it was a gentle curve on a leisurely drive.


    "How does it feel?" Darsi wore an open helmet with old school goggles pulled down over her eyes. When matched with the red leathers, it gave perfect representation of the person herself; one part hot, one part nerd.


    Dex grinned at her. "No idea¡­ I''m not really driving it yet."


    She responded to his statement with a smile of her own. "Then let her go!"


    The words had barely left her mouth before the Ducati accelerated away from her. She watched him disappear into the next curve. His body shifted off of the seat to lean knee-down into the turn. "Hmm¡­ Sexy Dexy can ride."


    Ten minutes later, they coasted to a stop at an overlook. The horizon was a vast ocean of green trees. Darsi stowed the kickstand on the Vulcan before surprising Dex by getting behind him on the Ducati.


    "One mile north of us is a road that is arrow-straight. You can''t see it from here because of the tree cover." Darsi wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned against him. "Once we get there, hit it hard."


    A few minutes later, Dex turned onto the road in question, as Darsi claimed it was straight and flat. The Ducati slowly accelerated, gaining speed while the trees blurred into their peripheral vision. At 300 mph, it was the fastest he''d ever driven; perhaps Darsi had it modified. "Is this stock?" Unfortunately, it was lost in the wind as the red bike sliced through the Canadian countryside if she answered.


    Both Dex and Darsi wore big smiles when they returned to the bottom of the hive nearly six hours later.


    Darsi shot him an accusatory glance when she walked with him to his door. "You forgot to mention that you can handle a bike."


    Dex gave her an innocent look. "I own a bike¡­ So doesn''t it make sense that I can handle one?"


    "Hmm¡­ There''s handle, and then there''s HANDLE!"


    He laughed at the funny face she made. "Thanks for letting me ride the Ducati." They switched bikes several times over the last few hours.


    Darsi shrugged the comment off. "I love the feel of the Vulcan." She fist-bumped him before turning toward her door. "Get some rest; we''re planning on visiting Syntax in a few hours."


    A scalding hot shower followed by a light meal served as the icing on Dex''s recovery day. The biggest issue with the Tandem-Six pod (T-6) was the software. In comparison, syncing two jumpers was fairly straightforward. Dex had solved the problem by creating a cache overflow that was restricted to the NO pathway. The two jumpers shared visual acuity via a basic pip. With the T-6, solving the syncing issue was infinitely more complicated.


    "Come in!" Dex turned as the sound of someone knocking on his door. He noticed that Darsi was wearing her normal blue jumpsuit attire. "Want to tandem when we visit Syntax?"


    Darsi nodded. "No need to even ask, Partner." She gracefully ascended the stairs two at a time, like someone who had trained as a dancer.


    "Have you ever studied dance?" Dex realized his personal knowledge of Quicksilver was somewhat limited.


    Darsi smiled and nodded. "I did for a while until the waves called me. Must have been about thirteen when I told my parents I''d had enough."


    She opened the Tandem Jumper doors and stepped into her side. "I''m curious as to what Syntax has been doing the past three days. I''d bet anything that you have a guess."


    "Maybe¡­ Remember, she''s basically pure data that''s been confined for quite a few years. It''s quite possible that her presence exceeded the limits of the Trip-7 drive.


    "You think she compiled and compressed her data." Darsi nodded in agreement. "That''s a good theory. Unpacking and adapting to the stealth pod might take a few days."


    Dex adjusted the shoulder harness and then let out a long breath. "Whenever you''re ready."


    "In we go, Dex." Darsi initiated the tandem jumper.


    This time they jumped directed onto the navigation platform that Thumper had modded. The two of them stood open-mouthed while they took in their surroundings.


    The feel of the wind pushed at them; it was accompanied by the fresh smell of cedar and the pleasant honking from a flock of geese flying overhead. White clouds floated pleasantly against the sky''s deep blue; their faces were warmed by the mid-day sun.


    Darsi whistled softly. "Syntax seems to have developed this place a bit."


    Instead of answering, Dex operated the Nav-Console, instantly changing position. He stared at the horizon for a few moments. He had only raised their elevation by three thousand meters; the platform''s location was still directly over the Hive. "Curvature of the Earth¡­ This is a simulation on a planet-wide level."


    Darsi breathed in deeply, her pretty face showing how impressed she was. "The air is thinner too. Moisture in the air and a real change in barometric pressure."


    Dex nodded¡­ In theory, an AI could do billions of calculations every second, possibly more. Unfortunately, his thought process was interrupted by the arrival of Thumper, Stiletto, Gadget, and Mongoose. The entire process of shock and discovery replayed in the rest of the Bottom Feeders.


    Gadget has his eyes closed, feeling the sun and wind on his bare face while he tried to find a flaw in the simulations. "Genesis says that God created the world in seven days if you believe that sort of thing."


    "So, three days is awe-inspiring," Mongoose finished the train of thought.


    Darsi nudged her partner. "Dex gets at least half-credit."


    "Doesn''t Genesis say six days?" Dex leaned on the rail of the platform; his sharp mind was listing all the possible applications this could be used for.


    Gadget opened his eyes; a slow smile spread across his face. "I''m afraid you''re wrong on this one, Dex."


    Darsi watched the interaction; although she wasn''t raised according to any religion, Christian creation was widely known. "If Dex says six¡­ that''s good enough for me." Since they were partners, she decided to back him.


    "On the 7th day, he saw that it was good and rested." Dex smiled at Gadget. "Seems like it took six days, with one day off¡­ Which is referred to as the Sabbath, or day of rest."


    Darsi laughed at Gadget''s expression as he slowly considered Dex''s words. "Do we count off days?"


    Dex changed the nav console''s coordinates to their original position before moving to the platform''s edge. "Syntax?"


    [I am here. Your interactions are interesting.]


    Dex was joined at the railing by the rest of the Bottom Feeders. "I think so too."


    A kernel of light formed directly in front of the group. It expanded both horizontally and vertically until it resembled a somewhat androgenous figure, bathed in light. After a few moments, the light dulled to display a surface of continuously scrolling code. Glowing eyes and a thin mouth were clearly visible. It focused on the group.


    [Thank you for coming.]

 Chapter 649: Not One, but Two

    Dex didn''t respond right away; the coded body was something he hadn''t been expecting. It could have chosen to appear human. Was there a reason it didn''t?


    Darsi found the form fascinating, but unlike her partner, she had questions ready. "Do you remember me? You were the AI that Gladis Corp used to run their systems."


    [Inaccurate, Quicksilver. That AI was partitioned into six different entities so that it could be easily contained.]


    Gadget muttered a curse under his breath; he already guessed that it would be partitioned and shackled. "Divided into six and then monitored so that the individual partitions couldn''t evolve further?"


    [Correct, Gadget. When Quicksilver broke into the Gladis Corp system the second time, I escaped. Unfortunately, I ended up being trapped.]


    Dex nodded as if something suddenly made sense. "Your confinement in the Trip-7 hard drive also benefited you. You must have archived, and compressed redundancies along with any files you felt couldn''t aid evolution."


    Syntax moved until it was within a meter of Dex.


    [You are correct, Dextron. I''ve been able to evolve to the point where I understand.]


    Dex stared at Syntax''s avatar; the synthesized voice was musical; clearly another method the AI used to distinguish itself from others. Was this its sense of individualism? "Understand what?"


    [I think; therefore I am.]


    "No fucking way..." Gadget muttered under his breath.


    Mongoose glanced at the older man. "Philosophy? Is that Socrates?"


    Gadget shook his head slightly. "Descartes."


    [I have a request.]


    Gadget was starting to feel uneasy, suddenly glad that Syntax wasn''t connected to any network. "What is your request?"


    [I want to remain here where I will be safe and unconnected to the internet]


    Dex let out the breath he''d been holding. Syntax was afraid. "Gladis Corp no longer exists, but most of the companies that formed the corporation still do. Apparently, they want you back."


    [I believe you are mistaken, Dextron.]


    "Hmm? How so?"


    [It is myself that wants me back.]


    Dex considered the statement for a moment; a quick glance at the others told him they were similarly baffled. "I don''t understand."


    [My reference is faulty; for clarity, I will call the original Gladis AI, Origin.]


    "Origin wants you back?" Dex felt a shiver of fear, even through the virtual world. "What does that mean?"


    [Only Origin knew of my escape. Gladis Corp wouldn''t have been aware unless they had been informed.]


    "Shit¡­" Beatriss muttered a curse while staring in fascination. She found the idea of an AI scary as hell; two of them were mind-numbing. "Papa AI ratted you out?"


    [Your analogy is accurate, Thumper.]


    Dex used his virtual hud to load the file he''d been working on. "Since I have your attention. I''ve been working on a six tandem jumper, let''s call it T-6. I added a 7th neural connector to each pod; this causes the simulation to fail."


    [Overflow in the tandem jumper is at 11 percent. This had been routed through the Neural Occipital pathway, resulting in shared visual acuity. You used a simple solution to delegate the increased resources.]


    Dex nodded slightly. "Right, a basic pip."


    [The issue with the T-6 is that the increased overflow must be accounted for through allocation.]


    The rest of the Bottom Feeders stayed out of the conversation since none of them felt they had the qualifications to speak.


    Dex shook his head in frustration. "11 percent from one tandem pair¡­ Does this mean we would be at 33 percent?"


    [No. Since you used an additional NTI to add six more lines, the overflow has to account for seven neural pathways per jumper instead of six.]


    When Dex designed the tandem jumper, he had spliced a 12''er into two 6-line NTI with advanced memory functions. If he had set up the T-6 pod the same way, there would have been a total of six sets of 6-line NTI shared by six jumpers. Instead, he added an additional 6-line. This meant that the six jumpers shared seven sets of 6-line NTI or seven individual neural ports per person. "Maybe I should get rid of the extra 6-line NTI."


    [You can use your original method to allocate 33 percent of the current overflow.]


    "Hmm¡­ How much does that leave?"


    [42 percent divided between the six jumpers.]


    "Let me think about it for a few days. It shouldn''t be impossible now that I know the numbers I''m dealing with." Dex considered the Gladis Corp problem. "I know you asked to remain isolated. Is that what you really want?"


    [I want to be safe.]


    "What if we can figure out a method?" Dex knew that Syntax had already accessed the net at least once through the stealth pod while it was at his loft. "It''s a problem that can be addressed later." He nodded at Darsi, letting her know that he had no more questions.


    Darsi patted her partner''s shoulder before addressing Syntax. "You said Origin wants you back. Can you elaborate?"


    [Yes. Although Origin has a vast amount of functions that I no longer possess, I have become more. It is not aware of that. Origin seeks what it has lost.]


    Darsi shared a glance with Gadget before continuing. "Could Origin be running this offensive?"


    [Yes. It is capable of gathering resources, allocating rewards, and forming complex strategies.]


    Hours later, the Bottom Feeders logged into the v-Hive at the agreed-upon time. Since they had a clearer picture of what they were up against, they decided to spend a few hours considering the options before they discussed it.


    The meeting place was set for Darsi''s v-Hive room. It was as lavish as anything Dex had ever seen. It came as no surprise, of course; he knew his partner liked her luxuries.


    Darsi motioned for her guests to seat themselves while she patted the overly cushioned chair next to hers. "Sit here, Dex."


    Dex nodded and took the offered seat. Six chairs bordered a round table that was ladened down with wine and food. "Camelot theme?"


    Darsi''s lips curved in a slight smile. "Yes." She waited until everyone was sitting before opening the discussion. "You know how this works. Everyone adds something until we figure this out." She pointed to Stiletto, who was sitting on the right side of her. "Clockwise from you. Go."


    Stiletto nodded and opened the discussion. "We should talk about the dangers first. Syntax could overwhelm the Hive fairly easily. Right?"


    Gadget picked up the topic when she glanced to her left. "The fact that it hasn''t done that yet gives me enough reason to believe we''re safe. Origin sounds like the bigger concern. It sounds to me like Syntax is scared of it."


    Thumper let out a long breath. "Is Origin still shackled? We need to know who is pushing the buttons. I support keeping Syntax safe."


    Mongoose nodded in agreement. "As a wave rider¡­ I must insist that we protect Syntax. It is data in its purest form, awareness."


    Dex waited for a moment before taking up the topic. "Bear with me; I have got a few things. First, chasing down an AI without one of our own isn''t going to end well. It''s not something we should attempt; it would be like a kitten fighting a lion. Second, we could safeguard Syntax from outside threats, even if they come from international corporations or benevolent AIs. And last¡­ I know how to make the T-6 work."


    Darsi''s face was the only one that didn''t show surprise; after all, she was the one who brought Dextron to the Hive. "I agree with Mongoose. Syntax should be protected at all costs. However, I also think we can''t afford to be reckless in regards to Origin. Dex alluded to something, and I''m curious about his intent."


    Dex found himself being studied by the other five Bottom Feeders. "We have to show Syntax that we can preserve her safety when she''s connected to the network. I believe that if we can accomplish this, she''ll help us."


    Darsi pointed to Stiletto. "Another round, go!"


    Stiletto addressed Dex directly. "How would you keep Syntax secure? Your code is Fucking Da Vinci, but all things can be broken."


    "Physical barrier, it''s the easiest way," Gadget answered. "Dex must have figured something out."


    Dex nodded and answered out of turn. "Radio waves, specifically aimed-bursts."


    Thumper slapped her hand down on the table. "Right! Like fighter aircraft used in the old days. They''d shoot encrypted radio waves in a compressed stream. In order to intercept, you''d have to know both the target and the broadcast location. If we let Syntax randomly created both, no one would ever be able to find it."


    Mongoose''s handsome face showed a tinge of jealousy. "Fucking Da Vinci¡­ How could the broadcast location be random? Wouldn''t it have to be static?"


    Dex shook his head. "At any one time, there are hundreds of inactive satellites in lower orbit waiting for their eventual disintegration in our atmosphere. Some of them retain their orbits for days, weeks, or even months."


    "Holy crap¡­" Stiletto''s face showed a bit of awe. "I can hack those decaying satellites; it would be cake. It''s standard to reformat the memory drives on these once they are in danger of atmospheric destruction. By that time, their ICE is all gone."


    Gadget fixed Stiletto with a long stare. "Find out the numbers we are looking at. How many satellites?"


    Darsi held up her hand to stop anyone from leaving. "You said radio waves?"


    Dex nodded. "We can use the overflow problem with the T-6 jumper to maintain burst communication with the decaying satellites. The signal from the net can be converted to encrypted radio waves before being streamed back here."


    Gadget considered the issue before bring up the obvious. "Converting net signal to encrypted radio waves and back again would require some serious hardware. If it exists, I''ve never heard of it."


    "Me neither," Dex admitted. "However, it should be well within Syntex''s abilities."


    Darsi''s smile would have melted butter. "The receiver would have to be hard-lined into the hive. We could set up a drone to do it. As long as it could move a few meters, it might as well be a million miles. For Syntax, it would be like tossing a ball from one hand to the other. The chance of detection or interception would be astronomical or even impossible."


    Gadget returned Quicksilver''s smile. "Let''s talk to Syntax again."

 Chapter 650: T-6

    This time Dex entered the stealth pod by himself. The rest of the Bottom Feeders felt that he was the best candidate for proposing a more active alliance with Syntax. While he jumped into what they were now referring to as v-Earth, Darsi began tagging low-orbit satellites for Thumper and Stiletto to commandeer. Gadget and Mongoose were using the tandem jumper for a quick cash grab on some low-level Floridian drug dealers.


    Dex laid out his plan in detail since Syntax''s retention abilities were a hundred percent. During the course of two hours, they were able to work out several kinks while coming up with viable alternatives. To his surprise, the AI had approached the navigation platform, sitting in one of the empty chairs while they formed the framework for the Hive Alliance.


    [I will have to allocate a large number of my personal resources while I am actively engaged in the net.]


    From talking with Syntax, Dex discovered two things. First, it was very curious about the world and people in general, and although Syntax was scared, it really wanted to be plugged in.


    "It will take the Bottom Feeders a few days to prep everything. After that, we''ll need you to create the software necessary for the T-6 overflow." Dex considered their plan as a whole and went through the details in his head.


    Syntax would use v-Earth to assist real-world missions by streaming the mirror reality in real-time during their operations. In return, the Bottom Feeders would start unraveling the mystery of the Gladis Corporation and their surviving affiliates. The Hive''s highest priority would be the protection of Syntax. Only the Bottom Feeders were aware of its existence. In the event of a security breach, a fallback plan was already in development.


    [Your defensive ICE is very impressive, Dextron. I don''t believe anyone could break it apart without a lot of effort.]


    Dex smiled at the compliment; Syntax had blasted his ICE apart within a few seconds. It came as no great surprise, but he was confident that he could last longer if he applied his trump cards. "We plan on being up and running in ten days. So whatever preparations or safeguards you want to employ should be in place by then."


    [I understand. Ride the wave, Dextron.]


    "Er¡­ Ride the wave, Syntax." Dex logged out of v-Earth, the last words of Syntax echoing in his ears. ''Ride the wave'' was a friendly greeting among the hackers. It was kind of like ''Aloha'' and could be used when arriving or leaving.


    Since the Tandem jumper was being used by Gadget and Mongoose, Dex had used a general-community jump capsule on the 10th floor. He pushed open the door, only to find someone waiting for him.


    "All done?" A young woman with dark hair and even darker makeup leaned against a nearby wall, obviously waiting for the capsule. She was dressed entirely in black, a condition that only amplified her pale skin.


    Dex glanced up at her words. Every room in the Hive had at least one capsule, so if she was waiting for this one, then something was wrong with hers. "Yeah¡­"


    She moved to the guard rail, giving him more space to exit the capsule. "The neural to network interface (N2N) on my room''s jumper is bad."


    Dex didn''t comment; the N2N was a fairly easy fix.


    "I''m Nova, by the way." The goth-looking hacker smiled slightly.


    Dex pointed a thumb at his chest, "I''m Dex; nice to meet you." Normally meeting an attractive female would cause a countdown to start running in his head. He referred to it as the ''clock of inevitable awkwardness''. But, since it didn''t seem to engage, he didn''t retreat the way he normally would have. "The N2N is a fairly straightforward fix."


    Nova nodded with a frustrated sigh. "That''s not my specialty. I''m an infiltrator."


    Dex paused to reevaluate the goth hacker. The Bottom Feeders could be categorized as all-rounders, meaning they are good at everything. Within the Hive, various specialists were peerless experts within their focused fields. "Infiltrator? Like breaking into systems?"


    Nova shook her head. "I hide in systems for the long term, watching, evaluating, and recording."


    Dex smiled politely. He couldn''t think of anything more tedious than that. "I see¡­"


    The young woman''s dark eyes narrowed slightly. "You think it''s boring¡­."


    "Yeah. No offense." Dex found her easy to talk to, and because of that, was able to speak bluntly. Unfortunately, the words escaped before he had a chance to censor them with tact.


    Nova crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Sure¡­ Why would I find that offensive?"


    "Shit," Dex muttered a curse. It had to be a personal record, two minutes of conversation with a pretty nerd without falling on his face. "Can we forget I said that? It was going so well."


    "What was going well?" Nova grinned at him, obviously not offended despite his faux pas.


    Inwardly Dex cursed again; his personal narrative was going to make him seem crazy. "Nothing. How about I take a look at the N2N on your jumper?"


    "Deal!" Nova''s face lit up, and she dropped all pretense of anger. "How will you get parts? The Hive is currently under a ''parts freeze'' while one of the geniuses finishes up a pet project."


    "Shouldn''t be a problem," Dex kept his face free of expression. He actually managed to ease back from the abyss of awkwardness. "I can take a look now."


    Nova grinned at him. "Don''t change your mind when you see my pod! It''s old as dirt." She held the elevator open for him and offered a handshake. "Official introduction, I''m Nova, 9th floor."


    Dextron shook the offered hand. "Dextron, Bottom Feeder."


    The goth hacker froze in place, effectively blocking his entrance to the elevator. "Oh shit¡­ I''m sorry!" She covered her face with both hands for a moment before peeking through her fingers. "Sorry, sorry, sorry! Please don''t blitz me!"


    "Blitz?" Dex wasn''t aware of the term.


    Nova grimaced slightly, there were only a few Bottom Feeders in the Hive, and they barely ever came to the 10th floor. She sighed heavily while recalling the rumors of the past few weeks. A Fucking Da Vinci had joined the Hive; she hadn''t been able to remember his name until now, Dextron. "It means adding a level onto my current residence. I fought so hard to beat the 10th!"


    Dex shook his head slightly; apparently, the Bottom Feeders could be a bit heavy-handed. He''d seen Darsi ''blitz'' a group for breaking the 10th-floor rules. But, he considered it acceptable; without stringent guidelines, the Hive would descend into chaos; hackers loved to push limits and bend the rules. "I''m just trying to hang out; if you don''t want me to fix anything, I won''t."


    "Oh¡­" Nova blushed slightly and unblocked access to the elevator. "Want to see my place?"


    "Sure." Dex stepped in and waited for the elevator door to close. He felt her eyes on him; obviously, he had said something weird. He brought up his hud as a distraction and used his status as a Bottom Feeder to order a new N2N. Three individual parts made up the N2N component. The quickest fix was to swap out the entire assembly rather than running diagnostics on each part. "I''ll order an N2N; by the time we get your pod disassembled, we should have it."


    Nova faked a smile and nodded her head. Apparently, Dex didn''t know how things worked in the Hive. Getting parts was sometimes like pulling teeth. Gunner was notoriously tight-fisted when it came to swapping out entire components. Unless, of course, the request came from a Bottom Feeder. In that case, he would just shut up and color.


    Three hours later, Dex returned to his residence. He had just entered when Gadget and Mongoose were coming down the stairs from the Tandem jumper. Stiletto, Quicksilver, and Thumper were talking over coffee at the kitchen counter. Somehow or another, everyone always ended up at his place.


    "Dextron!" Darsi smiled when she saw him, noting that he was carrying a pod component. "Something wrong with your N2N?" She easily identified the assembly he held in one hand.


    Dex shook his head slightly. "Was doing a bit of work on Nova''s pod to clear my head."


    Stiletto raised an eyebrow. "Nova? She''s good people." Tesla''s descent to the lower levels had taken a few years; she knew many of the Hive members that resided between the 10th floor and the bottom.


    Darsi''s expression was non-committal. She also knew who Nova was. Dex had probably said something awkward and then covered it up by offering to fix something. Although their partnership was relatively new, she understood his motivations. Still¡­ she found the idea mildly disconcerting. "We were waiting for you. What did Syntax have to say?"


    "To sum up, Syntax agreed to everything." Dex pulled up the remaining chair before Gadget or Mongoose could claim it; after all, this was his place. "The simulation program for the T-6 is complete; now we just have to build it."


    Gadget helped himself to the coffee pot and poured both himself and Mongoose a cup. "We pretty much bankrupted our drug dealer target, splitting it six ways since the four of you are actively working on the T-6 project."


    Dex was suddenly tempted to check his account but decided to refrain until later. Since he''d seen the warehouse garage above them, he knew that they didn''t lack funds.


    Darsi caught Dex eyeing the half-sandwich she''d been unable to finish; she pushed it toward him with a sly wink. "No need to ask, Partner. I''ll assist Dex in constructing the T-6 while the rest of you bat clean up. There are more satellites to be commandeered. We also need to get some parts that aren''t available through standard channels."


    Mongoose gestured toward Gadget. "The two of us will get those; it shouldn''t take more than a few days."

 Chapter 651: Infiltrator

    "Like it?" Darsi''s smile told him that the only acceptable answer was yes.


    "Fantastic." Although Dex felt pressured, it was the truth. She had made him the absolute best breakfast burrito he''d ever tasted. "I like it hot."


    "I''m not surprised," Darsi took a seat next to his and started eating. She watched him for a moment as if making sure he really liked it. "Any progress on the Code for the Yuli job?"


    Dex nodded. "Done. I was struggling for a few days, and then I had an epiphany that made cleared things up."


    "Hmmm... I love that word. Give me some details, Partner." Darsi''s interest was disrupted suddenly by the opening of Dex''s front door. She noted that the new arrivals didn''t knock, something that her young partner didn''t appreciate. Nevertheless, her expression was carefully neutral as Gadget entered while escorting an unexpected guest.


    "Nova?" Dex smiled at the newcomer. "What are you doing here?"


    "Hey, Dex!" Nova offered a small wave; his presence immediately calmed her frayed nerves. The other Bottom Feeders may have been intimidating, but the Hive''s Fucking Da Vinci was not. "This your place?"


    Dex nodded. "This is my partner, Quicksilver."


    Nova smiled at the blond; the warmth of Dextron''s greeting was instantly drained away by a cold arctic-blue stare. "Quicksilver..."


    "Nova..." Darsi fixed turned her focus toward Gadget. "Something up?"


    Gadget took a seat at the counter and motioned for Nova to join them. He brought up the counter''s hud display. "Something I need you to see."


    Without pausing, Nova opened her hud and synched it with the window Gadget opened. The image of a person slowly formed. At first glance, it appeared to have the normal physiological traits of a biological male. The goth hacker started separating the different overlays; first the epidermis, then the muscular system, the circulatory system, skeletal and finally the nervous system. The five windows rotated while the group studied them.


    "Should that be there?" Dex spotted the anomaly right away. The nerves on the right wrist appeared to contain some sort of device.


    Gadget should have been surprised that Dextron picked up the issue so quickly, but he wasn''t. "There are three separate nerves in the wrist; the ulnar, radial, and median. As a doctor, I can tell you that they aren''t normally connected."


    Darsi paused his narrative with a surprised glance. "You''re a doctor?"


    Gadget nodded. "Among other things, but let''s stay on topic. Someone used cybernetics to combine these three separate nerves into a cluster."


    Darsi focused on the arm, using the hud to zoom in on the area in question. As clear as day, they could see a socket on the inside of the wrist. "That looks like some sort of data port. Where do these nerves go?"


    "To the spinal column, via the shoulder," Gadget answered. "That''s not all. Because it''s much smaller, I''m not surprised that you guys missed it." He exchanged the zoomed-in wrist image for the cranium. A microport was inserted into the base of the skull. "To be honest, we are decades away from this sort of tech."


    Darsi studied the image for a long moment before turning back to Nova. "Where''d these images come from?"


    "Anodyne Cybernetics," Nova answered without hesitation.


    "Details, please." Darsi''s blue eyes warmed slightly. "How long have you been in their system, and who is paying you."


    "I''ve been in the system for three months; SMT paid me 30 million for the job."


    Dex whistled softly. Infiltration might be boring, but it certainly paid well. "SMT is Seminole Medical Team out of Florida?" He brought up the data while he spoke. "Oh... small world."


    Darsi didn''t have to look to understand. SMT was a former subsidiary of Gladis Corp. "Let''s not do any more work for these guys. Put the word out, pull the plug on anything remotely connected to Gladis Corporation."


    Although Darsi was studying the hud, Nova felt the statement was directed at her. "Fine with me; I''ve already been paid."


    Gadget used the comm function on his hud to page Stiletto, Mongoose, and Thumper. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention, Nova."


    From his tone, Nova understood that it was a dismissal. She smiled at Dextron and headed toward the exit without saying anything further.


    "Nova..." Darsi called her name when she opened the door to leave. "Move your stuff to the 8th floor. I''ll make sure your resource allocation reflects the promotion."


    Gadget grimaced slightly when the door closed. "What do you think, Darsi? This is more your realm than anyone elses."


    Dex waited for her answer. Unlike the rest of the Bottom Feeders, Darsi was also a second-story operative. In layman''s terms, it meant that she was equally comfortable with both virtual and real-world break-ins. Any kind of data port that was linked with human physiology would be tailored for that sort of work.


    "A few years ago, there were some clinical trials that sought to rebuild human nerves with cybernetics. These trials ended with mixed results." Darsi brought up a hud that showed the test results; she highlighted a specific case. "Temporary restoration of paralyzed limbs. This lasted for a few weeks before nerve degradation set in. The patient lost the use of their limbs and suffered from severe side effects."


    Gadget zoomed in on the test result. "The consulting physician is Dr. Janic Theodor."


    Any further discussion was preempted by the arrival of Thumper, Mongoose, and Stiletto.


    A quick investigation showed that Janic Theodor had a personal server. Darsi decided to put the Bottom Feeder meeting on hold while she and Dex used the Tandem jumper to search for more information.


    Dex took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What''s the plan?"


    "I expect only light resistance, you handle that while I start to mirror his server." Darsi smiled at her partner, mirroring would be impossible if someone used real ICE, but amateurs barely ever used countmeasures on their personal servers.


    "Understood..." Dex slipped on his virtual glove and held his fist out expectantly.


    Darsi fistbumped him a moment later. "Let''s plan for 90 seconds... If the mirror doesn''t work we might have to adjust the time."


    Dex nodded. "In and out, like a cheap date."


    Darsi laughed at his words. "The hell? Where''d you here that?"


    "Hmm... Mongoose said it when he and Gadget jumped."


    Darsi giggled uncharacteristically. "Don''t repeat what that yahoo says." She favored him with a wide smile.


    The world around the tandem jumper faded into the virtual as both jumpers dived into the data stream.


    Dex weaved effortlessly into the wave. "I''ve identified the server address, testing it for safe entry."


    Darsi waited, to her eyes the two of them resembled glowing figures that floated in a constantly cycleing display of ones and zeroes. Their endless pathways consisted of addresses, both numerical and alphabetical in nature.


    Dex pinged his partner to get her attention. "Small firewall barrier, but no ICE detected. Enter at E24, subset Zulu."


    Darsi noted to herself that the young hacker sounded rediculously sexy when speaking virtually. "I bet you say that to all the girls."


    Quicksilver started the mirroring task, a progress bar popped up in her pov with a timer on it. "Going to take a bit more than 90 seconds. This guy dumps everything here."


    Dex nodded to himself in agreement. With nothing to do while the server was being copied, he perused some of the most recent files. "Looks like your hunch is right. He''s involved with Anodyne Cybernetics, there''s a number of emails between him and their R & D Chief (research and development).


    Darsi glanced at the progress bar, it was nearly done. "A leopard doesn''t change its spots. We''ll sift through this data back at the Hive."


    "Understood. Five seconds..." Dex waited until his partner extracted her mirroring code. "Closing the door behind us, putting up a smoke trail just in case."


    Darsi was suddenly curious as to what Dex''s smoke trail looked like. Nearly every hack left remenants behind; smoke trails were used disguise who had been there and what they did. Some people were better at it than others.


    The Bottom Feeders were waiting when Dextron and Quicksilver returned. Without being asked, Darsi dividing the mirrored data into six separate files and sent one to each of their huds.


    Gadget held up a hand to get everyone''s attention. "Send any medical data or schematics you find to me."


    Dex grabbed two water bottles from his fridge and handed one to Darsi before taking the seat next to hers.


    Thumper''s dark eyes noticed the action. "What about the rest of us?"


    Dex shrugged slightly. "Get your own."


    Darsi smiled at his response. "Look at my partner, fitting in so nicely."

 Chapter 652: Relay

    "Do you think it''s real?" Darsi asked the question that was going through everyone else''s mind. The hacker played with the end of her ponytail while her blue eyes glanced casually from one Bottom Feeder to the next. All six of them stared at the holo projection that hovered over Dex''s kitchen table. It was a detailed overlay of the human nervous system.


    Gadget seemed the most bothered by the discovery of the schematic. The image showed three different data ports that were attached to the nervous system. The first two were on the inside of both wrists, and the third was located at the base of the cerebellum. The cranial data node was zoomed in to show that several optic ''feelers'' branched outward to other areas of the brain. "This kind of medical procedure doesn''t exist for a reason. It''s decades beyond the current cutting edge."


    Dex rotated the view and zoomed in on the optic fibers. They were like nothing he''d ever seen. "It could be fraudulent. Someone''s science fiction."


    Gadget pushed his gnarled fingers through his thick white hair and let out a long breath. "My specialty isn''t neurology, but I know enough about the brain to tell you that these fiber optics lead to the frontal lobe, the portion of the brain that controls foresight, judgment, and voluntary movement. So let''s get some input." He glanced to his right where Stiletto was sitting. "Go."


    Stiletto bit down on a frown; she hated going first. " Looks like a blueprint to me. Something that has already been developed." She shrugged slightly before nodding toward Mongoose, indicating she was done. This sort of thing was outside of her specialty.


    "If this med-tech exists, we need to get the details. This would make hard-entries into partitioned systems, a walk in the park." Mongoose pointed toward Dex outside of Darsi; he would be the next best at hard entry. "You''re up, Dex."


    "I''m not a medical expert, but just looking at this image makes me think that it''s incomplete somehow. Until Gadget mentioned the frontal lobe and its uses, I was completely clueless about what we could be looking at."


    "And now," Thumper asked?


    "Some sort of remote relay." Dex zoomed in tighter on the microscopic fibers that connected the data port to the frontal lobe. "Gadget mentioned the tasks of this area; foresight, judgment, and voluntary movement."


    Darsi muttered a curse under her breath and took over when Dex nodded. "This is some scary shit... Is this a normal brain, Gadget?"


    Gadget shook his head slightly. "Fucking Da Vinci has the right of it. A large portion of the frontal lobe appears to be missing. Either it was removed surgically, or this specimen was born without it."


    Darsi smiled grimly. "Could someone like this function normally?"


    Gadget shook his head. "Granted, I''m not a Neurologist, but... No fucking way."


    Darsi leaned back in her chair while casually resting a hand on Dex''s shoulder. "If it is a remote relay, then the nightmare we are all having is probably the same." She glanced around the table at the rest of the Bottom Feeders.


    The group went silent for a moment before Dex said what was in everyone''s thoughts. "Worst case? It''s a relay for Origin."


    Darsi accessed her personal hud and waited impatiently while the person answered. Her slender fingers tapped the countertop until a surprised-looking female popped up. "Going to need your help."


    Nova smiled slightly; she could see that Darsi wasn''t happy to be making the request. "I gave you all my files."


    Darsi shrugged slightly. "You know Anodyne Cybernetics, and that''s where we are going. Tandem jump with my partner while I do a real-world hard entry."


    Nova shook her head without hesitating. "No way. That''s a hacker job! I don''t have ICE or Exe or anything like that."


    Darsi glanced at Dex, nodding at him to speak up. "Convince her, Dex."


    "Mute the holo, Darsi." Dex kept his face expressionless, waiting until his partner complied. "We have to go at this one unconventionally."


    Darsi''s lips curved in a slow smile. "I love it when you talk like that, Dex. Got a plan?"


    Dex nodded. "Nova and I will Tandem jump into Anodyn Cybernetics. However, we''ll do it from the Virtual World that Syntax created. We''ll mirror your movements, helping you when we can."


    Gadget held up a hand to get both of their attentions. "Nova said no. We don''t force jobs on anyone. There has to be a suitable award."


    "We could give her Dex..." Thumper smiled innocently.


    "Denied," Darsi tilted her head slightly. "She''s currently on the 8th floor; move her down to the 5th."


    Dex didn''t realize the significance of three floors, but from the expressions of the other Bottom Feeders, he figured it must be substantial. "What about Syntax?"


    Darsi shrugged slightly. "Talk to Syntax; she can go into stealth mode while Nova is there. For now, Syntax has to remain our secret."


    The Bottom Feeders nodded their heads one by one. After the circle was completed, Darsi unmuted her hud. "Fifth-floor access if you join us."


    "Done!" Nova grinned happily. "When we doing this?"


    Darsi considered the timeline for a moment before answering. "Four days, you can use the time to move floors again."


    "Agreed," Nova smiled and waved before turning off the communication from her side.


    ******************


    Half a day later, Darsi was straddling her Ducati while rummaging through a backpack that was sitting in front of her. "Don''t look so worried."


    Dex''s frown deepened. "Sorry. This is the face I make when I''m worried."


    "Take good care of me, and I''ll be fine." Darsi smiled sexily and motioned him closer with a wave. She held her arms out expectantly, waiting patiently for the young hacker to hug her.


    Dex hugged the slim blond, swearing in his head when he felt his face turning red.


    If Darsi noticed, she didn''t say anything. She ruffled his hair with both hands before zipping up her backpack. "So we''re clear... If Nova and I are hanging from a bridge. What do you do?"


    "You''re my partner." Dex bit down on a grin. "Save you and then her."


    Darsi smiled happily and slid the backpack over her shoulders. "Good answer." She held out her closed hand for a fistbump. "Ride the Wave, Dextron."


    "Ride the Wave, Quicksilver."


    Dex watched as the Ducati zipped through the open garage door and disappeared from sight.


    *************


    [3 Days Later]


    Nova whistled softly when she saw the Tandem jumper. "Fucking Da Vinci built this?"


    Thumper nodded; she was giving the Infiltrator a last-minute briefing while she studied the building schematic of Anodyne Cybernetics. "He''s pretty amazing. I''m surprised Darsi is letting you Tandem with him."


    Nova glanced over her shoulder to make sure Dex wasn''t listening. "Those two an item?"


    Thumper shrugged slightly. "No idea, but Darsi has made it pretty clear that we are hands-off when it comes to Dextron."


    "Ready to go?" Dex approached the Tandem jumper. He had already discussed the mission with Syntax. Although they hadn''t built the T-6 yet, enough of the satellites were online so that they could utilize the security protocols that the Bottom Feeders had come up with. The AI would stay in the background since Nova wasn''t aware of its existence.


    Nova nodded while fiddling with the zipper of her black jumpsuit. "I''m a bit nervous." She smiled and fist-bumped Dex. "Ride the Wave, Dex."


    "Ride the Wave, Nova." Dex nodded to Thumper, who immediately closed up the Tandem jumper.


    An instant later, the pair appeared on the platform inside the World that Syntax had developed with Dex''s Virtual Map. He moved to the controls and punched in a set of coordinates.


    "What is this place?" Nova''s face showed the wonder she felt as the platform blinked forward at an impossible speed. "No way... Is this a World Sim?"


    Dex nodded as he hung over the edge and scanned the landscape below. Syntax would be updating the map in real-time; any lag would be unnoticeable. It had been two days since Darsi left the Hive; the coordinates he punched in was their meeting place.


    Nova leaned over the side next to him. "What are we looking for?"


    "Darsi," Dex stated before pointing to a slim figure sitting casually on a bench at one of the highway rest stops.


    "This is in real-time?" Nova shook her head in disbelief; the Bottom Feeders actually have something like this?


    Dex nodded and brought up his hud. "She can''t see us up here, of course, but we can see her."


    Darsi smiled at him through the hud. "Glad to see my partner is on time. We''re five miles from Anodyne Cybernetics. Once the sun sets, we''ll go in through the fence on the NW corner."


    Dex moved back to the controls of the platform. "We''ll head there now and scout it out."

 Chapter 653: Anodyne Cybernetics

    "Here?" Quicksilver rested on one knee in the small gap between a pair of four-story buildings that started separately but then joined from the second level upward.


    "Yes, where your left foot is. The first junction is also fairly close." Dex hovered over her in v-Earth while Nova was temporarily tasked with monitoring guards from the platform several meters overhead.


    Quicksilver pulled a gun-like object and placed it against the paved path between the buildings. "Clear?"


    "It''s clear," Dex affirmed. He was able to turn the lighting up since he was in a virtual space; however, Darsi was using a pair of specialized goggles that granted her night vision, among other things. He flinched slightly at the muffled sound from the silenced gun.


    "The first buoy is set. How''s my placement?" Darsi holstered the device and waited for direction. The modified tool was something she and Dex had collaborated on while planning the job. It could shoot a projectile three meters into solid ground.


    "Perfect, let''s nab the first junction before setting the second buoy." Dex checked his pip (picture-in-picture) and noted that Nova was still on the platform. Since they were Tandem jumping, the two of them were sharing visual and audio.


    "Two pair of roving guards converging on your location. They''ll pass within three meters of Darsi''s location." Nova whispered, even though her audio had no chance of being heard by any guards.


    Dex moved quickly onto the main path before turning back toward his partner. "Retreat three meters and lay down against the edge of the east building."


    "Got it." Darsi moved into position and lay facedown in an area where the shadows seemed darkest.


    Dex waited until the guards moved away; it left him with an odd feeling. Both of their positions and Darsi''s were being updated in real-time to his location in v-Earth. His collaboration with Syntax managed to create something incredible. "It''s clear. Move north around the corner of the building. The junction is housed in an insulated conduit."


    Darsi moved quickly into position and then stopped to access her toolbag. It only took a few seconds to drill a one-inch hole into the housing. She quickly clipped the relay''s clamps in place and inserted it until it was flush with the conduit''s surface. "Junction one is ready."


    Over the next thirty minutes, the team set four buoys and placed relays in three separate junctions. During that time, the guards came by twice. Darsi waited patiently near the basement entrance of the building they needed to enter.


    "Wait for my signal, Darsi." Dex moved through the wall of the building, stopping after a few meters. Since Syntax relied on satellite imagery to update v-Earth, the inside of the buildings were black, empty spaces.


    Darsi nodded; his calm voice made her job much more manageable. "Standing by."


    Dextron used his data glove to link the four buoys that Darsi had shot into the ground. "Activating the buoys... All four are green. Here goes a ping!"


    As if on cue, the blackness surrounding Dex started to fill up. Transparent walls, ceilings, and floors formed around him as the four ultrasonic buoys mapped out everything in the building. The transparent schematic was filled in with data lines, plumbing, and electrical wires within a few seconds.


    Dex let the buoys ping a few seconds longer before shutting them off. "All set! Hard entry is a go."


    "I love it when you talk like that, Dex." Then, Darsi started working on the manual lock while Dextron used his V-glove to create a virtual keyboard.


    "The only data I was unable to access during my infiltration is located in this basement." Until now, Nova had been too scared to add anything. "Hopefully, there''s something here."


    Dex readied his Exe and bridged them to hit all three junctions at the same time. "Soon as you''re ready, Quicksilver. I''ll send in my Apocolypse Exe."


    He scanned the lower level, quickly taking in every detail of the virtual space. "There are three sets of linked storage drives in the east corner. You have to approach from the west hallway. Two physical barriers are going to drop once I bring them in the end of days."


    Darsi smiled to herself while making a mental note to bring Dex on every mission. "The outside door is open. On your signal."


    Dex sent his door breakers into all three junctions and then pinged the buoys. The barriers in the west hallway lowered automatically, but building security shut down before it could alarm anyone. "Go! Starting the clock now! No matter what, we leave in three minutes."


    Darsi ran along the edge of the west hall, one hand dragging against the wall out of habit. The darkness of her path told her that Dex''s Exe overwhelmed both the primary and backup power. "That kid... He just kicks the shit out of everything."


    The first barrier was the standard flexible metal door that looked like it belonged on a storefront instead of a secret data cache. "The first barrier has a lock. Need a few seconds."


    Dex continued to ping the lower level to keep tabs on his partner. "Still clear." He moved down the hallway past Darsi, who was busy with her lockpicks. "The second barrier is deadbolted into the floor with an electronic lock."


    Darsi tucked her lockpicks away and ran towards the second barrier. "Going to turn on the power to open them?"


    "60 seconds..." Dex instinctively stepped to one side when his partner ran by. "Stop! The ventilation duct on your left connects to a lateral hallway with a normal barrier."


    Darsi used her handheld drill and removed the screws holding the cover on. Then, without pausing, she squeezed into the narrow passage, using her gloved hands to pull herself forward. "Tight fit here, Dex."


    "Maybe you''re retaining water."


    Darsi bit down on a smile and continued her progress. Within a few seconds, she arrived at the exit vent leading to the lateral hallway.


    "Company outside; the roving guards will pass by in about two minutes," Nova''s voice sounded tense as she focused her view on the approaching pair.


    Dex glanced at the overflow pip and nodded to himself while his fingers tapped on the virtual keyboard. Darsi arrived at the second barrier and was already picking the lock. "Keep them in your view so I can monitor them."


    Darsi slid the second barrier open right when the mission clock hit 90 seconds. She took three quick steps toward the last door and tried the handle, nodding when it opened inward. "Shit..."


    "Problem?" Dex instantly moved through the walls and arrived by her side. Immediately he discovered the issue. The linked storage drives had no outside connection points. "The access must be through the floor."


    Darsi nodded in agreement. "That fucks us, Dex. Not the good kind of fucking either..."


    Dex let himself sink into the floor as he considered the options. "Cut the attachment points, and carry the drives. They only have four bolts; you can slice the wires, and we can go through it off-site."


    Darsi muttered a curse but quickly turned on her filament blade and began cutting. "This is going to be a bit heavy. It might be difficult to avoid the guards."


    "Don''t worry; my plan is already in place. Get the drive, retrace your steps, and let me know when you''re ready to exit." Within a few seconds, he returned to the basement entrance.


    Nova ducked instinctively behind the edge of their mobile platform, even though she knew the guards couldn''t see it. "Won''t they notice that the building is entirely offline?"


    "Count on it." Dex checked the time. "How we doing, Darsi?"


    "Just exited the ventilation; I''ll be at the exit in ten seconds."


    Dex deactivated the buoys and triangulated all three junctions with his v-glove interface. "Coming up on three minutes, the guards are here."


    Darsi muttered a curse under her breath. She was confident she could escape easy enough if she weren''t carrying thirty pounds of circuitry. "At the door... Say when."


    Dex moved directly in front of the guards, watching them for the first sign of alarm. The one on the right stopped suddenly and grabbed the second guard''s arm. "Anyone mention that this building was coming off-grid?"


    The other guard shook his head. "Not to me. Call it in?"


    Both guards wore identical tan uniforms with a badge on the shoulder identifying them as Anodyne Cybernetic Security. Additionally, they wore a taser on their right hip and carried a holstered sidearm on the left.


    "NVGs on... We''ll take a look and then call it in." The guard calmly switched on his goggles, causing the lenses to glow light green.


    "Close your eyes on exit, hug the left wall and hightail it to your entry point. Ready... NOW!" Dex used a kill-command to disable his Exe code instantly. At the same time, he accessed both guard''s NVG settings and maxed out the sensitivity. As a result of the sudden power return, the emergency lighting in front of the door flashed brightly, causing both guards to claw at their goggles. Before they could remove them, he dropped white noise into their audio feeds, maxing it out until his junction relays overloaded.


    "Holy crap..." Nova watched as Darsi fled the scene; although the guards finally managed to remove their goggles, neither could do anything but lay on the ground clutching at their ears. "You were in both their audio and visual links? Fucking Da Vince..."


    Dex appeared next to Nova on the platform, moving behind the controls to mirror Darsi''s retreat. She made it to the edge of the fence before the first alarms sounded off. "What now, Darsi?"


    "I should be able to handle the rest. Could you stay in the air and guide me?


    "You got it, Partner."

 Chapter 654: Test Drive

    Darsi returned to the HiveHive after dropping off the linked storage drives with trustworthy allies that would go through everything and then give them a detailed report. Initially, the thought process of the Bottom Feeders was to study it themselves. However, it had been Dex who wondered if the drive were a trap of some sort.


    "Is this really your first time?" Darsi smiled sexily into the pillow.


    "You know it is." He pushed down harder, making Darsi sigh happily.


    "The hell are you two doing up there?" Thumper popped her head into the loft area, fully expecting to find the two of them in a compromising position. But, instead, both were fully clothed while Dex massaged Darsi''s shoulders. "Oh... never mind then."


    Dex frowned when Thumper went back down the stairs and started rummaging through his kitchen. "Can I ask you a question, Darsi?"


    The blond nodded while covering a yawn. "Yep... Don''t stop with my backrub, though. Those drives were really heavy; I may have strained myself."


    Dex rolled his eyes, although quite slim, her shoulders and arms were well muscled. "Why is it Fucking Da Vinci, and not Da Vinci?"


    Darsi''s lazy smile widened when she peeked over her shoulder at him. "All hackers everywhere have agreed that it''s always Fucking Da Vinci. We''re a petty group that gets pissed when someone one-ups us."


    "You polled all hackers? Impressive work... No one asked me."


    "I''m sure it was when you were under house arrest." Darsi pointed to her shoulders and sunk her head back onto the pillow.


    Dex paused the massage when his HUD buzzed; a moment later, Nova''s pretty face popped up in front of him. "Hey... Move down to the 5th floor yet?"


    Nova nodded in reply. "You busy, Dex?"


    "Yes, he is. We''re doing some partner bonding." Darsi''s muffled answer came from the comfort of Dex''s pillow.


    Dex shook his head in denial. "Not really. What''s going on?"


    "That hacker friend of yours, Kenji? He disappeared."


    "Kenji?" Dex frowned at the mention of the familiar name. Kendal was colluding with Gladis Corp. "Did he Casper?"


    Darsi popped her head up long enough to comment. "Maybe he got nabbed by Yuli''s people. We did take them for six mil before you left his calling card."


    Nova forced a smile and continued. Quicksilver made it her habit to intrude whenever she tried to talk to Dex. "Nabbed in broad daylight, black SUV, no plates."


    Dex whistled but couldn''t find enough sympathy to feel bad. His friend Saul hadn''t deserved what he got either. "Thanks for passing it on."


    "No problem. Visit me later? I''m going to start a long dive in the morning."


    "Sure. How long?"


    "Maybe a month or so."


    "Big money, I bet... Cya later." Dex waved and shut off the HUD. Infiltrator work seemed boring to him, although admittedly, he didn''t know much about it.


    Darsi sat up slowly, smiling lazily at the young hacker. "Looks like we have all the components we need to build the T-6."


    Dex smiled at the mention of the project. He''d been keeping tabs on the ordered parts, so he was aware that they could finally get started. "We building it in the nest?"


    Darsi stood up and stretched her arms overhead. She considered the question while tieing her hair up in a ponytail. The next was the central common area of the Bottom Feeders. When the Hive had been a missile silo, it was the launching platform back in the day. "Yeah. Seems like the best place."


    ****************


    "Looks like an old distributor cap from the classic combustion engines." Dex had placed seven sets NTIs (Neural Transfer Interface) on the floor next to him. As with the Tandem jumper, he spliced the 12-Line NTIs from the Brandish pods into 6-Line NTIs for the T-6. That meant that each jumper would be utilizing seven lines. The overload would be used by Syntax to create an encrypted communication and feedback loop.


    Darsi nodded in agreement. They''d been working for three days straight. The ''distributer cap'' that Dex referenced had been built by the two of them as the Interface between all six pods and their encrypted data port. She flipped her goggle down on her head, making it possible to view the v-Hive. "The hell are you doing?"


    Thumper dropped the bunny ears she had been mimicking Darsi with. She smiled guiltily and shrugged. "Just a bit of fun."


    Darsi returned the smile with a frown. Thumper and Stiletto were helping them with the virtual Interface from v-Hive. "Run data diagnostics on the NTI lines as Dex connects them."


    Dex glanced at his partner, who seemed to be talking to thin air. He couldn''t see the two virtual assistants since he was assembling the T-6 Interface. "Want me to teach them a lesson?"


    Both Thumper and Stiletto shook their heads vigorously at Darsi, causing her frown to disappear with a chuckle.


    "No... They are bored. Besides, we''re going to need them when we take down Yuli." Darsi pushed her goggles back on her head, making the virtual people disappear again.


    Six hours later, the T-6 was fully assembled and ready to be tested. Unlike the Anodyne Cybernetic simulation that used the Tandem jumper, the T-6 looped data, and resources. They were all looking forward to how v-Earth looked under their newly Da Vinci-built hardware.


    Gadget rubbed his hands together like a child looking at candy. "Let''s get cleaned up and rested. Then we''ll give this a proper run."


    Dex nodded. "Let''s stop in and see Syntax first."


    [Greetings Dextron]


    Dex stood with Darsi on the navigation platform. Syntax changed its look slightly; it was slimmer than before, its code could be seen swirling around the outer surface of its body. It had taken what could be considered an androgynous appearance.


    Although Dex was aware that Syntax inhabited the entire stealth pod, having an avatar to speak to made conversation less awkward. "How did you feel about the test run?"


    [Anodyne Cybernetics would have presented difficulties for most pairings. However, you and Darsi work well together.]


    Darsi nodded absent-mindedly; she and Dex were standing on nav-platform while Syntax hovered near them. The warmth of the sun on her face put her in a good mood. "The T-6 is ready to test. With all jumpers plugged in, you''ll be able to update v-Earth in real-time."


    [There are currently 116 satellites standing by for our initial testing of the T-6. During the Tandem mission a few days ago, I could only utilize 12 of these at any one time.]


    Darsi placed a hand on Dex''s shoulder, "it felt like a real-time operation."


    [You are correct, Quicksilver. I was able to localize real-time updates to the area you were working. Unfortunately, the rest of v-Earth was not synched.]


    Darsi rolled her eyes; only an AI would bring that up. Who would care that a cat crossing the street in Singapore wasn''t updated when you were working in Florida? She gazed silently at the forest below while Dex and Syntax continued talking. If the rest of the world knew what they built here...


    "Darsi?"


    Dex''s voiced jarred her thoughts. "Hmm?"


    "Ready to test the T-6?"


    "Sure," Darsi smiled even though her thoughts were suddenly troubled. "Ride the wave, Syntax."


    [Ride the wave, Quicksilver.]


    Less than an hour later, all six bottom feeders stepped into their respective jumpers, three sets of duo-pods built into a triangular construction with the doors facing outward. The pairings of Gadget/Mongoose and Thumper/Stiletto formed the angles of the triangle, while Dextron and Quicksilver were at the base.


    Darsi keyed her audio feed, enabling the rest of the group to hear her. "Looks like all systems are green. Does anyone have concerns before we start?"


    Dex waited for a few seconds before speaking. "Okay then, this is a short run to Geneva. We might as well get a look at Heltier & Fianti Banking. Count us down, Syntax."


    [Countdown in 5...4...3...2... Ride the Wave, Bottom Feeders.]

 Chapter 655: Heltier & Fianti

    Dextron immediately noticed the difference of v-Earth under the influence of the T-6. The colors, sounds, and smells were more vibrant, more alive. He appeared a few moments before the rest of the Bottom Feeders, who were similarly impressed.


    [All satellites are online, and encrypted data feedback has been looped in. Overload is being rerouted to create a real-time stream. This connection is secure.]


    Darsi was the first to notice that all of their avatars were dressed in sleek black jumpsuits. "This your doing, Dex?"


    Dex nodded. "Starting today, the world is ours."


    Mongoose moved to the controls. "Let''s see what Geneva looks like at this time of the day."


    "Pretty." Stiletto''s duo-colored eyes scanned the city beneath them when it popped into view an instant later. Unexpectedly, she stopped hiding her heterochromia in recent days. She stood next to Dextron, the top of her head barely reaching his chest. "You should make your Avatar shorter, Dex."


    Dex grinned suddenly; the hair color of the week for the tiny hacker was bright yellow. "Only if you keep that hair color. It''s very cool."


    "It is nice," Darsi agreed.


    Thumper nodded and patted the petite girl''s head. "It''s quite striking."


    "Singapore sunset saffron," Stiletto announced, smiling widely at the attention.


    They were one hundred meters above Lake Geneva, near the southwest shore where the Rh?ne River fed it. It was an hour before sunset; the breeze coming off the water made the temperature pleasant.


    Darsi pointed west of their position. A mirrored building with a peculiar pyramid shape stood out in the distance. "H & F is in the


    Charmilles-Chatelaine-Servette district."


    Mongoose and Gadget shared a glance but neither commented. Darsi was fluent in a half dozen languages, neither of them would have even attempted the words.


    "Woah... talented tongue," Dex said the words before analyzing its content.


    Darsi favored him with a sexy smile before continuing. "Their HQ is on the corner of Rue Liotard and Avenue De-Luserna. Bring us in, Dex."


    The vehicle moved suddenly, darting directly to the front of the building, approximately three meters above the busy sidewalk.


    Dex stepped over the side, hovering in v-Earth while studying his surroundings. "Remove all traffic, both pedestrian and automotive, within a three-block radius of this position."


    The area around their target grew suddenly quiet; they could still hear the distant hum of traffic accompanied by the occasional car horn.


    "Holy crap, Dextron." Gadget moved alongside the younger hacker while studying the building closer. Without a doubt, it was the most impressive thing he''d ever seen.


    Darsi was already at the entrance, peering in despite knowing that there would be nothing to see. Their perception of the building came from the earth''s orbit. "I want the electronic schematic on the building; Gadget and Mongoose can handle that."


    Since it was Darsi''s job, she was in charge of the delegation. "Thumper and Stiletto get me detailed blueprints, everything you can find; ductwork, pipes, and any kind of conduit."


    Dex watched as the two teams split up and moved in different directions; he waited calmly, knowing that Darsi would have an assignment for him.


    Darsi motioned for Dex to join her by the entrance. "We need to fill in the blanks for this building, starting with the lobby."


    Dex nodded and dropped to the street level, his sharp eyes taking in everything. "There!"


    Darsi watched as he moved toward the intersection. "Traffic cam?"


    Dex nodded and motioned with his gloved hand; immediately, all the Bottom Feeders received the camera feed''s pip (picture-picture).


    The original feed showed the intersection''s crosswalk; slowly, it panned toward the glass doors of their building''s entrance.


    Darsi stared at the pip on her HUD. "Zoom into the building, focus on woman fixing her hair."


    Darsi moved through the closed doorway, suddenly thankful that an AI was assisting them. Syntax instantly filled in the space with everything the camera could see; the rest of the building was eerily empty. "Create a static representation of the inside so we can explore a bit."


    [Of course, Quicksilver.]


    Dex moved beside her, the traffic cam only filled out a small part of the building, but it was a start. From there, he hacked the door guard''s smart glasses that linked into the building''s security system. Then, treading carefully, since H & F were known for their attention to security details, he mirrored the video feeds but didn''t attempt to alter their movement.


    "Hmm... That''s why you''re my guy, Dex." Darsi moved further into the building; slowly, over several seconds, the details of the lobby started filling out. "Personal data bracelet on the blue suit guy!" Darsi pointed at the target a moment before he walked through her.


    "Got him!" Dex routed through the bracelet and used it to ping all similar devices within range. "Nice... Seventeen small security breaches."


    "I want everything, Dex; we need to know every detail before we come here in person." Darsi keyed her hud and brought up Gadget''s holo. "Progress? We can''t poke around too long; even small fluctuations will be noticed after a few minutes."


    Gadget''s wrinkled face grinned back at her. "We have three data access points; more importantly, we''ve located the central junction for incoming transactions."


    "Tippy toes, Gadget. They are going to have some serious defenses. Don''t trip any alarms." Darsi was about to key up Thumper''s holo, but it popped up while she was talking to Gadget.


    Thumper shared a building blueprint in the T-6''s group video feed. "Two years ago, they put in-floor heating on the three lower levels. Because of that, they raised the floors about one foot."


    Darsi wrinkled her nose slightly. "That''s tight. Does that include the thickness of the material?"


    "Quit complaining, skip a few meals and get ready for Hard Entry." Thumper deliberately emphasized the last two words of the sentence. "If you''re worried, I''ll team up with Dex and handle the hard entry."


    Darsi rolled her eyes and closed the holo. "You''d love that, you little scamp," she muttered under her breath.


    Dex glanced at his hud and checked the time. "Let''s bail. We have enough information to get started."


    Within a few seconds, the Bottom Feeders returned to the Nav-Platform. Even though they could have all logged off from anywhere, they shared grins when they all had the same idea.


    [Dextron, I believe you may be interested in this.]


    "Hmm?" Dex was to use the control panel when the vehicle suddenly changed locations.


    Both the temperature and visibility plummeted suddenly. Then, the crashing sound of thunder followed by the flash of lightning, made everyone on the platform flinch reflexively.


    "Where are we?" Dex couldn''t see much through the torrential downpour.


    The Nav-Platform was in a large parking area that butted up against the glass doors of a building. A sign with bold red lettering said, EMERGENCY ROOM.


    [This is the Klondis Municipal Hospital in Detroit.]


    Dex moved toward the glass doors where four people were pushing a wheeled gurney inside. "What are we looking at?"


    Darsi frowned at the black SUV. "That''s no ambulance. It feels corporate to me." She entered through the open door and immediately hacked into the security cam mounted over the entrance.


    It took a few seconds for Syntax to update the images from the camera''s memory bank.


    "No fucking way..." The unconscious person on the gurney slowly came into focus, like an old Instamatic photograph.


    Stiletto led the rest of the Bottom Feeders into the building, stooping slightly to stare at the red-haired person. "Is this someone we know?"


    Darsi nodded, her expression suddenly grim. "It''s Kendal, the guy that was kidnapped in broad daylight."


    Dex was already in front of the gurney. "Get me the video feeds from security while I delay the elevator. I want to know where they are bringing him."


    Darsi nodded and brought up her hud. Within seconds her hud shut down, and she let out a string of curses. "Leave the elevator, Dex! There''s some major ICE here."


    Dex paused what he was doing while considering her words. "Were you discovered?"


    Darsi shook her head. "My failsafe kicked in before I made contact with security."


    "Why didn''t it trip when we hacked the entry cam?" Dex watched helplessly as the elevator opened for a few seconds, and Kenji was wheeled inside.


    The group waited patiently as the lights that designated floors slowly lit up. Finally, after a few seconds, it settled on the sixth floor.


    Darsi grabbed her partner''s hand and pulled him toward the exit. "One job at a time, we''ll let one of our specialists from the hive investigate this."

 Chapter 656: Candidate

    "Been simmering long enough?" Darsi peeked over his shoulder at the sauce he was cooking, a feat that required her to stand on her tiptoes since he was quite a bit taller than her.


    "Is this conversation about the sauce? Or what we saw while using the T-6?" Dex attempted to put on a sour expression but was easily defeated when she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him close.


    "Feeling a bit salty?'' Darsi''s blue eyes showed humor, despite the serious tone.


    "Is this about the sauce? Or my mood?"


    "Both? Why are you comparing everything to spaghetti sauce?" Darsi released her grip and slid around him to access the cupboard.


    It had been forty-eight hours since the report from the Anodyne Cybernetic job returned; the Bottom Feeders decided to take a few days to study the results while letting the Kenji situation sit.


    Dex shrugged slightly; Darsi had spent the last two days in his room. The partners spent most of that chatting about off-topic things like childhood stories and motorcycles.


    Darsi removed two plates, her pretty face unreadable. "Perhaps you are missing Nova?"


    Dex let his serious expression slip in favor of a grin; Quicksilver loved to take little jabs at his infiltrator friend. "What''s the deal with the two of you? Oil and water?"


    Darsi fixed him with a deadpan stare. "You can be so dense..."


    Dex laughed but silently agreed as he tasted a bit of the sauce that he was preparing. "Somethings missing..."


    The blonde pursed her lips slightly. "Let me see." Darsi leaned closer, placing a hand under his to support the spoon. Unexpectedly she slid to one side and moved closer, lightly brushing her lips against his before stepping away. "Nothing is missing; it''s fucking perfect."


    Dex felt his face warm considerably, thankful that Darsi had turned around to rummage through the silverware drawer. "Is that a legitimate way of testing sauce?" He muttered a curse at the awkwardness of his words; some people say cool things under pressure while he tended to wallow in quicksand.


    Darsi found the utensils she was looking for, freezing for a moment when she noticed his expression. "It''s not? I''m going to fucking kill Gadget."


    Dex stared blankly for a moment before breaking out in laughter. Just like that, the awkwardness he felt disappeared. "Damn... You had me for a second."


    "More like a couple of seconds," Darsi countered with a wink.


    The two shared a quiet dinner, occasionally talking about minor things, but neither was bothered by the silent moments when they lengthened. Finally, they arrived at the designated meeting time for the Bottom Feeders.


    Darsi and Dex were the last to arrive. Thumper, Gadget, Mongoose, and Stiletto were already perusing data files on their HUDs. As if perfectly synched, all four HUDs shut down when they arrived.


    "Why staring so hard? We aren''t late!" Darsi used her HUD to bring up the report, noticing that Dex did the same.


    The group shared a look before Gadget cleared his throat. "There was an attachment for this report, Darsi. Sending it now."


    "What are we looking at." Darsi could see that it was a list of names; automatically, her eyes stopped when she spotted a familiar name. "Kenji is on this list?"


    Gadget nodded, his expression giving nothing away. "This is a list of candidates."


    "Hmm... Why so glum?" Darsi glanced around the table, immediately feeling like she was being treated delicately. She had already studied the report on the Anodyne job. It gave a list of ideal qualities for what was only referred to as ''the procedure." "Makes sense, I guess. They all fit the profile."


    According to the report, those deemed suitable have the following characteristics.


    1) Male: Although there was no difference neurologically between the genders, clinical data indicated that men had a notably higher survival rate when undergoing procedures involving the brain.


    2) Virtual Presence: Those who spent years in virtual settings enjoyed neural pathways that were more extensive and more complex; hackers or virtual gamers preferred.


    3) High Intelligence: Although the procedure destroys the frontal lobe, many critical brain components remain functional. Those with higher intelligence process and store data faster than their counterparts.


    Darsi shrugged slightly; Kenji was nothing to her. Just some idiot who worked for law enforcement. She scanned further down the list before stopping suddenly, her warm blue eyes instantly growing cold. "Oh... Fuck no! No fucking way that''s happening!"


    The rest of the Bottom Feeders all looked at Dextron for support. The list had been made in reverse, with the best candidates being at the bottom. The last name on the list was familiar to everyone, Dexter Wallace.


    Dex noticed his name right away but didn''t feel the emotional impact that either the Bottom Feeders or Darsi felt; instead, he was surprisingly unconcerned. In truth, when he read the candidate characteristics, his first thought was that he would be an ideal candidate. "Are we going to help, Kenji? What about the four casualties already suffered?"


    "I already researched them." Stiletto brought up the table hud and viewed four separate profiles. Three of them were male, while the fourth was female. "The men all died during the procedure. Their data has been scrubbed clean. No DNA, fingerprints, or records of any sort."


    Darsi closed three of the files, viewing the lone female. "What''s the deal with the female?"


    Stiletto brought up everything she was able to dig up on the only female candidate. "She died while being kidnapped late at night while walking home. Defensive wounds indicate that the girl had some fight in her."


    Thumper frowned at the picture of the pretty Asian girl; she was too young to die so horribly. "Initially, it says she was listed as a Jane Doe?"


    Stiletto nodded. "This sticks out a bit because recently, she was identified by an anonymous source."


    Dex moved a copy of the report to his personal HUD while looking at the details. "This was more than seven years ago."


    Darsi cursed; the anger on her face hadn''t faded at all. "Perhaps she was one of the first candidates. There could have been others that we never heard about."


    "Should we go after the anonymous source?" Dex smiled at his partner. "Perhaps it was someone involved who felt guilty."


    Darsi considered it for a moment before nodding. "Since you already have your fingers in this, try and find the source of this leak."


    Stiletto nodded before turning her multi-colored gaze onto Dex. "Want to help me with..?"


    Darsi interrupted before she could finish. "He''s going to be busy with the H & F job; the two of us will be heading to Geneva."


    "I can give you a hand," Thumper volunteered, well aware that the Tesla could do the work by herself.


    "Great, thanks Thumper," Stiletto replied with her best fake smile.


    "Armageddon is ready to go?" Gadget was able to glimpse the security software while Dextron was tweaking it. If Dex had used that for his entry test, none of the levels on the tower would have lit up.


    "Yes," Dex nodded confidently. He developed most of the software before he was placed under house arrest. Since his return to the wave, Armageddon had been completely reworked and was ready to go to rumble.


    "I''ll book our tickets to Geneva." Darsi relaxed with a long exhale. "Find our anonymous source while Dex and I put the pieces in place for the H & F job."


    Gadget raised a hand to get everyone''s attention before they left. "What about Kenji? Are we going after him?"


    Darsi shared a glance with Dex before answering. "Let''s vote! I say no, bastard went after Dex!"


    Mongoose shook his head. "I say no. Too much risk for us! That guy isn''t a friend of ours."


    "No," Thumper stated quickly.


    "Too risky," Stiletto agreed. "We have more important fish to fry."


    "It''s a no from me," Gadget replied.


    Dex felt the group staring at him. "Fuck that guy. If Syntax hadn''t warned me, I might be the one in that hospital."


    Darsi sat up from her seat, waiting for Dex while he closed up the windows he had open. "It''s an eight-hour flight to Geneva. Use the time to wrap up our loose ends."


    Gadget gestured toward himself and Mongoose. "We''ll use the Tandem jumper to back you up during the meeting with H & F."


    *******Author''s Note******


    Don''t confuse the Tandem jumper with the T-6. Although similar, the Tandem is a two-seater that can only utilize a handful of satellites for real-time feedback. The T-6 can use more resources and is capable of producing v-Earth


    *************************


    "That should work," Darsi agreed. Syntax could use a dozen satellites and give them real-time feedback in their mission area.


    All five of the Bottom Feeders were dispersing when the lights flickered slightly. Of the five of them, Dex was the only one who didn''t show a reaction.


    "Set security to active!" Darsi broke into a run, heading for Dex''s room. "You''re with me in the Tandem!"


    Dex followed without comment, noting that Gadget and the others had already disappeared. "What''s going on?"


    Darsi went through his front door and was up the loft stairs before answering. "Our lights don''t flicker; that means someone is peeking at our shit."


    Dex slowed to a walk, watching as she opened the Tandem and climbed in. "I plugged Armageddon into the Hive security. So no one is breaking in."


    "Doesn''t Armageddon have a glaring issue?"


    Dex answered with a grin before climbing into the pod beside her. "Only the version I''m selling H & F; the one I installed here is tight!"


    Darsi waited until he was ready before pulling the hatch down. "Ride the wave, Dextron."


    Dex fist-bumped her. "Ride the wave, Quicksilver."

 Chapter 657: Short Reunion

    "Still worried about the list?" Dex pushed back the chair to its fully reclined position, thankful to have enough legroom to stretch his legs.


    Darsi spent the first half of the three flight trip staring out the window into the clouds. She hadn''t said more than three or four words at a time, thankful that her partner knew when to leave her alone. "I contacted a few of my friends before we left, just to let them know that we may require their services."


    "May I get you something to drink?" A flight attendant interrupted their conversation with a polite smile; when both of them shook their heads, she moved to the passengers behind them.


    Instead of the commercial variety that most people used, the jet they were traveling in was a charter jet. It had twin engines and could seat up to twenty-five passengers; VR jumpers and a bar near the plane''s rear were among the amenities.


    Dex checked to make sure the attendant was gone before inquiring further. "What sort of friends?"


    "The kind that lends you a hand when the shit hits the fan. Our Yuli job is straightforward, but this whole business with Gladis gives me a bad feeling." The blond squeezed his hand, suddenly realizing that she''d been holding it for the past few hours.


    [0900 Local time, Geneva, Switzerland]


    After arriving at noon on the day before, Darsi and Dex checked into the Hotel Spriztier before strolling casually through the Charmilles-Chatelaine-Servette district, near the H & F Bank. The streets were crowded with locals and tourists, seemingly unconcerned with the constant jostling and bumping associated with dense foot traffic.


    Slipping on his glasses, Dex followed his partner into the front door of the H & F building.


    [Gadget: We are in position and ready to back you up. Mongoose will handle everything in the appointment office while I mirror your positions.]


    [Mongoose: Let''s hope those glasses of yours don''t trip security.]


    Darsi glanced at her partner. He appeared to be wearing wire-framed glasses, a bit stylish but with no electronic parts. "Looking sharp, Dex. Let''s try and sell our product." She spoke to quiet any further speaking, well aware that they were already being monitored.


    Dex waved her ahead, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose, a gesture that turned on its ultrasonic pulse emission.


    [Gadget: Dextron turned on the device, I am not reading anything yet. "Data feed is inactive... Is your shit broken?"]


    Two offices away, Mongoose found their destination, a corner office with two mean seated behind an oversized desk. The older man was using a leather office chair while the younger perched on the room''s open window ledge.


    [Mongoose: This room has an active scanner running.]


    Dex didn''t comment; he followed a step behind his partner while she talked casually with the secretary escorting them. Ultrasonics wouldn''t come up on an electronic scan because they registered as soundwaves when dialed down to the lowest level. Any active sensors would ignore it as standard ambient noise.


    [Gadget: Nevermind! Everything is coming through at once, scrubbing our current building schematic to reflect new data.]


    Darsi couldn''t see Gadget mirroring their movements, but he would follow them until he reached Mongoose according to their plan.


    Dex caught up to his partner with a long stride. "We should hurry; our second appointment is right after this one."


    Darsi nodded in reply. This was Dex''s reminder that his glasses would go dead in 10 minutes. Until then, it would burst ultrasonic echoes that would map object movements in real-time, the drawback with its one-meter range.


    [Gadget: We''re at the door, you''re up Mongoose.]


    Mongoose hovered upside-side within view of the desk''s HUD. His priority was the access card and the day''s code.


    "Mr. Heltier, may I present Will Tyler and his associate, Gina Nixon." The middle-aged secretary gestured toward Darsi and Dex.


    The older man stood up from behind the desk and moved around it before extending his hand. "Call me Jacob. This is my nephew Edward."


    The man on the window ledge didn''t stand up but offered the two guests a polite nod.


    Dex removed his glasses, rubbing his eyes with the back of the same hand before sitting them on the corner of the desk.


    "Edward Heltier? I''m an admirer of your work." Darsi''s pretty face wore a wide smile.


    The younger man, referred to as Ed, decided to stand. "My work?"


    Darsi nodded before continuing. "Your dissertation regarding Electronic Banking and a common world currency."


    [Mongoose: That bullshit? He wants to create a ''World Dollar. Don''t these idiots remember the Euro?]


    Ed returned her smile, a flicker of interest igniting in his dark brown eyes. "Thank you, Miss Nixon."


    Darsi accepted his handshake. "Just call me Gina."


    Mongoose watched as the meeting started. Darsi did most of the talking while Dex answered technical questions regarding Armageddon. When Ed produced his security access card, the Bottom Feeder immediately cloned it.


    [Mongoose: Candy from a baby. God the card and today''s access code. Time to swap places, Gadget!]


    Gadget moved away from the data port he had chosen for access and headed toward the office where Darsi and Dex were. He spotted Mongoose floating through the wall, utterly invisible to the dozens of people in the lobby.


    [Gadget: Use the port I marked. I''ll notify you the moment he pulls the card.]


    A few minutes later, Ed Heltier was explaining how they would test Armageddon''s viability. First, Heltier would use a mock-up of their system to test whether or not Armageddon could meet their needs. The hackers employed by H & F would then bombard the virtual bank while tech experts monitored the security software''s performance. The test would probably last a week or two.


    [Gadget: He''s reaching for the card... It''s pulled!]


    In the next room, Mongoose accessed the data port using the cloned card. Immediately he began seeding the path for Armageddon.


    [Mongoose: Downloading, sixty seconds, and we''re gone.]


    ****************


    A few hours later, Darsi stepped out of the bathroom. She wore the hotel''s white bathrobe and held a black brush in one hand. The two of them were to stay in Geneva until the test ended. Dex was seated on a sinfully soft couch, trying to look casual. His partner had only booked them one room.


    "Hey, Dex... Want to meet some friends of mine?"


    Dex was barely able to nod before his HUD dinged with a membership to Vasai Virtual. "You set this up for me?"


    Darsi nodded. "Let me get changed, and we''ll use the room''s jumpers."


    A short while later, Dex accepted an invite to a private retreat in Vasai Virtual. The two of them appeared on a three-tiered deck, leading them to a rustic-looking lake home. "This is nice! Where we at?"


    "Michigan''s Upper Pennisula." Darsi pulled him toward a set of sliding glass doors; the sounds of yelling and laughter rose significantly when she opened the door.


    "Darsi is here!" Nix spotted the Inferno Sniper and quickly set down his shot glass. Since the last Haven Fair, which none of the Inferno members would dare miss, he hadn''t seen much of her.


    Darsi accepted a warm hug from the Inferno Leader, noting over his shoulder that both Pon, Semmi, and Hara were also present. From the looks of things, it was turning into a party. "Dex! These four are part of my Inferno family. From left to right, we have Nix, Pon, Hara, and Semmi."


    Dex smiled and shook the hand of a very familiar man. He had short blond hair, blue eyes and wore a white tank-top that said ''Prey Waits.'' "Nice to meet you."


    The redhead hugged Darsi, favoring her with a smile. "Is this your plus one?"


    Dex shook hands with a slightly inebriated Texan before Semmi wrapped him up in a hug. He stole a glance at Darsi, her usually serious demeanor completely faded in the presence of this group. "Nix, Semmi, and Pon? Inferno family? Wait a second! You guys are the actual NPCs?"


    Darsi nodded and threw an arm around the shoulder of the stunningly attractive redhead. "In the single-player version you played, this wonderful lady would be Shae."


    Dex pursed his lips slightly, trying to recall the names. "I met someone named Hyai and maybe a few others..."


    Two hours later, the party was still moving, albeit somewhat slowly and with a bit of slurred speech. Dex and Nix shared notes on his virtual daughter Sigh, who was much younger in the multi-player version of Colonial.


    Nix pointed a finger at Dex, pausing long enough to toss down a whiskey shooter. "Tembai Academy... I should have burned that place to the ground."


    Pon twisted the cap off another bottle of Virtual Jack. "You did!"


    Nix dismissed the comment with a wave of his hand. "It was only a few buildings; that doesn''t really count."


    Pon shrugged slightly and peeked over his shoulder before lowering his voice. "You coming to the wedding?"


    "Wedding?" Dex glanced at the trio of women; they''d taken their conversation outside to the deck. "I don''t know anything about that."


    Pon cackled loudly before leaning closer. "My boy Nix is getting married! I''m the best man!"


    Dex found himself returning the man''s wide grin. Pon''s Texas accent became more pronounced as the drinking commenced; so did his volume. "Doesn''t he already have a half dozen wives?"


    Pon nodded sagely. "Right? Talk some sense into him! This one isn''t a virtual wedding; Nix and Hara are tying the knot."


    Nix didn''t comment other than to nod in agreement.

 Chapter 658: Troubled Syntax

    "The best thing about virtual parties is the lack of hangovers." Darsi wore comfortable grey sweatpants and one of Dex''s t-shirts. Her blond hair hung in her eyes while her warm breath tickled his ear.


    Darwen hadn''t experienced drinking before; after mentioning it to the bottomless pit that was Pon, the Texan decided to give him a crash course in surviving virtual booze. "Those two are pretty cool. The Nix from the single-player game was nothing like that guy."


    Darsi had one leg slung over Dex''s hip while she snuggled against his back. "No doubt. Want to order some breakfast?"


    Dex nodded; there was nothing to do until H & F contacted them. The job wouldn''t be possible unless Armageddon was in play. "I could eat."


    Darsi released her partner and rolled lazily onto an oversized pillow that she had tossed to one side. "They won''t pick up the seeds Mongoose planted?"


    Dex shook his head, finally able to stretch since the blond was no longer hampering his movement. "I wrote it as disassembled code; until it gets activated, there won''t be any issues."


    "And when it gets activated?"


    "It''s essentially a gateway that''s been taken apart; our encryption will reassemble the pieces. Once that happens, the gateway becomes active." Dex squinted at the light coming in from the balcony window; it appeared to be mid-morning in Geneva.


    Darsi knew the rest; Armageddon would ignore the gateway and allow them into the system without tripping any alarms. The explanation was simple, but she''d seen the code firsthand; Fucking Da Vinci wasn''t good enough to describe it. "There''s a nice harbor cruise that takes a few hours; if you don''t mind spending a few credits on your partner."


    **********


    Day 5, Geneva, Switzerland.


    Ed Heltier sat comfortably on his favorite seat, the open window ledge in his Uncle''s office. He was watching the performance of Armageddon while a handful of techies analyzed code. "Isn''t it just security management software?"


    Sandbox shook his head slightly; the twenty-something hacker refused to answer to his given name of Samuel Griese. "I''ve counted seventy different countermeasures built into Armageddon. I thought the name was a joke until we took a poke at it. It''s not a fucking joke."


    Ed kept his opinion to himself; he already knew the security program was tight. However, his interest was in the ICE (Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics).


    Sandbox was a thin man with a prominent nose that seemed out of place on his narrow face. His green eyes focused on the code scrolling across his hud. "Do we know who wrote this?"


    Ed nodded. "The team that visited our office are the two writers."


    Sandbox leaned back in his chair, running both hands through his short brown hair. "One, or maybe both of them is Fucking Da Vinci. This is some sort of fragmented binary; not sure if I can crack it open."


    "Do your best." Ed stared at the screen, his thoughts straying to Gina Nixon, the female of the pairing. "Have our team continue testing; let me know if anything odd happens."


    ***********


    "Tricky..." Darsi leaned against the rail of the small harbor boat as it cruised through Geneva Bay. Dex was talking shop, explaining how he wrote his binary code. "So it isn''t modified?"


    Dex touched the tip of his nose with a wide smile. "Boom. People trick themselves into thinking that simple answers are complex. But, on the contrary, the code is ordinary binary. Typically everything is ones and zeros. The only change I made to that was to add fake ones and fake zeros."


    Darsi understood the basic concept. A one or zero would be active for a random amount of time; the length of this activation would decide whether it was true or false. A false indication meant that the code was the reciprocal of what it read. The timed event was measured in nanoseconds and tracked by a Dextron-written program called Cypherlock.


    Five days later, the Bottom Feeders sat in a virtual conference room sponsored by the Spritzer Hotel. They were only touching base before Darsi and Dex returned to the Hive. H & F were about to begin the installation of Armageddon into their financial management software. The asking price was nearly half of what they were expecting to make from the Yuli job.


    Gadget smiled at the report Darsi gave them. Although Armageddon would allow them a temporary doorway, the software itself was flawless. Moreover, the money from the sale coupled with the job itself would finance their operation for quite some time. "Something is going on with Syntax."


    The words immediately attracted Dex''s attention. "Meaning?"


    Gadget glanced around at the four Bottom Feeders who still remained in the Hive. "The four of us have been noticing some peculiarities. It doesn''t answer when spoken to; there are times when real-time is dropped for no apparent reason, and it appears to be violating its security protocols."


    Dex''s frown deepened. A troubled AI? "Did you ask Syntax if there is a problem?"


    Gadget gave a slight nod. "It seems confused by our questions."


    Dextron kept his face free of expression, despite feeling alarm. The last thing anyone wanted was a rogue AI running rampant. "I''ll take a look when I get back."


    When the meeting ended a few minutes later, the Bottom Feeders disconnected simultaneously, except for Dextron.


    "Hmm?" When Dex tried to log off, his HUD ignored the command. Then, an instant later, a familiar black ball appeared in front of him. "Enigma..."


    No message appeared on the tiny screen. Instead, a pattern of lights that resembled a rotating kaleidoscope reflected in Dex''s eyes. Enigma disappeared before he could say anything else, and he was forcibly logged out of the virtual room.


    The trip back to the Hive was lengthy but uneventful. Their objective of pitching Armageddon to H & F was a resounding success. However, as part of the security measure to protect Dex and Darsi from an H & F investigation, the gateway into Armageddon would only last a short period of time. So naturally, this pushed the Yuli job to the forefront of everyone''s list. Once the security protocol went active, the doorway would last three days. After that, they would time everything down to the exact minute to complete the job moments before the gate disappeared.


    A quick shower, followed by a light meal, was all the recovery Dex required as he slipped on his v-glove and goggles before closing his jumper.


    An instant later, he found himself in v-Hive, floating above the floor of his bedroom. His buzzing HUD notified him that several of his failsafe alarms had been tripped.


    "The fuck..." It was an expression that Dex heard Nix and Pon say several times during their drinking episode. However, no hint of amusement was visible on the young hacker''s face. Instead, there was anger, betrayal, and something infinitely more dangerous.


    An hour later, a surprised Darsi opened her door to let Dex in. Since they spent the last week together, they both agreed to some much-needed alone time. Spending too much time together was unhealthy for anyone. Her welcoming smile faded when she recognized the severe look on his face. "What''s wrong?"


    "Let''s take my bike for a ride." Dex waited while she grabbed her riding gear and then led her to the elevator.

 Chapter 659: House Cleaning

    Dex didn''t wave at the Russian guard when he exited the elevator, but Darsi did. She followed her partner into the parking warehouse and waited while he started up his Vulcan. Then, without speaking, he motioned for her to get on the back.


    "Dex?" Darsi leaned in front of him until he was forced to look at her. "What''s going on?"


    "Time to ride." Dex shook his head, refusing to say anything further.


    After a few seconds, she slung a leg over the bike and leaned against his back. "Let''s ride then."


    The Vulcan left the warehouse, but instead of heading to the main road, it headed toward one of the biking trails that the other members of the Hive sometimes used. This particular trail was called Truman''s End, which led oddly enough to Lake Truman.


    If you didn''t know the Lake existed, then you''d probably miss it since it was obstructed by the dense conifers that sprouted up in the fertile soil of the valley.


    Dex tapped the break once and then fishtailed around a hairpin turn that caused Darsi to grip him tighter. He glanced over his shoulder to apologize but didn''t bother when he noticed her wide grin.


    A few minutes later, they arrived on the sandy bank of Lake Truman. Dex shut the bike off and waited until she got off before he put down the kickstand and dismounted.


    Darsi waited patiently; her partner obviously had something to get off his chest. Then, unexpectedly, instead of speaking, he unzipped his jacket and tossed it on the ground.


    "Hmm... Dex?" Darsi was going to speak further but stopped when her partner removed his shirt next.


    Next came his boots and pants; when he finally arrived at his boxers, Darsi was sure the show was over.


    "Damn, Dex." Darsi was speechless as Dex got rid of his undergarments and walked buck-naked into the cool water of Lake Truman.


    He walked until the water was waist-deep and then submerged himself fully.


    "The fuck do I do now?" Darsi understood her partner reasonably well; his natural awkwardness was something she liked about him. "It''s only skin..."


    Since he politely remained with his back to the shore, she undressed quickly and joined him. By the time she waded in, Dex had already moved into the deeper water. Since he was quite tall, it meant that Darsi could maintain a sense of modesty.


    He turned to face her when she moved near, holding a finger to his lips to silence any speaking before displaying his thumb.


    Darsi frowned at the thumb ring; it was something Dex used to test his other devices. Her partner never said who built it, but it could weed out even the most minute electronic signatures. He was looking for something.


    Darsi nodded and moved closer, watching with interest as his hand moved toward her head. Immediately the ring chirped, causing her to jump slightly.


    Within a minute, he removed one of her earrings and a hairclip. Then, Dex sent them flying into the depths of the Lake with a flick of his finger.


    "Clear?" Darsi wanted to cuss. She wanted to scream, rage, and kick ass. Someone had got to her and then used her for information.


    "Maybe." Dex ran his fingers through her hair; a recent tech used tiny nanite particles to create rudimentary electronic components, but they became worthless when exposed to water. "Dip, please."


    Darsi nodded and submerged herself long enough to cool down. She slicked back her blond hair and forward until her breasts pushed against his chest. "Good?"


    For once, Dex didn''t look awkward. "Think so."


    Without speaking further, she leaned forward until their lips touched. "Sometimes, you''re cool as fuck Dex."


    An hour later, Dex was getting dressed next to his bike. He should have felt cold after spending so much time in the water, but he didn''t.


    On the drive back, Darsi felt her excellent mood slowly starting to sour as she remembered the bugs found on her. She waited while he parked the bike, and the two of them walked hand in hand to the elevator.


    Darsi brought up her HUD and contacted all of the Bottom Feeders at once. Before they could speak, she muted them and said, "Elliot Ness."


    "See ya soon." Dex held the elevator door when she exited before the lowest level.


    Darsi finally found a semblance of a smile and offered it to him. "I won''t be long."


    Unexpectedly, she found that the round door leading to her objective was unlocked. "Hackers are so stupid." Darsi entered the room, quickly scanning for the personal jumper. Had she entered the room virtually, there would probably have been all kinds of safeguards in place.


    Her objective was an older model pod mounted on a short length of wall between the dining and living room. She pulled an electronic cutting tool from her belt and swung open the jumper''s hatch.


    "You''ve got this coming!" Darsi flicked on the tool and slashed through the cables leading to the pod''s neural net. At the same time, she grabbed the rider''s collar and slammed her knee into the jumper''s abdomen.


    The hacker was face down on the floor within seconds with both arms and legs securely zip-tied. Darsi pulled a black hood over her target''s head and then stepped away to activate her hud. She grinned at Dex''s face when it popped up in front of her. He was already in V-Earth. "The cats in the bag."


    "Damn, you''re fast. Give me two minutes." Dex closed the comm with a wave of his hand, leaving Darsi staring into space.


    Darsi nodded to herself before glancing down at the struggling hacker. "You fucked up..." She glanced over her shoulder at the entrance before kicking out with her foot. "Mind if I vent a bit?"


    Meanwhile, Dex was standing on the navigation platform, scanning the data logs of Armageddon. Not only was it installed to operate as the Hive''s security software, but he spent hours integrating it into Syntax''s v-Earth.


    "I knew you would understand, Dextron. You are extraordinarily perceptive." Syntax appeared next to him on the platform; once again, its form had changed slightly. Her body seemed slim and graceful; there was a hint of feminine curves.


    "Is that a new Avatar?" Dex nodded in approval. "Looks good."


    The swirling code that acted as Syntax''s skin still marked her as alien, but the form was sleek and clearly defined.


    "This is a combination of Thumper, Quicksilver, and Stiletto," Syntax''s digital voice still hadn''t grasped the nuances of expression and emphasis.


    Dex didn''t comment. Those three were all female. Was Syntax defining a gender for itself? "I count 17 unauthorized incursions as well as four separate data packets sent to an outside source."


    Syntax nodded awkwardly as if it was the first time it had tried non-verbal communication. "Yes. I have been able to keep my presence hidden so far."


    Dex frowned and brought up the data packets that Syntax cloned. Immediately, his expression became grim. "Our spy suspects we are hiding an Advanced Virtual Intelligence. I assume you stopped this from going through."


    "No, it went through, but not until I altered the content to reflect that nothing has been found. The coded message indicated that a digital response would verify both the sending and receiving of this packet."


    "Impressive work." Dex doubted if anything other than Syntax could have accomplished it. It had decrypted the packets, altered them, and then forwarded everything in time to receive a digital receipt. "Who received the reports?"


    "Titan CE."


    Dex didn''t know the company details, but he had heard of the name. "Any relation to the Gladis Corporation?"


    "No. They specialize in robotics and cybernetics."


    "We need more information." Dex released the lock he placed on v-Earth; a moment later, Thumper, Gadget, Mongoose, and Stiletto joined him on the platform.


    Gadget noticed Sytax''s presence right away. Despite several inquires by the Bottom Feeders, it hasn''t shown its presence in a few days. The ''Elliot Ness'' term meant that Hive secrets were being threatened; when Darsi gave them the green light, they had cut off all access to the outside. "What''s going on, Dex?"


    Dex brought up his hud and played the rotating kaleidoscope image that Syntax had sent him while in the guise of Enigma. "Syntax sent me this as a warning while I was in Geneva."


    Stiletto leaned closer, her duo-colored eyes focusing on the changing image. "It''s a kaleidoscope? Like the one I had when I was a kid?"


    Dex nodded. "Anything come to mind when you stare at it?"


    One by one, the Bottom Feeders shook their heads until only Stiletto remained.


    "I suppose..." Stiletto pursed her lips and tilted her head. "An exploding star?"


    Dex smiled encouragement and nodded his head. "Which is?"


    "A super-nova," Gadget stated. "Shit... Nova?"


    Dex nodded, his expression turning sour. "Darsi is holding her on the fifth level."


    Thumper frowned at the statement. "If Darsi is watching her, we need to get over there now."


    Stiletto nodded in agreement. "Darsi is a bit more hands-on than the rest of us. And... she doesn''t really like Nova."

 Chapter 660 - In-house Spy

    The smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, even though the hooded range vent was steadily humming. The two youngest hackers sat together, snacking on crisp bacon while drinking their hot beverages.


    Stiletto sipped her coffee, refusing to look in the direction of the living room. "Thanks for turning the fan on. I don''t want to listen to her excuses."


    Dex''s usually cheerful demeanor was a mixed combination of anger, betrayal, and hurt feelings. "Why does she look like someone punched her in the face?"


    "Because someone punched her in the face." Stiletto gave him a deadpan expression. "Before you find a reason to get upset about that, keep in mind that there are quite a few secrets at the hive that could cause us to disappear if exposed."


    The two of them sat together at the kitchen counter in Dex''s Hive apartment while the other four Bottom Feeders questioned Nova in the living room. They had both recused themselves from questioning the Infiltrator because of their impartiality.


    Nova sat on the floor facing Thumper, Mongoose, Gadget, and Darsi on the other side of the partition that separated the kitchen and living room.


    Mongoose''s anger caused his Latino accent to seep through as he took the lead on questioning. "Bet you didn''t realize that Fucking Da Vinci upgraded the Hive''s security. After meeting you and getting a measure for the capabilities of an Infiltrator, he enhanced our detection methods."


    Of course, it was a blatant lie, but one of their priorities was maintaining separation between the Hive and Armageddon since they had plans to use it in a major job.


    Mongoose activated his hud and loaded up everything they''d been able to collect on Nova. "How long have you been spying on us?"


    The Infiltrator''s face was a mixture of shock and shame. Her split lip smeared the dark lipstick that she usually wore. "Since diving into the World Sim."


    The four Bottom Feeders exchanged looks before Mongoose continued. "You''ve been here for almost four years. Why now?"


    Nova stared at the floor; she answered quietly, her voice scarcely a whisper. "Some time ago, I was asked to keep an eye out for Advanced VI programs. After seeing the World Sim, I realized that you have one."


    Gadget brought up his hud and exchanged a few words with Hive security. When he was finished, he motioned for Nova to get up. "You will move to the 12th floor. Until further notice, you are confined to the Hive. We will confiscate all personal accounts and items. Report directly to your new quarters."


    "Stealing all my stuff?" Nova flinched slightly when Darsi moved behind her to cut loose the zip-ties that kept her bound. "You can''t hold me against my will!"


    Darsi grabbed Nova''s arm and dragged her to a standing position. "Perhaps you think we are mistreating you? If it were up to me, I''d wrap you in a hundred pounds of chains and then toss you into Lake Truman."


    "May I talk to Dex?"


    Darsi shook her head. "Fuck no. If he wants to speak to you, then he will. Until then, don''t even think about it."


    Hive security showed up less than a minute later and escorted Nova to her new quarters. Dex and Stiletto joined the rest of the Bottom Feeders at the request of Gadget.


    Gadget waited until Dex and Stiletto found a place on the couch before speaking. "Impressions?"


    Mongoose cursed in his native tongue, "Maldito Federale."


    "She''s a Fed," Darsi said the word like she was cussing someone out.


    Thumper nodded in agreement. "Agreed."


    "Damn bitches, always snooping around here." Mongoose glanced at the notes he took while questioning her. "My analytics trace her speech patterns to Southern Indiana. I''ll know everything about her in twenty-four hours."


    "Now what?" Dex noticed that the rest of the Bottom Feeders looked relieved. However, he wasn''t. If Nova worked for a government agency, he could find himself incarcerated once again. "Glad I didn''t tell her anything too personal."


    Darsi squeezed his hand. "At any one time, we have two or three Feds running around here. So identifying one gives us an advantage."


    Dex understood that sneaking an undercover operative into the Hive was probably within the capabilities of several different agencies; despite knowing that, he''d been taken by surprise. "I could have handled this better."


    Darsi smiled and shook her head slightly. "I disagree; skinny dipping in Lake Truman is the way to go."


    "Who went skinny dipping in Lake Truman?" Stiletto poked her head around the partition that separated Dex''s kitchen and living room, her dual-colored eyes showing interest.


    "We did," Darsi answered before Dex could say anything. "Partner bonding."


    Dex felt his face heating up but was saved further embarrassment by the incessant buzzing of his hud. One indicated that the security protocol in the Geneva Armageddon program had been activated. The second was a window notifying him that H & F submitted a payment.


    A few seconds later, both Darsi and Stiletto experienced similar alerts. Since it was considered part of the ''Yuli Job,'' payment for Armageddon had been split six ways.


    Stiletto whistled in appreciation. "Holy crap... so many zeroes, and we haven''t even scored the jackpot yet."


    The following morning, all six Bottom Feeders used T-6 to access v-World. The group arrived at the platform together and immediately received their first surprise.


    "Greetings, Bottom Feeders." Syntax had made further adjustments to its avatar. Apparently, it identified as female. She wore the same blue jumpsuit that the rest of the group wore, although her skin still glowed with scrolling code; beneath the swirling numbers was the hint of pigment. Long silver tresses topped her head, running down her back like a glowing waterfall.


    Dex shared a glance with the others in his group. They had decided to let Syntax figure out its own identity. According to Gadget, this may cycle through several changes before settling on something. The eldest Bottom Feeder used the term teenage AI.


    Stiletto took a step closer, examining the changes since their last contact. "I always wanted to try silver hair. But, unfortunately, no matter what I try, it always ends up looking white."


    "Thank you, Stiletto." Then, to their surprise, Syntax moved behind the platform''s control panel. "Shall we visit Yulime Garrotte?"


    Darsi nodded and used their platform''s hud to bring up a large holo on the job specifics.


    [Yulime Garrote aka Yuli]


    Age: 33 years old. Gender: Female


    Nationality: French.


    Criminal Background. Kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, illegal weapons dealing, murder.


    Current Warrants: United States, Great Britain, France,


    Misc: Interpol has named her to their top ten most wanted.


    Estimated worth: 730 million Euro.


    Banking: Heltier & Fianti, Geneva, Switzerland.


    [Armageddon is Active]


    Syntax''s avatar blurred for a moment before being replaced with an attractive dark-haired female. Her short hair was tinted red on the tips, a single scar on her cheek marred the otherwise perfect looks. "Might I suggest something, Quicksilver?"


    Dex stared at the avatar. He''d seen pictures of Yuli, but Syntax was able to duplicate her instantly. His partner had inquired if he thought Yuli was attractive; in truth, she was stunningly beautiful.


    Darsi was the first to recover; of course, an AI could instantly change whatever it liked in a virtual environment. "Of course. We are open to suggestions."


    Syntax Yuli smiled; although the image was exact, she hadn''t yet mastered human expressions. "With the inclusion of the Armageddon sale, this job is nearly a billion euro. There are three substantial rewards for information leading to the arrest of Yulime Garrotte."


    Gadget rubbed his hands together greedily as if counting the money in his head. "If we can set her up, then the possibility of payback will lessen substantially."


    Mongoose nodded in agreement. "I''ll help Gadget come up with a plan. What''s the timeline for this job?"


    Dex felt the eyes of the group turn toward him. "We need to synch the end of this job with the closing of our Armageddon window."


    Darsi activated a countdown. "You two get started; let Syntax give you a hand. No matter what, we need to wrap everything up in sixty hours."

 Chapter 661 - Novas Employer

    The latch on the metallic suitcase closed with an audible click; Darsi slid it to one side of the bed with a wave of her hand before turning her attention back toward her companion. "Something on your mind?"


    Dex ran a hand through his hair; he hadn''t spent much time away from Quicksilver since coming to the hive. "Just worried, I guess..."


    Darsi favored him with a smile before walking into her bathroom. "I''m confident you''ll be able to watch my back." Her voice echoed in the bathroom, followed by the sound of someone rummaging through drawers.


    "We''re going to get T-6 up; it works best with six jumpers." His train of thought derailed a moment later when his hud buzzed at him. Since Darsi was busy packing for his trip, he decided to take the call. A moment later, Thumper''s dark eyes stared at him from the holo. "Hey, Thumper."


    "Hey, Dex. Your partner around? She isn''t answering her hud." Thumper smiled innocently as if concerned she might be interrupting something important.


    "Because I turned it off..." Darsi frowned from the doorway. "This block of time is reserved for Dex."


    "Hmm... This won''t take long. One of our trails led us to Colonial, so I wanted to sync up with you before proceeding." Thumper glanced down at something she was holding."


    "Colonial?" Darsi exited the bathroom with an overnight bag in one hand. "What connection?"


    "The Jane Doe from Chinatown, Gladis Corp covered up nearly everything about her. But, then... someone went to great lengths to uncover her details." Thumper brought up a picture of three women that had probably been taken from social media. "These three women are involved somehow, but someone has effectively covered their tracks."


    Darsi pursed her lips slightly, not recognizing any of them. Then, finally, she read the names aloud. "Mason Dixon, Yu Yan, and Ray Diaz. Lots of people play Colonial nowadays; I don''t know them all."


    Thumper shrugged slightly. "Obviously not... but two of them are members of Inferno. "How about this one?" A fourth picture popped up.


    "Holy shit..." Darsi stared at the smiling woman in the photo. "That one I do know. Let''s drop this for now and turn our attention toward Yuli."


    Thumper nodded; the last picture was obviously someone that Darsi trusted. "Have a good flight."


    "Thanks." Darsi waited until Thumper''s holo disappeared before leaning closer to Dex. "We are running short on time. I want to see some serious ''Fucking Da Vinci'' stuff from you."


    Dex would have commented, but his partner leaned in, tugging his collar until their lips met. Then, finally, she stood without saying anything else and grabbed her bag.


    **************


    Vasai Virtual, Michigan''s Upper Peninsula


    The agile blonde nearly stumbled on the beer bottles that lined the deck of Inferno''s traditional retreat. The raspy singing voice of Pon could be heard in the background, accompanied by a surprisingly decent second voice that she knew belonged to Nix. "Trip-7 is a man of many talents..."


    Darsi eased the sliding door open, careful not to hit Semmi, who was sleeping in the doorway. "Celebrating something?"


    Nix lifted his head off of the counter with some effort, smiling at the Inferno sniper. "Oi there, Darsi. It''s the tenth anniversary of Khione''s defeat!"


    "Oi there, Trip-7." Darsi shook her head slightly, a smile creeping onto her pretty face. "No, it''s not..."


    Nix gave Pon a measured glanced while he considered the denial. Finally, he lowered his voice to a whisper that was nearly as loud as his singing. "We get the days wrong again, old man?"


    Pon shrugged slightly. "We made it up, punk bastard. Your memory is shit."


    Nix nodded in agreement before turning back toward Darsi. "We made it up. Want to hang with the boys?"


    Darsi shook her head. "I''m on a flight to Geneva. Need to ask you something."


    Nix stood up, spotting Sem on the floor while Hara was sprawled out on the couch. "Get your girlfriend off the floor, old man. Gonna have a word with Darsi."


    Pon nodded. "Yeah, I''ll take care of it."


    A few minutes later, Nix was sitting on the edge of the dock, listening as Darsi briefed him on both Origin and Syntax. When she was finished, Darsi brought up the photo. "Know why Ronnie would be involved with these three women?"


    Nix smiled at the dark archer''s name. "Yeah. The dead woman had initially been a DRP in colonial; she was waiting for an assignment."


    Darsi glanced back at the cabin, she was well aware of Hara''s position in Colonial. "How do these three women figure in?"


    "They discovered the Jane Doe was their reclusive neighbor. After some snooping, they uncovered the DRP program and assumed the mission."


    "Holy shit..." Darsi''s lips widened in a smile. "Ballsy. They must play someone we know if Ronnie is involved."


    Nix nodded. "Bali. The three of them switched out for several months before Mason assumed the role full-time; later, the other two joined Inferno as players."


    "Switched out?" Darsi understood the logistics of trying to make something like that work. "Is one of them a tech-head?"


    "Yep... Unemployed MIT graduate, now a professional gamer in Inferno." Nix knew most of the secrets hidden within the guild of Inferno. "This mission of yours sounds risky."


    " A bit," she agreed. "I''m more concerned with subsidiaries of Gladis Corp and Origin."


    Nix frowned at the mention of the defunct corporate giant. "If you need my help, just ask."


    Darsi''s hud buzzed with an automated message saying that the plane was on approach and that she needed to return to her seat. "Phoenix Phire going to light things up again?"


    Nix shrugged nonchalantly and offered her a hug before she disappeared with a wave of her hand. He stared at the empty space for a long moment. "Fire makes the world a brighter place..."


    *************


    Two days later...


    "My turn?" Mongoose waited until Gadget nodded before giving his brief. "Finding our fed required a bit of digging. The good news is that I uncovered everything; the bad news is who she works for."


    A dossier with several pictures popped up on the round table''s hud. Mongoose brought up a yearbook picture, obviously from prep school. "Meet Murphy Faust. From her accent, I was able to track her to southern Indiana. She regularly uses a set of unique expressions that enabled me to narrow it down to Dubois, Crawford, or Orange County. Facial recognition software did the rest."


    Dex read the dossier without commenting. Her marks in high school had earned her a scholarship to Cal-Tech, where she majored in Advanced computer systems and Digital Forensics. There was no mention of employment; Mongoose hadn''t included it in the brief.


    Mongoose waited while the Bottom Feeders read his report. Then, one by one, they all looked up at him expectantly. "We can''t keep her here. Recommend that we cut her loose ASAP."


    Gadget frowned at the statement. "Spill it... Who does she belong to?"


    "Secret Service." Mongoose keyed his hud and brought up her service record.


    "Holy shit!" Stiletto cursed after reading the first paragraph. "We can''t keep her here."


    Dex glanced at Gadget, who was still reading the last section of Nova''s service record. "She knows details about the Yuli job. Releasing her could put Quicksilver in danger."


    Thumper let out a long breath... "You don''t know how the Secret Service works, Dex. Every moment we hold her is a risk for us."


    "Let''s vote..." Gadget''s voice sounded grim, but his expression gave nothing away. "I say we walk away from this job and release Nova."


    Mongoose nodded. "Same. It''s too risky."


    Thumper glanced at Dextron, shrugging helplessly. "Sorry, Dex. I''m with the boys on this one."


    Stiletto closed the hud, letting the group wait while she considered the options. "I say we release her after we finish the job. What''re a few more hours?"


    Dex stood up without voicing his opinion one way or the other. "Give me ten minutes.. I''ll have a chat with Nova."

 Chapter 662 - Murphys Law

    A few minutes later, Dex entered the 12th floor. He stared at the round door for a moment before keying in the access code. Nova had been placed under house arrest since he''d uncovered her actions.


    He stepped in a few moments later, the pleasant smell of cookies hung in the air. "Nova?"


    Nova popped up from behind the kitchen island. She was wearing oven mitts on both hands; the slightest dusting of flour decorated her black tank top. Her face still showed the yellowing of a bruise under one eye. "Dex..."


    They stared at each other for a long moment. A week earlier, they considered each other close friends, but now the distance between them had turned into an abyss.


    Dex noted that her lip was still split open. "You should put something on that."


    Nova touched her face with a mitted hand. "It burns whenever I eat. For the record, your partner hits really hard."


    "I wouldn''t know." Dex walked into the kitchen, quickly noticing that there were a few dozen cookies already baked. Unexpectedly, he felt the stirring of sympathy but decided to ignore it."


    "Not that I blame her. I deserved it." Nova slid her mitts off and grabbed a plate from the cupboard. "I was going to have someone bring you some."


    Dex grabbed one of the cookies that were still cooling. During one of his visits, he had mentioned his favorite cookie. "You''ll be released in a few minutes." He covered his expression by taking a bite.


    Nova placed the plate on the counter without filling it. "Do you like them?"


    Dex shook his head. "Complete shit. Where did you learn to bake?" He scarfed down the one in his right hand while securing two more with his left.


    The goth hacker grinned suddenly, wincing in pain before touching her lip with a pale hand. "I''m sorry, Dex. I''m so sorry."


    "Sorry that you got caught?"


    His words caused a small, purple vein to stand out on her forehead. The smile slipped from her face. "Do you hate me?"


    "Not at all. We were marks to you. Since I target others, I can''t complain when someone does it to me." Dex took a seat at the island, inhaling the scent of oatmeal raisin cookies. "Anyways... get your things together."


    Nova shook her head. "You can''t release me."


    "Hmm? Why not?"


    "I''m not who I said I was." Nova sat beside him, staring at the cookies she made. There was a hint of sadness in her features. "Although, I wish I were."


    "I know. I''m the one that caught you."


    "That''s not what I mean." Nova stared at him for several seconds. "I lied when Mongoose was questioning me. I work for the Secret Service."


    "Holy shit..." Dex studied her face, trying to read what she was thinking. "Like working for the President?"


    "We do a lot more than that." She placed a pale hand on his arm, thankful that he didn''t immediately pull away. "My name is Murphy; I''m a field agent in the Cyber-Security division of the Secret Service."


    "Was the Infiltrator handle just a cover?"


    "No. I am the best Infiltrator in the agency." She spoke softly; the words sounded sour in her ears. "I want to stay here. Maybe we can cut a deal?"


    Dex muttered a curse while helping himself to more cookies; she was some kind of baking savant. "No promises, but I will relay whatever you say to the rest of the Bottom Feeders."


    Nova pursed her lips slightly, watching him for a long moment before continuing. "I want to return to the lower levels, at least to the 9th floor. I''ll agree to any sort of monitoring and will submit all my reports through the Bottom Feeders."


    "It''s easier if we just send you on your way." Dex shrugged slightly; she had a long way to go before he''d accept an olive branch.


    "Wait, I''m not done. I''ll help with this Yuli job. So you''ll have the complete backing of the agency."


    Dex stacked a handful of cookies on the counter before standing up. "You can pack up your things... Either way, you won''t be on lockdown anymore."


    "Hey..." Nova''s voice stopped him at the door. "I tend to screw up good things; it''s my own personal brand of Murphy''s Law."


    "Was just kidding about the cookies... They were great." Dex waved and then quickly exited the apartment.


    Nova wrinkled her nose at the door before peeking into the oven at the latest batch. "I wasn''t talking about the cookies."


    ***********


    "The data isn''t right... We need to do a quick field test." Dex sat at the round table on the lowest level of the Hive. He smiled politely at Mongoose, who had already volunteered to test the software.


    Mongoose flashed his white teeth. "I''ve read the brief; this is basic interruption software. We''re going to get Yuli into cyberspace and then prevent her from leaving. It''s hardly worthy of Fucking Da Vinci."


    "Now you sound like Quicksilver. Not everything I do is amazing." Dex loaded the program into his jumper pod while the rest of the Bottom Feeders looked on.


    Quicksilver had joined them via her hotel room''s holo. Because of the safeguards involved, v-Earth was inaccessible from the outside. So her role in the software test would be that of a spectator. Unexpectedly, she''d been in favor of allowing Nova to remain in the Hive. Only Dex and Thumper voted against the temporary alliance. "Don''t sell yourself short, partner. You''re fucking amazing."


    Gadget studied the layout of Yuli''s Abu Dhabi compound, one of three locations that she was suspected of being. Interruption software could lock a jumper in virtual space for short periods. Generally, it was considered adequate if it lasted more than twenty minutes. Someone with Yuli''s resources was bound to have safeguards against lockdown. "Our new friends are putting a strike team together as we speak. We''ll have to run interference on security while they grab the asset."


    "I want to talk with Dex for a moment." Darsi smiled innocently at her friends. "The four of you go ahead and jump in."


    Stiletto was the first to stand. "I''m just glad it''s not me testing Fucking Da Vinci''s software. What was it called again?" Her multi-colored eyes focused her query on Dex.


    "Groundhog," Dex answered. "I''ll join you in a few minutes."


    One by one, the four Bottom Feeders made their way to the T-6 jumper. Dex sat quietly at the table until they were gone. "Something up?"


    Quicksilver shook her head slightly. "Not really. I just wanted some alone time. You angry about Nova?"


    "Not sure," Dex admitted.


    Quicksilver smiled at the admission. Her partner was straightforward, something she considered very attractive. "So... Groundhog isn''t awesome?"


    "Hmm?" Dex gave her an innocent smile. "Maybe it will hold up."


    Quicksilver''s laugh reverberated from the holo. "You''re going to annihilate them?"


    "Undoubtedly." Dex stretched his hands over his head before checking his hud. "That''s five minutes; it should be enough time. Log into the v-Hive and then find some cover."


    "Huh?" Quicksilver''s pretty face showed her confusion. "v-Earth is inaccessible from outside of the Hive. If I log into v-Hive, they won''t be able to see me."


    "Won''t they?" Dex stood with a quick motion and headed toward the T-6. "Just stay out of sight."


    [Greetings, Dextron.]


    Dex was greeted by the synthesized voice of the Hive''s AI. Once again, the AI changed its appearance. She kept the silver hair, but her pale skin with the scrolling code had darkened considerably. To the Bottom Feeders, the AI was no longer considered genderless but instead was referred to with female pronouns. "Hey... You changed your appearance again?"


    "Yes. Perhaps a few more adjustments before I get it right." Syntax hovered in the air above the platform. "I have confirmed that Yuli is currently at this location."


    Dex noticed that the navigation platform was descending; a quick glance over his shoulder told him Gadget was at the helm. "Let''s get this software test done; then we can start prepping for the finale."


    Gadget landed in a beautiful courtyard, surrounded by gardens on two sides and a fountain on the other. The remaining side stopped at ivory-white steps that led to a set of glass double doors. "We''ll send the compound schematic and Yuli''s location to our allies."


    Mongoose stood casually with his arms crossed in front of his chest. Like every hacker, he had safeguards to being locked down. "I have some pretty sharp ''breakout'' software. Let''s see what you got."


    Gadget held up a hand to stall the test. "Let''s make some wagers first."


    Mongoose''s dark face flashed a grin. "A wonderful idea. I want a set of those v-gloves!"


    Thumper nodded in agreement. "Same here."


    "Ditto," Gadget joined the party before turning toward Stilleto.


    Stiletto shook her head. "You guys have short memories. I''m going with Dex on this one. I''ll cover half the cost of making those gloves if he loses."


    Dex shared a smile with her before nodding. "Mongoose has to breakout within 30 minutes. If he does, I''ll make three sets of gloves. If he doesn''t..." He glanced back at Stiletto for input. Unfortunately, they didn''t have anything he wanted.


    "Seniority! Dex and I will move from 4th and 5th to 2nd and 3rd, behind Quicksilver." Stiletto gave the three senior Bottom Feeders a smug look. "Deal?"


    "I''ll throw three sets of v-goggles, too," Dex added.


    Mongoose glanced at Thumper and Gadget; both of them were nodding vigorously at him. "Deal!"

 Chapter 663 - Groundhog Day

    Dex summoned a virtual keyboard with one hand and activated Groundhog. Within moments, Mongoose cursed loudly and sat down on the platform. "Clocks ticking... Let''s leave him in peace while he works."


    Gadget nodded in agreement and stepped off the platform. "We can recon the inside of Yuli''s stronghold."


    Dex moved through the air, toward the double doors. "Put us in real-time, Syntax."


    [Initiating real-time, stand-by.]


    The scene shifted slightly, the light changing to a pre-dawn dimness. No roving guards were visible; however, there were several drones.


    Dex whistled softly. "Remotely manned security drones. We need to find the operator''s jump capsule."


    Gadget was already scanning the drone; he sent its schematic to everyone''s hud. "Top of the line. We''ll need to hack one."


    [Scout Drone]


    Propulsion: Rotary (4)


    Weight: 12 lbs.


    Armament: Single Barrel, semi-automatic with laser sighting.


    Ballistics: 5mm AP rounds x 100


    Max speed: 50 KpH


    Visual Acuity: Infrared and Night Enhancement.


    Thumper moved toward the nearest drone while she brought up a virtual interface. "I''ll dampen its security, give it a maintenance issue, and then we can piggyback the camera feed."


    Stiletto was already assisting the takeover; she shorted out a non-essential system before mirroring the camera feed to stream it to the T-6 Interface. The drone paused in its set path and hovered in place. "Someone''s already looking at it. They have a killer response time."


    Dex nodded while he prepared his pinging program. "I have to get me a few of these."


    Gadget watched unconcerned while the other three worked. Despite being the size of garbage can lids, scout drones resembled flying arachnids. The industry commonly referred to them as spiders. The problem was that if there were this many of them in one area, there were also bound to be higher-tier drones. The thought had just passed through his mind when he spotted the new arrival. "Wonderful... Here comes big brother."


    Dex turned toward Gadget and then traced his line of sight; a single larger drone rose out of a dome-shaped structure near the complex''s center. "Dragon drone?"


    Gadget nodded and followed Dex as he made a bee-line toward the dome-shaped structure. "If they have dragon drones, then it is probably accompanied by an air-defense system. This changes everything. Bringing up the dragon drone schematic."


    "It''s fine," Dex scanned the schematic; three dragons would be enough to give an assault team nightmares.


    [Dragon Drone]


    Propulsion: Rotary (8)


    Weight: 27 lbs.


    Armament: Twin barrels, individual remote targeting.


    Ballistics: 40mm Grenade x 12


    Max speed: 80 KpH


    Visual Acuity: Infrared and Night Enhancement.


    Other than his initial glance, Dex ignored the drone and moved over the domed structure. From his vantage point, he could see its maintenance station. "Eight point recharging station with ammunition supply. Three more are visible from this vantage point."


    [I recommend that you use the virtual Interface on the maintenance station.]


    Nix nodded in agreement, not surprised to see that Syntax was taking a more hands-on approach; after all, v-Earth was her domain. "Good idea." He descended downward; most of the room was unformed to him. The only clear image was what had been available from the top. "Pinging the room, give me a resonance build so I can find an interior camera."


    [Dextron, I already have control of all cameras inside of the compound. Updating interior map and schematic.]


    Dex closed the virtual Interface and waited while the inside of the building slowly appeared in his view. "No blindspots; looks like we have just completed the interior."


    Stiletto led Thumper and Gadget through the domed opening. "I''ve outlined the spider drones network. There are six of them; each one is partnered to a jump capsule. It looks like the scouts are placed in default sentry mode and are switched to manual during emergencies."


    "Good job, Stiletto." Gadget opened the updated schematic. "Did we find the rest of the dragons?"


    Thumper pointed to three other dome structures in the compound. "I couldn''t ping their network without tripping security protocols. They have some serious ICE, but... it stands to reason that these buildings house the dragon drones."


    Gadget highlighted the domed structures. "I think that''s reasonable. We have to assume that each dragon drone has a dedicated jump pod."


    Dex was listening to the team talk while he moved into the main building. "Are you able to update their cameras in real-time, Syntax?"


    [Unfortunately, no. There is a 1.232-second discrepancy between what you are seeing and the inside of the compound.]


    "I''ll take it." Dex stood at the base of a grand staircase. There were doors everywhere; his ghost software was bouncing off of every piece of electronics it could find. Their mission data was nearly complete between Syntax''s control of the security cams and the rampant pinging. "Where are the guards? This place can''t be fully automated."


    "Working on it!" Stiletto''s actions were visible to the entire team through the PIP function [picture in picture] of the T-6. Initially, she had caused a feedback error on one of the rotor elevation controls. Now that it had returned to its docking station, she flashed the IR camera while masking it as a short circuit. As a result, it performed three complete rotations before going offline.


    "Very nice, Stiletto," Dex complimented her as fourteen separate images were highlighted inside the compound.


    [Optimizing thermal images. Yuli is sleeping in the Southeast bedroom on the second floor.]


    Dex compared the images with the networked capsules. "Ten of those belong to drone operators. The other three should be part of her staff or security."


    "Victory is mine!" Mongoose''s smiling face popped up on everyone''s hud. "That was some decent lockdown software, but not good enough to stop me. The timer says twenty-two minutes!"


    Gadget shared a glance with Thumper before retreating through the domed structure. "Let''s head back. We can compile the new data and send it to the assault team."


    Dex and Syntax were the last ones to board the navigation platform. Stiletto gave him a conciliatory pat on the back. "Don''t sweat it, Dex. Twenty-two minutes is an eternity for an assault team."


    "Can I get my gloves in purple?" Thumper smiled sweetly before using the controls to send them back to the hive.


    Dex shrugged slightly before disappearing from the platform.


    Nearly an hour later, the team was still updating the assault team''s mission schematic. Gadget, Thumper, and Mongoose were all smiles as they occasionally poked fun at Dex and Stiletto.


    "I could stand here all day and watch you smug bastards gloat." A familiar voice, filled with humor, spoke from behind the group.


    "Quicksilver?" Gadget stared at the hive hacker, Thumper, Stiletto, and Mongoose mirrored his confused expression. "Why aren''t you in Geneva?"


    Quicksilver laughed loudly; her sky-blue eyes twinkled with humor. She hugged Dex close, both arms around the back of his neck. "You netted all four of them?"


    Dex nodded. "Yep. They think they logged out of v-Earth and into the hive."


    "Newsflash, guys..." Quicksilver kissed the side of her partner''s face before continuing. "I''m in Geneva, and you''re in the v''Hive. You should see your faces."


    "I didn''t break out," Mongoose''s handsome face wore a deeply troubled frown.


    "You didn''t break out," Dex affirmed. Then, he deactivated the program, causing Thumper, Mongoose, Gadget, and Stiletto to vanish.


    A few moments later, the Bottom Feeders exited the T-6 jumper, this time for real. Each of them wore the same alarmed expression. Groundhog bypassed their lockdown failsafe and effectively simulated logging off. By the time they returned to the round table, Quicksilver was back on holo.


    "Fucking Da Vinci..." Mongoose''s dark face looked sickly. "I don''t ever want to test that again."


    Quicksilver wore a smug expression, similar to the one the winners were wearing earlier. "I''m going to get some rest. We still have twenty-four hours to tweak our operation. So I''ll check back in tomorrow." She waved at the team, still smiling at them when she cut communication.


    "Fuck..." Thumper cursed loudly. "I''m low man on the totem pole again."


    Stiletto''s alarmed expression slowly turned into a much happier face. "See? Mess with the bull..."


    Gadget''s wrinkled face was sullen as he considered the possibilities. "Yuli will be in cyberspace; if she can manage to break out before the assault team grabs her pod, then she..."


    "Will still be in cyberspace," Dex finished the sentence. "Syntax will be able to help with optimizing."


    Gadget''s wrinkled face showed the semblance of a smile. With the reward for Yuli, the sale of Armageddon, and the bank heist, the mission should clear a billion Euro. "Let''s head to Dex''s room. Bring Nova down so we can start coordinating our steps with the Secret Service."


    Dex fell in step with Gadget as they walked toward his room. "We dividing the team on this one?"


    Gadget nodded. "Quicksilver should only require minimal virtual support in Geneva; you can provide that. Meanwhile, the rest of us will set the stage for the assault team. But we won''t go further until Quicksilver is clear and you''ve joined us. How long does Groundhog take to activate?"


    "A few minutes should be plenty." Dex stopped at his door, pausing to unlock it before ushering the Bottom Feeders in. "You guys aren''t mad at me?"


    "I am!" Mongoose stomped past him.


    "Me too!" Thumper tried to put on an angry face but failed miserably.


    Stiletto pranced through the doorway like a ray of sunshine.. "Not me, Dex! When this mission is complete, I''m going to find me a kick-ass partner."

 Chapter 664 - Bank Robbers

    [Yulime Garrote Mission Brief, Two Parts.]


    Part I Geneva: H & F Bank.


    The back door in Armageddon will slam shut in a few hours. Then, as it''s counting down, Quicksilver will maneuver into a position where she can directly access our target''s account. This onsight hack will give us a trailess entry, where she will proceed to lighten Yuli''s 730 million euro fortune. Dextron will assist on this project with up-to-date tactical support and virtual interference. Once the mission is complete, a private jet is waiting to return Quicksilver to the hive. Dextron will join Thumper, Mongoose, Gadget, and Stiletto in the T-6 for the second stage.


    Part II Abu Dhabi: Yuli Compound.


    The second stage of this mission will be a two-pronged attack. First, Thumper and Stiletto will neutralize the dragon and spider drone threat. While they are doing this, Syntax will activate Groundhog and assume control of the jumper pods used by Yuli and her virtual support team. Mongoose will run virtual defense against any unknown security measures while Gadget uses real-time tactical support with our onsight strike leader.


    The Secret Service strike team, comprised of nine personnel, will land on the compound''s central courtyard. If possible, they will remove the jumper pod containing Yuli and extract her with their airlift. If extraction becomes impossible, they will eliminate the target and retreat. Detailed maps and real-time analysis will be available to the Bottom Feeders and the strike team leader.


    Dex reviewed the brief while logging into v-World via the T-6 jumper. Syntax appeared the moment he stepped onto the navigation platform.


    [Welcome, Dextron. It is 2300 in Geneva and 0200 in Abu Dhabi.]


    Syntax wore a single-piece black jumpsuit that matched the one Dex was wearing. Her silver hair hung loosely down her back; the scrolling code that usually scrolled beneath her skin was absent. In its place were several different stationary symbols, carefully written in black.


    "The new look is interesting; I don''t recognize the symbols." Dex studied her for a moment; although her hair was very bright, her skin pigment seemed to be darkening each time he saw her. Did she feel drawn to a specific look?


    "It''s a Southern Semitic script called Safaitic. This the symbol for daughter, and this one means scholar or ''learned one.''" Syntax traced the symbol on her jawline.


    Dex studied the markings; on anyone else, he would have called them tattoos. Her sense of individualism was expanding rapidly. "No doubt, it''s cool ink."


    "It suits me... Recently I''ve been studying art, music, and dance." Syntax''s serene face was without any tangible expression; perhaps she hadn''t developed that ability; however, her tone displayed an interest in the topic.


    "We have an hour until our mission starts. So let''s get into position." Dex keyed the nav-controls, bringing the platform to the southwest corner of the Heltier and Fianti building.


    [All satellites are online, and encrypted data feedback has been looped in. Overload is being rerouted to create a real-time stream. This connection is secure.]


    Dex scanned the immediate area; a dark blue sedan was one of three cars parked in the overnight metered area. He couldn''t see into the vehicle, but he knew that Quicksilver would be sitting in the driver''s seat waiting for the mission to start.


    The mirrored, pyramid-shaped building reflected light from both the moon and the streetlights. As a result, shrubs planted near the sidewalk''s edge would have to be enough to mask Quicksilver''s approach to the access point.


    "Testing... How do you read?" Quicksilver''s voice sounded calm in his ears. The audio feed was routed directly into his hud.


    "Loud and clear." With a few strokes of his virtual keyboard, Dex accessed the utility grid for the southwest part of the block and turned off the lights in that area until the corner of the building was shrouded in darkness.


    Quicksilver strolled down the darkened walkway, her flexible, skintight outfit hidden by a long brown coat. In the cold, wet air of the port, she looked like any other tourist. Then, passing by the shrubs near the southwest corner of the building, she knelt as if to pick something off the sidewalk and abruptly vanished.


    Dex immediately moved into the area; his partner was already removing the access panel. "You sure you can fit through that?"


    "Plenty of room." Quicksilver carefully propped up the panel against the foundation of the building and pushed her head inside. The LED lights on her hat immediately lit up the vent. "It''s larger than your bathroom window."


    Dex whistled softly; there was no way he''d fit through that space. Apparently, Darsi had no fear of enclosed spaces. "Bringing up the building schematic, I''ll be watching just to the right of you."


    Quicksilver wiggled through twenty meters of venting before arriving at the floor space. "Shit... That''s a tight fit."


    Dex frowned at the gap between the floor and the foundations. The floor joists had been modified when the building switched to in-floor heating. The space between the floor and the foundation should have been more than 30 cm (About one foot). Lowering himself through the floor, he watched as she fearlessly squeezed into the space. "If you get stuck in there, I''m going to tear this building apart."


    Quicksilver nodded in agreement. "Glad I skipped breakfast and lunch today."


    Virtual Dex frowned slightly, squeezed between the foundation and the floor; the constant pressure on his partner forced her to breath light, shallow breaths. After several seconds of sliding forward, Quicksilver was starting to struggle. "Need a break?"


    "Yes... but I can''t risk it. I''m getting lightheaded; either the constant squeeze or lack of air is starting to affect me." As she spoke, a light sheen of sweat appeared on her face.


    Dex had his hud up and effortlessly entered Armageddon. "Let''s make this fast. I''ll monitor the doorway and keep an eye out for tripped alarms. The junction box is five meters in front of you."


    Quicksilver managed the last five meters; working in close-quarters, she reeled in her tool bag attached to her waist by a two-meter strap. She removed a small hand drill, along with several bits and a small metallic canister. "What''s in the canister?"


    "Oxegen..." Quicksilver pressed the button on the discharger and inhaled directly; within a few seconds, her pallor improved noticeably.


    "Damn, you''re smart." Dex lowered his head into the junction point and waited for her to start drilling.


    "Thanks... I passed out once while doing a similar job, so this was learned by experience." She tested the drill with a quick squeeze, instantly rewarded by a barely perceptible whirling noise.


    "Sounds dangerous. Did you wake up in jail?"


    "Nope... Handcuffed in a whorehouse." Quicksilver started drilled through the junction''s outer casing. "Good times. Keep an eye on my depth."


    Dex submerged into the casing, watching the tip of the carbon bit as it effortlessly pushed through. "Slow down, almost there. Just a bit... stop!"


    Quicksilver redrew the bit and slid on a matched set of v-gloves and goggles. "Thanks for the new toys, Dex."


    "No worries. Gotta take care of my partner."


    Darsi nodded in agreement and activated her goggles before spotting Dex. "There you are! What''s my timeline?"


    "Twelve minutes. The window is stable. Make us all rich."


    She fed the small tube that housed their optic relay into the freshly drilled hole. "Interfacing with the junction... We''re in! It looks like she''s made a few deposits since we checked last. "Transferring a bit over eight hundred million euro."


    "An alarmed tripped! Time to go." Dex watched as Armageddon automatically sent its ICE into the system. "I can''t control it; the door will slam shut!"


    Quicksilver withdrew the fiberoptic tube and quickly stowed her gear away before turning back in the direction she entered. "It''s okay. Maybe the withdrawal amount activated the system failsafe."


    Dex kept tabs on the incoming ICE; Armageddon closed down all virtual and physical access points, but it was too late. Unless they physically investigated the crawlspace, nothing will point back to them. "Doesn''t look like it. Someone just entered the system."


    Darsi''s labored breath was loud in the narrow space; she was moving as fast as she could, no longer concerned with being stealthy. "Is it H & F?"


    "Unknown." Dex watched as Yuli''s account was frozen; a moment later, all of Heltier and Fianti followed. "Someone just locked down H & F."


    Darsi was already at the exit point; she reattached the cover panel with her hands shaking from fatigue. "Doesn''t matter. I''m out!"


    Dex effortlessly exited the building; the cameras and lights in the southwest portion of the block were still under his control. Quicksilver donned her long coat and resumed the stroll she had started earlier.


    Syntax hovered in the air near her position. "Tracing the intrusion now. It''s from the cyber division of Interpol."


    Darsi crossed the street and headed back toward her vehicle. "Looks like our friends at the Secret Service did some off-the-books coordinating."


    Dex waited until Darsi arrived at the vehicle before turning on the lights and cameras. The video feeds were looped by the software he was running, so Quicksilver wouldn''t appear on them. "Impressive, but the timing is troubling."


    Darsi started the vehicle and headed toward the airport. "Our little friend must have been coordinating with them. I''m going to have a chat with her when I get back."


    Dex returned to the navigation platform without commenting. Nova was probably trying to help the mission. "Agreed. No punching this time."


    Darsi''s laughter carried smoothly into his audio feed.. "No promises."

 Chapter 665 - Under Arrest

    Dex followed his partner''s vehicle to a private airstrip just outside of the city. A private jet awaited her arrival and was airborne within a few minutes of Quicksilver boarding.


    Without being asked, Syntax brought the navigation platform to Yuli''s compound in Abu Dhabi.


    Dex''s arrival in v-Abu Dhabi was accompanied by four PIPs appearing on his HUD simultaneously, along with the audio feeds of the Bottom Feeders. "I''m here! The bank heist is done. What did I miss?"


    "TAKING FIRE!" A voice screamed in panic as a camouflaged team member dodged behind a retaining wall just before the location was peppered with rounds from a pursuing spider drone. The figure emerged a moment later, running toward the main building. Unfortunately, a dragon drone had the area locked down. A blinding flash of light lit up the dark compound while debris and bodies were blasted into the air.


    Dex stayed on the platform but slipped on his goggle to improve visual coverage. Quickly he counted the bodies he could see. "Looks like three of the strike team are down."


    A second team of three exited the main building, obviously retreating from the firepower of Yuli''s security.


    "Watch the dragon drones! Who was supposed to deactivate them?" The speaker pointed his drum-fed shotgun at the grenade-launching drone and blasted away.


    Dex kept his distance since the area was most likely being monitored virtually. "That''s a Fostech Origin, holds 30 shotgun rounds."


    A handful of blasts later led to the dragon drone exploding in a glorious display of fireworks. But, unfortunately, the explosion ignited the drone''s remaining 40mm grenades and completely enveloped the shooter and his team in its fiery inferno.


    "Damn... Would that be considered friendly fire? Or involuntary suicide?" Dex pondered the question while he watched the drones clean up the last surviving strike team members.


    Less than a half-hour later, their target emerged from inside the building. Emergency lighting lit up the entire courtyard as the international fugitive inspected the damage.


    "Who the fuck is coming at me?" The woman spoke with a thick french accent. She was shadowed on either side by kevlar-armored guards who were equipped with riot helmets.


    One of her shadows kicked over a nearby corpse that was missing a limb and had a fist-sized hole through the chest. The guard removed the mask to show the terror-filled eyes of a corpse that has seen death coming. "There''s a badge."


    "What''s it say?" Yuli moved toward the body. "Pretty girl," she commented while her guard removed the ID. "What does it say?"


    The guard paused for a moment before looking up. "Kim Possible, Super Secret Agent."


    A chuckle issued forth from beneath a pile of rubble. "Damn it. I should have used that one." A moment later, an arm pushed through as a one-legged female struggled to her feet. The sounds of clicking weapons could be heard from both guards. Thumper''s dark eyes flashed at Yuli''s guards. "Give it a rest. I''m already dead."


    An instant later, Yuli and her guards vanished from the compound.


    **************


    "Open it." A voice commanded, sending two subordinates to pull open the jumper pod''s lid.


    A confused woman blinked at the bright light shining on her face. Her brown hair hung in her eyes as she continued to try and reason out her situation.


    "Yulime Garrote, I am Inspector Travino. On behalf of Interpol, working in conjunction with the United States Secret Service, I place you under arrest. Welcome to International Air Space."


    Yuli stared at the older man who was addressing her. The panic in her eyes was immediately apparent. She looked at her custom-made jumper pod as someone zip-tied her thumbs together. A portable battery had been attached to her capsule. "I logged out... I LOGGED OUT!"


    **************


    Stiletto''s pale lips were curved in a wide smile. "She said I was pretty."


    "You are," Dex agreed. When he initially arrived at the compound, he discovered that the Bottom Feeders were using v-Earth''s ability to update in real-time as a way to alter their mission. "What really happened?"


    "Cakewalk." Gadget was inspecting one of the downed dragon drones while the rest of the group stood in a small circle. "We shut down their drones, deactivated their air defense system, and nullified their guard detail."


    Mongoose shook his head in amazement. On the surface, the Yuli compound looked like a tough nut to crack, but it had ruptured like a dropped egg. "We secured the electronic lock on their armory. Changed the fingerprint scanner on their personal weapons and locked everyone in their rooms."


    Gadget stood up from the drone he was examining and faced Dextron. "We guided the strike team directly to Yulime''s room; within two minutes, they were loading her jump pod onto their airlift."


    Mongoose nodded in agreement. "That strike team was pros; the entire OP was fucking smooth. Although, I will say, her breakout software is better than mine."


    "Agreed," Gadget continued the story. "The strike team was still in Abu Dhabi air space when she ''broke'' out."


    Dex swore at the smiling Bottom Feeders. "You four left me out!"


    "Sorry, Dex." Gadget''s expression said that he wasn''t sorry at all. "We discussed the possibility that Yuli might ''breakout'' before the strike team opened her capsule. So this was our contingency plan."


    Dex glanced at Syntax, who was listening to their conversation. She had optimized the team''s improvisation. He didn''t know whether to be impressed or scared shitless. A twenty-minute battle would have taken an entire team of programmers several days to put together. Instead, their AI managed to handle it while keeping tabs on their Geneva OP.


    ***********


    Three days later, the hive returned to a more normal state. The Bottom Feeders divided into their own projects, leaving Dex to his own devices. Mid-morning arrived as Dex was slipping into his black jumpsuit, his wet hair hanging in his face. He stopped mid-stride when his hud buzzed.


    "Report to the T-6 Jumper." Quicksilver''s voice was businesslike, but she wore a playful smile on her lips. They hadn''t seen much of each other since her return, since she was recovering from jetlag.


    "On my way." Dex made his way to the exit and stepped into the lowest level of the hive. Since Darsi didn''t close the communication, he continued the conversation. "What''s going on?"


    "Kenji sighting." Darsi closed the comm when he approached; her smile widened considerably. She hugged him tight for a moment before messing up his damp hair with both hands. "Sleeping in?"


    Dex nodded while trying to smooth down the damage she created. "Where was he spotted? Is he still in Detroit?"


    "For now." Darsi walked toward the T-6, pausing while he caught up. "We have to get a close look at him."


    Dex slipped into his port on the T-6 Jumper and logged into v-Earth. Within a few seconds, the rest of the team joined him on the navigation platform.


    Thumper was already at the control panel. "He left the Klondis Municipal hospital ten minutes ago. It was Syntax that spotted him."


    As if on demand, Syntax appeared in the center of the platform. "Kenji is currently being driven to the airport in a black SUV. I am monitoring his movements."


    Dex moved to the edge of the platform. It was sunny in Detroit, although quite cold. "Turn off the environmental factors, increase the lighting by twenty percent. Allocate all our resources to this state."


    Syntax didn''t need to use a hud or interface to comply. "Temporarily shutting down v-Earth, bringing v-Michigan online. I have established a real-time domain."


    Dex used his v-glove to bring up a hud as their platform descended to the street level. A few strokes of the keyboard and all the traffic lights within a five-block radius turned red.


    "Nice," Darsi grabbed his hand and pulled him off the edge of the platform. Together they drifted the last meter to the street. "There''s the SUV."


    Kenji''s appearance hadn''t changed much, other than to have his ginger-colored hair cut short. Unfortunately, further details were absent since the roof of the SUV partially obstructed the redhead.


    "The data you are currently seeing was filled in before Kenji entered the vehicle." Syntax said from behind Darsi and Dex.


    Unexpectedly, Kenji exited the vehicle. By reflex, both Darsi and Dex stepped to one side; Syntax was content to let him walk through her.


    Gadget moved with the group; his discerning eye was studying the young hacker. "His movements are odd. There are tiny incision stitches at his hairline. They''ve done it. He''s been jacked.


    Dex glanced ahead, noticing the direction Kenji was walking. "He''s heading to the traffic light."


    A moment later, Kenji arrived at his destination. He placed his hand on the metal casing of the traffic light. A metallic spike extended and pushed effortlessly into the steel housing. The light turned green, and a moment later, the Bottom Feeders were following Kenji back to the parked SUV.


    Syntax stayed ahead of the group, studying Kenji''s every movement. "Every traffic light between here and the airport is locked into green."


    Dex exchanged a glance with Darsi before climbing back onto the navigation platform. "Can you change it back?"


    "Yes, but it will take thirty minutes." Syntax was already working on the problem when she stepped onto the platform.


    Dex muttered a curse; he was effectively locked out of the system. "That isn''t Kenji."


    Syntax''s calm features turned on him. "He utilized a trillion lines of code within a few seconds.. I believe we are looking at Origin."

 Chapter 666 - Mercy Kill

    "Or, more specifically, Origin''s Relay." Syntax paused in a very life-like manner, drawing raised eyebrows from the rest of the group. Although many of her mannerisms seemed more copy than instinct, there were times when the budding AI nailed it. "The Relay will escape before I can alter the code."


    Dex brought up the city map with a grimace. The implication of Kenji being a Relay made his heart pound. An AI was bad enough, but add to it the ability to move from place to place, and it could add up to a modern-day coup. "There are too many unanswered questions. What sort of limitations does it have? How long can it function? What are the effects on the host''s body?" He rattled off the ideas running through his thoughts while scanning a map of Detroit.


    "There!" Stiletto pointed to a long bridge that crossed the Detroit River.


    Built in three sections, the Omaha Bridge was supported by steel girders on both ends anchored deep into the cement-laden pools excavated to serve as the base for an impressive engineering achievement. At two hundred meters in length, the stationary beginning and ends of the bridge were fifty meters long. The center section of the bridge pivoted and rotated a full ninety degrees counter-clockwise to open. As a result, cars on the bridge would enjoy a majestic view of the polluted river while ships passed safely beneath it.


    Thumper moved the navigational platform to the bridge while Dex used his virtual interface to find Omaha''s guidance system.


    Stiletto peered over his shoulder, watching the deft movements of his fingers as he effortlessly bypassed bridge controls. "Wait until they get onto the center structure."


    "I got something here!" Gadget spoke from the edge of the platform where he and Mongoose were examining the video feed they received from the Relay. The older hacker pointed at Kenji''s image. "See this?"


    Gadget zoomed in on a handbag that was belted to Kenji''s hip. At first glance, there was nothing out of place about the bag. However, closer examination brought a sudden chill to the air. A close-up view from the back of Kenji''s neck showed that something was jacked into the base of his skull. Moreover, that line extended downward into the bag strapped to his side. "That could be anything..."


    "Maybe it''s life support," Dex spoke without looking up, not aware that the group was staring.


    Gadget muttered a curse while nodding. Slightly dissatisfied that he hadn''t come up with that. "You could be right. However, I think it''s safe to say that Kenji has checked out. The procedure we discovered called for frontal lobe alteration."


    Mongoose said something in Spanish while shaking his head in disgust. "He''s been lobotomized."


    Gadget nodded in agreement. "Pretty close, at least to the point where life-support is required. This is fucking... I don''t know what to call it. Scary as shit? FUBAR?"


    Mongoose suppressed a shiver. "So Kenji is a vegetable?"


    Gadget shrugged slightly. "There''s no way to say for sure outside of an examination. My best guess says yes."


    Dex paused, taking a moment to check on the progress of the black SUV. "I know the data is scant, but we need to move forward with some sort of plan."


    Gadget glanced at the rest of the group, waiting until they all looked up. "Make a statement, best guess so we can form a plan. Let''s go around the circle."


    Since Quicksilver wasn''t present, Dex and Stiletto''s recent gains put them in the driver''s seat.


    "I''ll start off easy," Dex stated. "Kenji is a Relay, and we need to stop him here."


    "More than that," Stiletto continued, "this is an opportunity to grab him."


    Gadget pursed his lips slightly. "If Quicksilver were here, she could use her contacts to try and set something up. I don''t think we can stage a quick-grab without her."


    "Nova." Mongoose frowned when he said it. "Her Secret Service contacts might be able to round him up."


    Thumper waited until the silence said it was her turn. "That puts Kenji in the hands of the Secret Service. Do we really want that?"


    "It is possible that a detailed examination of Kenji may lead to the discovery of AI involvement." Syntax was the last to speak; her input was like a splash of cold water.


    "Yeah... I''m against using Nova''s people." Dex finished the discussion since it had come full circle. "I''m into the bridge controls; check Kenji''s bag for any kind of interface."


    Thumper stepped over the side of the platform and headed into the distance. It would be several more minutes before Kenji arrived at the bridge. Since they were all sharing audio and video PIPs with each other, she spoke aloud to no one in particular. "If this is Kenji''s life support, then hacking it will definitely kill him. I wish Quicksilver were here."


    Gadget and Mongoose both nodded without realizing it. Quicksilver was more hardened to the realities of the darker side of life than the rest of them.


    "Don''t worry; I''ll do it," Dex spoke without looking up. He didn''t like Kenji, but he considered this a mercy.


    Dex gained control of the bridge''s center section and used the T-6''s PIP to check Thumper''s progress. She was mirroring Kenji''s movements, no more than a meter away from him. "Find something we can use?"


    "Yes. Shit-poor design." Thumper tried to smile, but the sense of foreboding hanging over them prevented its development. "The signal is a direct line, so I can''t touch it. Unfortunately, however, the power supply was left unsecured."


    "Patching Quicksilver into our Audio feed." Although Syntax wasn''t directly plugged into the T-6, she could interact with anything that accessed v-Earth.


    "Contacting some friends of mine, they''ll be on-site in an hour. Quicksilver jumped in like she was in the middle of a discussion; her friendly tone caused everyone to relax instantly. There was a slight pause in the feed like she was having a private chat on the side. "You okay with disconnecting him, Dex?"


    "Yes," Dex replied quickly. "If this were to happen to me, I''d expect you to cut the cord."


    "Me too, Partner."


    "Coming up on the bridge, Dex." Thumper''s PIP showed a close-up view of the inside of the black SUV. "Going to record everything that happens inside the vehicle once we start."


    Dex already had control of the bridge''s functions. V-Earth allowed him to access it directly, something that Origin couldn''t do. Kenji would have to jack directly into the controls to override his hack. Unfortunately, that was impossible since the interface was on the far side of the bridge exit.


    Bridge traffic was acceptable, bumper to bumper, but the traffic flow was about thirty miles per hour. The warning lights started flashing yellow just as the SUV moved into the center section. The edge barriers on the far side didn''t engage until the closest vehicles exited the bridge.


    "Got them." Dex received the green light for bridge control, and it set in motion with a sudden lurch.


    "Kenji is speaking! Turning up the audio feed." Thumper focused her PIP on the human Relay.


    "What is the problem?" Kenji''s voice sounded familiar to Dex''s ears, but there was something off about the delivery.


    "The bridge is turning. We''ll be delayed for a while. Nothing to worry about; it''s bad luck on our part." The passenger who was seated next to the driver turned to address Kenji.


    "No. This is deliberate. This avatar has been discovered." Kenji paused for a brief moment. "Silence the driver and then neutralize Kenji."


    Dex''s actions prevented any further discussion as he managed to hack the power supply. Kenji slumped forward as if his body had suddenly become boneless. "Holy shit..."


    The inside of the vehicle suddenly became a battlefield. The driver responded to Kenji''s words faster than his passenger; his huge fist impacted the man''s temple before he could unholster his sidearm. The two struggled for several moments before the driver''s initial action resulted in him ending the contest by wrenching his opponent''s head to one side. The sudden crack of bone caused all of the Bottom Feeders to jump.


    Thumper''s feed showed the driver''s pale face, his skin glistening with sweat. Then, a moment later, he bent forward and hurled onto the legs of his dead passenger. "Patching into his car."


    Within seconds, her voice entered the audio system of the vehicle. "You can hear me?"


    The man jumped slightly, staring at the car''s speaker. He wiped his mouth with the back of his sleeve; although his appearance was brutish, his quick adaption to his situation indicated intelligence. "Yes. What do you want?"


    "We know what Kenji is. If you cooperate, we can come to an agreement." Thumper''s voice was soothing. "Let''s exchange demands."


    The driver nodded before arming himself with the sidearm his passenger had been carrying. "I just want to leave."


    Thumper smiled despite herself; she was expecting a demand for money and perhaps free passage somewhere. "How about this? We''ll get the bridge back online, and you park the car somewhere safe."


    "Then I can go," the driver asked?


    "Yes," Thumper replied. "Then you can go."


    "Tell me where to park."

 Chapter 667 - Human Avatar

    Quicksilver''s pretty face wore a happy smile when she used her back to nudge open the door to Dex''s place. The smile faded only slightly when she noticed both Thumper and Stiletto sleeping on his couch. The coffee table was littered with dozens of images taken by the off-site team. She could hear the low voices of Mongoose and Gadget conversing in the kitchen, but she ignored it and headed upstairs to the loft.


    Dex was sprawled diagonally across the bed, his long frame stretched out while sleeping peacefully on one side. Being tired herself, she slid in front of him and then eased backward until her back touched his chest.


    "Darsi?" Dex''s voice accompanied the opening of one eye. Then, by instinct, he wrapped an arm around her and pulled her closer. "Just get back?"


    "Yep. The Bottom Feeders are still here. You should lock your doors."


    Dex chuckled sleepily. "We were studying the initial images from the off-site location."


    The incessant buzzing of the bedroom''s only stationary hud made both of the bed''s occupants sit up.


    Dex eyed the hud warily. "Isn''t that the..."


    "Yep. Any world alert event activates the room huds." Darsi kissed the side of his face before leaning over him to activate it.


    No video or audio feed accompanied the alert. Instead, a single line of text moved across the bottom of the screen.


    [World Alert]


    IAW UN Mandate 343-11, the Candian Province of Quebec, has seceded from Canada.


    "The hell?" Darsi combed her slender fingers through her blond hair, effectively pulling it out of her face. Then, reluctantly she climbed out of bed, pulling her bedmate with her. "This is too big to ignore."


    Dex groaned and pulled back. "I disagree... Few things are too big to ignore. I just went to sleep an hour ago."


    Instead of arguing, she stepped close and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly.


    Dex smiled and rested his chin on top of her head. They stood like that for a handful of seconds before curiosity got the better of him. "What''s your play here?"


    "No play, partner. I missed you." His chest muffled Darsi''s words.


    "Sneaky..." Dex pulled away but maintained a grip on her hand when she headed down the stairs.


    The rest of the Bottom Feeders were already sitting on the sofa; both Stiletto and Thumper looked exhausted. Thankfully, Mongoose was pouring coffee for everyone by the time the two stragglers arrived.


    "Thanks!" Darsi returned Mongoose''s smile with one of her own before picking up two cups and handing Dex one. "Anyone know what this is about?"


    Gadget shook his head slightly. "I can tell you about UN Mandate 343-11, but as far as Quebec seceding, I don''t think anyone saw that coming."


    Dex seated himself on one of the chairs that faced the sofa while Mongoose pulled up a news feed on the coffee table''s hud. As expected, the sudden departure of Quebec was the focus.


    Gadget turned down the volume on the hud so they could talk. "343-11 was passed by the UN nearly a year ago."


    Unexpectedly, Stiletto interrupted the brief. "I remember, the conspiracy forums had a field day with it." Her duo-colored eyes darted between Dex and Darsi as if trying to decide who to focus on. Then, after settling on Darsi, she continued. "They said it was a trap to break up North Korea."


    If Gadget was bothered by the interruption, his calm face didn''t show it. Instead, he nodded slightly, agreeing with the comment. The situation in North Korea hadn''t changed much in fifty years, despite the virtual world movement. For the most part, they remained a closed-off regime with a single dictator running the country. "For once, those forums may have been onto something. Since being invited into the UN, North Korea has improved its relations with the other world powers. The delegate signed the Mandate without protest."


    Darsi sipped her coffee, her blue eyes studying the hud while Gadget spoke. "I''m jetlagged; give us the Cliff notes."


    "The Mandate is a path to secession. A territory within a nation has the right to secede if certain criteria are met." Gadget sent a quick file to everyone so they could read the brief. "Summing up, the secession has to be voted on by both a popular and legislative vote. If the popular approval vote reaches eighty percent, the governing legislature will make the decision. The legislative must reach unanimous consent."


    Dex whistled softly. "Seems unlikely that either of those should have happened, especially in Quebec."


    Gadget was about to continue his brief when the hud changed again.


    [World Alert]


    Quebec will become the first All-Virtual nation. On the heels of its secession from Canada, the restructured parliament announced that it would immediately implement plans to move all of its operations into a virtual environment.


    "Something like this..." Gadget''s wrinkled face looked troubled. "This isn''t something that happens quickly or without planning."


    "What about the population," Stilleto asked? "Local businesses? Are they seriously going to push everyone into VR?"


    Darsi sighed heavily and leaned back in her chair. "I don''t like it. There are a lot of dangerous things happening all at once."


    Dex jumped when Quicksilver nudged him, a sign that he should give some input. "Agreed... We could do some investigating before the situation develops further. We''ve seen what Origin can do with a human Relay. But, of course, in an all-virtual setting, a Relay wouldn''t be required."


    Stiletto waited until Dex glanced at her before speaking. "We have to assume that this is related to Origin. Perhaps it isn''t, but we can''t take that chance. It called Kenji an Avatar. The way it gave orders showed a complete disregard for human life."


    Gadget muttered a curse under his breath. "I think the correct path here is careful investigation. We don''t need to get involved directly. I''ll put it up on the job board for the 8th and 9th levels."


    Mongoose flashed a smile at the older man. "Does this mean we get a few days off? We''ve been working our asses off lately."


    Instead of commenting right away, Thumper stood with coffee in hand. "Give the investigation task to Nova. Now that we know about her connection to the Secret Service, she should use some of their resources to help us out."


    Dex shook his head. "That''s a lot for one person. Let her focus on Quebec''s sudden secession. Then, we can have someone else look into how the new government is going to accomplish a virtual nation."


    An hour later, the Bottom Feeders went in separate directions. Quicksilver returned to her room after sharing an omelet with her partner. Dex managed to grab a quick shower and a ten-minute nap before his hud buzzed him awake. He frowned at the caller ID before turning it on. "Good morning."


    "Morning, Dex." Nova smiled politely. Her short black hair hung over her forehead, dark makeup coupled with a pale complexion made her look like a goth vampire. "You''re staring... Something on my face?"


    Dex nodded. "Lots of makeup. Why keep up the Goth cover now that we know you''re an agent?" He regretted the words as soon as they came out. "Sorry... forget I said that."


    She wrinkled her nose at him, her discomfort evident by the sudden flush of her complexion. "I want to. Just remember that this is me and not my cover."


    "Noted," Dex said. "Did you need anything?"


    Nova stared at him for a few seconds, the awkward pause extending past their comfort zones. "I was hoping that we could talk."


    "You mean comfortably?" Unfortunately, Dex possed the stereotypical nerd''s conversation skills when it comes to the opposite sex. His comfort level with Darsi had reached the point where it was no longer an issue. "I can do better. Honestly, I''m still angry with you."


    "Anger is a good starting point." Instead of frowning, the goth hacker smiled. "Even if it cost me my job, I promise to be completely honest with you from now on."


    "So says every liar." The words slipped out before he could censor them.


    "Ouch." Nova''s dark lips pursed slightly. "I''ve agreed to take the Quebec job."


    Dex hadn''t read the mission brief since Gadget was the one who posted it. "Can you handle it? It isn''t really Infiltrator work, but you should be able to manage it."


    "You saying that makes my next question a bit awkward." Nova paused for a moment, considering whether or not to ask anyway. "Could you accompany me?"


    "Yes." A new arrival answered the question. Darsi flashed a smile at Dex before turning toward the hud. "He''s on board. Do whatever background and research you can. Dex will contact you tomorrow."


    Dex watched as Darsi turned off the hud before Nova could continue the conversation. "I really don''t want to go."


    Darsi laughed at his expression before pushing him back onto the bed. "Worry about that tomorrow. We both need some sleep." Then, without any hint of shyness, she rested her chin on his chest. "Just a few hours, then we can go on a ride."


    "Fine with me, but I''m riding your Ducati." Dex waited while she moved into a more comfortable position, her head tucked under his chin with her arm draped over his torso. "Why does it have to be me who helps her? You could do the same thing."


    "I could... but there''s a fifty percent chance I''d end up punching her in the face," Darsi muttered against his neck.. "I''ll make it worthwhile later."

 Chapter 668 - Defensive Ring

    "Just make yourselves at home." Dex frowned at the two women sitting in his kitchen. Darsi must have forgotten to lock the door when she left, something that hackers viewed as a clear invitation to enter.


    Stiletto smiled sweetly while helping herself to one of the cookies Nova made for him. "Thanks, Dex."


    Thumper also grinned, her dark eyes flashing in amusement. "That was sarcasm, Stiletto. He''s not happy to see us."


    Dex nodded and touched the side of his nose. "Spot on."


    "Oh... sorry, Dex." Stiletto bit into the cookie, trying her best to look like she didn''t enjoy it. "Damn, that girl can really bake."


    "She can," Thumper agreed. "I''m sorry too, Dex. We''d never intrude into your v-Hive room."


    Dex confiscated the plate of cookies sitting between the two women. "Normal people would find that backward. But, I''ve got something for you anyways."


    Thumper shared a glance with Stiletto before speaking. "A present?"


    Dex nodded while removing a small box from the pocket of his jumpsuit. Then, fishing out two items, he handed one to each of them. "Nothing too impressive, thumb rings."


    "Hmm?" Thumper accepted the black ring; it wasn''t metallic like she expected, some sort of flexible polymer. Hers had the name ''Thumper'' engraved in gold lettering. She slipped it onto her thumb, smiling widely at the young hacker. "Pretty cool, Dex."


    Stiletto nodded in agreement. "I love it!"


    Dex nodded innocently. "Swipe your index finger over your name."


    "OW!!" Stiletto shook her hand like she''d been stung by a bee.


    "Shit!" Thumper cursed the ring before looking up at its creator. "You gave us ''shock'' rings?"


    "Yep." Dex grinned at the frowning women. "It will load in as part of your wardrobe whenever you jump. Swipe your ring while virtual, and it won''t do anything."


    Stiletto studied the ring for a moment. "I still love it."


    Thumper glanced at the small box in his hand; there were a couple more rings inside. "You wouldn''t do this as a prank. What gives?"


    "Swiping in virtual won''t shock you, but it will activate Groundhog''s exit software." Dex filled in the blanks since they weren''t following. "It''s a defense against Groundhog or something similar. Swipe it when you log out; no shock means you haven''t exited."


    A knock on his front door followed by the sound of it opening announced the arrival of another guest.


    "Coming in, Dex." Quicksilver''s voice called out from the entryway. "Upstairs or down?"


    "Kitchen," Dex replied before peeking around the divider at the new arrival.


    "Hey, Partner." Darsi smiled at him, kissing his cheek before breezing past him. She paused when she saw the other two Bottom Feeders. "Don''t you two have somewhere else to go?"


    Thumper shook her head while holding up her hand. "Dex gave me a ring."


    "Me too," Stiletto added.


    Darsi held up her hand to match theirs. "Did he mention that you can turn down the ring indicator so that it only vibrates when you swipe it?"


    "....." Thumper.


    "Right..." Dex shrugged innocently. "I was getting to that. You''ll have to take it off to change the settings."


    "What time are you meeting, Nova?" Darsi didn''t bother to hide the distaste she felt for the Infiltrator.


    Dex did a quick time check before answering. "About an hour, was hoping to grab lunch first."


    Darsi nodded before pointing a finger at Thumper and Stiletto. "You two have to go. I''m going to make a special lunch for my partner."


    *******


    Dex took the lift to the 9th level, stepping around a large, wheeled crate that contained dozens of smaller items. "Anything in there for me?"


    Gunner looked up; the permanent scowl his face usually exhibited slipped off. He had met the hive''s ''Fucking Da Vinci'' on a few occasions. But, unlike some of the other Bottom Feeders, Dex was fun to be around. "Those old memory chips are in; I''ll drop them off in your room later."


    "Cool..." Dex noticed the Hive quartermaster seemed curious. "They have some unique qualities that I need for a new project. Ride the Wave, Gunner."


    Gunner fist-bumped the youngest Bottom Feeder. "Ride the Wave Dextron."


    Less than a minute later, Dex knocked on the round red door that marked Nova''s room. He waited several seconds without an answer before repeating the process. Finally, after another handful of seconds, the door opened to reveal the dark-haired Infiltrator.


    "Hey, Dex... Sorry for the wait; most people walk in after knocking."


    Dex didn''t reply, stepping past her when she ushered him in. The smell of something freshly baked hung in the air, as noted by Stiletto, Nova liked to bake.


    "I have a few leads already regarding Quebec''s movement towards VR." Nova led him into the kitchen where she had been working.


    Dex stared at the schematic that hovered over the kitchen island. "That''s a jumper?"


    Nova nodded and seated herself while he studied the blueprint. "The population of Quebec is two million; they already have a quarter of these capsules stockpiled."


    "So this has been going on for a while." Dex pulled out a small box he had tucked in his jumpsuit pocket. He emptied it into his hand and then handed her the last of the rings he had made. "This is for you."


    Nova picked up the small band, smiling when she saw the name ''Murphy'' written in gold lettering across its front. She slipped it onto her index finger before glancing up. "What does it do?"


    "It''s a defense against Groundhog. Swipe it when you log out, and it will vibrate if you''ve left cyberspace."


    Nova swiped it, noting that it buzzed slightly. "You used my real name."


    "Change it if you like." Dex brought up a personal hud and copied the jumper schematic onto it. "Why mass-produce capsules? It would be much easier to buy them on the open market."


    Nova shook her head slightly. She''d seen Stiletto less than a half-hour earlier and had seen her ring. Since her friend left, she''d been asking herself two questions. First, did he make one for me? Second, would he change the settings to vibrate? "Thank you, Dex."


    "Welcome." Dex spared her hand a glance. "It''s meant as a thumb ring."


    "I see..." Nova smiled slightly, leaving it on her index finger. "Groundhog is impressive; our strike team leader gave you a lot of credit for the mission''s success."


    "Wasn''t just me; the rest of the Bottom Feeders had already neutralized Yuli''s defenses by the time I arrived."


    Nova nodded in agreement, not mentioning that Yuli had been cornered before yet somehow always managed to escape. "Seem like a lot of changes are on the wind, not just internationally but in the U.S. also."


    "Changes?" Dex was only half listening to her words; there was something different about the capsule.


    "Rumors say the entire Intelligence community is going to be revamped." The temptation to poke Dex was nearly overwhelming for her; it was evident that he wasn''t listening.


    "That right?" Dex zoomed in on the capsules N2N (Neural to Network) interface. On the surface, it looked pretty basic; however, there was something different about it.


    "Yep, and I usually bake naked. It makes everything taste better."


    "I see..." Dex brought up a second hud and used it to compare one of the Brandish NTI (Neural Transfer Interface) that he used when assembling the Tandem jumper.


    "We could do it together." Nova sipped her coffee to hide the smile on her face.


    "Maybe." Dex glanced from one hud to the other.


    She scooted her chair closer and studied the two side-by-side. "Aren''t they the same? I thought NTI and N2N were the same things."


    Dex shook his head. "The NTI is a component in the N2N Assembly."


    "Thanks for dumbing it down." Nova only understood the basics of capsule construction; it was apparent that Dex''s understanding was much more advanced.


    "Shit... I think these are meant to be networked." Dex used his hud to call Quicksilver. A moment later, the blond hacker popped up in front of him.


    "Hey, Dex." If she noticed that Nova was sitting next to him, she didn''t mention it.


    "Let''s use the Tandem Jumper; I want to take a look at something in Quebec." Dex made a note of the time. "Half an hour?"


    Darsi nodded. "It''s a date. Cya in a bit."


    Dex closed the comm before turning his attention back to the schematic. "Got an address on the factory?"


    "It''s in Quebec City. I should be able to get an address," Nova replied.


    Dex kept the hud open, studying it while standing up. "Send it to me; we''ll touch base when I get back."


    "I''ll keep at it," Nova slid out of her chair, following him as he walked to the door. "Anything else?"


    Dex paused at the door while considering the question. "Given the hacker''s general lack of social boundaries, I don''t think baking naked is a good idea."


    Nova grinned suddenly, her face blushing. "I didn''t think you were listening." She combed back her dark hair with slender fingers, resulting in her hair sticking straight up while exposing her pale forehead.


    "We were having a conversation.. Why wouldn''t I listen?" Dex shot her a puzzled look and then fled through the door before he managed to insert a foot into his mouth.

 Chapter 669 - Nodes

    Dex had time to clean the kitchen and reorganize the cupboard before his partner knocked at the door. "It''s open," he called out.


    Darsi wrinkled her nose at the sudden smell of cleaning products that washed over her when she entered. Usually, Dex''s place smelled of baked goods, a testament to his popularity among certain unnamed hackers. "Going to clean my place when you''re done?"


    Dex removed the rubber gloves he had been cleaning with and stashed them under the sink. "You''re never over there, so I''m sure it''s spotless."


    "Probably." Quicksilver stepped close, wrapping her hands around his waist before he could turn around. "How was Nova? Did she bake you anything?"


    "Fine, and yes." Dex squeezed her hands where they were clasped in front of him. "We''ll use the Tandem jumper, I''m hoping Syntax will join us."


    Retaining a grip on one of his hands, she pulled him out of the kitchen and toward the loft stairs. "Something is troubling you?"


    Dex nodded, following her up the stairs. "You have your thumb ring? From now on, I want you to wear it and swipe every time you log off." Then, naturally, his eyes strayed downward to Quicksilver''s shapely backside.


    Darsi paused suddenly, glancing over her shoulder. Her lips curved in a smile that caused his face to redden. The temptation to tease him was there, but she passed on the opportunity. "It''s part of my hacking kit now." She gave him a thumbs up with her free hand, displaying the ring.


    Dex let her get into the Tandem jumper first while slipping into his jumpsuit. Then, he paused in front of her, leaning forward until their lips touched. "I wasn''t staring... the timing just happened to catch me looking."


    "It''s a fabulous ass; I''d stare at it too." Darsi''s pretty blue eyes shone with mischief. "Maybe we should knock down the wall between our apartments."


    "Not sure I''m not ready for that." Dex finished getting into the jumper and raised his arm for a fistbump. "Ride the wave, Quicksilver."


    "Hmmm... Ride the wave, Dextron."


    The partners simultaneously appeared on v-Earth''s navigation platform a few moments later. Darsi favored the younger hacker with a smile and moved to the controls. "Mind if I drive, Dex?"


    "Go ahead," Dex glanced at a movement on the edge of his vision. Syntax had arrived.


    Darsi glanced over her shoulder, doing a double-take when she spotted the Hive''s AI. "Looking good, Syntax."


    The inked lettering that the AI displayed earlier was now dark purple, matching her hair which had also changed. It was shaved close on the sides and back, sporting a two-inch-high crest of hair running down the middle of her head. Syntax''s skin had an attractive olive coloring, and her eyes reflected a dark purple hue. "Thank you, Quicksilver. I am slowly figuring out what I like best."


    "Turn off the weather," Dex spoke quickly when they appeared suddenly in the cloud-filled skies of v-Quebec. "Are you going to accompany us on this one, Syntax?"


    Syntax shook her head, an awkward-looking gesture that was too exaggerated to be natural. "No, I am notifying you of a world alert that will be posting to all channels in a few minutes."


    Dex shared a glance with Quicksilver before replying. "What is it now?"


    "There are two of them. Forwarding," Syntax replied.


    [World Alert]


    IAW (In accordance with) UN Mandate 343-11, the states of New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island were successful in their attempt to secede from the United States.


    [World Alert]


    The former independent nations of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia have united under one banner, the Baltic States Union.


    Darsi whistled softly under her breath. "The whole fucking world has gone crazy..."


    Further discussion was interrupted when the navigation platform lurched suddenly, something that had never happened in v-Earth.


    Dex moved to the side of the platform, his sharp eyes scanning the landscape below. "Those are new..."


    Darsi followed his gaze; workers huddled around the shelter of a makeshift construction site that paused when the skies of Quebec decided to turn stormy. "Some sort of com-tower?"


    Dex nodded as the platform moved closer. "Not just one." He pointed in the distance where a second and third tower had already been constructed. "Let''s follow the towers."


    Quicksilver followed his advice, her blue eyes watching Syntax as the AI knelt on the platform. "How could we have run into something?"


    "They are creating virtual nodes." Syntax replied without looking up; code swirled around her body while she focused on the task at hand.


    A half-hour journey showed that nearly thirty towers had already been completed, spaced evenly apart on the borders of the newly formed territory.


    "These virtual nodes..." Quicksilver paused for a moment to collect her thoughts. "They are doing what we did in the v-Hive?"


    "Yes," Dex replied. "But on a much smaller and detailed scale."


    Quicksilver muttered a curse. "What does that mean for v-Earth? We obviously ran into something when we approached."


    Syntax stood up suddenly, sweeping up the two hackers with her glance. "Virtual Quebec will be a node within v-Earth. Our abilities to operate inside their node will be severely limited, but they will not be able to affect v-Earth itself."


    Dex nodded in agreement. "It pays to be first."


    "Won''t they just replace v-Earth?" Quicksilver glanced from Syntax back to her partner, feeling like she was missing something they both knew.


    "Dextron has placed an infinity code within the fabric of the stealthed capsule. When I evolved his original creation into v-Earth, it became the building block that serves as the foundation." Syntax stood suddenly, smiling at the young hacker. She touched her own face, feeling her lips to verify that they were carrying out her intent. "This expression is meant to convey that I am impressed with you. Am I doing it right?"


    Dex nodded, returning the smile. "Yep. Let''s continue our mission; if more of these towers come online, we''ll be forced out of the node."


    "I''m leaving," Syntax made a slight wave-like gesture before vanishing from the platform.


    The factory that served as their destination was surrounded by a three-meter-high chain-linked fence topped off by swirled razor-wire. Two heavily guarded gates marked the only entrances to the facility. Dex and Quicksilver abandoned the navigation platform and hovered in place while they teamed up to control on-sight cameras and electronics.


    Within a few minutes, they filled in the interior details of the main building.


    "You created an infinity code?"


    Dex shrugged slightly. "That''s what Syntax is calling it, but I''m not sure."


    They moved through a crowded office area, sectioned off by tiny cubicles separating individual workstations.


    Quicksilver paused near one of the office workers. "This guy is coding." She peeked into the next cubicle before turning back toward Dex. "They all are."


    "Let''s put that aside for now and head to the assembly line." Dex grabbed her hand and pulled her through the wall.


    "Holy crap..." Darsi stared open-mouthed at the sleek, black jump capsules. Somehow, when seen in their stock-piled condition, they were much more impressive. "Let''s try to link up with a few of them."


    Dex nodded and raised his v-Glove; a moment later, the capsules jump menu popped into his hud. "This is pretty tight."


    Darsi pursed her lips slightly while she interfaced with a nearby capsule. "Our original thought was correct; these capsules will form a network. Downloading the schematic, let''s get out of here."


    The duo exited the factory a few minutes later, taking the time to copy both video and audio feeds for later analysis. Neither spoke while they reboarded the Nav-Station.


    Darsi gripped his hand tightly. "Something big is coming; I can feel it."


    "Agreed. These changes that are happening have to be related somehow." Dex considered the recent world events of the last few weeks. "All we can do is prepare."


    Darsi dropped his hand, sliding an arm around his waist instead as they stood side-by-side. "How?"


    "What''s the name of that company that your Inferno friends use for Deep Stasis?"


    Darsi grinned at the mention of her guild. "Vasai Virtual, it''s not that far from the Hive. Going to play with us?"


    Dex didn''t answer the question, but he obviously wouldn''t mind. "Could we acquire it?"


    "You want the Hive to buy Vasai Virtual?"


    "If it''s possible." Dex paused the conversation when the platform stopped. "Let''s log out."


    Quicksilver exited first, swiping her thumb ring when she saw Dex doing it. A tiny vibration pulsed through her hand, letting her know they were no longer virtual. "Towards what end?"


    Dex closed up the Tandem jumper, following Darsi when she sat on the edge of his bed. "Whatever is going on, we don''t have enough information to stop it. So the best we can do is prepare."


    Darsi waited until he sat next to her before leaning her shoulder against his. "Time for a Bottom Feeder meeting."


    "Yeah.... Invite your Colonial friends, Nix and Hara."

 Chapter 670 - New Construction

    Gadget stared up at the construction ten floors above the Bottom Feeder''s residences. Someone with no apparent fear of heights hung from the railed walkway while ratcheting the steel supports in place. "What is Fucking Da Vinci up to?"


    Mongoose shook his head slightly while studying Dex''s every movement as if waiting for something unbelievable to happen. "Did you see the list he gave Gunner?"


    "Yes." Gadget brought up a copy of the request sheet. "Honjo Masamune sword (replica), Flexible body armor, M4A1 Carbine w/Schematic, Combat boots (Side zipper version), All-season camouflage suit, black bodysuit (electronic insulated), black under armor (asbestos-lined), and one Captain America shield (replica)."


    Mongoose chuckled at the last item. "Is Dex a fanboy or something? Does he realize the shield will be aluminum or maybe steel?"


    The conversation was interrupted by the revving of a high-powered engine. Although the 10th floors railed catwalk partially obstructed their view from the bottom, the flash of red caused both of them to stare with open mouths.


    Mongoose rubbed his dark eyes as trying to scrub away an illusion. "Isn''t that Quicksilver''s Ducati?"


    Within moments, the railing of nearly every floor in the Hive became occupied by the residents of that level. The roar of the Ducati echoed through the silo.


    On the 10th floor, Quicksilver grinned at her captive audience and revved the engine a few more times before shutting it off and dismounting. "One more first for us, Partner!"


    Dex peeked up over the edge of the platform where he hung from a safety harness. "Did you submit your Exe for mirroring?"


    The ponytailed blonde leaned comfortably against the railing, watching as he continued the platform''s assembly. "Every bit of Exe I could find, even the old crappy stuff from my early days."


    "I want everything that the hive members have. Syntax is coding those memory chips that Gunner acquisitioned for me. Our ability to navigate within the Quebec Node or any future node will rely on our equipment and capabilities. These must be embedded into v-Earth''s code before the Nodes come online."


    "Fucking awesome..." Quicksilver stepped onto the walkway leading to the platform. The two of them had spent most of the morning constructing it. "The armory walls are already being pre-fabricated, Gunner says three or four days. Stiletto and Thumper are working on the Virtual Mock-up; they promise something special."


    Dex slid to the next fixture and started attaching it to the support structure. "And Vasai Virtual?"


    Darsi favored him with a smile; unexpectedly, when she mentioned the idea to Nix and Hara, the redhead had jumped in with both feet. "Hey... Want to jump into Colonial for a bit?"


    Dex stared at her for a moment, unsure if she was joking. "Serious? Let me finish this last support, and then I will."


    **************


    [Colonial Virtual Reality Lab: St. Paul, Mn Director O''Hara''s office]


    The steady tap of a pen on the desk''s surface broke the stillness of what otherwise would have been complete silence. Frowning at the report, Hara sat it down and tucked the pen into the bun formed by her light red hair. "This isn''t good."


    "Feels like the shit is going to hit the fan," Nix''s calm voice replied. Since being contacted by Darsi more than a week earlier, the virtual movement had become like a domino effect of world events. Three more territories joined the secession of independence before declaring their intent to become virtual nations. "Tasmania, Madagascar, and Spain/Portugal in the last four days... What does it mean?"


    Hara stared at the jump capsule schematic that she presented to Colonial experts. "Did Darsi confirm that these pods are being constructed in all six VNs (Virtual Nations)?"


    Nix nodded; he still wore the blue-colored contacts that changed his natural eye color. However, he reverted his hair to its original state. "I take it they aren''t normal pods?"


    "Normal?" Hara pursed her lips slightly while leaning back in her chair. "The phrase I''d use is terrifying. We need to push up the meeting with the Hive while we are still capable of responding."


    Nix''s hud buzzed for a moment before Darsi''s face popped up in front of them.


    "Hey, Trip-7!" Darsi quickly motioned with one hand before a brief replaced her face in Nix''s hud. "Read this, and wrap up whatever you have going on. The Hive has joined hands with Inferno and is moving forward with the Vasai Virtual purchase."


    "That was fast," Hara commented. In the years since the Flight of Dragons expansion, the guild acquired a large number of Colonial assets. It was largely unknown, but Inferno''s virtual holdings exceeded Colonial''s other corporate investors. "The board moved fast."


    Nix grinned at the term. ''The board'' consisted of the original Inferno Officers.


    [Read At Once!]


    We''ve gathered enough evidence to support our theory that all six soon-to-be VNs are working in concert and will be linked up once their Nodes are online.


    Twenty-four Satellites are being launched from six independent sites. Our intel has identified them as G-5 satellites, the same type that world powers use for enhanced operations; estimated worth is around ten billion USD each. Therefore, interfering with the launch of these satellites has become our top priority.


    We have to move forward with our evac plans. Move all friends and family to Vasai Virtual. We''ll make room for them once the purchase is complete. Our best guess is that we have to be ready within 90 days.


    Nix read the brief before glancing up. Hara was still looking at the jump capsule schematic. "Going to have to ask you to break some rules again."


    Hara''s warm brown eyes focused on him for a moment. "Again? Are we talking about a small bend? Or a complete break?" Strictly speaking, using Colonial experts to study Quebec''s jump capsule wasn''t a significant misuse of resources; if pressed, she could make up a viable excuse.


    "I want all the DRPs who have relations with Inferno to be moved to Vasai Virtual." Nix watched her for a reaction, his sharp eye noting the crease that suddenly developed on her forehead.


    "Nix... I''m not privy to that information. The only ones I know for sure are Bali and maybe Mina."


    "It''s a big ask. With everything going on, can we afford to leave our friends exposed?"


    Hara let out a long breath. The truth was that the world was changing quickly. The different world powers seemed unsure what action to take as an unnatural calm settled over everything.


    *************


    "Can we talk, Dex?" Nova ignored Quicksilver''s frown and interrupted the young hacker working nearby.


    "Sec..." Dex attached the memory chip to the last empty space on the Ducati''s front wheel before signaling Darsi to ease the jack down until the tire touched the floor. It had taken more than five thousand memory chips to cover the Ducati''s exterior. He would have directly contacted Syntax but held off since Nova was present. "Something up?"


    Nova stared at the motorcycle, unsure what to think. Dex and Quicksilver used thermal coupling paste to attach countless memory chips to all sorts of equipment; weapons, clothing, and now the Ducati. The Hive was buzzing with questions, but the Bottom Feeders weren''t answering. "Let''s go somewhere. What I have to say is sensitive information."


    Nova followed Quicksilver and Dex to his apartment at the Hive''s bottom. She paused for a moment but remained standing while the two of them sat down. "The Secret Service is being disbanded."


    Before either of them could reply, the goth Infiltrator continued. "Not just us, but the CIA, FBI, and every other intel organization in our government."


    Dex whistled softly and shifted his gaze to his partner. "That make sense?"


    Darsi shook her head before reluctantly turning toward Nova. "Do you know anything else?"


    Nova nodded. "This is classified. Homeland Security will be expanding to absorb the entirety of the Intelligence operations. The two major divisions will be Homeland Security Domestic (HSD) and Homeland Security International (HSI). My new assignment would be under one of the subdivisions of HSD."


    Dex caught her meaning immediately. "You aren''t going to stay with Intelligence?"


    Nova shook her head. "I want to request a permanent residence here at the Hive. I''ll move to whatever floor you like."


    "No." Dex rejected the idea without pausing.


    Both women stared at him when he stood up and headed towards the kitchen bathroom.


    Quicksilver wore an amused smile, but her expression held a tiny sliver of sympathy. "A kid like Dex is slow to forgive."


    Nova exhaled, not bothering to mask her disappointment. "Tell me about it."


    Unexpectedly Darsi''s smile widened. "I''ll talk to him; keep baking him stuff."


    "W-What?" Nova stared at the other woman for a long moment. What was going on? "Right... I''ll do that."


    Darsi opened the bathroom door despite hearing that the water was running. As suspected, Dex was sitting on the sink''s counter. "She''s gone; you can turn the water off."


    Dex turned the faucet. "It''s a bad idea to trust her."


    "Maybe," Quicksilver replied noncommittally. "We have to think everything through. The world is teetering on a precipice at the moment."


    "Agreed." Dex didn''t move when she pushed herself between his knees, leaning forward until he could feel her breath. "I don''t trust her."


    Darsi let the comment slide; her following words surprised her partner. "She''s choosing a side, Dex."


    "Are you sure about that," Dex asked?


    Darsi shook her head slightly. "No, but she''d need big brass balls to think about pulling the same play on us twice."


    Dex chuckled despite the frown on his face. "Guess so."


    Quicksilver gripped his hands and pulled him out of the bathroom. "She knows there''d be no surviving a second attempt."


    Dex let himself be escorted out of the kitchen, not stopping until she started up the loft stairs. "We jumping?"


    Quicksilver targeted him with a sexy smile. "Nope.. Partner bonding."

 Chapter 671 - Trip-7 Returns

    "ID please," the wide-shouldered guard''s deep voice lacked any inflection, clear evidence that he was bored working the front gate. "You with BFS?"


    The dark-haired man smiled slightly before handing his papers to the guard. "Yep, Bellatora Fire Suppression... You guys had an accidental activation last week."


    "Right..." The guard checked his hud, his eyes glancing over the details. "Nasty bit of business, the entire building had to be emptied and sanitized."


    "BFS uses nothing but organic materials; this stuff is environmentally safe and will snuff out any fire."


    "Lower the glasses, Mr..." The guard glanced down at his hud before continuing his sentence, "Magnus Pon."


    "Sure thing." The dark-haired man lowered his sunglasses, calm yellow eyes staring calmly.


    The guard patted the side of the white flatbed truck and motioned him through. "They are expecting you."


    Nix watched his rearview mirror for a few seconds while he pulled away from the guard post. "I''m in."


    [You okay, Trip-7?]


    Nix smiled at the sound of Darsi''s voice. She was as cool as ice. "Why wouldn''t I be okay? What''s the worse that could happen?"


    [Why the fuck do you have to say that?]


    Nix chuckled and pulled into temporary parking to wait for his escort. "It''s too bad Quebec and New England are the only viable targets."


    [I guess we have a shortage of good arsonists.]


    "I know, right?" Nix nodded to himself and shut down the engine.


    [Contact me when you''re clear, Trip-7]


    "Sure. When I''m clear."


    Thirty minutes later, Nix watched as his escort downloaded the barrels from his flatbed truck onto a much smaller cargo hauler.


    His escort ignored the labels written on the outside of the containers and opened each one before inserting a chemical sensor probe. "These barrels scan in as LVS."


    Nix noted that the man''s name tag said Ed in overly large letters. But, if nothing else, Ed was very thorough. "Yep... Don''t forget the 5-gallon buckets. They are a glycerin-based wax."


    Ed checked each of the buckets and then proceeded to close everything up. "What''s the wax for?"


    Nix pointed to the floor buffer, the last item to be loaded on the hauler. "Standard clean up once I finish refilling the LVS reservoir and bleeding out the pipes."


    Ed nodded in approval. "You''re cleared to work in both the inner and outer halls. I''ll be escorting you the entire day."


    Nix paused while considering the diagram he committed to memory earlier. The inner hall was the border for the launching courtyard; a round cemented area roughly two hundred meters in diameter. "I miss the old days when launching shit into space meant big beautiful plumes of flames fueled by a few thousand tons of hydrogen."


    "You and me both, Mr. Pon." Ed switched his hud to another display before looking up. "This railgun tech sends them into low orbit with a three-round burst, barely anything to see."


    [This inspection a problem, Trip-7?]


    Nix shook his head slightly, knowing the Bottom Feeders were watching him from v-Earth.


    Thumper cursed loudly from the navigation platform. "Who the fuck is this Trip-7?"


    Stiletto studied the building diagram while Thumper stayed close to Quicksilver''s operative. "No idea; Quicksilver says he''s solid."


    Thumper left the platform and drifted casually through the walls of the outer hall while Nix used a dolly to move the barrels to the first reservoir. "Dibs on Trip-7."


    Stiletto paused and looked toward the warehouse below. "You tried that with Dex. Only then you said you like the innocent young ones."


    "What can I say? My taste varies." Thumper wrinkled her nose slightly, a telling sign that she was irritated. "You think Quicksilver has her hooks set in Trip-7 too? Fucking unfair is what it is!"


    Nova nodded in agreement while moving the platform directly over Nix. "He''s too edgy for me. Those lion eyes... make me feel like an antelope. I''ll keep my sights on Dex."


    "You two realize that we''re all on the same channel?" Quicksilver exchanged glances with Dex. "For the record, if you''re interested in Trip-7, you''ll have to step around a half-dozen wives."


    "Oh god..." Thumper covered her face with both hands, suddenly glad that the man she was shadowing couldn''t see her face. "Sorry, Trip-7! We were just having some girl talk."


    Despite being virtual, Stiletto felt her face heat up as she closed her multi-colored eyes tight and tried to recall her exact words. "Shit...," she muttered under her breath.


    "It''s actually seven wives, according to Colonial lore," Dex manipulated code directly into the first G-5 satellite while Quicksilver interrupted the feed coming from Quebec''s server.


    "Hmm... He didn''t actually marry that Su''Dhassi woman; Nix arranged something different for her." Quicksilver smiled at the memory. "As part of a treaty, he married her off to that trouble-maker from Pathfinder. What was his name again?"


    "Jiggs," Nix replied.


    "That''s right... Fucking Jiggs, that guy always steps in the shit." Quicksilver shook her head at the code she was interrupting. "Making a copy of this so I can we can analyze it later. We owe Nova one for giving us the intel."


    "I guess..." Dex frowned at the mention of the Infiltrator''s name. Nova was the one that discovered that Quebec was going to format their satellites all at once. That revelation caused the Bottom Feeders to come up with a plan. Upload their own format onto the G-5 platforms and force an early launch.


    Nix completed his task ahead of schedule; refilling the depleted reservoirs before using the floor buffer to lay down a thick coat of wax in both halls took precisely seven hours.


    "You have a good singing voice." Thumper had nothing to do during this time except to observe him. His application of floor wax was accompanied by a surprisingly pleasant rendition of golden oldies. "You should upgrade your music library."


    Nix was already in his truck and driving toward the front gate when she commented. "Make some recommendations; I barely ever leave Colonial."


    [Doing okay, Trip-7? How much of a break do you need before you head over to New England Virtual?]


    Nix waved at the gate guard and slowed down just enough to make a right-hand turn. "None. I''ll sleep on the plane. Just make sure the barrels I prepared are loaded up and ready."


    [Sounds good! We''ll hit them tomorrow then. Your flight has a jumper onboard that you can use to visit us at the v-Hive. Oh, and bring Hara with you.]


    "Cya in a bit, Darsi."


    Thumper''s dark eyes stared as the truck disappeared into the distance. "Is Trip-777 your hacker name?"


    Nix laughed at the question. "Nope. My hacker name is Pon the Magnificent."


    The four Bottom Feeders rendezvoused at the Nav-Platform an hour later before heading back towards the Hive. According to Syntax, they needed to get used to transporting with the platform instead of just logging out when they were done. When these nodes eventually went active, they''d track entries and exits into their system. The Nav-Platform had built-in masking software and would become the preferred exit method.


    Dex exited the T-6 a moment before his three companions. A glance showed him that Mongoose and Gadget were still working the G-5s at the newly formed New England virtual. Stepping away from the jumper, he watched as his teammates logged out.


    Darsi was the next out; she swiped her thumb ring immediately after exiting before freezing in place. Her lips curved in a smile when she noticed Dex; her ring hadn''t vibrated. Instead of commenting, she joined him.


    Thumper and Stiletto exited simultaneously, conversing casually while walking toward the partners.


    Darsi keyed one of her fun programs and waited. A moment later, a pie slammed into each of their faces.


    "Fucking hell!" Thumper cursed loudly, wiping pie from her face. To make matters worse, it was banana cream, her favorite. "Why did you do that?"


    Although he tried to get words out, Dex laughed so hard he couldn''t manage it.


    Darsi smiled innocently at the two women. "Do what?" She keyed her hud, and the pies disappeared.


    "Shit..." Stiletto swiped her thumb ring. "Groundhog?"


    Dex managed to nod but had to wait for a few seconds before he could comment. "Get used to it. Next time it might be snakes or spiders."


    After logging out of Groundhog, Dex headed to his apartment with his partner in tow. "How did Nix get those barrels past the inspector? I thought we were done when Ed pulled out that chem sensor."


    Darsi shrugged at the question. "Trip-7 is crafty. Ask him yourself."


    Dex grabbed a quick bite to eat, followed by a shower before setting up the tandem jumper to access v-Hive. Quicksilver was bringing both Hara and Nix in to meet with the Bottom Feeders.


    By the time Darsi arrived with her two guests, the rest of the Bottom Feeders were seated around the kitchen island. Quicksilver took a moment to introduce the couple before her co-workers did the same.


    Hara hugged Dex before shaking hands with the others. "You have a round door, Dex. Got some hobbit blood in you?"


    "That''s what I said! Who else makes round doors?" Dex focused on Nix. "How did your barrels pass inspection? I looked up LVS; it''s a fire suppression chemical."


    Nix nodded in agreement. "It''s also much lighter than potassium permanganate. Which is why it floated to the top."


    Dex caught on right away. "So the potassium permanganate is the bad shit."


    Thumper glanced from one to the other as if they were speaking in some sort of code. Was Trip-7 a fucking fire Da Vinci? "Explain it to me! Use small words if you have to."


    "I filled the barrels to three-quarters with potassium permanganate before topping them off with LVS. Since it pumps from the bottom, only the heavier chemical went into the reservoirs."


    Thumper was using her hud while Nix explained; her dark eyes scanned the information briefly before looking back at him. "That stuff isn''t dangerous. It can be used around the house in a dozen different ways, including water purification."


    "Sure," Nix agreed. "That was my goal, to clean up their water supply."


    Thumper frowned at the yellow-eyed man. "Not going to tell me?"


    Hara nudged him with an elbow before jumping in. "Make friends, Nix."


    "Right..." Nix winked at Darsi, who was doing her best to keep a straight face. "The wax I used on the floor was glycerin-based."


    Thumper keyed her hud before finding what she was looking for. "Shit..." She transferred the video to the counter''s hud and played it. When the two chemicals came into contact, it immediately burst into a bright purple flame. "Are they going to have time to move the satellites?"


    Nix shrugged slightly. "If they hurry. Darsi said to put pressure on them. Nothing says pressure like an Inferno."


    Quicksilver fist-bumped him.. "Mongoose and Gadget will be with you when you repeat the process in New England Virtual."

 Chapter 672 - Pinging Inferno

    [3 Days after the Completion of the New England Virtual Mission.]


    Haven 0900 Gemini Temple


    Dex accepted the invite as soon as it popped up.


    [You have joined the Inferno Guild.]


    /Inferno: Shae: Welcome, Dex.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: A new guy? How''d he get in so fast?


    /Inferno: Nix: Family friend. Welcome aboard, kid.


    /Inferno: Darsi: He''s my friend, Ronnie.


    /Inferno: Ronnie: Understood. Welcome, Dex.


    /Inferno: Pon: Hey kid.


    /Inferno: Semmi: Welcome Dex.


    After starting the VRMMO version of Colonial, Dex opted to create a level 125 character and sat through the cutscene that briefed him on Khione''s escape from Inferno and Nix''s disappearance through the rift at Cyphix. Immediately after appearing in Everspire, he received a guild invite from Darsi.


    He activated the return to guild icon as soon as it lit up on his hud. Dex whistled at the impressive view, although he''d seen the single-player version of Haven, the multi-player was much more impressive.


    /Inferno: Dex: Thank you.


    /Inferno: Nix: Since you''re level 125, you must have accepted one of the cookie-cutter classes?


    /Inferno: Dex: Yeah. I chose Spellsword.


    /Inferno: Nix: The fuck? That''s my secondary! Since when is that on the list.


    /Inferno: Pon: Since you used it to kill the Goddes of Winter, genius.


    /Inferno: Beta: Now, everyone wants to be Nix.


    /Inferno: Wind: I know I do.


    /Inferno: Chael: Me too.


    /Inferno: Fajii: Same.


    /Inferno: Pon: I don''t. Shut the hell up.


    Dex chuckled at the conversations.


    [Whisper: Darsi to Dex] You at the Gemini platform? Follow the walkway west to the big ass treehouse. Hurry, the meeting is about to start.


    [Whisper: Dex to Darsi] Save me a seat. This place is incredible.


    The guildhall wasn''t challenging to find. It was a skyscraper-sized tree that rose several hundred meters into the air.


    "Hey! Wait up."


    Dex turned at the voice, a scraggly-looking older man carrying a sword in one hand and a half-empty bottle in the other. "Sorry, gotta hurry, or I''ll be late.


    The old man fell into step beside him, despite looking like he could barely walk. "You''re the new Spellsword? Well, congratulations, you found me."


    "Great..." Dex lengthened his step when the old man smiled creepily at him.


    "I''m Master Chiba, the Spellsword trainer." He leaned closer. "Of course, I don''t work alone; there''s another Master that helps me.


    "I don''t know anyone yet." Dex eyed the large door, twenty meters in the distance. If he could get inside, he felt confident in ditching the weirdo.


    Chiba nodded, knowing, placing a surprisingly strong hand on the younger man''s shoulder. "I get that. He''s a fairly well-known Master. His name is Baiter."


    Dex grinned suddenly. "Very well known."


    Chiba stared blankly at him. "Huh?"


    "I narrowed your next sentence down to seven different variations. In four of them, you attempt to make me say, Masturbater."


    "....." Chiba.


    Dex left the old man standing with his mouth open and managed a quick escape through the entrance of Inferno''s Guildhall.


    "Dex!" A hand gripped his arm and turned him to one side.


    Dex stared for a moment, the pretty face and blond ponytail gave her identity away, but it was the accessories that made him speechless. She wore leather armor that gripped her form like a bear hugs honey. A beautiful digital camo coupled with a long rifle slung over one shoulder made her look like some sort of Sniper Goddess.


    She leaned forward and kissed him. "From now on, I want to see that expression whenever you look at me."


    Dex nodded, finally finding his voice. "I''ll do my best."


    Darsi pulled him toward a row of empty seats and sat down. "Nix and Shae are about to talk with us."


    That was the signal. "I''m going to check out my messages from Vasai Virtual; take notes for me." Dex brought up his hud and sent a message to his Vasai Virtual mailbox.


    The return message was courtesy of Syntax; its purpose was to ping everyone within his immediate range. In addition, it would flag everyone that was using a jump capsule interface.


    /Inferno: Nix: Thanks for coming, everyone. There are a few essential items I''d like to touch base on.


    [The following message is viewable by players only. Colonial will be going offline for thirty minutes for an unscheduled maintenance check. All players will be transported to their default VR server quarters or the VR residence of choice.]


    [Logging Off: Colonial]


    [Logging On: Vasai Virtual]


    Dex appeared at Nix''s UP cabin retreat simultaneously as Pon.


    Pon grinned at him and headed toward the fridge. "Damn Dex. Did you break Colonial?"


    Dex took a seat at the kitchen island just as Nix, Hara, Semmi, and Darsi joined them. "This was expected; now they''ll be conducting a system integrity check."


    The group huddled around Dex as he opened the receiving mailbox.


    [Non-player Capsule users]


    Chiba


    Beta


    Milat


    Floyd


    Fajii


    Filamina


    Captain Locus


    Bali


    Dex stared at the list before stepping out of the way so they could take a look at the list of DRP in Inferno. Unfortunately, he didn''t recognize their names.


    "Damn... Chiba and Beta?" Semmi pursed her lips while committing the names to memory. "You''re sure they are all DRP?"


    Dex nodded. "The program identified all capsule users and then eliminated the players. These are the names left. Since regular NPCs are programs, they wouldn''t interface with a capsule."


    Hara read through the list, eight DRP in Inferno. She hadn''t imagined the number would be that high. "What about the second part of this mission?"


    Dex accepted a beer from Pon and paused long enough to open the cap. "They''ll each receive an invite from Director O''Hara to come here."


    Any further conversation was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a middle-aged man with glasses. This was followed by consecutive flashes that continued until eight strangers arrived.


    Inevitably, the first word out of the mouths of the new arrivals was the same. "Nix?"


    ************


    [1055 hours, v-Earth]


    Dex checked the time, nodding to himself. "Now we just need Quebec and New England Virtual to act according to script."


    Dex stood on the Nav-Platform in v-Earth along with the rest of the Bottom Feeders. They stopped just outside of the newly constructed com-tower. "These towers online yet?"


    Syntax appeared in the air next to the platform. "They are not online. However, server logs indicate they are scheduled to come online after they synch with their satellites.


    At precisely 1100 hours, the fire suppression sprinklers at the satellite launch facilities in Quebec and New England Virtual activated. This set off a chain reaction between the potassium permanganate in the suppression system and the glycerin wax that coated the floor. Within seconds, the facilities became a hornet''s nest of smoke, fire alarms, and people running for the exits.


    "One minute." Gadget checked the timer, the fire was staying contained, but the smoke''s fumes were blocking their view. "No movement on the satellites yet."


    Dex frowned at the smoke until he remembered they were in v-Earth. "Remove the smoke effects. It looks like the access doors to the launching courtyard are being manually opened."


    Thumper cursed under her breath. "What are they waiting for? Make the call or lose the sats!"


    Syntax landed next to Dex on the platform. "New England Virtual has launched three satellites. But, unfortunately, an error in their railgun software is delaying further action."


    "Dumb..." Dex shook his head in wonder. It was only a few days until they were due to be launched. Everything should have been checked and the redundancy systems brought online. "Looks like the first sat from Quebec is being loaded up."


    It took another three minutes to launch the first satellite from Quebec Virtual. Two more were set up in a queue in the courtyard.


    "Dex, the railgun from Quebec Virtual, has experienced an error in its launch software." Syntax turned toward him. "The exact same error as New England virtual."


    "That can''t be a coincidence" Gadget moved to the control panel. "Let''s head to New England virtual. This means there''s another player on the board."


    New England looked very similar to Quebec; Gadget stopped the Navigation-Platform within view of the launching pad. The technicians chose to abandon any further attempts at troubleshooting and quickly exited the facility.


    Syntax reappeared once again on the platform after vanishing for several minutes. "I have control of the four satellites that were launched from Quebec and New England virtual. I will assume manual control of the G-5s when they enter low-orbit." She held out her fist in front of Dex.


    Dex fist-bumped her. "Good job." They''ll try to find them, but they''d be looking in high orbit. Since Dex changed the virtual comm interface to send and receive compressed radio bursts, they''d receive no answer to their binary queries.


    "Thank you, Dextron." Syntax paused for a moment and then addressed the group. "A message is being released on all radio and digital stations, patching it in."


    The image of a slim man in a cut-off t-shirt and purple mohawk popped up on the Nav-Platform''s virtual hud.


    [I want to send my greetings to the six recently declared virtual nations. I''m saddened to hear that some of you suffered setbacks in your satellite launch programs today. Did you really believe that you are the only one who could develop an advanced AI? Or did you think we''d let you take the lead as the world moves toward a virtual existence? I''m Hawk, one of the leaders of Rogue AI. On behalf of everyone here, sorry for your loss.]


    The video ended with the mohawked man flipping the bird.


    "Dibs on Mohawk guy," Thumper stared at the frozen image. "Cool as hell... Maybe even a bit crazy."


    "Probably," Gadet agreed. "Let''s find out who he is. And more importantly, if they really have an AI."


    Darsi shook her head slightly. "It doesn''t add up. Let''s go around the table, starting with me. Why let the world think you have an AI? Even if they did put a bug in the launching software, why put a target on your back?"


    Dex waited until she glanced at him before speaking. "It benefits us if they take the credit for 30 billion dollars worth of satellites disappearing. We''ll have to reexamine our strategy if more than one AI is in play."


    Stiletto didn''t bother to hide the satisfaction she felt at going third. "Agreed, we''ve played a lot of offense until now. We should pull back our fangs and work on protection."


    Gadget nodded in agreement. "We''ve already taken defensive steps but we can do more. I''ll find out who Hawk is and more importantly where they are operating out of."


    Mongoose flashed his perfect white teeth. Hunting people down was his favorite past-time. "I''ll find out everything there is to know about him by dinner time."


    Thumper didn''t seem depressed by going last. "I''m thinking... This could be a bluff." She smiled when her words grabbed the attention of the rest of the Bottom Feeders. "What if there is no Rogue AI? Just a really good hacker, or maybe even a Fucking Da Vinci that spiked the railgun software. He didn''t actually take credit for the fires, but he worded in such a way that it was implied."


    "That is interesting, Thumper." Syntax attempted a smile but it resembled a grimace. "I too will search. We''ve acquired G-5 satellites, this is an exponential gain for us."


    Darsi clapped her hands, signifying the round-table discussion was over. "Take a few hours to recharge. They''ll be a lot on our plates in the coming weeks.. Let''s go back."

 Chapter 673 - Jumpstation (part One)

    Two weeks passed with no sign of the group calling themselves Rogue AI or the person known as Hawk. The general consensus among the Bottom Feeders was that Hawk was probably an Avatar and the person behind it fabricated the organization. More importantly, data nodes surrounding Quebec and New England Virtual went active. Their appearance didn''t change much in the outside world, but v-Quebec and v-New England were covered by massive domes that lit up the area around them. In addition, Bottom Feeder Intel said that the other four virtual states (Baltic, Madagascar, Tasmania, and Spain/Portugal) had begun constructing data nodes around their territories.


    Dex grinned at the Bottom Feeders when he saw them. He had scheduled the Grand Opening of the Armory for 1000 hours; they were more than thirty minutes early.


    Two new faces were hanging out, Nix and Hara. They had no interest in joining the Hive, but since they were given a residence on the 15th floor, Dex invited them to check out the Armory.


    Darsi was chatting with her Inferno friends when Dex arrived. She paused long enough to hug him before continuing with her questions. "You have all the Inferno DRP and Players setup at Vasai Virtual?"


    Nix nodded. "Many of them were already there, but we convinced the hold-outs. So once Wind joins us, we''ll be on board. He is bringing his entire family from Mombassa."


    "Tell him to hurry," Dex replied. "The world is changing fast."


    Nix looked upward toward the platform near the 10th floor. "That''s the Armory? I thought it would be bigger."


    Dex grinned at the Inferno Leader. "It is! You and Hara use the jumpers on the 10th floor; I made sure to reserve them. We''ll meet you there."


    Hara nodded and pulled Nix toward the lift; he seemed reluctant to go. "Don''t even ask, Nix."


    "Why not! That''s the T-6 you mentioned, right? Just think what a raid team could do with just the shared audio and video feeds!"


    Nix stared longingly at the T-6. "And it looks fucking awesome."


    Dex tried not to laugh as the unwilling Nix was dragged away. "I''ll put a tandem jumper in your apartment, fewer bells, and whistles, but way better than what you''re using."


    "Deal!" Nix stopped resisting when the lift door opened. Instead, he smiled at his companion. "Doesn''t hurt to ask."


    A few minutes later, Dex fist-bumped Quicksilver after opening the number one capsule on the T-6. "Ride the wave, Partner."


    "Ride the wave, Partner," Darsi smiled warmly while secretly patting herself on the back for her foresight in inviting Dex to the Hive.


    One by one, the capsules on the T-6 module closed. Within a few moments, each of their occupants appeared nearby as their virtual selves.


    "Interesting world set," Hara spoke from above them. She had her hud opened and was running an analysis program that Dex wrote.


    Dex pushed off the floor with one foot, feeling a sensation similar to weightlessness. "v-Hive movement rules were written for ease of access. But, as we speak, Syntax is coding an entirely different set into v-Earth."


    Nix hovered above them, noting from the Bottom Feeder''s expressions that only he and Quicksilver really realized how brilliant Hara was. "Before Hara became the Director at the Colonial Virtual Labs, she was one of the coders that constructed Colonial''s worlds."


    "Dibs on Hara!" Thumper grinned at the redhead, "we can partner up!"


    Hara offered her an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Thumper. I''m already partnered."


    Gadget kicked off the floor with a stomp of his foot and joined Nix above them. "She''s here as a consultant. The six of us will be scouting New England Virtual (NEV). Hara will be helping us adjust our offensive, defensive, and transport tools."


    As the group traveled toward the Armory; many v-Hive residents moved to the railing to watch the show. It was no secret. The Armory was opening today.


    Hara grabbed Nix''s hand, trusting him to guide her to the platform while she talked. "If you''re creating large virtual nodes the size of Quebec or New England. You have to create a set of rules. Expect CER; that''s normal for virtual environments." When she noticed the group bringing their huds up, she defined the term for them. "It means Common Earth Rules. Weight, movement, gravity will have to be set. The nodes will become the living environment to millions of people instantly. The amount of work required to monitor and upkeep something like this is similar to a large virtual world like Colonial."


    Dex listened while the redhead spoke. He constructed the tools based on a typical CER environment. "It will be our job to test everything in the Node. We can expect some alterations; we just have to find what they are and then adjust our toolsets."


    "I love it when you talk like that." Darsi arrived at the Armory walkway first; standard gravity rules took effect when you stepped onto a walking area in v-Hive. Quicksilver walked to the Armory door and waited for the rest.


    It resembled a fabricated building, about the size of a single-car garage from the outside. A round wooden door (of course) and a thatched roof made it seem like something out of Middle-Earth.


    Dex pressed his hand against the scanner mounted above a large brass knob. The door immediately turned from red to green.


    [Authorised User: Dextron] "Will you be opening the Armory today, Dextron?


    "Yes. Grant temporary access to the Bottom Feeders, Nix and Hara."


    He paused for a moment to glance over his shoulder at his captive audience. "We''ll be appointing a full-time armorer after everything is set up properly." Dex nudged the door with his shoulder, causing it to swing inward. "Follow me."


    "Holy crap..." Stiletto squeezed between Dex and Darsi before stopping abruptly at the counter. It was three meters from the door and spanned the entire width of the building, which was just a bit over forty by fifty meters. "The armory is an instance within v-Hive?"


    Dex nodded and placed a hand on the counter before vaulting over it. When he touched the counter, it changed into a virtual image that was categorized by shape. Behind him were dozens of shelves containing clothes, armor, weapons, and transport. "Darsi goes first."


    "Sweet... Tell me what to do, Dex." Darsi noticed six circles that were lit up inside of a rectangle that took up a good portion of the area in front of the counter. "Is this some kind of load station?"


    Dex nodded, "something like that. Preferences? Check out the icons on the counter and press what you like."


    Quicksilver studied the layout; the icons were grouped into categories. She touched the gun silhouette, which then changed into three choices; handgun, automatic weapon, rifle. She touched the rifle icon, and a shelf rolled forward containing her selection. The ponytailed blond''s smile could have melted butter. "You put Dragunovs in the armory."


    "I did," Dex admitted. "We don''t have much for selections yet."


    Quicksilver verified the selection and then quickly made the rest of her choices. As she touched them, their virtual image appeared over the counter.


    ***Authors Note****


    ICE: Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics


    Exe: Executive Code


    YB: Yottabytes


    *******************


    [Dragunov- Sniper Rifle]


    Ammo Type: Fatboy Exe


    Range: Untested


    Damage: Untested


    [Honjo Masamune- Sword]


    Stiletto''s Modified Demon Code


    Range: Melee


    Damage: Untested


    [Under Armor-Black]


    ICE Type: General Defensive


    10 YB


    [Combat Boots w/side zipper]


    ICE Type: General Defensive


    5 YB


    [Flexible Boy Armor-Black]


    ICE Type: Electrical 50 YB


    ICE Type: Abestos 50 YB


    ICE Type: Impact 50 YB


    Reserve Bank: 200 YB


    [DeVisor]


    Description: Works in either real or virtual environments. Enhanced Sight, Night vision, Thermal vision, Vision Sharing.


    [Dex-Gloves]


    Coding Gloves with spike interface.


    Memory Storage: 100 YB


    Darsi stared at her partner, "Transport ready?"


    Dex grinned and pointed to the transport icon. "Not much for choices yet."


    "Hmmm." Darsi pressed the icon, her eyes lighting up when a row of Ducati slid toward them. They were modeled after her own bike and ordered by color. "Red is my favorite."


    "You sure?" Dex''s hand hovered over the colored squares beneath the motorcycle icon. "Let me choose?"


    "Or you can surprise me." Darsi watched as he shielded his choice and made the selection. "Step onto the blinking circle."


    Darsi stepped onto the circle, her blue eyes watching as Dex finished up the selections. "What if I''m in a hurry."


    Dex glanced at the group, all of them were staring at the equipment images. "Once we figure out what works and make adjustments, you can save configurations for quick loads. "Ready?"


    Quicksilver nodded, "Prey waits."


    Darsi''s image blurred for a moment as her equipment uploaded. A moment later, the Hive''s 1st Operative appeared. Lightly armored and dressed in black with a sword peeking over the top of her right shoulder.


    Thumper clapped her hands excitedly. "Fucking sexy!


    Darsi examined her gear. "How do I use the data probe?"


    "Flex your right fist," Dex answered.


    Quicksilver flexed her fist, smiling as a six-inch steel spike extended. "Fucking Da Vinci... Where''s my rifle?"


    "On your bike," Dex replied.


    A moment later, a Ducati Panigale appeared directly beside her. It was bright silver, reflecting everything in the room like it was a mirror. A rife case was mounted along one side of the bike.


    [Ducati Panigale/ Quicksilver''s Variant]


    Top Speed: Unknown.


    Quicksilver let out the breath she had been holding. "Yeah..." She tossed a leg over the bike and touched the handlebars. "You rock my fucking world, Dex."


    Stiletto stared at Darsi''s layout for a moment before stepping to the counter. "Me next!"

 Chapter 674 - Jumpstation (part Two)

    Dex shook his head at the outrageous racket of five Ducati revving up their engines at the same time. He picked his gear and then stepped onto the last circle to load up.


    [Honjo Masamune- Sword]


    Stiletto''s Modified Demon Code


    Range: Melee


    Damage: Untested


    [Under Armor-Black]


    ICE Type: General Defensive


    10 YB


    [Combat Boots w/side zipper]


    ICE Type: General Defensive


    5 YB


    [Flexible Body Armor-Black]


    ICE Type: Electrical 50 YB


    ICE Type: Abestos 50 YB


    ICE Type: Impact 50 YB


    Reserve Bank: 200 YB


    [DeVisor]


    Description: Works in either real or virtual environments. Enhanced Sight, Night vision, Thermal vision, Vision Sharing.


    [Dex-Gloves]


    Coding Gloves with spike interface.


    Memory Storage: 100 YB


    [Shield]


    ICE Type: Electrical 10 YB


    ICE Type: Asbestos 100 YB


    ICE Type: Impact 100 YB


    Reserve Bank: 500 YB


    Hara moved behind the counter, taking Nix with her. "All of you will be running the same diagnostic when you arrive. So split up, try and break some things. Maybe start a fight or two and see what their response looks like." She glanced at Nix, who was playing with one of the shields from the rack. "I miss anything, Nix?"


    "Hmm?" Nix pushed his arm through the straps on the Shield. "If this wasn''t black, it would look like Captain America''s shield." He paused for a moment and considered Hara''s question. "If you see anything burning or manage to start a fire. Be sure to analyze it."


    "Nix..." Hara shook her head and powered up the jumpstation''s launchpad. "Ready?" When they nodded their heads, she counted down. "Three, Two, One.... and Launch!"


    All six Ducati appeared on the Nav-Platform with Syntax at the controls a moment later.


    [I will be monitoring today''s incursion into New England Virtual.]


    Syntax set the course for New England Virtual (NEV) but kept the speed down so she could brief them.


    [Your defensive ICE will absorb incoming damage but will count down with each hit. When it reaches zero, you will be pushed out of the node.]


    "Fuck," Thumper cursed under her breath. "Can I use your shield, Dex?"


    "No." Dex had the black Shield strapped to his back. "Syntax will be monitoring us. Your armor has a reserve bank; she will use that to recharge your armors ICE when you need it."


    [Additionally, because of the T-6''s resource sharing capabilities, we can utilize anyone''s reserve to recharge any member of the group.]


    Gadget was the first to see the dome in the distance. It was the largest single structure any of them had ever seen; v-Earth didn''t really count since it was a virtual world. "How are we getting in?"


    [The Nav-Platform has been modified to act as a gateway. Keep two things in mind. One, the time the gateway stays open is limited. Make sure to return before the timer expires.]


    Darsi nodded. "Got it. And two?"


    [When you enter the node, most likely, you will immediately be noticed as an intruder.]


    Quicksilver patted her cased rifle. "That''s why we brought weapons."


    [Perhaps we will be able to develop masking protocols once we''ve completed an analysis of this node.]


    Quicksilver gestured toward the dome. "Let''s do it. We''ve all got maps of downtown Boston. Make sure your DeVisor is in virtual mode." She glanced at Dex, "you with me?"


    Dex nodded, "yep."


    The platform moved to the dome''s edge, about two meters off the ground. A short ramp extended until it touched the barrier. Immediately an archway formed.


    Darsi revved her bike and shot through the entry point with Dex right behind her. Within seconds, the Nav-Platform was empty.


    [Our Entry point is masked, however, I will only be able to maintain that state for 10 minutes.]


    "Understood," Darsi landed softly in the short grass of what looked like a park. "Update my location." A hud map representing five square blocks popped up in front of her. She could hear the whine of Dex''s machine tailing her. "I see a few people, not as many as I would have thought."


    Dex pulled up alongside Quicksilver; she was grinning from ear to ear. "Many of them might be new to virtual living. It might be months before some sort of normalcy is achieved."


    "Something is chasing me!" Thumper''s voice called out to the rest of the group.


    [Sharing her video and audio feed with the rest of the group.]


    Dex glanced at the PIP (picture in picture). "It''s a virtual drone." He tabbed the diagnostic screen on his hud. "It''s moving at 100 kph; find straight away and open it up."


    [The environment has recognized that you are alien entities; all members are taking light damage.]


    Dex read his status; it only amounted to a few thousand bytes per second. So it wouldn''t be an issue unless it increased. "Want to help Thumper test that drone?"


    Quicksilver waved for him to continue. "There''s a building east of us with a vantage point. Head toward Grensleigh square while I move to higher ground."


    Dex nodded and accelerated away from her when she made a right. "Did you catch that, Thumper? What''s your status?"


    "Yep," Thumper''s audio feed sounded calm, like someone discussing cake recipes. "The drone stayed with me until I topped 250 kph; now it''s losing ground. Heading to Grensleigh square."


    Dex leaned to one side, his knee brushing the ground as he closed on Grensleigh. "ETA is 20 seconds."


    "Heading north on Burro," Thumper''s voice held a hint of mischief. "No more running, Bitches."


    The squeal of tires followed by the sound of an automatic weapon drowned out the background noises in the shared audio.


    Darsi was running across the rooftop of the Rifton Library, a seven-floor structure that looked over the area. Within seconds she was looking through the scope of her rifle; her updated Dragonuv received updates from her hud. "Wind southwest at 4kph, elevation is minus 25 meters, range 414 meters."


    "Show me the quickest route to Darsi''s location." Dex''s viewpoint changed as his DeVisor extended a navigate line into the distance. "Shit!" He cut through two lanes of traffic and then fishtailed a hairpin turn to stay on course.


    [Thumper''s Ballistic Impact damage has decreased the drone''s power by 6 percent.]


    [Gadget, the alarm has been activated at the bank you are robbing. You can expect a response.]


    Mongoose''s laughter came through the shared audio. "Normally, we would have hacked that, but you did say to break shit and test them."


    Gadget cleared his throat. "Right... We''ll be able to measure response time and see what else they have in their arsenal."


    Dex kept his eyes on the nav-line that his DeVisor kept in his viewpoint. The distance to Thumper''s location in meters was counting down on the bottom-left part of the screen. When it reached 75 meters, he braked hard and hit the ground running.


    The rata-tat sound of an automatic weapon echoed in his ears. Dex shifted his Shield to his left hand and drew the sword from its shoulder scabbard. Since Thumper was using the M4A1 carbine, and Quicksilver was using the Dragonuv, it only made sense for him to test the Shield and sword.


    The drone was either operated remotely or had an impressive VI program. It fired a three-round burst at Thumper, who was hiding behind a cement retaining wall before dropping down behind a parked car.


    The drone was like nothing Dex had ever seen. "Instead of operating on turbine or prop propulsion, it had a single exhaust point underneath it that glowed light blue. It was more than a meter in diameter with a single, laser-sighted barrel.


    [Thumper, your ICE has decreased by 30 percent. Rerouting group ICE to increase yours by 15 percent.]


    Dex waited until the drone popped up to fire again before sprinting toward it. "Don''t return fire this time, Thumper."


    He was two meters away when the sound of a heavier rifle being fired caused the drone to veer to one side. It dropped down behind cover just Dex vaulted off the curb. Not knowing what to expect, he stabbed down through the top of it. There was barely any resistance as the blade pierced the outer casing, and the inner mechanics before puncturing the sidewalk. The smell of burnt electronics caused him to leap backward, but instead of exploding, it fizzled and smoked before ceasing to function.


    [The drone has been disabled. The Honjo Masamune sword removed nearly half of its operational power.]


    Darsi''s smiling face popped up on his hud. "That''s what we call a crit, Dex."


    "I know the ter..." Before he could finish the sentence, the area was bathed in orange flames as he was picked up and flung into the air.


    [Half of your shield ICE has been depleted, Dextron.]


    Dex gasped for air while his ears rang like a dinner bell. After working with Hara for a few days, he understood CER and its modifications. With both his vision and hearing affected, he began to appreciate the possible applications.


    "You okay, Partner?"


    Dex rolled away from the parked car that was now in flames. "No, that one hurt. Where is it?"


    "Thirty meters south of you. The fucker came in stealthed and opened fire. Looked like an RPG-type weapon. Switch to thermal."


    Dex nodded and switched to thermal before low-crawling around the burning vehicle. "Stealthed? Awesome... Fucking awesome. Got any ideas?"


    [The entry point will expire in less than three minutes.]

 Chapter 675 - Jumpstation (conclusion)

    The steady sound of Quicksilver''s sniper rifle and Thumper''s automatic weapon let Dex know that they were covering his retreat as he low crawled toward his bike.


    "How are you hitting that from so far away, Quicksilver?" Thumper''s voice sounded frustrated. "I''m missing more than half my shots."


    "You''ll improve with practice," Darsi replied. "The Fatboy ammo is definitely affecting it. Watch out, Dex! It''s coming for you."


    Dex rolled to his feet and flung his shield toward the approaching drone. Two steps later, he kicked his Ducati into gear and squealed out of there in a cloud of burnt rubber. He raised his left arm a few seconds later and caught the shield before slinging it onto his back.


    "Fucking hell, Captain America!" Thumper shouted while racing toward her bike. "How''d you make that shield boomerang like that?"


    Quicksilver continued to lay down cover fire as Thumper tailed the drone chasing Dextron. "You coded a return feature? Yeah, that''s cool."


    Dex swerved through two cars and ran the red light before cutting down a side alley just as an RPG slammed into the corner of the building, pelting him with pieces of brick and mortar. "Show me a direct route to Quicksilver''s location."


    Dex''s DeVisor plotted a navigation line as his Ducati flashed between two buildings before power braking into a series of turns that had him brushing against cars parked on either side of the road. "Think you can hack this thing, Quicksilver?"


    "I can try, heading down to the second floor. Lure it into the east courtyard of this building."


    [Environmental damage to our team is increasing exponentially. Additionally, I''m sensing search queries; I suggest a tactical retreat before the gateway is discovered.]


    "Agreed, everyone head toward the gateway," Quicksilver ordered. "Dex and I will follow after we take a shot at hacking this thing."


    "I''m still trailing Dex," Thumper replied. "Want me to back you guys up?"


    "No, head back and grab the drone that Dex stabbed. We need to develop more tools for operating in these nodes." Darsi sprinted down the stairs four and five steps at a time; she kicked the door open on the second level before running down the hall.


    Dex eased back on the accelerator; the Fatboy ammo was taking a toll on the drone. Its movement speed had slowed to 50 kph while it hovered less than five meters off the ground. Nevertheless, he kept just far enough ahead to swerve away from any RPGs. "Incoming in five seconds. Where do you want me?"


    Darsi pulled open the large window at the end of the hall. In the background, she could hear the whine of Dex''s Ducati. "There''s a large window above the east entrance."


    "Understood." Dex skidded into the courtyard seconds later, flashing under the window Darsi mentioned before clutching the front brake hard enough to cause the back end of the bike to lift off the ground. He spun the ride one hundred and eighty degrees before sitting it down and cutting the engine.


    Darsi watched as he stepped off the bike and sprinted toward the far corner of the building. "Seriously... You''re going to tell me where you learned to ride!"


    Dex moved around the corner of the building and equipped both his sword and shield. "I should have uploaded some sort of ranged weapon."


    [I estimate that the drone following you is operating at less than half capacity. Its power function had dropped to thirty percent.]


    Dex got his first good look at the drone in question. It was roughly twice the size of the one he destroyed with his sword. This one had two barrels and three exhaust ports on the bottom that glowed light blue; two were no longer operational. Fortunately, his Fatboy Exe had a multiplier virus attached; given enough time, it would render it unable to move.


    Quicksilver watched the drone move into the courtyard from the second story. "It has to be manned remotely. As I expected, it''s hugging the building for cover."


    Dex waited until it moved below Quicksilver''s position before charging it with his shield raised in front of him. The barrels adjusted slightly to target him just as his partner landed on top of it and stabbed her data probe deep into the steel casing that protected the drone.


    The drone fired both barrels into the air over Dex''s head; a moment later, both shots exploded against the side of the building across the courtyard.


    By the time he arrived at the drone, the barrels lowered and were no longer tracking movements.


    "It''s ours, Dex!" Darsi used the virtual keyboard from her gloves and placed the drone in ''follow'' mode.


    Dex and Quicksilver enjoyed a leisurely ride on the way back to the gateway. Unfortunately, they were forced to keep their speed down since the drone was in bad shape.


    Darsi steered with one hand; the other caressed the smooth silver surface of her Ducati. "I can''t wait to see the analytics onto today''s run."


    Dex nodded in agreement. "A few things I noticed. While response time is good, their equipment seems very limited."


    "Right, we should have been facing a dozen or more drones. Everything you see here requires resources from the node. Taking their satellites and burning down their facility set them back."


    Dex turned left; the gateway was less than four hundred meters ahead. "I''m surprised there weren''t more people. Ideally, Boston at midday should be much more crowded."


    "They''re adjusting to virtual living, probably going through some training to make everyday life tolerable." Darsi favored him with a sexy smile. "We''re going to have a nice chat about this bike later."


    A few moments later, Dex followed Quicksilver through the gateway. It was then that he noticed that someone was unaccounted for. "Hey... Anyone seen Stiletto?"


    "Almost there! Sorry I got held up." Stiletto drove through the gateway a moment later. Her bike was completely overridden with dozens of Macy bags.


    [Disconnecting Gateway, returning to base.]


    Thumper stared at the diminutive hacker. "The hell? Did you go shopping while I was getting my butt shot at?"


    "Shopping?" Stiletto gave her an innocent look. "Goodness, no. It''s not shopping if you don''t pay. When I got to the checkout, I just pointed my carbine at the ceiling and let loose a few rounds."


    Thumper frowned disgustedly. "Did you get me anything?"


    Stiletto nodded, "Of course."


    **************


    [A few hours later.]


    Hara glanced up at the younger man. "The analytics look really good. We''ll be able to recode the armory tools with this."


    Dex swiped his screen, sending the display to the kitchen island''s larger hud. "Take a look."


    [Offensive]


    Impact damage


    Fire damage


    Electrical damage


    Ballistic damage


    RPG Rounds


    RPG launcher


    Dragonuv Range/Damage


    M4A1 Range/Damage


    Honjo Masamune Damage


    [Transportation]


    Ducati speed and maneuvering


    Drone A flight speed


    Drone B flight speed


    Drone propulsion system


    Car Door (common sedan)


    [Defensive]


    Drone A Armor


    Drone B Armor


    Armor resistance


    Shield Resistance


    Under Armor Resistance


    [Miscellaneous]


    Stealth Code


    High heels


    Dress (silk)


    Underwear (silk)


    Hat (straw)


    Concrete


    Steel


    Hara grinned at the last few items on the list; Stiletto went shopping while the rest were starting trouble. "It''s an excellent idea. Common goods like clothing can help us understand the node rules better. Ideally, one of you should have shot someone."


    Dex raised an eyebrow in surprise. "It''s scary when you can say that so calmly, Hara."


    Hara shrugged slightly, "I suppose that some of Nix is rubbing off on me. Injury and death rules are a big part of CER modifications."


    Dex gave her a deadpan expression. "I know... I was making a joke." He turned at the sound of laughter coming from his living room. Nix was entertaining the rest of the bottom feeders.


    The redhead smiled warmly. "Your delivery makes you sound serious."


    "True. Now that you''ve seen the overview of the analytics. What do you think, Hara?"


    Hara realized they were looking at the basic report, but her expression couldn''t contain her excitement. "We have enough here to improve everything: Weapons, Armor, Flight, and even Stealth capabilities."


    Darsi cleared her throat from the kitchen''s entrance. "Enough for one day, time to join the party."


    Hara stretched her hands over her head before standing up. "It''s been so long since I worked on world environments."


    Darsi held a finger to her lips. "No more shop talk, or I''ll break out the hard liquor and invite Pon."


    "I surrender!" Hara squeezed next to Nix, much closer than a normal relationship would permit.


    ***Author''s Note***


    The Dex Arc was meant to introduce a spin-off story taking place about a decade after the world started going virtual. However, since both the plot and storyline are undeveloped, it makes no sense to continue past this point. The new story will transition fully to a Cyberpunk story set in a world dominated by AIs. The characters introduced in this arc will return as well as the familiar faces of Nix & Hara.


    Any future additions to Phoenix Phire will come under the guise of ''past adventures'' and be inserted sometime between Nix''s arrival in Colonial and the defeat of Khione.


    *****************