"Want to hear something funny, Erik?" Michel asks. "No," he replied, taking a shot. "Fine. Fine," Michel took a shot of his own. "Everything about Michel is a little odd, even his humor," Erik thought. "He's not just the first S-rank Mythic to retire, but the only one in the world. Us S-ranks are paid handsomely, but he decided to retire even though he's perfectly fine," he added in thought, watching Michel's expression shift as if he tasted something sour while staring at his shot glass. Erik laughed. Shaking his head, "What is it now?" Michel asks with a coughing fit between, "Nothing, you had a silly face," Erik replied. "Tch," Michel scoffed. "Are you sure about going through with the raid?" he asks, "Without a doubt," Erik replied. "But you saw how Jay died," Michel looked back into his memory. Finding a Crusoe scene of ants swarming a man and ripping him apart by whatever their pincers could get a hold of. "All the more reason to go. If they aren't dealt with, more people will suffer than just us," Erik replied, "When did you become so selfless?" Michel sighed. "I'm going one way or another, so I might as well have a good damn reason to die for," Erik sat his shot glass down on the table. "If you're going, I'm coming with. No way in hell I'm going to let you die," Michel decided, crossing his arms, "Are you sure? I know how you feel about these kinds of jobs," Erik asks, "Yes, I want to do my part to help you with the raid," Michel explained. "Alright-" he sighed- "Weren't you preparing to take a doctor certification exam?" Erik asks, "Yeah. I want to be a doctor and maybe live a normal life," Michel began, "I'm getting perfect grades," he explained. "Becoming a doctor? Why's that?" Erik asks, pouring himself and Michel another shot, "You know me, I love stitching up cuts!" Michel laughed. "Still a nutcase as ever," Erik jokes. "In all seriousness, I want to help everyone on the battlefield I can help, not really fight in one," he explained, "That's right, he's the normal one among the Mythics," Erik smirked, shaking his head. "I can't even name another Mythic who dislikes fighting monsters-" he added- "I guess a few healers don't like to, since they're all about helping others," Erik decided. "I wonder if an affinity for fighting is a required quality to become a Mythic," he thought, just finishing his glass. "Have another glass," Michel leaned over and poured another shot into Erik's glass. "Hey! Are you trying to get me drunk?!" Erik yelled, "Am I?!" Michel laughed.
With a tap on the roof of his home, Winter lands gracefully by his bedroom window. He had changed greatly since he saw Uncle David. Winter became a handsome and muscular young man with sharp facial features. Scars Littered his face, one rose up to the crease of his lips on the left side of his chin. Another laceration scar that went up not even an inch up to his right cheek, a cut in his left ear faint electrical scars around his eyes. He slides the window open and with the breeze, his curtain flaps out of the way. He slides through and lands on his feet, "I've seen the System work miracles. What has happened to be thus far is truly an incredible story," Winter thought, grabbing clean clothes. "All thanks to the System, I have grown from an E-rank to S-rank in a matter of months when I really started trying," he added, dressing in clean clothes. Macey sat in her room, working on some math. "Jeez, I can barely concentrate," she sighed. She stands up, and steps out of her room, "Macey! Go take out the trash!" Her mom yelled from the kitchen, "Alright," she stepped down the stairs. Stepping outside, Macey went to the back gate with a garbage sack in hand. Feeling the wind blow past her as she lifted the garbage sack up and into the top of the garbage can, she turned to feel where it was coming from. "I guess summer is coming," she commented, "The wind feels warm," she added. Winter sits down on his bed, looking down at his hands. They had straight and exact lines when he looked closely at them, "I wonder," he mumbled, "Could I make wards with artificial matter?" He thought, laying his head on his pillow. He slowly drifted to sleep as this idea brewed.
Ultima slowly drifts to sleep, and just as it begins to rest, it shoots awake when it notices that it is no longer with Winter. "What the-?" It asks, a side-sword with a larger than standard blade formed in it's hand. "There is nothing to worry about here, my old friend. I wish only to speak to you now that your reincarnation is out of the way," a resonating, haunting voice echoed through the abyssal darkness of his personal void. The familiar otherworldly, deep and rich voice brought a smile to Ultima's face. "Ashborn, how long has it been?" It asks, "Too long, Bolrath," he replied. Ashborn is a huge, muscular shadowy figure with glowing, flame-like purple hair, glowing purple eyes, two curved black horns, and sharp claws. He wore jet-black armor and a long smoky black cloak. "Why did you bring me here just to talk?" It asks, "The Monarchs, someone is speaking with them. Through the whispers of the void, Limbo came to me with urgency that you are in danger of their wrath-" Ashborn explained- "As your reincarnation is my new vessel, I'm sure you prefer to know about these dangers," he added. "What? Who could be speaking to the other Monarchs about us?" Bolrath asks, "A young woman, so I doubt it is Debris with how I remember her voice," he replied, "You're right. She wouldn't go to the Monarchs. She is a woman who would rather do it herself the right way rather than leave it to be done wrong by others-" Bolrath concentrated on everyone they know- "Tyler, that bitch!" It realized. "Who?" Ashborn asks, "She was someone who was obsessed with us. She has done evil things to us behind closed doors-" Bolrath began- "We beat her face into a wall, and I think we can all guess she wants revenge," it explained. "I see. She is one of those women," he replied. "Yes," Bolrath nods with a sigh. "Does anyone know you've reincarnated, or do they only suspect me?" Ashborn asks, "Only one, Debris, saw me once. Though I suspect she thought herself hallucinating-" Bolrath responded- "What happened for you to show yourself?" He asks, "My reincarnation is her last son. Her mortal husband suspected her infidelity, and treated both her and my reincarnation poorly-" Bolrath began- "She went crazy, and began spiraling. When she hit rock bottom, she saw us as the root of all of her problems," it explained. "She nearly killed us in our own damn crib, so I had no other option but to show myself," it added. "Nothing more?" Ashborn asks, "That was all it took, my presence alone saved our lives," It nods. "I'm glad to see you still alive, and your reincarnation growing stronger each moment in the day-" he responded- "But that might change if the Monarchs are convinced of my presence within this realm," Ashborn warned. "I understand, is that all you wanted to speak about?" Bolrath asks, "Yes, that's all. Be careful, my old friend," he nods. "Enjoy your retirement," It replied as his presence in the abyss fades, "I will," Ashborn laughs. With his presence gone, a handsome and muscular young man with gray eyes, black hair, and sharp facial features. Wearing dark colors, a black glove on his left hand, and with his right hand in his pocket. "Rev, do you have news for me?" Ashborn turns to face the man. "Yes, I came to inform you that Oblivion has arrived," he explained. "Good, hopefully he can explain what is happening," he steps towards Rev.
Winter steps outside, getting ontop of his roof and sitting with his back up against the wall, "All of my work is starting to pay off," Winter thought, "I feel like I'm being rewarded in full for everything I've endured," he added. His slips crease, turning his solemn expression into a frown. "But, I'm nervous that I've crossed over the point of no return," Winter described his sensation of worry. He sighs, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. "I haven't checked my phone in a while-" he unlocked it and looked through the notifications- "Jeez, I have a ton of missed calls. If it's important, they'll probably call me back," he thought. "Sighting of a beast flying over Klato," he read, "Wait, that's Kaisel!" he thought, "Why are the reporters writing like that? 'Are the citizens safe'? There are plenty of Mythics in Klato to prevent mass death!" Winter reasoned. His Phone buzzed, and a notification popped up on his phone. "Hm?" He asked, watching a call notification go off. "Hullo?" Winter asks, answering it, "Mr. Greats, this is Mr. Sears-" he began- "Oh crap," Winter thought, "What's going on?" he asks, "I'm sure you heard already," Mr. Sears replied, "About?" Winter asks, "Have you not been watching the news?" He asks, "No. I've been busy with work and clearing dungeons," Winter replied. "Why don't I stop by tomorrow? Would it be alright to talk about this in person?" Mr. Sears asks, "Nah, I'll go to you. I'll be there right away," Winter explained, "If you say so," Mr. Sears laughed. Winter hung up, shoving his phone into his back pocket.
That morning, he leaped out of his bedroom window. Just like before, Kaisel formed under his feet. Taking off, they head straight for the MDA building. Walking through the MDA building, "The operation will launch in four weeks," Mr. Sears explained, stepping into his office. "But we need as much help as we can get to pull it off," he continued. "Very well. I'm all for helping out however I can," Winter replied. "I would have liked to stay in EWR for a while longer to work on the Artificial Matter Wards, but I want to jump on knowing what it's like fighting high ranking monsters," Winter thought. Suddenly, a wave of mana rushed through the office. Flinching, Winter's head it jerked up to the direction of the origin of the wave, "Is something wrong?" Mr. Sears asks, "Not really, it just seems like there's a fight somewhere nearby," he explains. Mr. Sears laughs, "As expected, your senses are sharp-" he began- "I'm impressed you felt that from such a distance," he added. "The S-rank Mythics are probably warming up in the gym right now. Perhaps that's what you felt?" Mr. Sears asks. "S-ranks? Yeah, some of them feel familiar now that you mention it," Winter replied, "Most of the S-ranks in Klato are here, even the Wido S-ranks from the Draw Sword Guild are around here somewhere-" he began- "Our S-ranks are probably practicing for the Kauai Island raid since its in four weeks, they've been adamant to learn team tactics," Mr. Sears explained, "would you like to come with me to the gym?" he asks, and Winter nods.
Erik lunged in, his hair glowing white as he clashed with a burly middle-aged man with bushy black hair, thick eyebrows, and sloppy facial hair. Wearing a a dobok, the standard uniform for a judoka. They grasped each other's hands, and pushed against each other, their feet digging into the mat. The larger man placed a hand on Erik's shoulder, and swept Erik's left foot with his right. With a fluid motion, he spun Erik before he crashed into the mat. "C'mon Erik! A young man like you should be stronger than this!" Shane laughed, "I'm not like you, Coach Tommy!" Erik replied, standing up. They clashed again, pushing against each other. Waves of mana erupted from their clash, with smiles on their faces, wave after wave of mana rushed out from their clash with the air being displaced. "This many S-rank Mythics gathered in one place? Not something you see every day," Mr. sears commented standing above the main floor of the gym, "The mana they're expending is producing the mana waves you sensed earlier," he explained, standing by the railing of the walk way. "Looks like Erik is struggling a bit," Winter commented, standing beside Mr. Sears. "Yes, but if he were to use his full potential, Tommy wouldn't be able to keep up," Aaron explained, walking toward the two. "Ahh," Winter nods, "It's been a while, Mr. Greats," he greeted. "Yes, it has," Winter agrees. "I'm sure you know some of these people-" he began- "Here and there," Winter shrugged, "You said that Erik isn't going all out, but why would he hold back against something like Shane?" He asks, "He has an audience watching, so fighting at the maximum would be awkward," Aaron explained, "especially since he transforms into a monster when he gets serious," he added. "So the rumors are true," Winter thought, "Are you aware of those people over there?" Aaron asks, pointing over by the entrance of the gym from the outside.
First, it was Daniel Vera, a young man with black hair, pale skin, and sharp facial features. Next to him was Paz Coronil, a short young woman with brown eyes and orange hair in a bob cut. Standing to their left was Samuel Cambeiro, a muscular young man with sharp brown hair and numerous scars on his upper body, the most distinctive one being the large cross-shaped scar along the right side of his face. Next to him was Alan López, a young man with spiky blonde hair, long eyebrows, and gray eyes. Off in the corner was Jonathan Tassis, a young man with long messy black hair and sharp facial features, wearing a white surgical mask and has a white eye patch covering his left eye. Beside Alan was Araceli Saavedra, a young woman with long black hair, blood-red eyes, purple lipstick, and black fingernails. She also has a very toned physique along with numerous black tattoos that cover her arms and the upper left half of her chest. To her right was Joshua Tasis, a young man with short and messy orange hair, glasses, dark eyebrows, and freckles under both eyes. By the corner next to Jonathan was Max Espina, a young man with short white hair, purple eyes and thin eyebrows. He also wore a large metallic mask over his nose and mouth, due to his extreme sensitivity. In front of the group was Julian Molina, a young woman with large light brown eyes and light orange-brown hair that she wore in two buns, with neck-length hair strands hanging on either side. She had a sucker in her mouth, and beside her was Simón Alcabú and his translator. "I know some of them," Winter replied, "Really?" Aaron asks, "Yeah, that guy with the shaggy black hair and a neatly trimmed black beard is Simón Alcabú," Winter commented. "Huh? Who's that guy over there?" Julian asked, "Ah, that's Mr. Greats. The Mythic who recently became an S-rank and joined the MDA," Violeta replied, "Is he an assassin? Even if he were, his presence isn't something easily hidden," Simón thought, "He must be an exceptional assassin," he commented. "Hm? He's a mage, sir," Violeta corrected. "A Mage? That's not right," he replied, "It's been officially confirmed," she shrugged. "Look who's here. Isn't that Mr. Greats, the guy who ruined Lee Lyn's debut?" Dwight asks, "Greats?" Macey asks, turning a bit to look up at him, "I knew he was around. He must be the reason the air feels different," she thought. "Max, isn't that Klato's 10th S-rank Mythic?" Paz asks, "Don't talk to me, Paz. I feel like throwing up because of all the S-ranks here," he sighed. He turned away, finding Macey holding a cloth up to her face, "I see there's a Klato Mythic with a nose as sensitive as mine. She's only using a handkerchief, though. Perhaps she's a few tiers below me," he thought. She shudders, and steps away. "If I try striking up a conversation... No, it would just be creepy at this point. Only if I learned English," Max sighed.
Erik knees Tommy in the head, countering several attempts to grapple him. "These Mythics are considered Klato's strongest? They're mediocre at best," Violeta commented, "You think so?" Simón asks. "Mr. Alcabú, I've been watching your raids from the sidelines for a year now-" she began- "Perhaps that's why I'm not impressed by S-ranks anymore," Violeta reasons. "I can't say that I disagree," Simón sighed, "there seems to be only a couple notable Mythics over there," he gestured with his head. "Macey Mears, was it? She and Mr. Sears would be the only two to give us a run for our money," Simón thought. "Hey, Miss interpreter, what'd ya say about us?" Philip Massey asks, a plain-looking young man with short black hair. "You really think us Leset and Klato Mythics are all mediocre?" He asks, "Did you think I wouldn't understand because you were speaking in Spanish? I'll have you know that I understand Spanish because that was my first language," he adds, "And you are?" Violeta asks, "This man right here is the guild master of the Knights' Guild!" Elliott Sweeney explained, a plain-looking young man with spiky black hair. "This is Philip Massey!" he added. "Never heard of him," she replied. "He's not quite S-rank, so maybe that's why!" Elliott continued, "We're one of the five major guilds in Klato!" Philip placed his hand on Elliott's shoulder, "That's enough showing off," he sighed. "A-ranks, huh? Will you be joining the raid as well?" Violeta asks, "I thought only S-ranks were permitted to participate," she reasoned. "Violeta, what are you talking about right now?" Simón asks, "We're on the defense team! He's in charge of blocking off the island!" Elliot exclaimed. "That's good to hear. Can't assign an important task to an A-rank," Violeta replied. "Violeta, if you're being discourteous right now, please stop," Simón repeated. "Whatever, She's just tagging along like the interpreter she is. What'd she know?" Philip asks, stepping away with his back turned. "Do you want to try me?" Violeta asked with annoyance, "I'm A-rank, Violeta Nores-" she began- "Don't tell me you can't take on a mere interpreter that's just 'tagging along'!" She took off her coat. "Christ-" he sighed- "Look, miss interpreter. Enough with throwing shade, now, will ya?" Philip asks, "What's the matter? Are you a non-combatant mythic?" Violeta asks.
"A fight between two A-ranks?" Winter thought, "Looks like things are about to get interesting," Aaron chuckled. Philip sighed, "Fine, but let's lay down some ground rules. Better than aimlessly duking it out," he explained. "The rules are going to be simple. The first person to grab the opponent's wrist wins," Philip decided. She considered her plan, "The fight might be over if he grabs me when I rush in quickly-" she thought- "looks like I won't be able to attack out right," Violeta added in thought. "I guess we'll have to play mind games more than anything," she commented, "by the way, you call that a ready stance?" Violeta asks, "Don't worry about it, I'm not going to take this hand out unless it's to grab your wrist," Philip explained. "He's that confident in his speed?" She thought, "Alright, let's begin!" Violeta rushed in. Swinging her fists in several barrages as Philip avoids them, "I'm going to wipe that smug look off his face!" She decided and threw an attack. Philip parries it with his foot, launching it back over her head. "Just a little shove. All it needed, right?" He asks, "Sorry, but I'm having a hard time understanding you with your accent," she replied, "Also, you look weird trying to act cool in ripped pants," she added. Philip looks down, "Now's my chance!" She lunged with her hand closely following behind her, "Too slow, miss," he commented, grabbing her wrist. "What-" Violeta turned to see her hand trembling- "What happened?" She thought. "You must be the type of Mythic that hides behind the tanks, right?" Philip asks, "You don't have a lot of one-on-one combat experience either," he adds. "Here in Klato, we run into troublemakers occasionally. We sometimes have to fight our own kind," Philip explained. "When worse comes to worst, we even gotta kill 'em sometimes," he adds. Violeta pulls her arm away, "Unlike beasts, humans ain't simple. You'd be dead meat if you can't predict your enemies next move. If I were wielding a sword, I would've sliced your throat and not your wrist!" Philip continued, "Whatever," she sighed.
Simón steps forward, clapping his hands. "Thank you. What an exciting match," he began, "Violeta, would you relay my words for everyone here, please?" He asks, "Of course," she replied. "In the interest of building trust between our two countries, I have a proposal for all of you," Violeta repeated, "What do you say we have our S-ranks spar one another according to the rules used just now?" She asks, "I guess he wants to see how strong we are," Mr. Sears thought, "Sounds good to me," he smiled. Erik turned toward Sears, watching them approach, with Winter to Mr. Sears' right. "I believe we should exclude the mage-type and non-combatant Mythics, otherwise it would be difficult to tell who won," he suggests. "Let's add a few more while we're at it-" Erik began, turning to the others- "You win if you touch your opponent's wrist and back, or if you knock them down. We should have multiple Mythics go at once instead of having one-on-one matches. That way we can pick and choose our opponents. Does that work?" He asks. Simón leans in and listens to Violeta repeating the changes, "With these rules, knocking out one person would be enough to turn the tides. Then again, the assassins would have too much of an advantage otherwise," he thought, "Sounds good to me," Simón replied. "Klato will send out Erik, Tommy, Macey, And Dwight. Who's on your side, Wido?" Mr. Sears asks, "We'll send out Samuel, Alan, Araceli, and Jonathan," Simón replied.