Ygg, Ederwood

10:25 am. 25th Banem 1092.

29 Days to World's End.

Beautiful sunlight flittered through the trees, but the city below was gripped by a terse silence. Several wisben gathered along one of the major roads, wary eyes watching one woman as she, along with her guild, walked to the Augury.

"Hmph, the peanut gallery's out in full force today."

"Now, now, don't be mean, Grizzly. These folks don't have much in the way of excitement after all." RustyReaper smiled as she soothed the scowling GrizzlyDiamond. "Besides, this is a good day, don't you think? It's been a while since we've been together like this."

GrizzlyDiamond grunted. However, he could not bury the smile that tugged at the edge of his lips as he looked at the people around him. RustyReaper, Honne-Onna, Nightslayer in his main assassin character, and at their head, the small, but deadly Rogue, Roro walked alongside the beautiful thorn, Brilith Loneheart.

Like RustyReaper said, it had been months since they were all gathered in the same place. Often, one or more were sent on assignments, so it was quite rare for them all to be recalled like this. GrizzlyDiamond could smell the scent of something exciting. That was the only reason Brilith would have ordered them all to gather like this in their main accounts.

"Grizzly, how did it go?"

Brilith's sudden question shook GrizzlyDiamond out of his thoughts. His lips parted in a toothy grin. "It's as you guessed, Brilith. Orcs are the best race for pure warrior class. The strength modifiers put all other races to shame."

"Will you have any trouble with your skill?"

"Nah, I've already memorized the breathing technique." GrizzlyDiamond waved his hand with a nonchalant expression. "My orc account will acquire the technique with a few more days of practice. Can't say the same about the Berserker mode, though." He let out a frustrated sigh. "Pretty sure the Berserker mode's like a class upgrade. It'll need some long-ass, annoying quest to activate."

Brilith glanced over her shoulder, cold eyes boring into GrizzlyDiamond's soul. "Whatever it takes, acquire that Berserker status as quickly as possible. Or all our efforts would be for nothing."

"Definitely!" GrizzlyDiamond swallowed a breath of air when Brilith turned forward. Sometimes, he found it extremely difficult to reconcile Brilith's cold presence with the cheerful and bubbly Yokina Natsu in real life. Either the girl was a natural role-player, or ...

"Crazy."

Everyone turned to the grumbling, little Roro. "It's all crazy. Why're working so hard, when we cuold just destroy them?"

Brilith's expression warmed as she patted Roro's head. "We aren't just fighting for that little territory, but the continent, Ro-chan. The orcs would make powerful soldiers if we can successfully conscript them. Which reminds me..." She looked at Nightslayer, who was wrapped in his trademark, gold ninja outfit. "Did you complete your task?"

"Preliminary negotiations have been completed successfully." Nightslayer's eyes, the only thing not covered up, sparkled with excitement. "The assassin's guild is open to future co-operation, dependent on the profit and risk involved."

Brilith smiled. "Good job, Night." The assassin's guild was an old power on the continent; an underground power on similar footing as the adventurer's guild. Thousands of assassinations were carried out by its members yearly. Yet, despite the continent's best efforts, they had failed to find any traces of this ancient force. Nightslayer had captured the eyes of this guild. This opened a myriad of new possibilities for her guild.

"We're here."

Honne-Onna's announcement drew Brilith's attention to the building at the center of Ygg, the old Augury, home to the oldest wisben. Intriguingly, the Holy Mother, Anya, stood in front of the Augury, her crooked frame supported by an old cane. Also, several prominent figures in Ygg, Summoned and Residents alike surrounded the building, as if awaiting an announcement.

Brilith's gaze travelled from Anya, to the children stood at her sides. Sophie she recognized. That little twerp had the other half of Yggdrasil's blessings. Unfortunately, Brilith had not found a way to successfully transfer blessings between people, or she would have long since killed the impertinent brat. The other girl, the daeben, Brilith did not recognize. Of course, she had never met Zuri, so it was no surprise she was in the dark as to her identity.

Brilith's gaze then turned grave as she focused on a man standing behind the trio, seemingly like a common bodyguard. The man sensed her gaze, and nodded his head in acknowledgment. Brilith, however, felt goosebumps crawl over her skin! She could tell. This man was different! She'd only felt this kind of pressure once before - When she first met Anya. This man, like Anya, stood at the peak of this world!

'I'll eat you.' Brilith's gaze mellowed as she brought her emotions under control. It did not matter how strong this man was. Eventually, he, like everyone else, would worship at her feet.

So, with a strengthened will, Brilith tore her gaze off Rider, and looked at Anya. Brilith smiled, clasped her hands as if in prayer, and then bowed. "Esteemed Holy Mother. I'm pleased to see you remain in good health. I, Brilith, hastened upon receiving your summons. I pray all is well?"

Anya cracked a thin smile as she regarded the bowing Summoned. The old woman knew in her heart. This child, Brilith harboured great ambition. A raging flame which could just as easily burn down the forest, as it could provide warmth to a camp. Left to Anya, Brilith would not have half the power she did now.

'Why her?' Unfortunately, Yggdrasil precisely chose to bestow this girl the second half of its blessings. Anya could not understand this decision. Brilith was the antithesis of everything Yggdrassil represented. Death and misery were the Summoned's companion, whereas life and joy were Yggdrasil's.

"Welcome back, child." Anya smiled. "I have indeed summoned you for an urgent mission." The old woman looked at Rider, who nodded and then stepped forward.

Rider's powerful gaze bored not only into Brilith's eyes but, the other figures present. "According to prophecy, Razznik Y'Terlow will be summoned in 29 days." Loud murmurs erupted, but Rider powered through, effectively silencing their cries. "We must prevent this at any costs, or the world as we know it might cease to exist. Razznik is the god of Chaos, and as such, the laws of creation themselves fall to ruin in his presence."

"Hey man, if you're right, do you expect us to fight a god!? Most of us aren't even level 200 yet!"

Rider glanced at GrizzlyDiamond, who immediately felt a powerful chill run down his spine. "Do not fret. I ony require your assistance in defeating those who aim to summon Razznik to this plane. For certain reasons, I cannot personally participate, but in the event that Razznik is summoned, I will do something about it."

Brilith's gaze narrowed. "How dangerous is this quest?"

Rider scanned the ground. "At least half of you will most likely perish. The Choas Order have prepared for this for over a decade. Expect strong resistance."

"Chaos Order?" Fire burned in Brilith's eyes as a sinister smile curled up her lips. "Perfect. I owe that guild." She then glanced at Anya. "Is there an accompanying reward?"

Anya nodded. "You will be suitably compensated."

Brilith smiled and then nodded. There was no need to argue specifics with the Holy Mother, especially in front of other wisben. Confirming the reward was enough. She knew Anya would not shortchange her.

"This battle. Where is it going to hold?"

"Oni Hill." Several Summoned's expressions twitched. Oni Hill? That place was also in this game? "At the center of Drakase." Rider looked at the trembling Summoned as he confirmed, "The battle will take place at Oni Hill in Drakase. You have 27 days to prepare. Do not worry about transportation. A teleportation matrix will be prepared for you all."

"Teleportation matrix?"

"You will understand when the time comes. Just make sure you are ready. The matrix can carry 1000 people." Rider nodded, and then glanced at Zuri. "We're leaving."

Zuri's eyes shone as she ran over and then jumped onto Rider's back. She then smiled and waved at Anya and Sophie. "See you, Sophie! Take care of Anya-obaasan! Zuri'll get stronger and come see you guys soon!"

A pair of darkblack wings made from condensed ki sprouted from Rider's back. The hybrid ascended with one powerful flap, and then looked at Anya. "I'll return with the matrix."

Anya smiled. "Are you going to see Niye?"

Rider nodded. He glanced at Sophie and then at Brilith. "Just like you, she must have one or two potential champions by her side. We could use all the help we can get." His gaze warmed as he looked to the northeast. "Besides, it has been a few decades since anyone visited her. She must be quite lonely."

Anya chuckled as she observed the man floating above. For all of Rider's posturing, he was the only one who went out of their way to visit the Cursed. Rider liked to claim he was just passing by, but the Cursed knew it was because he was secretly worried they would succumb to the despair of watching life grow and die around them without end.

Rider, after all, was a hybrid even before the curse. No one knew his real age, but he had definitely lived a few centuries by the time he met Razznik. As such, he was uniquely equipped to deal with the passing of time, unlike the other humes.

Anya thought of the stubborn kiwox sitting alone in her temple. Her features softened as she said, "Tell Niye I said hi."

Rider revealed a wry smile. "I suppose time can indeed heal anything. I will pass along your greetings. Just do me a favor, and be civil when you meet."

"Ho-ho." Anya's eyes turned into crescents as she chuckled. "These old bones wouldn't hurt a fly."

Rider sighed. Anyone foolish anyone to believe those worlds would soon find themselves in a world of hurt. The hybrid shook his head, and then looked at the crowd. "Remember, 27 days. Sharpen your blades and bolster your forces. I shall not wait for anyone."

Leaving those words behind, Rider took to the sky with a strong flap. BOOM! A sonic boom exploded as the hybrid disappeared from sight, speeding towards the northeast.

Brilith's gaze narrowed as she looked at the empty sky. She took a deep breath, and then turned to her guild members. "You heard the man. Put all assignments on hold. Order potions from the apothecaries, and commence level training. Everyone here must gain at least one level before the time limit. Am I clear!?"

"HOO!" The guildmembers behind her generals roared their assent. Following this, the generals set out with their consignments for the surrounding forests. These were going to be a torrid three weeeks of mourning for the monsters.

Brilith watched her troops disperse, and then glanced at Anya, but more specifically, the elf by her side. Her lips curled up in a smile. 'Soon.' With that thought, she turned and left the Augury, determined to improve her strength before the big day.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

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